The Zimmermann Telegram

Proddiing the US to declare war 1917

Having read several other Tuchman historical books, I decided I needed to enlighten myself on this bit of pre-WW1 history. Very well done. I have not been able to find another author's work that did as well explaining how Germany's Zimmerman and his telegram to the Mexican government promising help if they would declare war on the US finally prodded the United States into declaring war on Germany in 1917. Fascinating book!!!

Historical drama

Barbara Tuchman writes of historical issues in a lively informed way. Would that she had been my history teacher.

This book is about more than just the Zimmerman Telegram (which is only a small portion of the book). If you ever wanted to know about the US involvement with Mexico at the turn of the century, this is it.
A great book full of spies, diplomats and politics.

A Must Read for History Buffs

The intrigue that most likely tipped the scales causing President Wilson to enter WWI is little Known and is seldom taught in history classes. Barbara Tuchman, in writing The Zimmermann Telegram, shines light on this very important event as it affected world history. The book includes excellent coverage of President Wilson's governing style and his interaction with Congress. Coverage of the cooperation between the U.S. and Great Britain on matters of military intelligence that continued on into WWII is one of the features of he book. The minefields of intrigue are difficult to sort out, but Barbara Tuchman has done an excellent job on this one. This book should be considered a "must read" for those interested in World Wars I and II.