Alternate Alliances

With a POD anytime in the after the formation of the German Empire, how could we get a Franco-Russian Entente to face of against an Anglo-German Alliance in a World War I-type conflict around the same time (1910's)?
 
Germany might not push so hard for a massive fleet.

Or the Kaiser might not support the Boers when they rise up. Even such a small thing could have a marginal effect.
 
What factors could change German naval policy so that it doesn't develop a massive fleet or at least, not get into a rivalry with the UK?
 

Susano

Banned
A strong land threat that diverts the resources elsewhere?

It existed. It was called France.

Mind, it wasnt just the fleet. Even without that buildup Britain was hit by waves of Germanophobia now and then. Add to that clumsily undiplomatic William II... yeah. I guess hes the main obstacle.
 

yourworstnightmare

Banned
Donor
Perhaps if Frederick III had not been ill, and thus survived? Could he have created a different diplomatic atmosphere, and would Wilhelm II have been smarter diplomatically and been more open for friendship with UK if he had succeeded the throne later.
 
Was Frederick III in favor of an Anglo-German alliance? And what exactly would have transpired between Germany and the UK if he had ruled longer?
 

Susano

Banned
Perhaps if Frederick III had not been ill, and thus survived? Could he have created a different diplomatic atmosphere, and would Wilhelm II have been smarter diplomatically and been more open for friendship with UK if he had succeeded the throne later.

Unlikely If at all, hed build up even more resentment towards his parents as he did anyways IOTL. Maybe if William had not been such rejected by his parents... heh, ironically, Victoria (Fredericks wife and daughter of Queen Victoria) dying in childbirth would maybe even have positive effects. Or William dying before creating offspring and his brother Henry becoming Emperor, he was a more reasonable man...
 
What factors could change German naval policy so that it doesn't develop a massive fleet or at least, not get into a rivalry with the UK?

Its defeat of both France and Russia so that Germany doesn't have to worry about its Baltic ports being blockaded and it has access to French ports on the Atlantic that it has annexed.

Really too much credit is being given wrongly to Wilhelm II. The German naval officer corps supported the building of a strong fleet before Tirpitz arrived on the scene and the navy had much support from the middle class.
 
Unlikely If at all, hed build up even more resentment towards his parents as he did anyways IOTL. Maybe if William had not been such rejected by his parents... heh, ironically, Victoria (Fredericks wife and daughter of Queen Victoria) dying in childbirth would maybe even have positive effects. Or William dying before creating offspring and his brother Henry becoming Emperor, he was a more reasonable man...
I personally think that Wilhelm I. dieing in 1879 would have made a massive difference, even if Fritz only lived until 1888. While he had autocratic tendencies, he was also very big on the rule of law, and considering his attempts to clean house during his short reign, I'd assume that there's less corrupting influence on Wilhelm II (who DID have moments of insight).
 
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