Imperial Navy (Kaiserliche Marine)

The Imperial Navy, or Kaiserliche Marine, was the naval force of the German Empire from 1871 to 1918. It was established to project power, defend maritime interests, and challenge rivals like Britain and France. The navy expanded significantly before World War I, focusing on large battleships, cruisers, and submarines. Its most notable engagement was during WWI, notably the Battle of Jutland. The Imperial Navy symbolized Germany's ambition to become a major naval power, but after Germany's defeat, it was dismantled and replaced by the modern Kriegsmarine in the subsequent years.