Bethmann Hollweg might see an advantage in cruisers for imperial patrol and prestige. Tirpitz could still use the Kaiser's support to put the risk fleet and its capital ships first. If the British had already used more large slips for battleships, Germany would have less chance of narrowing the lead and Britain might never see a comparable We Want Eight campaign. Churchill's proposal for a mutual pause in laying down ships is a separate example of how the rivalry entered British politics.
Notable Point · 56:08-57:53
Tirpitz's risk fleet and Britain's demand for eight
Tirpitz's access to the Kaiser could keep German spending focused on big ships even as a wider British lead eased domestic pressure in Britain.