Erich Raeder, the Grand Admiral of the Kriegsmarine, was a prominent figure in German naval history. Born in 1876, he joined the Imperial German Navy in 1894 and quickly rose through the ranks. During World War I, he served as Chief of Staff of the High Seas Fleet and played a crucial role in the Battle of Jutland. After the war, he became the commander of the Reichsmarine, the German navy during the Weimar Republic. In 1935, he was appointed Grand Admiral and oversaw the expansion and modernization of the Kriegsmarine in preparation for World War II. Raeder was a skilled strategist and a strong advocate for naval power. However, he also made some critical mistakes, such as underestimating the importance of air power and overestimating the capabilities of the Kriegsmarine. Despite his errors, Raeder remains a significant figure in naval history, known for his leadership, strategic thinking, and contributions to the development of the German navy.
