WW1: The Zimmermann Telegram

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A decrypted German telegram intended for Mexico pushed the United States into World War One and prompted a wave of hostility on the US-Mexico border. As part of a BBC series looking at stories beyond the trenches, BBC Mundo's Luis Fajardo examines the lasting impact of the Zimmermann Telegram. Graphics by Charlie Newland.

[@GhostTrueCapitalist]

Mexico: *Declares war on the US* United States: *BIG TALK FOR SOMEONE IN MANIFEST DESTINY DISTANCE...*

[@yeetyeet3534]

😂

[@thenextgeneration9030]

cringe

[@hobomike6935]

United States "ara ara, Mexico" Mexico: "those guys aren't tough! if we fight back, we can defeat them!" Native Americans: "dude, you can't. just leave them be." Mexico: "are you sure?" Native Americans: ( ಠل͟ಠ) "we're sure."

[@JonDoe-mz4dx]

They did practically side with Germany by not declaring war on them after what they said. 🤔

[@EricM-gm5wz]

That’s what Rome thought about the Germanic tribes

[@gambitgambles]

I live in Nogales where the battle happened, I remember my old neighbor telling me how much he hated the United States because a soldier killed his father in that battle. Great piece of information now I now the tension between the two cities back in those times!

[@dkupke]

Probably one of the worst conceived pieces of military diplomacy ever

[@charmyzard]

1:44 Direct translation for those pointing it out in the comments: "As México lost half her territory to the United States on an unjust war, there was always some... some enormous resentment against the United States. So when there was the offer of the Zimmerman Telegram there were many people who would have been- thought it was very attractive to recover the territory."

[@zosochan21]

No, it's not resentment. It's hate and we still fill it.

[@rubenhernandez2888]

1:45 I just love how They translate part of what the historian said into English. "After Mexico lost their territory in an unjust war"... Makes you think what the real truth is.... History is always written by the winners... Remember that kids....

[@BootheTempleton80]

“Unjust” is her opinion, or from a Mexican perspective with anti-American views. The translation avoids an opinion and presents just the facts. BBC is British; the Brits are allies of the U.S. Probably a political choice to present text without subjective words, especially since they control the text. She said what she said, anyone watching understands her resentment.

[@redjirachi1]

Top 10 big OOF moments in World War I

[@ReformedSooner24]

This very much looks at it from the Mexican prospective which is actually good because when looking at history it’s important to look at all sides accurately. To that end I present, for those who don’t understand it, the Texas/United States point of view. To Texans Texas stopped being Mexican territory after we won San Jacinto, spared Santa Anna and in doing so won our independence. We later joined the U.S. of our own accord. To us, Mexico who still considered us THEIR land while not actually ruling it, saw this and refused to let the U.S. annex us. The U.S. won, and to the victor go the spoils. The territory between Texas and California was given to us. To Mexico they lost their land to bandits and pirates. To Texas and America, we simply held onto land that was already ours and gained a little more as spoils of war. I personally have no issue with Mexico and most Texans these day’s don’t. The wars are in the past. We can keep our boarders secure from trafficking and smuggling while still being friendly with people on the other side of the fence. Texas has a rich Mexican history from a mix of LEGAL immigrants and from having been a part of Mexico for a time. God Bless Texas and Viva la Mexico.

[@tiffanyhill-anding8891]

*T E X A S*

[@Nonamelol.]

Texas wasn’t the only state the fought for Independence, the Yucatan peninsula also fought for independence. Mexico was full of rebels. Mexico’s plan was to recognize Texas as independent because Mexico feared losing Yucatan because the Mexican government thought it would create a chain reaction in the south and more southern states would fight for independence since Mexico at the time was just rebels. Mexico’s plan was simple. Annex Yucatan back (which they did) then annex Texas back. However that plan failed since it took time to annex back Yucatan and by the time Yucatan was annexed, Texas joined the usa. This decreased morale significantly and rebels began forming all around Mexico. Which is the main reason Mexico lost the war against the united states, other reasons were economic crisis and extreme division between parties.

