Q&A · 7:49:28-7:51:12

Avoiding an Anglo-German naval race in a Wilhelm II counterfactual

The scenario caps German naval strength below the level that would threaten Britain, then relies on British and continental alliances for expansion against Russia and France.

Question

If you became Wilhelm II at his coronation, how would you pursue German success?

Short answer

Limit the fleet to about one quarter of Royal Navy strength, avoid a naval challenge to Britain, and build a coalition against Russia and France.

Notes

The proposed strategy rejects Tirpitz's attempt to challenge Britain at sea. Germany would cap its navy at roughly one quarter of Royal Navy strength, enough in this scenario to operate against Russia and control the Baltic without threatening Britain. It would seek alliances with Britain and Austria, with Italy included in the wider coalition. The imagined route to war involves a Russian action over India that brings Britain onto Germany's side and draws in France. The territorial gains depend on securing those partners, so naval restraint is part of an aggressive continental strategy.