Good question. Part of the answer (though not all of the answer) is the influence of Mahan's writings on both navies. More specifically, it was the influence of a caricature of Mahan's writings on both navies--an emphasis on decisive battle as the purpose for which fleets were built.
Thanks for the update on the new Constellation construction program. What a mess! As you suggest, it was entirely predictable.
A question about your footnote. Even if the Royal Navy had a Trafalgar complex, why did they think the German Navy would as well?
Good question. Part of the answer (though not all of the answer) is the influence of Mahan's writings on both navies. More specifically, it was the influence of a caricature of Mahan's writings on both navies--an emphasis on decisive battle as the purpose for which fleets were built.