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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????
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