The Gryphon: An Alternative Great War TL

===== [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

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.

---Notes---​
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!
 
Last edited:
Nice update and events are churning the waters. Peace for now but the tension between Germany against France, Russia, and Italy is boiling.

Might Tirpitz and his friends attempt a coup?
 
Nice update and events are churning the waters. Peace for now but the tension between Germany against France, Russia, and Italy is boiling.

Might Tirpitz and his friends attempt a coup?

Thanks!

As Knightmare has mentioned I wouldn't put Tirpitz as a person that would create a coup. Although he has a high rank within the Navy it wouldn't constitute as enough influence to get the German army on his side to even attempt. It isn't helped by the Army being a firm support of Wilhelm III especially considering that he is pushing reform to support them
 

NoMommsen

Donor
VERY NICE UPDATE M8 :extremelyhappy:

May I ask the terms of the 1910 Anglo-German Naval Treaty ? ... would be REALLY interested to see, what Germany gets out of it and which dreams of Tirpitz go down the pipe.

Speaking of :
I wonder why Wilhelm III still keeps him around and hasn't already fired ... released Tirpitz of the burden the old man has to carry :p.
 
So no Tirpitz led coup. With a his misdeeds, I am surprised the Kaiser has not retired him if not put him on the beach.

Well I suspect that things will get sticky enough soon. Just who will be the first ones to start the bloodletting?
 
VERY NICE UPDATE M8 :extremelyhappy:

May I ask the terms of the 1910 Anglo-German Naval Treaty ? ... would be REALLY interested to see, what Germany gets out of it and which dreams of Tirpitz go down the pipe.

Speaking of :
I wonder why Wilhelm III still keeps him around and hasn't already fired ... released Tirpitz of the burden the old man has to carry :p.

Thanks, Its really nice hearing that people like this TL. It gives me more confidence each post

1 - Much to my personal annoyance that post was quickly done and looking back there certain aspects which I could have improved on. I shall update it once I am back home and post to let people know that I have. I have a rough outline of which the treaty dealt on but once again i'll let people know :)
2 - I would have the feeling that Wilhelm III doesn't want to upset the current positions of people who are well entrenched in German Politics. With the replacement of the Chancellor it Wilhelm wouldn't want to do too much so quickly. Tirpitz is more of an annoyance rather than a litteral headache with many supporters of Wilhelm agreeing that it's just the ramblings of an old man. Though too I guess it gives an opportunity for this TL's Alt-history to ask the question 'what if Tirpitz was fired in 1906' :p

So no Tirpitz led coup. With a his misdeeds, I am surprised the Kaiser has not retired him if not put him on the beach.

Well I suspect that things will get sticky enough soon. Just who will be the first ones to start the bloodletting?

Not yet! :p - As said above he is more of an annoyance than a real headache, atleast at the moment. He can be easily dealt with during times of peace though in a major conflict things might change.
 
With Britain as a German ally, or at least a "benevolent neutral", any war against France becomes that more in favor for the Germans. Imagine if we saw a Schlieffen Plan that actually worked as advertised!
 
With Britain as a German ally, or at least a "benevolent neutral", any war against France becomes that more in favor for the Germans. Imagine if we saw a Schlieffen Plan that actually worked as advertised!
Won't happen. At best, Germany would be advised to just sit on the defense in the West, let France die on their defenses, then try to find a way around, which all go through neutral countries. Or Italy.
 
With Britain as a German ally, or at least a "benevolent neutral", any war against France becomes that more in favor for the Germans. Imagine if we saw a Schlieffen Plan that actually worked as advertised!
Won't happen. At best, Germany would be advised to just sit on the defense in the West, let France die on their defenses, then try to find a way around, which all go through neutral countries. Or Italy.

Even as Britain is getting closer to Germany and visa versa - there is still a significant population in France and Britain who see each other in a positive light so its not like Britain has completely abandoned France atm. Though the French Government attitude towards Britain is a Mix of annoyance and concern about there new relationship. So when the Great War inevitably occurs I wouldn't see Britain in its position at the present moment [1911] declaring support for either side.
 
Top