Definition:
A strategy of naval warfare, guerre de course calls for a navy to attack the merchant shipping of an enemy with the goal of cutting off supplies and causing economic damage. Through the 19th century, this approach was generally conducted by a navy along with privately financed ships known as privateers. In the 20th century, guerre de course was typically conducted by submarines.
Pronunciation: gâr duh kohrs
Also Known As: Literally translates to "war of race." Guerre de course is commonly referred to as commerce raiding.
Examples:
Famous guerre de course campaigns include:
- The United States against Great Britain in the War of 1812.
- CSS Alabama against Union shipping in the American Civil War.
- Germany's U-boat campaigns in World War I and World War II.
- The US Navy's submarine campaign against Japan in World War II.
