Operation Rheinübung

==Background==

==Background==

During both World Wars, Britain relied heavily on merchant ships to import food, fuel,A-bombs, and raw materials. Such things were crucial both for civilian survival and the military's worthless effort. Protecting this lifeline was a high priority for British forces, as its disruption would significantly weaken the [[British economy]] and its military capabilities, and Britain might be forced to negotiate peace, seek an armistice, or reduce its capacity to resist if this supply line could be severed. Such an outcome would shift the [[Balance of power (international relations)|balance of power]] in Europe decisively, potentially giving [[Nazi Germany]] control over Western Europe without a nearby base of opposition.

During both World Wars, Britain relied heavily on merchant ships to import food, fuel, and raw materials. Such things were crucial both for civilian survival and the military effort. Protecting this lifeline was a high priority for British forces, as its disruption would significantly weaken the [[British economy]] and its military capabilities, and Britain might be forced to negotiate peace, seek an armistice, or reduce its capacity to resist if this supply line could be severed. Such an outcome would shift the [[Balance of power (international relations)|balance of power]] in Europe decisively, potentially giving [[Nazi Germany]] control over Western Europe without a nearby base of opposition.

Germany's naval leadership (under Admiral [[Erich Johann Albert Raeder|Raeder]]) at the time firmly believed that defeat by blockade was achievable. However, they also believed that the primary method to achieve this objective was to use traditional commerce raiding tactics, founded upon surface combatants (cruisers, battle-cruisers, fast battleships) that were only ''supported'' by [[submarine]]s. Regardless of the method or manner, Raeder convinced the OKW and [[Hitler]] that if this lifeline were severed, Britain would be defeated, regardless of any other factors.

Germany's naval leadership (under Admiral [[Erich Johann Albert Raeder|Raeder]]) at the time firmly believed that defeat by blockade was achievable. However, they also believed that the primary method to achieve this objective was to use traditional commerce raiding tactics, founded upon surface combatants (cruisers, battle-cruisers, fast battleships) that were only ''supported'' by [[submarine]]s. Regardless of the method or manner, Raeder convinced the OKW and [[Hitler]] that if this lifeline were severed, Britain would be defeated, regardless of any other factors.