Editing Imperial German Navy (section)

===Command reorganisation===
In 1899, the Imperial Naval High Command was replaced by the [[German Imperial Admiralty Staff]] (''Admiralstab'') responsible for planning, the training of officers, and naval intelligence. In time of war it was to assume overall command, but in peace acted only advisory. Direct control of various elements of the fleet was subordinated to officers commanding those elements, accountable to the Kaiser.{{sfnp|Herwig|1987|p=22}}

The reorganisations suited the Kaiser who wanted to maintain direct control of his ships. A disadvantage was that it split apart the integrated military command structure which before had balanced the importance of the navy within overall defence considerations. It suited Alfred von Tirpitz, because it removed the influence of the admiralty staff from naval planning, but left him the possibility, in wartime, to reorganise command around himself. Wilhelm II, however, never agreed to relinquish direct control of his fleet.{{sfnp|Herwig|1987|pp=22–23}}