Chapter XXXVII
Although the German Navy has developed rapidly over the years, its disadvantages are still very obvious compared to the old maritime powers. Pen × fun × Pavilion www. biquge。 info Not to mention anything else, Germany is completely inferior in terms of the number of capital ships alone. If a war breaks out, the consequences will be predictable.
After listening to the words of Marshal Count Tirpitz, the German top brass was devastated. In such a disadvantageous situation, they want to ask the navy to break the blockade of the British navy, which is obviously difficult for the strongman.
Crown Prince William was like a defeated rooster, bowing his head and saying nothing. He now realized that he seemed overly optimistic about Germany's military power. The strength of Germany's enemies is also not to be underestimated!
"Gentlemen, there is no doubt that the military power of our enemies is very strong. And the gap between us and them is also very large. Although, we are still trying to catch up. However, it will take a lot of time to catch up with them. Therefore, at the moment we must avoid war with the enemy as much as possible. Kaiser Wilhelm II said.
With Wilhelm II's stubborn and conceited character, if he could win, he certainly wouldn't hold back. It is precisely because he knows that if he starts a war, the odds of victory will be very small, so he forbears in every way, which is also a matter of no choice.
"I didn't expect that the gap between the navy and the British would be so big, it seems that it is necessary to increase investment in the navy. If the German Navy could not be inferior to the British Navy, would the British dare to brazenly support the French? Wilhelm II thought secretly.
The reason why the German navy was able to develop rapidly and become stronger, and even made the British feel the crisis of the sea hegemon, was precisely because of the strong support of Wilhelm II. However, because he started too late, Wilhelm II faced great difficulties if he wanted to catch up with and overtake the British Navy.
Wilhelm II suddenly thought, isn't Qin Tian's German shipyard in the process of expansion? It is expected that the construction of new battleships will begin soon. Qin Tian's recent series of actions, Wilhelm II is also very clear. After investing heavily in the German shipyard, Qin Tian reached a cooperation agreement with Kruger, allowing Krupp to provide armor and large-caliber main guns. At the same time, he asked Sulzer Boiler Company to provide oil-fired boilers, as well as the German Engine Manufacturing Company established by Qin Tian himself. All this is undoubtedly to pave the way for the construction of new battleships.
For Qin Tian to be able to make such a big career, Wilhelm II was still very emotional and gratified. He never thought that his son, who was the least valued and had always thought that he was eating and waiting for death, would actually show such excellent talent. It has even overshadowed the light of other sons, and even Crown Prince William cannot compare with it. If it weren't for the fact that Crown Prince William was his eldest son, Wilhelm II would have thought that Qin Tian would be more suitable to become the crown prince of the empire than Crown Prince William.
Of course, such thoughts are only fleeting. It was impossible for Wilhelm II to deprive Crown Prince Wilhelm of his right to inherit. Unless Crown Prince William himself is unable to fulfill his obligations as crown prince. For example, if you are seriously ill, or you will die young, etc. Otherwise, it would not have changed until a hundred years after Wilhelm II, Crown Prince Wilhelm would be Emperor of the German Empire.
"Your Majesty, judging from the current situation, if there is a war, our chances of victory will be very small. So, I think we'd better exercise restraint! "Prime Minister Bernhardt? Feng? Barrow suggested.
Although, this is a difficult result to accept. However, this is the way it is now. Even if they are dissatisfied, for the sake of the overall situation, they can only endure it!
"Yes, Your Majesty. Temporary forbearance is so that next time we can defeat all of our enemies. Moltke Jr. also said.
Although the German army is strong, it will not be able to support it alone without the cooperation of the navy.
Wilhelm II nodded: "Well, that's it for now!" In the case of Morocco, we have done our utmost to avoid further escalation of the conflict. However, on the surface, we must not show weakness to them, otherwise they will gain an inch. In addition, our interests in Morocco must be guaranteed as much as possible. ”
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Everyone replied.
Regarding the Moroccan crisis, Qin Tian did not pay too much attention to it. Anyway, he already knew the result. Although Germany became more and more intransigent and even began to deploy heavy troops on the border. However, anyone with a discerning eye knows that this is nothing more than a bluff.
With the support of the British and Russians, the French were full of confidence. In the face of Germany's tough attitude, a-for-tat response was made. This has made the situation in Europe even more tense.
On November 18, 1905, the expansion of the Deutsche Shipyard was completed. By recruiting a large number of engineers and skilled workers, the German shipyards were almost complete in the construction of large warships. What they lack is only practical experience.
The next day, Qin Tian rushed to the German shipyard and presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of the 'Nassau-class' battleship. Four battleships, construction began on four large slipways at the same time.
Of course, due to technical and empirical reasons, the construction progress of the German shipyard will be relatively slow. But as long as the relevant technology is completely thoroughly understood through this construction, there is nothing to worry about.
Qin Tian set a time for Brut before November 1907, and all four battleships had to be launched.
If Qin Tian is not mistaken, the British Navy's battleship 'Dreadnought' was officially commissioned on December 3, 1907. And that's why a lot of time is spent inspecting new equipment. However, the German side should have learned about the "Dreadnought" battleship earlier. If the Nassau-class battleships could be launched at that time, it would be an upbeat for the German Navy. There will be no problem for the Navy to accept the 'Nassau-class' battleships as the lead ships of the next level of the Navy.
In January 1906, the Algeciras Conference was convened. As a result of the support of Britain and Russia for France, a treaty was concluded in favor of France. Recognition of Moroccan independence, but recognition of French and Spanish police control over Morocco. However, France also promised German interests in Morocco, which must be guaranteed. German capital can enter Morocco.
When the news reached Germany, the German people were excited.
Under intense pressure, the German parliament took a break from the Naval Act and formed the first amendment. According to the content of this amendment, the budget for shipbuilding in the German Navy for the next ten years will be raised to 9. 400 million marks, starting from the following year, 2 battleships and 1 large cruiser (battlecruiser) were built per year. By 1917, the German Navy would have a strong fleet of 38 battleships, 20 large cruisers, and 38 small cruisers. This was an important milestone in the German Navy's formal challenge to maritime supremacy, and it was also a powerful response by the Germans to the "shame of Algeciras" -- German public opinion could not point the finger at Wilhelm II's decision-making mistakes, but blamed this defeat on the wanton intervention of Britain and Spain, and if Germany had a fleet capable of competing with the British Royal Navy, such a tragedy would not have happened. Because the Algeciras resolution had seriously damaged Germany's capitalist interests in Morocco and damaged the ever-expanding self-esteem of the Germans, everyone in Germany, from the big capitalists to the military and civilians, demanded that the construction of the navy be accelerated.