Question

1. what is the sussex pledge and why did the germans break it? what happened as a result?
2. what is the zimmerman telegram and what impact would it have on the war?

Explanation:

For Question 6:

• Sussex Pledge: A 1916 German promise to the U.S. to restrict unrestricted submarine warfare—warning merchant ships before attacking and sparing passenger vessels.
• Break Reason: By 1917, Germany believed unrestricted submarine warfare would starve Britain into surrender quickly, despite risking U.S. entry into WWI.
• Result: Germany resumed unrestricted submarine attacks; the U.S. declared war on Germany in April 1917.

For Question 7:

• Zimmerman Telegram: A 1917 secret German message to Mexico, proposing an alliance: if Mexico attacked the U.S., Germany would help it regain Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
• Impact: The telegram was intercepted and decoded by Britain, then shared with the U.S. It outraged Americans, fueling public support for U.S. entry into WWI.

Answer:

1. Sussex Pledge: 1916 German promise to limit submarine warfare; broken in 1917 to target Britain’s supply lines; led to U.S. declaration of war.
2. Zimmerman Telegram: 1917 German alliance proposal to Mexico; intercepted by Britain; boosted U.S. public support for entering WWI.