The Rise of German empire

Hindenburg and Ludendorff were stunned, their expressions betraying disbelief. The sheer power of the newly envisioned infantry division left them awestruck.

"Your Highness, are we truly going to implement this?" Hindenburg asked, struggling to process the audacity of the proposal. "If we reorganize the divisions as per your plan, their firepower will be unmatched. No other nation in the world will be able to contend with us."

Under the current system, a German infantry division was armed with 54 77mm field guns and 18 105mm light howitzers. In comparison, the French equipped their infantry divisions with only 36 75mm field guns, famous for their rate of fire but hindered by a smaller caliber. The Russian divisions fared little better, boasting 48 76.2mm field guns that were less effective in terms of range and firepower.

But Oscar's proposal changed everything. By equipping each German infantry division with an additional 18 105mm howitzers and 18 155mm heavy howitzers, they would possess an overwhelming firepower advantage. Traditionally, 155mm howitzers were reserved for corps-level artillery; introducing them to infantry divisions would give the German Army an unprecedented edge in battlefield dominance.

Oscar leaned forward, his tone confident. "To ensure victory in future wars, we must strengthen the firepower of our troops. Artillery is the backbone of any army. With more powerful artillery, our divisions will dominate the battlefield, capable of long-range strikes that keep enemy forces at bay and minimize our casualties."

"But Your Highness," Ludendorff interjected cautiously, "equipping the army with so many additional artillery pieces will significantly increase military expenditures."

Oscar waved his hand dismissively. "Do not concern yourself with that. I will fund it myself. I have no illusions about receiving additional funding from the General Staff, especially with Moltke opposing us at every turn. This cost is negligible to me. The lives of our soldiers are far more valuable than a few hundred cannons."

Hindenburg and Ludendorff exchanged glances, both impressed and relieved. They knew of Oscar's immense wealth, and his willingness to use it for the betterment of the army was a testament to his dedication.

"Your Highness, with this level of artillery, our divisions will undoubtedly be the most formidable in the world," Hindenburg remarked, his voice tinged with admiration.

Oscar nodded firmly. "That is precisely my aim. The lives of our soldiers are precious. We must not squander them in battles where superior firepower could have turned the tide. If one shell isn't enough, we will fire ten, or even a hundred. Preserving the lives of our troops is paramount."

This philosophy struck a chord with the generals. While both were hardened veterans accustomed to the horrors of war, Oscar's concern for the lives of ordinary soldiers was a refreshing perspective. It was rare for a leader to prioritize the welfare of troops over costs or tradition.

"In addition to artillery," Ludendorff added, "the machine gun firepower of our infantry battalions will also see substantial enhancements. Each battalion will now have 15 heavy machine guns—six 12.7mm and nine 7.62mm—and 33 light machine guns. They will also be equipped with 18 60mm light mortars and six 81mm medium mortars. This will vastly increase the firepower available to frontline units."

Oscar smiled. "Exactly. Traditional methods of warfare—such as massed ranks of infantry—are no longer viable. Machine guns have made such tactics suicidal. I foresee that future wars will evolve into trench warfare, with both sides digging in and relying on machine gun nests to hold their lines. Breaking through such defenses will require immense firepower, particularly mortars and heavy artillery. By equipping our divisions with these tools now, we will have a decisive advantage."

Both generals nodded in agreement. The logic was sound, and the scenario Oscar described was becoming increasingly likely as technology advanced.

Oscar continued, "We must also address the squad-level firepower. Each infantry squad will be equipped with a light machine gun, a sniper rifle, and a grenadier. Additionally, we will replace the Mauser 1898 rifle with the M1 semi-automatic rifle. Though the M1 sacrifices some long-range accuracy, its higher rate of fire will make it far more effective in close-quarters combat. With these changes, a single German squad will be able to engage and defeat two or three enemy squads."

The generals were once again taken aback. The concept of equipping squads with such advanced weaponry was revolutionary.

"The key to victory lies in the men who wield the weapons," Oscar concluded. "By giving our soldiers the best tools available, we ensure their survival and enhance their effectiveness. Germany's strength lies not just in its technology but in the will and skill of its people. We owe it to them to provide every possible advantage."

Hindenburg and Ludendorff saluted in unison, their faces resolute. Oscar's vision was bold, but it was also undeniable. The reforms he proposed would not only reshape the German Army but set a new standard for military excellence.