Offensive design from strategic shortage

Germany's torpedo-heavy design grew from a fleet structure it could not quickly escape. The Kaiserliche Marine could not match British cruiser or capital-ship numbers, and the army's political primacy limited further naval spending. It therefore needed an offensive weapon that might decide a fight before British numbers and force structure took effect. Extra torpedoes increased the chance of sudden damage, so the large torpedo boat was a rational response to scarcity. The compromise left the fleet short of gun-armed skirmishers and screens, roles that torpedo-centered boats handled less well.