What was the purpose of the battle of Jutland?

The Battle of Jutland, which took place during World War I from May 31 to June 1, 1916, had multiple strategic purposes for the two main combatants, the British Royal Navy's Grand Fleet and the Imperial German Navy's High Seas Fleet.

For the British, the purpose of engaging in the battle was to maintain maritime supremacy, keep the German fleet contained, and ensure Britain's continued control of sea lanes vital for the movement of troops, supplies, and trade. The British sought to enforce the naval blockade of Germany, which was a key element of the Allied strategy to weaken the German war economy and its ability to sustain prolonged conflict.

On the German side, the aim was to break the British blockade and challenge British naval superiority. The High Seas Fleet operated under a strategy that intended to draw out portions of the larger British fleet into battle, where they could be defeated in detail through tactical advantages or surprise. The ultimate goal was to reduce the Royal Navy's numerical superiority, allowing Germany to increase its maritime influence and relieve the blockade's pressure on its own economy and military capabilities.

Although the Battle of Jutland was the largest naval battle of World War I, and one of the largest in history, it was inconclusive in terms of its immediate tactical outcomes. Both sides claimed victory; the British retained control of the seas despite suffering higher losses, while the Germans boasted about the damage inflicted on the British fleet. However, the strategic situation largely remained unchanged, with the British continuing their blockade and the German fleet still not challenging British naval dominance in a significant way.