Ost Wall

Lets say Germany in 1898 or 1900 (the effects are after 1900 regardless), builds less Battleships and builds fortresses instead.

Lets assume the Germans are more paranoid about the Russian colossus than OTL(the only threat to their security really) and also unlike OTL, regard a western quick strike first plan as unworkable, and like OTL consider that an east first attack will just be drawn into the depths of Russia, the only good alternative left then, is to "Build a Wall" to keep out the Asiatic hordes.

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Germany was building 3 or 4 Battleships a year most years in the 1900s. Lets say starting in 1900 they build 2 less battleships per year and use the guns and steel to build 2 fortresses instead (still building 1 or 2 Battleships a year, focused on controlling the Baltic). The sailors not used in the ships could then man the forts.

After 20 years a fortress is remodeled/re modernized. So there are 40 additional fortresses planned, 28 by 1914, focused on two areas:

1) Memel - Intersburg - Masurian Lakes, OTL Masurian lakes were fortified so these can be mostly in the area around Intersburg to block that gap.
2) Upper Silesia to the Vistula, to defend Silesia industrial area and direct path to German heartland.

Army would concentrate in the area between the Vistula and Masurian lakes. Giving way in this area if necessary and counter-attacking if the opportunity presents itself.

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Germany has no particular war plan other than defense (no east first or west first), and unlike OTL, do not declare war on anybody.

When the Russians mobilize as OTL, Germany mobilizes, deploys 6 armies west, 1 east, and 1 per contingency, depending on the diplomatic situation (the OTL first army). In this case it will be deployed to Austrian Galacia as a trip wire for the Russians if they actually attack Austria and are not just posturing, and to allow the Austrian 2nd army to remain in Serbia. Reservists will be mobilized to the east as they become available.

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Assuming Russia eventually attacks, how goes the war and is a fortress strategy workable for Germany????
 
the French and Russians would fully mobilize and take up defensive positions versus Germany. Russia would concentrate the rest of their forces against the Austrians and destroy them. The problem for the German is they have to strike before the French and Russians are fully deployed or be crushed between them

If the game is cut your navy and concentrate on the army, the French and Russians will repond in kind. Since France and Russia outspent Germany and Austria at sea, they Franco-Russians stand to gain far more
 
the French and Russians would fully mobilize and take up defensive positions versus Germany. Russia would concentrate the rest of their forces against the Austrians and destroy them. The problem for the German is they have to strike before the French and Russians are fully deployed or be crushed between them

If the game is cut your navy and concentrate on the army, the French and Russians will repond in kind. Since France and Russia outspent Germany and Austria at sea, they Franco-Russians stand to gain far more

OTL The French and Russians fully deployed and the Germans weren't crushed. (I agree the OTL Germans thought that, here they build a fortress line to reduce the supposed disadvantage)

OTL, the Austrians attacked from Galacia, they wouldn't do that here.

I would think the Russians and French would have to build similar Navies vs. OTL, due to their other rivals besides Germany (France vs Italy and Austria, Russia vs Japan and Ottomans, Russian and France vs a 1/2 sized German Navy which is still large).
 
OTL The French and Russians fully deployed and the Germans weren't crushed. (I agree the OTL Germans thought that, here they build a fortress line to reduce the supposed disadvantage)

OTL, the Austrians attacked from Galacia, they wouldn't do that here.

I would think the Russians and French would have to build similar Navies vs. OTL, due to their other rivals besides Germany (France vs Italy and Austria, Russia vs Japan and Ottomans, Russian and France vs a 1/2 sized German Navy which is still large).

Because the Germans took the war to the French and Russians before they completed their mobilization.

In August 1914 the Russians had deployed less than half their army. Give them two more weeks and the 8th German army is a goner

But they wouldn't bother. Instead they would throw everything against Austria, defeat them even worse than OTl

Your strategy leaves the CP two German armies to deal with the full might of Russia.

Moltke was correct- strike hard at France and cripple them. If you do, the Russians will have to come to their rescue. It's the only strategy that puts pressure on France and Russia. Without that, the Franco-Russians won't make mistakes
 
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