The ramifications of the naval battle in the central Atlantic between Britain and Germany are undoubtedly profound. It not only exposed the Royal Navy's superficial strength but also instilled a stark awareness within its ranks that they might very well lose this conflict.
Consequently, the British began to explore alternative methods to recover from their disadvantage and secure victory in the war.
On the morning of September 6, the British ambassador urgently summoned U.S. Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan.
"Good morning, Mr. Secretary!" The British ambassador's demeanor was markedly more humble than in the past, shedding the previous air of arrogance. Historically, the British often regarded Americans with disdain, viewing them as provincial or newly wealthy.
It is essential to remember that America was once a British colony. Although the British were defeated during the American Revolutionary War and reluctantly recognized American independence, this was due to a myriad of factors. Had France not simultaneously engaged Britain on a global scale, preventing the British from fully suppressing American resistance, it is quite possible the Americans would not have triumphed in their struggle for independence, and the United States as we know it would not exist.
"Hello, Ambassador," Secretary Bryan said, a flicker of astonishment crossing his face. The news of the British naval defeat had not yet reached the American side.
"Mr. Secretary, I am here on behalf of the British government to seek your support. The ongoing war has left the British Empire feeling somewhat overwhelmed. Particularly alarming is the despicable German tactic of employing unrestricted submarine warfare, which jeopardizes our maritime supply lines. The British government wishes to enlist American merchant ships to transport our supplies and seeks a loan from your government. This loan would be entirely allocated for procuring war materials in the United States, to be transported back to Britain by American vessels," the British ambassador stated.
Upon hearing this, Secretary Bryan was momentarily stunned. Was this really a sentiment that could emanate from the proud British? Historically, they had looked down on the Americans. Now they were earnestly soliciting assistance—had the sun risen in the west?
"Ambassador, I must admit your request has taken me by surprise. Has something significant occurred? After all, the war has only just commenced. Is the British Empire truly struggling so soon? This is rather hard to believe," Bryan replied.
"Mr. Secretary, on behalf of the British government, I sincerely invite the United States to join the Allies in combat against the malevolent Central Powers. Should the Central Powers prevail, all of Europe and indeed the entire world would fall under their nefarious dominion. At that point, America could not hope to remain unscathed," the British ambassador implored.
Bryan's expression grew tense. The ambassador's words unsettled him. How could such a formidable empire as Britain be feeling despondent about the war's trajectory? Did this imply imminent defeat?
"Oh my God! How is this possible?" Bryan exclaimed.
In Bryan's eyes, Britain was the reigning world power! Though its industrial output had been surpassed by both America and Germany, the British still possessed the most formidable navy, bolstered by vast overseas colonies. With such a powerful navy, their global interests could be safeguarded. As long as Britain's colonial empire remained intact, it would retain its status as a superpower. Yet here they were, barely a month into the war, and the British felt unable to secure victory—it was utterly unbelievable.
"Ambassador, the decision to join the Allies is not mine to make. I must report to the President. However, I personally advocate for joining the Allies. Yet, I require compelling reasons to persuade the President and the Cabinet. Please, enlighten me about the situation," Bryan inquired.
"Mr. Secretary, I shall not conceal any longer. The Royal Navy has already engaged in two naval battles with the Germans. In the first engagement, we suffered a defeat; the HMS Lion was sunk," the ambassador revealed.
Bryan nodded; he had indeed received news of the HMS Lion's sinking. However, the loss of a single battlecruiser hardly registered as significant for the affluent British.
"Yesterday, we faced another naval engagement in the central Atlantic. The Royal Navy attempted to annihilate the German submarine fleet but fell into their ambush. In the fierce battle, the Royal Navy suffered catastrophic losses—seven powerful battleships were sunk, along with three battlecruisers. Furthermore, one battlecruiser and one battleship were severely damaged. It can be said that the Royal Navy has been dealt a heavy blow and is gravely wounded," the British ambassador candidly reported the Royal Navy's defeats to Bryan.
The British believed that only by conveying the might of the Germans would the Americans experience a sense of vulnerability and consequently provide unwavering support to Britain, even joining the Allies.
After all, the British were acutely aware of American ambitions. Like the Germans, the Americans aspired to supplant Britain as the preeminent global power. Their approach, however, was more tempered, less aggressive than that of the Germans, yet the essence remained unchanged.
Should the Germans emerge victorious from this war, they would undoubtedly replace Britain as the world's hegemon. A German Empire ruling over Europe would be even more formidable than the current British Empire. At that point, America's aspirations of becoming a global power would be thwarted. If the Americans wished to ascend to supremacy, they simply could not allow the Germans to win this war.
"Oh my God! Are the Germans truly this powerful?" Secretary Bryan was completely taken aback.
"Mr. Secretary, we urgently require the support of the United States," the British ambassador reiterated.
"Ambassador, I will report this matter to the President immediately," Bryan responded.
After the British ambassador departed, Bryan hurried to the White House to relay the news to President Wilson. Before setting out, he had already alerted other Cabinet ministers by phone. Such a momentous issue required careful handling by the American government. The decision to enter the war would profoundly influence the future of the United States.