After Germany emerged victorious in the Great War, becoming the global hegemon, its military movements became a subject of intense scrutiny for other nations. In particular, Germany's neighbors and former adversaries were particularly sensitive to these developments, fearful that Germany might launch a sudden, unprovoked attack. Should such an assault occur, it was widely believed that no nation would be capable of withstanding the force of a German invasion.
The German First Army Group, although it had been reduced from over 300,000 troops to 200,000, had not only retained its strength but, in fact, had been reinforced with an array of advanced technological weaponry, making it even more formidable.
Despite occupying nearly half of France's territory, the French government could only retreat to the southern regions, licking its wounds and attempting to gradually recover its strength.
For the German First Army Group to reach the Pyrenees, it would have to traverse French soil. The French government, too fearful to intervene, allowed the German vanguard to pass unimpeded, enabling them to travel by train southward to the northern reaches of the Pyrenees. Of course, the full force of the Army Group would take some time to arrive, but even the advance elements of 200,000 men were enough to instill terror in Spain.
When the American ambassador officially informed Spain of this development, Spain's Foreign Minister, Prieto, turned pale.
"My God! Do the Germans truly seek the destruction of the Kingdom of Spain?" Clearly, the prospect of a German assault was one they could not withstand.
"Your Excellency, I must report this to His Majesty the King immediately," Prieto said, not daring to delay further, and hurried to the palace to inform Alfonso XIII.
Upon hearing the news, Alfonso XIII was equally struck with horror.
"Damned Germans! They are truly intent on annihilating Spain. If only we had never provoked them! I knew Gibraltar should have been left alone. The British were never sincere in their intentions!" Alfonso XIII paced anxiously, his nerves fraying. He knew that if Germany was truly intent on eradicating Spain, they would face little resistance—one Army Group was more than enough to destroy the nation. Even mobilizing Spain's forces would be of little use. A battle-hardened German Army Group could easily overwhelm them.
In contrast, the Spanish army, ill-prepared and poorly equipped, stood no chance against such an adversary. Those hastily mobilized troops would fare even worse. In all likelihood, upon encountering the Germans, they would surrender almost immediately. The Germans would march through Spain, reaching Madrid with ease, and Alfonso XIII would be deposed, possibly even executed. Spain would fall, either absorbed as a province or reduced to a German colony.
The thought sent shudders through Alfonso XIII, who could not bear the impending fate.
"No, this cannot be! I cannot die, and Spain cannot be destroyed!" he said through gritted teeth.
"Send for the Prime Minister and the other ministers!" Alfonso XIII ordered.
Soon, the military and political leaders of Spain gathered in the palace.
"Gentlemen, the Kingdom of Spain is at a crossroads between survival and annihilation. The Germans have dispatched a vast army that is rapidly advancing toward Spain. According to the information we have, their forces have already reached the northern Pyrenees and may strike at any moment," Alfonso XIII declared.
"My God! Is the Kingdom of Spain doomed?"
"Our forces have not even had time to mobilize. Even if we do mobilize, we are no match for the Germans. We cannot defeat them!"
"Damned Germans! How dare they risk our destruction? Don't they fear the backlash of the international community?"
The Spanish ministers were thrown into chaos. Despite their high status and privileges within Spain, they realized that if Germany destroyed the kingdom, they would be nothing. In fact, in the chaos of war, they might not even survive.
"Silence!" Alfonso XIII's voice thundered.
He had hoped these men would offer him advice, but instead, they were just as frightened as he was. This was intolerable.
His furious shout silenced the ministers, who immediately realized they had lost composure.
"Now then, does anyone have a suggestion?" Alfonso XIII asked.
"Your Majesty, the Germans have made their intentions clear. If we do not accept their terms, they will unleash their military to destroy us. And our army is simply no match for them. Therefore, we have no other choice but to accept their conditions. Of course, it is also possible that this is merely a military threat," Count Romanones said.
Alfonso XIII nodded, acknowledging the validity of Romanones' words.
"Whether or not the Germans truly intend to destroy us, we can no longer gamble. If we continue to refuse, they will likely invade us. As everyone has said, their military strength is overwhelming; defeating us would be no challenge," Alfonso XIII said.
"Indeed, Your Majesty," Count Romanones nodded.
"In that case, we need not continue futile resistance. Inform our ambassador in Germany to accept all of their terms," Alfonso XIII decreed.
On the morning of February 5th, Spain's ambassador to Germany signed the memorandum of understanding, officially acknowledging Spain's primary responsibility in the conflict. In compensation for the damage caused to the German Empire, Spain agreed to cede Gibraltar, pay a sum of one billion marks, and surrender the Balearic Islands to Germany.
With the signing of the memorandum, the conflict between Germany and Spain came to an end. The two nations restored peace, and the German army began to withdraw.
Although this settlement tarnished Germany's reputation to some extent, overall, the empire emerged from the conflict with significant gains.