===== [Chapter II: 1909-1911] =====
Part One: A Much Better Relationship
“I’m certain that my Grandmother would delighted to see Britain rekindle the relationship with our German Family” – King George V’s Journal, 20th November 1911
Part One: A Much Better Relationship
“I’m certain that my Grandmother would delighted to see Britain rekindle the relationship with our German Family” – King George V’s Journal, 20th November 1911
With the Balkan Crisis of 1908 the Great Powers of Europe could have a sigh of relief – at least for the moment. The conclusion would be seen as a victory for the Germans as they had helped their ally, Austria-Hungary, in defending land which they believed was rightfully theirs from the Russian Tsar. Although the Crisis did come at the cost of a strained relationship with the Trio of France, Russia and Italy all whom at some point attempted to fight against the Austro-Hungarian claims. Although the German people had seen this as a victory the German Government was willing to back down to agree to concessions or the Austrians, with Chancellor Bethmann-Hollweg unwilling to put too much pressure on the powers of Europe for what he considered a marginal claim. The Crisis also, much to the delight of Bethmann-Hollweg, allowed Germany to move closer to that of Britain via their support of Britain once they moved into the talks on Bosnia. Even more so it gave them further access to the discussions of Britain as they hosted the talks in Berlin. For Wilhelm it was massive step forward. Even further afield in the United States the new President William Howard Taft would approve of the Emperor, praising for his commitment for ensuing Peace in Europe
However there were still rumblings in the German Government, with those whom were seen to be still stuck in the old regime showing their distaste for the new system. Many felt that Wilhelm was actively ignoring the Navy with members such as von Tirpitz angry that his vision of German Navy supremacy was being scrapped in favour of friendship of which is Navy was created to counter. His fanatical rants only served to further distance the Emperor from him. Wilhelm never wanted to ignore the Navy, if anything he enjoyed the idea of a strong naval force he just didn’t want to create an enemy while doing so. The constant bothering from the German Admirals were slowly starting to grind on him. Even attempts by Wilhelm to offer the idea of a treaty between Germany and Britain on the navy was rejected by the Navy stating that Germany should build its Navy as Germany dictates rather than on Britain’s wishes. Regardless Wilhelm, with the help of Bethmann-Hollweg and his relationship with Sir Edward Grey in Britain, pushed forward the 1910 Anglo-German Naval Treaty which affirmed the size of the nation’s navies in relation to each other. It allowed German some room to build more ships under the pretence that they were required to help manage Germany’s spread out empire.
The growth of the Anglo-German relationship continued even following the death of Edward VII in 1910 with the Emperor taking the opportunity to once again visit Britain for the Kings Funeral and coronation of King George V in 1911. The relationship can also seem to have helped H.H Asquith and the Liberal party somewhat with the Liberal party gaining support as many saw them as helping to reduce the tension although it is also difficult to see how much that had affected it. Cultural Games which had been created the year prior continued with the Edward-Wilhelm Cup continuing with King Edward’s name out of respect following his death. In both 1910 and 1911 Germany would once again loose to the British Team which would be a disappointment to many Germans helping to inspire an over hall of the German FA. The Emperor would invite the King to hunting at his various hunting lodges though this would only occur once in the years 1910/1911 due to the Kings diplomatic restrictions. King George would be noted to have followed his father’s appreciation of the Emperor’s attempts to mend the damage that Wilhelm II had done much to the dismay of the French.
“It would appear that your cousin has been ensnared by the allure of the young Emperor” – Letter from French President Armand Falliéres to Tsar Nicholas II [Letter publically disclosed 1995]
Britain wasn’t the only nation that Germany was trying to court. It continued its relationship with Austria-Hungary viewing the nations as important when counter-balancing Russia and France. It would appear quickly more important following the fall in relations with Italy whom was considerably annoyed by Austria-Hungary’s actions against Bosnia in 1908. Although Austria didn’t share German attempts to persuade them to update their military in a similar direction to that of Germany. Austria-Hungary looked more to cement its power in the Balkans and vast ethnic empire with only minor reforms such as the updating to small arms being considered. Germany had been slowly but steadily updating it’s military in accordance to the changes occurring in Russia, not wanting to be outdone by that of the Russian Empire. It must be said that military developments occurring in Germany were not un-noticed by that of the rest of Europe namely that of France. Although there were not any open or official responses condemning German there is an obvious growth of discontent within the French Government and public eye.
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Once again I hope people enjoy! - sorry for the slow responses as I've been away and only found a few time in which I could write!
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