The Motorcycle Revolution and Military Vision
The demand for Daimler's two motorcycles skyrocketed beyond expectations. The second batch of 20,000 units sold out within a day, mirroring the enthusiasm of the German public. Among the younger population, owning one of these motorcycles had become a status symbol.
The frenzy surrounding Daimler's products meant long lines outside stores on release days. Some enthusiasts queued overnight just to secure their purchase. Despite monthly production increasing to 40,000 units, it took three months to alleviate the intense demand. Even then, the motorcycles continued to fly off the shelves.
Competitors tried to join the market, but Daimler had secured numerous design patents, forcing other companies to spend time on reengineering. This resulted in inferior products that failed to captivate the public as Daimler's originals did.
Meanwhile, the popularity of these motorcycles spilled over into neighboring countries. Demand surged in Britain, France, and the United States, but Daimler could allocate only 5,000 units monthly to these markets. Although this created ripples of excitement, the supply remained far too limited to satisfy the broader appetite.
As the civilian motorcycle market flourished, Oscar shifted his focus to military applications. Under his guidance, Daimler's research and development team had created heavy-duty military motorcycles—both two-wheeled and three-wheeled models. By late August, the first ten prototypes were delivered to Berlin.
On September 2, Oscar organized a demonstration at a military camp near the city, inviting key military leaders to witness the performance of these motorcycles. Among those in attendance were Chief of Staff Moltke, Minister of War von Falkenhain, Naval Minister Marshal Count Tirpitz, Deputy Chief of Staff General Waldsee, and Generals Kluck, Bilow, Howson, and Mawitz.
Oscar's reputation had grown significantly due to his business successes and his contributions to naval development. Within military circles, however, his support was divided. The navy held him in high regard, but some army officials felt neglected. They perceived him as favoring the navy, much like Emperor William II, which sparked resentment. Despite this, Oscar remained respected for his achievements.
The demonstration began with Oscar welcoming the assembled officers. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation. War Minister von Falkenhain praised Daimler's earlier motorcycles, mentioning that his own children had each bought one. This lighthearted comment briefly eased the tension.
Chief of Staff Moltke, however, appeared impatient. A staunch supporter of Crown Prince William, Moltke viewed Oscar with indifference, if not hostility. This dynamic wasn't lost on Oscar, who understood the political undercurrents shaping their interactions.
The demonstration started with ten two-wheeled motorcycles, each carrying two fully armed soldiers. Despite their significant load, the motorcycles displayed impressive performance, maintaining high speeds and navigating varied terrain with ease.
Oscar emphasized the strategic advantages of these motorcycles, particularly their potential to enhance troop mobility. He noted their ability to reach speeds of 90 kilometers per hour on paved roads, traverse dirt paths, and even handle uneven grasslands with limited off-road capabilities.
Despite this, Moltke remained skeptical. He questioned the motorcycles' applicability on battlefields where roads were scarce and terrain was unpredictable. Oscar countered by highlighting their value during road-bound advances, where motorcycles could significantly increase the pace of operations.
The discussion shifted when War Minister von Falkenhain proposed that reconnaissance units could benefit greatly from these motorcycles. Their speed and maneuverability would allow them to gather and relay critical intelligence more efficiently.
As the demonstration continued, the military leaders observed the motorcycles' potential for rapid troop deployment and other tactical applications. However, Moltke's reservations loomed over the discussion, reflecting the broader divide between Oscar's vision and the entrenched perspectives within the army.
Oscar remained composed throughout, fully aware that winning over these influential figures would require persistence. The day's events were merely the opening act in a longer campaign to integrate these innovations into Germany's military strategy.