January 1, 1900 // Berlin, Germany
The reaction in Ireland to my book was explosive. A new wave of nationalism and patriotism continues to surge in the island. This even resulted in a diplomatic spat between Britain and Germany. Although I was given a reprimand, my ass was saved from 'education' when my father intervened.
Knowing my father's boomer level Anglophobia, he was happy rather than mad at my antics. Anyways, knowing that German naval expansion will start in earnest this year, I have no regrets for my actions. I've learned from the past ten years, that for as long as my father stays as Kaiser, rapprochement with France is more likely than with Britain.
Now I'm at Berlin with my family. It being the turn of a new century, the new year's celebration this time was even more extravagant. Dressed in my military cosplay, I watch as the Prussian Life Guards march proudly along the streets of Berlin.
I see the crowds cheering at the majesty of the march and my heart races along with them. By now, I've completely immersed myself in the era where militarism and imperialism run rampant. My blood is German, and now I think my heart as well.
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February 15, 1900 // Wilhelmshaven, Germany
Today the future SMS Kaiser is being laid down. The SMS Kaiser will be the lead ship of her class as well as the ship that will make all existing and future battleships around the world into tin cans.
Once complete it will have a speed of 21 knots, a displacement of 18,000 tons, and a primary loadout of 5 12-inch twin-turrets.
Looking at my father, it seems he can't wait for the day this monster will be built.
With the reforms of Vittorio Cuniberti, Germany's shipbuilding capabilities have been drastically improved. Without them it would have taken at least 2 years for the dreadnought to be built. But now, with material stockpiles prepared, she's expected to be completed in a whopping 10 months.
My father also took this opportunity to announce the 2nd Naval Law.
If passed, it will increase Germany's current battleship strength from 16 to a whopping 38.
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In a show of propaganda, Germany released the full details of the future SMS Kaiser to the press. The monstrous performance described by the press release shocked both Germans and foreigners alike. Imagining a Germany with both the world's strongest army and navy, German self-confidence went through the roof.
Meanwhile the British were sent into a full panic. Initially they didn't take German naval build up as a threat. But when these two bombshells were released, the British felt their first sense of crisis since Napoleon.
This was further aggravated when an anonymous whistleblower informed reporters that the government have already known about the details of the SMS Kaiser since 1899. The strong public outrage caused the incumbent Secretary of the Navy, George Goschen, to resign in disgrace.
The British eventually followed up by creating the 'Committee on Designs' chaired by Jackie Fisher, current commander of the Mediterranean Fleet.
The 2nd German Naval Law was eventually was passed on June 14. This law drastically increased the size of the Kaiserliche Marine, it stipulates that by 1920 the size of the fleet must include; 38 battleships (+22), 14 heavy cruisers (+2), 38 light cruisers (+8), and 96 new torpedo boats (destroyers).
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10 Downing Street, London
Ever since the double bombshells of the German Empire, the British cabinet has been in constant turmoil. Not since Napoleon has Britain faced such an unprecedented threat to its maritime hegemony. In spite of this, the cabinet is fiercely divided as to what response Britain must take. There are those in favor of meeting the Kaiser's challenge, and those that simply wish to believe in the invincibility of the Royal Navy.
"Members of the honorable council. We must meet the German challenge! Even if the data of the dreadnought is unreliable, the threat of the recent German expansion is real! We must protect her Majesty's Empire, whatever the cost!"
*BANG*
"Mr. Churchill please end the charade! This is the cabinet, not parliament! Sweet words don't work here. Our navy has protected this island and our empire well for more than a century. Hmph! What threat is an elephant that has barely learned how to swim? We're still fighting the damn Boers, we don't have the energy to succumb to German extravagance."
"Now now gentlemen. Sir Chamberlain, I apologize on behalf of the young Churchill. Both arguments make sense. However the Boer war is the more direct threat to the empire right now Mr. Churchill. So let us all work hard to resolve these crises that plague her Majesty's government."
"I understand Prime Minister."
"Yes sir..."
"Now, Admiral Fisher please explain to the council the progress of your committee."
"Yes Prime Minister. So far my contacts in Italy have told me that the Kaiser-class is expected to be launched around October-November. Our committee has been able to create a preliminary drawing for our dreadnought, however we still need a few more months for a final design."
"Why so long Admiral?"
"Apologies Secretary Chamberlain. But the Germans were able to build theirs primarily because of Vittorio Cuniberti, the Italian was apparently the originator of the dreadnought concept. Meanwhile our committee is forced to start from scratch."
"See gentlemen, we have no choice but to concede the German provocation. For now."
"We should focus on ending the damned Boers as soon as possible first, so as to free up resources to give the cheeky Fritz a good hit."