Finbarr the Fair;11941852 Lots more possible variants as to who was on which side said:The nut of the riddle- who is fighting whom as that would determine a lot- which side is Britain or Italy fighting on would make a big difference. France might not have a choice- she didn't in 1914 or the French might have felt that Germany's growth was such a long term threat that it was now or never
Up until 1903, the French chances against Germany really aren't that bad after 1905 they're horrible
What about the First abalkan War?
Perhaps a greater emphasis on Zepplins and lighter than air aircraft for war purposes?
Would there be more use of steam-engined vehicles then? (though I'm having trouble picturing a steamer-tank - I think the crew would be cooked!)
Who is fighting who depends on how the war starts. In 1905 the UK is recovering from the Boer War and absent a German attack through Belgium will stay out of the fight at least to begin with. If Britain is not in then Italy may very well come in on the side of the CP, although they may decide to be neutral until they see which way they get a better deal.
The position of the USA may be very different than it was in 1914. TR is president. Also, without the U-boat campaign you potentially have the British (if they are in) blockading traffic to Germany/the continent which will piss off the USA since this is a unilateral move. If the RN is not involved then merchant traffic to Germany, either directly or through intermediaries, moves freely. Another issue of a war without the UK is that the finances of France and Russia are in the toilet very quickly, and they will be scrambling to find someone to finance their war.
What about the First abalkan War?
By 1/1/1910 only 6 Zeppelins had been produced, and by 1/1/1905 it was exactly 1. If the war starts in 1905, no-one would have any airships right off the bat, As only Germany's built any at all, and that single example was dismantled in 1901.Perhaps a greater emphasis on Zepplins and lighter than air aircraft for war purposes?
Lord Kalvart you make some good points -- however in the period 1900 to 1905 The German focus on the Howitzer vs the field gun and the french focus on the 75 (great gun but worthless in trench situations) (http://www.lovettartillery.com/Development_of_German_Heavy_Artillery.html )would have still given the Germans a massive advantage. The population difference (true the increased trained reserves helped the Germans more after 1910) would have told in year 2-3. With a neutral Britain and at this phase Italy would have remained neutral or attacked France. AH (hopeless as you state) would have had most of their army face Russia vs dispersed against Serbia and Italy. Russia would have been in much worse situation with a tottering government and fewer weapons, ammo etc..
German navy and economy would also be able to have massive imports in weapons, food, supplies
Central power victory in 2 years (Agree not sure if France would fight without Britain)