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German U-boats

Definition

German U-boats were submarines used by Germany during World War 1 to attack enemy ships. They played a crucial role in naval warfare, especially in disrupting supply lines and attempting to cut off Britain from receiving essential resources.

Analogy

Imagine you're playing a game of hide-and-seek in a swimming pool with your friends. You decide to be the sneaky U-boat submarine, quietly lurking underwater and trying to surprise your friends by tagging them when they least expect it.

Related terms

Naval Blockade: A military strategy where a country uses its navy to prevent supplies from reaching its enemy. In WW1, British naval blockade aimed at cutting off Germany's access to vital resources.

Convoys: Groups of ships traveling together for protection. During WW1, convoys were used as countermeasures against U-boat attacks.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare: A policy adopted by Germany during WW1 where they would sink any ship without warning, even neutral ones, leading to the loss of civilian lives and eventually drawing the United States into the war.