Question

read the excerpt from \how we entered world war i.\ in the midst of it came the revelation of the telegram from german foreign minister arthur zimmermann inviting mexico into alliance as a belligerent. as a scheme to keep u.s. forces occupied on their own border offered to help mexico regain her lost territories of texas, arizona, and new mexico. the author most likely uses the word \scheme\ to explain to the reader that acts of war are carefully planned and executed. point out the anger the united states had toward mexico and germany. show the reader that germany was a legitimate threat to the united states. demonstrate that germany had no allies in world war i.

Explanation:

The word "scheme" has a negative connotation. Germany's offer to Mexico to regain lost - US territories was a devious plan to distract the US. This shows Germany as a threat to the US. It doesn't focus on war - planning in general, nor does it show US anger towards Mexico and Germany in the way the other options suggest, and it has nothing to do with Germany's allies.

Answer:

demonstrate that Germany was a legitimate threat to the United States.