Flottenpolitik

What was Flottenpolitik?

Flottenpolitik was the idea of building up the navy, so that Germany could become a great power and a world player.

When was Flottenpolitik introduced?

A series of naval laws were introduced between 1898 and 1912, which saw the massive development of the German navy. This began a naval arms race with Britain, costing huge sums of money.

Why did they have Flottenpolitik?

The German navy needed to grow, in order to acquire and protect any German colonies, and to allow for the growth of German power. Wilhelm had always admired the navy of his grandmother, Queen Victoria, and he wanted Germany to copy Britain's example.

What was the impact of Flottenpolitik?

Flottenpolitik began a naval arms race with Britain, and contributed to the outbreak of the First World War. It also put Germany in debt before the war began. Taxes were raised to pay for the navy, and this was unpopular, leading to workers' strikes.