History on the Eve of WWI
#24: Re-opening of the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Kanal (23rd of June 1914)
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Exactly 100 years ago the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Kanal, now known as the “Kiel Canal”, was reopened. During the 19th century, after Schleswig-Holstein became a part of Prussia, the German navy saw the need for a new canal, linking the bases in the Baltic and the North Sea. Over 9.000 workers were needed to finish the project in eight years and on the 20th of June in 1895 the canal was officially opened. Kaiser Wilhelm II himself laid the final stone on the 21st of June.
However, increasing traffic demands and larger battleships forced German authorities to widen the canal. Between 1907 and 1914 the width was increased in order to allow Dreadnought-sized battleships to cross the passage. With the installation of larger canal locks in Brunsbüttel and Holtenau construction work was completed. With costs of 242 Mio. Goldmark, the reconstruction was more costly than the original construction itself.
Again, Kaiser Wilhelm II opened the canal during a ceremony. Surprisingly, the British Fleet under Sir George Warrender was present and the German Kaiser inspected the HMS King George V.
#24: Re-opening of the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Kanal (23rd of June 1914)
Exactly 100 years ago the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Kanal, now known as the “Kiel Canal”, was reopened. During the 19th century, after Schleswig-Holstein became a part of Prussia, the German navy saw the need for a new canal, linking the bases in the Baltic and the North Sea. Over 9.000 workers were needed to finish the project in eight years and on the 20th of June in 1895 the canal was officially opened. Kaiser Wilhelm II himself laid the final stone on the 21st of June.
However, increasing traffic demands and larger battleships forced German authorities to widen the canal. Between 1907 and 1914 the width was increased in order to allow Dreadnought-sized battleships to cross the passage. With the installation of larger canal locks in Brunsbüttel and Holtenau construction work was completed. With costs of 242 Mio. Goldmark, the reconstruction was more costly than the original construction itself.
Again, Kaiser Wilhelm II opened the canal during a ceremony. Surprisingly, the British Fleet under Sir George Warrender was present and the German Kaiser inspected the HMS King George V.