The first U-boats in America -- They are here at last -- Fighting the U-boats -- Delivered into allied hands -- Selling bonds -- The first submarine on the Great Lakes -- The epic voyage of UB-88 -- The sinkings -- Rediscovering the U-boats.
Summary:
The submarine was one of the most revolutionary weapons of World War I, inciting both terror and fascination for militaries and civilians alike. During the war, after U-boats sank the Lusitania and began daring attacks on shipping vessels off the East Coast, the American press dubbed these weapons Hun Devil Boats, Sea Thugs, and Baby Killers. But at the conflicts conclusion, the U.S. Navy acquired six U-boats to study and to serve as war souvenirs. Until their destruction under armistice terms in 1921, these six U-boats served as U.S. Navy ships, manned by American crews. The ships visited eighty American cities to promote the sale of victory bonds and to recruit sailors, allowing hundreds of thousands of Americans to see up close the weapon that had so captured the publics imagination.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.