Es Geloybte Aretz - a Germanwank

[carlton_bach]

Originally Posted by DrakeRlugia

Ah, things are heating up. Quite enjoying this TL. As for the Emperor's own marriage, any candidates afoot? Is it likely that he'll marry Cecilie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin as IOTL, or is there a better match amongst the German Royal Houses that'll suit his very different upbringing?

That is what has me stumped ATM. Unless I can find someone really ineresting (and our resident expert hasn't), I'll go with IOTL's choice. You will note that the court at Berlin does not put much store by wives, except in the sense that they are a necessity for a man of standing. Albert adores his mother, but just about gets along with his wife.

If only a female of the House of Buonaparte were around... that would make a fine scandal. But I don't think anyone would be happy with Wilhelm marrying into a foreign ruling house. Too complicated.

[wietze]

thats why i suggested Wilhelmina of Orange, technically a foreign ruling, but on the other hand almost german too. So less difficulties.

[Barbarossa Rotbart]

But there will be one problem. If their firstborn is a boy (and a personal union between the Netherlands and Germany is not wanted) which throne would he inherit? However, if their firstborn is girl then a personal union would not be possible, because women cannot become sovereign in Germany.

[Kelenas]

Originally Posted by Barbarossa Rotbart

But there will be one problem. If their firstborn is a boy (and a personal union between the Netherlands and Germany is not wanted) which throne would he inherit? However, if their firstborn is girl then a personal union would not be possible, because women cannot become sovereign in Germany.

Unless, of course, Wilhelm decides that such thinking is nonsense and sets to changing that. Not sure how possible that is, though, but it wouldn't surprise me if he tried, given how stricken he apparently was with Gertrude Bell - who apparently was incredibly independent for a contemporary woman.

- Kelenas

[carlton_bach]

Originally Posted by Kelenas

Unless, of course, Wilhelm decides that such thinking is nonsense and sets to changing that. Not sure how possible that is, though, but it wouldn't surprise me if he tried, given how stricken he apparently was with Gertrude Bell - who apparently was incredibly independent for a contemporary woman.

- Kelenas

It's a nice idea (I gave it serious thought when I read the suggestion), but I can't see it. Wilhelm likes intelligent people, adventurous people, and generally interesting people, and he has an intense dislike for the poorly educated girls populating his court. He might even find Wilhelmina personally appealing, but he is 21, and still very much a good boy. His uncle, who all but runs the show from behind the scenes, has firm opinions about causing political crises, and a marriage between two reigning monarchs would do exactly that. I guess the most likely outcome is marriage to the least twittish German princess they can find, and a string of smart, nerdish mistresses later.

Oh, Wilhelm would have LOVED Girl Genius. Not for the female role, he's not terribly progressive, just for the sheer fun of it.

[MerryPrankster]

Maybe the insists all German princesses be educated and picks the one who is best at it?

[My Username is Inigo Montoya]

Originally Posted by carlton_bach

It's a nice idea (I gave it serious thought when I read the suggestion), but I can't see it. Wilhelm likes intelligent people, adventurous people, and generally interesting people, and he has an intense dislike for the poorly educated girls populating his court. He might even find Wilhelmina personally appealing, but he is 21, and still very much a good boy. His uncle, who all but runs the show from behind the scenes, has firm opinions about causing political crises, and a marriage between two reigning monarchs would do exactly that. I guess the most likely outcome is marriage to the least twittish German princess they can find, and a string of smart, nerdish mistresses later.

Oh, Wilhelm would have LOVED Girl Genius. Not for the female role, he's not terribly progressive, just for the sheer fun of it.

Would be interesting if this made another German state enter into personal union with the Empire and Prussia.

[Reichenfaust]

I would love to see Wilhelm trash Salic law, which is such bull. It would nice to have a Kaiserine.

[wietze]

Originally Posted by carlton_bach

Oh, Wilhelm would have LOVED Girl Genius. Not for the female role, he's not terribly progressive, just for the sheer fun of it.

