Strategic Shipbuilding Decisions
"Your Majesty, the Navy plans to build a total of five 'Caesar-class' battleships. Your Majesty, please name the other four," Marshal Earl Tirpitz said, his gaze fixed on William II, eager to hear his decision.
The previous construction of five "Helgoland-class" battleships had set a precedent, and now, it was assumed that the same number of "Caesar-class" battleships would be constructed. Although the cost of each battleship was high, the Navy's capability to handle such a large project was well established. The total cost could surpass 300 million marks, but there was little opposition from the officials. After all, it was the Navy's prerogative to build these ships, and no one wanted to impede its progress.
William II nodded thoughtfully, his mind already made up. "The first ship of the 'Caesar-class' will be named 'Caesar.' The second will be 'Frederick the Great,' the third will be 'Catherine,' and the fourth will be 'King Albert.' The fifth ship shall be named 'Louis Polder Regent.'"
A hushed silence followed, as the officials digested the emperor's swift and decisive naming choices. Some, particularly those familiar with royal history, noted the significance behind each name. The emperor had clearly prepared these names in advance, ready to announce them the moment the shipbuilding plan was approved.
"Your Majesty is wise; these names are excellent!" Marshal Earl Tirpitz was quick to flatter, ensuring his approval of the emperor's decisions.
The room buzzed with similar praises, with others, including Oscar, joining in the flattery. William II smiled, pleased with the positive reception. His confidence seemed to grow by the minute.
"Your Majesty, Your Royal Highness, the Crown Prince," began Count von Warren, the chairman of the Naval Technical Committee. "This time, the Navy plans to build two classes of eight warships. Which shipyards do you intend to assign these projects to?"
The question was significant, as the shipbuilding industry was competitive. The majority of the Navy's past warships had been built by the German shipyards, and while some smaller shipyards received their share of contracts, the larger ones were eager to secure the orders for these prestigious battleships. The opportunity to construct large warships was seen as both profitable and a mark of prestige.
William II remained silent, turning his attention to Oscar. After all, it was Oscar who had designed these two classes of warships. Deutsche Shipyard, with its ample large slipways, was in a prime position to take on the task. However, taking on all eight warships at once might stretch their resources, though they were certainly capable of handling the workload.
Oscar smiled as he prepared to address the situation, aware that Count von Warren's question was rooted in the interests of the shipyards. "Regarding the construction of the 'Moltke-class' battlecruisers and the 'Caesar-class' battleships, I personally think that the first ships, the 'Moltke' and the 'Caesar,' should be built at Deutsche Shipyard. The other ships can be allocated by the Navy as it sees fit," Oscar suggested.
This approach allowed him to claim two of the eight warships, a reasonable share, while still distributing the remaining six orders to other shipyards. Oscar knew that such a distribution would help foster goodwill and avoid animosity between the shipyards. As a prince, he had no interest in monopolizing the contracts; doing so would likely alienate many influential figures in the shipbuilding industry. By sharing the wealth, Oscar ensured the support of the industry and helped maintain a healthy balance among the shipyards.
Additionally, he intended for Deutsche Shipyard to build a large oil tanker, which would serve as a test run for future projects, such as aircraft carriers. This would further solidify the shipyard's reputation and provide crucial experience.
William II nodded in approval. "Well, let's proceed as the Crown Prince suggests," he said, clearly satisfied with Oscar's judgment. "The Navy will handle the rest of the allocations."
Count von Warren, relieved by Oscar's decision, nodded gratefully. By giving up most of the benefits, Oscar had ensured that other shipyards would receive a fair share of the contracts. Six large warships for six different shipyards was a win-win situation for all involved.
As the meeting continued, Moltke, who had been observing the proceedings, muttered to himself, "Is this boy really not even twenty? How is he so shrewd?"
The comment was tinged with awe and a touch of envy. Moltke, increasingly frustrated by Oscar's political acumen, couldn't help but wonder whether his decision to challenge Oscar was a mistake. The Crown Prince's behavior seemed far beyond his years, and Moltke could no longer dismiss him as an inexperienced royal.
Marshal Count Tirpitz, too, watched Oscar with renewed respect. Originally, he had been prepared to advise Oscar against monopolizing the contracts. But Oscar had already recognized the potential for conflict and handled the situation with remarkable diplomacy.
"It is truly a blessing for the Empire to have such a Crown Prince," Marshal Count Tirpitz said, his voice filled with admiration. He realized that Oscar was not just a prince, but a future leader with the ability to guide the Empire to greater heights.
Oscar, for his part, was indifferent to the praise. He cared little for the profits or the accolades. His real goal was to build a powerful and capable German Navy, and to ensure that Germany was prepared for the wars to come. He knew that battleships were the pinnacle of technological achievement, and shipyards that could build them were the key to future dominance.
Moreover, Oscar's vision extended beyond the present. By fostering the growth of Germany's shipbuilding industry and ensuring the development of advanced warships, he was laying the groundwork for the future strength of the Navy and the Empire.
As the meeting concluded, the commissioning ceremony of the 'Nassau' battleship was already being planned, a testament to the Navy's growth and the successful execution of Oscar's plans. Both the officials and the military leaders were beginning to see Oscar not just as the Crown Prince, but as a monarch-in-the-making.