Graf Spee,Admiral, one of three German pocket battleships, built to evade treaty provisions intended to prevent Germany from having big-gun ships. They were of cruiser size, but had 11-inch (280-mm) guns. In World War II they attacked British shipping. On December 13, 1939, the Admiral Graf Spee was damaged by three British cruisers. It escaped to Montevideo, Uruguay, where it was scuttled by its crew.
- Home >
- Culture >
- History >
- World Wars >
- World War II >
- Glossary
Graf Spee
Cite This!
Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks article:
"Graf Spee" 27 February 2008. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://history.howstuffworks.com/world-war-ii/graf-spee.htm> 10 February 2012.
Cite
You Might Also Like
World War II Timeline
World War II was a horrific period in history during which 50 million people perished from death camps, atomic bombs, and years of battle. Often called the Janus event of the 20th century, WWII is truly unforgettable. Learn how the Allies defeated Nazi Germany.
Who was Rosie the Riveter?
With her stoic expression and flexed bicep, Rosie the Riveter really can do it. And for the women of the World War II generation, that meant anything from riveting to welding. But even Rosie's pert, polka-dotted headscarf scraped the glass ceiling.
