Chapter 0259: A Great Power is Just a Bandit

As the world's largest industrial nation, the United States surpassed Britain in industrial output by the end of the last century, claiming the title of the world's foremost industrial power. Coupled with having the third-largest navy, this positioned the United States as a coveted ally sought after by both the Entente and the Central Powers.

However, the war had only just begun, and the situation remained uncertain, leading the United States to hesitate in making a commitment. They preferred to bide their time, waiting for the circumstances to clarify before engaging in the conflict, which would allow them to maximize their gains while minimizing costs.

The unique geographical position of the United States rendered it a nation seemingly chosen by destiny. The vast Atlantic and Pacific Oceans acted as formidable barriers, making it challenging for other countries to launch an attack on its homeland. As long as they maintained a robust navy, the security of the nation was assured. As for the army, the surrounding nations posed little threat, being relatively weak and ineffective.

Originally, the British held a deep-seated disdain for the Americans, viewing them as mere nouveau riches, and were reluctant to allow American influence to extend into Europe, preferring to keep them out of the war. However, they could not have anticipated Germany's formidable strength, which nearly overwhelmed them in the early stages of the conflict. Faced with this reality, the British quickly abandoned their previous reservations and eagerly sought to enlist American support, recognizing it as a vital path to swiftly defeating Germany and securing victory.

Of course, the Americans were not naïve and would not easily acquiesce to British demands. Hence, the British were compelled to employ various tactics to draw the United States into their fold.

"Prime Minister, the Admiralty has proposed a strategy to bolster our strength, requiring your approval," Churchill stated as their discussion neared its conclusion. In his efforts to rapidly enhance the British Navy's capabilities, Churchill was visibly distressed.

"Oh? What is this proposal?" Prime Minister Asquith inquired. He had already authorized a large-scale shipbuilding program, but those vessels would take at least a year and a half to complete, necessitating a prolonged wait.

"Prime Minister, we have three battleships originally constructed for other nations that have yet to be delivered but are already completed. If we can incorporate these three battleships into the Royal Navy, it would significantly enhance its power," Churchill explained.

"Are you referring to the battleships built for Turkey and Chile?" Asquith furrowed his brow. 

The Royal Navy had long been regarded as the world's premier naval force, bolstered by Britain's unparalleled shipbuilding capabilities. Consequently, other nations without the means to construct battleships often turned to Britain for procurement, and Britain was more than willing to oblige, as arms manufacturing was an exceptionally lucrative venture—particularly in the case of battleships, which offered substantial profits.

"However, they have already made payments. If we seize these battleships now, it could severely tarnish the Empire's reputation," cautioned Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey, visibly concerned.

"Sir Grey, we can no longer afford to dwell on such matters. The Royal Navy has sustained significant losses and urgently requires reinforcement. Appropriating those three battleships is the most viable solution," Churchill asserted.

Though the three battleships were of a foreign trade variant and not exceptionally powerful, the Royal Navy could no longer afford to be selective.

Asquith, deep in thought, weighed the pros and cons for several minutes before arriving at a decision. 

"Very well. Notify the Ottoman Empire and Chile that the battleships we constructed for them will be temporarily requisitioned by the Royal Navy. We shall compensate them once the war concludes," Asquith declared.

Although this course of action would undermine the Empire's credibility, securing victory in the war took precedence over all other considerations.

"Yes, Prime Minister," Sir Edward Grey nodded in agreement.

"Prime Minister, the Germans have been courting the Ottoman Empire. Won't our actions push them further into the German camp?" Grey inquired.

"The Ottoman Empire is unlikely to align with the Central Powers. Their strategic location is far too significant for them to ignore. They understand that joining the Central Powers would invite our assault, which they would be ill-equipped to withstand," Asquith replied.

The current Ottoman Empire was a far cry from its former glory as a powerful entity sweeping across Europe; it had long since declined into the 'sick man of Europe.' Were it not for the delicate balance of power among the great European nations, it is likely that a coalition would have intervened to extinguish the Ottomans long ago. Thus, Asquith and his colleagues regarded the Ottomans with disdain, convinced that they would not dare confront the British Empire, believing that even the appropriation of their battleships would evoke nothing more than resignation.

With excitement, Churchill departed from the Prime Minister's office, eager to return to the Admiralty and ensure the immediate transfer of the three battleships.

These vessels included the 'Sultan Osman I' and 'Resadiye' built for the Ottoman Empire, as well as the 'Admiral Latoral' intended for Chile. 

The two battleships for the Ottoman Empire had originally been constructed for Brazil, but due to financial constraints, they were transferred to the Ottomans. Little did they anticipate that, after paying for them, the Ottomans would find their ships requisitioned by the British, a move that would later become a crucial reason for the Ottomans' alignment with the Central Powers.

The Royal Navy would rename these three battleships 'Agincourt,' 'Ireland,' and 'Canada.'

The 'Agincourt' boasted a displacement of 30,000 tons, a maximum speed of 22 knots, and was equipped with seven twin-mounted 305 mm main guns, making it the battleship with the most formidable artillery in the world.

The 'Ireland' displaced 25,000 tons, with a maximum speed of 21 knots and five twin-mounted 305 mm main guns.

The 'Canada' had a displacement of 32,000 tons, a maximum speed of 22.75 knots, and was armed with five twin-mounted 356 mm main guns.

While all three battleships possessed formidable firepower, they also exhibited the distinct characteristics of British warships, emphasizing firepower and speed while neglecting armor. This strategy had already proven ineffective in prior battles.