The establishment of the Anglo-French Naval Commission in 1887 was primarily motivated by the growing naval competition and strategic concerns in the late 19th century. The British and French governments sought to address specific geopolitical challenges, particularly in the context of rising naval power from other nations, such as Germany and the United States.
Several key factors contributed to this collaboration:
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Rivalry with Germany: The late 19th century saw the rise of Germany as a major naval power under Kaiser Wilhelm II. Both Britain and France felt threatened by Germany's expanding fleet and its aggressive imperial ambitions, which increased the urgency for cooperation.
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Colonial Interests: Britain and France were both heavily involved in global imperial expansion, and collaboration on naval matters was seen as essential to protect their colonial interests, particularly in regions like Africa and Asia.
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Military Planning: The commission aimed to enhance military planning and coordination between the two countries, which had been rivals in the past. This collaboration was intended to ensure that they could respond effectively to any threats posed by other powers.
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Naval Modernization: Both nations recognized the need to modernize their navies. By working together, they could share technological knowledge and best practices related to shipbuilding and naval tactics.
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Diplomatic Relations: The establishment of the commission was a step towards strengthening the diplomatic relations between Britain and France, which would culminate in the Entente Cordiale in 1904. This agreement helped to resolve tensions and establish a framework for cooperation against common threats.
Overall, the Anglo-French Naval Commission represented a significant shift in European diplomacy and military strategy during a time of increasing competition and uncertainty in international relations.