Holtzendorff's Policy Of Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare is characterized by the attacking of vessels such as cargo ships or military boats without giving warning prior to the attack. With such aggressive military policy ramifications can reach all aspects of maritime culture. From the political tension that can arise, to economic impacts from losses of vessels and cargo to social consequences from loss of life. The major issue with the German use of their submarines was the international implications of using this modern technology. Quite literally, the submarines were used before international laws were adjusted on their use during wartime (Kennedy et al. 699). To a great extent the German disregard for American neutrality in their policy of unrestricted warfare ultimately

When Admiral Holtzendorff distributed his memorandum, which argued for the relaunching of unrestricted submarine warfare, it was both widely received and endorsed by high ranking members of Germany’s Government. Claiming that the resumption could force a British surrender before American forces could alter the course of war, the German government blatantly ignored a severe warning from the United States and President Wilson that diplomatic relations would be broken. The content of this memorandum shows ambitious and nationalistic plans, calculating that if the fleet could sink 630,000 tons of merchant ships over the course of six months Britain would ultimately be starved of the grain it needed after a poor production year of crops (Steffen 216). Though many times previously the Kaiser had refused requests to resume unrestricted warfare he was eventually swayed when his top military personnel became convinced that the change in U-boat policy was essential for winning the war after a series of losses with ground troops. Such a position of carelessness towards a foreign neutral nation made the decision for Wilson to declare war on Germany

For many Americans this “...was their first real introduction to total war- war as much against civilians as against armed forces…” (Trommler 241). In the American public eye Germany could not justify the loss of civilian lives, especially the 128 Americans aboard. Despite warnings given by the German government of the dangers of being on a British ship in a war zone (241) this miscalculation in public outcry would hover over the German name up until 1917 when America officially declared war on Germany. For many Americans this sneak attack on innocents would characterize the evil of Germany and its Kaiser for the remainder of the war. While there was a great public sentiment of anger towards Germany few wanted to break from the Monroe Doctrine in which the United States would remain neutral in European affairs. Having followed this doctrine for nearly a century Wilson was not quick to break from tradition and begin taking sides in Europe. While the first attack directly on American lives did not trigger an immediate military response, one cannot help but question the role it played as the first step in leading the United States to