[@elcarnero4763]

@ Frontline texan Texas Didn't Belong 2 The u.s. Yetill After The War, You'll Americans Claimed It Did Belong 2 The u.s. But It Didn't & Texas & California Wasn't Giving 2 The u.s. It Got Stolen, Ur American Army Puthe Gun On Santa Anna's Head Forcing Him 2 Sign That Documentwo Sell The Land, My People's Landidn't Just Sell The Land The u.s. Has 2day.

[@jonathan-romo]

Manifest destiny much?

[@jonathan-romo]

Your indegenous i'm assuming?

[@ElCharroNegro2023]

It's interesting to think that an e-mail could now be sent to Mexico with a message similar to the Zimmerman telegram ... but this time written in Russian, Chinese ... or in both languages.

[@abuzie]

You want the US to take Baja California?

[@ElCharroNegro2023]

@@abuzie The United States is supporting Ukraine, a country that belonged to the Soviet Union and is a NEIGHBOR of Russia, the United States supports Taiwan, a country that China considers part of its territory and is a NEIGHBOR of China, that is why, when the Republicans announced their plan to invade Mexico """"supposedly"''"" to stop the cartels, China announced its full support for Mexico and Russia announced that it would provide the best of its weapons to Mexico, even Chinese and Russian troops paraded side by side with the Mexican army on Independence Day....besides, China is building dozens of factories in Mexico much bigger than my city...that is, the United States would not dare attack Mexico, if it did not want to. start the third world war.

[@JeffPPT]

@@ElCharroNegro2023US wouldn’t attack Mexico, too much shared heritage in the US voting population. Also, WWIII would never start over Mexico. China & Russia may send aid and provide weapons, but they’d stay out of the fight, much like what we see happening with Ukraine. However much money China would lose from Mexican production, it’d be exponentially more from the US and its allies.

[@ElCharroNegro2023]

@@JeffPPT It is very unlikely that Mexico decides to have serious problems with the United States... unless Trump provokes them with his idea of ​​invading Mexico to (supposedly) destroy the cartels, in which case, the seriousness of the situation can scale exponentially

[@JeffPPT]

@@ElCharroNegro2023 yeah I just can’t see that happening, regardless of who the US has in office

[@FRONT-rc1qg]

The translation of the lady hisyorian in the subtitles was not complete she sais half of mexicos territories and not all and she saod unjust war that was not shown in the subtitlrs i wonder why something so simple was not translated

[@jefft2546]

I love the blind nationalism from the woman interviewed. Mexico had roughly 80,000 people living in the area out of their 7 million citizens and they were paid 15 million for it (500 million today) Also "opportunity" to reclaim land? Mexico was in the middle of revolutions and civil wars from 1910-1920

[@InternacionalBoxing]

Russia had already pulled out and Mexico would have been dealt heavy losses for German gains, who knows what could've happened afterwards. Mexico was a major key in WWI

[@CoxJoxSox]

Maybe Germany should pay for the wall :D

[@tiffanyhill-anding8891]

I liked the comment then I realize I don't support Trump

[@arturorodal6402]

Maybe mexico dominate all USA , sucked

[@tiffanyhill-anding8891]

@@arturorodal6402 like that will happen

[@specter1549]

@@tiffanyhill-anding8891 you don't even look American lol

[@starboys3407]

@@specter1549 Specter you know American is a nationality right?

[@danvalenti]

Options: invade the US and deal with the occupation of Texas (not a good idea) The US would immediately arm and supply Emiliano Zapata in the south causing Carranza fits US forces would make the Border War of 1914 seem like a picnic and they wouldn’t be able to stop The avalanche until Americans have occupied Mexico City. Carranza was smart to refuse the Zimmerman offer.

[@leynardlauz100]

Yeah that time new mexico arizona and texas is useless it's a dessert

[@Granite]

A security problem that must be stopped?....Mexico, a country which has recently had 43 students assassinated by corrupt police force/cartel and burning them alive for 14 hours, is still a serious threat. Tell me if that doesn't stoke fear into any other country even considering dealing with them.

