The Rise of German empire

The morning sunlight streamed into the ornate hall of the Berlin Palace, but the atmosphere inside was anything but warm. The Army's top brass—Moltke Jr., von Falkenhain, and Waldsee—stood before Emperor Wilhelm II, ready to deliver their collective stance against the Navy's proposed Marine Corps.

Moltke, as always, was the first to speak, his tone authoritative.

"Your Majesty, the Navy's attempt to form a ground force is a direct challenge to the traditions and structure of the German Empire. For decades, the Army has been the sole custodian of land operations. Allowing the Navy to meddle in this domain will lead to chaos, mismanagement, and unnecessary competition for resources. I implore Your Majesty to reject this proposal outright."

The Emperor's expression darkened. He had anticipated opposition, but the intensity of Moltke's argument revealed just how deeply the Army opposed the idea.

"Is this the consensus of the entire Army?" Wilhelm II asked, his tone measured but probing.

"Unanimously, Your Majesty," Moltke confirmed, glancing at von Falkenhain and Waldsee, who nodded in agreement.

Von Falkenhain added, "The Army's expertise in ground combat is unmatched. If specialized landing operations are required, we are more than capable of training units for such missions. There is no need for the Navy to form a parallel force."

Waldsee chimed in, "Your Majesty, the creation of a Marine Corps will not only duplicate efforts but also undermine the Army's efficiency. Coordination between two separate ground forces could lead to unnecessary friction in future operations."

The Emperor leaned back in his chair, his piercing eyes scanning the three men. Their arguments were compelling, but Wilhelm II also understood the underlying motives. This wasn't just about military logistics—it was about power and influence.

In a separate chamber of the palace, Oscar and Marshal Tirpitz prepared themselves for what they knew would be a pivotal confrontation. News of the Army's opposition had reached them swiftly, and both men understood the stakes.

When summoned, they entered the Emperor's office with calm confidence, meeting the intense gaze of Wilhelm II and the frosty stares of the Army leaders already assembled.

"Tirpitz, the Army has raised significant concerns about the Navy's Marine Corps proposal," Wilhelm II began. "They argue that it infringes on their domain and risks inefficiency. What do you have to say to this?"

Marshal Tirpitz stepped forward, his demeanor composed yet resolute. "Your Majesty, the Navy's proposal is not an act of overreach but one of necessity. Future wars will not be confined to traditional battlefields. Amphibious operations will be critical, particularly against Britain. The Marine Corps will specialize in these missions, ensuring the Empire is prepared for every eventuality."

Moltke's face reddened with anger. "This is absurd! The Army is fully capable of handling any such operations. There is no need for the Navy to establish a competing ground force."

Oscar interjected, his tone calm but firm. "Competing? That is not the intention, General. The Marine Corps would complement the Army, not compete with it. This is about reducing casualties and ensuring operational success. The Army has many strengths, but amphibious warfare is not one of them."

Moltke's eyes narrowed. "And what if the Army decided to build its own fleet? Would the Navy welcome such an intrusion?"

Tirpitz smirked. "If the Army wishes to invest millions of marks in battleships, we would not oppose it. However, I suspect such an endeavor would bankrupt even the most ambitious Army budget."

The room fell silent, save for the ticking of a grand clock. Moltke clenched his fists, his frustration palpable.

Wilhelm II, sensing the tension, raised a hand. "Enough. I have heard both sides, and I believe a compromise can be reached. The Marine Corps will be established under the Navy's command but limited to five divisions. These will be phased in over several years, ensuring minimal disruption to the Army's operations."

Moltke's jaw tightened. "Your Majesty, with all due respect, this sets a dangerous precedent."

The Emperor's voice hardened. "General Moltke, I have made my decision. The Marine Corps will exist, not as a challenge to the Army, but as an extension of the Empire's strength. I trust that you will ensure smooth cooperation moving forward."

Von Falkenhain and Waldsee exchanged cautious glances before nodding their reluctant assent. Moltke, however, remained defiant, though he knew better than to openly challenge the Emperor further.

As the meeting concluded, Oscar and Tirpitz left the palace together, the faintest hint of triumph in their expressions.

"This is only the beginning," Tirpitz remarked. "The Army will not forget this day."

Oscar's gaze was steely. "Let them remember. What matters is that the Empire is prepared for what lies ahead. They can squabble over traditions—we'll focus on victory."

The power struggle between the Army and Navy had entered a new phase, but the Crown Prince and his allies had secured a critical victory. The Marine Corps was no longer an idea—it was a reality.