Chapter 0262: Guarding Against America

Early the next morning, Wilhelm II, along with Qin Tian, Marshal von Tirpitz, and Marshal von Pohl, departed from the naval base at Wilhelmshaven aboard a special train, returning to Berlin.

Wilhelm II had numerous political and military affairs to address, while Qin Tian needed to return to East Prussia to continue commanding the Eighth Army Corps in its operations. The Eighth Army Corps had completed its rest and had fully replenished its battle losses. According to Qin Tian's planned strategy, the next step for the Eighth Army Corps was to advance from East Prussia into the Kingdom of Poland. Conducting the war on one's own territory would inevitably incur heavy costs, even in victory; the optimal strategy was to ignite the flames of conflict on foreign soil.

Previously, the Eighth Army Corps had employed a strategy of baiting the enemy to draw them in, aiming to annihilate the Russian Army's Northwestern Front. However, with the Northwestern Front nearly decimated, the Russian forces within the Kingdom of Poland had lost any semblance of organized troops. Therefore, they could abandon their defenses and transition directly to a full-scale offensive.

Although Russia was undoubtedly mobilizing troops into Poland, Qin Tian was confident that the Eighth Army Corps, which had easily defeated the Russian Northwestern Front, could similarly vanquish any reinforcements dispatched subsequently.

While aboard the train, Wilhelm II and Qin Tian discussed the current situation.

"The army launched the Battle of the Marne yesterday, and the progress seems promising. If we can defeat the Anglo-French coalition during this battle, we can push the front lines directly to Paris. At that point, it's quite possible that the French will withdraw from the war, securing our victory," Wilhelm II stated confidently, exuding faith in the army's campaign at the Marne.

Although Qin Tian was aware of the outcome of the Battle of the Marne in another timeline, everything had changed in this one. Whether the German army could secure victory in the Battle of the Marne remained uncertain. Based on the information he had gathered, the situation was likely not as optimistic as Wilhelm II suggested. Moltke's orders had not been effectively executed among the various corps on the Western Front, which could lead to the German forces failing to achieve victory in the Battle of the Marne, ultimately resulting in a stalemate in the war.

Of course, even though Qin Tian recognized this, he would not voice such concerns. To do so would be to dampen Wilhelm II's enthusiasm, which was tantamount to courting disaster.

"As long as our army can crush the French and our navy can defeat the Royal Navy in a decisive battle, then our future in this war is assured," Wilhelm II proclaimed.

"Indeed, Your Majesty, I share your confidence in our potential to win this war. However, I believe we should refrain from excessive optimism until everything is settled," Qin Tian replied.

"Oh? Oscar, do you have any particular concerns?" Wilhelm II inquired.

"Your Majesty, let us not forget that across the ocean lies a powerful nation that has yet to declare its stance on this war. Should they decide to join the conflict, it would significantly impact the entire war, potentially determining its outcome," Qin Tian warned.

Wilhelm II furrowed his brow: "You mean America?"

"Your Majesty, America has maintained a neutral stance thus far. They are unlikely to enter the war, and even if they do, it doesn't necessarily mean they will become our enemy. They may very well join our camp," Marshal von Pohl remarked.

"Regardless of which side America joins, it would be disadvantageous for the German Empire. If America sides with the Allies, we would face a formidable enemy, and securing victory would demand a much greater price. Conversely, should America ally with the Central Powers, it would still be unfavorable for us, as it would force us to share the spoils of victory with them—an unacceptable outcome for us, who aspire to replace Britain as the world's hegemon," Qin Tian elucidated.

Wilhelm II, Marshal von Tirpitz, and Marshal von Pohl's expressions soured at this revelation. Before the war began, they seemed to have overlooked America's potential involvement, believing this conflict was strictly a European affair and that America would not intervene.

"Oscar, it's not certain that America will involve itself. Their isolationist sentiment is quite strong domestically," Wilhelm II countered.

Qin Tian nodded: "Indeed, the isolationism prevalent in America poses a complication. However, should America genuinely wish to enter the war, I believe such difficulties would be inconsequential. The American government has numerous methods at its disposal to overcome this challenge."

"Your Highness, even if America enters the war, we shouldn't be overly fearful, should we? Aside from the relatively stronger naval capabilities of the American fleet, their army is quite subpar," Marshal von Tirpitz commented.

Before the war, the American army comprised merely over a hundred thousand troops. This was primarily due to the absence of powerful neighbors and the fact that the United States, at this time, was not the dominant global power of the future; it was merely a youthful nation with no pressing need to deploy forces overseas. Thus, their army had remained quite diminutive.

While the U.S. Navy was not weak, it ranked third globally, trailing only behind Britain and Germany. Since the German navy could outmatch the British navy, they naturally did not fear the Americans. However, should the British and Americans join forces, it could pose some complications for the German navy, albeit only minor ones—still manageable for the German fleet.

"While America's military strength is indeed lacking at present, let us not forget that their industrial output surpasses ours. Once America decides to enter the war and begins full mobilization, their industrial capacity and population could rapidly equip an army of millions. The emergence of such a force in Europe would represent a tremendous threat to us," Qin Tian cautioned.

Wilhelm II's brow furrowed even deeper.

"Oscar, do you have any solutions?" Wilhelm II asked.

Qin Tian shook his head: "I have no solutions; the only course of action is to secure victory in this war before America decides to join. In that case, even if they wish to intervene, it would be too late."