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, it offered to help mexico regain her lost territories of texas, arizona, and new mexico.
the author most likely uses the word \scheme\ to
show the reader that germany was a legitimate threat to the united states.

explain to the reader that acts of war are carefully planned and executed.

detail the plan germany had devised to ally itself with mexico in world war i.

point out the anger the united states had toward mexico and germany.

Explanation:

To determine the author's use of "scheme", analyze each option:

• Option 1: The Zimmermann Telegram's scheme (allying Mexico to occupy US forces) shows Germany was a threat to the US, as it aimed to distract US forces. This fits.
• Option 2: The passage focuses on Germany's scheme against the US, not general war planning. Eliminate.
• Option 3: The scheme is about distracting the US, not just allying with Mexico. The description is too narrow. Eliminate.
• Option 4: The passage doesn't mention US anger toward Mexico/Germany here. Eliminate.

Answer:

A. show the reader that Germany was a legitimate threat to the United States.