"'The Spirit of the Army’at Sea: The Prussian-German Naval Officer Corps, 1847–1897." International History Review 17.3 (1995): 459–484. Steinberg, Jonathan.
"German Navies from 1848 to 2016: Their Development and Courses from Confrontation to Cooperation." Naval War College Review 70.4 (2017).
German Naval Strategy, 1856-1888: Forerunners to Tirpitz (2004). Parkinson, Roger.
German gunboat diplomacy in China in the age of imperialism), Bochum 2004. Gerhard Wiechmann: Die preußisch-deutsche Marine in Lateinamerika 1866–1914.
Eine Studie deutscher Kanonenbootpolitik (The Prussian-German Navy in Latin America 1866–1914.
It existed between 1871 and 1919, growing out of the small Prussian Navy (from 1867 the North German Federal Navy), which primarily had the mission of coastal defence.
The navy remained the same as that operated by the empire's predecessor organisation in the unification of Germany, the North German Confederation, which itself in 1867 had inherited the navy of the Kingdom of Prussia.
"Strategic Aspects of the Anglo-German Naval Race", in Kennedy, Strategy and Diplomacy 1870–1915 (1983) Olivier, David H.
It existed between 1871 and 1919, growing out of the small Prussian Navy (from 1867 the North German Federal Navy), which primarily had the mission of coastal defence.
The Kaiser’s Battlefleet: German Capital Ships 1871–1918 (Seaforth Publishing, 2016). Epkenhans, Michael.
The former Navy Ministry became the Imperial Admiralty on 1 February 1872, while Stosch became formally an admiral in 1875.
The Imperial Navy's tasks were then to prevent any invasion force from landing and to protect coastal towns from possible bombardment. In March 1872 a German Imperial Naval Academy was created at Kiel for training officers, followed in May by the creation of a 'Machine Engineer Corps', and in February 1873 a 'Medical Corps'.
In July 1879 a separate 'Torpedo Engineer Corps' was created dealing with torpedoes and mines. In May 1872 a ten-year building programme was instituted to modernise the fleet.
The Imperial Navy's tasks were then to prevent any invasion force from landing and to protect coastal towns from possible bombardment. In March 1872 a German Imperial Naval Academy was created at Kiel for training officers, followed in May by the creation of a 'Machine Engineer Corps', and in February 1873 a 'Medical Corps'.
The former Navy Ministry became the Imperial Admiralty on 1 February 1872, while Stosch became formally an admiral in 1875.
"The German School of Naval Thought and the Origins of the Tirpitz Plan 1875-1900." Forsvarsstudier no.
In July 1879 a separate 'Torpedo Engineer Corps' was created dealing with torpedoes and mines. In May 1872 a ten-year building programme was instituted to modernise the fleet.
This soon involved the setting up of some overseas supply stations, so called Auswärtige Stationen (foreign stations) and in the 1880s the Imperial Navy played a part in helping to secure the establishment of German colonies and protectorates in Africa, Asia and Oceania. ==1888 to 1897 under Kaiser Wilhelm II== In June 1888 Wilhelm II became Emperor after the death of his father Frederick III, who ruled for only 99 days.
The building plan had to be approved by the Reichstag, which controlled the allocation of funds, although one-quarter of the money came from French war reparations. In 1883 Stosch was replaced by another general, Count Leo von Caprivi.
In October 1887 the first torpedo division was created at Wilhelmshaven and the second torpedo division based at Kiel.
In 1887 Caprivi requested the construction of ten armoured frigates. Greater importance was placed at this time on development of the army, which was expected to be more important in any war.
However, the Kiel Canal was commenced in June 1887, which connected the North Sea with the Baltic through the Jutland peninsula, allowing German ships to travel between the two seas avoiding waters controlled by other countries.
Article 53 of the new Empire's constitution recognised the existence of the Navy as an independent organisation, but until 1888 it was commanded by army officers and initially adopted the same regulations as the Prussian army.
This soon involved the setting up of some overseas supply stations, so called Auswärtige Stationen (foreign stations) and in the 1880s the Imperial Navy played a part in helping to secure the establishment of German colonies and protectorates in Africa, Asia and Oceania. ==1888 to 1897 under Kaiser Wilhelm II== In June 1888 Wilhelm II became Emperor after the death of his father Frederick III, who ruled for only 99 days.
