The above photo is of the U.S.S. Tarantula, one of three American B-Class Submarines
Submarines in World War 1
Even though a somewhat new invention, submarines in WW1 revolutionized naval warfare. From the famous German U-Boat to the American B-Class, submarines struck fear into the hearts of sailors.
The German U-Boat
The Unterseeboot or U-Boat, was a deadly German submarine
that targeted military and merchant sea travel. They used the new ability to submerge underwater to sneak up on freighters and allied naval ships. Even with their great power, they had many flaws. Living conditions on board were very poor, food was stored is every possible location including the toilets. Because of the wet and hot conditions food spoiled extremely quickly and was not safe for consumption. The food and crew were constantly exposed to diesel exhaust fumes. The boats oven often failed and it was prone to short circuit.
The Unterseeboot or U-Boat, was a deadly German submarine
that targeted military and merchant sea travel. They used the new ability to submerge underwater to sneak up on freighters and allied naval ships. Even with their great power, they had many flaws. Living conditions on board were very poor, food was stored is every possible location including the toilets. Because of the wet and hot conditions food spoiled extremely quickly and was not safe for consumption. The food and crew were constantly exposed to diesel exhaust fumes. The boats oven often failed and it was prone to short circuit.
The map to the left shows the location of the sinking if the RMS Lusitania a British steam liner that was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-Boat. This is an example of unrestricted submarine warfare.
A submarine is able to submerge itself by filling large air tanks (or ballast tanks) with water making it more dense than the water and giving it a negative buoyancy, causing it to sink. The first submarine was invented in Kiel harbor, Germany in 1850 by Wilhelm Bauer.
Submarine Impact and Consequences
This weapon had a major impact on the war because it changed naval warfare. It changed how leaders decided their tactics because it gave Germany and very strong navy. This weapon helped the German navy Defeat the other countries stronger navies. It was dangerous for the people inside it and it was used unfairly against merchant ships.
Submarine Connections to Today
An modern example of this weapon is the U.S.S. Ohio a Ohio-Class Ballistic Missile submarine. This weapon has improved from its WW1 version in many ways. One way is they can dive much deeper than the WW1 submarines. They can also travel faster, have greater firepower, and have better living conditions. The United States uses modern submarines today in their fleets to enforce the oceans.
This map shows the locations of U.S. Submarines in 2001.
Anthony Warner