In 1914, the Royal Navy blockaded German ports. This prevented ships delivering food and vital war supplies to Germany.

The impact of the naval blockade on Germany grew worse as the war progressed and was one of the main reasons for Germany's surrender in 1918. It affected Germany in the following ways:

• ❖ Economically: A lack of coal, iron and other raw materials hampered industrial production.
• ❖ Socially: Food, fuel and medicine was short. Germany's citizens endured the 'turnip winter' of 1916-17 and hundreds of thousands died from starvation.
• ❖ Militarily: A lack of resources meant ammunition and weapons were in short supply by 1918, while troops went hungry. In November, 1918, the navy mutinied.
• ❖ Politically: German citizens grew increasingly tired of the war and protests grew. In 1918 there were revolutions in some areas and demands for the abdication of the Kaiser.