Unbroken Chains ( TL!)

mowque

Banned
World in 1902- (see attachment. I believe in lots of maps.)

1902. The world is restless. America is charging forward, and surpassed Europe in many ways, from industrial output to population. America's steel production was more the England's and Germany's combined. While it would take another decade or so for the USA to achieve complete dominance, the wave of the future was coming fast, and nothing seemed able to derail the massive economic giant.
Politically the USA was a growing player. For now it mostly stayed in the Western Hemisphere but the dynamic and outspoken American president was trying to change all of that. The conquering of the Philippines had made the USA an Asiatic colony power which was also shown though the 2,00 troops dispatched to China in 1900. The Monroe Doctrine was being upheld by Teddy's “Big Stick”, and dreams of a “Open Door” policy, and a “Canal Zone' were in the air.
But despite all of this, America had a tiny army, and a medium sized navy. It's army was a minisucle force of 96,000 men, smaller then Italy or Japan. It navy, while larger was still one third the size of the royal navy, and slightly more the half of France's tonnage. As if in utter disregard of this stark numbers, TR was as bombastic as usual during the Venezuelan Crisis of 1902.


Unbroken Chains​

Part 1. Weltpolick​

A usual sad song was playing out in South America. A small, poor nation was unable to pay its debtors and Europe was coming to collect its pound of flesh. In this case Venezuela was incapable of paying a English-German Consortium. Despite the recent German-English cooling, relations among businesses were still running quite high. And they defiantly united to collect they bills from war-torn Venezuela. The nation had just come through a terrible civil war which damaged much European property, and the newly peaceful nation was totally incapable of paying up.


On 2 December 1902, the diplomatic representatives of the British and German governments at Caracas presented an ultimatum to the Venezuelan government which made clear that in the event of an unsatisfactory response, forcible measures would be employed. On 3 December 1902, Italy asked to be allowed to join in the ultimatum against Venezuela as an ally of Great Britain and Germany, a request quickly granted. The players were gathered at the table as Venezuelan president (and strongman) Cipriano Castro pondered his options. Soon he arrived at a happy conclusion, he would bring the Americans in.
At first, Teddy Roosevelt was immure to Castro's complaints. “If a South America nation should misbehave, Europe should spank it.” he was quoted as saying upon reading the request for arbitration. Soon however his attitude changed as he learned that Germany, and to a lesser degree England wanted land as payment. At hearing this TR thundered that the Monroe Doctrine can't be broken, and quickly sent a telegram to Germany and England confirming the USA's role. Knowing how the American's would rule, Germany resisted. It had few colonies, compared to England, and it had dreams of a Caribbean with a German presence, a large one. The new and powerful German Navy was gathered, as was a few sections of the Royal Navy.
As the situation worsened, TR took stock of the situation. He weighed many things in his mind. A war hero himself, he had no desire to engage in war with England and Germany, two nations that he affiliated himself highly with. But he could;'t ignore the clear danger here. His Canal Zone of the future laid very close to the region, and besides, American policy clearly forbade and direct European influence in the America's. He made a very clear statement as he gathered America's fleet in the Caribbean under Admiral Dewey, the Hero of Manila. Dewey was also a well known German-phobic, and he had no computations about following orders.

1901.gif
 

mowque

Banned
During the crisis, English feelings were split. It seemed to be just an odd blip on the map, because English-American relations had been coming together years now, in what was termed 'rapprochement'. Deals and treaties were being signed monthly it seemed, few saw underneath to the hard feelings. In 1895 England and the USA had argued loudly over the Venezuelan border, and TR's bombastic declaration that the future Panama canal would be all American (in violation of treaties) left long standing marks. And besides this, Anglo-German relations, while cooling, were still held in high-esteem by high circles in British government. The 'Splendid Isolation” was over, and it was time for allies.
Still, despite all of this England hung back from provoking “ The Great Policeman” as TR often styled himself. Germany however felt no computations. Eager to make a scene on the international stage, Germany had already planned for a war with the USA. It was a grandiose scheme, involving landings on the East Coast, and even burning TR's childhood home to the ground. Buoyed by such schemes Germans pressed forward and shelled a Venezuelan freighter as it tried to break the blockade. England reluctantly joined in, and the two fleets acted in concert.
Roosevelt gave the Europeans on last ultimatum. They would have to agree to arbitration within 24 hours. The only other option seemed to be war. To the English, as much of a blow to the pride as it was, retreating seemed to be the only option. They had conceded more then this tot he American's, and war was to be avoided, doubly one with such a powerhouse. Germany on the other hand, was merely angered by the declaration. It was a new “Great Power” and it wasn't used to concessions or compromise. It's large, new navy was assembled and Germany's militaristic values wouldn't let it back down.


