In the summer of 1911, Germany made a decisive move to demonstrate its aspirations for greater colonial power by dispatching the gunboat SMS Panther to the Moroccan port of Agadir. This act was intended to support local uprisings against the French protectorate that had been established in Morocco. The primary motivation behind this show of force was to challenge the existing Franco-British entente and regain a foothold in the region, where Germany previously had significant interests but had been overshadowed by France's dominance. The arrival of the SMS Panther in Agadir was significant as it forced a diplomatic confrontation between the major European powers, igniting a diplomatic crisis that would strain relations and escalate tensions in the lead-up to World War I.

The Agadir Crisis not only highlighted the imperial ambitions of Germany but also exposed the vulnerabilities of the European balance of power. France was quick to react, reinforcing its military presence in Morocco, while Britain found itself drawn into the fray, siding with France to counter Germany's actions. The situation escalated into a confrontation that tested alliances and diplomatic negotiations. Ultimately, the crisis was resolved through diplomacy, with the Aliens' Treaty, wherein Germany received territorial concessions in Africa in exchange for recognizing French control over Morocco. This incident exemplified the tensions of imperialism and the precarious nature of European diplomacy in the early 20th century.