German Armoured Cruiser SMS BluCher

The SMS Blücher was the last armored cruiser built by the German Empire to counter the new British armored cruisers, but it was unable to match the size and armament of the battlecruisers which replaced them. The ship was named after the Prussian Field Marshal Gebhard von Blücher.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 92 pages
\n Publication date: 05 November 2018
\n Publisher: Kagero Oficyna Wydawnicza
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The SMS Blücher, the final armored cruiser constructed by the German Empire, emerged as a response to the impending threat posed by the British's construction of new armored cruisers. Notably, Blücher surpassed its predecessors in size and carried heavier guns, yet it fell short in terms of sheer size and armament compared to the battlecruisers that eventually replaced armored cruisers in the British Royal Navy and the Imperial German Navy (Kaiserliche Marine).

It was only when the Germans gained access to the full specifications of these new British ships, known as the Invincible class, that they realized the profound implications of their design. These ships were to be equipped with an astonishing 12 battleship guns, marking a significant departure from the traditional armored cruiser configuration. Recognizing the imminent threat posed by this innovative class of warships, the Germans faced a crucial decision. However, by the time they grasped the significance of the Invincible class, it was already too late to alter their course. Construction of the Blücher proceeded as planned, honoring the Prussian Field Marshal Gebhard von Blücher, who commanded the Prussian forces during the pivotal Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

Blücher's construction represented a significant milestone in the evolution of naval warfare, as it showcased the German Empire's determination to stay ahead of the technological advancements of its adversaries. While Blücher possessed impressive capabilities, it ultimately failed to match the sheer firepower and versatility of the battlecruisers that dominated the naval landscape of the time. Nevertheless, the ship's legacy continues to be celebrated as a testament to the engineering prowess and strategic thinking of the German navy during the early 20th century.

\n Weight: 364g\n
Dimension: 299 x 210 x 9 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9788395157578\n \n