The Rise of German empire

Potsdam, a picturesque town situated on the banks of the Havel River, lies only 27 kilometers southwest of Berlin. With its tranquil surroundings, lush greenery, and reflective waters, it had long been a retreat for German royalty. The majestic palace built here was more than just an architectural marvel; it was the Kaiser's refuge, where he spent more than half the year away from the politics and noise of Berlin.

By the riverbank, a young man sat quietly, lost in his thoughts. The setting sun painted the river in hues of gold and crimson, but he barely noticed. His face was somber, his mind seemingly detached from the serene beauty around him.

His name in a previous life was Qin Tian. Now, he was Oscar, a name that left him deeply conflicted. Every time he heard it, he thought of that world-famous American film award, the Oscars. Thankfully, in this era—where cinema was in its infancy—there were no such associations. Yet, the absurdity of his situation was undeniable. He wasn't just any Oscar; he was Prince Oscar, the fifth son of Kaiser Wilhelm II, Emperor of the German Empire.

The how and why of his journey to this world remained a mystery. A year ago, his soul had merged with this young prince, and he had been thrust into a life of luxury, privilege—and impending disaster. For this was not the 21st century but the early 1900s, a time when the world was inching closer to an unprecedented conflict.

A Wealthy Yet Isolated Past

Oscar's previous life had been one of material wealth but emotional distance. Born into a prosperous family, his parents were successful entrepreneurs who spent more time flying around the world for business than raising their son. Left to his own devices, Oscar had developed a passion for history, particularly military history.

Unlike the stereotypical wealthy second generation, who squandered their fortunes on hedonistic pursuits, Oscar became an introverted intellectual, immersing himself in books, artifacts, and models of war machines. His home had been a private museum of sorts, filled with collections of weapons, military uniforms, and historical relics. Among these, his fascination with Germany stood out.

To him, Germany was both a tragic and fascinating nation. Its people were industrious, disciplined, and innovative—qualities that allowed them to almost overcome impossible odds in two world wars. Yet, their efforts had ultimately led to catastrophic defeats, with devastating consequences for their country and people.

Oscar often speculated about alternate outcomes.

"If Germany had won the First World War," he had mused, "would the 20th century have unfolded differently? Would the Second World War and its horrors have been avoided?"

Such questions were, of course, idle speculation—until fate intervened.

A Sudden Shift

It had all started with an Iron Cross medal. Oscar, an avid collector, had acquired the medal at a high price, excited to add it to his collection. As he opened the package, a dazzling light engulfed him. When he regained consciousness, he found himself in a different body, in a different time.

The realization was both thrilling and horrifying. He was no longer Oscar, the wealthy history enthusiast. He was now Oscar, the fifth son of Wilhelm II, living in a world on the brink of transformation.

But the thrill quickly gave way to dread. Oscar knew the fate that awaited Germany—and its royal family.

The Second German Empire would collapse after World War I, and the royal family would lose everything. The young Oscar he now inhabited would live to the age of 60, but his life would be unremarkable, marked by exile and obscurity. Oscar had no desire to endure such a fate.

He gazed at the Havel River, his mind heavy with foreknowledge.

"It's already 1904," he murmured. "The Great War is only a decade away. Can Germany's defeat really be avoided?"

Germany's Strengths and Weaknesses

Germany in 1904 was a rising industrial power. Its factories and workshops churned out goods that rivaled and even surpassed those of Britain. In terms of industrial output, Germany was second only to the United States, and its advancements in military technology were unmatched in Europe.

But beneath this strength lay vulnerabilities.

First, Germany's industrial economy was heavily reliant on raw materials and markets from overseas. Its lack of natural resources, except for coal, was a glaring weakness. In the event of war, the British navy's blockade would choke Germany's economy, cutting off access to both materials and markets.

Second, Germany's geographic position in central Europe was a double-edged sword. While it allowed the country to dominate continental trade, it also left it surrounded by enemies. To the west, Britain and France were historical rivals. To the east, Russia posed a constant threat. The Austro-Hungarian Empire, Germany's nominal ally, was more a liability than an asset—a crumbling empire plagued by internal divisions.

Lastly, there was the issue of naval power. Kaiser Wilhelm II was determined to challenge Britain's dominance at sea, investing heavily in a fleet of battleships. However, Germany's resources were spread thin, as it also needed to maintain a powerful army to defend its land borders. The British, with their wealth and naval tradition, responded by outbuilding Germany. For every German battleship launched, Britain constructed two, ensuring that its naval supremacy remained unchallenged.

"It's like fighting a war with one arm tied behind your back," Oscar thought bitterly.

A Prince's Resolve

For the past year, Oscar had struggled to adjust to his new identity. Though he was surrounded by wealth and privilege, he felt none of the joy or security such a life should bring. Instead, he was haunted by the knowledge of Germany's impending collapse.

His behavior had changed, too. Once an outgoing and curious young man, Oscar had become withdrawn and introspective. The court whispered about his transformation, calling it a phase or a sign of illness.

But Oscar knew the truth. His soul carried the weight of history, and with it, a growing resolve.

"I refuse to let history repeat itself," he said softly, his voice firm despite the doubt in his heart.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the river. Oscar stood, his gaze fixed on the distant palace where the Kaiser and his court held sway.

"If I've been given this chance, it must be for a reason. Perhaps I can change things—rewrite the fate of Germany and its people."

The road ahead was fraught with danger, but Oscar had made his decision. He would not simply survive the coming storm; he would fight to shape its course.