jan 23, 1917 - Zimmerman telegram

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British secret service agents intercept a telegram for the German foreign minister Zimmerman to the German ambassador to Mexico. They now turn the decoded telegram to Wilson: Zimmerman, foreseeing a war with the United States as inevitable, has instructed the German ambassador to instigate Mexican entrance into the war on the side of the Central Powers in return for New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. This pushes Wilson to the brink of war with Germany. The telegram is released to the public with a response with predictable anger.

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