How did the Haber-Bosch process affect Germany during World War I?

The Haber-Bosch process was critical to Germany during World War I, as it allowed the nation to bypass the British Royal Navy blockade that had cut off access to natural nitrate deposits in Chile.1

By enabling the industrial synthesis of ammonia from atmospheric nitrogen, the process provided Germany with the essential raw material to manufacture nitric acid and other nitrates. These compounds were vital for the production of explosives and munitions, which were necessary to sustain the German war effort. It is widely argued that without this capability to produce its own synthetic nitrates, Germany would have been unable to maintain its military operations and likely would have been forced to surrender within a few months of the blockade.12

Beyond its role in munitions, the process also supported the production of fertilizers, which were crucial for maintaining food production during the conflict.1