The Rise of the Empire

"We must first know where the core of the empire's future maritime interests is. I personally think that the range of sea areas that the empire can control is nothing more than the surrounding waters near our African colonies and the northern Indian Ocean area that can be fought for. In addition, the imperial navy In the next 20 years, we will not be able to put decisive power in the waters other than this, the future of the empire will be Africa and the Middle East, not the Far East and America!" After the prince finished speaking, the entire venue fell silent. It is to re-examine Germany's overseas policy from a strategic perspective.

"Our failure in the Far East has clearly demonstrated a problem. The empire is weak and powerless in the Pacific Ocean. We don't have enough funds and colonies to establish a naval base system that extends from the mainland to Samoa. So, in It is impossible to gain actual control of the Far East, and we cannot now confront the British Far East Fleet in the Far East, let alone the victors after the Russo-Japanese War. They have a geographical advantage, and this cannot be changed.”

"Similarly, it is unrealistic to expand to South America. In the face of an increasingly powerful United States, even the United Kingdom chooses to act cautiously. We can do business with South American countries, but it may be very difficult to expand our influence. , and a military presence is even less desirable.”

"Of course, the empire needs to expand, it needs to mobilize resources from overseas, and it needs markets, so we must re-find those interests that we can win or take away. The whole world is relatively close to us, and only parts of Africa and the The Ottoman Empire! The future naval construction and expansion of the empire should revolve around these two places, and the fleet will also be used to deal with potential opponents in these places!"

"In Europe, we definitely cannot suppress the current UK, so conflicts with the UK should be avoided as much as possible, but at the same time we must be able to suppress France! Similar to the principle of battleship fleet formation, our cruiser formation also uses France as an imaginary enemy."

"Currently the main force of our cruiser fleet is six Munich-type armored cruisers. The French have six armored cruisers currently in service and are currently on the berth, with a tonnage ranging from 4,800 tons to 6,000 tons. In addition, there are 3 to 6 armored cruisers 4 protected cruisers, although their combat effectiveness is poor, their total tonnage is similar to that of our cruiser fleet. Let’s just say we have a slight advantage.”

"But according to internal intelligence, in the future, especially around 1898, the French are likely to vigorously expand their armored cruiser fleet. Almost all new warships are about 10,000 tons. The exact number may not be clear, but in 1900 The number of warships under construction will not be less than 8! This is a very dangerous signal. And our cruiser formation must be able to meet this challenge!"

"It is said that the Navy intends to sell two Munich-class armored cruisers to the Qing Dynasty after the completion of the new ship. If this news is true, then the number of our Munich-class armored cruisers will drop to four, and to compete with the French fleet, In line with the principle of being lenient to the enemy, the French should have about 4 warships in service or close to service before 1900. Then the number of large armored cruisers we supplement should not be less than this number. From now on in 1901 in East A Before that, we will serve at least 4 large armored cruisers!"

"I think everyone should already be very clear about the data of the new Mainz-class armored cruiser. It has a displacement of 14,000 tons, 8-inch hardened armor, 8 254MML40 guns, and a maximum speed of more than 21 knots. These warships and 4 Munich ships Class armored cruisers are enough to deal with the French fleet within this period. And relying on powerful firepower, these warships can also join the battle line.

"

"The construction of the first ship of the Mainz should also start before the end of this year. One ship was started in 1897 and two ships were started in 1898. In this way, three capital ships were started every year from 1897 to 1898. This can guarantee The number of warships we could use in 1900. As for the construction of warships in 1899, it depends on the international environment at that time and our needs.”

"That is to say, before 1901, we will have 6 to 8 battleships. 4 10,000-ton armored cruisers and 4 7,500-ton armored cruisers. This fleet is enough for us to maintain the second largest fleet in Eurasia after the United Kingdom. Sea power. It has an advantage over France and can hold down the Russian Baltic Fleet."

Prince Ruprecht's plan is basically completed. There are about 8 battleships and 8 cruisers. Let's call this combination the "eight or eight" fleet! The significance of the establishment of this fleet is to be able to form an advantage over the navies of other single countries in the area where Germany's projection power can reach. Let Germany not have a shortage of naval forces when facing a single power.

"Papa papa." After Ruprecht finished. The venue fell into silence. After waiting for about a few minutes, applause came from the chief, and the Kaiser took the lead in expressing support! Now that His Majesty the Emperor has expressed his stance, all of this is not a problem. The plan agreed by the Prussian leader and the Bavarian representative means that it has been passed in the entire empire. Whether it is the Federal Parliament or the Imperial Parliament, the final approval is just a matter of procedure. Invisibly, Prince Ruprecht has planned the core of the German Navy's first military expansion plan!

Whether it is William II, the founding party of the Navy, or Bismarck, who is on the conservative side, this construction plan is also acceptable. In 5 years, 8 to 10 capital ships will be added, of which 2 are used for replacement. This level of supplementation is still acceptable. Ruprecht is also very satisfied, because this force is no worse than the German navy in history, or even slightly stronger. Historically, the German Navy completed only eight battleships before 1900, and even fewer 10,000-ton armored cruisers.

Although the strength is stronger, it will not have a great impact on Germany's diplomatic environment in general. One of the reasons for this is that the Fleet Act has not appeared. Sometimes doing and talking are two concepts. In order to balance France, the British can tolerate the construction of 8 capital ships, but if you build 8 capital ships and say that you want to build a huge fleet of more than 20 battleships, then the British must have ideas!

To put it another way, a good dog does not bark, and a barked dog does not bite! Sometimes people who don't have the ability to yell will be hated, but those who keep a low profile while secretly recharging their energy will not attract the attention of outsiders. As long as you know your own strength, don't shout all over the place.

Thanks to book friends hukaikaka, cool tone, classmates are in love and other book friends for their rewards~~~, and book friend Jiang Feng 25412 for the monthly ticket support~~~~~.