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The War at Sea

The European powers had prepared their navies for years before the war. Maritime warfare (warfare at sea) was incredibly important in WW1.

Maritime warfare

Maritime warfare

  • Britain had always had a very strong navy because of its 'two-power standard' (having a stronger navy than the next two powers combined).
  • Britain may have had a stronger and larger navy, but Germany had new technology, such as u-boats (submarines).
Importance of the navy

Importance of the navy

  • Both sides were aware that if they lost their navy, the whole war could be lost.
  • Because of this there were few serious naval battles between the sides in WW1.
  • Britain was able to intercept the German naval code and decode its messages.
Supply chains

Supply chains

  • The main objective of maritime (sea) warfare was to stop supplies from reaching the enemy.
How did the German navy threaten Britain?

How did the German navy threaten Britain?

  • The German navy threatened Britain in the following ways:
    • By attacking supply ships carrying raw materials.
    • By attacking ships Britain was sending to its allies.
    • By stopping communication between Britain and its empire.
How did the British navy threaten Germany?

How did the British navy threaten Germany?

  • The British navy threatened Germany in the following ways:
    • By blockading their ports and stopping supplies from reaching the German home front.
    • By stopping communication between Germany and its empire.
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Empires East & West: 1000 AD

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The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

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