"Gentlemen, the arrogant Germans are wreaking havoc in the Far East. Their fleet is brazenly attacking the cities of the island nation. Countless civilians have perished under their bombardment. This is an affront to the entire civilized world. The Republic of America can no longer remain silent. I urge the government to immediately issue a statement condemning Germany's cruel actions!" declared President Woodrow Wilson.
"Mr. President, issuing such a statement is not difficult. However, we must be prepared. Once we release such a statement, it will signify the breaking point in our relations with Germany. Although it may not escalate into direct military conflict, our bilateral relations will be irrevocably strained," Secretary of State Bryan cautioned.
"Yes, this will further deteriorate our ties with Germany," Wilson acknowledged. "But we are destined to be adversaries; what is there to hesitate about?"
"Gentlemen, peace between us and the Germans is impossible. Germany aspires to be the world's true hegemon, and they will spare no effort in suppressing other nations. Unfortunately, the United States, as the second strongest power after Germany, is inevitably their target. Since this is our fate, why shouldn't we take the initiative? Perhaps our chances of victory would be greater," Wilson continued.
"I support the President's viewpoint!" declared Secretary of War Garrison. "We have already begun full-scale preparations for war. Admittedly, our military strength does not yet match Germany's. But don't forget, Germany's enemies are not limited to us. They have antagonized nearly the entire world. Overextending themselves will be their greatest mistake, and in the coming war, they will taste the bitter consequences."
"I agree with the President!" Secretary of the Navy Daniels added.
"Very well, if that's the case, I have no objections. Let's proceed!" Bryan conceded.
"Gentlemen, remain optimistic. Though our adversary is formidable, the United States is no less powerful. At least our industrial capacity surpasses theirs unless they can fully integrate their occupied territories in Europe. Without that, surpassing us industrially is impossible. And consolidating those territories will be no easy task. Apart from their military might, Germany has no other substantial advantage over us. Burdened by too many enemies, they will ultimately face defeat. If we can conquer Germany, we will secure our position as the future world leader!" Wilson concluded.
President Wilson was an ambitious man, meticulously plotting to elevate the United States to global supremacy. The Great War had presented America with an unprecedented opportunity. However, Germany's overwhelming strength left little room for American intervention, forcing them to bide their time and resort to various schemes to undermine Germany. Yet, even with every conceivable strategy, they failed to halt Germany's march toward victory.
Nevertheless, Wilson refused to relinquish his aspirations. He harbored a steadfast hope that one day he would lead the United States to dominate the world stage.
On August 17, the American government issued a strongly worded statement condemning the German Empire for its widespread slaughter of the island nation's populace in the Far East. The statement denounced Germany's actions as a disgrace to the civilized world and called on all peace-loving nations to unite and pressure Germany into ceasing its atrocities.
Secretary of State Bryan summoned the German ambassador to formally lodge a protest on behalf of the United States government. However, the ambassador responded with defiance, asserting that Germany's actions were internal affairs and beyond America's jurisdiction. As for the war with the island nation, it was none of America's concern. If the United States wished to intervene, the solution was simple—declare war on Germany.
The ambassador's uncompromising stance left Bryan speechless. If he could, he might have urged the government to declare war. But he understood the gravity of such a decision; war was no trifling matter. A direct confrontation between the two nations would bring catastrophic consequences.
Thus, the American government's attempts to pressure Germany proved futile.
Meanwhile, countless idle busybodies, influenced by the government's statement, began urging Germany to halt its military actions. Among them were even some Germans, seemingly oblivious to the immense hardships their own country endured from the ongoing war. Every victory won by the German army benefitted their citizens, yet these dissenters failed to see it.
British Prime Minister Churchill seized the opportunity to deliver a speech condemning Germany's brutality, warning that a German victory would spell disaster for the world. He called on all nations to unite against Germany. However, his plea found no support. While some nations offered moral encouragement to Britain, none dared confront Germany directly, recognizing the futility of such an endeavor.
Nevertheless, Churchill's words inspired British citizens and soldiers, who vowed to fight to the last breath against Germany.
Austria-Hungary, ostensibly Germany's ally, seemed to falter in its loyalty. At a banquet, Crown Prince Karl openly criticized Germany's actions as tarnishing the image of the civilized world. He argued that, with Germany poised to emerge victorious in the war, it had already reaped sufficient benefits and should refrain from further bloodshed.
Of course, Karl's remarks did not represent Austria-Hungary's official stance. Though Emperor Franz Joseph was gravely ill, he still retained authority, and his will remained the nation's guiding principle. Karl would have to wait until he ascended the throne to gradually reshape Austria-Hungary's relationship with Germany.
Nonetheless, these developments hinted at a growing rift between Germany and Austria-Hungary, signaling the impending breakdown of their alliance.