Kriegsmarine: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Kriegsmarine_insignia_casco.svg|thumb|Kriegsmarine_insignia_casco]] [[file:War_Ensign_of_Germany_(1935-1938).svg|right|thumb|War_Ensign_of_Germany_(1935-1938)]] [[file:War_Ensign_of_Germany_1938-1945.svg|right|thumb|War_Ensign_of_Germany_1938-1945]] [[file:Marinefahne_links.svg|thumb|Marinefahne_links]] [[file:Bundesarchiv_Bild_101II-M2KBK-245-12,_Frankreich,_M-Boot_im_Hafen.jpg|thumb|Bundesarchiv_Bild_101II-M2KBK-245-12,_Frankreich,_M-Boot_im_Hafen]] [[file:Tirpitz_altafjord_2.jpg|thumb|Tirpitz_altafjord_2]] [[file:Nazi_orders_against_Jews_Liepaja_1941_01.jpg|thumb|Nazi_orders_against_Jews_Liepaja_1941_01]] {{Infobox military unit
[[File:War Ensign of Germany (1935-1938).svg|thumb]] [[File:War Ensign of Germany 1938-1945.svg|thumb]] [[File:Marinefahne links.svg|thumb]] [[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 146-1980-128-63, Erich Raeder.jpg|thumb]] {{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Kriegsmarine
| unit_name = Kriegsmarine
| native_name =  
| native_name =  
| image = Reichskriegsflagge.svg
| image =  
| image_size = 200px
| caption =  
| caption = War ensign of the Kriegsmarine
| dates = 1935–1945
| dates = 1935–1945
| country = [[Nazi Germany]]
| country = Nazi Germany
| allegiance =  
| allegiance =  
| branch = [[Wehrmacht]]
| branch =  
| type =  
| type = Navy
| role =  
| role =  
| size =  
| size =  
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| march =  
| march =  
| mascot =  
| mascot =  
| equipment =
| equipment_label =
| battles = [[World War II]]
| battles = [[World War II]]
| anniversaries =  
| anniversaries =  
| decorations =  
| decorations =  
| battle_honours =  
| battle_honours =  
| disbanded =
| flying_hours =
| website =
| commander1 =  
| commander1 =  
| commander1_label =  
| commander1_label =  
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| commander3 =  
| commander3 =  
| commander3_label =  
| commander3_label =  
| commander3_label =
| notable_commanders =  
| notable_commanders = [[Erich Raeder]], [[Karl Dönitz]]
| identification_symbol =  
| identification_symbol =  
| identification_symbol_label =  
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The '''Kriegsmarine''' was the navy of [[Nazi Germany]] from 1935 to 1945. It was one of the three official branches of the [[Wehrmacht]], the armed forces of [[Nazi Germany]], alongside the [[Heer]] (army) and the [[Luftwaffe]] (air force). The Kriegsmarine played a significant role during [[World War II]], engaging in various naval battles and operations.
The '''Kriegsmarine''' was the navy of [[Nazi Germany]] from 1935 to 1945. It was one of the three official branches of the [[Wehrmacht]], the armed forces of Nazi Germany, alongside the [[Heer]] (army) and the [[Luftwaffe]] (air force). The Kriegsmarine played a significant role during [[World War II]], engaging in various naval battles and operations.


== History ==
==History==
The Kriegsmarine was officially established on 1 June 1935, following the renaming of the [[Reichsmarine]], which was the navy of the [[Weimar Republic]]. The establishment of the Kriegsmarine marked a significant expansion and modernization of Germany's naval forces, in violation of the [[Treaty of Versailles]].
The Kriegsmarine was established in 1935, following the renaming of the [[Reichsmarine]], which was the navy of the [[Weimar Republic]]. The establishment of the Kriegsmarine marked a significant expansion and modernization of Germany's naval forces, in violation of the [[Treaty of Versailles]], which had imposed strict limitations on the size and capabilities of the German military after [[World War I]].


Under the leadership of [[Grand Admiral]] [[Erich Raeder]], the Kriegsmarine focused on building a powerful fleet, including [[battleships]], [[U-boats]], and other warships. Raeder was succeeded by [[Karl Dönitz]] in 1943, who emphasized the use of U-boats in the [[Battle of the Atlantic]].
Under the leadership of [[Grand Admiral]] [[Erich Raeder]], the Kriegsmarine embarked on an ambitious shipbuilding program, which included the construction of [[battleships]], [[U-boats]], and other warships. The aim was to challenge the naval supremacy of the [[Royal Navy]] and to secure Germany's maritime interests.


== Major Operations ==
==Major Operations==
The Kriegsmarine was involved in several key operations during World War II, including:
The Kriegsmarine was involved in several key operations during World War II:


* The [[Invasion of Poland (1939)|Invasion of Poland]] in 1939, where it supported the [[Heer]] with naval bombardments and troop landings.
* '''[[Operation Weserübung]]''': The invasion of [[Norway]] and [[Denmark]] in April 1940, which aimed to secure strategic positions in Scandinavia and protect Germany's iron ore supply from [[Sweden]].
* The [[Norwegian Campaign]] in 1940, which aimed to secure strategic ports and resources in [[Norway]].
* The [[Battle of the Atlantic]], a prolonged naval campaign to disrupt Allied shipping and supply lines using U-boats.
* The [[Operation Rheinübung]], which included the deployment of the battleship [[Bismarck]].


