Germany, 1870–1914: a military empire turns to the sea

Summary

ABSTRACT.The navy of newly united Germany fulfilled a minor strategic role as a coast-defence force, and a political role as the Reich's only national armed service. Under Wilhelm II(1888–1918) the navy and merchant fleet grew to become symbols as well as instruments of Germany's status as a world power. Germany's naval threat to Britain – its obvious ally in the European power system – isolated it and provoked a ‘naval race’ which it could not win.

RÉSUMÉ.Dans l'Allemagne tout juste unifiée, la marine joua un rôle stratégique mineur en tant que force de défense des côtes mais un rôle politique important car elle constituait le seul service national armé du Reich. Sous le règne de Wilhelm II(1888–1918), la marine et la flotte marchande s'agrandirent jusqu'à devenir les symboles ainsi que les instruments de la puissance allemande. La menace navale que l'Allemagne exerçait sur la Grande-Bretagne – son alliée évidente dans le système de pouvoir européen – l'isola et provoqua #x00AB; une course à l'armement naval #x00BB; qu'elle ne pouvait gagner.

GERMANY AND THE SEA FROM THE MIDDLE AGES UNTIL THE 19^TH CENTURY

Although Germany was an empire with a long history dating back into the 10^th century, it had never aspired to become a sea power until the mid-19^th century. Its rulers had concentrated all their efforts upon defending Germany's borders, or conquering new territories in Europe. Building a fleet like the kings of Britain, France, or Spain in order to found colonies overseas had never been a viable political option. The Hanseatic League founded in the 13^th century was nothing but a commercial association. Powerful and rich in the 14^th and 15^th centuries, its influence started to decline in the 16^th century due to economic crises, the rise of rival powers in the Baltic and the impact of globalization on trade after the discovery of the New World in 1492. The small fleet built up by Frederick William, the Great Elector of Brandenburg, at the end of the 17^th century and the colony founded on the west coast of Africa were only a short interval. His successors were neither able to provide sufficient financial resources nor willing to turn Prussia into a maritime power. Their interests lay in Eastern Europe, not overseas.