The Great Zeppelin Scare of 1909

THE YEAR 1909 was a tense time for New Zealanders. For centuries, Britain had the world’s unrivalled navy, and an invasion of the motherland was unthinkable. Her colonies and outposts enjoyed similar protection. But all of that changed in 1908, and with an unnerving suddenness, as grave concerns were expressed in Great Britain over Germany’s rising military strength which prompted fears a surprise invasion might be launched at any time.

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