At this time the Imperial Navy had 534 officers and 15,480 men. The concept of expanding naval power, inevitably at the cost of not expanding other forces, was opposed by the three successive heads of the German armed forces, Waldersee, Schlieffen and Moltke between 1888 and 1914.
Instead, he proceeded with a plan to expand the navy slowly, justifying enlargement step by step. In July 1888 Wilhelm II appointed Vice-Admiral Alexander von Monts as head of the admiralty.
Monts oversaw the design of the , four of which were constructed by 1894 at a cost of 16 million marks each and displacement of 10,000 tons. In 1889 Wilhelm II reorganised top level control of the navy by creating a Navy Cabinet (Marine-Kabinett) equivalent to the German Imperial Military Cabinet which had previously functioned in the same capacity for both the army and navy.
Vice admiral Max von der Goltz was appointed in 1889 and remained in post until 1895.
British policy, stated in the Naval Defence Act of 1889, was to maintain a navy superior to Britain's two largest rivals combined.
The first appointee was Rear Admiral Karl Eduard Heusner, followed shortly by Rear Admiral Friedrich von Hollmann from 1890 to 1897.
In 1912 Germany created a Mediterranean squadron consisting of the battle-cruiser Goeben and light cruiser Breslau. ===Air power=== Naval trials of balloons began in 1891, but the results were unsatisfactory and none were purchased by the navy.
Costs rose to 21 million marks each, as had size to 11,500 tons. In 1892 Germany had launched the protected cruiser , the first navy ship to have triple propellers.
"Strategy, Tactics, and Turf Wars: Tirpitz and the Oberkommando der Marine, 1892–1895," Journal of Military History, Oct 2002, Vol.
Monts oversaw the design of the , four of which were constructed by 1894 at a cost of 16 million marks each and displacement of 10,000 tons. In 1889 Wilhelm II reorganised top level control of the navy by creating a Navy Cabinet (Marine-Kabinett) equivalent to the German Imperial Military Cabinet which had previously functioned in the same capacity for both the army and navy.
Vice admiral Max von der Goltz was appointed in 1889 and remained in post until 1895.
Each of these three heads of department reported separately to Wilhelm II. In 1895 funding was agreed for five battleships of the , completed by 1902.
In 1895 Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin attempted to interest both the army and navy in his new rigid airships, but without success.
Work commenced on an armoured cruiser design, started in 1896 and commissioned in 1900. ==1897 to 1906 Tirpitz and the Navy Bills== On 18 June 1897 Rear-Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz was appointed State Secretary of the Navy, where he remained for nineteen years.
This soon involved the setting up of some overseas supply stations, so called Auswärtige Stationen (foreign stations) and in the 1880s the Imperial Navy played a part in helping to secure the establishment of German colonies and protectorates in Africa, Asia and Oceania. ==1888 to 1897 under Kaiser Wilhelm II== In June 1888 Wilhelm II became Emperor after the death of his father Frederick III, who ruled for only 99 days.
The first appointee was Rear Admiral Karl Eduard Heusner, followed shortly by Rear Admiral Friedrich von Hollmann from 1890 to 1897.
Work commenced on an armoured cruiser design, started in 1896 and commissioned in 1900. ==1897 to 1906 Tirpitz and the Navy Bills== On 18 June 1897 Rear-Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz was appointed State Secretary of the Navy, where he remained for nineteen years.
The ships followed a design by Maxime Laubeuf first used successfully in 1897, having a double hull and flotation tanks around the outside of the main crew compartments.
The ships, completed between 1898 and 1900, had deck armour but not side armour and were intended for overseas duties.
Political parties were offered concessions, such as taxes on imported grain, in exchange for their support for naval bills. On 10 April 1898 the first Navy Bill was passed by the Reichstag.
Tirpitz, in 1899 was already exploring the possibilities for extending the battleship total to 45, a target which rose to 48 by 1909. Tirpitz's ultimate goal was a fleet capable of rivaling the Royal Navy.
