Empire Rise: Spain

Chapter 228: Anglo-austrian Alliance

The famous Number 10 Downing Street Residence of the British Empire.

This was originally the residence of the British Cabinet Government’s Finance Minister, but after the position of Finance Minister became the default responsibility of the Prime Minister, Number 10 Downing Street also became the recognized British Prime Minister’s Residence.

The current British Empire Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli resides in the Number 10 Downing Street Residence, and the surrounding houses are all occupied by high officials of the British Cabinet.

In the residence’s conference room, the British Cabinet Ministers had already gathered at this time. Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli scanned the room with a gloomy expression, then spoke: “Gentlemen, let’s hear your views. How should we handle the war on the Balkan Peninsula?”

In the three years since Benjamin Disraeli took office as Prime Minister, he has vigorously promoted policies of foreign aggression and colonial expansion, making the British colonial empire even more prosperous and powerful.

It is precisely because of his colonial expansion strategy that the British have kept a tight grip on the situation on the Balkan Peninsula, which is also an important reason for Britain’s attention to the Balkan Peninsula situation.

The Ottoman Empire is currently on the verge of collapse. If Britain does not send troops to support them, the war will likely end in a few months.

This is unacceptable to the British Empire. If Russia is allowed to control Constantinople and the Sea of Marmara, Russia’s Black Sea Fleet will be able to easily reach the Mediterranean Sea.

This would make Russia’s power in Central Asia even stronger, which is absolutely unacceptable to the British.

The Earl of Derby, the current Foreign Secretary, stood up first, looked at Benjamin Disraeli, and said: “The Ottoman Empire has notified us that if we cannot send troops to support them within a month, they will initiate negotiations with Russia.” Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli nodded without changing his expression. The situation on the Balkan Peninsula is already very clear. If the British do not firmly support the Ottoman Empire, defeat is indeed the only outcome for the Ottoman Empire.

Surrendering early to enter negotiations could preserve more land. If they drag it out until the Ottoman Army suffers a complete collapse, the Ottoman Empire will become a lamb to the slaughter.

“What is the Army Ministry’s opinion? If we intervene in the Balkan War, can the Army Ministry win an encounter battle against Russia?” Benjamin Disraeli turned his gaze to the British Minister of War and posed his question.

To stop Russia’s advance, a land battle with Russia is inevitable, unless Britain can rally other countries to pressure Russia together; otherwise, Russia will not back down to Britain alone.

“According to the information we control, Russia currently has over 350,000 troops on the Balkan Peninsula, and they are still continuously increasing.

If we want to repel the Russian offensive, we need to organize at least 200,000 troops, and moreover, we need the navy’s cooperation.” The Minister of War replied.

Although Russia’s weapons and equipment are inferior, they have already gained the advantage in the war. It is very difficult for Britain to obstruct the Russian Army’s offensive, let alone fighting in foreign lands.

“Prime Minister, I think to stop the Russian offensive, we must deepen our cooperation with the Austrians.” Foreign Secretary Earl of Derby continued to stand and said: “The Austrians have a powerful army; they can confront Russia on land.

At the same time, the Austrians are also worried about Russia’s expansion on the Balkan Peninsula and will surely be interested in our proposal.

For us, as long as we can avoid Russia swallowing the Balkan Peninsula alone and ensure that Constantinople and the surrounding lands are safe, that will fulfill our purpose.

We can even make the Balkan Peninsula more chaotic by drawing in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, letting the Austrians and Russians compete with each other.”

Benjamin Disraeli nodded. The British Government’s diplomatic policy emphasizes regional balance, and currently, only the Austro-Hungarian Empire can counter Russia on the Balkan Peninsula.

Moreover, there are no particularly intense conflicts between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Britain, making it indeed a suitable target for alliance.

Furthermore, creating competition between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Russia in the Balkan Region could also break up the Three Emperors Alliance between Germany, Russia, and Austria.

The Three Emperors Alliance poses a considerable threat to Britain, and if it can be dismantled, that would be something the British Government would be happy to see.

“Then contact the Austrians. If they also do not want to see Russia monopolize the Balkan Peninsula, we are willing to help them jointly repel the Russian offensive.” Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli said with a smile.

From this point on, both the Ottoman Empire and the British Empire turned their attention to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Meanwhile, on the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s side, Franz Joseph I was also urgently convening a meeting.

“The Russians have already mobilized over 500,000 troops, and the forces on the Balkan frontline are still continuously increasing. It appears that Russia is determined to defeat the Ottoman Empire in this war.” Austro-Hungarian Empire Emperor Franz Joseph I said calmly.

“Your Majesty, if the Russians achieve complete victory in this war, they probably will not easily hand over Bosnia and Serbia to us.” The Austro-Hungarian Empire Foreign Minister, who was also the Chairman of the Ministerial Council with prime ministerial power, Count Gyula Andrássy, stood up and said.

