American History, Mr. Phelps
Name _______________________________
The U.S. Enters World War I: The Zimmerman Telegram
This document was written by Arthur Zimmerman, Germany’s foreign minister, as instructions
to Heinrich von Eckardt, who was basically Germany’s ambassador to Mexico. Note: When
Zimmerman uses the phrase “President,” he is talking about the President of Mexico.
“invite”
1. ACT words of the day: Based on context, give a quick definition/synonym for both words;
a. endeavor (2nd sent.): ____________________________________________________
b. adherence (5th sent.): ___________________________________________________
2. What policy did Germany plan on beginning in February 1917? _______________________
___________________________________________________________________________
3. What would Mexico have gained by joining the alliance with Germany? ________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. What other country would Germany have liked to invite to this alliance? _____________
5. If you had been an American citizen in 1917 and saw the Zimmerman Telegram printed in a
newspaper, how would it have affected your opinion of the war? (2 sentences below)