The German army delivered a crushing blow to the Anglo-French forces and captured Paris. To the world, this seemed like an unmistakable sign that Germany was on the verge of winning the war. Within Germany itself, from the emperor and ministers down to the common folk, this sentiment was widespread.
The war had dragged on for over half a year by now. Although Germany had made thorough preparations before the war, its effects on the lives of the empire's citizens had been profound. The most striking impact was the large number of young men enlisted into the army, leaving a massive gap in the workforce. Many jobs were now being filled by women.
Additionally, the weekly death notices sent from the Ministry of War had cast many families into mourning. Despite the fact that, due to QinTian's influence, the German military had become even more formidable and suffered fewer losses than in other timelines, many families had still lost husbands, sons, or fathers. This was the nature of war—no one could escape its toll. Even the future United States could not wage a war without casualties. Let alone Germany. Of course, compared to other nations, Germany's losses were still considerably lower. This allowed the empire to endure for the time being.
The daily life of the German people had also been affected. While food supplies remained adequate, essential goods such as meat, dairy, and fruits were in short supply. Most notably, gasoline had been rationed. Many families who had purchased automobiles were now forced to leave their vehicles idle at home, opting instead to walk or cycle to work.
However, despite these hardships, the people of Germany remained strongly supportive of the ongoing war. With each successive victory, they felt that the empire was drawing ever closer to ultimate triumph. When the war finally ended, they were certain the empire would reap vast rewards, improving their lives in ways they had long dreamed of.
The German people's resilient character was without question. It was this very spirit that allowed the German army to fight on the front lines without concern for its home front.
In another timeline, Germany had lost the war, paying an enormous price during both World Wars. But in this timeline, the German people were about to attain the victory they had longed for. This outcome now seemed all but certain.
In Berlin, at the imperial palace, Emperor Wilhelm II convened a court meeting.
"Gentlemen, His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince, our generals, and the brave soldiers of the German Empire have fought magnificently on the French front. The main force of the Anglo-French coalition has been destroyed, and even Paris, the capital of France, has fallen into our hands. The French government officials, abandoning their capital, have fled south in disgrace. Although the French continue to resist, I believe we are on the brink of victory. Once we defeat France, the empire will undoubtedly claim victory in this war!" Wilhelm II said, his face alight with excitement.
When the war began, he had been full of confidence, but even he had secretly harbored doubts about challenging such world powers as Britain and France with Germany alone. Though Germany had an ally in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, this alliance had proven more of a hindrance than a help. Relying on them for support was, frankly, a fantasy.
Yet, the performance of the German military since the war began had far exceeded Wilhelm's expectations. Although, due to Moltke's actions, the Western Front had failed to deliver a decisive victory over the Anglo-French forces, the German navy and army had shown exceptional strength on the Eastern Front. The German navy had decisively defeated the world's once-dominant Royal Navy, and the 8th Army nearly singlehandedly brought down Russia. This had tilted the balance of the war in Germany's favor. After six months of recovery, the German army had, in less than a month, obliterated the Anglo-French forces on the Western Front and taken Paris. This outcome had delighted Wilhelm II beyond measure. He could already picture the French surrender and the British defeat. At that moment, Germany would supplant Britain as the new world power, its strength far exceeding that of the British Empire.
Just the thought of the world kneeling at Germany's feet kept Wilhelm awake at night, overcome with anticipation.
"Your Majesty, although the French continue to resist, their efforts will soon falter. According to the intelligence we've gathered, despite their large-scale mobilization, the Anglo-French forces now number fewer than two million, and more than half of these are newly-formed units with insufficient equipment and no formal training. For the French to rely on such forces to hold back the elite Imperial Army is utterly impossible. His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince has already ordered further southern advances. Once our troops defeat the French once more and they no longer have the strength—or the will—to continue fighting, their surrender will be inevitable," Marshal von Falkenhayn, the Imperial Army Minister and Chief of Staff, said with a smile.
Wilhelm II nodded in agreement, confident that victory was now within their grasp.
"Your Majesty, His Imperial Highness has begun preparations for the invasion of Britain. He has just sent a telegram to the Navy Ministry, instructing them to assist the army in eliminating the British Expeditionary Force that has retreated to Le Havre. This is clearly a preparatory step for a future invasion of Britain. The British Expeditionary Force is undoubtedly the most elite unit of the British army. Once we have eliminated them, the British will be left with only new recruits. At that point, they will be no match for us. The conquest of Britain will be imminent," said Admiral Tirpitz, the Navy Minister, a broad smile on his face.
The German navy had already defeated the Royal Navy in a decisive battle, leaving the British fleet in tatters. Germany's navy had now officially surpassed the Royal Navy, becoming the world's premier naval power. This achievement had long been the dream of Admiral Tirpitz, and the realization of that dream filled him with immense pride.
"Indeed. If the French do not surrender, we will make them. If the British wish to continue resisting, we will annihilate them. No one can stand against the German Empire!" Wilhelm II declared, his face brimming with confidence.