Chereads / Crazy German Prince / Chapter 11 - Butterfly Effect

Chapter 11 - Butterfly Effect

The game ended 3-2 with my team FC Berlin defeating BFC Germania.

After the game I take a commemorative photo with each team, and thank each sides for the good game. My antics during the game ended up being widely reported together with my photo with the players in their still dirty kits. In an interview with a reporter I ended up professing my love for football and my wish to see an organized league in the future.

The publication of the article ended up causing a football craze in Germany, with people of all types picking up a ball and kicking it. This ended up increasing the number of clubs which joined the future German Football Association (DFB) from 86 to nearly all organized football clubs in Germany.

When the article came to the ear of my mother she thoroughly 'educated' me for undignified antics. It seems that my ass has been the biggest loser of my new life so far.

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February 12, 1899

Two months pass since I first founded my football club.

Today the German-Spanish treaty was signed, with Spain selling its remaining pacific territories to Germany. As of today Palau, the Caroline islands and the Mariana islands officially become German territories.

Under the influence of the butterfly effect Spain, in vindication for Germany's stance in the Spanish-American war, initially tried to sell to either France or Britain. But after negotiations Germany was able to purchase them for 25 million Reichsmarks, instead of the original 17 million.

March 14, 1899

Another consequence of the butterfly effect was the Samoan civil war, originally this should have resulted in the US occupying the Samoan capital of Apia and subsequently taking over Samoa's two largest islands. But with the friendly US-Germany relations, the United States acquiesces and conspires to help Germany take over the entirety of Samoa. In exchange Germany allowed American vessels to use the German port of the Tsingtao Concession.

Also in this day, my father takes direct command of the Imperial German Navy.

October 11, 1899

Today is my 9th birthday and I had a relatively 'simple' celebration with my family. My father, wanting to out-do my uncle's 7th birthday gift, presented me with an even bigger yacht. It was supposed to be for last year, but my father wanted a custom built boat for me so it was delayed to this year.

My birthday also coincided with another event, the Second Boer War.

Today war was declared between the Boer Republics and the British Empire. The day after, a skirmish broke out at Kraaipan resulting in a Boer victory. This heralded the Boer invasion of the Cape colony. The Boers quickly mobilized a force of 33,000 soldiers prior to hositilites, giving them an overwhelming advantage in the early stages of this war.

October 18, 1899

The Boxer Rebellion began with the Battle of Senluo Temple. The rebel force of 1,500 was easily repulsed by the 4,500 strong Qing Army.

October 20, 1899

The first major battle of the Second Boer War took place. The Battle of Talana Hill was fought between 4,000 British and 3,000 Boer. The British took victory at this day but at high cost. The British suffered 600+ casualties compared to the 100+ of the Boer, this battle also took the life of Lt. Gen Symons.

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Admiralty Building, London

*knock* *knock*

"Come in."

"Greetings Admiral."

"Jackie. Take a seat. How's life as commander of the Mediterranean Fleet?"

"Its fine Admiral, the men continue to improve every day."

"Alright, what is it that's so urgent that the command of the Mediterranean Fleet himself comes to me?"

"Admiral do you remember the German Naval Act from last year."

"Indeed, to be honest it was a bit lackluster knowing the Kaiser's temperament, but other than that there wasn't anything special wasn't there?"

"Sir there was a provision stating the creation of a Dreadnought Research Committee."

"What about it?"

"Through my contacts in Italy I was able to receive approximate data on the ship."

"Continue."

"According to the data, the ship is said to be an 18,000 ton monster. Despite that, its said to be capable of reaching a speed of 21 knots. It has an armament of 5 12-inch twin turrets, with an 11 inch armor belt."

After the explanation of Jackie Fisher, Walter Kerr the First Sea Lord reveals a shocked expression. He furrows his brows and runs the calculator in his head to imagine the capabilities of such a behemoth.

"It's a monster."

"Yes sir, in my opinion the reason why the Germans had such a lackluster naval expansion was to save up resources for building this monster."

"Indeed if its as you say, and if the Germans are successful in such a venture."

"Sir our present and future ships will turn into tin cans in front of this thing."

"I agree, don't worry Jackie I'll inform his excellency the Lord of the Admiralty the gravity of such a situation."