What was the goal of submarine warfare in the Atlantic and Pacific?

The goal of submarine warfare during World War II was primarily focused on disrupting and destroying enemy supply lines and naval capabilities. In the Atlantic, German U-boats aimed to cut off supply routes to the Allies, particularly targeting merchant ships bringing resources from North America to Europe. The effectiveness of this strategy was crucial to Germany's overall military strategy, as it sought to weaken the Allied nations' ability to sustain their war efforts.

In the Pacific, the United States employed submarines strategically to target Japanese shipping and warships, undermining Japan’s logistics and resupply efforts. This was vital in the vast oceanic theaters of the Pacific, where supply lines were extended and critical for sustaining military operations.

Thus, the sequence of the nations involved is significant. It indicates that the German submarines were primarily focused on disrupting U.S. supply lines, while U.S. submarines were engaged against Japan. This order correctly represents the initiatives undertaken by each country's naval forces with respect to submarine warfare in both theaters during the war. This strategic emphasis on cutting the enemy's supply chain highlights the critical role submarines played in World War II.