[@DarkAngel63725267]

Those "students" weren't saints. They didn't deserve to be killled, but they got caught because they had been sent to participate in a "demonstration" a.k.a. to steal and damage other people's and local government's belongings. What were 43 students doing in the middle of the night, in the middle of a highway, when they were supposed to be sleeping in their school? In Mexico it's highly unlikely to get killed just because. (At least in comparison to places such as the USA, where any student can go crazy and start killing his classmates)

[@Granite]

DarkAngel63725267 The crushing fear of being mugged or killed keeps people out of the streets of mexico.

[@DarkAngel63725267]

Granite Only in some places where delinquency has reached a limit.

[@youngsquirrel211]

Granite thats all due to corruption due to America's hungry need for drugs if there was no need Mexico would be stable but thats up to America to decide when they will stop taking drugs

[@elyaqui5324]

David M. Yes sir! Mi Padres Viven in San Luis Rio Colorado Sonora.. And seriously! It's the safest place ive ever been to. (besides here in the Valley) There you can walk at 2-3-4 in the morning noones gonna bother you at all! Hotter then Hell But you get use to that!

[@curlyfry3049]

Hold on, what about California, Nevada, Utah, and the western part of Colorado ?! Those states used to belong to Mexico too !!

[@1989TS..]

Lol. Again. Forgein nations telling mexico what to do. And mexico listens to them xD

[@chrish6412]

Germany had to make it's proposal realistic. The US was probably not going to allow 1000 miles of coast in a gold rich, agriculture state be offered up as part of a distraction -- the US would become a very formidable force against the Mexicans and definitely go to war against Germany (which the Germans did not want --- they just wanted the US preoccupied so they would help the British and French less.)

[@tiffanyhill-anding8891]

@@chrish6412 nice movie script

[@TX.SpaceCowboy]

New Mexico, Arizona, and most of West Texas is desert, it would have been the most realistic land that Mexico would have got from America if they beat them, unlikely, or America doesn't think its worth fighting over a bunch of desert and gives up to the Mexicans.

[@hobomike6935]

"those states used to belong to mexico too!!" key word: _used_ to.

[@andresmora5192]

In fact, Mexico already had military plans to recover the Mexican territories stolen by pirates from the United States. But the entry of the Mexican revolution canceled everything. Mexico was tempted by the German proposal, but declined, although I think that if Mexico had accepted, the story would be different.

[@Nonamelol.]

Yep

[@yetekt8025]

Mexico would never be able to beat the USA so keep dreaming

[@TX.SpaceCowboy]

Mexico wouldn't have been able to beat the US, but it sure would have been interesting to see if America would have thought it was worth saving a bunch of desert in New Mexico Arizona and Texas

[@hmgbird]

@@yetekt8025 Mexico AND Germany?

[@hobomike6935]

no. Mexico would have lost _everything_ if they had attempted to retake Texas. The US would NOT have put up with that sh** and would have gone all-out, routed their armies, and exterminated them in the cities, the hills, the caves, wherever they tried to hide. all the way down to Guatemala. The US would have put the abroad fighting on hold to kick mexico in the @$$, because it would have been an immediate threat right on their back porch (and for greedy expansionist americans, a chance to expand borders a second time.) Afterwards, US would probably be extremely weakened and unable to assist europe during WW1, but Mexico as a nation would effectively have ceased to exist. Mexico was smart and buried the Hatchet with the USA early on, and it proved to be the right decision: they've now had a chance to consolidate and fortify themselves as a country, and are now a medium-sized world power that's backed by multiple countries. What the US initially did to Mexico was wrong, and Mexico had every right to try to avenge themselves, but chose to be the better man and let it go. By choosing not to open up old war wounds, they preserved their nation into the modern world and are stronger than they've ever been throughout history, at the expense of having a smaller size. it should also be noted that Mexico ceded what was essentially a bunch of desert to the US, while protecting it's more valuable assets; the only real thing of value the USA got out of it was Texas, and California. the _Size_ of a country is not representative of the _value_ of the country's land/resources, or it's power. for example, Kazakhstan is pretty large for a country, but lacks a lot of critical things it needs to be self-sustaining.

[@hacheofthefilth13]

1:44 There's a bit missing in the subtitles. She says "Como México perdió la mitad de su territorio a los Estados Unidos en una guerra injusta" "As Mexico lost half of it's territory to the United States in an unfair war".

