The Impact of Submarine Warfare on World War I
Explore how German submarine warfare during WWI disrupted naval strategies, strained international relations, and influenced U.S. entry into the conflict.
Overview
The German High Command initiated a new strategy in early 1915 by utilizing submarines against Allied shipping, including neutral vessels supplying the Allies, without warning and often with deadly consequences for civilians. Submarine warfare was intensified again in 1917 after being suspended following public outcry over civilian casualties. This renewed unrestricted submarine campaign aimed to starve Great Britain into submission before American forces could significantly impact the war.
Context
The First World War (WWI), which began in 1914, saw significant changes in military strategies and technologies as both sides struggled for dominance. The British Royal Navy’s blockade of German ports severely limited Germany’s ability to import essential resources, while Germany faced challenges due to the ongoing conflict on multiple fronts. As the war progressed, both nations exhausted their resources and manpower, leading to increased desperation among the leadership.
Timeline
- 1914: Outbreak of WWI; naval blockade initiated by Britain.
- Early 1915: German submarines begin unrestricted attacks on Allied shipping without warning.
- May 7, 1915: Sinking of RMS Lusitania leads to significant international outcry and increased pressure on Germany.
- 1916: Limited submarine operations as Germany focuses on other fronts; widespread famine in occupied regions.
- January 31, 1917: German decision to resume unrestricted submarine warfare.
- February 1, 1917: Renewed attacks begin, intensifying the naval conflict and increasing pressure on Allied supplies.
- April 2, 1917: President Woodrow Wilson addresses Congress, announcing a break in diplomatic relations with Germany.
- April 6, 1917: The United States declares war on Germany.
Key Terms and Concepts
Submarine Warfare: Naval tactics involving the use of submarines to attack enemy shipping, often without warning. It became a critical aspect of WWI naval strategy due to its effectiveness in disrupting supply lines.
Blockade: A military strategy where one nation attempts to cut off another from external aid or reinforcements by controlling sea and air routes. The British blockade against Germany was instrumental in limiting German access to essential resources.
Unrestricted Warfare: Military actions that do not distinguish between combatants and non-combatants, often leading to significant civilian casualties and international condemnation.
Knockout Blow (Kesselschlag): A strategy aiming for a swift decisive victory through rapid, concentrated attacks. This concept influenced German military planning during WWI but was rarely achieved due to the nature of trench warfare.
Infant Mortality: The measure of the number of infant deaths in relation to live births; rising mortality rates were indicative of wartime suffering and malnutrition.
Key Figures and Groups
Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz: German naval strategist who advocated for a strong navy to challenge British maritime dominance. His efforts led to significant investment in submarine technology before WWI.
Woodrow Wilson: President of the United States from 1913 to 1921, initially neutral but later forced by German actions to enter the war on behalf of the Allies.
Ernst Jünger: German soldier and writer who documented the impact of unrestricted submarine warfare on both military and civilian life during WWI.
Mechanisms and Processes
- Resource Shortages -> Naval Blockade -> Submarine Response: Britain’s naval blockade restricted German imports, leading to severe shortages. In response, Germany developed and deployed submarines to target Allied shipping.
- Submarine Attacks -> Civilian Casualties -> International Pressure: Unrestricted submarine attacks caused significant loss of life among civilians, particularly the sinking of RMS Lusitania, which led to international condemnation.
- Decision-Making Process -> Renewed Warfare -> U.S. Entry: German High Command decided to resume unrestricted warfare despite knowing it would likely provoke American intervention, due to desperation and belief in quick victory.
Deep Background
WWI began with traditional naval battles but quickly shifted towards unconventional tactics like submarine warfare. The British blockade was a critical strategic move that aimed at starving Germany into submission by cutting off its food supplies and raw materials. This strategy worked effectively because the Royal Navy controlled most of the world’s sea lanes, making it difficult for German merchant ships to bypass the blockade.
Germany’s response was initially cautious due to naval inferiority but became more aggressive as the war dragged on and resources dwindled. The introduction of submarines promised a way to disrupt British supply lines without direct confrontation with their powerful surface fleet. However, this new tactic also brought significant international backlash, particularly after civilian casualties increased dramatically from unrestricted attacks.
Explanation and Importance
Submarine warfare was crucial in WWI as it drastically altered naval strategies and international relations. By targeting Allied shipping indiscriminately, Germany aimed to cut off supplies critical for the survival of Britain and its allies. The resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare in 1917 directly led to American involvement in the conflict, changing the balance of power on the Western Front.
While it achieved some short-term success by disrupting supply chains, the long-term consequences were devastating for Germany. International outcry over civilian casualties eventually forced a temporary suspension of these attacks but did not prevent their eventual resumption when desperation took hold. This decision ultimately led to American entry into WWI, marking a pivotal shift in the war’s outcome.
Comparative Insight
The use of unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany in 1917 can be compared with later historical instances of similar tactics used during World War II and beyond. In each case, such actions had significant diplomatic ramifications and often led to broader international conflicts due to the indiscriminate nature of attacks on civilian vessels.
Extended Analysis
Strategic Calculations: The German High Command’s decision was a gamble based on military necessity rather than ethical considerations. By choosing unrestricted submarine warfare, they aimed for swift victory over Britain before American forces could intervene effectively.
Technological Advancements: Submarine technology played a pivotal role in naval strategy during WWI. The development and deployment of submarines represented a major shift from traditional surface battles to underwater combat.
Diplomatic Ramifications: The resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare significantly strained Germany’s relations with neutral nations, particularly the United States, leading directly to U.S. entry into the war on the side of the Allies.
Quiz
What was the primary reason for Germany's decision to resume unrestricted submarine warfare in 1917?
Which event significantly impacted international opinion against Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare in 1915?
What was a direct consequence of Germany's decision to resume unrestricted submarine warfare in 1917?
Open Thinking Questions
- How might the course of WWI have been different if Germany had not resumed unrestricted submarine warfare in 1917?
- In what ways could international law and naval conventions be strengthened to prevent such incidents from occurring in future conflicts?
Conclusion
The decision by the German High Command to resume unrestricted submarine warfare in 1917 marked a critical turning point in WWI, shifting the balance of power on both military and diplomatic fronts. This strategy, while effective in disrupting Allied supply lines, ultimately led to American intervention and significantly altered the trajectory of the war towards an Allied victory.