The hours ticked by, as all sides became nervous. London and Berlin telegram wires nearly overloaded as telegrams whizzed back and forth. England tried desperately to either stop Germany or extricate themselves from the situation. Germany was like a brick wall and would not back down. Soon, merely 12 hours away London decided that they would have to pull out independently if Germany wouldn't joint hem. As England began signing the necessary documents and drafted the orders, the German commander in the Caribbean made a fateful decision that would plunge the world into war.


The time on the ultimatum was running out, and the German commanders were getting edgy. After getting yet another thunderous order from Berlin to 'stand firm', they finally broke under the pressure. Ordering his ships to turn about, they decided to not wait for time to run out but launch their own attack. His ships were well under way by the time the change in events reached the German general Staff. Pandemonium reigned, as the German Navy tried to understand what was going on. Tripitz himself was said to have sworn when he heard the news. Soon he reconciled themselves to the event and began to draft war orders. As the German general Staff went to high-gear, England's was doing the opposite. They had no inkling of what was going to happen, and they never thought Germany would actually go to war over South America.


With only 6 hours to go on the ultimatum, German ships opened surprise fire on a small part of the American Fleet stationed near the blockade. After a bit of momentary surprise, the Americans began firing back. In utter disbelief, Dewey sent a telegram to Washington saying in short sentences that war had begun and he would fight it was best he could. The Americans were dismayed by the Germans accurate and heavier firing, and with the advantage of surprise, it soon looked as if a German victory was in the cards.
In a desperate mood, Dewey considered his options in his wardroom. He concluded that the English fleet was being used as a reserve, waiting for the Americans to break and run. In a bold and risky move, he sent several ships to try and 'provoke them into action' as he put it. The order was swiftly carried out, and in a bit of tricky seamanship, 3 American cruisers managed to sneak around the the German fleet and surprised the placid Englishman with sharp volleys of shells.
 

mowque

Banned
Despite the absolute surprise, the Royal navy responded with its usual presion and accuracy. As English shells began hitting their mark, thing began to get out of control. As the battle heated up and the British and German fleets began to act in concert, it seemed very clear to Americans that Europe had united against the USA. Still despite the battle raging off of Venezuela, England was still trying to cool the issue off. But their pleas for peace fell on deaf ears. Roosevelt was outraged that a surprise attack had been committed and Wilhelm II was incensed that the English were trying pull out. Clearly it was too late to turn back now.

Soon, the rest of the world was jolted to hear that decelerations of war were being declared. Germany and United States of America were at war, and rumors held that England was involved. English diplomats stayed quiet on the issue as the dead were counted from the Battle of La Guairia, named after the near bye port. Roosevelt and the Kasier however did not stay quiet. Each side demanded recompense for the injuries and began to cast about for allies and new theaters of war. The naval battle in the Caribbean had ended badly for the Americans. After trying, and failing to fight the Anglo-German fleet, they managed to escape and flee to Puerto Rico, where they now hid,a nd desperately tried to repair. German fleet commanders begged High Command to give them free reign in the Gulf. American naval bases and ports were vulnerable and prime to be attacked. English commanders on the other hand merely sat on their hands and waited for orders.​

