Germany's industrial development has progressed remarkably, now surpassing both England and France to become the world's second-largest industrial power, trailing only the United States. Moreover, in terms of technology, Germany stands significantly ahead of America. It is indisputable that Germany is the preeminent industrial powerhouse globally.
Regrettably, as Germany's industrial output grows, so does its need for markets. Despite a population exceeding sixty million, this domestic market remains insufficient to sustain industrial expansion. While the markets of European nations are substantial, they have long been saturated, compounded by tariff barriers that severely limit Germany's industrial growth.
To secure broader markets, Germany has no choice but to look overseas. Unfortunately, by the time Germany achieved unification and began its ascent, much of the world had already been partitioned by nations like England and France. Germany's share has amounted to little more than scraps, which are far from meeting its industrial demands. Consequently, despite having superior products, Germany struggles to penetrate other countries' colonies, while Britain and France profit immensely from their colonies, even selling inferior goods produced with outdated technology.
This situation is profoundly unfair to Germany and is a significant factor behind the looming global conflict. Faced with the impossibility of obtaining more expansive markets through peaceful means, Germany is left with no alternative but to resort to force. By defeating England and France in war, Germany could dismantle their colonial system, thus gaining access to more colonies and markets. This would eliminate the constraints currently hindering Germany's industrial growth, allowing it to emerge as an even stronger industrial nation, potentially surpassing the United States.
The vast Eastern Empire, with its large population, also represents a coveted market for Germany. However, due to its late entry, Germany's influence in the Eastern Empire remains minimal. Nevertheless, Kaiser Wilhelm II has long harbored aspirations for development in this region. Thus, Qin Tian's proposal to abandon Blue Island threatens to nullify Wilhelm's plans.
The other ministers looked to Qin Tian, puzzled by his suggestion, which seemed clearly detrimental to Germany. They were bewildered as to why the astute Qin Tian would propose something so evidently unpalatable to Wilhelm II. Although Qin Tian's status as heir had grown increasingly secure, it did not grant him carte blanche.
"Oscar, please elaborate on your reasoning!" Wilhelm II demanded, his expression stern.
"Your Majesty, you must be aware of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. Should we engage in war with the British, the Japanese will undoubtedly seize the opportunity to attack Blue Island. They have long coveted it but have been deterred by our Empire's might. Once war breaks out, all of our resources will be tied up in Europe, which will embolden the Japanese to strike. Our forces on Blue Island are insufficient to hold it. Rather than incur losses, it is wiser to relinquish it, conserving our strength," Qin Tian explained.
Although reluctant, Wilhelm II had to concede the logic in Qin Tian's argument.
"Your Majesty, although Japan is a small nation, it has emerged as one of the world's powers, having defeated both the Eastern Empire and Russia, showcasing formidable military strength. Their navy is also rapidly advancing. If they were to attack Blue Island, our Pacific Fleet and the garrison there would be incapable of repelling them. Therefore, the heir's suggestion merits serious consideration," remarked Admiral Tirpitz.
"This is merely speculation. Japan may lack the audacity to assault Blue Island. Furthermore, we could always dispatch reinforcements to bolster its defenses. The fortifications we have constructed are not easily breached," countered Moltke.
"Never underestimate the ambitions of smaller nations. Their rise from a mere island nation to a global power is fueled by formidable aspirations. Moreover, Blue Island is too distant; how many reinforcements could we realistically send? Our reach is inevitably limited!" von Falkenhayn added.
"Hmph! Even if the Japanese dared to act, once we emerge victorious from the war, they would have no choice but to relinquish Blue Island!" Moltke declared.
"Even so, the losses we would incur would be irretrievable. Furthermore, regardless of the outcome of this war, the Empire's focus must shift to the Atlantic. After all, there is a powerful nation on the other side of the ocean that will become our next major adversary," Qin Tian stated.
Wilhelm II fell silent, torn between emotional resistance and rational acceptance. Ultimately, his reason prevailed, recognizing that relinquishing Blue Island would benefit the German Empire.
After several minutes of contemplation, Wilhelm II finally said, "Very well, as Oscar suggests, let us cede Blue Island back to the Eastern Empire."
"Understood, Your Majesty," replied Chancellor Bernhard von Bülow and Foreign Minister von Kidderlin-Waechter. This matter would naturally be best handled by the government.
Qin Tian breathed a sigh of relief, relieved to have resolved this issue.
Germany's decision to voluntarily relinquish Blue Island shocked nations worldwide, particularly Japan, which was greatly displeased. They had anticipated leveraging the war to seize Blue Island, further expanding their territory in the Eastern Empire. Now, all their plans had been dashed.
Meanwhile, Britain and France grew increasingly vigilant, interpreting Germany's actions as a contraction of its warfront in preparation for future conflict. This prompted both nations to accelerate their own military preparations.
As time passed, 1914 arrived, and Qin Tian found himself busier than ever, personally overseeing naval and army training and combat readiness.
No one knew that, barring any historical alterations, war was imminent. Though Qin Tian was uncertain whether events would unfold as per the original historical trajectory, he understood the importance of preparedness.
When Qin Tian learned that in June 1914, the Austro-Hungarian Empire would conduct exercises in Bosnia, he realized that the inevitable had finally arrived!