
In 1903, on the proposal of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the development of a new armored ship began. In 1906, a design featuring turrets armed with two 283 mm guns and enhanced anti-torpedo protection was approved. SMS Nassau, built at the Wilhelmshaven dockyard, became Germanys first dreadnought. After World War I broke out, the battleship provided cover during the attack on Scarborough. In 1915, she participated in an attempt to penetrate the Gulf of Riga. In the Battle of Jutland, the combined efforts of Nassau and Thüringen led to the sinking of British cruiser Black Prince.