Meaning: This quote by Bernhard von Bülow, a prominent German statesman in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflects the strategic importance of sea power and naval strength in shaping a nation's foreign policy and ability to protect its interests. The quote emphasizes the necessity for a country to possess a strong naval presence to deter potential threats and ensure its independence in safeguarding its overseas interests.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the concept of sea power played a pivotal role in the geopolitical landscape, particularly with the emergence of imperialistic ambitions and global competition among major powers. Naval supremacy became a crucial factor in securing trade routes, protecting colonies, and projecting influence across distant territories. As such, von Bülow's quote underscores the significance of maintaining a formidable naval force to assert a nation's sovereignty and pursue its interests without being beholden to the decisions of other sea powers.

The notion of being "free to protect our oversea interests, independently of the influence and the choice of other Sea Powers" encapsulates the idea of strategic autonomy and the ability to assert influence and control over overseas territories without being constrained by the interests or interventions of rival naval powers. This concept was particularly relevant during the era of imperialism, where colonial possessions and overseas territories were integral to the economic and geopolitical ambitions of major powers.

Von Bülow's assertion also reflects the broader geopolitical dynamics of the time, characterized by intense rivalries and alliances among major naval powers. The naval arms race between Britain and Germany, in particular, underscored the strategic imperative of maintaining a powerful navy to secure maritime interests and challenge the dominance of established naval powers.

In the context of Germany's geopolitical ambitions, von Bülow's quote can be interpreted as a reflection of the country's aspirations to assert itself as a major naval power and secure its overseas interests, particularly in Africa and the Pacific. Germany's pursuit of a strong navy, exemplified by the expansion of its fleet under Kaiser Wilhelm II, was driven by the desire to establish itself as a formidable maritime force capable of protecting and expanding its colonial possessions and global influence.

Furthermore, von Bülow's emphasis on the need to be "so strong at sea that no Sea Power could attack us without risk" underscores the deterrent effect of naval power. A formidable navy not only serves as a means of protecting maritime interests but also acts as a deterrent against potential aggression or incursions by rival powers. The ability to project power across the seas and defend vital trade routes and overseas territories is essential for safeguarding a nation's security and economic interests.

In conclusion, Bernhard von Bülow's quote encapsulates the strategic imperative of sea power and the significance of possessing a strong naval presence to protect and advance a nation's overseas interests. It reflects the geopolitical realities of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by intense competition among major powers and the pivotal role of naval supremacy in shaping global affairs. The quote underscores the essential role of naval strength in ensuring strategic autonomy, deterring potential threats, and asserting influence across distant territories.