Our next talk  

“The Myth of the Naval Race between Britain And Germany before The First World War”

Tuesday 10th November 2026 at 7.30pm

Between 1900 and 1914, Germany became identified by Britain as the chief foreign threat to its Empire. This was, to a large extent, the outcome of the policies pursued by Germany's leader, Kaiser Wilhelm II – most notably his eagerness to build a battle fleet to rival Britain’s.

From 1898 onwards, Germany began to create a battle fleet. A shipbuilding arms race with Britain soon began. From 1906, this naval race became focused on the construction of a new class of battleship developed in Britain – the dreadnought. Designed around the firepower of heavy guns and powered by steam turbines, these huge vessels made all earlier warships obsolete. In both countries, the public – encouraged by the press, popular authors and naval pressure groups – demanded more battleships.

No advance tickets are required.

All are welcome, and a lively discussion is guaranteed!

There is a small admission charge of £5 to cover venue rental cost (includes free tea & coffee).  Pay on the door.