By 1906 it was considered that Britain's only likely naval enemy was Germany. Five battleships of the were constructed from 1899 to 1904 at a cost of 22 million marks per ship.
No reliable German design was available by 1903, so British Parsons turbines were purchased. ===Command reorganisation=== In 1899, the Imperial Naval High Command was replaced by the German Imperial Admiralty Staff (Admiralstab) responsible for planning, the training of officers, and naval intelligence.
The ships, completed between 1898 and 1900, had deck armour but not side armour and were intended for overseas duties.
Work commenced on an armoured cruiser design, started in 1896 and commissioned in 1900. ==1897 to 1906 Tirpitz and the Navy Bills== On 18 June 1897 Rear-Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz was appointed State Secretary of the Navy, where he remained for nineteen years.
This would bring the German fleet to a strength where it could contemplate challenging France or Russia, but would remain clearly inferior to the world's largest fleet, the Royal Navy. Following the Boxer rebellion in China and the Boer War, a second navy bill was passed on 14 June 1900.
Deutsche Kanonenbootpolitik in China im Zeitalter des Imperialismus 1900–1914 (The German Yangtse Patrol.
Five ships of the were built between 1901 and 1906 for the slightly greater 24 million marks each.
The first British experimental design (the destroyer ) had been constructed in 1901 and as a result Tirpitz had set up a special commission to develop turbines.
Each of these three heads of department reported separately to Wilhelm II. In 1895 funding was agreed for five battleships of the , completed by 1902.
A treaty with Japan in 1902 meant that ships could be withdrawn from East Asia, while the Entente Cordiale with France in 1904 meant that Britain could concentrate on guarding Channel waters, including the French coast, while France would protect British interests in the Mediterranean.
Fürst Bismarck's design was improved upon in the subsequent , completed in 1902.
Eight light cruisers were constructed between 1902 and 1907, developed from the earlier .
The five s constructed between 1903 and 1908 had similar armament as the Braunschweig class, but heavier armour, for the slightly greater sum of 24.5 million marks each. Development of armoured cruisers also continued.
No reliable German design was available by 1903, so British Parsons turbines were purchased. ===Command reorganisation=== In 1899, the Imperial Naval High Command was replaced by the German Imperial Admiralty Staff (Admiralstab) responsible for planning, the training of officers, and naval intelligence.
It authorised the maintenance of a fleet of 19 battleships, 8 armoured cruisers, 12 large cruisers and 30 light cruisers to be constructed by 1 April 1904.
The British Admiralty estimated that the German navy would be the world's second largest by 1906. Major reforms of the Royal Navy were undertaken, particularly by Fisher as First Sea Lord from 1904 to 1909.
A treaty with Japan in 1902 meant that ships could be withdrawn from East Asia, while the Entente Cordiale with France in 1904 meant that Britain could concentrate on guarding Channel waters, including the French coast, while France would protect British interests in the Mediterranean.
By 1906 it was considered that Britain's only likely naval enemy was Germany. Five battleships of the were constructed from 1899 to 1904 at a cost of 22 million marks per ship.
Two ships of the were commissioned in 1904, followed by two similar armoured cruisers commissioned in 1905 and 1906, at costs around 17 million marks each.
and followed, between 1904 and 1908, and cost an estimated for 20.3 million marks.
From 1907 onward, all torpedo boats were constructed using turbine engines. Despite their ultimate importance, the German navy declined to take up the cause of another experiment, the submarine, until 1904.
Two ships of the were commissioned in 1904, followed by two similar armoured cruisers commissioned in 1905 and 1906, at costs around 17 million marks each.
The decision to continue was taken by Tirpitz in September 1905 and agreed by Chancellor Bernhard von Bülow and the Kaiser, while Dreadnought was still at the planning stage.
Captain Gustav von Senden-Bibran was appointed as its first head and remained so until 1906, when he was replaced by the long-serving Admiral Georg Alexander von Müller.
Work commenced on an armoured cruiser design, started in 1896 and commissioned in 1900. ==1897 to 1906 Tirpitz and the Navy Bills== On 18 June 1897 Rear-Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz was appointed State Secretary of the Navy, where he remained for nineteen years.
