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Kaiser Wilhelm II, while still a prince, drowns in a boating accident when being taught to row by the British ambassadors wife. This indeed almost happened in OTL and he was saved only by the swift intervention of two Royal Navy attaches who happened to be on the jetty at the time. His brother now succeeds to the throne on the death of his father.

Since Heinrich was a professional Naval Officer, would it have been likely he would have curtailed the Naval building program when it was obvious it was causing concern in GB? Would he have dismissed Bismarck? What changes, if any, would have been likely in the German Empire? Would any changes have been enough to prevent WWI?

My own opinion is that while it would be unlikely that the Naval Program would be halted, strenuous efforts would have been made to assure Britain that German intentions were not directed at her or the Empire. Just how successful that strategy would be is doubtful given the appalling standard of the diplomats of the era. I think it would be inevitable that any continuation of the building program would develop into a naval race and would poison the relations between the two powers.

Perhaps the greatest change may indeed be there would be no blank cheque given to AH. Without this behind them, the Austrians may be more willing to compromise over Serbia and the Hungarian opposition may be strengthened.

Does this mean another flashpoint would inevitably trigger a continental conflict around the same time?
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