Well maybe we can get Wilhelm to knock up Gertrude for some nice royal scandal

[carlton_bach]

Originally Posted by wietze

Well maybe we can get Wilhelm to knock up Gertrude for some nice royal scandal

Gertrude Bell? She'd send him packing.

[arctic warrior]

How about Dagmar of Denmark? Born 1890 they could arrange the marriage for 1906 when she turns 16 - not at all impossible.
If Willy throws a referendum in Schleswig into the bargain Denmark would be too happy to send her off!

[wietze]

Originally Posted by carlton_bach

Gertrude Bell? She'd send him packing.

pity something serious between them is implausible, she would have been a great help for Wilhelm.

[carlton_bach]

14 June 1904, Qingdao

Major Schwartz was a man much in demand socially. Tsingtau was dull at the best of times, and as times went, these were particularly dreary. The war in Manchuria had dented commerce, and with ship traffic just about the only thing that ever happened in the sleepy German quarter, that made for boring months ahead. A man just returned from the front as a military observer was a prize for any dinner party. Nonetheless, the port's commander, Captain Waldseemüller, had seenn fit to impose on the officer's time. He and his army counterpart, Colonel von Resslingen, were eager to hear the stories.
“Was Nanshan really that bad?” the colonel asked.
“Rather, yes.” Schwartz still appeared shaken at the recollection. “The Russian defense was not what I would call skilfully managed, but they were tenacious. There were times when I thought the Japanese army would give up, or just collapse, A veritable Thermopylae, the hills running red with blood. I hope to God I'll never have to command a battle like it, I don't know if I could answer for my soul..”
“War is terrible business, Major.” Captain Waldseemüller interjected. “Especially when two Asiatic armies clash. It is a specific of the warfare in this part of the world that life is cheap. It makes for a different type of generalship.”The captain had fought in the Boxer war and was fond of dispensing wisdom on Asia.
“That's exactly it, Sir.” Major Schwartz explained. “The Japanese did everything right. By the book. I do not know how I could have done anything differently. And the Russian defense was not even very ably led. It was just – dense, I think is the word. Especially the machine guns were terrible. As I said, the Japanese did thingsd exactly as you learn it at the staff college, used flanking attacks and probing maneuvers, but in the end they had to pay in blood for every metre of ground. General Nogi lost his own son. If I had to fight the same battle, I wouldn't know how to do it better.” The staff officer shook his head.
“I wondered about that myself.” Colonel von Resslingen said. “Since we've had Maxim guns, we all thought they were wonderful things to see savages charging at. But nobody has every explained to me how a civilised army is to deal with a machine gun. The British did it at Alexandria by overrunning the position, but, no offense meant, they were fighting Arabs. I can tell you the French won't run like that when we charge them.”
The men were silent for a while. Captain Waldseemüller ventured an opinion. “Courage should not be disparaged as a factor. A spirited charge or a tenacious attack...”
“...bayonet against bayonet.” Schwartz ended the sentence impatiently. “That's how the Japanese did it in the end. Actual bayonet fighting in the trenches on Nanshan hill. It sounded like something right out of the Napoleonic era. I cannot believe that this is all it boils down to.”
“When we were fighting in China, we had the greatest problems with Boxer attacks in small groups.” Waldseemüller pointed out. “A properly organised defense could take almost any charge, but often, the yellow bastards would just trickle in, often at night. You could easily miss them until it was too late.”
“That sounds a lot like siege tactics.” Von Resslingen noted. “And here was me thinking we didn't do sieges any more. Major, you werre an artilleryman, weren't you? This should be right up your alley.”
“In theory yes.” Schwartz was thinking hard. “With enough guns, breaking down a field defense should be possible. It's awfully Vauban, though. But it might do us all good to study siege warfare some more if the future of modern war really looks like this.”
“Well,” the amiable Waldseemüller concluded, “Falkenhayn will have to figure it out, won't he? We can chatter all we like, but while you are here, let us drink something. You have little enough time till your ship leaves.”
Major Schwartz did not answer immediately.

