von Tirpitz, Grand Admiral Alfred. (1849-1930). Born, Kustrin, Brandenburg. The administrative creator of Germany's modern navy, often called "Tirpitz the Eternal" because, while others went out of office, he never did. In fact, his staying power transcended royal blood. When Kaiser Wilhelm II's brother Heinrich, who was then Commander in Chief of the Navy, disapproved of Tirptiz' plans, it was Heinrich who was 'kicked upstairs' to be placed out of Tirptiz' way.
In a book of memoirs, published in July, 1919, Tirpitz accused Bethmann-Hollweg of precipitating the war through a policy of 'playing the game single-handed.'

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