Germany had to make a snap desiocn. Should they press forward now, while the Americans were weak, or should they hold back and trust to English led diplomatic efforts? To the Kaiser, there was only one real choice, as TR's rhetoric against Europe bounded to greater height. The declaration of war caught many off guard, and was seen on both sides as a sneak attack, with honor thrown aside. Millions of Americans couldn't even find Venezuela on a map. The pleas of the pro-German lobby fell on deaf ears as tales of hundreds of American dead began to be circulated. The 'yellow press' was ecstatic for the news, and they sold millions of newspaper running outrageous headlines and explosive stories. The attack in South America seemed to just be a prelude to an attack on American soil. For once, the newspapers had it right.​

The Kaiser answered American fears with Special Order #1 “The War must be persecuted with absolute fervor and energy.”. The order went on with the usual mix of nationalist breast-beating and cold military logic. The German High Seas Fleet was given full authority to pursue the war as they saw fit. So on March 18 1903, the German fleet ranged the Gulf of Mexico, shelling ports, and sinking ships from Galveston to Havana to Miami.​

As one surivoir of such a shelling remembered. “The noise was terrible. The ships nearly came right up tot he dock. Big blacks clouds of smoke filled the air, which where soon followed by the huge orange flames of the burning docks and ships.” Hundreds of accounts like this stirred the American populace, and Roosevelt could hardly contain the war fury. Volunteers packed recruitment stations, which were hastily set up across the nation. Cities of the East Coast went through “Shelling Drills” in preparation for the seemingly inevitably attack.​

TR whipped the crowd with his famous speeches, and it was during one of these speeches that he made one of the biggest mistakes of his presidency. After delivering yet another venomous attack on thre Kaiser, and promising American military buildup, he lashed out at the (so far) inactive English. The British falirue to 'reign them in' was denounced loudly and soon newspapers and public opinion got caught up in it. Still London was silent as he tried to limit and contain the small conflict. It negotiated with Germany to stop shelling American cities and go to the bargaining table. Flush with success Germany would hear none of it, indeed they were confused why England wouldn't jump in too. It is very ironic that while England was trying hard to end the war, the USA escalated it to the highest degree.​

The American delectation of war on England stunned the world. It's echo resounded thought all the major capitals, but it had a slightly different note everywhere.​
 

mowque

Banned
Part 2- The Global Noise​

France- Paris was completely thrown by the war. One of the great French nightmares had seemed to come true. England and Germany acting as one could only threaten France. It seemed as if years of diplomatic work was being undone. Still, it was hoped that the conflict would still be a local affair, in the manner of the Fashoda criss. In most French circles places like Alabama or Texas were lost. A quiet order went out to increase readiness in the army and navy but that was all.​
In the diplomatic cirlce however, things were kicked to high gear. The coming Russo-Franco alliance was still in its infancy but France started putting major pressure on Moscow to accept it. The French Diplomats painted some very nasty pictures of a future Europe dominated by a large, aggressive Germany and a dis-interested England. Even though the Russian view was looking eastward, The Czar saw the danger and (in a desperate reply to the seeming Anglo-German alliance of some type) formed a limited treaty with France, pledging that if a war broke out in Europe, Russia would come to France's aid and visa a versa. Soon after the signing, the news was trumpeted through Europe and caused tensions to rise greatly. France however felt more secure then ever and the 'revacuhe' seemed closer then ever.​
Russia- Intent on Japan Russia hardly took note of the “Venezuelan Issue”. It was focusing on taking its share of China and anything that distracting Europe from the grab was seen as a plus. Also, all the better if Germany weakened itself in a large battle in the Western Hemisphere.​
Still, a German-Angle alliance was not something to be taken lightly. Such a new power axis would be devastating. Other then signing a rushed (and rash) treaty with France, no much else could be done. A token document, supporting the Americans was all that was sent out. The document greatly warmed Russo-American relations. More worrisome to Russia was what Japans part would play in all of this.​

