When originally published in 1984, and based on archival research, this book was the first fully documented discussion of German naval strategy and planning from 1862-1914 against France, Russia, Great Britain, the United States and Japan. The book is a complete study of the relationship of the navy to Prusso-German power politics both in terms of the complexity of the problems discussed and in the length of the period covered. It will be invaluable to students of naval and military history, strategy and diplomacy, as well as those of German history.