The British Admiralty estimated that the German navy would be the world's second largest by 1906. Major reforms of the Royal Navy were undertaken, particularly by Fisher as First Sea Lord from 1904 to 1909.
By 1906 it was considered that Britain's only likely naval enemy was Germany. Five battleships of the were constructed from 1899 to 1904 at a cost of 22 million marks per ship.
Five ships of the were built between 1901 and 1906 for the slightly greater 24 million marks each.
Two ships of the were commissioned in 1904, followed by two similar armoured cruisers commissioned in 1905 and 1906, at costs around 17 million marks each.
Wilhelm II, however, never agreed to relinquish direct control of his fleet. ==1906 to 1908, The Dreadnought and innovation: First Novelle== On 3 December 1906 the Royal Navy received a new battleship, .
By 1906 Germany was already spending 60% of revenue upon the army.
The design was considered a success, but the cost at 35.5 million marks was significantly above the 1906 allocation.
The first submarine, was delivered in December 1906, built by Krupp's Germania yard in Kiel.
Eight light cruisers were constructed between 1902 and 1907, developed from the earlier .
Two dreadnoughts and one battlecruiser were to be built each year. Construction of four s began in 1907 under the greatest possible secrecy.
Four were produced between 1907 and 1911 at 4,400 tons and around 8 million marks each.
From 1907 onward, all torpedo boats were constructed using turbine engines. Despite their ultimate importance, the German navy declined to take up the cause of another experiment, the submarine, until 1904.
In 1907, 290 million marks was spent on the fleet, rising to 347 million marks or 24 percent of the national budget in 1908, with a predicted budget deficit of 500 million marks.
The State Secretary of the Treasury, Hermann von Stengel, resigned because he could see no way to resolve the budget deficit. The elections of 1907 had returned a Reichstag more favourable to military exploits, following the refusal of the previous parliament to grant funds to suppress uprisings in colonies in German South-West Africa.
These were followed by the similar but slightly enlarged and marginally faster and light cruisers. In 1907 a naval artillery school was established at Sonderburg (north of Kiel).
The five s constructed between 1903 and 1908 had similar armament as the Braunschweig class, but heavier armour, for the slightly greater sum of 24.5 million marks each. Development of armoured cruisers also continued.
and followed, between 1904 and 1908, and cost an estimated for 20.3 million marks.
Wilhelm II, however, never agreed to relinquish direct control of his fleet. ==1906 to 1908, The Dreadnought and innovation: First Novelle== On 3 December 1906 the Royal Navy received a new battleship, .
In 1910 they were transferred from Kiel to Wilhelmshaven, where two new large docks had been completed and more were under construction. The first German battlecruiser——was commenced March 1908.
In 1907, 290 million marks was spent on the fleet, rising to 347 million marks or 24 percent of the national budget in 1908, with a predicted budget deficit of 500 million marks.
In the fleet itself, complaints were beginning to be made in 1908 about underfunding and shortages of crews for the new ships.
Despite the difficulties, Tirpitz persuaded the Reichstag to pass a further Novelle in March 1908.
They formed part of the third squadron of the High Seas Fleet as it was constituted for World War I. Between 1908 and 1912 two s were constructed, adding an extra turret on the centre line astern, raised above the aft turret, but still using 28 cm guns.
All cruisers were equipped with turbine engines from 1908 onwards.
Tirpitz, in 1899 was already exploring the possibilities for extending the battleship total to 45, a target which rose to 48 by 1909. Tirpitz's ultimate goal was a fleet capable of rivaling the Royal Navy.
The British Admiralty estimated that the German navy would be the world's second largest by 1906. Major reforms of the Royal Navy were undertaken, particularly by Fisher as First Sea Lord from 1904 to 1909.
He anticipated that German industry, now heavily involved in shipbuilding, would back a campaign to maintain a higher construction rate. Four battleships of the were laid down in 1909–10, with displacements of 22,800 tons, twelve guns in 6 turrets, reciprocating engines generating a maximum speed of 21 knots, and a price tag of 46 million marks.
The ships were now equipped with torpedoes. The s built between 1909 and 1913 introduced a change in design as turbine engines were finally approved.
