"You've analyzed it right. ￥f," Chen Wenqiang said: "But when Germany aggressively competed with Russia for the Balkans, when Germany forced the British power in Baghdad, when Germany threatened France in North Africa and Morocco, the pride and superstitious thinking of force and violence have gradually dominated, and it is difficult to listen to any unpleasant advice. Moreover, we don't plan to do so."

"It's true." Jiang Zuobin said: "William II is ambitious and has an impulsive and reckless personality. He often shows arrogance when dealing with problems or others. He wants to defend his foreign policy out of good intentions, but he has made serious mistakes repeatedly, which has made foreign relations worse."

William II was impulsive and reckless by nature, so he failed to adopt a rational plan for Germany's foreign policy. One of the good examples is his love-hate relationship with his cousin who ruled Britain and Britain. For him, armed conflict with Britain was "the most unimaginable thing"; however, as his plan to expand his navy began, the rise of Germany worried Britain.

William never realized that his reckless behavior had damaged his image as an emperor. In 1896, Transvaal's President Kruger successfully suppressed the Jensen Expedition, and the German Emperor congratulated him with a telegram. At that time, the Boers had a tense relationship with Britain, so the British were angry at the Kruger's telegram.

When he was interviewed by a British newspaper in 1908, he wanted to promote the friendly relations between Germany and Britain. However, he acted in an impulse and offended Britain, France, Russia and Japan. He pointed out that the Germans did not like the British (and he was not), France and Russia had incited Germany to intervene in the Second Boer War, and Germany's naval expansion was aimed at Japan, not Britain. One of his famous words was: "You British people are crazy, crazy."

William also tried to ease France's revenge, but similar to the policy towards Britain, he failed disgracefully because he did not know how to adapt. On the one hand, it was based on France's unswerving revengeism (the failure of the Franco-Prussian War) and his anger with Germany; on the other hand, after the first Moroccan crisis, when he visited Tangier, he inadvertently made remarks supporting Moroccan independence, which angered France, which wanted to expand its sphere of influence there.

"In any case, William vigorously advocated militarism, supported the expansion of Germany and supported the development of military industry, which has caused Germany to fall into a military competition. When this competition becomes uncontrollable, war is inevitable." Chen Wenqiang said lightly: "And for British politicians and soldiers, this type of war is traditionally very familiar. For national interests, Britain has been involved in the war on the European continent every century. Every time Britain is involved in the purpose of war, either to eliminate competitors at sea, or to prevent a major power from controlling the entire or most of the continental resources."

"War seems inevitable," Jiang Zuobin said: "It's just that time is difficult to grasp. If you want to start a war, it's not difficult to find excuses."

Chen Wenqiang agreed with this. The Balkan issue is complicated and it is not difficult to find a suitable reason for declaring war at any time. Part of the reason why World War I lacked control was due to the lack of planning.

When the government planned a war, it always believed that the war could be within the acceptable range and easy to control; but if the arrival of the war was beyond expectations, the war would likely decide its own route. When governments of various countries entered the war in 1914, there was no clear and affirmative goal of the war. If the war had determined goals before the war began, the war would be easy to stop and would not be unlimited.

"In the time of war, we can make inferences, that is, when Germany's economic and industrial strength surpassed Britain." Chen Wenqiang said in contemplation: "According to the current development speed of Germany, war is probably not a very distant thing. Therefore, we must be practically prepared. The navy cannot develop overnight; while the army must have a certain scale before the outbreak of the war, at least surpassing Japan. Our country is not afraid of possible maritime blockades."

"My resources are abundant, and it does not depend on overseas trade. It does have advantages in this regard." Jiang Zuobin said: "And a closed and peaceful development environment is not a good thing for our country. Japan is an island country after all. If a war with our country again, as long as the government's determination is unshakable, the army's battle will be effective. After returning the war to the traditional war of attrition, Japan's failure will only be a matter of time."

"You are very correct." Chen Wenqiang's appreciation for Jiang Zuobin was beyond words, and he said with a smile: "The diplomatic work you did after taking office is also very effective. You have made great contributions to the smooth resolution of the Outer Mongolia issue. Come on, let me tell me the details of William and Prime Minister Bateman. Only by knowing yourself and your enemy can you win every battle. I believe that foreigners cannot understand this sentence from our ancestors thoroughly."

Just as Germany found a development model for late-developing countries to catch up with advanced countries on the basis of science and education. The New Republic also regarded national education and science as powerful forces to promote economic development, and the state formulated policies and laws to guide the direction of economic operation.

One of the most important things that the government values ​​is that it attaches great importance to the cultivation of national quality and uses it as the basis for its national revitalization. Marshal Moltke, who defeated France and captured the French emperor, once said: "The victory of Prussia was decided long ago on the podium of primary school teachers."

Germany's industrialization process lags behind Britain, but it embarked on the path of modernization in its own unique way. Universal education cultivated high-quality citizens for Germany, universities brought creation and invention to Germany, and intelligence became the most important resource of this country. With this resource, Germany in the 19th century led the Second Industrial Revolution and stood at the forefront of the world's scientific and technological development.

In the more than 40 years after the unification in 1871, the German economy experienced a leapfrog development. Germany's coal and steel production jumped to the top in Europe; the total output of chemical products jumped to the top in the world; by 1910, Germany's total industrial volume surpassed all European countries.

But when people look at the rapidly rising Germany with an envious look, they often ignore one thing, that is, what supports all this is the relatively peaceful development environment after Germany's reunification. Now, the important task of fighting for valuable development opportunities for China, a country that was once constantly curbed by the great powers, falls on the shoulders of Chen Wenqiang and others.

