The Second German Naval Law, passed during the early 20th century, was a pivotal moment in naval military expansion for Germany. Motivated by rising nationalism and a desire to assert itself as a global power, the German government sought to increase the size of its navy significantly in order to challenge Great Britain's longstanding maritime dominance. The law proposed an extensive program to build new battleships and cruisers, thereby establishing a more robust German naval presence in world affairs.

The enactment of this law had far-reaching implications not only for Germany but also for Great Britain, which reacted with concern to the naval buildup. The British government believed that a stronger German fleet posed a direct challenge to its own supremacy at sea. This mistrust escalated into a naval arms race, as Britain subsequently increased its naval expenditures and shifted its focus toward constructing more advanced warships.

The naval arms race contributed to the overall militarization of Europe and deepened the divisions among the major powers, setting the stage for heightened tensions in the lead-up to World War I. The escalation of naval armaments underlined the increasing willingness of nations to invest heavily in military capabilities, reflecting broader trends of competition and rivalry on the global stage.