== Notable Ships ==
* '''[[Battle of the Atlantic]]''': A prolonged naval campaign to disrupt Allied shipping routes across the Atlantic Ocean. The Kriegsmarine deployed [[U-boats]] in "wolfpack" tactics to attack convoys, aiming to cut off supplies to [[Great Britain]].
Some of the most notable ships of the Kriegsmarine included:


* The battleship ''[[Bismarck (ship)|Bismarck]]'', which was one of the largest and most powerful battleships of its time.
* '''[[Operation Rheinübung]]''': The sortie of the battleship [[Bismarck]] and the heavy cruiser [[Prinz Eugen]] in May 1941, which resulted in the sinking of the British battlecruiser [[HMS Hood]] but ultimately led to the destruction of the Bismarck.
* The heavy cruiser ''[[Admiral Graf Spee]]'', which was involved in the [[Battle of the River Plate]].
* The U-boat ''[[U-47]]'', commanded by [[Günther Prien]], known for its successful attack on the British battleship [[HMS Royal Oak (08)|HMS ''Royal Oak'']].


== Command Structure ==
==Decline and Dissolution==
The Kriegsmarine was commanded by the [[Oberkommando der Marine]] (OKM), which was responsible for strategic planning and overall command. The OKM was part of the larger [[Oberkommando der Wehrmacht]] (OKW), the high command of the German armed forces.
As the war progressed, the Kriegsmarine faced increasing challenges. The Allies improved their anti-submarine warfare tactics, and the introduction of [[convoy]] systems and [[radar]] technology reduced the effectiveness of U-boat attacks. The Kriegsmarine also suffered from resource shortages and strategic missteps.


== Disbandment ==
In 1943, [[Karl Dönitz]] replaced Raeder as the commander of the Kriegsmarine. Despite efforts to revitalize the U-boat fleet, the Kriegsmarine was unable to turn the tide of the war. Following Germany's defeat in May 1945, the Kriegsmarine was dissolved, and its remaining ships were either scuttled or distributed among the Allied powers.
Following Germany's defeat in World War II, the Kriegsmarine was officially disbanded in 1945. Its remaining ships were either scuttled, surrendered to the Allies, or used for post-war minesweeping operations.


== Legacy ==
==Legacy==
The legacy of the Kriegsmarine is complex, as it was part of the military forces of Nazi Germany. Its technological advancements, particularly in submarine warfare, had a lasting impact on naval strategy and tactics.
The legacy of the Kriegsmarine is complex. While it demonstrated tactical innovation and bravery, particularly in the U-boat campaigns, it was also a tool of Nazi aggression and contributed to the devastation of World War II. The post-war [[Bundesmarine]] (Federal Navy) of [[West Germany]] and the [[Volksmarine]] (People's Navy) of [[East Germany]] were established under different political contexts and with different missions.


== Related Pages ==
==Also see==
* [[Wehrmacht]]
* [[Wehrmacht]]
* [[Luftwaffe]]
* [[Luftwaffe]]
* [[Heer]]
* [[Heer]]
* [[World War II]]
* [[U-boat]]
* [[Erich Raeder]]
* [[Karl Dönitz]]
* [[Bismarck (ship)]]
* [[Battle of the Atlantic]]
* [[Battle of the Atlantic]]
* [[Bismarck (battleship)]]
{{World War II}}
{{Germany}}


[[Category:Kriegsmarine]]
[[Category:Kriegsmarine]]
[[Category:Military history of Germany during World War II]]
[[Category:Military history of Germany during World War II]]
[[Category:Naval history of Germany]]
[[Category:Naval history of World War II]]
 
{{Nazi Germany military}}
{{medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 15:31, 9 December 2024



Active1935–1945
Disbanded
CountryNazi Germany
Allegiance
Branch
TypeNavy
Role
Size
Part of
Garrison/HQ



The Kriegsmarine was the navy of Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1945. It was one of the three official branches of the Wehrmacht, the armed forces of Nazi Germany, alongside the Heer (army) and the Luftwaffe (air force). The Kriegsmarine played a significant role during World War II, engaging in various naval battles and operations.

History[edit]

The Kriegsmarine was established in 1935, following the renaming of the Reichsmarine, which was the navy of the Weimar Republic. The establishment of the Kriegsmarine marked a significant expansion and modernization of Germany's naval forces, in violation of the Treaty of Versailles, which had imposed strict limitations on the size and capabilities of the German military after World War I.

Under the leadership of Grand Admiral Erich Raeder, the Kriegsmarine embarked on an ambitious shipbuilding program, which included the construction of battleships, U-boats, and other warships. The aim was to challenge the naval supremacy of the Royal Navy and to secure Germany's maritime interests.

Major Operations[edit]

The Kriegsmarine was involved in several key operations during World War II:

  • Battle of the Atlantic: A prolonged naval campaign to disrupt Allied shipping routes across the Atlantic Ocean. The Kriegsmarine deployed U-boats in "wolfpack" tactics to attack convoys, aiming to cut off supplies to Great Britain.

Decline and Dissolution[edit]

As the war progressed, the Kriegsmarine faced increasing challenges. The Allies improved their anti-submarine warfare tactics, and the introduction of convoy systems and radar technology reduced the effectiveness of U-boat attacks. The Kriegsmarine also suffered from resource shortages and strategic missteps.

In 1943, Karl Dönitz replaced Raeder as the commander of the Kriegsmarine. Despite efforts to revitalize the U-boat fleet, the Kriegsmarine was unable to turn the tide of the war. Following Germany's defeat in May 1945, the Kriegsmarine was dissolved, and its remaining ships were either scuttled or distributed among the Allied powers.

Legacy[edit]

The legacy of the Kriegsmarine is complex. While it demonstrated tactical innovation and bravery, particularly in the U-boat campaigns, it was also a tool of Nazi aggression and contributed to the devastation of World War II. The post-war Bundesmarine (Federal Navy) of West Germany and the Volksmarine (People's Navy) of East Germany were established under different political contexts and with different missions.

Also see[edit]