Across the vast Atlantic, the United States of America found itself overwhelmed by a dire economic crisis. Countless bankrupt and unemployed citizens protested in despair, leaving the government scrambling to manage the turmoil.
Meanwhile, a clandestine collaboration between the U.S. and Britain had quietly commenced. A significant number of British scientists and confidential technical documents were secretly transported to America, enabling the two nations to join forces in researching advanced technologies, with a particular focus on military innovations.
In response to mounting pressure from Germany across the ocean, the U.S. military began a steady expansion. Under the guidance of British experts, advanced warship designs were refined and construction commenced. Simultaneously, the U.S. Army began enlarging its ranks, bolstered by British designs for state-of-the-art tanks and engines, which helped America avoid costly missteps in tank development. Both the Navy and Army also initiated the formation of aviation units to further strengthen their capabilities.
The government's vigorous rearmament efforts also served another purpose—to stimulate economic recovery and pull the nation out of its slump.
Despite its domestic preoccupations, the U.S. government kept a keen eye on international developments, particularly three key issues: the impending German invasion of Britain, the deteriorating relations between Germany and Austria-Hungary, and Germany's conflict with the island nation.
The U.S. could do little about Germany's assault on British soil. Germany's dominance in the Atlantic rendered any American intervention unfeasible, as such an attempt would risk catastrophic losses.
The strained ties between Germany and Austria-Hungary, however, were a welcome development for America. The prospect of a fractured alliance between the two powers offered an opportunity to foster a strong adversary on Germany's doorstep. With Austria-Hungary curbing German ambitions, the U.S. would gain a strategic advantage in its eventual confrontation with Germany. The American government was confident that the rift between the two nations was inevitable, as Emperor Franz Joseph I—an advocate for maintaining friendly ties with Germany—was nearing the end of his days. Once Crown Prince Karl ascended the throne, the Austro-German alliance would likely collapse.
As for the conflict between Germany and the island nation, the U.S. had initially hoped to see the islanders weaken Germany. However, judging by the naval battles, the island nation's performance was woefully disappointing, causing American policymakers to lose faith in their abilities. Although Germany's attacks on the island's cities angered the U.S., it wasn't enough to prompt direct intervention. After all, the island nation was a potential rival in the Pacific, and America viewed its development with caution. The destruction of the island navy's main forces by Germany's expeditionary fleet eased American concerns in the Pacific, allowing them to concentrate on countering the German threat.
Under orders from home, the island nation's ambassador to the U.S. urgently sought a meeting with Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan. After two hours of private discussions, the ambassador departed with a smile of satisfaction.
Secretary Bryan then rushed to his office to report the results of the meeting to President Woodrow Wilson.
"Mr. President, the islanders are on the brink of desperation due to German aggression. Their navy has been annihilated. Almost all their battleships, armored cruisers, and protected cruisers have been destroyed, leaving only a handful of destroyers. The island nation's navy now exists in name only. They pose no threat to our interests in the Pacific," Bryan explained.
"That is indeed excellent news," President Wilson replied.
"However, the islanders are hoping we will denounce Germany's attacks on civilians and provide them with greater support and aid," Bryan added.
The President remained silent, deep in thought. After a moment, he asked, "Secretary Bryan, do you believe the island nation is worth supporting?"
"Mr. President, to some extent, the islanders no longer pose a threat to us. Moreover, we share a common enemy, making cooperation a viable option. While their navy is in ruins, they retain the foundation to rebuild. With sufficient support, their naval strength could recover quickly. More importantly, their army remains formidable. With a population of over 50 million, the island nation could easily mobilize an army of two million fanatical and fearless soldiers, and, with full mobilization, up to five million troops. Such a massive force would undoubtedly pose a significant threat to Germany. Additionally, the island nation represents a vast market. If we can persuade them to open up their economy, it would greatly benefit our own struggling economy," Bryan reasoned.
"Very well, Secretary Bryan. You've convinced me. The islanders do have strategic value. If we can domesticate them as a loyal hound, we could set them loose on Germany to our advantage," President Wilson said with a wry smile.
"Indeed, Mr. President, your analogy is spot on. That's exactly how we should handle them," Bryan replied with enthusiasm.
"But there's one issue: how can we ensure that this hound we nurture won't turn on us instead of attacking Germany?" the President asked.
"Simple, Mr. President. As long as the United States remains perpetually strong, the islanders will have no choice but to remain as our faithful attack dog," Bryan answered confidently.
President Wilson nodded. He was certain that America's strength would continue to grow, ensuring the loyalty of their new ally for the foreseeable future.