The SMS Blücher was launched on November 4, 1908, at the Germaniawerft shipyard in Kiel, Germany. As the final armored cruiser constructed by the Imperial German Navy, Blücher symbolized the culmination of a naval design era that had emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The ship was designed under the direction of naval architect Hans von Karpf, who aimed to create an advanced vessel that would enhance the German fleet's operational capabilities and effectiveness.

At a weight of 12,600 tons and 190 meters in length, the Blücher was designed to carry a formidable armament that included 8-inch and 5.9-inch naval guns. Its advanced armor scheme and powerful engines allowed it to achieve impressive speeds, making it a key player in Germany’s ambitions for naval superiority. The launch ceremony was attended by various notable figures, including navy officers and government officials, reflecting the military’s strategic importance during this period of rising global tensions.

The Blücher entered service in 1910 and participated in various naval operations until it was eventually sunk during the Battle of Dogger Bank in January 1915. The ship’s relatively short service life was indicative of the rapid advancements in naval technology during World War I. Nonetheless, the launch of the Blücher signaled Germany's significant investment in its navy and underscored a broader trend among world powers at the time to expand their naval fleets, in an arms race leading up to the First World War.