Did Germany Break the Sussex Pledge and Resume Unrestricted Warfare?

Explore whether Germany honored the Sussex Pledge before its shift to unrestricted submarine warfare in WWI.

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Germany initially adhered to the Sussex Pledge, promising not to attack merchant ships without warning. However, in 1917, it resumed unrestricted submarine warfare due to strategic military needs, breaking the pledge. This decision played a major role in the U.S. entering World War I. The Sussex Pledge is significant as it reflects wartime negotiations and the challenges in balancing military strategy with diplomatic agreements.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What was the Sussex Pledge? The Sussex Pledge was a promise made by Germany during World War I to not attack merchant ships without warning. This pledge aimed to maintain diplomatic relations, especially with the United States.
  2. Why did Germany break the Sussex Pledge? Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare in 1917 due to strategic military needs, which led to breaking the Sussex Pledge and significantly contributed to the U.S. entering World War I.
  3. How did the Sussex Pledge affect U.S. involvement in World War I? The breaking of the Sussex Pledge by Germany was one of the pivotal factors that prompted the United States to join World War I, as it heightened tensions and demonstrated Germany's disregard for diplomatic agreements.
  4. What were the consequences of unrestricted submarine warfare? Unrestricted submarine warfare led to increased losses of civilian and merchant ships, heightened international tensions, and ultimately contributed to the United States' decision to enter World War I.