[wietze]

I just hope this observation is taken to heart at OHL back in germany, so it might bring the lessons home about modern warfare.

[carlton_bach]

06 July 1904, Berlin

Ambassador Katsunosuke was still not quite sure what to make of the German emperor, but he had come to appreciate the young man's candidness in personal interviews. That was why he had ultimately decided to put his government's idea to the monarch personally, despite his great misgivings. It was, he had personally decided, something the Germans could only agree to at great risk. Nonetheless, if it were successful, the potential gain for Japan was great and he had enough confidence in his tact and young Wilhelm's mental acuity to fear no lasting damage to the relationship. The plans now on the table were tentative, but clear enough.
“Poland!?” Prince Albert was less than thrilled, though even he, old-school Prussian though he was, seemed not entirely adverse.
“Yes, Your Highness.” Katsunosuke explained, stepping gingerly. “The population of Russian Poland is quite restive and we have already been approached by the Polish government in exile as well as several groups inside Russia. If we were able to utilise this sentiment to oblige the Russian government to divert troops temporarily, this could be of great value to us. Your permission, as one of the partitioning powers and neighbour of Russian Poland, is absolutely vital for this undertaking, though. The Imperial government has instructed me to advise you no steps will be taken that Your Majesty does not agree with.”
Germany was valuable enough as an ally for this concession. German shipyards had produced Japanese ships, and German bond buyers had underwritten a significant part of the war effort, and were likely to underwrite new issues. And Germany's relationship with Polish nationalism was a tricky one. Albert was visibly worried.
“It could work, uncle.” Emperor Wilhelm pointed out. “I don't think the risk is too great. Our own Poles are not likely to raise the red flag just because someone in Russia is making troubvle. Tzhey have too much to lose.”
Albert pondered the idea. He was not convinced, but it was true that living ion Prussian Posen was a very different matter from Russian Poland. He himself had had a good deal to do with blunting a fair number of thrusts to outlaw the use of the Polish language, settle ethnic Germans in Posen, and disadvantage Poles. Still, he had few illusions about the treatment many of them received at the hands of German officials and neighbours. National pride was rarely content with having it better than other sufferers. It called for mastery in its own realm. Playing with matches in a powder store was not wise. Nonetheless – the Japanese plan was well considered.
“General von der Goltz,” the Emperor turned to his military intelligence adviser, “what do you think?”
The notoriously devious general cocked his head and gave a lopsided grin. “This will work. It will work just fine, and would work against us just as well. Still, I think we should do it. If we ever go to war, the Russians will arm every Slav they can find, and the French will be handing out guns like candy to everybody with a grievance. It's not like we would be breaking some taboo here.”
Albert's pained expression showed that that was not quite true. The unspoken agreement between the partitioning powers had held for almost a century. Breaking it was not exactly a declaration of war, but it was certainly stirring a pot that had long been left untouched. Bismarck would be spinning in his grave. He shot a glance at his young nephew. “Your Majesty?”
Wilhelm hesitated for just a fraction of a second. “Yes. Ambassador, we will allow you to run your operation. What is more, we will support you. You can discuss the details with General von der Goltz.”
Katsunosuke felt relief and triumph flood through his mind. He bowed deeply. “Your Majesty, the Imperial government of Japan will not forget this generous deed. Thank you.”
“Needless to say, ambassador, none of this is to be discussed or transmitted via telegraph.” von der Goltz cautioned. “Now, I have some ideas we should be talking over. You should visit me over at the general staff. Or at the Kempinski Hotel, if you prefer.”

