If you became Wilhelm II at his coronation, how would you pursue German success?
Short answerLimit the fleet to about one quarter of Royal Navy strength, avoid a naval challenge to Britain, and build a coalition against Russia and France.
NotesThe 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.