Chapter 0958: A Stubborn Failure

Across the vast ocean, both the United States and the British government in exile in Canada paid close attention to the ongoing conflict between Germany and Austria-Hungary. The withdrawal of Austria-Hungary from the Central Powers and its growing enmity with Germany was, in fact, a scenario meticulously orchestrated by the Americans. To facilitate this, they had even extended a loan of two hundred million dollars. However, in light of the potential benefits reaped, this sum seemed a mere trifle.

If Germany were to suffer devastating losses at the hands of Austria-Hungary, the United States would not hesitate to invest even more resources, regardless of the cost.

President Woodrow Wilson spent the entire day in his office, anxiously awaiting news from Europe.

"Gentlemen, should war erupt between Germany and Austria-Hungary, considering the scale of their respective forces, this would undoubtedly become a colossal conflict involving millions of soldiers. All of Europe would be torn apart by it!" President Wilson remarked with eager anticipation.

For the New World to supplant the Old World was no simple task. After all, while the New World had been developing for a mere two hundred years, the Old World had established an immense power base over millennia. Only through years of relentless warfare could the Old World be utterly dismantled; otherwise, the chances of the New World surpassing it seemed virtually nonexistent. President Wilson, undeniably, yearned for such a war to come to pass.

Originally, World War I should have been the opportunity for the United States to rise to prominence. Unfortunately, Germany's astonishing performance in the conflict thwarted this expectation. In a mere year, the Germans had secured a decisive advantage. After a year and a half, Germany was on the verge of victory.

While this war inflicted tremendous damage on Europe, the devastation was confined primarily to Belgium, northern France, and the British Isles. Other regions of Europe experienced relatively minor losses, leaving the overall strength of the continent largely intact. Consequently, Europe's power remained far superior to that of the Americas.

Germany's industrial output, once trailing behind the United States, had now caught up, thanks to the acquisition of all of Belgium and much of France. With the immense territories and colonies gained during the war, surpassing America seemed only a matter of time. This created a profound sense of urgency within the United States.

This realization spurred the Americans to discreetly stir the pot with Austria-Hungary, hoping to ignite another large-scale war in the heart of Europe. The longer and more brutal the war, the greater the destruction, the more favorable it would be for America.

"Mr. President, if Austria-Hungary unleashes its full might against the Germans, things could become quite interesting!" Secretary of War Garrison remarked.

"Emperor Charles I is a stubborn and prideful man; he would never allow his forces to be outmatched by the Germans. However, I believe we must give Austria-Hungary some hope. Only then can we expect Emperor Charles I to hold firm," Secretary of State Bryan advised.

President Wilson nodded. "Send a telegram to Austria-Hungary, informing them that our forces are mobilizing and will soon be on their way to Europe. Our fleet is also preparing to set sail!"

"Yes, Mr. President," Bryan replied, understanding that this was merely a tactic to deceive Austria-Hungary. Without giving Emperor Charles I any sense of hope, this war would hardly escalate to the desired intensity.

"Mr. President, our fleet is ready to depart. But what should we do if we encounter the German fleet in the Atlantic?" asked Secretary of the Navy Daniels.

While the U.S. Navy was not yet on par with the German Navy, its strength had significantly increased. Since 1914, the U.S. Navy had been undergoing a large-scale shipbuilding program, and the first batch of warships had already been commissioned. More ships were set to join the fleet in the coming years, strengthening the Navy further.

"Would we be able to defeat the German Atlantic fleet if we encountered it?" President Wilson inquired.

"Mr. President, if it is just the German Atlantic fleet, we would have no trouble overwhelming them. Our Navy now possesses two 'Pennsylvania-class' battleships, three 'New Mexico-class' battleships, two 'Tennessee-class' battleships, and four 'Colorado-class' battleships. The first three classes, with a total of seven battleships, are equipped with twelve 356mm main guns, while the 'Colorado-class' battleships are armed with 406mm main guns. If we meet the German Atlantic fleet, we can certainly defeat them!" Secretary Daniels confidently declared.

While the U.S. Navy's fleet was still small, each ship was immensely powerful, especially the newly commissioned 'Colorado-class' battleships, which, with British assistance, were armed with formidable 406mm guns.

"Then let the fleet set sail. However, no ship shall fire unless ordered to, unless the Germans initiate an attack," President Wilson instructed.

"Yes, Mr. President," Secretary Daniels promptly went to issue the orders.

The shame of the U.S. Navy's previous defeat at the hands of the German fleet in the last world war had become a source of national disgrace. The Navy longed for the day when they could avenge that humiliation. That day, it seemed, might soon arrive.

"Mr. President, a telegram from the U.S. Embassy in Austria-Hungary," the secretary hurriedly entered with the message.

President Wilson immediately took the telegram and began reading. But his face quickly turned pale with frustration. The ministers of the Cabinet immediately sensed that something was amiss in Europe, and things were not progressing as they had anticipated.

"Mr. President, what has happened?" Secretary of State Bryan asked.

The other Cabinet members fixed their gaze on President Wilson, eager to understand what had caused such a reaction.

"I must apologize, gentlemen. I have lost my composure. The news I have received is simply infuriating!" President Wilson admitted.

"I regret to admit it, but the ally we have chosen is nothing but a hopeless case. The fools in Austria-Hungary have performed terribly. Emperor Charles I can't even control the states under his rule, and yet he dares to challenge Germany, even boasting about defeating them. I truly have no idea where he gets the courage!" President Wilson seethed. He suddenly felt as if he had been the one deceived in this entire scheme.