[carlton_bach]

13 August 1904, St Petersburg

The contract was unusual. Minister Stolypin had negotiated hard, and the French government had caved in on almost everything. Ambassador Bouvier was more worried than usual. Supplying coal to the Russian fleet that Emperor Nicholas was putting together to beat the Japanese was an acceptable idea, almost a commercial deal if you looked at it in the right light. Allowing them the use of anchorages in the French colonies could be considered a good turn among friends. Of course, the Russians would need all the help they could get of Bouvier was any judge. They had suffered spectacular reverses at Port Arthur, with the Japanese sinking or blockading almost their entire Far East fleet. The idea of sending the Baltic fleet halfway around the world was a desperate gamble if he had ever seen one. But the way Stolypin had drawn the French into it was masterful The French ambassador could admire sound statecraft even if he was on the losing side of it. The sale of fast merchant hulls as auxiliary cruisers was already questionable, and any power desirous for a casus belli could interpret the the “lease” of four French heavy cruisers now crewed by Russian sailors as hostile. And the idea that the French squadron should accompany the Russian ships as far as Cam Ranh in French Indochina was plainly an insane risk. Bouvier understood the purpose. It advertised to the world that anyone attacking the so-called Second Pacific Squadron on its way was effectively declaring war on France. “Anyone” here being code for Germany. Bouvier felt fairly sure Britain was not interested enough to risk the confrontation, but both Russian and French intelligence agreed that young emperor Wilhelm was a bit of a loose cannon.
“Your Excellency,” Bouvier extended his hand, “you have the full agreement of the president. I must admit, it has surprised me. Use it well.”
Stolypin smiled. “Thank you, your excellency. And rest assured, there is no danger at all. Your government will find its helpfulness amply rewarded when the next China conference dispenses with the silly notion of Peking's sovereignty. Now, we shall teach these yellow monkeys a lesson.”

[Barbarossa Rotbart]

Will the Russians suffer the same crushing defeat in TTL?

[carlton_bach]

Originally Posted by Barbarossa Rotbart

Will the Russians suffer the same crushing defeat in TTL?

With TTL Germany helping the Japanese? Worse.

[carlton_bach]

22 August 1904, Washington DC

MEETING YESTERDAY WITH AMERICAN BANKER JACOB SCHIFF IN NEW YORK. OFFERED SUPPORT IN RAISING SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR JAPANESE BONDS. STRONGLY SUGGEST CULTIVATING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP. MR SCHIFF IS STRONGLY SYMPATHETIC TO JAPANESE CAUSE, HARBOURS POWERFUL ANTI-RUSSIAN SENTIMENTS. LOAN AMOUNTS OF TWO HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS WERE UNDER CONSIDERATION. FIRM OF KUHN, LOEB & SCHIFF SHOULD BE PROVIDED WITH GERMAN BUSINESS IF FEASIBLE. PART OF BOND ISSUE TO BE OFFERED IN BERLIN.

Telegram from Secretary von Bernstorff at the German embassy to the United States to the Foreign Office in Berlin.

[carlton_bach]

