Alfred von Tirpitz (1849-1930), German Grand Admiral and Admiralty State Secretary, had a very strong influence on naval politics and the organization and development of the imperial fleet. His aim was to create a sea power equally strong as the British one and to dominate the territories of the North Sea. He was also responsible for establishing a trading port and military base in Qingdao, China. In his memoirs, Tirpitz' individual biography is closely linked with German political and military history of late 19th and early 20th century. Originally, Tirpitz wrote this book to justify his political ideas and decisions. Reprint of the original edition from 1919. Volume 1 of 2.