1 . Why was the sinking of the Lusitania significant? 2. How did Germany defend their decision to torpedo the Lusitania?
3. According to Document A, what was the message of the statement from the German Embassy?
4. According to Document B, what does Captain Schwieger believe caused the second explosion?
5. What justification does Captain Schwieger give for not firing a second torpedo?
6. What evidence is provided in Document C to support the claim that the Lusitania carried no guns/ammunition?
7. How many torpedoes hit the Lusitania according to the Manchester Guardian?
8. How does German Foreign Secretary Gottlieb von Jagow justify Germany attacking the Lusitania?
9. Write a quotation from the Manchester Guardian that contrasts with Document D.
10. Based on the reading, do you believe Germany provided enough warning before their attack? Why or why not?
11. Based on the reading, who do you believe is at fault for the sinking of the Lusitania. Use evidence from the reading to
support your answer.
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The Zimmermann Telegram
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Beginning in 1914, many European nations were engaged in an escalating conflict. While armies battled in Europe, America remained neutral. In 1916 Woodrow Wilson was elected President for a second term, largely because of the slogan “He kept us out of war. Events in early would change that optimism.
In January of 1917, British cryptographers deciphered a telegram from German Foreign Secretary Arthur Zimmermann to the German Minister to Mexico, von Eckhardt. In the telegram, Germany offered Mexico financial support and an alliance that would recover the southwestern states Mexico lost to the U. S. during the Mexican-American War. Zimmermann sent the telegram in anticipation of the renewal of unrestricted submarine warfare, an act the German government expected would likely lead to war with the U. S. Zimmermann hoped a conflict with Mexico would draw American supplies and troops away from Europe if the U. S. was tied down on its southern border.
On February 24th Britain released the Zimmermann telegram to President Wilson, and news of the telegram was published widely in the American press on March 1st. American public opinion was outraged. The renewal of unrestricted submarine warfare combined with anger over the Zimmermann telegram convinced Wilson he must act. On April 6th, 1917, the United States Congress formally declared war on Germany and its allies. The Zimmerman telegram clearly helped draw the U. S. into the war and thus
changed the course of history. The Zimmermann telegram as it was sent
1. What was the Zimmerman telegram?
Be low is the deciphered and translated contents of the Zimmermann telegram.
2. What offer did Germany make Mexico in the telegram?
3. Why did Germany send the telegram?
4. According to the telegram, what will occur in a few months?
Source: Zimmermann Telegram, 1917; General Records of the Department of State; National Archives.
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"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 or 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. The settlement in detail is left to you. You will inform the President of the above most secretly as soon as the outbreak of war with the United States of America is certain and add the suggestion that he should, on his own initiative, invite Japan to immediate adherence and at the same time mediate between Japan and ourselves. Please call the [Mexican] President's attention to the fact that the ruthless employment of our submarines now offers the prospect of compelling England in a few months to make peace." Signed, ZIMMERMANN.
The Zimmermann Telegram
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5. Who is represented in the political cartoon?
6. List the key objects in the cartoon and describe what each represents.
7. Describe the action taking place in the cartoon.
Wha i he caoon meage
The Temptation Dallas Morning News
9 . List the key objects in the cartoon and describe what each represents.
10. Describe the action taking place in the cartoon.
Wha i he caoon meage
12. Does the cartoon clearly convey the desired message? Why or why not?
Exploding in his Hands New York World
Source: Zimmermann Telegram, 1917; General Records of the Department of State; National Archives.
Little History Monster 2018