"Your Majesty, are we truly poised to launch an attack on those American merchant vessels? As soon as you give the command, we can set our plans into motion," Marshal von Tirpitz exclaimed with enthusiasm.
It should be noted that both the Imperial Navy's raiding fleet and submarine forces had long coveted those American merchant ships traversing the Atlantic. Particularly, these vessels were laden with war supplies destined for Britain, inflicting significant harm on the interests of the German Empire. The naval officers had been itching to take action against these American ships for some time.
However, due to the previous international situation, the Imperial Navy had refrained from any reckless maneuvers. But now, the moment had arrived. The Empire no longer needed to concern itself with the Americans, and thus, the Navy could finally shed its restraint.
"No, directly attacking American merchant ships would be an extreme measure, one that could undoubtedly tarnish the Empire's reputation. Even if the Empire does not concern itself with such reputations, it is unnecessary to provide our adversaries with any pretext," Wilhelm II interjected, before QinTian spoke up.
"Oscar, do you have any strategies to firmly teach these Americans a lesson?" Wilhelm II inquired.
"Your Majesty, I propose that the Empire declare a designated exclusion zone in the western and southern waters surrounding the British Isles. All foreign vessels would be prohibited from entering this maritime area. Should any vessel wish to enter, it must apply to Germany for permission; otherwise, it will be considered an enemy of the Empire. The German Navy would have the authority to sink any ships that fail to report to the Empire. Furthermore, we would prohibit any vessels from transporting war supplies to Britain and France. The specific categories of war supplies would be determined by the Navy Ministry. Our naval ships will conduct inspections in the Atlantic, and any vessels found in violation of German orders may be seized. If resistance is encountered, they may be sunk!" QinTian asserted.
Everyone present appeared astonished, believing that QinTian's words were overly audacious. This was tantamount to pitting Germany against other nations single-handedly! However, they also recognized that such actions would be greatly advantageous for Germany.
"Your Highness, isn't our stance a bit too brazen? Such an approach might provoke a strong backlash from other nations," Prime Minister Bethmann Hollweg cautioned.
"Let them oppose us! It matters not. The Empire will incur no loss. As long as we emerge victorious from this war and establish ourselves as the world's dominant power, everything will be worth it," QinTian replied resolutely.
"Your Highness, our actions are clearly targeting the Americans. Could this not incite their displeasure and provoke a direct conflict with us?" von Kiderlen-Waechter remarked.
"They lack the courage to do so. Of course, this may well plunge our relations with America into a deep freeze. However, I see no cause for concern. Ultimately, once we win this war, we will inevitably come into conflict with the Americans. We must secure victory at minimal cost; only then can we hold an advantageous position in future confrontations with them," QinTian articulated confidently.
"Exclusion zone—what a fitting term. Since the Americans wish to transport supplies to Britain and France, seeking to ensnare the Empire, we shall outright prohibit their vessels from reaching these two nations. We will forbid all war supplies from entering these countries. Only then can the Empire secure victory in this war. Very well, let it be done!" Wilhelm II ultimately decreed.
On February 18, 1915, the German government officially issued an announcement. In light of the fact that the waters off the British coast had become a combat zone, and to prevent unintended casualties, an exclusion zone was designated there. No foreign vessels were to appear within this zone; any trespassers would bear the consequences. Additionally, all nations were prohibited from transporting food, oil, steel, aluminum, and other non-ferrous metals, as well as weapons and ammunition to Britain and France. Any violations would be treated as acts of aggression against Germany. The Empire would employ all means necessary to defend the interests of the German Empire!
The German government's announcement immediately sparked a worldwide uproar. The adversarial nations of Britain and France vehemently condemned Germany for issuing such a brazen declaration, arguing that Germany had no right to do so. It should be noted that even at the height of the British Empire's power, they had never been so presumptuous! Furthermore, Germany's actions were clearly aimed at severing their overseas trade, effectively seeking to strangle them. Especially for Britain, a complete cessation of overseas trade would bring them perilously close to ruin. Naturally, they would vehemently oppose this; however, the German Empire had never been one to heed such protests.
The American government, too, was incensed by Germany's confrontational response. They recognized it as a direct reaction to their previous communications. Germany's actions were plainly aimed at prohibiting American trade with Britain and France. Germany's show of strength undeniably shook the resolve of some within the American Cabinet, who feared that such provocations could lead the United States into war. Although the high-ranking officials in the American government aspired to supplant Britain as the future global hegemon, they would have to think carefully if that goal required entering into conflict.
However, under the vigorous leadership of President Woodrow Wilson, the American government refused to be intimidated by Germany. The government issued a public statement denouncing Germany's actions as an outright assault on free trade and a violation of liberty and human rights. The United States would not adhere to Germany's so-called exclusion zone; it retained the right to trade with any nation, free from external interference. Furthermore, the American government declared that it possessed sufficient military strength to protect its interests. Should those interests be threatened, the United States would employ all necessary measures, including war, to safeguard them.
The American government's response undeniably intensified the international tension. Many nations were astute enough to discern the reasons behind the escalating conflict between the United States and Germany. Simultaneously, they speculated on whether America might be drawn into the war as a result.
Germany's declaration of an exclusion zone inevitably impacted other nations to some degree. However, faced with Germany's formidable power, they could only seethe in silence, awaiting the reactions of other countries before deciding their next steps.