In 1909 Chancellor Bernhard von Bülow and Treasury Secretary Reinhold von Sydow attempted to pass a new budget boosting taxes in an attempt to reduce the deficit.
In 1909 the navy rejected proposals for aircraft to be launched from ships, and again in 1910 declined Zeppelin's airships.
The ships were all completed by 1910, over budget, averaging 37.4 million marks each.
In 1910 they were transferred from Kiel to Wilhelmshaven, where two new large docks had been completed and more were under construction. The first German battlecruiser——was commenced March 1908.
The early engines were noisy and smoky, so that a considerable boost to the usefulness of the submarine came with the introduction of quieter and cleaner diesel engines in 1910, which were much more difficult for an enemy to detect. ==1908 to 1912, Second Novelle== German expenditure on ships was steadily rising.
Between 1910 and 1912 four light cruisers were constructed of 4,600 tons, at around 7.4 million marks each.
The ships were equipped with torpedo nets, trailed along the hull intended to stop torpedoes, but these reduced maximum speed to an impractical 8 knots and were later removed. Construction began in 1910 of the first submarine powered by twin diesel engines.
In 1909 the navy rejected proposals for aircraft to be launched from ships, and again in 1910 declined Zeppelin's airships.
Orders for the undelivered machines were cancelled, leaving the navy with one machine, the L 3. In 1910 Prince Heinrich had learned to fly and supported the cause of naval aviation.
Four were produced between 1907 and 1911 at 4,400 tons and around 8 million marks each.
Capital ships were fitted with spotting tops high up on masts with range finding equipment, while ship design was altered to place turrets on the centre line of the ship for improved accuracy. The four s were commenced between October 1911 and May 1912 and entered service in 1914 at a cost of 45 million marks, forming the other part of the Third Squadron of the High Seas Fleet.
Negotiations came to nothing when in 1911 the Agadir Crisis brought France and Germany into conflict.
we have them up against the wall." Although Tirpitz had succeeded in getting more ships, the proportion of military expenditure on the navy declined in 1912 and thereafter, from 35% in 1911 to 33% in 1912 and 25% in 1913.
Finally in 1911, trials with aircraft began and in 1912 Tirpitz agreed to purchase the first airship for naval reconnaissance at a cost of 850,000 marks. The machine had insufficient range () to operate over Britain, but had machine guns for use against aircraft and experimental bombs.
In 1911 experiments took place with Albatros seaplanes and in 1912 Tirpitz authorized 200,000 marks for seaplane trials.
The early engines were noisy and smoky, so that a considerable boost to the usefulness of the submarine came with the introduction of quieter and cleaner diesel engines in 1910, which were much more difficult for an enemy to detect. ==1908 to 1912, Second Novelle== German expenditure on ships was steadily rising.
The bill contained a restriction, that building would fall to two ships per year in 1912, but Tirpitz was confident of changing this at a later date.
They formed part of the third squadron of the High Seas Fleet as it was constituted for World War I. Between 1908 and 1912 two s were constructed, adding an extra turret on the centre line astern, raised above the aft turret, but still using 28 cm guns.
Between 1910 and 1912 four light cruisers were constructed of 4,600 tons, at around 7.4 million marks each.
Capital ships were fitted with spotting tops high up on masts with range finding equipment, while ship design was altered to place turrets on the centre line of the ship for improved accuracy. The four s were commenced between October 1911 and May 1912 and entered service in 1914 at a cost of 45 million marks, forming the other part of the Third Squadron of the High Seas Fleet.
Tirpitz saw this once again as an opportunity to press for naval expansion and the continuation of the four capital ships per year building rate into 1912.
The January 1912 elections brought a Reichstag where the Social Democrats, opposed to military expansion, became the largest party. The German army, mindful of the steadily increasing proportion of spending going to the navy, demanded an increase of 136,000 men to bring its size closer to that of France.
In February 1912 the British war minister, Viscount Haldane, came to Berlin to discuss possible limits to naval expansion.
Tirpitz argued for six new capital ships, and got three, together with 15,000 additional sailors in a new combined military budget passed in April 1912.
we have them up against the wall." Although Tirpitz had succeeded in getting more ships, the proportion of military expenditure on the navy declined in 1912 and thereafter, from 35% in 1911 to 33% in 1912 and 25% in 1913.
