History Time Line 8: The War at Sea, 1915-18 Flashcards
What was the first major sea battle? When? Who won?
Battle of Dogger Bank. January 24, 1915. Britain.
When was the first round of German unrestricted submarine warfare? What was the notable sinking during this period? When?
March-September 1915. The [British] Cunard Liner Lusitania, which carried Americans. May 7, 1915.
What was the largest sea battle of WWI? When? Who won?
Battle of Jutland. May 31-June 1, 1916. Book calls it a German tactical victory. (Context from Perplexity.ai: Tactical Outcome
In terms of immediate losses:
The British suffered greater casualties, with 6,094 sailors lost compared to 2,551 German casualties.
The Royal Navy lost 14 ships, while the German Navy lost 116.
These numbers suggest a tactical advantage for Germany in the short term.
Strategic Outcome
Despite the higher British losses, the battle’s strategic consequences favored the British:
The German High Seas Fleet retreated to port and did not challenge British naval supremacy again during World War I.
The Royal Navy maintained its command of the North Sea and the Atlantic, continuing its crucial blockade of Germany.
British naval dominance remained intact, allowing for continued control of vital shipping lanes.
Long-term Impact
The battle’s aftermath had significant implications:
Germany, unable to break British naval power, turned to unrestricted submarine warfare.
This decision ultimately contributed to bringing the United States into the war against Germany.
The British Grand Fleet remained the dominant naval force for the rest of the war.
Conclusion
While Germany could claim a tactical victory based on ship and personnel losses, Britain achieved a strategic victory by maintaining naval superiority and control of the seas. This strategic advantage played a crucial role in the eventual Allied victory in World War I
When was the second round of German unrestricted submarine warfare?
February 1917.
Where did the Russian Navy mutiny? Where?
March 1917. The Baltic.
How did the allies respond to the second round of German unrestricted submarine warfare? When?
With anti-submarine convoys in May 1917.
Who won the Battle of the Otranto Straits? When?
The Austro-Hungarians on May 15, 1917.
The Austro-Hungarian navy faced unrest and mutinies. Name one of each.
Unrest at Pola in July 1917 and mutiny at Cattaro in February 1918 and mutiny at Pola in October 1918.
Was the German navy immune from unrest?
No, there was unrest at Willhelmshaven in July-August of 1917 and mutiny there in 1918.
Aside from submarine warfare, what other naval innovation took place during WWI?
The first raid by aircraft from an aircraft carrier (the HMS Furious) on July 19,1918.
