Paris, long celebrated as the City of Romance, captivates with its exquisite and elegant architecture, alongside the scenic banks of the Seine, drawing countless visitors. The French are renowned for their love of romance, a truth well acknowledged worldwide; however, this very affection has often detracted from the fighting spirit of the French military. Aside from the time of Napoleon's empire, when the French forces dominated Europe, their subsequent performances have been lackluster. During the Franco-Prussian War, they were utterly vanquished, leaving their emperor in captivity.
In this current world war, the French military has similarly faltered. Following the outbreak of hostilities, the reorganization of the French army was incomplete, necessitating the deployment of unprepared troops to face the advancing Germans. Strategic miscalculations further exacerbated heavy casualties in the early stages of the conflict. Had it not been for the timely reinforcement of the British Expeditionary Force and the strategic missteps of the German army, France might have faced a swift defeat.
Now, the German forces have advanced to the Marne River, perilously close to Paris, posing a lethal threat. Should the Germans breach the lines once more, they might bring the battle to the very gates of the city, risking its destruction amidst the chaos of war. The current situation is indeed dire for France, as their once-reliable Russian ally has crumbled, with the newly established Bolshevik regime opting for a peace with Germany and withdrawing from the conflict. The chaos enveloping Russia has rendered them incapable of any substantial assistance, leaving France to bear the full weight of the German onslaught.
Despite the British Expeditionary Force swelling to over a million troops and the French army mobilizing more than two million, the commanders remain uncertain about their capacity to withstand the German advance. The unreliability of the British is apparent; the once-mighty Royal Navy has been decimated by the Germans, seemingly on the brink of defeat. This has heightened anxiety within France, with some officials even proclaiming that victory is unattainable, advocating instead for a peace settlement with Germany to safeguard French interests. Nonetheless, this view is not universally held, as many French officials and military leaders are determined to continue the fight.
They are acutely aware that, given Germany's insatiable greed, negotiating peace would likely result in severe consequences. Thus, they remain resolved to fight on, bolstered by their still formidable military forces. While British Naval Minister Churchill traveled to the United States to negotiate the purchase of warships, the British Foreign Office also reached out to France, urging the French navy to provide full support to the British in a decisive confrontation against the German navy.
However, France did not immediately acquiesce to this request. Prior to Germany's rise, France was a formidable maritime power, second only to Britain, especially during the reign of Louis XIV and the Napoleonic era, when they vied for naval supremacy. Ultimately, they were unsuccessful, and the looming threat of Germany compelled France to focus on bolstering its land forces. Yet, despite this shift, France retained a navy ranked among the top five globally, given its extensive overseas colonies, the security of which is paramount.
"Gentlemen, the British have formally requested our cooperation to defeat the German navy and alter the course of the war. What do you propose we do? Should we comply with their request?" inquired French President Raymond Poincaré.
"Mr. President, I believe we should cooperate with the British. We are allies in this struggle against the Germans, and we must work closely together. Only in unity can we hope to vanquish the Germans and secure victory," asserted Prime Minister René Viviani.
"Indeed, Mr. President. I also support collaboration with the Royal Navy to overcome the Germans. Although the Royal Navy has suffered a significant setback, if they can procure a new fleet from the Americans, along with our and the Italians' main forces, we stand a chance at a decisive confrontation. A victory here could substantially improve our precarious situation," remarked Minister of the Navy Victor Gagnaire.
"Will the Americans truly sell warships to the British? Even with our and the Italians' participation, defeating the Germans seems daunting," expressed concern from Minister of War Alexandre Millerand.
"Certainly, the Germans are formidable. I share your apprehensions," added Minister of Foreign Affairs Théophile Delcassé.
"Regardless of the odds, we must at least make an attempt; otherwise, we risk allowing the Germans to extend their advantages and ultimately lose this war!" Prime Minister Viviani insisted.
"Yes, I fully endorse the Prime Minister's perspective. The French Republic stands at a critical juncture; we must exert every effort. Otherwise, failure is inevitable," declared President Poincaré.
Though the current combat capabilities of France may be lacking, their resolve remains robust. The French understand that failure to fight valiantly would force them to endure the consequences reminiscent of the Franco-Prussian War, where German demands would likely be even harsher.
With the unwavering support of both the President and the Prime Minister, the remaining cabinet members naturally offered no dissent. Consequently, President Raymond Poincaré signed the order to form a coalition with the British navy for a decisive battle against the German fleet. This coalition would see the deployment of all ten of France's main battleships, alongside fifteen light cruisers and thirty destroyers. This represented a full mobilization of the French navy's core strength. Should they falter this time, the repercussions for the French navy would be dire, potentially crippling its future capabilities.