Wilhelm II's brows drew tightly together. If they truly adopted hardline measures, the likelihood of war breaking out would be extremely high. When that time came, could Germany win?
"The French have the support of the British and the Russians, so their attitude is extremely hardline. If we continue to be hardline, I fear it may trigger a war." Foreign Minister von Kiderlen-Wachth was somewhat worried.
"Foreign Minister, you are worrying too much. The French are nothing more than a Gallic Rooster with dazzling feathers. More than thirty years ago, we defeated them once already. Back then, we were merely the Kingdom of Prussia. Now, we have unified the entire German Empire. Our strength has increased by who knew how many times compared to thirty years ago. The French simply do not have the courage to go to war with us. Even if they have the support of the British and the Russians, so what? We have the world's number one army, as well as the world's second-largest navy. Even if war truly breaks out, we may not lose." Wilhelm II wore a smile, appearing extremely optimistic about the coming war.
"Your Excellency, Chief of Staff, is our army ready?" Wilhelm II looked toward Moltke the Younger, the Chief of Staff.
"Your Majesty, the army can mobilize at any time. Within three months, full mobilization can be completed. The French army is simply too weak to withstand a single blow; it cannot possibly hold back our attack. 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 stand on the side of the French. Once we send troops into France, the British will certainly reinforce them. The Russians, meanwhile, will threaten us from the East. Therefore, the army cannot commit all its strength to dealing with the French. This will severely restrict our military power and cause the war to take an unexpected turn," Moltke the Younger analyzed. Although he believed the German Army was powerful, he did not believe it could defeat France when faced with the full support of Britain and France.
"Your Excellency, Chief of Staff, we have allies as well. Once war breaks out, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Kingdom of Italy will not stand by with folded arms. Under the alliance treaty we signed, they will fulfill their obligations and assist in the fighting. By then, as long as we crush the French in the shortest possible time, victory will be ours." Crown Prince Wilhelm spoke excitedly, as though everything lay in the palm of his hand.
However, he had become so carried away that he failed to notice Wilhelm II's slightly displeased expression, or the faintly upturned corners of the other ministers' mouths. In their eyes, although Crown Prince Wilhelm could be considered outstanding among his peers, he was still too young and too inexperienced.
The Austro-Hungarian Empire was indeed a steadfast ally of the German Empire. Once war broke out, it would certainly follow Germany into battle. But regrettably, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was now like a patient long afflicted by illness. Because its internal conflicts were too severe, its national strength had been greatly depleted by infighting. Moreover, the combat effectiveness of the Austro-Hungarian army was truly hard to praise. Therefore, Germany's ministers had little faith in the Austro-Hungarian Empire's fighting power. Even if the Austro-Hungarian Empire fought alongside Germany, the role it could play in the war would be extremely limited.
As for the Kingdom of Italy, it was even less reliable. Although Italy had joined the Allied Powers, it had done so merely to gain benefits. Whether it would truly contribute its own strength when the time came was another matter entirely.
"Enough, Prince. I know your opinion already. I will consider it carefully," Wilhelm II said.
"Uh, yes, Father Emperor!" Wilhelm II was taken aback. A flash of embarrassment and anger crossed his face, but he could only refrain from saying anything more.
"Naval Minister, if war breaks out, can our navy break the British Navy's blockade?" Wilhelm II asked.
As Emperor of the German Empire, Wilhelm II naturally understood very clearly the most important factor constraining Germany. Once Germany suffered a blockade by the British Navy and lost its overseas trade routes, while the war dragged on without victory and fell into a stalemate, it would be a disaster for Germany.
"Your Majesty, the German Navy is developing at high speed. At present, we have four Brandenburg-class battleships, five Kaiser Frederick III-class battleships, five Wittelsbach-class battleships, and two Braunschweig-class battleships completed, with another three under construction. Five Deutschland-class battleships have also begun construction one after another," Grand Admiral Count Tirpitz introduced.
Among the German Navy's many capital ships, sixteen had now been completed. Another eight were under construction. Once they were finished, the German Navy would possess twenty-four battleships.
Of course, all of these battleships were pre-dreadnoughts. Not only was their protection weak and their speed slow, but their main-gun 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 Duncan-class battleships, five London-class battleships, and six Duncan-class battleships. In addition, two Swift-class battleships are under construction. Five Edward VII-class battleships are also being built. The plan for this class is to construct eight ships, and the other three will begin construction one after another. Therefore, the British Navy currently possesses forty-one completed battleships, while another ten battleships are under construction or will soon begin construction," Grand Admiral Count Tirpitz said expressionlessly.
Everyone present turned somewhat pale. The British Navy's strength was simply too formidable. Compared with it, the gap separating the German Navy was truly enormous. Even if all of the German Navy's existing battleships entered service, they would amount to only half of the British Navy's strength, perhaps not even that. Such a gap undoubtedly placed tremendous pressure on the German Navy. Once war broke out, for the German Navy to defeat the British Navy and break Britain's blockade of Germany would be harder than climbing to the heavens.
Not to mention that Germany's sworn enemy, France, also possessed a navy that was far from weak. Although it could not compare with Germany's, it was still not to be underestimated. With both sides considered together, the German Navy's disadvantage became even greater.
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