Option A: Nineteenth century topic Who was more to blame for the naval race between Britain and Germany? Study the Background Information and the sources carefully, and then answer all parts of Question 1. Background Information The naval race between Britain and Germany was an important part of the arms race in the years before the First World War. It significantly contributed towards the growing hostility between Britain and Germany and was a key factor in the increasing tensions between the Great Powers in Europe. Traditionally, Britain had the largest navy in the world, but in 1898 Germany began to create a powerful battle fleet. In 1906 the rivalry between the two countries grew with the building of the dreadnoughts – a new type of battleship, faster and more powerful than any previous battleship. Who was more responsible for the naval race, Britain or Germany? SOURCE A Kaiser William wanted Britain as a friend and thought the best way of achieving this was to build a powerful navy. Once Britain saw the power of the German fleet it would respect Germany and offer friendship. When Tirpitz became in charge of the navy in 1897, William had an ally. They both misunderstood the situation because their policy of building up Germany's fleet was totally against the British view of its security. Britain ruled the seas and would never allow the German navy to rival the British navy. As far as Britain was concerned, a strong German navy in the North Sea raised the possibility of an invasion. Germany's policy was in fact no threat to Britain, but Britain failed to see this. It also failed to understand the threat Germany felt the British fleet posed to Germany. In 1905 Britain worsened relations with Germany by starting to build the first dreadnought. This left Germany with no choice. It could not let Britain threaten Germany with dreadnoughts and so it had to respond by building its own dreadnoughts. In 1908 Tirpitz said, 'Every new ship added to our battlefleet means an increase in risk for Britain if it attacks us.' In Britain the anti-German public was aggressively demanding eight new dreadnoughts be built. From a recent history book. SOURCE B William's motives were simple. He wanted to make Germany a world power and so a great navy was needed. Traditionally Britain ruled the waves but William did not understand what right Britain had to do this. Tirpitz's appointment in 1897 as the government minister in charge of the navy meant that Germany had decided to build a navy strong enough to defeat the British navy. It became clear to Britain that the German fleet that was emerging was designed to only operate in the North Sea – a clear threat to Britain. In fact, the German navy was emerging as Britain's main enemy of the future. Britain was bound to be uneasy and in 1906 launched the first dreadnought. Britain had to meet the German naval challenge and from that date focused on the possibility of a naval war in the seas around Britain and even a German invasion. The appearance of the first dreadnought did not improve Anglo-German relations. Tirpitz increased the tension by stating that he would build two dreadnoughts a year and ignored warnings that his naval programme was turning Britain against Germany. From a recent history book. SOURCE C [Figure 3.1] “MONEY NO OBJECT!" VULCAN. "THIS'LL RUN INTO MONEY MA-AM!" BRITANNIA. "NEVER MIND ABOUT THAT AS LONG AS I CONTINUE TO RULE THE WAVES!!" A cartoon published in a British magazine, 1896. SOURCE D [Figure 4.1] "THE OCEAN IS A BRITISH POSSESSION." A cartoon published in an American magazine, January 1900. SOURCE E One of the aims of Germany was to reduce to a minimum the positive results of the Conference. It is safe to draw the conclusion that the result of the attitude of Germany will be to give a boost to the manufacture of arms. Instead of encouraging disarmament the Conference has certainly increased the existing feeling on mainland Europe that no country can afford to neglect its means of offence and defence. The Conference has not given any new guarantee for the maintenance of peace and has confirmed the fact that many countries are constantly preparing for war. From a report to the British government about the Hague Conference of 1907 by one of the British delegates. The Conference dealt with a range of international issues including disarmament. Britain had proposed a yearly reduction of naval armaments. SOURCE F Such insolent talk has never been heard before from Britain. We shall never be dictated to about how our armaments should be planned. We should look upon that as a declaration of war. The Ambassador is not permitted to agree to the demands of the British government to make its peacefulness dependent on the reduction of our navy. The Ambassador must be told that I do not wish for a good understanding with Britain at the expense of the expansion of the German fleet. The German fleet is not built against anybody. This is said quite clearly in the Navy Law. This law is being carried out exactly. Whether the British like it or not does not worry us. If they want a war, they must start it. We are not afraid. Kaiser William's comments written on a letter to him from the German Ambassador in Britain, July 1908. The Ambassador had reported that a member of the British government had suggested that a slowing down of Germany's battleship construction would reassure the British public. SOURCE G My heart is set upon peace, and it is one of my dearest wishes to live on the best of terms with Britain. But, you will say, 'What of the German navy? Surely, that is a menace to Britain? Against who else but Britain is my navy being prepared? If Britain is not in the minds of those Germans who are bent on creating a powerful fleet, why is Germany asked to consent to such new and heavy burdens of taxation?' My answer is clear. Germany is a young and growing empire. It has a worldwide commerce which is rapidly expanding, and to which the ambition of patriotic Germans refuses to set any limits. Germany must have a powerful fleet to protect that commerce and its many interests in even the most distant seas. It expects those interests to go on growing, and it must be able to support them in any part of the world. Its horizons stretch far away. It must be prepared for any events in the Far East. Look at the rise of Japan. It may even be that Britain will be glad that Germany has a fleet. Kaiser William speaking to a journalist from a British newspaper, 28 October 1908. The interview was published in the newspaper. Now answer all parts of Question 1. You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions, in addition to those sources which you are told to use. In answering parts (a)–(e) you should use your knowledge of the topic to help you interpret and evaluate the sources.