
The Zimmerman Telegram - the note that brought America into World War I
04/23/25 • 15 min
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In 1917, Germany was desperate to keep the United States out of World War I - even as they prepared to launch unrestricted submarine warfare on all shipping in the European theater. To that end, German officials sent a telegram to the Mexican government, proposing they declare war of the United States - tying up American resources. The only problem was the message was intercepted and the plot exposed - causing the plan to completely backfire.
Sources
"Documents that changed the way we live" by Joseph Janes
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zimmermann_telegram
Image: File:Zimmermann_Telegram_as_Received_by_the_German_Ambassador_to_Mexico_-_NARA_-_302025.jpg
The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com
Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected]
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In 1917, Germany was desperate to keep the United States out of World War I - even as they prepared to launch unrestricted submarine warfare on all shipping in the European theater. To that end, German officials sent a telegram to the Mexican government, proposing they declare war of the United States - tying up American resources. The only problem was the message was intercepted and the plot exposed - causing the plan to completely backfire.
Sources
"Documents that changed the way we live" by Joseph Janes
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zimmermann_telegram
Image: File:Zimmermann_Telegram_as_Received_by_the_German_Ambassador_to_Mexico_-_NARA_-_302025.jpg
The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com
Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected]
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Previous Episode

William Walker and the Filibuster War
In 1855, an American newspaperman, lawyer and doctor, William Walker, led a small, private army to Central America, and within a year, was recognized as the President of Nicaragua. Walker’s actions would unite people from five nations to rise up against him. This is the story of the Filibuster War.
Sources
"William Walker's Wars" by Scott Martelle
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Walker_(filibuster)
Image - Library of Congress: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:William_Walker_by_Brady.jpg
The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com
Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected]
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Bobbi Gibb - the First Woman to Run the Boston Marathon
On an April morning in Boston in 1966, despite being told she was physically incapable of running 20+ miles, Bobbi Gibb slipped into the crowd of 500 runners. Three hours and 21 minutes later, she became the first woman to ever run the fabled Boston Marathon.
Sources
Bobbi Gibb Marathon Pioneer: https://www.sportsmuseum.org/curators-corner/bobbi-gibb-marathon-pioneer/
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobbi_Gibb
"A Run of One's Own" by Roberta 'Bobbi' Gibb: http://www.runningpast.com/gibb_story.htm
The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com
Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected]
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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