In April 1910, Qin Tian presented the design plans for the next generation of battleships and battlecruisers to the German Navy, namely the "Kaiser" class battleship and the "Dreifinger" class battlecruiser.
The experts from the Ministry of the Navy and the Naval Technical Committee reviewed the designs for these capital ships. Although discussions arose due to their exorbitant costs, the resolute stance of Count Tirpitz ensured the approval of both designs. Emperor Wilhelm II, respecting Qin Tian's insights, voiced no objections.
By the end of April, the construction of the "Kaiser" class battleship and the "Dreifinger" class battlecruiser commenced.
The "Kaiser" class battleship was notably more colossal, displacing 37,000 tons and armed with three triple-mounted 38 cm main guns—the largest caliber ever equipped on a battleship in Germany, or indeed the world. It was anticipated that future capital ships would be outfitted with even larger artillery. In terms of defense, the primary armor of the "Kaiser" class reached a thickness of 380 mm, significantly enhancing its resilience. Compared to its counterpart from another timeline, the "Kaiser" class had undergone a remarkable transformation. The maximum speed, too, remained unaffected by the increase in displacement; with the adoption of more powerful oil-fired boilers and steam turbines, the "Kaiser" class sustained a maximum speed of over 23 knots.
Following Wilhelm II's approval, plans were made to construct five vessels of the "Kaiser" class: the lead ship, "Kaiser," followed by "Großherzog," "Grenzkommissar," "Erzherzog," and "Queen Victoria."
The "Dreifinger" class battlecruiser, too, was transformed beyond recognition compared to its namesake from another timeline; aside from the shared name, almost every aspect differed dramatically. Its displacement increased to 35,000 tons, and it was equipped with three triple-mounted 38 cm main guns, boasting a maximum speed of 27.5 knots. When compared to the "Kaiser" class battleship, its defenses were slightly inferior, yet it remained a formidable adversary. In a hypothetical engagement against a battleship, the "Dreifinger" would perform admirably. With robust armor and formidable firepower, it would hold a decisive advantage over the British battlecruisers, whose thinner-skinned vessels would succumb one after another.
Through Qin Tian's relentless efforts, the trajectory of the German Navy had fundamentally shifted from that of another timeline. While most warships retained the same names, they were now fundamentally different. Compared to the mainstay of the Imperial German Navy of the past, the current fleet was significantly more powerful.
However, the construction of such a formidable fleet was draining Germany's resources. Had it not been for the continual financial support from Qin Tian and the royal family, the navy would have already succumbed to financial strain.
Even so, if war did not break out as anticipated, Germany's finances would inevitably collapse. Thus, both Qin Tian and the German government were determined not to allow the conflict to drag on. By 1914 at the latest, war must erupt. Only through conflict could domestic tensions be alleviated, and by plundering the resources of a defeated foe, Germany could replenish its military expenditures incurred during the arms race.
This dilemma was not unique to Germany; other nations faced similar choices. Substantial funds poured into the arms race left many countries with severe fiscal deficits. Should these finances falter, nations could find themselves on the brink of collapse. In such dire circumstances, war would emerge as the sole means of diverting public attention. A decisive victory could restore a nation's wealth through the spoils of conquest, yet defeat would spell an end to any future.
At this juncture, war had become an inevitability. No nation truly sought to avoid it; indeed, a consensus regarding the impending conflict had already formed, though uncertainty lingered regarding its timing and nature. Germany aimed to dismantle the old colonial systems established by Britain and France, seizing more colonies in the process. Conversely, Britain and France sought to crush Germany, eradicating the threat it posed. Meanwhile, Russia and Austria-Hungary were entangled in their own quest for dominance in the Balkans. Across the Atlantic, Americans anticipated profiting from the impending conflict while seizing global hegemony. In essence, every nation harbored its own ambitions. Under these circumstances, the outbreak of war was unavoidable.
What each nation could do was to amass strength in preparation for future conflicts. Cultivating alliances would also prove crucial to victory. Almost every major power of the era would find itself embroiled in this looming war.
On May 6, a momentous event sent shockwaves around the globe: King Edward VII of Britain passed away in Buckingham Palace due to pneumonia. At that time, although Britain's power was on the decline and faced challenges from nations like the United States and Germany, its formidable navy still held the title of the world's strongest, ensuring its supremacy on the seas. The death of Edward VII was a profound shock to the entire world.
Edward VII was the second child and eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, fully named Albert Edward von Sachsen-Coburg und Gotha. From a young age, he held titles such as Knight of the Garter, Prince of Wales, Earl of Chester, Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Rothesay, and Earl of Dublin. Despite his infidelities and tumultuous private life, he remained a beloved and amiable monarch and societal leader.
In his youth, Edward VII was often perceived as a lazy and hedonistic playboy. Even after becoming the heir apparent, he maintained numerous mistresses, including Lady Harriet Mordaunt, the wife of Sir Charles, and the wife of Lord Alifoster, among others.
Only after the death of Queen Elizabeth did Edward VII begin to exhibit restraint.
As a figure of immense status, Edward VII could even be considered an uncle to Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany, with most other European monarchs regarded as his juniors. His passing marked a significant event in Europe.