Upon QinTian's succession as the Vice Crown Prince of the German Empire, considerable international attention was stirred. As one of the world's great powers, any alteration in the German line of succession undoubtedly merited scrutiny from other nations. Many countries might even recalibrate their diplomatic strategies towards Germany, seeking to navigate future interactions with greater ease.
Previously overlooked in favor of Crown Prince Wilhelm, QinTian's remarkable acumen in business could no longer be dismissed. With his new status, he commanded heightened regard; as the heir apparent, QinTian now wielded significant influence over both domestic and international affairs.
In the United Kingdom, at 10 Downing Street, Prime Minister Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, Chancellor of the Exchequer Herbert Henry Asquith, and Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey were engaged in deliberations concerning QinTian's ascension to the position of Crown Prince.
"Gentlemen, the change in the German succession—should we regard it as beneficial or detrimental?" Sir Bannerman inquired.
"Prime Minister," Asquith conceded, "Crown Prince Wilhelm may be the most unfortunate man on earth, having fallen into a state of unconsciousness at such a critical juncture. However, the newly appointed Crown Prince Oscar appears to present an even more formidable challenge. While Wilhelm was a man of grand aspirations but limited capability, Oscar's commercial endeavors are exemplary. If his political prowess matches his business acumen, we will find ourselves confronted by a particularly tenacious adversary."
Sir Bannerman nodded, well aware of the extensive intelligence gathered regarding Germany. The current information clearly indicated that QinTian posed a greater challenge than Wilhelm.
"Prime Minister, our discord with the Germans grows increasingly pronounced. I would even assert that war is inevitable. To safeguard the interests of the British Empire, our sole recourse is to prepare for conflict and decisively defeat the Germans, shattering their ambitions to supplant us," declared Sir Edward Grey.
While Sir Bannerman understood this reality, he recognized that should war erupt, victory must be swift. Otherwise, the conflict would yield no victors. The vanquished would lose everything, while the victors would similarly deplete national resources, leading to difficult days ahead. Thus, it was a scenario fraught with mutual devastation.
"Is there a possibility that we could influence German foreign policy through the newly appointed Crown Prince? Perhaps persuade them to abandon their challenges against us? For this, we might even consider offering certain concessions. Such an outcome would be ideal for us," Sir Bannerman suggested.
Asquith and Sir Edward Grey exchanged glances, both dismissing Sir Bannerman's notion as overly naive.
"Prime Minister, that is nearly impossible. Unless divine intervention occurs, compelling the Germans to relent is unthinkable. Over the years, they have relentlessly prepared to challenge us, evident in their vigorous naval expansion. As long as the Germans cling to the hope of challenging the British Empire, peace will remain elusive between us," Sir Edward Grey asserted.
"Indeed, Prime Minister. We must now confront reality and abandon our illusions. There is only one path forward: war. Only by vanquishing the Germans can we ensure the stability of our colonial system and maintain the hegemony of the British Empire," Asquith stated.
Sir Bannerman, resigned, nodded. Though he believed no one would emerge victorious from war, the current consensus regarded it as the sole means to resolve disputes, with all parties desiring a definitive triumph over their adversaries.
"Alas! Given our circumstances, we must prepare meticulously! Once hostilities commence, the British Empire must secure victory, and at the lowest possible cost. Otherwise, our supremacy may very well come to an end, a prospect we cannot accept. We must not become the architects of the Empire's downfall," Sir Bannerman proclaimed.
"Yes, Prime Minister," both Asquith and Sir Edward Grey affirmed.
"Prime Minister, we are intensifying our communications with the Russians. If we can reach an accord with them, a encirclement of Germany and its allies will formally take shape. This would significantly enhance our prospects in the impending conflict," Sir Edward Grey said, his face alight with enthusiasm.
Utilizing the strength of allied nations to besiege the most powerful state on the European continent has long been a favored strategy of the British, executed with expertise over centuries. The previous French Empire had fallen victim to such a coalition, and now it appeared the German Empire would face a similar fate.
"Excellent. We can afford to offer the Russians some concessions. Everything must be geared towards defeating the Germans; once they are vanquished, the rest will be mere trifles," Sir Bannerman asserted.
"Indeed, Prime Minister," Sir Edward Grey nodded.
In January 1907, following QinTian's ascension as the Crown Prince of the German Empire, the construction of the "Nassau-class" battleships at the German shipyards commenced, serving as a token of celebration for his accession.
Two months later, the second class of dreadnoughts, the "Württemberg-class" battleships, began construction at five shipyards.
By June, the launch of the "Blücher-class" battlecruisers marked a significant leap in the strength of the German Navy.
While the German Navy continued to bolster its might, the British were equally proactive, effectively implementing a strategy of encirclement against Germany with notable success.
On August 31, 1907, Russian Foreign Minister Izvolsky and British Ambassador Nicholson signed an agreement in Petersburg to divide colonial territories, thereby resolving disputes between Britain and Russia over colonial issues. This rapprochement allowed the two nations to set aside differences and unite against Germany, culminating in the formal establishment of the Triple Entente.