German naval expansion accelerated in 1898 and 1900 as overseas trade and imperial ambitions grew. The fleet laws increased British alarm while Britain remained outside the two continental alliance blocs. In this interpretation, Britain was most likely to enter a conflict if another state dominated Belgium and Europe or built a fleet able to face the Royal Navy. Germany already possessed the land power needed to confront France, so a battle fleet was not a rational answer to a neighboring continental rival. Building one capable of challenging Britain instead signaled a bid for overseas empire and threatened the maritime balance supporting British power.
Notable Point · 12:49-14:15
Why German naval expansion alarmed Britain
Fuller's account connects German overseas trade and fleet laws to British alarm, while the accompanying argument explains why a battle fleet signaled a challenge to the maritime system supporting British power.