22 October 1904, North Sea

Capitaine de vaisseau Theophile Lernier was out of his cot and halfway into his trousers before the sirens started. His instincts as a sea fighter rarely let him down, and even in his well-earned sleep, the finely tuned ears of a navy man of thirty years' service could distinguish the blast of naval gunfire from the howling of the wind and the thump of the engines. Ensign Jardine knocked on his cabin door just in time to find the cap' buttoning up his fly and throwing his jacket on. So far, the rumble of heavy guns was distant, and no impacts had rocked the Gaulois. Lernier could feel the engines powering up even as he turned to the young officer.
“Well?”
“The lookout spotted gunfire to the west, mon capitaine.” the ensign reported. “Lieutenant Grammont ordered all hands to battle stations. So far, no signal from the Russian ships. We have not identified any enemy vessels, and have not been attacked.”
“Very well. Come along, and bring my coat. I think the sword will not be required” You did not make it to capitaine de vaisseau without a certain amount of style. Lernier liked to affect an air of clinical detachment from the possibility of his impending death. His mind was racing as he stepped along the corridor to Gaulois's bridge.
“Reports of gunfire, mon capitaine.” Lieutenant Grammont, the officer of the watch, informed him immediately. “All hands are being called to battle stations. From the direction, it's more likely the British.”
An attack from the Northwest would have had to come from Britain's shores. Either that, or the German fleet had swept round behind them and placed themselves on the right flank of the Russians. Grammont was calm, as befitted a proper officer, but the idea of facing the Royal Navy in battle was unnerving all the same.
“Forward turret reporting ready for action, Sir!” Lernier acknowledgfed with a nod. That had been quick. The crew had certainly shown spirit.
“Starboard secondaries report ready for action!” “Aft turret reporting ready for action.” The messages came in fast now. Gaulois was a tight ship, and Capitaine Lernier had always been keen on battle drill. Today, it might well pay off.
“Signal ready for action.” An ensign immediately began flashing the message to Charles Martel. Three French battleships might be a valuable addition to the Russian squadron, but they were woefully inadequate to facing the enemy on their own.
“Admiral's orders, mon capitaine.” the lookout read out the signal as it flashed across through the night. “Go to three-quarters steam ahead, turn to starboard and join the Russian line. Engage any enemy ships as found.”
The bulk of the Gaulois turned ponderously and picked up speed as its mighty triple screws churned the North Sea. Searchlights were now piercing the darkness ahead, momentarily outlining the silhouettes of Russian warships. Flashes of gunnery tore through the night. Jardine brought the captain's coat.
“Thank you, ensign.” Lernier adjusted his buttons and epaulette before turning his eyes back towards the pandemonium ahead. He was straining to make out the enemy, but came up empty. The Russian guns were flashing almost incessantly, making it nearly impossible to see beyond their battle line. Still...
“Mon capitaine, Russian signals. Oslyabya is signalling they are engaging enemy torpedo boats.”
“Torpedo boats?” Lernier was confused for a moment. Some of those flashes were from 30-cm guns, not secondary armament. Still, he caught himself. Poor fire discipline in the Russian navy should not surprise him.
“Signal to Oslyabya: Moving into line to assist. Where is the enemy?”
The signalling light clacked out the message. Halfway through, the lookout sang out a second signal. “Japanese torpedo boats spotted due north!”
“Japanese torpedo boats?” Lernier's incredulousness returned. It was one thing for the Germans, sneaky bastards they were, to send in torpedo boats under cover of night before engaging a superior fleet. But Japanese?
“Searchlights!” he ordered. Time to find out. With his secondary 138mm turrets ready, he could afford to give away his position. “Search for torpedo boats at 2 kilometres and closer, starboard and forward. Report all sightings before firing. There are Russian escorts between us and their line!”
“Searchlights are up!”
“More gunfire due northwest!”
The reports came in almost simultaneously as the Gaulois seemed to stop dead in the water. The steel deck hit Lernier's feet like a hammer and launched him into the air. White-hot shards of metal screamed past him as the brightest flash he had ever seen temporarily blotted out the world.
Capitaine Lernier picked himself up after what seemed like minutes. Lieutenant Grammont was bleeding. A visibly shaken ensign rushed in to report. “A direct hit starboard, mon capitaine. One secondary turret appears to bew out of action. No leaks or power loss, as far as we can tell. The crew of #2 searchlight is dead.”
The captain stared out at the darkness, helpless rage rising. It had taken him too long to understand. Precious minutes too long. “Aft searchlight, concentrate all beams on our flag. Have the tricolore run up at the maintop and forward flagstaff, and illuminate it. Grammont, we need full position lights! I will be damned if I'll have my ship sunk because the Russians are afraid of the dark.”
He turned to his senior gunnery officer, now arriving at his post and clearly bruised from the encounter. “Capitaine Bazogette, order the main guns to return fire only if attacked, but if any ship fires on us, I want it sunk! Is that clear?”
“Perfectly, mon capitaine!”
“Grammont, lay in a course due south! One third speed ahead.”
As the bridge officers broke into frenzied activity, Capitaine Lernier turned to the starboard vision slit. Occasional gunfire still flashed, painting silhouettes of a Russian fleet in growing disorder. They were now close enough to see machine guns opening up into the darkness.
“They are insane.” Lernier whispered despairingly. “Completely insane.”