The Rise of German empire

As Oscar sat in the backseat of the car, heading away from Krupp headquarters, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. The conversation with Miss Beta Krupp had gone well, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something crucial was missing. He had pushed for the development of large-caliber main guns, understanding their importance in the context of future naval warfare. However, while Krupp had committed to the project, he knew the company's leadership could sometimes be cautious, hesitant to fully embrace the bold innovations necessary to secure Germany's naval future.

The reality of the situation weighed on him heavily. Germany's naval forces were in a precarious position, especially when compared to the British. The British Navy had already begun fielding 305mm, 343mm, and 381mm main guns, while Germany's largest guns were still a step behind. Despite the impressive quality of German military industry, which allowed them to hold their own with smaller-caliber guns, there was a clear disadvantage in terms of firepower. It wasn't just about competing; it was about gaining a strategic edge.

"Wouldn't it be better if the German Navy's main guns could rival the British from the start?" Qin Tian thought as the car sped through the streets of Berlin. If Germany could establish dominance in this area, it would drastically alter the balance of power on the seas. This realization pushed him to redouble his efforts. The development of these large-caliber guns needed to happen, and it needed to happen quickly.

Despite the promise from Krupp, Oscar couldn't help but wonder if Miss Beta Krupp had the courage and foresight to see the project through with the urgency it required. It was a complex issue, but Oscar's vision was clear. Germany needed a modernized military industry, capable of delivering cutting-edge technology that would allow them to stand on equal footing with, if not surpass, their adversaries.

"If only Gustav Krupp had joined the company already," Oscar thought, regretting that the elder Krupp's influence had not yet been brought to bear. Gustav Krupp was a visionary businessman, one with the boldness and strategic thinking that the situation demanded. If he were at the helm, this project would move forward with greater confidence. But for now, it was up to Beta Krupp, and Oscar knew he had to keep pressing her, keep pushing for the accelerated development of the new main gun.

He had given Krupp two years—two years to develop a new type of large-caliber gun. The timeline was tight, but the expansion at Deutsche Werft would align with the planned construction of the "Nassau-class" battleships. With the right firepower, the new ships would have an edge over their competitors, allowing the German Navy to compete on a global scale.

An excellent battleship, as Oscar knew, was not just a matter of firepower. It had to strike a balance between speed, armor, and offensive capability. The armor and the main guns would be provided by Krupp, but there was one final piece to the puzzle: speed.

The "Nassau-class" battleships would rely on a combination of oil-fired boilers and steam turbines to maximize their speed and cruising range. While traditional coal-fired boilers had long been the norm, the increasing size and tonnage of warships demanded something more powerful. The oil-fired boiler was the solution—more efficient, easier to store, and far more capable of powering the massive ships Oscar envisioned.

Oscar had already taken steps to secure the necessary technology. He had sent his agents to the United States to purchase Curtis steam turbine technology, which was still in its infancy. Curtis's steam turbine was relatively new, and while it had not yet gained widespread recognition, Oscar saw its potential. Curtis was struggling financially, teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, and this presented the perfect opportunity for Oscar to acquire the technology at a reasonable price.

By obtaining the full set of related technologies, and then working with German engineers to further develop and enhance them, Oscar was confident that they could create a steam turbine with more powerful performance. The steam turbines, combined with the oil-fired boilers, would provide the necessary propulsion to give the "Nassau-class" battleships the edge in speed and maneuverability.

As he made plans for these acquisitions, Oscar also knew that Germany's lack of domestic oil production posed a problem. The country had abundant coal in the Ruhr region, but oil had to be imported. To address this, he had reached out to Sulzer Boiler Company, Germany's leading manufacturer of boilers for military warships. He placed a large order for 48 oil-fired boilers, a deal that would significantly boost Sulzer's profits and create a crucial partnership for his shipyard.

Sulzer had already made strides in developing oil-fired boilers, but they needed to invest further in research and development to improve performance. Sulzer readily agreed to Oscar's terms, fully aware of the lucrative potential of a long-term partnership with Deutsche Werft. Oscar had made it clear that the order for 48 boilers was only the beginning. More would follow as Germany's naval industry expanded, and he encouraged Sulzer to invest heavily in research to enhance the technology.

In terms of power systems, as the size and armament of warships increased, so too did their need for more robust propulsion. The steam turbines and oil-fired boilers would provide the necessary energy to propel larger and heavier ships. Without them, the "Nassau-class" battleships—and any future ships—would struggle to maintain speed, a fatal disadvantage in combat.

As January 1905 drew to a close, Oscar left Berlin for Augsburg in Bavaria. His destination was clear: he was on a mission to secure the technical expertise needed to propel his new venture forward. Deutsche Dynamics Manufacturing Company, the company Oscar had founded, would be focused on producing a wide range of engines—automobile engines, steam turbines for warships, aircraft engines, and even diesel engines for submarines. But there was one more critical piece to the puzzle: he needed a genius to lead the development of diesel engines.

And there was no better person for the job than Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine himself. Diesel's genius had already revolutionized the world of engines, but his contributions had been largely ignored in Germany. If Diesel could be convinced to join Deutsche Dynamics, the potential for innovation in the realm of engines was limitless.

Oscar's motivation wasn't just about business—it was personal. Diesel was still young, and though his inventions had made him famous, he was struggling with financial instability. If Diesel's talents were harnessed properly, it would not only propel Deutsche Dynamics to the forefront of engine technology, but it would also save Diesel from his financial ruin. Oscar understood that the diesel engine was the future, especially for applications like tanks and submarines, and if he could bring Diesel on board, it would be a game-changer for his company—and for Germany's military future.

The journey to Augsburg was more than just a business trip; it was the next step in building an industrial empire that could reshape the course of history. With Diesel's genius in his ranks, and the support of Krupp, Sulzer, and other industry leaders, Oscar was determined to ensure that Germany would be ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.