Since the establishment of the dual monarchy, the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s cabinet has been somewhat special. The Prime Minister’s power was completely dispersed, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire Foreign Minister, as Chairman of the Ministerial Council, is the theoretical Prime Minister of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

But as components of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria and the Kingdom of Hungary each have their own Prime Ministers, and even their own Austrian Empire Government and Kingdom of Hungary Government.

This also reveals the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s problems: the Imperial Government’s control over Hungary is completely insufficient.

In peacetime, this issue can still be covered up. But in times of war or other special periods, the Imperial Government will collapse due to lack of control over Hungary, ultimately leading to the disintegration of this special dual monarchy.

Emperor Franz Joseph I nodded; he also believed the Russians would not so easily honor their promises.

Although national credibility is important, sacrificing Bosnia and Serbia, two important regions, would make any country carefully weigh the gains and losses.

The reason the Austro-Hungarian Empire agreed to remain neutral in the war, besides Russia having Germany’s support, was also that the Ottoman Empire had British help.

Franz Joseph I originally thought that with British assistance, even if the Ottoman Empire could not win the war, it could drag the Russians into the abyss of a war of attrition.

But unexpectedly, after encountering trouble at the Plevna Fortress, the Russians quickly regrouped and directly drove the Ottoman Army near Plovdiv.

This will bring enormous changes to the situation on the Balkan Peninsula, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which had been watching from the sidelines, has finally become anxious.

“What is the British Government’s view? If the Ottoman Empire fails in this war, the British probably won’t stand idly by.” Franz Joseph I asked.

If possible, he did not want to face the Russians alone. Although the Austro-Hungarian Empire is one of Europe’s five traditional great powers, after losing the competition with Prussia, Austria has become the weakest among the five traditional great powers.

It could fight Russia, but the losses would be enough to make Franz Joseph I consider carefully.

“The British for now—” Foreign Minister Count Gyula Andrássy had not finished speaking when a knock came from outside the conference room.

Everyone’s gazes immediately turned to the conference room door. After the door opened, the Royal Butler brought the Deputy Foreign Minister, waiting respectfully at the entrance.

“What is it?” Franz Joseph I asked.

“Your Majesty, gentlemen ministers. Not long ago, the British Government sent a telegram asking if we are willing to mobilize troops to intervene in Russia’s war, and they indicated they would dispatch navy and army to help us intervene together.

As long as we are willing to mobilize troops to intervene in Russia’s offensive and ensure the Russians do not set foot in Constantinople, the British are willing to let us take the Bosnia and Herzegovina region.” The Deputy Foreign Minister said respectfully.

Franz Joseph I immediately stood up, his eyes full of excitement, and asked: “Do you have the original telegram?”

“It has been brought, Your Majesty.” The Deputy Foreign Minister respectfully handed over the original telegram and quietly awaited Franz Joseph I’s decision.

“Your news is very timely; this will change our diplomatic strategy.” After reading the entire original telegram, Franz Joseph I looked at the Deputy Foreign Minister with a satisfied smile.

“Since the original telegram has been delivered, I shall take my leave.” The Deputy Foreign Minister was perceptive and did not linger at the meeting site.

After the door closed again, the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s ministerial council resumed.

Franz Joseph I breathed a sigh of relief and instructed the guard to pass the original telegram in his hand to all cabinet ministers to view.

“Let’s hear your views. Should we mobilize troops to intervene in Russia’s offensive as per the British request?” Franz Joseph I asked.

After the many cabinet ministers finished viewing the original telegram, they each fell into contemplation.

Foreign Minister Count Gyula Andrássy stood up first and said: “If the British are really willing to dispatch the Royal Fleet, I believe this is an excellent opportunity.

The British do not want Russia to control Constantinople. For the safety of Constantinople, they are of course willing to offer the Bosnia and Herzegovina region as a reward.

With British help, at least the Russians will not pose too great a threat to us. After we control the Bosnia and Herzegovina region, we can still infiltrate Serbia and even influence the more southern Montenegro region.

To protect Constantinople’s safety, the British will certainly not allow Russia to obtain Bulgaria. In this way, we get the Bosnia and Herzegovina region, Russia gets Romania, and we remain on the same starting line.”

Before the other cabinet ministers could react, the current Hungarian Prime Minister Kálmán Tisza could not sit still and hurriedly stood up: “Your Majesty, I believe we should consider this carefully.

If we offend the Russians, our borders will face enormous risks. The Russians can mobilize over a million troops at any time. Even if we can resist their offensive, it will disrupt our agricultural production and economy.”

The Austro-Hungarian Empire and Russia are adjacent, and the adjacent region is northern Hungary’s Galicia and Lodomeria.

If conflict erupts between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Russia, Russian troops are likely to attack Hungary from the directions of Galicia and Romania.

Austria is even further west, and Russian troops would only have a chance to attack Austrian lands after occupying all of Hungary.

This is extremely unfavorable to the Hungarians. Once conflict breaks out between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Russia, Hungary would become the frontline.

The Hungarians are not so foolish. Although they are also pleased with the empire occupying Bosnia, they would absolutely not be happy if it put Hungarian homeland in crisis.

