World War II German Naval Policies
...ods that were not intended for war use with other nations. Americans also had the right to ride on merchant ships safely. Americans were outraged at the violation of citizen’s neutral rights as German submarines took an increasing amount of American lives. Britain blockaded American trade with the Central Powers, but Americans were less angered because the British interference with the neutral rights did not endanger American lives. In 1915 the British passenger liner, the Lusitania, was sunk by a German U-boat. The Germans did not search the ship for war goods or provide for the safety of the passengers and crew. Over one thousand people were killed in the attack, including one hundred Americans. President Wilson responded by sending several protesting the illegal and inhumane act to Germany. The Germans claimed the Lusitania was carrying contraband illegally and that Americans were warned to stay off the Lusitania in a newspaper advertisement. The Germans continued unrestricted submarine warfare until the Sussex incident. The unarmed French vessel was torpedoed by a German U-boat, injuring a number of American passengers. President Wilson was outraged at the atrocity and threatened to sever diplomatic relations of all kinds with Germany. Germany responded with the Sussex Pledge. The pledge stated German submarines would not sink merchant vessels without first attempting to spare people’s lives. Germany was not yet well enough prepared to risk full-fledged war with America. The German leaders believed they now had e...