[@staringcorgi6475]

Even than mexico would disagree because mexico was a mess as the people and the leaders were very divided

[@jrr3613]

How I wish Mexico and Germany had joined forces during WW1....

[@TheSilverExperience]

JR R mexico was under a civil war and they could lose baja california if they were in war with america

[@jrr3613]

Or recover Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California if they had partnered with the Germans and opened the "Southern front" in the Mexican-American border...

[@Comoroo]

Yeah, Mexico would have lost big time.

[@backedturtle3284]

Comoroo no because America not that strong at the time and the Germans had tanks, armored vehicles, Air Force.

[@MST3Killa]

...Germans were already at war and not doing well. That was the whole point of trying to bring Mexico into it, to distract the US. They never gave a shit about Mexico, just wanted them to die and kill on their behalf to give them some time. You think the Germans would have shipped their precious tanks and planes halfway around the world (where many would have been lost due to intercepting US naval vessels) when they were so desperately needed at home? Not a chance.

[@sjbobkins9442]

Mexico certainly got back Texas, Arizona and New Mexico, they also took over California to boot

[@frankf.4819]

When? last I checked, they were still states in the good old US of A.

[@JuanGarcia-et7op]

War to the usa WAR

[@michael85225]

TIE Fighter pilot I think he means that there are a lot of people of Mexican descent living in those areas and they have a big impact on the culture in those areas.

[@tominator028]

Juan Garcia Dude are you saying you want Mexico to go to to war with the USA. Cause if so be careful what you wish for. 😂

[@elyaqui5324]

That's Right! And for us Chicanos,Los Angeles Is Home! When I went to Kentucky. My Brother(who's Pale as YAY-Yo) And I where refused service cause we are Latino. I couldn't fuckin Belive It! I Swear To God's! I was so Heartbroken and just Angry and in disbelief! These Folks Were still living in There Past! This was 3 years ago and i felt like i was in the fuckin 60's. Im Proud To Be Mexican-American! Im Proud To Be Latino! That's my culture my Ethnicity! But Most Importantly Im Proud To Be A Human being! Cause that's the only race I Know And thats the Human Race! But them Folks Are lost and just don't know!

[@claypidgeon4807]

3:33 “A permanent fence.” Trump: **heavy breathing**

[@redjirachi1]

Pence was picked as VP because his surname rhymes with fence

[@Pfsif]

I get it, Gringos bad, Mexican good. You have a country, go back and fix it.

[@Shobs1]

Pfsif BENIER

[@charmyzard]

But what about what you've broken with neo-marxist anti-national reverse no-no ist indoctrination and teachings? They are Mexican too, even if on your lands.

[@SAYNOTOCENSORSHIP-z6z]

Nope. Germans = Bad. English= Good. Mexicans are pro German= get the fuck out of our country.

[@marianotorrespico2975]

WHY THE FAKE SUBTITLES? | The historian said "an unjust war" and "the United States", she did not say "America", because Latin Americans do not refer to the U.S. as such; in Latin American Spanish usages, "America" refers to the continent, not the U.S. Why such dishonesty in translation?

[@martinmarvinofsparta3656]

My people...

[@larry1824]

Viva Villa!!!!!

[@adairmq9188]

Esa herida no se olvida gringos y las nuevas generaciones no lo olvidamos esa guerra injusta contra mi país

[@butters5126]

Yeah.. You get a bunch of Mexicans to give their perspective of the Mexican-American war and no Americans. The fact is the Mexicans tried to stop the annexation of Texas, an independent nation, by the USA - an action both parties wanted. Mexico started the war, got their asses kicked, and then the USA took their virtually unsettled lands and even compensated them financially for it. Yet Mexicans TO THIS DAY hold a grudge and cannot let it go. I lived near the border and trust me, Mexicans STILL resent America for winning a war THEY started and still want to reclaim the land.

[@charmyzard]

The compensations were nothing but pocket change, basically (reduced 2 times when we refused to give up the lands to purchases before.) Do not forget the mineral riches of the area as well.