Japan- Tokyo looked on with disinterest as it took focused on the upcoming affair with Russia. It was new to the table of Great Powers and it was willing to do whatever it took to become a 'full member'. It had extremely close economic and diplomatic ties to both England and Germany. The Emperor wondered if Japan would be involved in some way. The Americans had a few ports and bases in Asia, and with a large war going on, perhaps these could fall into Japan's sphere of influence? The Japanese High Command began to fill out plans for invading American held islands as well as contending with the rising Russian threat. More importantly, they hoped the squabble would distract Europe from and China land grabs it would attempt.​
The Rest- Most of the other powers, Italy, Austria-Hungry, the Ottoman Empire sided with their bloc ,hardly noticing what was going on. Italy was a resolute neutral, somewhat confused on the sudden merger of England and Germany. Austria-Hungry sided with Germany but it was mostly symbolic. The Ottoman Empire cared least, and was only concerned with the Russian reaction. The “Sick Man' was hardly a great player and was content to sit on the sidelines. The war seemed to be yet another small colonial affair, nothing to worry about.​

(Belligerents)​
England- In London the declaration was greeted in many ways. The large Pro-German faction rejoiced and saw that a rapprochement with Germany was at hand, and that the USA helped in doing it. The pro-French faction was wounded badly by the turn of events, and the Russo-German treaty helped kill any ideas of an alliance. Indeed, British sentiment was slowly shifting in favor of the war. The common man complained that 'Whitehall is holding our boys back!”. The rise is support was matched with order sent out to the army and Royal Navy. Far-flung segments of the Empire were altered and prepared for war. While London hoped to keep the conflict small (and hopefully minor) they prepared for the worst. Ships were funneled into the North Atlantic, and troops embarked on long trips to North America. Canada was the weakest link in the English defense. Would America by crazy enough to assault their northern neighbor? British military command were split. But they had to prepare for the eventuality. Bases were built and fortifications dug, in preparation for a northern invasion. A seemingly innocent suggestion from Germany led to a deal which allowed German troops to land in Canada “If situation demanded it”. Almost against its will, the British Empire was ready for war.​

America- Huge headlines proclaimed the war on every corner. Massive crowds formed to to listen to speeches as the US government prepared for war. A full dozen battleships and cruisers were started in numerous ship-yards. Factories were tuned to make war materials and food was stockpiled for army use. Rolling stock was confiscated for Army use, and men were recruited in massive numbers. TR even hinted at a national draft 'in the case of emergency'. Despite the war fervor and enthusiasm, the war preparations were a disaster. The sudden demand for war goods caught companies flat-footed. Hugh bottlenecks began to form, as production was rushed. The sudden volunteer surge left factories empty. The confiscation of roll stock paralyzed the nation for weeks, while food prices skyrocketed. Chaos reigned supreme at many levels while local politicians tried to keep the fire going. Draconian measures were enforced to keep the war's popularity high. Protests and marches against the war were forbidden. “inflammatory' pamphlets were outlawed. All of these was in response to the imagined “German 5th column' made up of German immigrants.​
In this phase, England was seen as a minor player and was not yet the main enemy. Still, wild talk of a 'March to Canada!” rang throughout the nation, even into the halls of Congress.​

Germany- Easily the most aggressive belligerent, Germany was eager to make its mark. It's government was willing to do whatever it took to gain colonies in the New World. The Kaiser saw it as the only way to increase Germany's power and prestige. What better way then to defeat the world's greatest economic power? The new German High Seas Fleet had preformed admirably, and the papers were full of crowing of victories. The populace cheered regularly in the streets as news of triumphant Germans ships in American ports filtered thought the papers. The close alliance with England also cheered many people, who had been fearing a rivalry between the two nations. Still, not all was at peace.​
The Russo-Franco agreement had changed everything. France was the old enemy, and even now might prove to be an issue. The two front war was Germany's worst nightmare, and they worked hard to avoid it. Hoping to keep the war out of Europe, Germany actually decreased troops at their borders. This measure also had the benefit of being able to send more troops to the Americas. Treaties with Austria-Hungry were re-written to include a Russian-French conflict.​
2 divisions set out for landing Venezuela, the first of many planned new world colonies. Guarded by German warships setting out from Hamburg, the convoy was a dramatic image covered in newspaper and magazines from Los Angles to Vienna.​
 
