Obvious Disadvantage (Seeking Collection)

Wilhelm II's brow was tightly furrowed. If truly drastic measures were to be taken, then the likelihood of war breaking out would be very high. When that time came, could Germany win the war?

"The French have the support of the British and the Russians. That's why their stance is so stubborn. If we continue to be tough, I'm afraid it will provoke a war," Foreign Minister von Kiderlen-Wachth said with some concern.

"Your Excellency the Foreign Minister, you worry too much. The French are nothing but a Gallic Rooster with a flashy exterior. We defeated them once over thirty years ago. Back then, we were merely the Kingdom of Prussia. Now, we have unified the entire German Empire. Our strength has increased beyond measure compared to thirty years ago. The French simply don't have the guts to go to war with us. Even if they have the support of the British and the Russians, so what? We possess the world's number one army and the world's number two navy. Even if war truly breaks out, we won't necessarily lose." Wilhelm II wore a confident smile, appearing very optimistic about a future war.

"Your Excellency, Chief of Staff, is our army ready?" Wilhelm II looked toward Chief of Staff Moltke the Younger.

"Your Majesty, the army can be mobilized at any time. Full mobilization can be completed within three months. The French army is utterly fragile and cannot withstand our offensive. However, we must worry about the British and the Russians. During the Franco-Prussian War, we had the support of other nations. But this time, they are on the side of the French. Once we march into France, the British will surely reinforce them. And the Russians will threaten us from the East. Therefore, the army cannot devote all its strength to dealing with the French. This will severely constrain our military power and could turn the tide of the war," Moltke the Younger analyzed. Although he believed the German Army was very strong, he did not think it could defeat the French when facing the full support of both Britain and France.

"Your Excellency, Chief of Staff, we also have allies. Once war breaks out, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Kingdom of Italy will not stand idly by. According to the treaties we signed, they will fulfill their obligations and help us fight. By then, as long as we crush the French in the shortest possible time, we are sure to win," Crown Prince Wilhelm said excitedly, as if everything were already under his control.

However, he was so carried away that he failed to notice Wilhelm II's displeased expression or the slight upturn of the other ministers' lips. In their eyes, although the Crown Prince was outstanding among his peers, he was still too young and too inexperienced.

The Austro-Hungarian Empire was indeed the German Empire's staunchest ally. Once war broke out, they would certainly follow Germany into battle. But unfortunately, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was like a long-ailing patient. Its internal conflicts were too severe, and its national strength had been greatly depleted by infighting. Moreover, the combat effectiveness of the Austro-Hungarian army was frankly unimpressive. Thus, the German ministers had little faith in the Austro-Hungarian fighting capability. Even if the Austro-Hungarian Empire joined Germany in the war, its role would be very limited.

As for the Kingdom of Italy, they were even less reliable. Although Italy had joined the Allied Powers, they had only done so to gain benefits. Whether they would truly contribute their own strength was highly questionable.

"Enough, Prince, I have noted your opinion and will give it due consideration," Wilhelm II said.

"Uh, yes, Father Emperor!" The Crown Prince paused, a flash of shame and anger crossing his face, but he had no choice but to say no more.

"Naval Minister, if war breaks out, can our navy break the British Navy's blockade?" Wilhelm II asked.

As the Emperor of the German Empire, Wilhelm II was naturally well aware of the most critical factor constraining Germany. If Germany were subjected to a British naval blockade and lost its overseas trade routes, while the war dragged on without victory and fell into a stalemate, that would be a disaster for Germany.

"Your Majesty, the German Navy is in a period of rapid development. At present, we have four 'Brandenburg-class' battleships, five 'Kaiser Friedrich III-class' battleships, five 'Wittelsbach-class' battleships, and two 'Braunschweig-class' battleships already completed, with three more under construction. Five 'Deutschland-class' battleships have also begun construction one after another," Grand Admiral Count Tirpitz reported.

Among the German Navy's many capital ships, sixteen were now completed. Another eight were under construction. Once finished, the German Navy would possess twenty-four battleships.

Of course, all of these battleships were Pre-dreadnoughts. Not only were their defenses weak and their speed slow, but their main battery firepower was also divided into two calibers.

"However, our enemy, the Royal Navy of the British Empire, currently possesses eight 'Majestic-class' battleships, two 'Canopus-class' battleships, one 'Centurion-class' battleship, nine 'Formidable-class' battleships, six 'Diadem-class' battleships, three 'Formidable-class' battleships, five 'London-class' battleships, and six 'Duncan-class' battleships. Additionally, two 'Swift-class' battleships are under construction. Five 'Edward VII-class' battleships are also being built. The plan for this class is to build eight ships, with the remaining three to be started in due course. Therefore, the British Navy currently has a total of forty-one completed battleships, along with ten battleships either under construction or about to begin construction," Grand Admiral Count Tirpitz stated expressionlessly.

The faces of everyone present turned somewhat pale. The strength of the British Navy was simply overwhelming. The gap between the German Navy and the British Navy was enormous. Even if all of the German Navy's existing battleships were commissioned, they would amount to only half or even less of the British Navy's strength. Such a disparity placed immense pressure on the German Navy. If war broke out, for the German Navy to defeat the British Navy and break the British blockade of Germany would be more difficult than scaling the heavens.

Not to mention that Germany's old enemy, France, also possessed a respectable navy. Although it could not match Germany, it was still not to be underestimated. In comparison, the German Navy's disadvantage was even greater.