Chereads / Blood and Iron Germany[Part One] / Chapter 302 - Chapter 0302: Temporary Endurance

Chapter 302 - Chapter 0302: Temporary Endurance

After the outbreak of war, Qin Tian's Deutsche Industrial Group was significantly affected, particularly the Deutsche Lottery Company, which was forced to cease operations in all but Allied and American markets. The Entente nations had long prohibited Qin Tian from exploiting their wealth in such a manner.

Similarly, Daimler AG faced considerable repercussions, with production of passenger vehicles slashed to a bare minimum. The remaining capacity was diverted to manufacturing urgently needed trucks and jeeps for the military, ensuring the army's logistical needs were met.

In contrast, the Deutsche Shipbuilding Company, the Deutsche Arms Company, and the Deutsche Aircraft Manufacturing Company experienced explosive growth. Wartime conditions made these military industries exceedingly lucrative.

For the wealthy Qin Tian, supplying weapons and tanks to several corps on the Western Front was a trivial matter, even if he had to temporarily front the expenses. Wealth had become merely a string of numbers for him; if he could leverage his fortune to secure victory for the German Empire, he would readily part with his entire fortune.

Long before the war erupted, Qin Tian had aspired to enhance the army's capabilities. Unfortunately, due to Moltke's obstruction, his influence had been limited to the Eighth Corps. Now, with Wilhelm II's endorsement and von Falkenhayn's ascension to Chief of Staff, Qin Tian could confidently penetrate the army and expand his influence.

"Oscar, when can the Imperial Navy defeat the British?" Wilhelm II inquired.

With land strategies firmly in place, Wilhelm II shifted his focus to naval matters. The German Navy had gained the upper hand in its confrontation with the British, which greatly pleased him and validated his long-standing support for naval development.

"Father, the Navy is currently executing a strategy to strangle the British. Our raiding fleet and submarines are nearly sinking their maritime supply lines across the Atlantic. However, we've observed numerous merchant ships bearing the American flag traversing between Britain and the U.S. It's evident that, faced with impending suffocation, the British have no choice but to seek aid from America, which has seemingly resolved to support them," Qin Tian explained.

It was unsurprising to Qin Tian that the Americans would provide aid to Britain. Germany held considerable advantages in this conflict, and without support, the Entente was likely to falter. The Americans, aiming to protect their interests, clearly did not want to see a German victory that could dominate Europe. However, unwilling to engage directly at this stage, they opted to support Britain to prolong the struggle against Germany.

"Are the Americans not concerned about antagonizing us?" Wilhelm II frowned.

"Father, amidst the chaos engulfing the entire European continent, the Americans feel little trepidation. Their immense industrial strength and vast population position them as a pivotal nation. Whichever side they join can sway the outcome. Unless a dominant power emerges post-war, the Americans will remain unabashed in their actions," Qin Tian remarked.

Wilhelm II's expression darkened; the Americans' audacity infuriated him. Had he been younger, he would have declared war on the Americans to demonstrate the consequences of provoking the German Empire. However, he was acutely aware that Germany could not afford to antagonize such a formidable foe. Driving the Americans to the side of the Entente would be detrimental unless Germany could decisively defeat them and establish itself as Europe's hegemon. Only then could they contend with or even subdue the United States.

Yet, the adage rings true: patience is a knife at the throat. Knowing that the Americans were plotting against him while he could do nothing but endure was a considerable challenge for Wilhelm II.

"Your Highness, must we simply allow the Americans to egregiously undermine the Empire's interests?" von Falkenhayn interjected, equally incensed by American actions.

"At this stage, we truly have no means to counter the Americans. Though our army is unparalleled, we cannot attack the U.S. due to the constraints posed by Britain, France, and Russia, not to mention the Atlantic barrier. Our priority remains the defeat of the Entente; once we accomplish that, all other issues will resolve themselves," Qin Tian stated.

"Oscar, is there truly no alternative?" Wilhelm II pressed.

"Father, unless we wait until next year, when our Navy can confront the British fleet. At that point, we will possess the formidable strength necessary to address the Americans. We could even fully blockade Britain, preventing any vessels from reaching them, effectively strangling the British economy—this would certainly not be insurmountable," Qin Tian replied.

"Next year, we will engage in a decisive battle with the British Navy? Our forces will prevail, yes?" Wilhelm II asked.

"Indeed, Father. By next year, our 'Bavarian-class' battleships and 'Mackensen-class' battlecruisers will be in service. We will add eight capital ships equipped with 380 mm main guns, significantly enhancing our naval superiority. I am confident we will triumph over the British," Qin Tian asserted, brimming with confidence.

In prior naval engagements, the German Navy had already inflicted substantial losses on the British fleet, sinking over ten of their capital ships, including several of their most advanced vessels. The German Navy had truly surpassed the British, and despite the Royal Navy's upcoming reinforcements, including the formidable 'Queen Elizabeth-class' battleships and 'Revenge-class' battleships, the Germans felt no fear. It was evident that, should a confrontation arise, victory would assuredly belong to the German Navy.

After all, Qin Tian had numerous aces up his sleeve. Besides the main fleet, he also possessed aircraft carriers and submarines—armaments capable of posing a lethal threat to the British fleet.

Considering all these factors, the strength of the German Navy had undoubtedly reached unprecedented heights, far exceeding that of the Royal Navy.