“Hmph! Are we the only ones who can mobilize a million troops?” Current Austrian Prime Minister Prince Adolf von Auersperg snorted coldly and directly refuted Hungarian Prime Minister Kálmán Tisza’s view: “

We can also mobilize a million troops, not to mention we have British support. Britain’s Royal Fleet can enter the Black Sea at any time and threaten Russian port cities.

If Russia does not want to repeat the defeat of the last Crimean War, they will inevitably compromise with us.

Of course, we are not afraid of war with Russia either. If we can thoroughly defeat the Russian offensive, the Balkan Peninsula will be under our control.

Then what we gain will not just be the Bosnia and Herzegovina region; perhaps Serbia can also be held in our hands.

After obtaining these lands, the empire’s strength will greatly increase, and we will become a superpower capable of contending with Britain, France, and Germany once again.”

The differing views of the Austrian and Hungarian Prime Ministers actually represent the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s current dire situation. Although the Austro-Hungarian Empire is composed of the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary, this does not mean the two countries’ governments will reach a unified opinion.

Precisely because of this, the Austro-Hungarian Empire faces many restrictions when promulgating policies. Imperial policies can only affect regions like Bohemia, Austria, Croatia, and Dalmatia, while the Kingdom of Hungary selectively implements them.

The Austro-Hungarian Empire has no choice in this; the Kingdom of Hungary is an important grain-producing area of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Hungary’s farmers and nobles also hold great right to speak.

Hearing Austrian Prime Minister Prince Adolf von Auersperg’s unceremonious refutation, Hungarian Prime Minister Kálmán Tisza’s face flushed alternately pale and green, but he ultimately snorted coldly and said no more.

“Alright, since you each have your arguments, why not decide by vote.” Franz Joseph I broke the awkward atmosphere in the conference room and spoke.

As the founder of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Franz Joseph I enjoys enormous prestige in both Austria and Hungary.

It is no exaggeration to say that Franz Joseph I’s importance to the Austro-Hungarian Empire is irreplaceable. Half the reason the Austro-Hungarian Empire remains closely united is because of Franz Joseph I’s immense prestige and trustworthiness.

Since Franz Joseph I had decided on a vote by all ministers, the others naturally raised no objections.

In the end, those in favor of intervening in Russia’s offensive still held the majority, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire thus decided to intervene in Russia’s offensive.

But before intervening against Russia, some diplomatic preparations were still very necessary.

“First, let’s mobilize our troops.” After the vote result, Franz Joseph I issued his order: “We still need to contact the British again to ensure they will really dispatch the navy.

Additionally, if we can force the Russians to stop their offensive through diplomacy, that would of course be even better. If we can avoid war with the Russians, it will spare us greater casualties.”

Franz Joseph I slowly issued commands, and the ministers in the conference room listened quietly with extremely serious expressions.

“By the way, don’t forget our ally Spain.” Franz Joseph I seemed to remember something and said with a smile: “Having one more ally’s support on the diplomatic front gives us one more chance of victory.

The Foreign Ministry, remember to contact Spain. If Spain stands with us, our diplomatic pressure combined with Britain’s will make the Russians take notice.

Even if Spain is unwilling to join the war, their diplomatic fleet is very important to us. Additionally, Spain’s military industry scale has developed quite well; our military industry experts seem unwilling to return.

If war really breaks out, Spain may be our main source for purchasing weapons.”

Before being excluded from the German region, the Austro-Hungarian Empire had many allies, mostly southern German states.

After the establishment of the German Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s allies now number only three: Germany and Russia from the Three Emperors Alliance, and Spain.

Russia is the main competitor on the Balkan Peninsula and the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s war target, so no need to elaborate. Germany remains neutral in the conflict between Russia and Austria and leans toward Russia in this war, clearly unreliable.

Only the weakest Spain is currently the most dependable country, although Spain is unlikely to join this war.

Hearing Emperor Franz Joseph I’s instructions, Foreign Minister Count Gyula Andrássy nodded respectfully, indicating he understood.

“Additionally, if Russia’s offensive is truly unstoppable, then our troops should directly enter the Bosnia and Herzegovina region and occupy all of Bosnia and Herzegovina before the Russian Army arrives.

Anyway, the Russians previously promised us the Bosnia and Herzegovina region. As long as we create this fait accompli, they have no reason to refute.

In any case, no matter the choice, we must be one of the beneficiaries of this war. Do you all understand?” Franz Joseph I said with a smile, continuing his arrangements.

For the shrewd Franz Joseph I, he had actually anticipated that the Russians would not keep their word even before reaching the agreement with Russia.

But no matter; the Austro-Hungarian Empire will forcibly achieve the outcome previously agreed with Russia. Anyway, Russia and the Ottoman Empire’s main forces are currently in the Bulgaria region, and Russia has no time for the Bosnia and Herzegovina region.

No matter whether the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Britain can obstruct Russia’s offensive, as long as it ensures the Austro-Hungarian Empire occupies the Bosnia and Herzegovina region, Franz Joseph I’s goal will have been accomplished.

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