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mowque

Banned
This is my first TL, clearly. Any tips and points for a starter? and how painful was it to read so far?:confused:
 
British-German alliance against Theodore Roosevelt's USA?
Lieber Gott in Himmel!
Hm, the French would be looking to see if this will give them the chance for revanche, but on the other hand, I don't think even the Franco-Russian alliance had been fully finalised yet, so even with Germany embroiled in war over in America they might not see this as their chance- at least not yet.
The rest note in Part 2 is a bit... flawed, I'd say.
Firstly, it doesn't say which block they belong to!
Now, Austria-Hungary would probably be joining up about as soon as things escalated, but of course their aid would be mostly symbolic.
The Ottoman Empire (not Turkey)... well, they haven't aligned themselves to anyone, yet. They might join the war on the European side on the promise of some concessions regarding, er, the special concessions the Europeans had in the Empire. Or they might simply take advantage of this diversion to reform a bit more/faster then they could get away with in OTL, at least with removing some of the added European official ways of meddling in the Empire.
Italy was a part of the Triple Alliance, and so could join in on the German side. Or not, it is harder to say than for Austria-Hungary.
 
I love it! It's not often someone comes up with a POD that's not been written about at some point. :p

And it seems pretty realistic too. Not that I know a huge deal about the period, but from what I do know...

Anyway, keep it up, I want to see how this turns out...
 
Very nice! - Force the Britons at Germany's side. - This will mean world domination by the Anglo-German alliance. And then what...? Final show down?
 

mowque

Banned
Part 3 The Rising Sun-​
The Gulf of Mexico was turning into a firestorm. German ships were still sinking American shipping and shelling ports. The Americans however were getting their wits about them. Artillery batteries were positioned in many ports,which mostly removed the danger of shelling. Many American ships from the East Coast were filtering into the Gulf, and they started to contest German control. Still, any offensive action against the Venezuelan bound convoy was a dream. America had been too unprepared, and too wide spread. Even now, ships sped from the Philippines and California and were rounding the Straits of Magellan. The concentration of American power would be stunning but it would take time. Meanwhile, the Royal navy was an ominous quiet, as they built the “Atlantic Wall' between America and England. No raiders could slip through and few were willing to try.​
Again, it seemed as if England would do nothing, and Berlin called for action from its ally. As if to show how powerful British diplomacy could be, Japan was unleashed. It had only taken a few telegrams spelling out the terms, and Japan jumped at the chance for taking Western possessions with no repercussions. England even sweetened the deal to provide help in any future conflict with Russia.​
Soon Japanese ships were arriving in the American Philippines, catching the American garrison off guard. Already in the middle of a bloody Filipino revolt, the soldiers could hardly do more then harass the landing troops. The islands fell in a few short weeks. Leading to the capture of many Americans including Governor-General William Taft. The American people were outraged that the 'little yellow men' had sucker punched them. Still, little could be done about it. With the Asian Royal Navy Squadron helping out, all remained American hips were driven out of SE Asia and into Hawaii, where the stunned harbor lowered their flags to half-mast.​
The American reaction was stupendous. The nation had gone from quietly self-assured to suddenly surrounded by enemies. The snatching of Asian colonies, the violation of the Monroe doctrine, and the burning of Southern port cities, let to a great rage, and for the first time TR had to give speeches calming the populace down and to stop lynch mobs of killing Japanese-Americans.​
A curious side-effect of the attack was how America now viewed the British. Up to this point, the American public had been reserved about the Empire, and saved its hate for Germany. Now however, it was clear that England was no friend to the USA. Terms like 'puppet-master' were thrown about, and it seemed that England was content to merely finance and lead the anti-American coalition.​
The sudden attack for merely a prelude to greater Japanese intervention into China, on the grounds that they were merely acting American 'property' there. Both England and Germany turned a blind eye, as they focused on the new theater of the war, South America.​
 
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