Although Woodrow? President Wilson is still obsessed with world hegemony. But in the face of Germany's powerful military power, he still had to endure it temporarily and could only watch Germany win the war. Watch Germany trample old powers such as Britain and France under their feet and become the new world hegemon.
"Gentlemen, from this war and the final result of the war, I think we should reflect on many aspects. Before, we have always focused on industrial and economic development and ignored the construction of military power. Now, our industrial output has become the first in the world. However, our military power is not even ranked among the top five in the world. Such development The extremely uneven development has had a great impact on the improvement of Republic of America's international status and comprehensive strength. Therefore, I think that from now on, Republic of America needs to strengthen its military strength. Not only the navy, but also the army needs to be strengthened," said Woodrow President Wilson.
In this era, the importance of the country's military power is beyond doubt. If United States had strong military power before this World War outbreak, they would not have become spectators and would definitely join in. In that case, they can also share enough benefits from it.
The Cabinet Ministers of US government nodded one after another. They also eagerly hope that United States can have strong military power.
Both Secretary of the Navy Daniels and Secretary of War Garrison support this. All along, United States's military power has been too weak, leaving them with little say in Cabinet. Especially when there are no powerful countries around United States, there is no need for United States to maintain a strong army. This naturally leaves Garrison, the Secretary of War, with little power.
"Your Excellency, President, we should build a powerful navy so that we can ensure control of the Americas. Even before the war broke out, capital from Germany was entering South America crazily. This is definitely a threat to the Republic of America. Once the Germans win this world war, they will definitely intensify their competition for interests with the Republic in South America. Without the support of a powerful navy, we have no way to fight the Germans in South America," Commerce Secretary Redfield reminded.
Woodrow President Wilson nodded, he also felt the difficulty of this problem.
"Gentlemen, I don't need to say more about the importance of South America to us. If we lose South America, it will be a huge blow to Republic of America. Therefore, we absolutely cannot lose South America." Woodrow President Wilson said.
As a powerful country with the largest industrial output value in the world, United States naturally produces so many industrial products that need to be sold. If it cannot be sold, United States's industry will be greatly affected, which is very detrimental to the entire United States. Almost all countries in South America are weak. Because of its geographical advantages, this place is regarded by United States as their natural raw material origin and market. The importance of United States here is naturally self-evident.
"Your Excellency, the Navy is already building new warships. However, in view of the current emergency situation, I think we need to speed up the progress. We strive to build a powerful navy within three years." Minister Daniels said.
"Your Excellency, the Army plans to increase the current standing army from 100,000 to 200,000. The next step is to increase to 500,000. It will also strengthen training and equip more advanced weapons, so that the Army's combat effectiveness will be improved and the gap with the German Army will be shortened." Minister Garrison also said. Compared with the population of United States, the military strength of the US Army appears to be very small.
Woodrow President Wilson nodded, both the navy and the army need to be strengthened, that's for sure. Although, this requires a lot of money. But in terms of funds, United States is not lacking. They are wealthy enough to support the improvement of the navy and army.
At this moment, Secretary of State Bryan finally arrived.
"Sorry, gentlemen, I'm late." Bryan said with a smile on his face.
"Please sit down, Mr. Bryan. However, our meeting is almost over. In this meeting, we believe that since German Navy won the decisive battle at sea, Germany won the war There is almost no doubt about the final victory. Therefore, in order not to overly stimulate the Germany people, we plan to strictly maintain neutrality during the next period of time and absolutely not get involved in the war," said Woodrow President Wilson.
Bryan nodded. "Your Excellency, I agree in principle. After all, it would be very detrimental to offend a country that is about to become a hegemon. However, Your Excellency, I have a situation that I must report to you."
"What's going on?" Woodrow? President Wilson asked.
"Just now, I met with British Ambassador to the United States. British Ambassador to the United States informed us that British First Sea Lord Churchill will pay a secret visit to our country. It is expected to arrive in three days." Bryan said.
"What? British First Sea Lord wants to conduct a secret visit to us? What do they want to do?" Woodrow President Wilson couldn't help but frowned. He was a little unsure of what the Britain people were planning to do.
The other Cabinet Ministers were also talking about it.
"Your Excellency, is it possible that Britain people still want to seek support from us now, or even want to drag us into the war?" Vice President Marshall said.
"We are not fools. When the war situation is already clear, how can we join in and help Britain." President Wilson shook his head.
A group of people thought about it for a long time and thought that under such circumstances, Britain people should come to them for support and help. However, from United States's point of view, they are definitely not willing to get involved at this time. After all, even if United States wants to join the team, he will want to join the winner's side. In that case, they can share the fruits of victory instead of involving themselves.
"Okay, since we can't guess, let's wait until Churchill arrives! Anyway, this time we are ready to strictly maintain neutrality. No matter what, it will not change!" President Wilson said.