Holtzendorff preferred a muscular-ally policy in which Germany remained militarily formidable while becoming a useful British partner. Germany would retain a powerful army and a useful navy while avoiding a ship-for-ship competition with the Royal Navy. His experience of British logistics during the Boxer Rebellion showed how German forces could benefit from cooperation with a maritime power. Tirpitz pursued the opposite institutional course, weakening offices that opposed the Risk Fleet.
Notable Point · 20:05-24:12
Germany as Britain's muscular ally
Holtzendorff's alternative to the Risk Fleet was a strong German navy and army built to complement Britain while avoiding direct naval competition.