Arthur Zimmermann Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Date of Birth: 05.10.1864 Country: Germany

1. Espionage and Diplomacy in World War I
2. The Zimmermann Telegram
3. British Intelligence and the Telegram's Interception
4. British Maneuvering and American Reaction
5. Public Outrage and Diplomatic Crisis
6. Zimmermann's Efforts and the Aftermath

Arthur Zimmermann: German Diplomat and Mastermind of the Zimmermann Telegram

Arthur Zimmermann was a German diplomat and politician who served as State Secretary for Foreign Affairs from 1916 until the end of World War I. He was a central figure in the infamous Zimmermann Telegram, a diplomatic proposal that attempted to secure an alliance between Germany and Mexico against the United States.

Espionage and Diplomacy in World War I

During the early stages of World War I, Zimmermann played a key role in Germany's efforts to undermine the United States' neutrality. In particular, he initiated a campaign of diplomatic provocations against the United States, including the sinking of American ships and the encouragement of Irish nationalist movements.

The Zimmermann Telegram

In January 1917, Zimmermann sent a telegram to German Foreign Minister Heinrich von Eckhardt in Mexico City. The telegram proposed a secret alliance between Germany and Mexico, whereby Mexico would receive financial support and assistance in recovering territories lost to the United States in the Mexican-American War. In return, Mexico was expected to declare war on the United States at the same time that Germany launched unrestricted submarine warfare.

British Intelligence and the Telegram's Interception

The Zimmermann Telegram was intercepted and deciphered by British intelligence, primarily through the efforts of Room 40, a secret cryptology unit of the British Admiralty. The contents of the telegram were of immense significance, as they revealed Germany's intention to provoke war with the United States.

British Maneuvering and American Reaction

Initially, the British government held back on sharing the intercepted telegram with the United States, fearing that the information could be dismissed as a provocation. However, the submarine warfare declaration by Germany on January 31, 1917, forced the British to reconsider. After careful planning, they leaked the telegram to the American press through Ambassador Walter Hines Page.

Public Outrage and Diplomatic Crisis

The publication of the Zimmermann Telegram caused immense outrage in the United States. The public demanded action against Germany, and President Woodrow Wilson severed diplomatic relations with the country. Mexico, whose involvement in the scheme had been heavily played up by the British, denied any knowledge or intention of participating in an alliance against the United States.

Zimmermann's Efforts and the Aftermath

In a desperate attempt to salvage the situation, Zimmermann dispatched a second telegram to Mexico, urging them to consider the alliance offer even if the United States had not yet declared war on Germany. However, this telegram was also intercepted and leaked to the press. The United States Congress voted to declare war on Germany on April 6, 1917, effectively ending the diplomatic crisis.