In a fiction, which could contain some truths, someone wrote the following, that the Germans did not move against the US because of the UK.. which helped the US since the US military at that time was not top rate. Also, that except for the UK. all of Europe was pro-Spain. Also, that Spain had sent a fleet but since they had to stop at UK. coaling stations they had problems getting to the Philippines.By the summer of 1898, Manila had become the focus not only of the Spanish-American conflict and the growing suspicions between the Americans and Filipino rebels but also of a rivalry that encompassed the European powers. Following Dewey's victory, Manila Bay was filled with the warships of Britain, Germany, France, and Japan. The German fleet of eight ships, ostensibly in Philippine waters to protect German interests (a single import firm), acted provocatively--cutting in front of United States ships, refusing to salute the United States flag (according to naval courtesy), taking soundings of the harbor, and landing supplies for the besieged Spanish. Germany, hungry for the ultimate status symbol, a colonial empire, was eager to take advantage of whatever opportunities the conflict in the islands might afford. Dewey called the bluff of the German admiral, threatening a fight if his aggressive activities continued, and the Germans backed down.
Combined with a Fashoda Incident that goes hot, we could see France and Germany allied together against the British Empire! Wouldn't that be fun!
Correction :
HSF has 7 modern BBs : Brandeburg, Kurfurst Friedrich, Wilhelm, Weissenburg, Worth, Kaiser Fredrich III and Kaiser Wilhem II in 1898. Plus 8 coast defense ships that might be in the batteline.
USN has 6 modern BBs : Texas, Maine, Indiana, Massachusetts, Oregon and Iowa. plus 6 Post Civil War "monitors" that might be in the battleline.
For 1901, the odds are much longer:https://www.alternatehistory.com/di...035268&highlight=1901+Battleships#post1035268
In 1898, the USN fielded 4 Coastal Battleships (Indiana, Massachusetts, Oregon and Iowa) the antique "battleship" Texas, 2 Armored Cruisers and 4 Protected Cruisers split into 3 squadrons.