Kaiser Wilhelm II Resumes Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
January 31st, 1917
January 31st, 1917

How Long Ago?
108 years, 1 month, 15 days ago
Location
Germany
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
World War I
People
- Kaiser Wilhelm II
- Georg von Müller
- Admiral Reinhard Scheer
Links & References
Tags
Kaiser Wilhelm II Resumes Unrestricted Submarine Warfare
Kaiser Wilhelm II announced the resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare in 1917, aiming to cut off supplies to Britain and France. This strategic decision was taken after careful consideration of naval capabilities and intended to finalize the Allied naval blockade. The German leadership believed this decisive action could turn the tide of the ongoing conflict by targeting enemy merchant ships without warning, thus potentially crippling Allied logistics.
U-boats targeted enemy ships without warning.
Launched a campaign against British supplies.
Risked inviting U.S. involvement in the war.
Signaled a shift in naval warfare tactics.
What Happened?
In January 1917, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany declared the resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare, a controversial military strategy employed by the Imperial German Navy. The decision aimed to impede shipping routes to the British Isles and support the ongoing war efforts against the Allies. This announcement marked a significant escalation in tactics as German submarines (U-boats) would target enemy shipping vessels without warning, in direct violation of pre-established maritime guidelines that required submarines to surface and let crews evacuate before sinking a ship.
The move was primarily motivated by the desire to alter the balance of power on the Western Front. German leaders sought to break the British blockade that was severely restricting supplies to Central Powers. By utilizing submarines effectively, they hoped to isolate Britain and France, undermining their capacity to continue the war. This decision was considered risky; while it would exert immediate pressure on the Allies, it also risked drawing the United States into the conflict due to attacks on civilian vessels like the Lusitania in 1915, which had already stirred public opinion against Germany.
Despite the risk, Germany remained steadfast, believing that a successful campaign of unrestricted submarine warfare could end the war swiftly in their favor. This strategy would significantly impact naval warfare and international relations, leading to further Allied advancements and reshaping wartime strategies.
Why Does it Matter?
The resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare greatly influenced the course of World War I, precipitating the United States' entry into the conflict in 1917. This decision intensified anti-German sentiment among American citizens and led to the U.S. government supporting the Allies to counter the submarine threat. The strategic shift not only changed military tactics at sea but also significantly affected diplomatic relations between the belligerent nations, ultimately altering the outcome of the war.
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