A navy transformed
Twelve ship categories
Smaller than its principal rival, the Royal Navy, the German fleet expanded rapidly under the naval construction programs begun at the end of the nineteenth century. Battleships and battlecruisers formed its core and were intended to challenge British command of the North Sea in a decisive engagement.
The Battle of Jutland in 1916 brought that strategy to its climax without producing the expected decision. Beyond the battle line, small cruisers scouted with the fleet and raided commerce across the world's oceans, while torpedo boats, minesweepers and minelayers fought a hazardous war in the North Sea and Baltic.
This archive brings those different ship types together through their histories, operational records, technical data, line drawings and surviving imagery.
The armored battle line
Battleships
From early pre-dreadnoughts to the 38 cm-gunned Bayern class, these ships formed the fleet's heavily armored core.45 ships →02Speed with capital-ship guns
Battlecruisers
Fast Große Kreuzer combined heavy artillery with the speed required to scout, raid and lead the fleet's advance.14 ships and projects →03Guardians of home waters
Coast Defence Ships
Compact armored ships protected approaches, bases and coastlines before the ocean-going battle fleet took shape.8 ships →04Power beyond the battle line
Armored Cruisers
Long-range cruisers carried armor and heavy guns for scouting, overseas presence and independent operations.15 ships →05Scouts and ocean raiders
Small Cruisers
Light, versatile cruisers screened the fleet and carried German naval power into distant oceans and colonial waters.56 ships and projects →06Dispatch vessels and veterans
Avisos & Old Cruisers
Older cruisers and fast avisos served as scouts, tenders, training ships and specialized fleet auxiliaries.7 ships →07The fleet's fast attack arm
Torpedo Boats
Numerous torpedo boats screened capital ships, attacked enemy formations and performed patrol and escort duties.14 classes →08Keeping the sea lanes open
Mine Hunters
Minesweepers cleared passages through contested waters while operating under constant threat from mines and enemy forces.4 classes →09Shaping the battlefield
Minelayers
Specialized and converted vessels laid defensive and offensive barriers across the North Sea and Baltic.16 ships →10Naval power in shallow waters
Gunboats
Small gun-armed vessels supported coastal defense and represented the Imperial Navy in overseas stations.6 ships →11Commerce war under disguise
Auxiliary Cruisers
Converted merchantmen carried the war to remote shipping routes beyond the reach of the main battle fleet.16 merchant raiders →12Specialists of the fleet