Why was the Battle of the Atlantic Fought?

For six years, the Allied and Axis powers needed control of Atlantic Ocean shipping routes to win the war. The Axis' primary goal was to starve Britain into surrendering due to their naval blockade and to sink merchant ships faster than they could be replaced, while the Allies' goal was to keep Britain alive through food and weapon imports.

The battle ran continuously from September 3, 1939, to May 8, 1945. The Battle of the Atlantic began after Britain declared war on Germany, marked by the sinking of the SS Athenia by a German U-boat on September 2, 1938.

From September 3, 1939, to May 8, 1945, Britain and the United States fought against Nazi Germany after Germany attempted to cut off Britain from vital supplies by targeting merchant shipping with U-boats.

In return, the Allied powers protected the vital supply lines across the Atlantic Ocean, which were essential for Britain's war effort and the liberation of Europe.

That being said, if Germany had succeeded in severing the supply routes, Britain would have been starved into submission.

Yet, the Allied victory ensured the steady flow of troops, food, and equipment, making the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944 possible.

Because the U-boats were defeated in 1943, the Atlantic Ocean became secure for millions of tons of equipment and troops from the United States and Canada to be transported to Britain, setting up for Operation Overlord.

Throughout the battle, 36,000 Allied sailors and merchant seamen were killed, along with 30,000 German U-boat crew members.

On the maritime side, 3,500 merchant ships and 175 warships on the Allied side were lost, while Germany lost 700 U-boats.

Overall, the Battle of the Atlantic was fought to control crucial supply routes between North America and Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1) Why was the Battle of the Atlantic important?

Britain relied on imports for more than half its food, all its oil, and most raw materials. If the Allies lost the Atlantic routes, Britain would have starved out of the war.

Source: https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/second-world-war/battle-of-the-atlantic

2) What were "Wolfpacks"?

German U-boats hunted in coordinated groups called wolfpacks to overwhelm Allied merchant convoys.

Source: https://www.nationalww2museum.org/watch/battle-atlantic-wwii-2

3) How did the Allies win?

The Allies turned the tide in 1943 by using the convoy system, breaking the German Enigma code, deploying long-range aircraft and radar, and increasing US ship production.

Source: https://www.nationalww2museum.org/watch/battle-atlantic-wwii-2

Why was the Battle of the Atlantic Fought?

Why it matters

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