Chapter 0946: Declaration of War

"Your Majesty, the Empire's diplomatic offensive has yielded significant results. Thus far, among the many constituent states of Austria-Hungary, the majority have explicitly declared their neutrality should war erupt between the Empire and Austria-Hungary. Notably, the Kingdoms of Hungary, Bohemia, Croatia-Slavonia, and Dalmatia have shown keen interest in the prospect of independence under the Empire's auspices. Once Austria-Hungary is vanquished, they will naturally seize the opportunity to establish their sovereignty," Wahit reported. 

Qin Tian nodded in satisfaction. The Foreign Ministry's efforts had proceeded with remarkable smoothness, granting the Empire a decisive advantage before the first shot had even been fired. While Austria was the dominant force within Austria-Hungary, without the support of the other constituent states, its strength would be more than halved. If these states remained neutral in the face of the Empire's assault, Austria would stand alone, waging a solitary struggle. Such a scenario would deal a severe blow to Austrian morale and confidence. In the end, defeating Austria would all but guarantee victory in this war—an undertaking that, for the formidable German Imperial Army, was hardly an insurmountable challenge. 

"Excellent, gentlemen. Emperor Karl I now finds himself utterly abandoned. The mighty Austro-Hungarian Empire has begun to crumble before we have even commenced our attack. I have every confidence that we will secure a swift and decisive victory in this war!" Qin Tian declared with unwavering conviction. 

"Your Majesty, given that our only remaining adversary is Austria itself, the Empire shall undoubtedly crush them within half a month!" Marshal von Falkenhayn pledged. 

Qin Tian nodded once more. If Austria stood alone, a fortnight would indeed be ample time for the Imperial Army to achieve victory. 

"Your Majesty, we must also consider the possibility of other nations intervening in this war," cautioned Chancellor Bilo. 

"Indeed, Your Majesty," Foreign Minister Wahit concurred. "Emperor Karl I must be acutely aware that Austria-Hungary alone cannot stand against the might of the Empire. His defiance must stem from assurances of support from external powers. Otherwise, he would never have taken such a reckless course of action. He may be hostile to the Empire, but he is no fool." 

Qin Tian turned his gaze to the military high command. "If the Americans choose to intervene, can the Empire thwart them?" 

"Your Majesty, the Imperial Navy's Atlantic Fleet is somewhat inferior to the United States Navy. During the last war, the Americans recognized their naval shortcomings and embarked on an ambitious shipbuilding program. A new fleet of modern warships has since entered service. If we combine the Atlantic Fleet with the Home Fleet, we can defeat the U.S. Navy. However, the Home Fleet's primary task is to deploy to the Mediterranean and contain the Austro-Hungarian Navy. This would leave the Atlantic Fleet somewhat overstretched. I propose deploying four aircraft carriers to the Atlantic. Should war break out with the United States, we will use them to sink the American battleships," suggested Grand Admiral Reinhard Scheer. 

During the previous world war, the United States had sold its existing battleships to Britain, extorting a hefty sum in return. This windfall enabled them to fund extensive naval expansion. Even before that war ended, they had begun mass production of new capital ships. While many of these warships were still undergoing commissioning, those already in service had dramatically bolstered the strength of the U.S. Navy. If their entire new fleet became operational, even the German Navy would need to proceed with caution. 

Though the German Navy still retained overall superiority, its forces were globally dispersed. The naval presence in the Atlantic was relatively limited. 

"Hmm. The Navy shall make its own determinations. The Austro-Hungarian fleet poses little threat—dispatching aircraft carriers against them would be a waste. Keep them in the Atlantic. If the Americans dare to interfere, we shall send their fleet to the ocean floor. Additionally, if necessary, we may dispatch warships to bombard the U.S. East Coast. Let them pay the price for their folly," Qin Tian declared. 

"Understood, Your Majesty!" Grand Admiral Scheer acknowledged. 

A direct bombardment of the American coastline would send a powerful shockwave through the United States. Though an invasion of the American mainland was unlikely in the short term, such an attack would be enough to spread panic among the timid populace. Countless civilians might flee the East Coast in terror, and the ensuing turmoil would leave the U.S. government overwhelmed by the domestic crisis. 

"Your Majesty, with American intervention no longer a pressing concern, the Empire may now formally declare war on Austria-Hungary," Chancellor Bilo asserted. Since the Empire was fully prepared and conflict was now unavoidable, it was imperative to strike with full force. 

"Very well. Tomorrow, the Empire shall officially declare war on Austria-Hungary. Our forces will immediately cross the border and launch their assault. This time, we shall press forward with unstoppable momentum and bring Austria-Hungary to its knees in the shortest possible time!" Qin Tian proclaimed. 

"Yes, Your Majesty!" the assembled ministers and commanders responded in unison. 

January 1917. Though Europe remained gripped by winter's chill, the eyes of the world were fixed upon the continent. The most powerful nation on Earth was about to engage in a cataclysmic struggle with the self-proclaimed second-greatest power. 

Every nation speculated on the outcome. Most were convinced that Germany, as the preeminent world power, would emerge victorious beyond any doubt. The only uncertainty lay in how long Austria-Hungary could endure. Some predicted a swift collapse, while others believed Austria-Hungary would put up prolonged resistance. After all, it was still regarded as a formidable force. Moreover, the harsh winter conditions were far from ideal for military campaigns. 

Yet, regardless of external conjecture, Germany had completed its military preparations. Over a million troops stood ready. No matter how inclement the weather, they would launch their offensive on schedule. 

On the morning of the 19th, Chancellor Bilo, speaking on behalf of the German Reich, cited Austria-Hungary's betrayal of the alliance as justification for war. With that, the Empire formally declared hostilities against Austria-Hungary.