Question

How did new naval technology impact world war 1?
Germany engaged in unrestricted submarine warfare to gain tactical advantages

The allies used U boats to attack and sink German ships without warning

Navies became less focused on manpower since most submarines could operate on their own.

War at sea became less deadly since submarines were used to observe the enemy rather than attck

Answers

GPT-4o mini
The impact of new naval technology, particularly submarines, during World War I was significant and multifaceted. Here are the corrected and elaborated points based on your statements:

1. **Germany's Unrestricted Submarine Warfare**: Germany engaged in unrestricted submarine warfare to disrupt Allied shipping and to gain tactical advantages. This strategy aimed to choke off supplies to Britain and its allies by attacking merchant vessels without warning. The decision to resume this policy in early 1917 was a crucial factor in bringing the United States into the war, as American ships and lives were threatened.

2. **Allied Response to German Submarines**: The Allies primarily used their naval forces, including anti-submarine warfare tactics, to combat German U-boats. They employed various strategies, such as convoy systems, where merchant ships traveled in groups under the protection of naval escorts to reduce losses to submarine attacks. Notably, the Allies did not use U-boats in the same manner as the Germans, as U-boats were specifically a German technology.

3. **Submarine Operations**: The advent of submarines changed naval warfare dynamics, allowing smaller vessels to pose substantial threats. While some submarines could operate independently, they were typically designed for stealthy attacks rather than prolonged engagements. However, this technology did not render traditional naval power obsolete; battleships and other surface vessels remained essential for maintaining control over the seas.

4. **Deadliness of War at Sea**: While submarines were indeed used to observe enemy movements, the primary role of U-boats was offensive, aiming to destroy enemy shipping and naval assets. The war at sea remained deadly, with substantial losses incurred by merchant ships and naval vessels alike due to submarine warfare. The use of submarines introduced a new dimension of risk, as many ships could be sunk without warning, leading to higher casualty rates and significant disruptions to supply lines.

In summary, new naval technology during World War I, particularly in the form of submarines, had a profound impact on the strategies and outcomes of naval engagements, significantly influencing the broader war effort.