Following the decisive victories on the battlefield, confidence swelled among everyone from Kaiser Wilhelm II to the commanders of the Imperial Army and the ordinary soldiers alike regarding the upcoming battle on the Western Front. After meticulous preparations, the strength of each corps on the Western Front had been significantly bolstered. Not only had artillery and automatic weapons been greatly increased, but each corps had also formed an armored division, resulting in the German forces amassing over two thousand tanks. Despite the Allies establishing formidable defenses along the Marne River, it seemed unlikely that they could withstand the onslaught of such a formidable armored force. Thus, it was widely believed that even with the Allies' numerical superiority, victory would inevitably belong to the German Army.
"Your Majesty, if possible, the Imperial Army wishes to form two additional corps to serve as reserves for the upcoming battle on the Western Front!" von Falkenhayn seized the moment to propose.
Although the German Army already comprised ten corps, its total strength amounted to only a little over two million. This figure barely represented the population of Germany, indicating that mobilization had been insufficient; at most, only fifty percent had been mobilized. Comparatively, even France, with a smaller population, boasted a comparable military presence. Naturally, this left the commanders of the German Army feeling somewhat dissatisfied.
"If we defeat the British and French forces in this battle, will we still require additional troops?" Wilhelm II furrowed his brow. After all, forming two more corps would push the total strength of the German Army close to three million, an endeavor that would necessitate substantial financial resources.
Though only a little over half a year had passed since the war began, and Germany had made commendable preparations, the cost had nonetheless been considerable. The lives of civilians had, to some extent, already been affected. Had they not made adequate preparations prior to the outbreak of hostilities, they might have faced food shortages and other material scarcities.
Even so, an early conclusion to the war would undoubtedly be the most desirable outcome.
"Father, forming two additional corps is not excessive. The newly established corps could be dispatched to East Prussia and Poland to replace the 9th and 10th Corps on the Western Front, serving as reserves. This would fortify our presence in the Western theater. Moreover, even if we vanquish the British and French forces, defeating France would necessitate a substantial number of ground troops for the foreseeable future. Given the British disposition, the likelihood of their surrender is virtually nonexistent. Thus, we would inevitably need to deploy forces to invade the British Isles and confront the British in battle. Preliminary estimates suggest that we would require around five corps for this endeavor. The remaining troops must be bolstered to ensure control over occupied territories, such as France, Belgium, Poland, the Baltic coast, Belarus, and Ukraine, necessitating a significant military presence to secure our dominance in these regions. Only then can we maintain effective control over these territories," Qin Tian articulated.
Although the Treaty had been signed with the Bolsheviks, ceding vast territories to the German Empire, immediate occupation was not feasible. The sheer expanse of land required a substantial number of soldiers for effective control, especially in light of the active resistance from various guerrilla factions. Qin Tian was determined to prevent Germany from becoming mired in a quagmire of popular warfare. It was only after a comprehensive victory in the war that he would consider deploying significant forces to occupy these territories. Under the might of the German Army, any resistance would soon falter.
As for the Bolsheviks, although they were reluctant and wished to renege on their agreements, facing a Germany that had triumphed in the world war, they had little courage to do so. Consequently, they could only watch helplessly as Germany seized the most prosperous lands of Russia, effectively weakening its power. This would, in turn, enhance Germany's chances in any future conflicts.
After some contemplation, Wilhelm II ultimately resolved to form the two new corps, the 11th and 12th, thereby increasing the strength of the German Army by over four hundred thousand.
"Your Excellency, when can we commence our offensive against the British and French forces?" Wilhelm II inquired.
He recognized the significance of the Western Front, as it directly impacted Germany's prospects for victory in the war.
"Your Majesty, our corps are fully prepared. All units have assembled at their designated positions, and ample supplies of war material have arrived at the front. We can launch our offensive within three days at the latest," von Falkenhayn replied.
Coordinating a major offensive involving over one hundred eighty thousand troops was an exceedingly complex endeavor. Even with the General Staff's efficient systems and talented personnel, executing such a plan smoothly was no small feat.
"A three-day timeline for the attack? Very well. I hope to see the British and French forces defeated and Paris occupied within a month. Do you all have confidence in this goal?" Wilhelm II asked.
Though the German command had aspired to defeat France within a month of the war's outbreak, much like the Franco-Prussian War, they had grossly underestimated the ferocity of modern warfare. The valiant resistance of the French had turned the conflict into a war of attrition, leading to heavy German losses without achieving the desired outcomes.
Thus, Wilhelm II's strategic goal of defeating the British and French forces and capturing Paris within a month was not unreasonable. Should the situation unfold favorably for the German forces, achieving this objective could be possible.
"Your Majesty, we will exert every effort to realize this strategic aim," von Falkenhayn affirmed, though even he hesitated to provide a guarantee.
Wilhelm II nodded, refraining from pressing further.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have decided to place complete responsibility for this major battle in the hands of Oscar, appointing him as the commander of the Western Front campaign. I expect all of you to follow his orders unreservedly, so that we may achieve a glorious victory on the battlefield!" Wilhelm II finally announced his decree.