"Germany lost only one battleship, yet they managed to sink 22 British battleships and five battlecruisers? How is that even possible?" President Woodrow Wilson could hardly believe the outcome. After all, such a casualty ratio seemed exceedingly disproportionate.
At the same time, a flicker of relief washed over Wilson, thankful that he had opted against engaging Germany in conflict. Had he done so, the twelve main vessels of the U.S. Navy would likely have been obliterated by the Germans. The might displayed by the German Navy was formidable, so much so that other nations lacked the audacity to confront them.
"Indeed, Mr. President. The magnitude of Germany's success has astonished everyone," Secretary Daniels affirmed.
"Secretary Daniels, I wholeheartedly concur with your assessment. Germany is now an unconquerable force. We must avoid becoming their adversary," Wilson lamented.
Daniels understood Wilson's regret, but there was little that could be done; the military capabilities of the United States were woefully inadequate to challenge Germany. A hasty rupture with Germany could yield catastrophic consequences. While the Atlantic Ocean provided considerable protection, it was evident that it could not shield against an onslaught from a maritime hegemon.
"Mr. President, our Navy is beginning to accelerate its development. With our industrial and economic strength, we shall soon possess a formidable fleet capable of rivaling Germany's. At that point, we shall no longer need to fear them," Daniels reassured.
Wilson nodded, "Let us hope for that! Tomorrow morning, I will convene a Cabinet meeting to discuss the implications of Britain's defeat in this naval confrontation for the Republic."
"Understood, Mr. President," Daniels replied.
The following morning, in the White House meeting room, senior officials of the U.S. Cabinet gathered for the session. However, Secretary of State Bryan was notably absent.
"Why hasn't the Secretary of State arrived yet?" Wilson inquired.
"Mr. President, the Secretary just called to inform us that the British Ambassador has urgently requested a meeting with him. He will join us after his discussion with the Ambassador," the secretary responded.
Wilson nodded, recognizing that in the wake of the British Navy's dismal defeat, they could hardly remain composed. It was unsurprising that the British sought counsel from the U.S. Secretary of State to devise a strategy. However, the Germans' demonstration of such military prowess made it clear that the U.S. was not foolish enough to provoke such a powerful adversary.
"Mr. President, it seems the British are quite anxious," Vice President Marshall remarked, wearing a broad smile. Although Britain's defeat held little advantage for the U.S., many American officials felt a sense of vindication. After all, Britain had suppressed the United States for years, and now they were finally reaping the consequences.
While the industrial strength of the U.S. was formidable, there remained a significant gap in cutting-edge technology compared to the Old World. This disparity drove Americans to find ways to appropriate advanced technologies from Europe, while European nations took extensive measures to guard against American encroachment. It mirrored a scenario a century later, where the Western powers led by the U.S. would take exhaustive precautions against the rise of Eastern nations.
Other Cabinet members chuckled at Marshall's comment.
"Well then, since the Secretary has other matters to attend to, let us proceed without him. The meeting shall commence!" Wilson declared.
The attendees fell silent, preparing for the meeting.
"Gentlemen, yesterday, the German Navy engaged the British Navy in a decisive battle in the North Sea. Ultimately, Germany suffered the loss of one battleship but sank 22 British battleships and five battlecruisers, resulting in a complete defeat for the Royal Navy. Germany has now supplanted the British Navy as the new maritime hegemon. In light of this, what course of action should the United States pursue?" Wilson queried.
"Mr. President, given the current state of affairs, Germany's victory has undeniably solidified their position in this conflict. According to our intelligence, the German Army has been meticulously preparing for the past six months. We can anticipate a devastating offensive against the Anglo-French forces on the Western Front. Should the Anglo-French alliance falter, France will likely be the first to fall. After the British Navy's defeat, they cannot remain aloof. Following France's downfall, they will either surrender to Germany or await a German invasion—there are scarcely any other viable outcomes," Secretary of War Garrison stated.
"Are we to conclude that Germany's victory in this war is all but assured?" Wilson asked.
"Indeed, Mr. President. At least, based on the current situation, Germany's prospects appear exceedingly favorable," Garrison confirmed with a nod.
"Is there any possibility that the Anglo-French alliance could withstand the German offensive on the Western Front? If so, the conflict might remain at an impasse!" Marshall interjected.
"That seems highly unlikely! Even if the Anglo-French forces manage to temporarily stave off the German advance, the severing of communication between Britain and the European continent after the British Navy's defeat will be detrimental. The French cannot sustain the losses of millions of troops. Ultimately, they too are destined for failure," Garrison elaborated.
"It appears that Germany's ascendancy over the Anglo-French forces to become the global superpower is now inevitable," Wilson sighed.
"Mr. President, since Germany's victory seems to be a foregone conclusion, we ought not to provoke them further. Such actions would be profoundly detrimental to us. I recommend that we strictly maintain neutrality and refrain from providing any assistance to the British. By doing so, even if the Germans harbor grievances against us, they will lack a justification to take action," Marshall advised.
Other Cabinet members nodded in agreement, echoing the sentiment that the United States must not antagonize a Germany on the brink of triumph.
Wilson acknowledged their perspective; in the present circumstances, maintaining strict neutrality undoubtedly emerged as the most prudent choice.