Chapter 1519 - 45: Germany’s Predicament (2)

Chapter 1519: Chapter 45: Germany’s Predicament (2)

William II asked, "But now if we stop the war and compromise with the Russians, I’m afraid it won’t satisfy the citizens."

After all, from the current perspective of the German public, the Empire’s defeat in Eastern Europe is also hard to accept.

Herman said, "There’s no need to pay attention to the existence of such voices. In fact, those who truly support the war are actually those military-industrial interest groups or beneficiaries of World War I, but they are only a minority."

"As for some ordinary citizens’ objections, they are even less significant. Compared to those who have experienced world wars and long for peace, they are just a minority, as the Russians would say, a ’minority group’."

"Their voices seem imposing, but in reality, it’s just that the vast majority are not keen on expressing their opinions. After all, most people are busy making a living and have no free time to jump around."

"We shouldn’t be troubled by these voices and thus develop illusions. Before World War I, we were misled by public opinion. If we had done more preparation at that time, we wouldn’t have rushed into war and fallen into a predicament."

Before World War I, the whole German public opinion atmosphere could be described as arrogant, as if with any action by Germany, the whole of Europe would bow at Germany’s feet.

But the actual outcome was that Germany indeed demonstrated formidable combat power, but due to limitations in territory, resources, food, and manpower, it couldn’t support a prolonged large-scale war.

Herman, as someone who experienced it firsthand, learned from the experience, and in his post-war reflection, he realized he had indeed been too irrational at the time.

Of course, Herman’s statement was agreed upon by William II, who himself, after enduring the harsh realities of world war, became more mature or, rather, cautious than before. World War I greatly depleted his energy and spirit.

Just like now, regarding Russia’s offensive in Eastern Europe, in the past, William II would have already decisively launched a war against Russia.

Herman continued, "Now Germany needs to recuperate, and summarizing the world situation over the past decades, we can conclude that Germany itself is in a phase of high-speed development; our population, economy, and industrial vitality far surpass that of the United Kingdom and France."

"Even without going to war, the United Kingdom and France will gradually decline, but regarding Russia, Russia is indeed the Empire’s major threat, yet the current Russian populace, influenced by the Labor Party, shows greater resilience than in the Tsarist Era."

"The Labor Party’s idealism indeed consolidates Russian public opinion, but such a political model can only prove effective in the early stages; we should focus on economic and diplomatic strategies."

"Trap Russia in economic blockade; as long as economic development falls into a crisis, such an idealistic government in Russia is bound to deplete itself because of the reality of bread and milk issues."

According to Herman, the Russian Labor Party is like a young person inexperienced in the world, filled with dreams and passion for the future, but as time goes on, facing the harsh realities of society, it ultimately falls into the mundane struggles of life, eventually leading to inner exhaustion and even self-collapse.

Of course, William II doesn’t perceive it that way. He said, "Who cares what becomes of the Russian Labor Party? The concern is the impact of the Russian Labor Party on Russia’s destiny. Under its leadership, whether Russia’s national strength is enhanced, thereby influencing the Empire’s future strategy toward Europe."

William II’s words are also reasonable; the Russian Labor Party does not represent Russia. What he worries about is Russia’s transformations, much like Russia during the serfdom days. Without reforms, progress is impossible; it was Germany and the whole of Europe’s ’good’ friend.

Yet the Russian Labor Party’s recklessness is obviously different from the Tsarist government. William II is concerned that some of their policies might greatly enhance Russia’s national strength.

Herman said, "So, Your Majesty, I previously suggested a comprehensive economic blockade against Russia and sanctions across various sectors to limit Russia’s development."

"And this requires cooperation from other countries worldwide. After all, the Russian Labor Party is not just a threat to Germany but also a global menace."

"Like this time in the Ukraine and Belarus regions, though the Russians’ military capability remains weak, their ideology is extremely dangerous, and the spread of ideology knows no boundaries or nations."

"This dangerous ideological weapon can leap beyond Germany to affect other nations and regions worldwide, so opposing the Labor Party is a shared responsibility of all nations."

"Moreover, we have long been displeased with other countries’ passive attitudes. We, Germany, stand at the frontline opposing Russia, yet they gloat behind the scenes. We should find ways to make them contribute too."

"Regarding the League issue, we should certainly reach a compromise with the United Kingdom, but the League must include fighting against Russia and the Labor Party of countries worldwide as essential political agendas."

Regarding the League, also known as the International League, this international organization was still proposed by the British.

As for why the British still want to establish the League, in reality, it’s related to the current predicament of the United Kingdom; British need a stable international order so it can minimize the decline of its national dominance.

After all, the transition of world hegemony has never been peaceful. The United Kingdom achieved world dominance by defeating Spain’s invincible fleet, the Sea Carriage Driver Netherlands, and the old rival France.