Chapter 402： Crisis of Empire (700 votes plus more)

The war crisis between the United States and Germany was resolved so easily, which left everyone in the country stunned. Especially the British, who had great expectations for the United States, were even more disappointed. Originally, they were waiting for the further intensification of the conflict between Germany and the United States and the outbreak of war. In that case, the pressure on Britain would be much less.

Even some people in the Royal Navy believe that if the Royal Navy and the U.S. Navy act together, it is not impossible to defeat the German Navy. The performance of the German Navy is undoubtedly very good. Among the warships of the same level, the Royal Navy cannot compare with it. However, if the numerical advantage is large enough, they are not without a chance of winning.

But unfortunately, in the end the Americans retreated directly. In the face of the great strength shown by the German navy, the Americans were terrified, worried about being defeated, and retreated directly. This has undoubtedly made the current situation in the UK even worse.

The Americans stopped attacking the no-fly zone designated by Germany, which undoubtedly shows that they have acquiesced in the behavior of the Germans. Even the Americans have acquiesced. Do other countries have other options? It is foreseeable that Britain's overseas trade will be cut off as a result. Unless, the British are willing to risk huge losses and use their own merchant ships to continue transporting various supplies. Otherwise, Britain will not get any supplies. What kind of consequences this will have, can naturally be imagined.

It will be very easy for the Germans to defeat Britain. Or even do nothing, just keep besieging Britain. At that time, Britain itself will collapse.

Prime Minister Asquith has been in a very bad mood these two days. The current situation is undoubtedly very critical for Britain. Even Prime Minister Asquith believed that the British Empire might not be able to pass this hurdle. No one thought that Germany would be so powerful that it would push the mighty British Empire to this point within only half a year since the war started.

In view of the current situation, King George V summoned Prime Minister Asquith and asked him about the situation of the war. Throughout the conversation, King George V of England was very pessimistic about the current war situation. Obviously, His Majesty the King, who has just ascended the throne not long ago, no longer has much confidence in defeating Germany.

Although, Prime Minister Asquith kept reassuring King George V that the British Empire was far from reaching its end, and they still had enough strength to continue fighting. But apparently, King George V didn't believe that much at all. Even Prime Minister Asquith felt that his guarantee was so feeble.

After returning from Buckingham Palace, Prime Minister Asquith immediately called a cabinet meeting.

"Gentlemen, what should we do now? The Americans have retreated. It is impossible to expect them to join the war and help us defeat the Germans. Next, what should we do?" Asquith asked the prime minister.

"Your Excellency, this is too unbelievable. The Germans seized so many merchant ships from the Americans, and even killed many American civilians, but the Americans dare not even fart. Send the fleet to sea , just made a show, and then fled back. Are they still a powerful country in the world?" Sir Edward Gray, the foreign secretary, shook his head helplessly, obviously disappointed with the actions of the US government.

"After all, the Americans have not fought any major battles. They have strong industrial strength, but their military strength is in a mess. It is understandable that the Germans retreated after being so frightened." Secretary of the Navy Churchill said.

"Did we scare them by notifying them that the main force of the German navy was out?" asked Lloyd George, the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

"Of course not. Even if we don't inform them. With their own intelligence capabilities, the Americans will know soon. At that time, they may still complain about why we didn't inform them, which will affect our possible cooperation. .It's just that I didn't expect Americans to be so timid and to be scared so easily." Churchill's face was also full of helplessness.

In Churchill's view, the United States is now the only country that can help them out of their predicament. However, the Americans are now retreating, which undoubtedly directly shows that they have no foreign aid. Next, they had to deal with the Germans on their own. And their own strength is really choking!

"Everyone, the Americans have retreated. So, it is useless to talk about this now. The most critical question is, what should we do now?" Prime Minister Asquith asked.

Indeed, the question before everyone is undoubtedly what to do next. These cabinet ministers are undoubtedly very shrewd. Otherwise, they would not have had the chance to get to this point. The current situation is indeed very bad for the British Empire. Although it is not that there is no chance of winning at all, what they have to admit is that the chance of winning is very slim.

"Mr. Churchill, without the help of the Americans, is the Royal Navy not at all sure of defeating the Germans?" Prime Minister Asquith asked.

All eyes were on Churchill. Who made the Royal Navy always the pillar of the British Empire? The hegemony of the British Empire has always been based on the strength of the Royal Navy. Without a powerful Royal Navy, the hegemony of the British Empire is like a rootless tree.

"Your Excellency, with the current strength of the Royal Navy, it is very difficult to defeat the Germans. All of our battleships add up, and there are 26 ships, two more than the Germans. All of our battlecruisers add up, and Six ships, six fewer than the Germans. What's more, our cutting-edge warships are so small that they cannot be compared with the Germans. I believe that everyone is already very clear about the performance of German warships. Therefore, I Needless to say. I can tell you frankly that unless the Germans made an unforgivable mistake in the naval battle. In other words, our luck is overwhelming. Otherwise, we have no chance of winning at all. said Churchill.

Churchill's words, like a basin of ice water, made the hearts of these ministers in the British cabinet poured cold. Everyone can understand what Churchill means, that is, the Royal Navy has almost no chance of winning. Such a result is naturally a bad news for everyone. It can be said that from now on, the British Empire will face the biggest life-and-death crisis in hundreds of years.