The Zimmermann Telegram

John O’Farrell and Angela Barnes take a not-so-serious look at the most captivating and bizarre moments in history.

This time Angela tells John how in 1917, the German Foreign Minister, Arthur Zimmerman sent a telegram to his man in Washington. Sounds dull? It isn’t; this telegraph was probably responsible for changing the course of WW1. What could a telegram possibly say that would make peace loving US President Woodrow Wilson take his country into the bloodiest conflict?

Recommended reading:

The Zimmerman Telegram by Barbara Tuchman.

Cryptologic Quarterly, National Security Agency - The Zimmermann Telegram.

Get all episodes a week early – when you support We Are History on Patreon: https://patreon.com/WeAreHistory

Angela Barnes is on tour with her critically acclaimed, sold out Edinburgh Fringe show ‘Hot Mess’. Tickets are available here https://www.angelabarnescomedy.co.uk 

We Are History is written and presented by Angela Barnes and John O’Farrell. Audio production by Simon Williams and artwork by James Parrett. Lead Producer is Anne-Marie Luff. Group Editor is Andrew Harrison. We Are History is a Podmasters Production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices