Why did Germany resume unrestricted submarine warfare in 1917?
The resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany in 1917 was a pivotal moment in World War I, leading to a significant escalation of the conflict and ultimately contributing to the United States’ entry into the war. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Germany’s decision to resume this tactic, which had been suspended in 1916.
Background: The Origins of Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
Unrestricted submarine warfare, also known as "unrestricted U-boat warfare," was a tactic employed by Germany from 1917 to 1918. It involved the use of German U-boats (submarines) to attack and sink any ship, including passenger liners, cargo vessels, and even neutral ships, without warning or distinction. This tactic was designed to weaken the Allied powers’ ability to supply their armies and economies, thereby forcing them to negotiate a peace settlement favorable to Germany.
The Initial Suspension of Unrestricted Submarine Warfare (1915-1916)
In 1915, Germany began to use unrestricted submarine warfare as a means of breaking the British blockade of Germany. However, this tactic was met with widespread outrage and condemnation from the international community, including the United States. In response, Germany suspended unrestricted submarine warfare in February 1916, agreeing to a more limited form of submarine warfare, known as "cruiser rules." These rules required German U-boats to give warning and allow passengers and crew to escape before sinking a ship.
The Turning Point: The Sinking of the Lusitania (May 1915)
The sinking of the British passenger liner Lusitania by a German U-boat on May 7, 1915, was a significant turning point in the development of unrestricted submarine warfare. The sinking of the Lusitania, which resulted in the loss of over 1,000 lives, including 128 Americans, shocked the world and led to widespread condemnation of Germany’s actions. The United States, which had previously maintained a policy of neutrality, began to shift its stance, and the sinking of the Lusitania played a significant role in the eventual entry of the United States into World War I.
The Renewed Threat of Unrestricted Submarine Warfare (1917)
By 1917, the situation on the Western Front had become increasingly dire for Germany. The Allied powers had gained the upper hand, and Germany’s military situation was becoming increasingly desperate. In response, the German High Command, led by Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz, began to advocate for the resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare as a means of breaking the stalemate on the Western Front.
The Decision to Resume Unrestricted Submarine Warfare (February 1917)
On February 9, 1917, the German High Command decided to resume unrestricted submarine warfare, effective February 18, 1917. This decision was made despite the fact that the United States had already begun to mobilize its military and was preparing to enter the war. The decision was also made without the knowledge or consent of the German government, which was led by Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann Hollweg.
The Consequences of Resuming Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
The resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare had significant consequences for Germany and the world. The sinking of the passenger liner SS Housatonic on March 18, 1917, was the first major incident to occur after the resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare. The sinking of the Housatonic, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives, was followed by a series of other incidents, including the sinking of the passenger liner SS Laconia on April 12, 1917, which resulted in the loss of 12 lives.
The United States’ Entry into World War I
The resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany ultimately led to the United States’ entry into World War I. On April 2, 1917, the United States Congress declared war on Germany, citing the sinking of American ships and the killing of American citizens as the primary reasons for the declaration. The entry of the United States into the war marked a significant turning point in the conflict, as it brought a powerful new ally to the side of the Allies and ultimately contributed to Germany’s defeat.
Conclusion
The resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany in 1917 was a pivotal moment in World War I, leading to a significant escalation of the conflict and ultimately contributing to the United States’ entry into the war. The decision to resume this tactic was made despite the fact that the United States had already begun to mobilize its military and was preparing to enter the war. The consequences of this decision were far-reaching, and it ultimately led to Germany’s defeat and the end of World War I.
Timeline of Key Events
- May 7, 1915: The sinking of the Lusitania by a German U-boat
- February 1916: Germany suspends unrestricted submarine warfare
- February 9, 1917: The German High Command decides to resume unrestricted submarine warfare
- February 18, 1917: Unrestricted submarine warfare resumes
- March 18, 1917: The sinking of the passenger liner SS Housatonic
- April 2, 1917: The United States declares war on Germany
- April 12, 1917: The sinking of the passenger liner SS Laconia
Key Players
- Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz: German Admiral and advocate for unrestricted submarine warfare
- Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann Hollweg: German Chancellor who was unaware of the decision to resume unrestricted submarine warfare
- President Woodrow Wilson: President of the United States who declared war on Germany in 1917
- Kaiser Wilhelm II: German Emperor who supported the decision to resume unrestricted submarine warfare
Table: Comparison of Cruiser Rules and Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
| Cruiser Rules | Unrestricted Submarine Warfare | |
|---|---|---|
| Warning | U-boats must give warning before sinking a ship | No warning required |
| Distinction | U-boats must distinguish between military and civilian ships | No distinction made |
| Escape | Passengers and crew must be given time to escape | No escape allowed |
| Purpose | To weaken the enemy’s ability to supply their armies and economies | To sink as many ships as possible to weaken the enemy’s ability to supply their armies and economies |
Bullets: Key Points
• The resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany in 1917 was a pivotal moment in World War I.
• The decision to resume this tactic was made despite the fact that the United States had already begun to mobilize its military and was preparing to enter the war.
• The sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 was a significant turning point in the development of unrestricted submarine warfare.
• The resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare led to a significant escalation of the conflict and ultimately contributed to the United States’ entry into the war.
• The decision to resume unrestricted submarine warfare was made without the knowledge or consent of the German government.
