The main force of German High Seas Fleet, leaving Wilhelmshaven Naval Base, includes five ships 'Bavaria-class' Battleship, five ships 'Kaiser class' Battleship, and five ships 'Z Kaiser-class'Battleship, five main warships including 'Helgoland-class' Battleship and four 'Nassau-class' Battleship, all left the port. The huge fleet sailed into the North Sea.
German Navy's actions made British Navy on the other side of the North Sea very nervous. Churchill even ordered Royal Navy Grand Fleet to prepare for battle to prevent a sneak attack from German Navy.
At the same time, German Navy was doing his best, which also made Churchill feel a little numb. The main force of German Navy is too powerful. There are as many as twenty-four ships of these Battleship alone. Among them, ten Battleship are equipped with 380mm Main Gun, ten Battleship are equipped with 343mm Main Gun, and only four Battleship are equipped with 305mm Main Gun. If we add the twelve Battlecruisers of German Navy, German Navy has a total of thirty-six Capital Shipss. This quantity is much more than Royal Navy. Even if 'Queen Elizabeth-class' Battleship and 'Revenge-class' Battleship are in service, there is still a big gap between them and German Navy in terms of the number of Capital Ships. Not to mention, previous naval battles have proven that German Navy and Capital Ships have almost overwhelming advantages in defense and firepower. Therefore, if Royal Navy wants to defeat German Navy and reverse the situation, it will probably be even more difficult.
At least, Churchill intends to never fight head-on with German Navy until the Capital Shipss that are subsequently constructed are put into service. However, there are many things that he cannot decide. British Navy does not intend to fight decisively, but German Navy will not let them continue to develop. Apart from anything else, once Prohibited Navigation Zone is truly established, the good days of Britain will come to an end. After overseas trade is completely cut off, Britain will be dragged to death. At that time, in order to solve this problem, British Navy will also have to take the initiative to launch an attack to defeat German Navy and break the blockade of German Navy on Britain. Therefore, in this war, Royal Navy is undoubtedly at a disadvantage. It will be very difficult for them to reverse the situation and defeat German Navy.
Britain did not forget to report this news to United States. Now Britain is eagerly looking forward to United States joining Allied Powers's camp, which makes them naturally try to please United States in every possible way.
German Navy's main force came out, which really scared US government. United States Secretary of the Navy Daniels even suggested to Woodrow President Wilson to order their fleet to return immediately. After all, compared with the strength shown by German Navy, American Navy is really far behind. The quantity of Capital Ships alone is only one-third of that of German Navy. If we talk about combat effectiveness, it is probably only one-quarter or even one-fifth of German Navy.
With such a disparity in strength, provoking Germany is indeed not a wise choice. If German Navy wants to deal with American fleet, they are definitely no match.
However, after careful consideration, Woodrow President Wilson still ordered the fleet to continue to act according to the planned plan. The reason is mainly for the sake of his and US government's face. The words have been spoken, and the appearance has been made. If the fleet is ordered to return at this time, wouldn't that make everything aborted halfway? More importantly, he and US government will also lose face because of this. Prestige will be destroyed as a result. If you want to seek re-election, that is even more idiotic. Therefore, Woodrow Wilson had no choice but to bite the bullet and continue to hold on.
Of course, in order to avoid a real conflict with Germany, United States was unfortunately involved in this war, and American Navy suffered a disastrous defeat. Woodrow? President Wilson specifically instructed the fleet led by Franz? Admiral Fletcher to exercise restraint during this operation and try to avoid a war with Germany. For them, this action has shifted from demonstrating against Germany to appeasing the domestic people. German Navy's actions have undoubtedly shown their tough attitude to the world. If United States continues to be tough, there may be only one result, which is the outbreak of war.
Although doing this made both US government and American Navy feel aggrieved, there was nothing they could do about it! You can't really start a war with Germany, right? In that case, it would be the most disadvantageous for United States.
American Navy Commander of the Atlantic Fleet Franz? Admiral Fletcher, who led American fleet eastwards, remained silent for a long time after receiving the urgent Telegram from the American Navy department. As a naval general, he certainly didn't want to encounter such a thing. However, there is no way around it. He can also understand, who puts American Navy's strength at a complete disadvantage? If American Navy was stronger than German Navy, it wouldn't be like this.
In order to avoid accidents, Franz? Admiral Fletcher summoned the captains of all Capital Shipss and asked them to be more cautious in their next actions and to ensure that they avoid a misfire after encountering German Navy. You know, many wars break out suddenly due to emergencies. American Navy's action this time was more like playing with fire. If you are not careful, a war will break out.
US government was already frightened, but German Navy didn't know it. Therefore, after breaking the communication with Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Spee and receiving Telegram from the Naval Ministry, he ordered Commerce Raiding Fleet to enter a state of emergency combat readiness.
Commerce Raiding Fleet's Light Cruiser and destroyers began to patrol Atlantic Ocean, searching for the location of American fleet. Only by finding American fleet could they intercept it accurately. After all, Germany doesn't really want to go to war with United States. Therefore, it is undoubtedly the best to intercept American fleet and let it retreat.
If American fleet was not intercepted, they broke into Prohibited Navigation Zone designated by German Navy. For the glory of Germany, they might have to really attack American fleet. In that case, war will inevitably break out.
German submarine force also entered the depths of Atlantic Ocean, looking for American fleet. Although, the scale of American fleet is huge. But for the vast Atlantic Ocean, this is nothing at all. The entire search operation is tantamount to finding a needle in a haystack. However, as long as American fleet continues to move towards Britain, the possibility of German Navy discovering them is still very high.