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unrestricted submarine warfare
Germany violated the United States freedom of the seas during World War I with its unrestricted submarine warfare.
On January 31, 1917, Germany notified the United States that there would be a resumption of unrestricted submarine attacks. They announced that they would sink on sight all merchant ships found in a zone around the British Isles or in the Mediterranean Sea. US President Woodrow Wilson then cut off diplomatic relations between the US and Germany.
the Germans' use of unrestricted submarine warfare
In WW1, the German policy of unrestricted submarine warfare irritated neutral nations such as the United States and eventually helped public opinion to support the US entry into the war. In WW2 the German policy of unrestricted submarine warfare in the Atlantic irritated nominally neutral nations such as the United States and provided a rationale for increasing US support of Britain and its allies. In WW2 the American policy of unrestricted submarine warfare in the Pacific probably contributed to the degradation of Japanese economic capabilities as the war progressed.
In return for ending unrestricted submarine warfare, Germany sought to ensure that the United States would not intervene in the ongoing conflict in Europe. Specifically, they hoped for a diplomatic acknowledgment that would allow them to continue their military activities without significant repercussions from the US. Additionally, Germany aimed to negotiate peace terms that would favor their interests and potentially secure a more favorable position in the war.
During World War I, Germany's goal in returning to unrestricted submarine warfare in 1917 was, quite simply, to bring the long war to a quick end. Realizing that this decision could bring war with the United States, German leaders calculated that their submarines would end the war before American involvement could make a difference.
The US could no longer remain neutral in WWI because of Germany's policy of unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmerman note. Also, the United States had economic and cultural ties to the allies.
In return for ending unrestricted submarine warfare, Germany sought to have the United States agree to respect its interests in Europe and potentially negotiate a peace settlement that would favor Germany's territorial ambitions. Additionally, Germany hoped to limit American support for the Allies, particularly in terms of military supplies and financial aid. This was part of a broader strategy to shift the balance of power in Europe in favor of the Central Powers.
France and Britain never went to war against each other. The United States entered the war because of Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare and the their telegraph to Mexico telling to attack.
Germany resorted to unrestricted submarine warfare primarily to counter the British naval blockade, which severely limited its access to vital supplies and resources during World War I. By targeting not only military vessels but also merchant ships, Germany aimed to disrupt Allied supply lines and weaken their war effort. This strategy was intended to bring a swift end to the conflict, but it ultimately led to heightened tensions with neutral countries, particularly the United States, contributing to America's entry into the war.
Germany's practice of unrestricted submarine warfare that led to the sinking of the Lusitania and the Zimmerman telegram, in which Germany promised Mexico its old lands in California, Arizona, and New Mexico if Mexico attacked the United States all led to the United States' entrance into World War I.