Significance of "battle or Dorking"

A book was written in the 1870s suggesting a succesful German invasion.

1) Did it have any impact on Britain's alignement?

2) How come this seemed possible.

I am aware that the story's implausabiity included the Royal Navy being somehow elswhere. At the time it was written Germany had no significant Navy
 
A book was written in the 1870s suggesting a succesful German invasion.

1) Did it have any impact on Britain's alignement?

2) How come this seemed possible.

I am aware that the story's implausabiity included the Royal Navy being somehow elswhere. At the time it was written Germany had no significant Navy

1) No - it could equally have applied to the French at the time of its publishing if they had won the Franco-Prussian war. The point was to highlight the complete reliance on the navy to defend the UK

2) It wasn't really deemed possible as the furious reaction from the government and some elements of the military showed. However Chesney had sufficient support within the military establishment in his cause for reform of the reserves (which did indeed lead to the Volunteer Force and eventually to the Territorials) that the furore the publication caused achieved its aim.
 
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