The tactical and stragetical purpose of the Death Star

Well, it could also be interpreted as a megomaniac who just love big toys and just loves the feeling the cries of millions.

 

You can dock Star Destroyers on the DSs, can't you? Then it'd also be a quite handy mobile base for places like the unknown regions.

 

I like imperialBA historical comparison. I was thinking of the naval buildup prior to WWI. England & Germany were both trying to built bigger, better battleships. When England built H.M.S. Dreadnaught it was to be the end of any type of build up race. A statement to establish their naval superiority once and for all. So if the Empire & Rebels have been fighting for a while there would be a natural build up and escalation. The Death Star would be the final word. The "There's nothing you can build that I can't out do so don't waste your time trying" kind of statement. I think it was as much of a psychological weapon as a obvious practical weapon.