First Fleet Act
Quick Summary
The First Fleet Act, enacted in 1898, was a pivotal piece of legislation in Germany's naval expansion. Spearheaded by Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz, the act aimed to significantly reorganize and strengthen Germany's sea power. It outlined a plan for an active navy, including a flagship, battleships, coastal ships, and cruisers, to be operational by 1904. This was followed by the Second Fleet Act in 1900, which proposed an even more ambitious program for a larger, modern oceangoing fleet by 1917.1
Tirpitz's naval policy was driven by the belief that a strong navy was essential for a great power and was intended to serve as a deterrent and an alliance asset. This naval buildup, pursued in close collaboration with Emperor William II, aimed to counter British naval dominance and support Germany's imperial ambitions. The expansion of the German navy significantly impacted Anglo-German relations, contributing to the naval arms race leading up to World War I.213
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