Why did German ships begin to attack US ships in 1941 before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
German ships began attacking US ships in 1941 primarily because of the United States' decision to provide military and economic support to Allied powers, particularly Britain and the Soviet Union, during World War II. The US had implemented policies such as the Lend-Lease Act, which provided supplies and equipment to these countries, as well as actively patrolling and protecting shipping lanes in the Atlantic Ocean against German U-boats.
Additionally, the US had also engaged in actions that directly challenged Germany's interests, such as the occupation of Iceland and increasing naval presence in the Atlantic. These actions were seen as a threat to German military operations and the supply lines for their war effort.
As a result, Germany began to view US ships as legitimate targets in the Atlantic Ocean. This escalated tensions between the two countries and eventually played a role in the United States' entry into World War II following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.