Sub+warfare+WW1

E. Submarine warfare

1. Britain had blockaded German ports in the north, so Germany responded by blocking British ports with U-boats. 2. Submarines were supposed to search any suspicious cargo ships before sinking them. Neutral ships were to be left alone. 3. Frustrated with the British efforts to sink the U-boats, the Germans began sinking any boat going to Great Britain, even warning countries of this (took out adds in NYC newspapers, etc.) 4. The US government bristled at the German subs and said "we are neutral and can trade with anyone we want" 5. President Wilson told the German government that they would be punished if any Americans were hurt traveling to and from Britain. 6. Lusitania is sunk on May 7, 1915 with 1200 passengers including 128 Americans. This infuriated the US and took us a step closer to war (but not yet!).