Germany's plan resembled the French Jeune École and Japan's later expectation that an approaching fleet could be weakened before a decisive battle. Japan could assume that an enemy seeking battle had to cross the Pacific, while France retained both Mediterranean and Atlantic outlets. Germany instead faced Britain astride its routes from the North Sea to global trade. Copying a tactical concept without matching its geographic assumptions left the High Seas Fleet dependent on Britain choosing a close blockade.
Notable Point · 3:16-4:41
Geography decided whether attrition strategy could work
Comparing Germany with France and Japan shows why an attrition plan depended on geography as much as torpedo boats, mines, or submarines.