Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 52:18-53:37

If Japan destroyed the German East Asia Squadron at Tsingtao

The counterfactual removes Coronel and could strengthen Japan's standing as a naval partner of Britain during World War I.

Battle Of CoronelGerman East Asia SquadronGrand FleetImperial Japanese NavyKongo Class BattlecruisersNaval DiplomacyWorld War I
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Question

What changes if Japan destroys the German East Asia Squadron before it leaves Tsingtao?

Short answer

Coronel disappears, Britain has more ships available elsewhere, and Japan may gain both status and a larger operational role alongside the Grand Fleet.

Notes

An early Japanese destruction of the German East Asia Squadron would remove the later Battle of Coronel from this scenario. Britain would then have more ships available elsewhere, potentially including the force at Jutland. Japan would also enter subsequent allied discussions with the prestige of having defeated a German squadron. That could strengthen the case for Japanese destroyer flotillas, battleships, or Kongo-class battlecruisers to serve with the Grand Fleet. The proposed change is therefore diplomatic as well as a redistribution of available ships.