What was the significance of submarines in the First World War?

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What was the significance of submarines in the First World War?

Britain’s main aim in the Dardanelles was to get access to the Sea of Marmora to supply route access to their eastern ally Russia. However the allies Dardanelles campaign was a military disastrous. Although it was a complete military disaster, British submarines were not a complete disaster. The ultimate impact of British submarines in the Dardanelles was not great in the sense that they did not change the course of the campaign. However, they had proved that they were a valuable weapon when used properly. The activities of Allied submarines were a bright spot in a dismal story, though three French and four British submarines were lost in the effort. However, they had sunk seven Turkish warships, 16 transports and supply ships, and 230 steamers and small vessels. Although the British had to withdraw, they still managed to do a lot of damage to Turkey.  This is a significant factor because it was the first real success of the British submarines. Submarines were now seen as a morale booster for all the British people. The Dardanelles proved how significant the British submarines were. It was the first time in 500 years that a boat managed to managed to surface in Istanbul. Although no really military affects were caused it played, an important role in boosting morals and the government used the submarines as propaganda.

The British also tried with attempts to make raids on Zeebrugge and Ostend as the harbours were the main bases for the German Navy, furthermore regarded as prime strategic targets. However, it failed because its location was misconduct by Commander Godsal. They went ahead into a smoke screen of gun bombardment which Godsal was not aware of and the fleet came into contact. This derailed plan and the German submarines still passed through. It was portrayed as a victory as eight Victorian crosses were given and the attack was made on St. George’s day. This suggests that the submarine was not only a weapon of war, but also of propaganda in order to boost morale.

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When war broke out the Germans had 29 U-boats. For the Germans the U-boats were very significant as the German U-boats became within 6 weeks of winning the war for the Germans.  For a long time the Germans main strategy of the U-boats was indeed to wage a war of attrition against British warships either by direct attack or by using the surface fleet into a submarine trap. One of the main significances was that the Germans had one piece of technology that was not yet completely to the British.  The German U-Boats exposed the fact that most of Britain’s ...

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