Meaning: This quote by Bernhard von Bülow, a German statesman who served as Chancellor of the German Empire from 1900 to 1909, reflects the geopolitical tensions between Germany and England at the turn of the 20th century. Bülow's statement captures the growing rivalry between the two nations as they vied for dominance in international affairs and maritime power. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it's essential to delve into the historical context of German-English relations during that period.

At the time when Bülow made this statement, Germany, under the leadership of Kaiser Wilhelm II, was aggressively pursuing an expansionist foreign policy aimed at asserting its influence on the global stage. This assertiveness was in part driven by Germany's rapid industrialization and its desire to secure overseas markets and resources to fuel its economic growth. However, this expansionist agenda brought Germany into direct competition with established colonial powers, particularly England, which viewed the German ambitions as a threat to its own imperial interests and maritime supremacy.

The reference to "English policy" in Bülow's quote alludes to the strategic calculations and actions taken by the British government in response to Germany's rising influence. England, as the preeminent naval power of the era, was deeply concerned about the potential challenge posed by the expansion of German maritime power. The British Empire's global dominance relied heavily on its control of the seas, and any significant increase in German naval capabilities was perceived as a direct threat to this dominance.

Bülow's assertion that English policy sought to hinder "every further expansion of German international influence" underscores the perception in Germany that England was actively working to contain and undermine its aspirations for global power. This perception was not unfounded, as England had indeed pursued diplomatic and military measures to check German expansion, particularly in regions that were of strategic importance to the British Empire.

The quote also reflects Bülow's belief that England was employing "all and every means, even the most extreme" to achieve its objective of constraining German power. This suggests a deep-seated suspicion and paranoia within German political circles regarding England's intentions, leading to a heightened sense of animosity and distrust between the two nations.

The underlying message of Bülow's quote encapsulates the heightened tensions and mutual suspicions that characterized Anglo-German relations in the years leading up to World War I. The naval arms race between the two powers, culminating in the construction of ever-larger battleships, and the intricate web of alliances and ententes in Europe, set the stage for a catastrophic conflagration that would ultimately engulf the continent in war.

In conclusion, Bernhard von Bülow's quote provides a revealing insight into the escalating tensions and power dynamics between Germany and England in the early 20th century. It underscores the intense rivalry and mutual distrust that ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the First World War and serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive consequences of unchecked geopolitical competition.