Blockade of the Eastern Mediterranean facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Blockade of the Eastern Mediterranean
Part of World War I
Date 25 August 1915 – 1918 Location Eastern Mediterranean Result Allied victory
Belligerents
United Kingdom  France	Ottoman Empire  German Empire  Austria-Hungary
Units involved
Royal Navy French Navy	Ottoman Navy

During World War I, on August 25, 1915, the Allied powers (like Britain and France) officially started a blockade. This meant they tried to stop ships from entering or leaving the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. The blocked area stretched from the Aegean Sea in the north down to the border of Egypt in the south.

This blockade was aimed at the Ottoman Empire, which was part of the Central Powers (the other side in the war). It made it very hard for people living in the Ottoman Empire to get food and other important supplies. Prices for goods went up very quickly. This blockade hasn't been studied as much as the one against Germany during the same war.

David Lloyd George, who was the British Prime Minister at the time, explained why they used naval blockades. He believed that controlling the seas was super important for winning the war. He thought that if the Allies could keep control of the sea, the Central Powers might eventually run out of food and supplies and have to give up. So, causing a possible famine was seen as a very strong weapon. As long as Britain ruled the waves, they and their allies wouldn't run out of food or war materials.

The blockade also caused a terrible famine in a place called Mount Lebanon, and many people had to leave their homes. The British thought the blockade would work well in the Levantine Sea. They also hoped that if Sharif Hussein rebelled against the Ottomans, it would help lift a blockade in the Red Sea. However, the French started to have doubts when they heard about the famine. They began to think that sending aid might be more helpful for the Allies than continuing the blockade.

What is a Blockade?

A blockade is like a military fence around a port or a whole coastline. Its main goal is to stop goods, especially food and weapons, from getting in or out. During wartime, countries use blockades to weaken their enemies. By cutting off supplies, they hope to force the enemy to surrender.

Why Blockade the Eastern Mediterranean?

The Allies wanted to cut off the Ottoman Empire from getting supplies. The Ottoman Empire was a key member of the Central Powers. By blocking their access to the sea, the Allies hoped to:

• Stop them from getting food and other goods.
• Prevent them from moving troops and supplies by sea.
• Weaken their economy and their ability to fight.

Impact on People

The blockade had a very serious effect on ordinary people.

• Food Shortages: With ships unable to bring in food, many areas faced severe shortages.
• Rising Prices: When food was scarce, its price went up a lot, making it unaffordable for many families.
• Famine: In some regions, like Mount Lebanon, the blockade directly led to a terrible famine. Many people starved.
• Migration: Because of the lack of food and harsh conditions, many people were forced to leave their homes to find food or safety.

See also

• Great Famine of Mount Lebanon
• Blockade of Germany