"Falkenhayn, from this moment forward, you will also assume the role of Chief of General Staff. I hope that under your leadership, the Imperial Army can vanquish our formidable foes and secure victory for the German Empire!" declared Wilhelm II.
The Emperor's decisive move to replace Moltke stemmed primarily from his desire for triumph in the ongoing conflict. Germany had poured every resource into this war, and the consequences of defeat would be catastrophic. Hence, victory was imperative. Moltke's prior performance had been woeful, convincing Wilhelm II that he could not guide the German army to success. Consequently, the Emperor placed his hopes in others, selecting Falkenhayn as his chosen successor.
On one hand, Falkenhayn, as Minister of War, was the most qualified candidate for the position of Chief of General Staff. On the other hand, he possessed commendable capabilities. Moreover, his cordial relationship with Qin Tian was another significant factor. Wilhelm II was determined to avoid a repeat of the tensions between the Chief of General Staff and the Crown Prince that had hampered the strength of the German army; one such lesson was sufficient.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I shall exert every effort to lead the German army to defeat our adversaries and achieve final victory in this war!" Falkenhayn exclaimed, his excitement palpable. After years of aspiration, he had finally realized his ambition. His long-standing rivalry with Moltke had now culminated in his ascendance as the preeminent figure of the Imperial Army. Falkenhayn was elated, immensely grateful for Qin Tian's assistance; without it, he would not have reached this point.
Wilhelm II nodded, genuinely hoping for a shift in the tides of war.
"Falkenhayn, what plans do you have for the Western Front moving forward?" Wilhelm II inquired eagerly.
Following Qin Tian's debriefing on the Eastern Front, Wilhelm II felt reassured. His foremost concern remained the Western Front; without significant breakthroughs there, Germany could not hope to win the war.
"Your Majesty, after more than a month of combat, our forces on the Western Front have exerted themselves to the fullest. The troops are exceedingly fatigued, and our war supplies have dwindled significantly; we require time to recuperate. Otherwise, we will be unable to launch a large-scale offensive," Falkenhayn replied.
Wilhelm II acknowledged this, recognizing that given the current state of the German forces on the Western Front, a large-scale offensive was indeed unfeasible. An ill-timed attack could result in further failure, with dire consequences.
"When do you intend to initiate the next offensive?" Wilhelm II asked.
"Your Majesty, it is already September. Once we complete our rest, the harsh winter will soon arrive. We must prepare the troops for winter to avoid non-combat losses due to weather conditions. Moreover, launching an offensive in winter would incur significant casualties. Therefore, we believe that a renewed offensive on the Western Front should at least wait until spring of next year," Falkenhayn explained.
"Next spring?" Wilhelm II furrowed his brow. Although he found Falkenhayn's analysis sound, there remained a half-year until then. While providing the German forces with ample time to recuperate, this also granted the enemy a respite. At the onset of war, France's military reforms had yet to be completed, and their mobilization was still underway, allowing Germany to achieve considerable victories. If the French were granted another six months, they would likely complete their mobilization. Additionally, the British would undoubtedly seize this opportunity to dispatch more expeditionary forces to France. Even if the German army completed their recuperation, would they still possess the capability to defeat the Anglo-French forces? Wilhelm II harbored grave doubts.
"Yes, Father. Regarding the Western Front, the Chief of Staff and I have deliberated, and we unanimously agree that the Western Front should adopt a defensive posture from now until next spring. During this time, the Eastern Front will maintain an offensive stance, striving to diminish Russian strength and aiming for their defeat. If we can incite internal strife in Russia, it would be even better," Qin Tian stated.
The strategy of defending the West while attacking the East was a consensus reached between Qin Tian and Falkenhayn for Germany's course over the next six months.
Wilhelm II nodded, "However, Oscar, do you have confidence in defeating the Anglo-French forces in six months? They will undoubtedly be much stronger by then!"
"Father, I have already considered this. Therefore, I hope we can enhance the combat effectiveness of our army within the next six months. This period is crucial for us. If we can realize our plans, defeating the Anglo-French forces in the future will not be an issue," Qin Tian continued.
"Oh? How do you intend to bolster the combat capabilities of the Western Front troops?" Wilhelm II inquired.
"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince proposes a large-scale rearmament of the Western Front forces, specifically increasing the numbers of semi-automatic rifles, sniper rifles, light machine guns, general-purpose machine guns, grenade launchers, mortars, and various artillery calibers to augment the troops' firepower. Furthermore, each corps should replicate the 8th Corps by establishing an armored division to enhance their assault capabilities. Previously, tanks had been utilized merely in conjunction with infantry, wasting their full potential. Now, with the experience of the 8th Armored Division, we can certainly create more armored units to disrupt the current stalemate on the Western Front," Falkenhayn articulated.
The Western Front had undeniably descended into trench warfare, a form of attrition that Germany was unwilling to accept.
"However, this will require substantial funding. Our military finances are already severely strained," Wilhelm II remarked. Since the onset of war, the consumption of vast resources had significantly escalated military expenditures.
"Father, I can initially advance the funds to equip the army with these weapons. Once the war concludes, repayment can be arranged," Qin Tian proposed.
"Excellent, then it shall be so!" Wilhelm II nodded in satisfaction.