Chapter 36 Obvious Weakness (For Collection)

William II only frowned. If tough measures were to be taken, then the possibility of war would be very high. Will Germany be able to win the war by then?

"The French have the support of the British and the Russians. So their attitude is very tough. If we continue to be tough, I am afraid it will lead to war." Foreign Minister von Kidren Wachter was a little worried.

"Your Excellency, Minister of Foreign Affairs, you are too worried. The French are nothing more than a Gallic chicken with a glamorous appearance. We have defeated them once more than thirty years ago. At that time, we were only Prussians It's just a kingdom. Now, we have unified the entire German Empire. Our strength has improved many times compared to more than 30 years ago. The French simply don't have the guts to go to war with us. Even if they have the support of the British and Russians , so what? We have the world's largest army and the world's second largest navy. Even if a war does break out, we will not necessarily lose." With a smile on his face, William II looked forward to the future The war seems very optimistic.

"Your Excellency, Chief of the General Staff, is our army ready?" William II looked at the Chief of the General Staff, Mao Qi.

"My lord, the army can be mobilized at any time. All mobilization can be completed within three months. The French army is simply vulnerable, and it is impossible to withstand our attack. However, we have to worry about the British and Russians. During the Franco-Prussian War, we received support from other countries. But this time, they are on the side of the French. Once we send troops to France, the British will inevitably reinforce France. And the Russians will also follow from Our east side threatens us. Therefore, the army cannot use all its strength to deal with the French. This will seriously restrict our military strength, which will change the situation of the war." Little Mao Qi analyzed. Although he believes that the German Army is very strong, he does not think that the German Army will be able to defeat the French with the full support of Britain and France.

"Your Excellency, Chief of Staff, we also have allies. Once war breaks out, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Kingdom of Italy will not stand by. According to the alliance we signed at the beginning, they will fulfill the alliance and help fight. At that time, as long as we use To defeat the French in the shortest time, we will win." Crown Prince William said excitedly. It was as if everything was under his control.

It's just that he was a little carried away, so that he didn't see William II's displeased face and the slightly upturned corners of the mouths of other ministers. In their view, Crown Prince William was considered outstanding among his peers. But still too young and too inexperienced.

The Austro-Hungarian Empire is indeed a staunch ally of the German Empire. Once the war breaks out, they will definitely fight with Germany. But unfortunately, the current Austro-Hungarian Empire is like a long-term patient. Because the domestic conflicts are too serious, the national strength has been greatly depleted in the internal strife. Coupled with the combat effectiveness of the Austro-Hungarian army, it is really unflattering. Therefore, the German ministers did not believe in the fighting power of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Even if the Austro-Hungarian Empire fought with Germany, its role in the war was very limited.

As for the Kingdom of Italy, they are even more unreliable. Although Italy joined the Allies, they were only doing it for the benefit. It is very difficult to really ask them to contribute their strength.

"Okay, Prince, I already know your opinion, and I will consider it carefully." William II said.

"Uh, yes, Royal Father!" William II was stunned for a moment, a trace of shame and anger flashed across his face, but he had no choice but to say no more.

"Your Excellency, the Minister of the Navy, if our navy goes to war, will it be able to break the blockade of the British navy?" William II asked.

As the emperor of the Second German Empire, Wilhelm II was naturally very aware of the most important factors restricting Germany. Once Germany was blocked by the British Navy, it lost its overseas trade lines. At the same time, the war has been unable to win for a long time. If it falls into a stalemate, it will be a disaster for Germany.

"My Majesty, the German Navy is undergoing rapid development. At present, we have four 'Brandenburg-class' battleships, five 'Kaiser Friedrich III-class' battleships, five 'Weichersbach-class' "Battleships, two "Brunswick-class" battleships have been completed, and three more are under construction. Five "Deutschland-class" battleships have also started construction." Marshal Count Tirpitz introduced.

Among the many capital ships of the German Navy, 16 ships have now been completed. Eight more are under construction. Once completed, the German Navy would have twenty-four battleships.

Of course, these battleships are all pre-dreadnoughts. Not only is the defense weak and the speed is slow, but the main gun firepower is also divided into two levels.

"However, our enemy, the Royal Navy of the British Empire, currently has eight 'Sovereign-class' battleships, two 'Barfleur-class' battleships, one 'Prestige-class' battleship, nine 'Majesty-class' battleships, six "Old Man Star" battleship, three "Formidable-class" battleships, five "London-class" battleships, six "Duncan-class" battleships. In addition, there are two "Fast Class" battleships under construction. Five "Edward-class" battleships The VII class' battleships are also being built. The plan for this class of battleships is to build eight ships, and the construction of the other three will be started one after another. Therefore, the British Navy now has a total of 41 battleships that have been built, and ten more The battleship is under construction and construction will start one after another," said Marshal Earl Tirpitz expressionlessly.

All the faces present turned pale. The strength of the British navy is really too strong. Compared with the German Navy, the gap is really too big. Even if all the existing battleships of the German Navy are in service, compared with the British Navy, they are only half or even less than the opponent's. Such a gap makes the German Navy undoubtedly face considerable pressure. Once war breaks out, it will undoubtedly be more difficult for the German navy to defeat the British navy and break the British navy's blockade of Germany.

Not to mention, Germany's old enemy, France, also has a not weak navy. Although it is not as good as Germany, it is also not to be underestimated. In contrast to the two, the disadvantage of the German Navy is even greater.