[@ForgottenC2890]

I hope Russia ends with USA

[@staringcorgi6475]

Texas only wanted to be independent since it’s easier for them to be incorporated in America than a country that doesn’t want to compromise with America

[@kennedyespinosa7272]

The translation was fair. How about translating it even better? U.S shed blood first on Mexican territory. Even Lincoln was very aware of this

[@VunderGuy]

How about this: california didn't want to be apart of Mexico anymore than Canada wanted to be apart of the US after it declared independence from Great Britain. What next, you gonna go on about the mythical Maldives claim?

[@1989TS..]

What Mexican land? You mean American land we tool back? Mexico is a failed state.. why on earth wouod you people need more land? You already have problems with the land you own. Hahaha.

[@amusic7872]

@@1989TS.. Land=Resources=Money... that's why...

[@CoxJoxSox]

LOL - an invasion of the US by Mexico in 1917? By what girl scout troop?

[@bruh-rk8yh]

Nick Doe god damn how many comments did you put on here?

[@jrr3613]

Man, you know little about history, there were more than girl scouts in Mexico at the time, how do you explain the defeat of the French army by the Mexican during the battle of May 5th (cinco de mayo, I'm sure you celebrate it with tacos and tequilas but didn't have a clue why right?) So you don't have to look it up, this is the day the Mexican Army defeated the French Army which at the time was one of the most powerful, if not the most powerful, army in the world. Unlike US's, Mexico's policy has never been one of expansion or imperialism, that's why it would have been unthinkable to invade, but not because there were only girl scouts at the time, for goodness sake man. As one of our past presidents put it: "respecting other peoples' rights means peace", will you ever learn

[@icemachine79]

@@jrr3613 The Battle of Puebla happened over 50 years before the Zimmermann telegram and the French quickly overran the Mexicans in subsequent battles resulting in nearly another decade of French rule in Mexico. As far as not being imperialist, how do you think Mexico was formed in the first place? Because I'm pretty sure the Aztecs didn't invite the Spanish over for tacos and tequila.

[@Cabula1977]

Yo vivo en nogales sonora

[@PatriotaMexa777]

Nunca lo olvidaremos😡🤬,Viva la patria mexicana,no olviden lo que dijo el benemérito de las américas:"El respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz"

[@THEevildweeb]

So technically, you are saying we should blame Germany for the current illegal Hispanic immigration issue. Hmmm. So who do we blame now for the current global financial crisis? Hmmmm

[@kulera]

That's not what this video is about.

[@alexb1839]

Germans have nothing to do with the immigration crisis you dipshit. Have you been paying attention?

[@THEevildweeb]

Rewatch the video "dipshit". A+B=C. It's a linear progression of events. Don't go getting all thick on me. Cheers

[@kulera]

THEevildweeb It's still not what the video is about.

[@alexb1839]

Oh a vid on the zimmerman telegraph that's why we have immigration

[@murderhornets1166]

Thīss Is The Most Accurate Video Regarding The History oF The U.S. Mexico border WaLL ....

[@charmyzard]

God this comment section got rather toxic.

[@Adarkane325xi]

I mean, biased much, Mr. Fajardo? If the telegram hadn’t been intercepted, you’re telling me there is zero chance that Mexico wouldn’t have agreed? Since you can’t say “yes” (or, “sí”), i rest my case.

[@SeaJay_Oceans]

What if Germany wrote Canada instead ? Hockey becomes USA #1 national sport ! ;-)

[@thesuperjudgerlordofcritic9807]

Canada gets destroyed by both the U.S and U,K

[@tiffanyhill-anding8891]

Canada would've been destroyed easily they are nothing but arctic tundra like we can get our bois from Alaska to take care of them and most of the cities are near the border soooooooooo

[@GhostTrueCapitalist]

Probably is a joke but I'll bite, Canada was already at war with Germany as it fights side-by-side with the British so... Canada would feel insulted if they receive such a message.

[@LOLXD-sf4yd]

Canada was a british dominion.

[@Nonamelol.]

Canada is literally the usa’s boyfriend.

[@sean.furlong1989]

1:43 Didn't Mexico also lose California?

[@jebusri473]

They only offer to help them get half of what they lost not California or Nevada Wyoming

[@lindaselander9602]

Mexico wuld hv nvr recovrd 3 American states, Germany's fatal mistake "awoke a sleeping giant" in 2 world wars!

