Q&A · 54:27-54:37

Did Fisher cause the Anglo-German naval arms race?

German naval expansion was already under way, with Tirpitz more important than Fisher in initiating the competition.

Alfred von Tirpitz Anglo German Naval Arms Race Germany John Fisher

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Question

Did the Anglo-German naval arms race happen because of Fisher, or was he responding to a competition already under way?

Short answer

The race was already under way, and Tirpitz was more important in starting it than Fisher.

Notes

Germany's naval expansion was already under way before Fisher shaped Britain's response. Alfred von Tirpitz and German fleet policy were the stronger initiating force. Fisher intensified the competition without creating the underlying German programme.