Discussion Guide: Zimmerman Telegram
 Respect each other (No blurting!)
 Balance your participation
 Be ready
 Say something meaningful (on topic!)
 Look at the speaker
 Listen actively
 Use hand signals
Text Talk Time Questions
1. “We intend to begin on the first of February…” In this quote from the
telegram, who is “we”?
2. What is the setting of this text? (time period)
3. This telegram was intercepted by the United States. Who was the intended
recipient of the telegram?
4. What countries are involved?
5. What is being proposed to Mexico?
6. Why would Mexico accept this settlement?
7. Why did the Germans choose to ask Mexico for assistance?
8. What was the role of Japan?
9. What effect do you think this intercepted telegram had on the United
States?
10. What drives countries/people to fight in wars?
Open Discussion
As a group, choose three words that best explain the main purpose of the text.
You may use words found in the text but are not limited to only the words in
the text. Once your group has agreed upon the three most important words,
raise your hand.