@MageOhki
Admiral King being 100% responsible for the events of the American Eastern Seaboard, I am sorry sir, but I must disagree, 80 to 90% is in my opinion more like it. If we look at what happened, we can see that there were a number of factors that came together, to produce a perfect storm.
Was the events predictable yes, at the close of WWI, one of the top American Admirals had written of such a campaign. And given the events in the present conflict, it only made sense that the Germans would switch their efforts in the event of America joining the war. The failure of the American Naval establishment to properly plan for such an event, was criminal. As were the constant excuses as to why they couldn't introduce convoys. Not enough escorts, no planes, no airfields, etc, etc, we can not turn the lights off, it might upset the tourists.
With two years to plan from the outbreak of the war, and the certainty that America would be involved to some extent. And with twenty years since the end of WWI, and years of war games conducted by the American Navy. A basic war plan should have been on the shelf, ready to be taken down, dusted off and put in place, until it could be modified in light of experience. Note the British had their plan in place pre war, quickly implemented it, despite all the shortages that the Americans moaned about, and then worked to make up for the short comings.
While there never was any need for a national blackout in America, there was a need for a coastal blackout, and legislation should have been in place, ready to enact. The basic plan should have taken into account the initial shortages, and been ready to go, making best use of what was available.
Historically the American Navy had abrogated the control of the Atlantic to the RN, as only the RN could project its power across the width of the Ocean. The emasculation of the German surface fleet as a result of the Versailles, meant that the only possible contender for conflict in the Atlantic was the RN. Hence the numerous War Plane Red, Scarlet, Maroon, Burgundy, Pink etc, war games run, during the interwar years. If during these games, and the odd Black game, no consideration to a submarine campaign off the East Coast was included, then that is a major failing of the American Naval Establishment.
King wasn't a god, and he needed the both the American political and naval establishment to allow him to act as he did. His personal fixation with the Japanese, Anglophobia, and general stubbornness were well known, and should have been controlled. That no one was prepared to call him to task, or give him a direct order, was criminal, and an indictment of the lack of political will. This is a major difference between the American and the British way, after the problems in WWI, with both Haig and Fisher, British politicians made sure that they were in control, not the Admirals or Generals.
The changes ITTL that have taken place, will even if there is no change in the American response to Germany declaring war against them. Will see a reduction in the effects of the German East Coast submarine campaign, if nothing else the British are in a slightly better position. If someone is prepared to grab King tightly by his nuts, and force him to do what needs to be done. Then the Germans will quickly find the happy times are over.
RR.
