It instructed Germany's ambassador in Mexico to offer Mexican president Venustiano Carranza an alliance, to take effect if the new submarine campaign drew America into the war. Make war together, Zimmermann proposed. Make peace together. In return, Germany would take measures to help Mexico seize previously held lands-lost territory-in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
The book "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania" by Erik Larson discusses a significant event in World War I involving a secret communication from Germany. German officials directed their ambassador in Mexico to propose an alliance with President Venustiano Carranza, suggesting that if the United States entered the war due to Germany’s submarine warfare, Mexico should join Germany in the conflict. This alliance aimed to create a united front against America.
In exchange for Mexico's support, Germany promised assistance in reclaiming territories that Mexico had lost, specifically Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. This proposal, if acted upon, could have altered the dynamics of the war and U.S. territories significantly, highlighting the desperate measures taken by Germany as it faced increasing pressure from the Allied forces.
