The 1896 memorandum became the foundation for later navy laws. It called for two eight-ship battle squadrons, a flagship, and two reserve ships, for a total of 19 battleships. Its political premise recast Britain, still seen as a likely friend against France and Russia, as Germany's opponent. The change served Kaiser Wilhelm II's imperial ambitions and desire for a powerful fleet rather than answering an immediate British invasion threat.
Chapter · 5:26-6:54
Tirpitz's navy laws make Britain the enemy
The 1896 Tirpitz memorandum made a British threat central to the German naval programme despite Britain not then appearing poised to invade Germany.