Colonial Policy and the Imperial German Navy

Ganz, A. Harding (1977-06-01). "Colonial Policy and the Imperial German Navy". Militaergeschichtliche Zeitschrift. 21 (1): 35–52. doi:10.1524/mgzs.1977.21.1.35. ISSN 2193-2336 2196-6850, 2193-2336 .

• Has attachment: File:2KZ62ZJA.pdf

Abstract: Examines the efforts and challenges faced by Imperial Germany in acquiring, fortifying, and maintaining overseas bases during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The focus is on Germany's attempts to establish a foothold in China amidst the broader geopolitical maneuvers following the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-95. Germany initially eyed Formosa and the Pescadores Islands as strategic locations but ultimately failed to secure significant concessions, unlike Russia and France, who obtained railroad and mining rights.

Germany did manage to acquire Kiaochow in the Shantung Peninsula, which was developed into a significant naval and commercial hub. Despite this, the Navy recognized its limitations, as Kiaochow could not serve effectively as a wartime base against strong naval powers, exemplified by the threats of blockades like those experienced at Port Arthur and Santiago [9][11]. The article also highlights internal governmental struggles, with the Foreign Office and the Navy often at odds over strategic choices, coupled with the Kaiser's impatience for prestige-driven acquisitions.

"...In the Pacific Bismarck had already acquired northeastern New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, and the Solomon Islands in November 1884. In August of the following year Bismarck claimed the Caroline Islands (but yielded when Spain objected), and the Marshalls in October 15..."

Extra details:

MAG: 2619438978
OpenAlex: W2619438978
CorpusID: 165043159