Questions and Topics We Can Help to Answer
Instructions:

Review the following 4 discussion and respond at least 125 words each) Include original ideas.

1. Article 
Evaluate what motivated the Germans to initiate unrestricted submarine warfare in the Atlantic in 1917.
Before 1917, The German Navy had been indecisive on how to conduct operations at sea against the British.  Prior to the war, they had found themselves in an arms race that saw them competing against Britain in the production of Naval vessels in terms of both quality and quantity.  By the outbreak of the war however, there were questions among the powers that be whether to use their surface vessels, referred to as the High Seas Fleet, or to engage more in the direction of undersea warfare with submarine campaigns.[1]  The traditional surface warfare at sea saw some success for the Germans early on.  German gunnery and an emphasis on quality over quantity had made them a force to be reckoned with, having sunk several British ships in a few engagements.  The British however had maintained a control of the seas overall.  Finally though the Germans moved to resume an unrestricted submarine warfare in the Atlantic in January of 1917.[2]  Prior to this, Germany had been hesitant because they feared that this policy would drag America into the war so submarine warfare had been sporadic.  As American President Woodrow Wilson hesitated to declare war though even with the sinking of several American vessels by German subs they began to resort more and more to this style of war.  General Erich von Ludendorff advocated the increased use of U-Boat attacks, even with the threat of American intervention under the assumption that “U-boat warfare would bring England to her knees within six months, well before a distant and unprepared America could field an effective force in France.”[3]  Soon submarines were having incredible success in hindering supplies from reaching England and France, sinking half a million tons of allied shipping per month, which caused incredible rationing in England and France.[4]  Unrestricted submarine warfare by the Germans was used because it worked, frustrating the morale of the allied forces while crippling their supply lines.  

2. Article 
Evaluate what motivated the Germans to initiate unrestricted submarine warfare in the Atlantic in 1917.

The most important aspect of nation at war is its economy. A nation needs production to supply its population with essentials and it needs capital to finance its production. If either come under strain then the nation can become incredibly vulnerable to outside invaders. Economics has played a major role in warfare throughout history which is why Germany initiated unrestricted submarine warfare. 

Germany’s naval strength was inferior to Great Britain’s throughout the duration of the war. Great Britain exploited Germany’s naval disadvantage and it formed a blockade of Germany’s Northern Sea ports.[1] Germany could not match Great Britain’s blockade and therefore used its navy sparingly. The effects were drastic on the Germany economy because it could not import essentials supplies like Great Britain. Inflation was destroying the economy because of the blockade and Germans, as well as Austrians, began to starve.[2] It was only a matter of time before the war effort would be lost because of the condition of Germany and its leaders knew this.

Germany strategic planners sought to cause the same effect on Great Britain and therefore introduced the doctrine of unrestricted submarine warfare. Major backers of the idea were Hindenburg and General Erich Von Ludendorff who thought Great Britain would suffer and pursue peace after six months.[3] Germany viewed the unrestricted submarine warfare as a way to inflict economic strains on Great Britain in retaliation to Great Britain blockading Germany’s ports. However, this resulted in the United States severing diplomatic ties with Germany because Germany was sinking all naval vessels that were headed to Great Britain and France.[4] Eventually, it would be a major reason for why the United States entered the war against Germany.

Germany’s desire to equal the war exhaustion between the two powers is what motivated Germany to initiate unrestricted warfare. Putting strains on the population and economy would put massive strains on Great Britain’s ability to conduct war. Germany was already experiencing a starving public situation and it desired to inflict the same punishment on Great Britain. Therefore, Germany would possibly be able to settle the war on better terms with a war weary nation than an enemy more capable of war. 

3. Article

The Doughboys is a term used informally, but has a strong history. Used to describe members of the American Army and Marines during WW 1, but some references can be found during the Mexican-American War as early as 1846. From the readings, I was surprised to learn that a majority of the American forces were conscripted. As such, its reasonable to assume that their initial thoughts would be of occupation and stabilization of the battlefront that they were being sent to.

Reading the war plans and anticipation of the American forces, especially what Pershing wanted, it must have been difficult for them to accept the static trench fighting. American war plans looked to be more mobile and forgo trench warfare all together. If this had happened, the war could have gone much differently.

Some of the conscripted troops who traveled to France expected a mobile form of warfare. It’s hard to believe, but some of the more senior amount the ranks had actually fought in the American Civil War! This form of warfare would prove to be unexpected.

The general mentality was positive for the troops deploying to France and hopes for glory. From the reading, it is apparent the majority of troops were inundated with initial confusion, uncertainty and for several, a rampant outbreak of venereal diseases.

Once deployed to the front lines, entire formations were assigned sectors in trench lines and, per pervious posts, lived in deplorable conditions. Constant threat of death, disease and a general shortage of most necessities. This was a complete opposite of the glory that most Doughboys expected

4. Article

Describe how the fighting was different than what many Doughboys anticipated.  

With the eventual deployment of American forces helping the allies in defeating the Germans, Austro-Hungarians and others, the United States would prepare a Expeditionary Force and send them to France. After the political tug of war dealing with conscription or volunteer force the American force "doughboys" arrived in France. Commanding officer General Pershing (Commander in Chief of the Expeditionary Force) was not particularly happy with the trench warfare style of combat that was being played out. He believed in the "open warfare" which he learned from West Point that he attended in the 1880s. [1] He was still trying to use the tactics that was used during the Civil War and had no place in the new type of warfare of WWI.  He was not happy with the defensive tactics that the French used (trench warfare) where it was a hide and wait till you are attacked type of campaign. [2] Pershing preferred the mass amount of offensive formations and take the enemy head on driving forces out of their positions. [3] This would have annihilated the American forces by the barrage of artillery and the enemy hiding in trenches taking shots at incoming American soldiers. The American soldiers were under the impression that the type of combat would be reminiscent of the Civil War and what they got was a trench style and defensive tactics that played out the whole war. I believe this was the turning point of the United States in terms of warfare and how military tactics would be from then on. Gone were the days of Civil War with men standing in front of each other shooting back and forth.