How might Spanish and German naval development change if a Hohenzollern became king of Spain after 1868?
Short answerSpain would likely buy more German equipment, while German ships and alliance commitments could enlarge the Spanish-American War into a much more dangerous conflict.
NotesA Hohenzollern king of Spain could bring Spanish warship purchases and equipment orders closer to Germany. German warships visiting Spanish ports might then become involved when those ports were attacked during a Spanish-American conflict. A German squadron arriving in the Philippines from the China Station would present a different opponent from the underfunded and poorly maintained Spanish fleet. German funding, maintenance, and training are treated as important differences. Britain could gain influence over a settlement through the belligerents' dependence on coal supplies and support for their fleets.