Kaiserclass

Kaiserclass refers to a class of German dreadnought battleships built for the Imperial German Navy (Kaiserliche Marine) before World War I. The first ships of this class, SMS Nassau and SMS Westfalen, were laid down in 1907. They were followed by SMS Rheinland and SMS Posen in 1908. The Kaiserclass represented a significant departure from earlier German battleship designs, notably incorporating an all-big-gun armament and a more powerful propulsion system.

The design featured twelve 11-inch (28 cm) guns mounted in six twin turrets, a configuration unusual for the time. This arrangement allowed for a broadside of eight of these guns. Their armor protection was also substantial, designed to withstand the heavy shells of contemporary naval artillery. Propelled by steam turbines, the Kaiserclass ships were capable of speeds around 19 knots.

These four ships formed the first German dreadnought squadron and participated in various naval exercises and operations during World War I. They were present at the Battle of Jutland in 1916, though their older design and armament meant they played a less significant role compared to later German dreadnoughts. Following the armistice, the surviving ships of the Kaiserclass were interned by the Allies and subsequently scrapped or used for target practice, as stipulated by the Treaty of Versailles. The Kaiserclass represented Germany's response to the naval arms race with Great Britain and marked an important step in the evolution of battleship design.