NoMommsen
Donor
This, I think is the "only" reasonably possible projetion of military power available with a US DoW in May/June 1915, as pointed out above. Even under favorable conditions there won't be considerable US land forces be available until late 1916/spring 1917.If the US declares war in 1915, I don't think Jutland (or a battle like it) ever occurs. By the end of 1915, the bulk of the US battle fleet is going to be in Great Britan. The odds were already stacked against the High Seas Fleet just going against the British. Add another 10 or so American battleships and the High Seas Fleet never leaves port.
And for the "piecemeal" approach suggested by @Riain in post #18 ... where ? And even in case the US would accept, that quickly sent, small units (then unavailable for training at home) would be used under british or french command, couls they make any difference ? ... Beside making war less popular at home with US boys killed in futile fights, essentially making : no difference for how many dead ?
However, with the "naval option" I can see any opposition in Germany against USW dwindling fast and being initiated in August/Septembre 1915 again. With whatever effects this might have on entente shipping.
Also : at that moment the USN has just 2 BBs armed with modern 14" guns (BB 34 New Yorck, BB 35 Texas). Everything else had only 12" guns ... and not the best available protection. ... esp. regarding torpedos ... (?)
And where were they in summer 1915 ? How long would it take to assemble a squadron of 8 - 12 battleships in engish harbours, not to talk about their integration into the british command structures and procedures ?
Though less probable I could imagine the germans, beside USW, might try to pull a stand against the RN before these additions arrive, another, better or more complete attempt, 2nd round Doggerbank still in summer 1915.
And if not that, the HSF not sent out into the northsea ... Operation Albion in 1915 ? or something similar in the East ?
However, Wilsons prospects of being reelected ... giving his main (winning ?) slogan he got in 1916 IOTL ("He kept us out of war") ... not very bright IMO. ... whoever would be his contestant.
ITTL the war would be a mayor campaign theme right from the beginning with casualty-lists (may it be army or navy or both) comming in right for the last month(s) of campaigning, Wilson immediatly being blamed for.