"Gentlemen, God save the British Empire! The Germans have become so arrogant that they have now made a grave misstep. Do they truly believe their military might is sufficient to confront the entire world simultaneously?" Prime Minister Asquith beamed, as though the immense pressure of recent days had suddenly evaporated.
With Germany increasingly gaining the upper hand in the war, the pressure on Britain intensified. In order to deploy more expeditionary forces to the European continent, Britain mobilized its resources more vigorously. Many young men were conscripted into service, steadily augmenting the strength of the expeditionary forces. Naturally, domestic defenses were also bolstered, as the British government feared that should the Anglo-French coalition falter against the German advance in France, the homeland would require significant military presence for its protection. This would enable them to persist in the war effort.
"Indeed! Your Excellency, it must be divine providence favoring the British Empire!" remarked Sir Edward Grey, the Foreign Secretary.
The current situation, which had become quite unfavorable for Britain, held the potential for transformation should the United States choose to enter the conflict on the side of the Allies. This possibility could turn the tide in favor of Britain, making victory attainable once again.
Just as the Germans were confident of triumph in the two crucial battles ahead, the British government shared a belief that their forces could withstand the German onslaught. Despite the odds being stacked against them, they remained optimistic about their chances.
"Gentlemen, do you think the Americans will be provoked by the Germans and subsequently enter the war?" Prime Minister Asquith inquired.
"Your Excellency, that may prove exceedingly difficult. Although tensions between the United States and Germany are palpable, it remains uncertain whether the Americans possess the will to engage in warfare. The military prowess displayed by the Germans thus far has been formidable. Historically, Americans are not adept at warfare; while their industrial strength is considerable, their military capabilities lag. It will take time to transform industrial might into military effectiveness. Hence, the Americans might opt for compromise," Churchill responded, lacking the optimism of Asquith.
"Sir Churchill, you are being overly pessimistic. While it is true that the Americans lack military strength at present, given adequate time, their industrial capacity can indeed be converted into military power. If we can hold back the German advances until the Americans fully mobilize, victory will be within our grasp," Asquith asserted.
Although the high-ranking officials of the British Cabinet regarded the Americans with a sense of disdain, ironically, the United States had now become their lifeline. They all yearned for America to join the Allies and assist them in securing victory. Clearly, they had lost confidence in their ability to win the war on their own.
"Your Excellency, this underscores the necessity for heightened caution regarding the Germans. To thwart any potential American involvement that could shift the balance of power, the Germans will likely launch an attack in the near future, aiming to defeat us swiftly. Should that occur, even if the Americans join the fray, they may pose little threat," Churchill continued, still concerned.
"Is it not already evident that the Germans intend to launch an offensive this spring? We have been preparing for their attacks for some time now. Our expeditionary force in France has swelled to five hundred thousand. We maintain another five hundred thousand troops at home. Our French allies have expanded their army to two and a half million, with two million dedicated solely to countering the Germans to the north. Together, the Anglo-French forces of two and a half million are well-equipped to withstand any German assault. Furthermore, the Royal Navy's capabilities have significantly improved with the commissioning of the 'Queen Elizabeth' and 'Revenge' class battleships. While we may not yet match the Germans in a head-on confrontation, holding the line until the Americans are fully armed should be manageable. If the Americans can join the conflict, the war's outcome will undoubtedly change. The British Empire will triumph over its strongest adversary and achieve ultimate victory!" declared Richard Haldane, the Secretary of State for War, with evident confidence.
"The crucial question now is how we can encourage the Americans to join the war. Can we not manipulate the situation to our advantage?" Asquith proposed.
"Your Excellency, this is quite straightforward. The Germans have threatened to bar all vessels from reaching Britain and to prohibit other nations from supplying us. We can seize this opportunity to place more orders with the Americans, urging their merchant ships to deliver goods to us. Motivated by profit, these American ships will surely violate the Germans' arbitrary exclusion zone. When American vessels are seized or sunk, the response from the U.S. government will be predictable. I believe that if the cost to America is sufficiently high, the likelihood of them declaring war on Germany will increase dramatically," suggested Lloyd George, the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
"Very well, let us proceed. We must place as many orders as possible to incite a frenzy within American industry. Only then will they disregard German warnings," Asquith commanded.
"Indeed, Your Excellency," came the chorus of agreement.
"Furthermore, if feasible, we should consider extending more loans to the Americans. This way, as long as they wish to recover their debts, they will have no choice but to support us, aligning our mutual interests," Sir Edward Grey added.
"Excellent. Let this matter be entrusted to you, Sir!" Asquith nodded approvingly.
"Of course, Your Excellency," Sir Edward Grey replied eagerly.
"Gentlemen, the situation is evolving in our favor. Perhaps a swift reversal in the war's fortunes is imminent. We must seize this opportunity to secure victory in this decisive battle for the very survival of the British Empire. The longevity of our nation depends on this conflict!" Asquith proclaimed.
"The British Empire shall prevail!" echoed the Cabinet ministers, their voices infused with fervent hope and unwavering confidence.