Compare and Contrast Zimmermann and CAPT Von Spiegel about submarine warfare

Question: Compare and Contrast source A and source B about Submarine Warfare

Source A: Captain Von Spiegel

Source B: Zimmermann telegram

The Zimmermann telegram was different compared to Captain Von Spiegel because Zimmermann is hypothetical about submarine warfare while Captain Von Spiegel was actually in a submarine, attacking ships. The telegram said that Germany will enter unrestricted submarine warfare in February. The quote from the telegram, “We intend to begin on the first of February unrestricted submarine warfare," shows that Germany is preparing to execute unrestricted submarine warfare. This message was sent in January from the Germans to the German ambassador of Mexico. Germany is also proposing (one definition of hypothetical) to Mexico that Germany will help Mexico regain its lost territories in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. On the other hand, Captain Von Spiegel already unleashed unrestricted submarine warfare. He didn't even take the time to warn the ship to give the crew a chance live. "... in the hurry and panic, had been lowered with great stupidity either half full or overcrowded." If the ship has been warned, the crew wouldn't be in such a hurry.

Both the Zimmermann's telegram and Captain Von Spiegel show desperation. Captain shows this by saying "But it cannot be helped...War is war". Captain here is saying that there are other options, but war is war, and he has to destroy his opponent even if he doesn’t want to. Zimmermann makes his point by saying ""…we make Mexico a proposal of alliance on the following basis:…" This messages shows that they are so desperate that they are willing to go to a third nation for help.

Another way that they are similar is that the submarine warfare will be unrestricted. It is shown in the Zimmerman Telegram when it says, “We intend to begin on the first of February unrestricted submarine warfare.” In the Captain Von Spiegel account, Von Spiegel says, “'But it cannot be helped,' I went on thinking. ‘War is war, and every horse the fewer on the Western front is a reduction of England's fighting power.'” These two passages show how they are similar in making unrestricted U-Boat warfare.

Another difference is where Captain Von Spiegel is humane and the Zimmermann’s telegram is not (in submarine warfare). Von Spiegel says, “I must acknowledge, however, that the thought of what must come was a most unpleasant one.” “Mass of men were fighting their way on deck… at that point I could not bear the sight any longer, and I lowered the periscope and dived deep.” This says that what he did to the ship was something he couldn’t watch. He was showing some humanness here by saying that he can’t watch others suffer. But the Zimmermann’s Telegram is completely different. It doesn’t talk about humanness, instead, it is written to benefit the Germans.