Germany, Berlin, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Imperial Foreign Minister von Kiderlen-Waechter was in unusually high spirits. He optimistically believed that the war was likely to conclude this year. Even if progress was somewhat slow, it would undoubtedly be finished by next year. At that point, as the Imperial Foreign Minister, he would be exceedingly busy negotiating with the defeated nations, skillfully carving them up. Each time he contemplated this, von Kiderlen-Waechter felt a surge of excitement.
"Your Excellency, here is a telegram from the embassy in the United States," the secretary announced, placing a freshly translated telegram on von Kiderlen-Waechter's desk.
As he read the telegram, however, his expression quickly darkened.
"The audacious Americans dare not acknowledge the truth. Even now, they persist in their denial? Their obstinacy—do they truly wish to stand against the Empire at such a critical juncture?" von Kiderlen-Waechter remarked coldly.
In his view, the Americans were acting with profound foolishness. It was evident to any discerning mind that Germany's victory in the war was virtually assured. For the Americans to offend the German Empire was akin to a grievous miscalculation.
"Prepare the carriage; we must go immediately to the palace to report to His Majesty. Also, notify the Prime Minister, the Crown Prince, and the Ministers of the Navy and Army," von Kiderlen-Waechter commanded. The Americans choosing to oppose the Empire was undoubtedly a significant matter for all of Germany, particularly since the war had yet to reach its conclusion. Although Germany held the upper hand, victory was not yet secured. Should the United States choose to join the Allies in combat, the balance of power could shift drastically, a prospect that would not bode well for the German Empire.
Twenty minutes later, the high-ranking officials of the German government and military gathered in Kaiser Wilhelm II's office.
"Minister of Foreign Affairs, is it true that the Americans are taking a hardline stance?" Wilhelm II inquired. He had hoped that the Americans would relent and cease their support for the Allies, which would resolve the matter entirely. Unfortunately, the Americans' decision had once again taken everyone by surprise.
"Yes, Your Majesty. The Americans claim they have not violated their neutrality. They also assert their right to trade with any nation, insisting that others have no authority to interfere with their commerce," von Kiderlen-Waechter replied.
"Scoundrels! The Americans are blatantly provoking the Empire! Everyone is aware of what they have been supplying to the Allies. Their audacity to act while denying the truth is utterly shameless!" Wilhelm II exclaimed in fury.
"Your Majesty, the Americans are clearly intent on opposing the Empire. In that case, we should disregard their provocations and directly attack their merchant vessels. If we can thwart their supplies to the Allies, our chances of defeating Britain and France will significantly improve, which would be advantageous for our campaign in the ongoing war!" declared Admiral Tirpitz.
The Imperial Navy was currently brimming with confidence. With a fleet of new warships now in service, the German Navy had established itself as the indisputable world leader. Particularly given the significant losses the British Royal Navy had suffered at their hands, this had further bolstered the Empire's naval strength. Tirpitz even believed that, should the American Navy intervene, the German fleet would be more than capable of countering any threat.
"Attacking American merchant vessels? That might be unwise; it could force the Americans to align themselves with the Allies. Such a move would be detrimental to the Empire. Moreover, targeting merchant ships would severely harm our international reputation," Prime Minister Bethmann Hollweg opposed.
"Your Majesty, even if the Americans join the Allies, it will not alter the outcome of the war. Our Army and Navy will soon launch large-scale offensives. Once we secure victories on both fronts, final victory will be within our grasp. The Americans cannot deploy forces to Europe quickly enough to pose a threat!" said Army Minister and Chief of the General Staff von Falkenhayn.
Wilhelm II nodded; after all this time, the dawn of victory was unmistakably on the horizon. Thus, Germany need not proceed with undue caution as before. However, he refrained from making an immediate decision.
"Oscar, what are your thoughts?" Wilhelm II asked.
Despite Qin Tian's youth, Wilhelm II no longer viewed him as merely a child. He placed significant weight on Qin Tian's advice, which had repeatedly proven prescient on numerous occasions.
"Father, the Americans' actions are indeed very unfavorable for the Empire. It is almost certain that they intend to leverage the British and French to undermine our power. Hence their unyielding stance. The Empire cannot afford to overlook such behavior. Otherwise, we risk not only our interests but also exacerbating our losses in this war. This would be detrimental to the Empire's quest for global supremacy. Therefore, I believe we must not retreat this time; we must respond to the Americans with resolute firmness," Qin Tian asserted.
Wilhelm II pondered for a few seconds before stating, "If the Americans seize this opportunity to enter the war on the side of the Allies, it will not significantly affect the future course of the conflict, will it?"
Wilhelm II's greatest concern was the possibility of losing victory that was almost within reach due to unforeseen circumstances. Such an outcome would be intolerable. He would prefer to incur additional losses to ensure the Empire's triumph in the forthcoming battles, as victory was paramount.
"Father, even if the Americans enter the fray, it will not fundamentally alter the situation. Defeating Britain and France is inevitable. The Americans cannot save them. Of course, at this stage, we do not pose any threat to the American homeland. However, once we dominate the entire European continent and consolidate its power, we will undoubtedly be able to vanquish America!" Qin Tian replied confidently.