Germany's Asia-Pacific Empire: Colonialism and Naval Policy, 1885-1914

Germany's Asia-Pacific Empire: Colonialism and Naval Policy, 1885-1914

by Charles Stephenson (Author)

Synopsis

This book examines German attempts to acquire colonial territories in East Asia and the Pacific, and discusses the huge impact this had on local and other international powers. It covers the German acquisition of Kiautschou in 1897, which had profound consequences for China, beginning a scramble for concessions by other western powers; the formation of the powerful German East Asiatic Cruiser Squadron which was seen by the British as a major threat, and which resulted in the advent of the Fleet-Unit concept and the birth of the Royal Australian Navy; the Japanese siege and capture of the key German base of Tsingtau in 1914, and the fate of the various former German colonies after Germany's defeat in 1918. The book contains many illustrations from the author's extensive private collection. Charles Stephenson is an extensively published military historian, whose books include: Moel Famau and the Jubilee Tower of King George III (2008); Servant to the King for His Fortifications: Paul Ive and the Practise of Fortification (2008); The Admiral's Secret Weapon, published by Boydell in 2006; Fortifications of the Channel Islands, 1941-45: Hitler's Impregnable Fortress (2006); The Fortifications of Malta, 1530-1945 (2004); and Zeppelins: German Airships, 1900-1940 (2004).

$148.17

Quantity

20+ in stock

More Information

Format: Illustrated
Pages: 314
Edition: Illustrated
Publisher: Boydell Press
Published: 19 Nov 2009

ISBN 10: 1843835185
ISBN 13: 9781843835189

Media Reviews
A well-presented book about a long-forgotten topic. THE NORTHERN MARINER A useful account of the German empire's brief experience as a colonial power in Asia and the Pacific. [...] A worthwhile book that should find a place in all libraries. CHOICE The presentation of material from an impressive collection of secondary and some primary sources, with particular reference to the brief German colonial presence in the Asia-Pacific region, will certainly be of considerable interest to general readers. BULLETIN OF THE SCHOOL OF ORIENTAL & AFRICAN STUDIES The story is a fascinating one ending with the military actions by Britain and Japan to put an end to German influence in Asia and the Pacific. CASEMATE
Author Bio
Charles Stephenson is an established author on naval and siege warfare and the history of fortifications, with the following books in print: The Fortifications of Malta 1530-1945, Zeppelins: German Airships 1900-40, The Channel Islands 1941-45: Hitler's Impregnable Fortress, The Admirals Secret Weapon: Lord Dundonald and the Origins of Chemical Warfare and Germanys Asia-Pacific Empire: Colonialism and Naval Policy, 1885-1914\. He was Consultant Editor and a contributor to Castles: A History of Fortified Structures: Ancient, Medieval & Modern. He is also the creator of the three books that (thus far) constitute the Samson Plews Collection.