[loop1988]

To what extent did Maritime power shape the outcome of World War One?

I have to complete 2000 words for this essay, I have written in great detail about the blockade but other than that I do not know what else to include and can not seem to find much online.

[MrJohnDClare]

(Please don't forget to say please - everybody does on this forum and we need the older members to set the standard)


You need to look at the question again.

It is a question on why the Allies won the war.
It needs you to measure the contributory effect of maritime power (Jutland/ the Blockade) AGAINST all the other factors (Western Front, Eastern Front, Gallipoli etc.)

I would try to prove that maritime power was the key - but you will need to soend part of your essay talking about wht events on the western front (etc) did NOT win the war, as well as why the blockade DID.

And a conclusion/evaluation to explain why.

[Mr. D. Bryant]

Or you could argue that the contribution of maritime warfare was essentially negative, despite British expectations before the war. The German surface fleet proved unable to break the grip of the Royal Navy, albeit achieving a limited tactical success at Jutland. Conversely, the British were unable to exercise control over the German coastline or affect operations on the Western Front.

Unrestricted submarine warfare by the Germans was counter-productive, helping cause American entry into the war and failing to make Britain sue for peace. (I would suggest having a look at this thread for more information).

The only area for which great claims have been made is the Allied blockade of Germany and her allies. However, this too has been challenged in recent years by some historians who regard the Western Front as decisive.