In the proposed union, Russian ambitions toward Constantinople would become Wilhelm's concern as ruler of both countries. Access to German ports would offer Russia a warm-water connection, provided the necessary railway links were built. The combined state could draw on extensive resources and infrastructure to make those connections. Integration would still take years, with roughly a decade suggested before the new power became fully organized.
Notable Point · 2:24:06-2:24:54
Port access and railways in a German-Russian union
A shared German-Russian crown would link Russian ambitions for warm-water access with German ports and a larger pool of resources for railway construction.