Critical Thinking 19-1 # 5

In 1917, Germany began to use U-boats more often. U-boats were new submarines made by the Germans. They could be used to go underwater so that they could sink boats. This technology was particularly help for Germany, which was being blockaded by British ships. The blockade prevented any boats from getting into or out of Germany, cutting off the country from any help it could receive. The British were able to do this because of the fact that they had a much stronger navy than their enemy. Germany was at a disadvantage, so instead of trying to win a battle that they would likely lose by using boats, they used submarines, which could sink boats without being noticed. Using U-boats, the Germans formed a counter-blockade, to keep British ships out. This was an early example of submarine warfare, and it showed how effective these new weapons could be.