In 1912 General von Moltke commented, "I consider war to be unavoidable, and the sooner the better." The Kaiser's younger brother, Admiral Prince Heinrich of Prussia, considered that the cost of the navy was now too great.
The five 1912 of 32,000 tons would have guns and would be completely oil-fuelled, allowing a speed of 25 knots.
For 1912–13 Germany concentrated on battlecruisers, with three ships of 27,000 tons and 26–27 knots maximum speed, costing 56–59 million marks each.
Two more ships of the class were later laid down, but never completed. Three light cruisers commenced construction in German yards in 1912–1913 ordered by the Russian Navy, costing around 9 million marks.
In 1912 Germany created a Mediterranean squadron consisting of the battle-cruiser Goeben and light cruiser Breslau. ===Air power=== Naval trials of balloons began in 1891, but the results were unsatisfactory and none were purchased by the navy.
Finally in 1911, trials with aircraft began and in 1912 Tirpitz agreed to purchase the first airship for naval reconnaissance at a cost of 850,000 marks. The machine had insufficient range () to operate over Britain, but had machine guns for use against aircraft and experimental bombs.
In 1911 experiments took place with Albatros seaplanes and in 1912 Tirpitz authorized 200,000 marks for seaplane trials.
The ships were now equipped with torpedoes. The s built between 1909 and 1913 introduced a change in design as turbine engines were finally approved.
we have them up against the wall." Although Tirpitz had succeeded in getting more ships, the proportion of military expenditure on the navy declined in 1912 and thereafter, from 35% in 1911 to 33% in 1912 and 25% in 1913.
By 1913 the French and British had plans in place for joint naval action against Germany, and France moved its Atlantic fleet from Brest to Toulon, replacing British ships. Britain also escalated the arms race by expanding the capabilities of its new battleships.
was the first German ship to have anti-aircraft guns fitted. In 1913, Germany responded to the British challenge by laying down two battleships.
However, in September 1913 L 1 was destroyed in a storm, while the following month L 2 was lost in a gas explosion.
By 1913 there were four aeroplanes, now including a British Sopwith, and long-term plans to create six naval air stations by 1918.
At this time the Imperial Navy had 534 officers and 15,480 men. The concept of expanding naval power, inevitably at the cost of not expanding other forces, was opposed by the three successive heads of the German armed forces, Waldersee, Schlieffen and Moltke between 1888 and 1914.
Tirpitz's target was a fleet of 16 battleships and 5 battlecruisers by 1914, and 38 battleships and 20 battlecruisers by 1920.
By 1914, experiments were being conducted with guns in increasing sizes up to .
Capital ships were fitted with spotting tops high up on masts with range finding equipment, while ship design was altered to place turrets on the centre line of the ship for improved accuracy. The four s were commenced between October 1911 and May 1912 and entered service in 1914 at a cost of 45 million marks, forming the other part of the Third Squadron of the High Seas Fleet.
The ships were designed to operate at a depth of , though could go to . ==1912 to 1914, Third Novelle== Spending on the navy increased inexorably year by year.
More torpedo boats were constructed, with gradually increasing sizes having reached 800 tons for the V-25 to V-30 craft constructed by AG Vulcan in Kiel before 1914.
By 1914, the Marine-Fliegerabteilung, the naval counterpart to the well-established Fliegertruppe land-based aviation units of the Army, comprised twelve seaplanes and one landplane and disposed of a budget of 8.5 million marks.
Trials in 1914 using seaplanes operating with the fleet were less than impressive; out of four taking part one crashed, one was unable to take off and only one succeeded in all tasks.
A further three ships of the König class were completed between August and November 1914, and two Bayern-class battleships entered service in 1916.
The battlecruisers Derfflinger, , and were completed in September 1914, March 1916, and May 1917, respectively. The main fighting forces of the navy were to become the High Seas Fleet and the U-boat fleet.
The German East Asia Squadron defeated the British West Indies Squadron Battle of the Falkland Islands (Vice Admiral Maximilian von Spee) – 1914.
