Why did Theobald von Bethmann Hollweg fail to reach a naval agreement with Britain?

Theobald von Bethmann Hollweg’s attempts to reach a naval agreement with Great Britain in 1909 and 1912 failed primarily due to the internal political dynamics of the German Empire and the opposition of key figures within the government.12

Although Bethmann Hollweg recognized the potential benefits of an agreement for improving Anglo-German relations, he lacked the political authority to override his subordinates. He faced significant resistance from Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz, the secretary of state for the navy, who was the architect of Germany’s ambitious naval expansion program. Tirpitz’s long-term naval laws, which were designed to build a massive battle fleet, were difficult to modify, and he viewed the navy as essential to Germany's status as a great power.123

Furthermore, Tirpitz was strongly supported by Emperor Wilhelm II, who favored the expansion of the fleet. When confronted with this opposition, Bethmann Hollweg consistently yielded without protest, ultimately failing to secure the concessions necessary to reach a diplomatic settlement with the British.21