Make Japan CP

The Japanese military was evenly split over which side to support at the outbreak of the Great War. The army, which had been trained by and modelled after the German Army, pressed for recognition and support of the Central Powers. The navy, which had been trained by and modelled after the Royal Navy, pressed for recognition and support of the Triple Entente.

Interestingly enough, I believe a similar split in the armed forces existed in Siam.

I would consider it likely that had Japan been a recognized member of the Central Powers the US would have been more involved in support of the Allies. One could also imagine the Kongo class being modelled after the Derfflinger class battlecruisers.
 
What about doing things the same way the ottoman did OTL?
Japan commissions (and pays) 1 or 2 battlerships to be built in an english dock, they're ready in mid 1914 and UK decides to overrrule the contract and keep them for the war.
Japanese mortally offended, Germany offer them to give them for free a couple of german light cruisers which are in the pacific and would have little chance to come bck anyhow.
 

bguy

Donor
Probably, but they would be a lot weaker than their OTL selves, not only from losing the war but from the resultant economic crisis, especially if Russia pushes for reparations. I'd imagine the army would stand up OK, but the navy would be lucky to have any dreadnoughts at all, maybe a pair and a couple building a la Austria, but nothing like OTL's programme

Hmmm, alright what about if the Russo-Japanese War ends in a stalemate. Say the Japanese still win their victories at sea but fail to take Port Arthur. Unrest in Russia and imminent bankruptcy in Japan then force both sides to accept a truce. Japan keeps Korea, has its navy mostly intact, and doesn't have to pay reparations, but Russia is still the big dog in Manchuria and keeps South Sakhalin. Would Manchuria and South Sakhalin be enough motivation for Japan to seek a rematch once Russia is safely distracted fighting in Europe?
 
Pay for them...

What about doing things the same way the ottoman did OTL?
Japan commissions (and pays) 1 or 2 battlerships to be built in an english dock, they're ready in mid 1914 and UK decides to overrrule the contract and keep them for the war.
Japanese mortally offended, Germany offer them to give them for free a couple of german light cruisers which are in the pacific and would have little chance to come bck anyhow.

I think the British would pay for the ships--which they didn't do with the Ottomans. They did, after all, pay Chile...
 
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