Chapter 19-1: Critical Thinking # 5

Why do you think Germany escalated its U-boat attacks in 1917? Think About:

• Germany's military buildup
• the effects of the British blockade
• Germany's reason for using submarine warfare

Germany escalated its U-boat attacks in 1917 because of Germany's military buildup, the British blockade, and the use of submarine warfare. As war continued on land, Britain decided to use the tactic of the sea and their naval strength. Any ships that were found in the waters around Britain would be sunk. U-boats had the advantage of attacking ships without the crew or passangers having any knowledge. Also, when the British blockaded Germany, using submarines, Germany could counterblockade them back. The new use of submarine warfare was also probably escalated because it was a "sneaky" defending mechanism.