WW1 At Sea

The naval war was characterized by caution from both sides.
The British Navy focused on a blockade of Germany after clearing enemy shipping from European waters.
Germany initially used torpedoes and underwater mines to weaken the British navy but shifted to attacking British merchant ships with U-boats.
Location Significance:
- Britain's proximity to German trade routes significantly reduced German trade early in the war.
- Germany and Austria-Hungary could not utilize 61% of its trading ships, impacting their war effort.
- Britain laid underwater mines in German shipping areas to hinder their trade.

Before the war, submarines were not considered a primary weapon against merchant ships.
In 1914, Germany had only 28 U-boats but began a war zone declaration around Great Britain.
Any ships (military or civilian) within this zone were subject to attack.
This policy eventually regrettably backfired for Germany.

Hundreds of neutral ships were sunk, raising concerns over the escalation of conflict

By 1915, German U-boats sank 120,000 tons of goods from Allied and neutral nations, including American ships.
The sinking of the ocean liner Arabic (August 19, 1915) killed 40, including 3 Americans, prompting a strong US protest.
Germany promised to halt torpedo attacks on passenger ships, opting to use gunfire instead, a largely superficial compliance to diplomacy.

In 1917, Germany planned a full assault on Allied and neutral shipping to effectively starve Britain into submission, thus risking American involvement.
This led to American ships being targeted, inciting outrage in the US.
The Convoy System became crucial for protecting merchant ships, involving armed ships escorting them across the ocean and maintaining essential supply lines.

Trade across the ocean was vital for Britain’s survival, particularly for food and supplies during the war.
The convoy system significantly reduced losses from U-boat attacks, thereby supporting the British war effort.

Initially, the US sought to remain neutral, focusing on trade with Britain for economic benefit. However, ongoing attacks on US ships shifted sentiment towards war.
The sinking of the Lusitania in 1915, carrying 1,962 passengers, including 128 Americans, prompted outrage after it sank from a U-boat attack.
Key figures, such as millionaire Alfred Vanderbilt, were among the American casualties, exacerbating tensions.

A intercepted German communication in January 1917 revealed a plan to persuade Mexico to wage war against the US.
Germany promised military backing and the restoration of territories lost to the US (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona).
This escalated US anger leading to their declaration of war in April 1917, joining the Allies in the conflict.

Blockade: Preventing movement of goods or forces across land and water.
Merchant Ships: Non-military vessels for transporting goods.
Neutral: States unaligned politically in military alliances.
Ocean Liner: Large passenger ships.
Convoy System: Military protection for merchant ships against U-boat attacks.

By 1918, the US was sending around 10,000 troops daily to France, hastening Germany's defeat.