Attack on Dover Barrage Battle of Cocos Raid on Scarborough, Hartlepool and Whitby – 1914.
Above the Lines: The Aces and Fighter Units of the German Air Service, Naval Air Service and Flanders Marine Corps, 1914–1918.
Two larger cruisers, and were also commenced and entered service in 1915.
The East Asia Squadron was defeated by British battlecruisers Battle of Dogger Bank (Vice Admiral Franz Hipper) – 1915.
During 1915 the German Navy had some 15 Zeppelins in commission and was able to have two or more patrolling continuously at any one time.
The possibility of airship raids were approved by the Kaiser on 9 January 1915, although he excluded London as a target and further demanded that no attacks be made on historic or government buildings or museums.
A further three ships of the König class were completed between August and November 1914, and two Bayern-class battleships entered service in 1916.
The battlecruisers Derfflinger, , and were completed in September 1914, March 1916, and May 1917, respectively. The main fighting forces of the navy were to become the High Seas Fleet and the U-boat fleet.
In the Baltic against Russian forces. First Battle of the Atlantic – U-boat warfare Notable minor battles: Battle of Gotland First Battle of Dover Strait – 1916.
Bombardment of British east coast ports. Pursuit of Goeben and Breslau Bombardment of Yarmouth and Lowestoft – 1916.
The battlecruisers Derfflinger, , and were completed in September 1914, March 1916, and May 1917, respectively. The main fighting forces of the navy were to become the High Seas Fleet and the U-boat fleet.
In the largest naval battle of the war several British ships were sunk or damaged but the High Seas Fleet was unable to damage the British Grand Fleet sufficiently to threaten the blockade of Germany . Operation Albion, including Battle of Moon Sound (Vice Admiral Ehrhard Schmidt) – 1917.
Torpedo boat attack on Dover Barrage Second Battle of Dover Strait – 1917.
By 1913 there were four aeroplanes, now including a British Sopwith, and long-term plans to create six naval air stations by 1918.
In October 1918, the Imperial Naval Command in Kiel under Admiral Franz von Hipper, without authorization, planned to dispatch the fleet for a last battle against the Royal Navy in the English Channel.
The naval order of 24 October 1918 and the preparations to sail first triggered the Kiel Mutiny among the affected sailors and then a general revolution which was to sweep aside the monarchy within a few days. ==Marines== The Marines were referred to as Seebataillone (sea battalions).
It existed between 1871 and 1919, growing out of the small Prussian Navy (from 1867 the North German Federal Navy), which primarily had the mission of coastal defence.
The Imperial Navy's main ships were turned over to the Allies, but were scuttled at Scapa Flow in 1919 by German crews. All ships of the Imperial Navy were designated SMS, for Seiner Majestät Schiff (His Majesty's Ship). ==Achievements== The Imperial Navy achieved some important operational feats.
Tirpitz's target was a fleet of 16 battleships and 5 battlecruisers by 1914, and 38 battleships and 20 battlecruisers by 1920.
The plan envisaged a main fleet of 100,000 men, 49 battleships and 28 battlecruisers by 1920.
A naval history of World War I (Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 1995). Lehmann, Ernst A.; Mingos, Howard.
"Strategy, Tactics, and Turf Wars: Tirpitz and the Oberkommando der Marine, 1892–1895," Journal of Military History, Oct 2002, Vol.
German gunboat diplomacy in China in the age of imperialism), Bochum 2004. Gerhard Wiechmann: Die preußisch-deutsche Marine in Lateinamerika 1866–1914.
"The Tirpitz Legacy: The Political Ideology of German Sea Power," Journal of Military History, July 2005, Vol.
Dreadnought: The Ship that Changed the World (IB Tauris, 2014). Rahn, Werner.
Germany's High Sea Fleet in the World War (reprint Frontline Books, 2014). ===In German=== Cord Eberspächer: Die deutsche Yangtse-Patrouille.
The Kaiser’s Battlefleet: German Capital Ships 1871–1918 (Seaforth Publishing, 2016). Epkenhans, Michael.
"German Navies from 1848 to 2016: Their Development and Courses from Confrontation to Cooperation." Naval War College Review 70.4 (2017).
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