16.3.8

The War at Sea

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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.

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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).
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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.
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Supply chains

  • The main objective of maritime (sea) warfare was to stop supplies from reaching the enemy.
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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.
Illustrative background for How did the British navy threaten Germany? Illustrative background for How did the British navy threaten Germany?  ?? "content

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.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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