Dönitz's legacy: U-boat advocate, not broad naval strategist

The closing assessment argues that Dönitz advanced through political connections, persistence, and a shortage of alternative candidates rather than demonstrated breadth in high command. He is judged a one-method commander, and even the wolfpack concept originated with someone else. The earlier concept relied on submarines coordinating locally through low-powered, short-range radio while headquarters supplied only broad patrol information. Dönitz instead centralized communications and micromanaged the packs, increasing dependence on headquarters and exposing the system to signals intelligence. The final judgement gives him more credit as a determined advocate for U-boats than as an admiral responsible for balanced naval strategy and command.