Final answer:
Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz was the driving force behind Germany's naval-building program, supporting Kaiser Wilhelm II's ambition to challenge British naval dominance pre-World War I.
Step-by-step explanation:
The key figure behind Germany's naval building program was Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz. His vision was instrumental in the expansion and modernization of the German Navy in the lead-up to World War I. Kaiser Wilhelm II, with his desire to challenge Great Britain's naval supremacy, supported Admiral von Tirpitz's plans. He implemented a series of laws that significantly increased the size of the German fleet, leading to the construction of new and innovative battleships. The goal was to alter the balance of naval power in Germany's favor and support German interests on the global stage.
It is pertinent to note that amidst the military strategies and plans, such as the Schlieffen Plan developed by Field Marshal Alfred von Schlieffen, the German Navy played a crucial part in the country's military preparedness during World War I. While the Schlieffen Plan focused on a rapid offensive through Belgium to defeat France before turning to Russia, the naval strategy under Admiral von Tirpitz aimed to secure Germany's position at sea against the dominant British Royal Navy.
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