The defeat in the Battle of Paris was a shock to the German top brass.
First of all, Moltke, as Chief of Army General Staff, bore unshirkable responsibility and was fired by the Kaiser. General Erich von Falkenhayn, Minister of War (equivalent to Minister of Defense), was appointed as the new Chief of General Staff.
The newly appointed Chief of General Staff advocated giving priority to solving the problem on the Western Front. He believed that the depth of France on the Western Front was small, and if the German and Italian troops attacked with all their strength, France could surrender. By that time, both Germany and Italy would be able to solve the problem on the Western Front.
, then we just have to deal with the British Navy and the Russian Army on the Eastern Front.
To this end, on the one hand, he increased troops and equipment for the Western Front. To this end, he not only mobilized new troops from the country to supplement the Western Front, but also mobilized troops from the Eastern Front. He transferred troops from five divisions.
The Eastern Front commanders headed by Hindenburg, Ludendorff and others were quite dissatisfied with this.
For this reason, Hindenburg and others wrote a letter to express their dissatisfaction, and on the other hand they tried to persuade General Falkenhayn. Unfortunately, it was useless. Falkenhayn still insisted on his own idea and wanted to open a breakthrough from the Western Front.
Moreover, his ideas are different from others. He does not focus on conquering cities and territories, but pays more attention to killing the enemy.
In his view, instead of attacking a solid position held by the enemy, it is better to choose a location where the enemy must be rescued, concentrate superior firepower and troops, attack it, attract enemy reinforcements and then kill them. It must be said that his idea is quite
advance, use one or two major battles to consume the enemy's forces, and then take advantage of the enemy's shortage of forces to launch an attack to seize the enemy's key areas and force the enemy to surrender.
In the original history, his idea was too naive, and the Battle of Verdun he launched resulted in the loss of troops and generals, but instead boosted the morale of the French army.
But now, with the help of its ally Italy, and the fact that Britain and France have suffered greater losses, this idea has a chance of success. Although the chance of success is not more than half, it is much better than the original time and space.
Of course, if you want to complete this plan, you will also need the help of Italy, Germany's most important ally. Yes, after Italy's series of victories, Italy's status in the hearts of the Germans has skyrocketed. Allies who cannot win the war on their own and allies who need to help themselves, in
In this battle that concerns one's own survival, it goes without saying who is more important.
However, it is not an easy task for Italy to put its main force on the Western Front to cooperate with itself. Therefore, Admiral Falkenhayn must seek the help of the Kaiser. Without the Kaiser's consent, there is no possibility of success in this matter.
So after making some preparations, General Falkenhayn met with the Kaiser.
After listening to the request of General Falkenhayn, Chief of General Staff, William II said with some embarrassment.
"What you said makes sense, but it is not easy to convince Carlo. Now Italy is focused on the Mediterranean. They are preparing for the Egyptian campaign. It is impossible for them to give up. Even my personal persuasion will be useless.
"
Facing the Kaiser's rejection, Falkenhayn had long been familiar with the Emperor's temperament, and he said, "Your Majesty, this is actually also good for Italy. And we need to make full preparations. We can wait until after the Egyptian campaign is over.
Let’s start preparations again. In addition, we can also state the benefits of attacking France to Italy, or at least lure them with France’s interests.”
At this time, the Kaiser spoke clearly and said, "What do you mean?"
At this time, Admiral Falkenhayn stated his reasons. "I think France should be dismembered."
“Dismember France?”
Faced with the shocking idea uttered by his chief of general staff, the bold Kaiser was shocked. As early as the French Revolution, the French nation had been formed far earlier than other countries in Europe, and he wanted to conquer France.
The difficulty of splitting is not that great.
As for General Falkenhayn, when faced with the Kaiser's surprised expression, he immediately explained: "There are many differences between other regions in France, especially the differences between the north and the south. I once served as a military attaché in France and carefully studied France.
There are huge differences between the north and the south. There are huge differences in climate, life, architecture, language and other aspects. Especially in terms of language, the differences between the north and the south are even greater. One is more Germanic and the other is more Latin. Sometimes the two sides are confused when talking.
I can’t understand what the other party is saying…”
After listening to the explanation of the Chief of General Staff, William II had an understanding of it. At this time, he was a little moved.
"What you said makes sense. I think we can talk to Carlo about it."
"The whole army will be grateful to His Majesty for your help."
The emperor is willing to take action, which makes Falkenhan very happy. The emperor is willing to help, which is good news. If the emperor takes action, the government will sit there and watch, and they will definitely participate. Not to mention the military, they will definitely participate.
Try your best. With concerted efforts from all aspects, how can the Italians refuse?
When Falkenhayn, the chief of general staff, was delighted, William II suddenly had an idea.
"You say, how about we convene all countries to hold a coordination meeting?"
Faced with the Kaiser's sudden idea, Admiral Falkenhayn was stunned for a moment, but then he thought about it and immediately felt that this idea was very good. Let the Allies gather together to discuss the difficulties faced by each country, and then find ways to coordinate and solve them. This is not only
It can solve military problems, economic problems, intelligence problems and other aspects, and all can be negotiated.
"Your Majesty, your idea is very good. Convening consultations with various countries will not only discuss military issues, but also political, economic and other issues."
The Kaiser was slightly startled by General Falkenhayn's words. He didn't just say it casually, but the Chief of General Staff gave him a thorough analysis, making him feel that I am actually so powerful.
Later, General Falkenhayn discussed with William II some issues that required coordination of the army, and General Falkenhayn did not leave until the sun was about to set.
After the chief of general staff left, William called a guard. "In order to find a professor who studies folk customs from various parts of France, I need to consult his opinion on some things."
It is obvious that William Erquan did not fully believe in Falkenhayn's words, and he needs to understand for himself before speaking.
It was easy for me to convince myself, but if Italy wanted to concentrate its main force on the Western Front, it would be difficult for me to convince Carlo without a sufficient reason.
Yes, having known Carlo for decades, William II knew that he was very shrewd. If he wanted to convince him, it would be impossible for him to agree without paying some price.
Soon afterwards, Berlin sent invitations to Rome, Vienna, Sofia, and Istanbul, inviting them to Munich to attend a coordination meeting to resolve differences among countries and expand cooperation.
Faced with the German invitation, all parties in the alliance camp responded one after another and promised to send their respective leaders, and the countdown to the second Munich Conference entered.
