"Father, the current situation is exceedingly favorable for the Empire. However, there are despicable scoundrels surreptitiously attacking us," Qin Tian remarked to Wilhelm II.
"Oh? Oscar, what is going on?" Wilhelm II furrowed his brow.
Although Germany had yet to secure victory in the war, this did not prevent Wilhelm II from assuming the mantle of a global sovereign. He could not tolerate any provocations against Germany.
"Father, beneath the guise of neutrality, the Americans have been consistently aiding the British and the French. Their support for Britain has reached an outrageous level. According to our intelligence, the Americans are extensively utilizing merchant vessels to transport various resources to Britain, including weapons and ammunition. This undoubtedly constitutes a violation of neutrality. The Americans are driven by two primary motives: first, to profit from the war and plunder British wealth; second, to weaken our power through the hands of Britain and France. The longer the Anglo-French can persist in this conflict, the more detrimental it will be for the Empire, leading to greater casualties on our side, allowing the Americans to reap the benefits. Let us not forget, America is the world's foremost industrial power, coveting the status of global dominance. At the turn of the century, they proclaimed that America was for Americans, revealing their ambitions. If America's strength continues to grow, who can guarantee that they won't declare the world belongs to America?" Qin Tian asserted.
Upon hearing Qin Tian's words, Wilhelm II's expression darkened. He was not unaware of the Americans' clandestine violations of neutrality by supplying arms and war materials to Britain. However, due to Germany's prior precarious situation, he had chosen to overlook these transgressions, not wishing to offend such a powerful nation at that critical juncture. Now, however, the circumstances appeared to have changed. With the Eastern Front's troubles resolved, Germany no longer felt the need for such restraint.
"The Americans' actions are indeed a provocation against the Empire. We cannot allow them to continue with impunity, for this would cost countless young men their lives on the battlefield. Our blockade against Britain had been effective, but the Americans have rendered it meaningless. This is absolutely unacceptable for the German Empire," Wilhelm II declared.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" everyone responded.
"However, Your Majesty, what should we do? If we adopt a hardline stance, could we push the Americans to the side of the Allies?" Foreign Minister von Kidderlen-Waechter expressed concern.
The reason the Americans dared to brazenly supply arms to the Anglo-French was precisely because of their considerable strength, leaving both the Allies and the Central Powers hesitant to provoke them, thus seeking their favor. Yet now, Germany seemed to possess the strength to disregard the Americans.
"Your Excellency, there is no need for concern. The Americans are indeed one of the great powers of our time. Yet, lamentably, despite their industrial might, their military capability remains quite feeble. Even if they begin to expand their military, it will not be an overnight endeavor. By the time they bolster their forces, we will have already achieved victory on the European front. At that point, will the Americans still dare to confront us? I harbor serious doubts," Qin Tian replied.
"Indeed, Oscar speaks rightly. If the Imperial Navy and Army secure victories in the upcoming decisive battles, then the Americans will not dare to act against us. Even if they were to join the fray, they would lack the courage!" Wilhelm II said with a disdainful expression. For Wilhelm II, the might of the Empire provided him with confidence, allowing him to disregard any resentment from the Americans.
"Your Majesty, the Americans' actions are undeniably detrimental to the Empire. However, should they enter the war, it would require greater exertion and cost for us to secure victory. Therefore, it is best to avoid pushing the Americans into the Allies' camp," Chancellor Bernhard von Bülow suggested.
"If the Americans are sensible enough to cease their shipments of weapons and other war materials to Britain, it would be ideal. Otherwise, they shall bear the consequences of their actions," Wilhelm II's stance was resolute.
"Let the Foreign Ministry issue a warning to the Americans! If they heed our warning, we can overlook their past actions. If not, we must take commensurate measures. We need to demonstrate to the Americans that the German Empire is not a soft target that they can provoke. Even if we are engaged in conflict with other great powers, we do not fear them!" Qin Tian asserted.
"Let us proceed as Oscar suggests! Let us hope the Americans choose wisely this time," Wilhelm II concluded.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Chancellor Bernhard von Bülow and Foreign Minister von Kidderlen-Waechter nodded in agreement. With Wilhelm II and Qin Tian resolved, they had no choice but to follow orders.
After the court meeting concluded, Foreign Minister von Kidderlen-Waechter promptly sent a telegram to the Imperial Embassy in America, instructing the ambassador to protest to the American government, warning them to cease all shipments of weapons and war materials to Britain.
Ambassador Glass, disregarding that it was still morning in America, urgently sought a meeting with Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan.
Upon entering his office, Secretary Bryan found Ambassador Glass waiting there, causing a sense of unease to tighten within him, as if sensing impending trouble.
With the turmoil in Russia leading to its withdrawal from the war, Germany's advantages in this conflict became increasingly evident, sparking heated debates within the American Cabinet. Some ministers argued that continuing support for Britain and France would be unwise, provoking Germany's ire. Nevertheless, President Woodrow Wilson remained steadfast in his position.