I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 794: The Zimmermann Telegram

The year 1916 is an election year in the United States, and President Wilson is in his office managing affairs while coordinating with his campaign team for the election taking place four months later.

"How are things looking?" Wilson asked his campaign aide.

"Hughes’s poll numbers are rising." The aide’s voice carried a trace of concern: "His ideas seem more popular, as he believes we are too weak in responding to the Germans’ submarine warfare, making the United States appear vulnerable."

Wilson didn’t pause from his work, murmuring an affirmation.

Hughes is a smart and formidable opponent, and their poll numbers have always been neck-and-neck.

As the opposition, Hughes has a natural advantage; he can point out what Wilson has done poorly over the past four years and pledge to make improvements.

One issue is that Hughes believes that even though the "United States is neutral," it should actively prepare for war and show necessary strength in the face of the Germans’ submarine blockade.

Wilson continued to sign papers and casually asked, "Do you think his rise in polls is coincidental or due to some other reason?"

"It may be related to recent unfavorable developments on the European battlefield," the aide replied.

Wilson paused, looking toward his aide with doubt, "Unfavorable battlefield conditions, yet people choose to support Hughes?"

Isn’t it more fitting to stay away from war?

"Yes." The aide handed over the poll results, explaining: "Because of the unfavorable battlefield conditions, people think participation in war might be inevitable and thus lean toward supporting Hughes’s preparedness philosophy."

Wilson fell silent.

His campaign slogan is "Wilson keeps America out of the war," which capitalizes on voters’ fear of war and desire for peace.

Unexpectedly, there has been a subtle change among the voters at this moment.

"It’s not just middle and lower-level voters, Mr. President," the aide added: "Many politicians and capitalists also intend to engage in war."

Wilson murmured in acknowledgment.

It’s evident; politicians and capitalists are concerned that England’s $10 billion loan might become a bad debt.

Therefore, when Shire proposed "negotiating for peace," they panicked:

"War must continue, or we will all face bankruptcy due to unrecovered loans."

"Yes, until the Germans completely surrender and offer reparations."

"$10 billion, no one can bear such a cost."

...

Indeed, Wilson sees this as the main reason.

These capitalists control the media and public opinion, using them to subtly manipulate public will.

Capitalists are adept at this.

Wilson sensed danger; if he didn’t change course, he might lose to his opponent.

But how to change?

From "staying away from war" to "actively preparing for war"?

This would not only appear opportunistic but might be criticized for lacking independence, trailing Hughes.

During Wilson’s indecisive moment, a staff member delivered a telegram: "Mr. President, a secret message has arrived from Paris."

"Paris?" Wilson was puzzled.

Due to familial ties or because England is the world’s leading power, the United States defaulted to England leading the Western Front, leading to more interaction with England rather than France.

Now Paris has sent a secret message.

In the President’s office, anything labeled "secret message" is top-secret, even inaccessible to his staff.

What could this be?

With curiosity, Wilson opened the envelope, took out the message, and glanced at it, instantly becoming astonished.

It was a secret message intercepted by French intelligence from Germany sent to Mexico. After decoding, the message showed Germany attempting to collaborate with Mexico to stall the United States.

"We will strive to keep the United States neutral."

"If the plan fails, we suggest forming an alliance and cooperating in battle based on the following terms with Mexico."

"We will provide your country with considerable financial assistance, and Mexico will regain the lost territories in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona."

"Germany assures the acknowledgment of your country’s sovereignty over these lands."

(Note: These three states were annexed by the United States in the Mexican-American War from 1846 to 1848, totaling 2.4 million square kilometers. The above content is genuine, as it was sent by German Foreign Secretary Zimmerman, therefore known as the "Zimmerman Telegram," considered the catalyst for American entry into the war.)

Wilson stood up abruptly from his chair, realizing this was an opportunity to smoothly change his stance, even outpacing his opponent.

"Submit this telegram to the press." Wilson handed the message to the aide, commanding: "Publish it verbatim."

The aide took the telegram and glanced at it, his face instantly changing, realizing the Germans were putting their hands into America and planning an alliance with Mexico to annex American territories?

War was inevitable now.

Indeed, the moment the telegram’s contents were published in the newspaper sparked public outrage in the United States:

"We’ve always remained neutral and restraint, even when Americans died under German submarines, yet that doesn’t stop the Germans from bringing flames to America."

"Is this what they want? Provoking a fire with Mexico so the United States would be too distracted."

"It’s a challenge; we can’t ignore it. We have to show them!"

...

The reason for American neutrality was largely due to the Monroe Doctrine: As long as the conflict doesn’t occur in America, the United States remains neutral; otherwise, considered as hostile behavior. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Now, though no conflict has occurred, Germany’s clandestine dealings with Mexico are flagrantly hostile, which the United States certainly cannot tolerate.

At this point, Wilson seized the opportunity to make an appeal to everyone:

"Gentlemen, the facts show that conceding cannot achieve peace."

"The world must be safe and democratic; rights are more precious than peace."

"We will fight for our interests without any selfish motives or pursuits."

"We don’t want to conquer others, we don’t demand reparations, and we don’t seek material compensation for voluntary sacrifices."

"We only fight for great moral principles; this battle is not just against Germany, but against all autocracy!"

The American people’s anger ignited, echoing Wilson’s call:

"We should initiate a war to end all wars."

"The Germans are fighting against all humanity; we must stand with the Allies to protect human civilization!"

"Arm ourselves; there should be no restrictions anymore!"

...

Far across the Atlantic Ocean, William II probably never thought that his clever move would drag the world’s first industrial power into the war.

However, he should have foreseen it.

Because American involvement in the war was inevitable at the moment Shire proposed negotiating a ceasefire with Germany; American capitalists wouldn’t let the war end through discussion.

This telegram merely provided a perfect excuse for America.