Question

supporting an inference with evidence

british government leaders didnt present the zimmermann telegram to wilson for a few weeks. hall reminded them that outrage was growing in america over germanys announcement late in the day of january 31 that the german navy would resume unrestricted submarine warfare. in fact, that policy provoked the u.s. government to cut diplomatic relations with germany in february.

on february 24, when hall sensed that the zimmermann telegram would tip the balance in favor of the u.s. joining the allied forces, the british home secretary presented the telegram to president wilson. one week later, news of the zimmermann telegram was splashed across the front page of american newspapers. on april 6, 1917, the congress of the united states declared war on germany and its allies.

-the dark game, paul janeczko

which piece of textual evidence best supports the inference that the british waited until they were sure the telegram would encourage the us to enter the war?

• \leaders didnt present the zimmermann telegram to wilson for a few weeks.\
• \that policy provoked the u.s. government to cut diplomatic relations with germany\
• \hall sensed that it would tip the balance in favor of the u.s. joining the allied forces\
• \congress of the united states declared war on germany and its allies.\

Explanation:

Analyze the inference

Using the Making Inferences knowledge point, we must identify the core claim: the British delayed presenting the telegram until they were certain it would push the US to join the war.

Evaluate the first option

Using the Reading Comprehension knowledge point, the phrase "leaders didn't present the Zimmermann telegram to Wilson for a few weeks" shows a delay but does not explain why they waited or what they were waiting for.

Evaluate the second option

Using the Reading Comprehension knowledge point, the statement "that policy provoked the U.S. government to cut diplomatic relations" describes the US reaction to German submarine warfare, not British timing or motivations.

Evaluate the third option

Using the Identifying Evidence and Making Inferences knowledge points:
"Hall sensed that [it] would tip the balance in favor of the U.S. joining the Allied forces" directly links the timing of the presentation to the belief that it would successfully encourage US entry.

Evaluate the fourth option

Using the Reading Comprehension knowledge point, "Congress of the United States declared war" is a historical outcome, not evidence of British decision-making or their strategic waiting period.

Answer:

• (A) "leaders didn't present the Zimmermann telegram to Wilson for a few weeks."
• (B) "that policy provoked the U.S. government to cut diplomatic relations with Germany"
• (C) "Hall sensed that [it] would tip the balance in favor of the U.S. joining the Allied forces" (Correct answer)
• (D) "Congress of the United States declared war on Germany and its allies."