"The pre-First World War arms race between Britain and Germany was fuelled by Britain's desire to protect its empire, Germany's desire to build an empire, and a general atmosphere of suspicion amongst the great powers, which led to the formation of two opposing alliance blocs. Dreadnought battleships became a particular point of competition between the Royal Navy and the Imperial German Navy, a race ultimately won by Britain."
"In short, Germany's empire was tiny compared to those of Britain and France. Something would have to be done to restore German pride. To take territory from rival powers required more spending on arms. Popular support for Germany's aggressive foreign policy and armament was whipped up by a jingoistic press. Kaiser Wilhelm certainly thought he could expand German territory at relatively little cost since he believed (as did most military experts) that a conflict in Europe would surely be a short one."
Britain sought to protect its global empire while Germany sought colonial expansion, producing a competitive pre-First World War arms race. Kaiser Wilhelm II pursued Weltpolitik to secure resources for Germany's booming economy, backed by Chancellor Bernhard von Bülow and Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz. Domestic distractions and jingoistic press bolstered support for military spending. Imperial Germany rapidly built battleships, including 14 between 1900 and 1905, prompting intense competition over Dreadnoughts with the Royal Navy. Britain ultimately established naval superiority. The arms race intensified mutual suspicion and alliance formation, becoming one of several contributing causes of World War I.
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