Chapter 0157: The Ambitions of the Italians
"Damn those Italians! How could we have chosen them as our allies?" Wilhelm II roared in his office. Although he had decided to temporarily compromise with the Entente Powers, a deep resentment still festered within him.
Had the Kingdom of Italy stepped forward to express unwavering support for the German Empire, perhaps Germany could have maintained its firm stance. There was a chance that the situation might have shifted.
Wilhelm II knew all too well the significant repercussions that Germany's latest concession would have domestically. Even his prestige would suffer greatly as a result, igniting his fury.
"Father, the Italians have always been duplicitous, considering only their own interests. Expecting them to support us unconditionally is utterly impossible. Especially when war involves their own fate; their hesitation is entirely understandable," Qin Tian remarked, surprisingly unperturbed by Italy's behavior. He had anticipated such a result and had always remained wary of the Italians, believing that Germany could triumph even without their assistance in future conflicts.
"Your Highness speaks the truth. The Italians have shown no intention of fulfilling their obligations as allies. Thus, should war break out, we cannot place too much hope in them," Prime Minister Bernhard von Bülow sighed.
"Although we have compromised on the Moroccan issue, we can seek redress in other areas. This would at least provide an explanation to our domestic populace," von Kidderlin-Waechter suggested.
Wilhelm II nodded, feeling a slight alleviation in his spirits.
"Gentlemen, no matter how one looks at it, this incident represents a disgrace for the German Empire. We must remember this dishonor. In the future, we shall defeat them and erase this stain!" Wilhelm II declared with fierce determination.
He loathed the Italians for their lack of support in critical moments and their treachery, but his greatest enmity was reserved for England and France. Both nations had gone to great lengths to stifle the rise of the German Empire, repeatedly provoking Germany and causing significant losses of both prestige and profit. This was intolerable for Wilhelm II.
"Indeed, Your Majesty!" the others responded in unison.
They understood that for the German Empire to ascend, there was but one path: to vanquish England and France through warfare, thereby establishing dominance in Europe and beyond. In defense of their own interests and the existing colonial order, the British and French would undoubtedly strive to undermine the German Empire. This was an irreconcilable contradiction. Thus, war appeared to be the only solution, with both sides prepared to go to any lengths for victory.
The Second Moroccan Crisis concluded peacefully, following Germany's voluntary concession. Both sides signed the Treaty of Fez, formalizing Morocco as a French protectorate. France, however, ceded a portion of French Congo as compensation, allowing Germany to save face—otherwise, its reputation would have been utterly tarnished.
Nevertheless, discontent brewed across all social strata in Germany regarding this concession. Many elites asserted that Germany could not continue to yield, as such capitulations would lead to greater losses. Only war could ensure Germany's interests.
Yet, war was no trivial matter; it was not something to be decided lightly. Once conflict commenced, there would be no retreat. A victory would catapult Germany to global supremacy, while defeat would spell dire consequences. Thus, no one dared take such risks; without thorough preparation, no one wished to engage in battle.
Germany was not alone in this hesitation; the member states of the Entente were similarly cautious. While the international atmosphere seemed intensely fraught, war appeared unlikely to erupt immediately—though sudden incidents could still ignite a conflict.
In the Kingdom of Italy, within the royal palace in Rome, King Vittorio Emanuele III conversed with Prime Minister Giovanni Giolitti.
"Prime Minister, our refusal to support the Germans might incite their ire. After all, we are allies; offending them seems rather unwise," Vittorio Emanuele III expressed with concern.
"Your Majesty, our lack of support for Germany was solely in the interest of the Kingdom of Italy. Should a war erupt over Morocco, the consequences would be severe. The Central Powers and the Entente would inevitably clash. If we were to honor our alliance, we too would be drawn into the fray, which would be highly detrimental to Italy," Giolitti replied.
Vittorio Emanuele III nodded, sharing the skepticism many Italian officials held regarding the Germans. After all, the powers of Britain, France, and Russia were not to be underestimated. Especially the British, who had maintained their supremacy for centuries. Numerous nations had attempted to challenge the British Empire, all ultimately failing.
Should Italy ally with Germany against Britain and win, it would gain substantial rewards; but if defeated, the consequences would be dire.
"Prime Minister, do you think the Germans can prevail if war breaks out?" Vittorio Emanuele III inquired.
"Your Majesty, that is difficult to ascertain. While the German military is evolving, they are undoubtedly at a disadvantage presently," Giolitti stated.
Vittorio Emanuele III acknowledged this perspective with a nod.
"Your Majesty, the ongoing Moroccan issue has captured the attention of European powers. We are ready to implement our long-prepared plans!" Giolitti announced.
Vittorio Emanuele III's eyes lit up.
"Then let us proceed! The glory of the great Roman Empire shall be restored from this moment forth!" Vittorio Emanuele III proclaimed with excitement.