"Gentlemen, Admiral Fletcher inquires about our next course of action. Shall we continue to maintain our fleet in position? The USS Nevada has sustained significant damage. Although the watertight compartments have been sealed, it continues to take on water. We are now relying heavily on the pumps to expel the seawater flooding the vessel," reported Secretary of the Navy Daniels to the cabinet.
President Woodrow Wilson furrowed his brow. "Secretary Daniels, is the damage to the Nevada truly that severe? It is, after all, our finest active battleship."
The flagship of the American fleet had been struck by a German light cruiser, rendering it combat ineffective. This infuriated Wilson; no matter the circumstances, it was the pride of the American fleet! The Germans' audacity was a direct affront. Had he felt confident in their strength, he might have ordered a retaliatory strike.
"Mr. President, the Germans struck ruthlessly. Their light cruiser cleaved through the armor of the Nevada's midsection with its sharp bow. Despite the Nevada's displacement being six times that of the German cruiser, it was akin to stabbing beef with a knife. Consequently, the Nevada's injuries are far worse than we anticipated. If possible, it would be prudent to have the Nevada return to port immediately for repairs; otherwise, the damage could severely impair the ship's performance," Daniels explained.
Wilson nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I urge you to share your thoughts on our next steps," Wilson addressed the gathered ministers.
The cabinet members exchanged glances, remaining silent. The predicament was indeed daunting. The fleets faced each other across the Atlantic, poised for conflict, yet both sides were exercising restraint to avoid further escalation. Essentially, it was a matter of pride for the Americans, yet the Germans showed no inclination to accommodate. The American government found itself unable to take decisive action, resulting in a stalemate.
"Mr. President, perhaps we should withdraw the Nevada. It is, after all, our most formidable battleship, and we cannot afford to lose it so easily," suggested Secretary of State Bryan.
"If we withdraw the Nevada, we will be left with only eleven capital ships, fewer than the Germans possess. If conflict were to arise, we would be at a distinct disadvantage," Vice President Marshall expressed his concern.
"Mr. Vice President, the decision to withdraw the Nevada will not alter the overall situation. Based on our assessment of the German fleet's capabilities, even if the Nevada were unscathed, we would still not match the Germans in a confrontation," Daniels countered, shaking his head.
Daniels' response left the American officials feeling uneasy, but it was the stark reality they faced. The current balance of power dictated their choices.
"Mr. President, given this context, we might as well recall the entire fleet. We are simply outmatched by the Germans. Even our finest fleet stands no chance against them. Remaining there would only heighten the risk," Treasury Secretary McAdoo proposed, mindful of the costs incurred by maintaining such a large fleet at sea.
"But how do we explain this to the American public?" It was clear that the populace would be unwilling to accept the government's perceived weakness. The opposition party could easily leverage this dissatisfaction to undermine the administration, a fate the cabinet members were unwilling to face, having fought hard for their current positions of power.
"Gentlemen, our fleet is currently holding back twelve of Germany's advanced battlecruisers. This amounts to nearly a third of their naval strength. In this context, could the British possibly defeat the Germans? If they manage to achieve victory, we might justify leaving our fleet in place as our utmost effort to support the British," suggested Secretary of War Garrison, a sudden idea sparking his imagination.
Wilson's eyes brightened at this prospect. From the American perspective, it was in their best interest for Britain and France to triumph in the war. A German victory would give rise to a formidable European power that could pose a significant threat to the United States. In such a scenario, safeguarding their own territories would be exceedingly difficult. A Germany dominant in military might would become a nightmare for other nations, while the ongoing conflict had already left Britain and France severely weakened. Even if they managed a victory, recovery would be a long and arduous process—an opportunity for America to assert itself.
However, a pressing question emerged: with the American navy preoccupying the German naval forces, could the Royal Navy overcome the German high seas fleet?
All eyes turned to Secretary of the Navy Daniels.
"Mr. President, gentlemen, that is likely a formidable challenge. While we may be holding back twelve German battlecruisers, the German high seas fleet still possesses twenty-four more powerful battleships. Moreover, the Royal Navy has suffered greatly from previous defeats, leaving them significantly weakened. Although ten new advanced battleships have recently entered service, I do not believe this fleet, combined with their existing vessels, stands a chance against the German elite forces. I suspect the British do not hold much confidence in this regard either; their hopes likely rest on ships yet to be constructed. With the German blockade, deploying their current vessels will prove exceedingly difficult, and the outcome is all but certain," Daniels concluded.
Silence fell over the conference room.
After a lengthy pause, President Wilson finally spoke. "Let us order General Fletcher to withdraw."