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Difficulty: EasyWorld War I: Diplomacy, Military, and Postwar Peace

"We intend to begin on the first of February unrestricted submarine warfare. We shall endeavor in spite of this to keep the United States of America neutral. In the event of this not succeeding, we make Mexico a proposal of alliance on the following basis: make war together, make peace together, generous financial support and an understanding on our part that Mexico is to reconquer the lost territory in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona."

— Arthur Zimmermann, German Foreign Secretary, telegram to the German Minister in Mexico, January 1917

Which of the following was the most direct consequence of the communication excerpted above?

  1. A decisive shift in United States public opinion that favored entering the war against GermanyAnswer
  2. B
    The outbreak of the Spanish-American War over territorial control of the Caribbean
  3. C
    The reinforcement of absolute United States isolationism and the total cessation of trade with European nations
  4. D
    The passage of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which authorized immediate military action

Answer

A decisive shift in United States public opinion that favored entering the war against Germany
The correct answer is correct because the Zimmermann Telegram, when published in March 1917, galvanized American anger against Germany by proposing a hostile alliance on the North American continent. This shifted public opinion away from neutrality and helped pave the way for the U.S. entry into World War I.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the stimulus document to identify its author, context, and purpose.
The document is the Zimmermann Telegram from January 1917, in which Germany proposes a military alliance with Mexico against the United States if the U.S. enters World War I.
Understanding the source and historical context is necessary to determine its consequences.
2
Recall the historical outcome of the publication of this telegram in the United States.
The telegram was intercepted by British intelligence, shared with the United States, and published in the American press in March 1917, sparking public outrage.
This outrage turned public opinion sharply against Germany and catalyzed President Woodrow Wilson's request for a declaration of war in April 1917.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the one that accurately describes this direct consequence.
The option stating that the publication led to a decisive shift in public opinion toward entering the war matches the historical outcome.
Other options refer to different wars, historical eras, or opposite policy shifts.

Key Concept

The causes of United States entry into World War I, specifically the impact of German diplomacy and warfare policies on American public opinion.
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Topics

World War I: Diplomacy, Military, and Postwar Peace

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