[@ThegamerJosh444]

Who is here because of their teachers?

[@ThegamerJosh444]

BBC

[@tominmtnvw]

Yes, it was for aircraft! How incredibly funny!

[@Rafaellima-ks2vl]

Será que quis dizer: alguém sabe como decodificar uma mensagem com o código Zimmermann Anyone know how to decode a message with the code Zimmermann

[@wilson6448]

The two sides of 3:26 look like two different photos merged together.

[@scottleft3672]

Mexico never owned the territories that are now in the US....Spain did, blame Napolion. 3:59...That is one awsome big flag.

[@markharrison2544]

The US invaded Mexico in 1846, long after the Napoleonic Wars.

[@jrr3613]

Wrong. Mexico fought and won its war for independence from Spain, it started in 1810, finished in 1821. Thus Mexico as a nation was born in 1821 after 3 centuries of Spanish ruling. Texas became an independent republic in 1836, and then US invaded Mexico in 1846-1848 in what is know as the "Mexican-American war" or "the American invasion of Mexico" on this side of the border. The "Napolion" you are referring to was way before that, in early 1800s, nothing to do with this

[@icemachine79]

@@jrr3613 He was talking about Napoleon III.

[@SkyfoxDartner]

documentary or action movie, pick your poison

[@joshuaanderson2185]

Lost.

[@rumisfordrinkingnotburning]

this makes me sad af.

[@hiddenname9809]

If Mexico really invaded US at that time, USA territory would be bigger.

[@SAYNOTOCENSORSHIP-z6z]

There wouldn't be a Mexico. There'd be a lot more than 50 States. Thank God all we did was separate with a border.

[@juanramirezgonzalez2213]

Lynky and Skyn

[@johnmcdonald9304]

It wasn't Mexican terroritory . It belonged to Spain.

[@jrr3613]

Eh, no. Mexico fought and won its war for independence from Spain, it started in 1810, finished in 1821. Thus Mexico as a nation was born in 1821 after 3 centuries of Spanish ruling. Texas became an independent republic in 1836, and then US invaded Mexico in 1846-1848 in what is know as the "Mexican-American war" or "the American invasion of Mexico" on this side of the border

[@hobomike6935]

The spanish took it from the original Incan/Mayan/aztec peoples who lived there they themselves committed genocides and sacrificial offerings on both their own, and enemies that _they_ conquered back in _their_ day. every nation and culture is a thief, it's just only the United States gets punished for it and everyone else wants to pretend like they're perfect little angels

[@charmyzard]

And who revolted against Spain in that region, earning independence and a nation in those lands?

[@Malone698]

NO ONE CAREA

[@cono256]

LALALAL, In Mexico there are buildings that are 100 years old :V

[@pablomedrano5896]

And their are historical places

[@gambitgambles]

I live close to those buildings, they are use as bars and strip clubs

[@cono256]

Pos vale

[@Nonamelol.]

They’re called medieval buildings

[@charmyzard]

@@Nonamelol. They are Viceroyal architecture.

[@robnewman6101]

🏛️🇺🇸🤠🇲🇽🏛️

[@samiam5557]

BUILD the damn WALL now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TRUMP2020!

[@arturorodal6402]

Sam Iam fuck you dumbass

[@alondrasofiaalvarez9352]

Sam Iam vete a la verga pendejo

[@charmyzard]

Gotta secure those gains I see? What these Gringos so afraid of?

[@SAYNOTOCENSORSHIP-z6z]

​​​@@charmyzardAs a Native American who speaks English I don't like people who supported German Reichs. Whether they're from Palestine, Mexico, or even German & Italian diasporas in the U.S. They're all the enemy.

[@MrRenix1990]

Central Powers : Send the Zimmerman telegram to the mexicans USA : *Sheeeeeeeeiiiiit* - The 25th hour reference

[@marald6076]

We don't fight a war if Germany can't send us weapons and supplies. 🫡🫡😅

[@SAYNOTOCENSORSHIP-z6z]

Exactly. Criminals. Nazis. All of you. Germans and Mexicans, it's in your blood to be a dirty Kaiserreich lover. .