February 15, 1898 // Potsdam, Germany
"sigh..."
[USS Maine sinks of the coast of Cuba.]
Reading today's newspaper I sigh in frustration. Its hard to do anything about the upcoming Spanish-American war with the vessel of a seven year old.
The only influence I can exert is through my company or my relationship with Bismarck. Neither is enough, one is a fledgling company and another is an old man outside of current German politics.
Still with my visit I was able make a relationship with the Iron Chancellor. And our talk seems to have made him make efforts to mend the relationship with my father. With my help my father and Bismarck have begun to renew their relationship. Bismarck rather than standing opposed to my father's will, started acquiescing. Although he is against the New Course my father proposed he's helping the policy in a way that least damages the future of Germany.
'I should be happy that I was indirectly able to make real changes this time, albeit weakly.'
********************
With a smile I read the letter Bismarck sent me.
[ To my not so cute grandson...
omission...
with regards to the current Spanish-American dispute, in my opinion...
omission...
I'm curious as to you opinion?]
I reply that hostilities between the United States and Spain are inevitable. And that Germany should not hesitate to side with America. If war is inevitable, Spain's defeat is decided as well, so Germany should maximize its interest with American favor.
'A pro-American policy may prevent the United States' intervention in the future great war, or at least favor Germany when it comes to war material. Hopefully with this we can start to reverse my father's hogu diplomacy.'
After sending the letter I pray that my thoughts, via Bismarck make an effect.
********************
March 26, 1898
The first German Naval Act was passed at the Reichstag. In the original history this was passed with the contents ordering 19 battleships by 1903. However with Bismarck's and I's intervention this was drastically reduced to only 4.
I told Bismarck in a letter that I read an article mentioning the future of warships as a 17,000 ton all-big-gun vessel.
When I mentioned the hypothetical warship to my father, his eyes twinkled at imagining the majesty of such a ship. So instead of building 19 outdated battleships, the law was passed including a provision creating the Dreadnought Research Committee. The committee will be chaired by the Kaiser himself including the Secretary of the Navy, Alfred von Tirpitz and Italian Vittorio Cuniberti.
I mentioned to Bismarck that Vittorio Cuniberti was the originator of the idea, and should be invited to help with the technical limitations of German shipbuilding capabilities.
The Naval Act passed easily in contrast to the original history.
I don't know what kind of butterfly effect this'll have but it should fine.
********************
April 25, 1898
The United States finally declared war against Spain today.
After the Naval Act was passed, Bismarck and my father's relationship became easier. Although not yet fully mended, it was enough to sharply increase Bismarck's influence in the current government.
Through his influence, Germany showed full support for the United States. With this German military attachés were sent to the United States to help improve their combat capabilities, meanwhile navy officers were sent to gain experience aboard US vessels.
The improved relations between both countries also culminated in the US placing orders for modern guns and artillery to help modernize their army.
********************
July 28, 1898 // Friedrichsruh, Hamburg
Bismarck's health has been rapidly deteriorating this past month. Since he was the first proper relationship I made outside of my family and servants I've been visiting him extensively.
Today his health rallied so I volunteered to push his wheelchair while we stroll around the garden. When I tried to push the wheelchair it barely budged, I forgot for awhile that I was only 7 years old.
"Cough! Cough! Haaa... why would a child push an old man's wheelchair."
"Hahaha. I was just trying to show the elder some filial piety."
"Huh... we aren't even related."
"But I call you grandpa."
"Hahahaha! That's right!"
We chat leisurely while strolling the garden. If a stranger were to see us together they may actually mistake us for a grandfather and grandson.
The past 2 days Bismarck seemed to have recovered somewhat but today his health once again declined. I was nervous about the old man's health so I stayed in his house, but today my worst fears seemed to have come true.
"Cough! Cough! Cough! a.. are you there Joachim?.."
"Yes I'm here grandpa."
"Whoaaa... unfortunately it seems I'll be returning to the arms of the lord soon."
"Herbert, Wilhelm come here."
"We're here father."
"The two of you should help the prince to realize his ideas, he may be young but he's sure to change this country in the future."
"We may be inadequate but we'll do our best, I promise father."
"I promise as well father."
"And Joachim."
"Yes grandpa Otto."
"Cough... Joachim our time may have been short but it allowed this old man to do something worthwhile in his last moments."
"I may not agree with all your ideas, but I believe that you will keep working towards the continued greatness and prosperity of Germany."
"You'll need a lot of allies to achieve your dreams so you should start with my two sons, although they aren't as capable as me they'll be able to act as your hands and feet."
"Yes..."
"Huh.. huhh I.. I'm going to rest now, I'm tired..."
"Father!"
"Father! khuuu..."
With tears in our eyes, Herbert, Wilhelm, and I say our final goodbyes to grandpa Otto.
Otto Eduard Leopold von Bismarck
Prince of Bismarck, Count of Bismarck-Schönhausen, and Duke of Lauenburg
April 1st 1815 - July 30th 1898