The Germans had watched other countries grow - Russia into Asia, The USA across North America, France in Africa etc. Late 19th century ideas and concepts pushed the Germans into thinking that they had to do the same in order to survive. As there was no where to spread in Europe - they looked elsewhere. Britain was actively painted as the villain - holding Germany back. Those advocating this message also felt that it was Germany's moral right to spread it's culture by the sword and that this was inevitable - law of the jungle. The dotted lines between navy, world politics and Britain had to be reinforced with average Germans. The goal of world politics required a navy and the obstacle was Britain. I know its a bit harder than 'four legs good, two legs bad' but its the same concept. Vilifying Britain and her impressive but ramshackle empire was a precursor to the political support to build a fleet to attain weltpolitik. Honestly - what would a Bavarian care about a navy?
Any rapprochement with GB sucks the wind from German navalists political support. Germany counted on GB not being able to settle her differences with France or Russia. The alliance value of the fleet was lost with the defeat of Russia in 1905. The German response to Britain coming to the aid of France was to threaten Holland, the Navy added Denmark.
The Kaiser regarded the moving of the RN Med squadrons to the North Sea as a cassius belli but saner heads prevailed against him sending the note. It did prompt a war council where fighting Britain, France and Russia was decided on in Dec 1913. Sarajevo just met all the pre-conditions. The British sent Battle cruisers to Russia at the same time as the Battle Squadron to Kiel in 1914 to be even handed with the Russians/French on one hand and Germany on the other.
Any rapprochement with GB sucks the wind from German navalists political support. Germany counted on GB not being able to settle her differences with France or Russia. The alliance value of the fleet was lost with the defeat of Russia in 1905. The German response to Britain coming to the aid of France was to threaten Holland, the Navy added Denmark.
The Kaiser regarded the moving of the RN Med squadrons to the North Sea as a cassius belli but saner heads prevailed against him sending the note. It did prompt a war council where fighting Britain, France and Russia was decided on in Dec 1913. Sarajevo just met all the pre-conditions. The British sent Battle cruisers to Russia at the same time as the Battle Squadron to Kiel in 1914 to be even handed with the Russians/French on one hand and Germany on the other.