The Early Development and Strategic Evolution of Submarines in World War I

Traditional narratives often misattribute the development and initiative of submarine technology during the early 20th century to Germany. However, a closer look at historical records reveals that France, the USA, and Britain were the pioneers in submarine development. Germany's lack of early initiative was due to the practical limitations of its geographical position and strategic interests. This article aims to clarify misconceptions and provide a comprehensive overview of submarine development and strategic evolution during World War I.

Historical Context and Early Developments

Submarines have a long history, but the first operational submarine is believed to have been built in England by a Dutchman in 1620, powered by oars. By the late 18th century, the American inventor David Bushnell developed the Turtle, the first submarine to conduct combat. In 1800, Robert Fulton, an American living in France, designed the Nautilus, the first submarine to feature a hand-cranked propeller capable of diving to nine meters and remaining underwater for up to an hour. This pioneering design laid the foundation for future advancements in submarine technology. In 1863, the H.L. Hunley sank an enemy ship during combat, further demonstrating the potential of submarines to change naval warfare.

Frensh Naval Pioneers

The French Navy took the lead in the early 20th century, with the construction of the Gymnaste in 1888, which became the first modern submarine. It was powered by an electric motor and capable of 7 knots on the surface and 4 knots submerged. The Gymnaste featured hydroplanes for underwater maneuvering and ballast tanks for submerging. By the beginning of 1904, the French Navy had 21 submarines in service, surpassing most other nations.

US Naval Initiatives

While the US Navy showed interest in submarines, their developments were slower compared to the French. In 1900, the US commissioned the USS Holland, also known as SS-1, designed by Irish-American John Holland. This submarine had an internal combustion engine for surface travel and an electric engine for underwater use. By the beginning of 1904, the US Navy had 8 submarines in service. The British, following the French and US examples, also began to acquire submarines for defensive purposes against potential blockades.

British Naval Measures and Early Production

The Royal Navy was initially concerned about how to defend their fleet rather than engage in offensive operations. However, after the French and American expansions, the Admiralty decided to order five submarines from the Electric Boat Company licensed for production by Vickers. These submarines, named Holland 1-5, were launched between 1901 and 1902. By 1904, the Royal Navy had 9 submarines in service.

German Naval Lag and Strategic Focus

Germany's naval strategy was primarily focused on surface warfare and naval blockades. They showed little interest in submarines until 1904, when Admiral Tirpitz ordered the development of a submarine design. The first German submarine, U-1, was completed in 1906, followed by U-2 in 1908. By the start of World War I, Germany had 31 submarines, but most were designed for defensive purposes.

Strategic Application During World War I

During World War I, submarines were primarily used defensively, either to sortie out from blockaded ports or to ambush enemy battlefleets. The problem was that the German and Austro-Hungarian fleets almost never left port, limiting the targets for Allied submarines. The British, however, conducted bold operations such as sending submarines to attack Ottoman and German ships.

The Germans made the controversial decision to use submarines to attack unarmed civilian ships, particularly the RMS Lusitania, in 1915. This decision led to international outrage and eventually the USA entering the war in 1917. Despite this, Britain did not succumb to starvation, thanks to the introduction of the convoy system, which halved monthly losses to U-boats from September 1917 onwards.

The early development of submarines by France, the USA, and Britain set the stage for the strategic evolution of submarine warfare during World War I. Germany's late entry and focus on defensive strategies caused significant delays in their military application, ultimately contributing to their strategic disadvantage.