This is a very difficult task. Chen Wenqiang is not as good as Bismarck. But he also has his advantage, that is, he knows the general historical trend, can also explore the psychology of most people, and can carry out highly targeted activities.

And now, what he has to do is to take advantage of the technological advantages that the United States and Germany have established, or he has to go further on the shoulders of giants. Of course, a certain amount of effort can only be rewarded with great rewards.

Well-known German companies such as Siemens, Wolf, Krupp, and Vulken were all the goals he wanted to strive for, because almost all of the important inventions in the electrical era were born in Germany. From 1851 to 1900, Germany achieved 202 achievements in major scientific and technological innovations and inventions, exceeding the combined total of Britain and France, ranking second in the world.

As for Germany's rough and direct diplomatic methods, Chen Wenqiang did not want to persuade or guide him. Regardless of whether he could make the German government accept his suggestions, with William II's reckless character alone, he had no need to risk his offense to take the risk of offense. Moreover, Chen Wenqiang even had an inexplicable expectation for the First World War that was about to break out.

As for the relationship with Germany, Chen Wenqiang did not take it too seriously, and put aside other factors. Only by truly implementing foreign policy based on the comparison of interests and power, and completely ignoring the restrictions and differences between ********* and the social system can he be considered a truly mature politician.

Through Jiang Zuobin's detailed introduction, Chen Wenqiang has a deeper understanding of the current situation in Germany and also understands that Germany's involvement in World War I is not a matter of one person or two. With the rise and prosperity of a group of national chauvinist groups dominated by the monopoly bourgeoisie, their political propositions and demagogistic propaganda have also directly affected the government's policies.

These chauvinists have fabricated various theories of war, saying that war can eliminate "overpopulation", eliminate economic crises, and promote human development and make human beings "eugenic". Cavalry general Hathi even openly said: "War is the father of everything! War is not only a biological law, but also a moral law, and therefore an indispensable factor in civilization."

After the early 20th century, the haze of chauvinism and national expansionism was filled with the sky over Germany, poisoning people of all classes. In a country with a serious militarist tradition and always sensitive to national issues, this rampant chauvinist propaganda undoubtedly contributed to the launch of aggression war.

Under the propaganda of chauvinism, this "world" did not allow the best nations to play its due role. This nation with the most economical talents on the earth, the nation with the strongest ideas and strongest organizational capabilities, cannot dominate the world and bear responsibility. This is very "unfair". Therefore, it is natural to use fire and sword to wipe out foreign races and let Germany, a nation that "rules people" "becomes a model for creating new atmospheres in Europe and the world."

When he arrived in Berlin, Chen Wenqiang met with William II with Prime Minister Bateman, and his feelings became stronger. Although William II had a little disability in his left hand, his confidence and stubbornness still left a deep impression on Chen Wenqiang. "The German temperament will revive the world again." This statement that promotes the superiority of the German nation has almost become Emperor William's spoken language, and it is also the most frequent words during the meeting.

Similarly, William II was also surprised by the Republican government's firm plan to expand its military. The regular army would reach one million within five years, which is a surprising number. But for China, which has a population of 40 million, it seems that the proportion is not very large.

In fact, if it were not for financial difficulties, the Republican government would rather achieve this goal within three years. You should know that the so-called regular army is not a mob recruited casually. It must be equipped with weapons, trained, and received patriotic education. This is the true army.

"One million is not much for a big country like China that is surrounded by enemies and has a vast territory." Chen Wenqiang explained: "According to the population ratio, even one percent cannot reach."

"Yes, China's population is indeed huge," William II said thoughtfully: "This may be a burden, but it is also a disturbing force to be used properly."

"It is indeed a force that makes Japan and Russia uneasy." Chen Wenqiang emphasized with ulterior motives: "Like your country's strong national feelings, our people have always been resentful of the huge territory lost in the Qing Dynasty."

The great powers who seized Chinese territory are now Japan. This is indeed a reason that is unquestionable, and both of them are potential enemies of Germany. Judging from their expressions, William II was very satisfied with Chen Wenqiang's obvious hint.

"The territory is indeed the root of hatred." William II nodded in agreement. His left hand habitually held white gloves so that the disabled left hand could grow longer. "Because of the relationship between Alsace and Lorraine, the relationship between Germany and France seems difficult to mediate."

"Arsace and Lorraine were originally the land of the Holy Roman Empire." Chen Wenqiang said badly: "It was because of Napoleon's invasion that it became the territory of France. The French regarded the justice of the German Empire's regaining lost lands as invasion and occupation. Hum, the Gauls' frivolous and arrogant, fantasy and impulsive national character determined that France could not be at ease with the superior status quo, and could not forget to revenge on Germany, wash away shame and recover lost lands, no matter what the price it had to pay. Although most of the residents of Alsace-Lorraine spoke German, and their incorporation into the French territory was a product of the Bourbon's policy to expand Germany, the Gauls always remembered the stories from thirty years ago, but not the historical lessons of three hundred years."

William II was very happy that Chen Wenqiang's flattery left no trace, and it was indeed a historical fact. After Chen Wenqiang said this, it was natural for Germany to occupy Artsas and Lorraine, and there was no reason at all. France was resentful about this, so it was all about nothing and was ungrateful.

Chen Wenqiang continued to touted: "Everything that the Germanic nation has spiritually created and possessed has world significance, and the decline of Germany means irreparable losses of all civilizations. Since Luther, Kant, and Schiller, no nation has been so serious about building a spiritually independent and moral world." (To be continued.)
Chapter completed!