Holy Roman Empire

Chapter 414: Expanding War

The Industrial Revolution has not impacted the global situation, and the application of electricity has only just begun. In the eyes of many at that time, the main use was illumination.

High-power generators had only just emerged, and the industrial application of electricity had not yet started. Influenced by Franz’s butterfly effect, this industrial revolution began its prelude from Austria.

The protagonists of the original timeline have now become dim and lackluster. Prussia, which established the Second Reich, was still locked in a struggle with Russia, while the formidable United States was still licking its wounds from the civil war.

After the division, the internal market in the United States was no longer able to support an industrial revolution. The heavy casualties of war, accompanied by exorbitant pensions and internal contradictions between states, all constrained the development of the federation.

The economic prosperity after the Civil War in the original timeline is now nowhere to be seen. The great powers do not work for free. The intervention of the four nations was done for their own benefit.

After the war, goods from Britain, France, and Austria flooded the entire American continent, serving as everyone’s reward for their participation in the conflict.

Due to internal contradictions, Spain fell behind in the Industrial Revolution and did not enjoy these benefits.

...

Since the abolition of serfdom by Alexander II, Moscow, the second-largest city in Russia, has entered a period of rapid development.

As the second largest industrial region in the Russian Empire, Moscow’s workforce has already exceeded half a million, with a total population of over a million, making it the fourth-largest city in Europe by population.

With a large population comes numerous social conflicts, providing fertile ground for revolutionaries. Since the reforms of the Russian government have only been halfway implemented, there was no time to establish a complete system.

While the emerging bourgeoisie has benefited from the reforms, they still seek greater rights and influence. Waiting for Alexander II to continue the reforms? Unfortunately, they cannot wait any longer.

Moreover, while Alexander II’s reforms have protected their interests they have not granted them access to the inner circle of power.

To exert pressure on the government, these individuals have not hesitated to collaborate with revolutionary parties. However, this collaboration is limited to providing support in secret; they dare not openly rebel.

Under the coordination of the British, the revolutionary leader Matvei Trotsky returned to the country. This time, they planned to launch an uprising in Moscow, not St. Petersburg, because the Tsar had troops there at his disposal.

A change in the Tsar’s military deployment has temporarily pacified internal factions. Unlike France, the relationship between the military and civilians in Russia is not as close.

Therefore, they naturally chose a place with a weak military presence but significant influence. Moscow was the best option. Its strategic location means that a successful uprising could split Russia into two.

Matvei Trotsky felt a heavy burden on his shoulders. Even though they seemed to have many supporters now, the chances of a successful uprising remained very low.

In the past two years, the revolutionaries have attempted five or six uprisings, all ending in failure. Their best achievement was occupying a small town before being suppressed by the Russian army.

Now, there are many people supporting their uprising: the British, the French, the Prussians, the Swedes...

In addition to international support, there are domestic revolutionary groups composed of various factions dissatisfied with the reforms including radical reformists, conservative groups with vested interests, and landless peasants...

These people hope for the revolutionaries to launch an uprising but do not necessarily want them to overthrow the Russian government. Their so-called support is limited to causing trouble for the Russian government.

Matvei Trotsky inquired with concern, “August, have we obtained the weapons?”

August replied joyfully, “Don’t worry, sir, we’ve got them. I personally inspected them, and all 180 rifles are imported from Austria.”

Trotsky nodded. Since the last Russo-Turkish War (Near East War), Russians have grown accustomed to using Austrian equipment.

Using Austrian imported weapons for this uprising, apart from their good quality, also carried the intention of shifting blame.

This is a tactic commonly employed by the British, where success means great profit, and failure is not a concern. They have had conflicts with the Russians for the longest time, so they have nothing to lose.

As the executor, Matvei Trotsky naturally has no objections. Despite not being personally anti-Austrian and even being a supporter of the Austro-Russian alliance, it doesn’t hinder him from accepting British assistance.

Compared to before, the British government is now starting to pay attention to appearances. They no longer openly gave support and have instead channeled aid through the Kingdom of Prussia.

This isn’t necessarily a change of heart for the British but rather a shift in strategy due to changing circumstances. Previously, with both Britain and Russia vying for world dominance, both sides naturally employed all means at their disposal.

Now that the Russian Empire has temporarily withdrawn from the race for global supremacy, the victorious British must restrain their actions and maintain a good international reputation.

A superpower cannot rely solely on force but needs to make more use of diplomatic means to solve problems. During this period, the British government naturally needs to maintain discretion.

…

Undercurrents were swirling within the Russian Empire, as the British also proposed negotiations in London.

The negotiations were very unsuccessful. The Russian representatives demanded the lifting of the blockade on the Baltic Sea by the British, which was met with refusal, leading to a deadlock in the negotiations.

However, the negotiations did not affect the situation on the battlefield; the war continued unabated. Under Moltke’s command, the Prussian army fought as they retreated, while the Polish uprising forces were sacrificed as cannon fodder to the Russians.

The consecutive victories boosted the morale of the Russian troops, and it seemed like the war was about to come to an end.

Looking at the military map, Franz sighed. Despite appearing to have the upper hand, the Russian army was actually in danger.

While contracting their defensive lines, the forces of the Kingdom of Prussia were also concentrating. Meanwhile, as the Russian army continuously advanced forward, their forces were inevitably becoming dispersed.

The battlefield has shifted from Belarus to Poland, and the Russians no longer enjoy the advantage of fighting on their own soil.

Although Poland is still technically their territory, the Poles stand opposed to them, making it no different from fighting in enemy territory.

Foreign Minister Wessenberg reported, “Your Majesty, we have just received news that the Far East War broke out two months ago, adding another front for the Russians.”

Franz was initially startled but quickly regained his composure. It was earlier than expected, but not entirely surprising.

On the one hand, it resulted from British diplomatic maneuvers. On the other hand, the Russians were currently at their weakest, making them vulnerable to such opportunistic actions.

Compared to Europe and Central Asia, the Far East held the least significance for the Russians and was also their weakest point in terms of strength.

Currently, the two battlefields in Europe and Central Asia have tied up a significant portion of Russian forces. Even if the Russian government wanted to reinforce the Far East, they were already stretched thin.

It’s not that Alexander II lacked troops or funds. The key issue is that Central Asia has become a war zone, and any reinforcements to the Far East would have to detour through Siberia.

Sending troops from Europe would take about a year, and even then, their numbers would have to be limited to ensure logistical support. These constraints almost certainly indicate that Russian failure in the Far East is inevitable.

Franz didn’t dwell on this topic and instead asked, “Are the Ottomans planning to take action?”

To encourage the Ottoman Empire to join the war, Britain, France, and Austria were all exerting pressure on them. The Ottoman government feared the Russians but they were also afraid of these three watchful hooligans.

The British and French navies frequently appeared in Ottoman ports under the pretext of demanding debt repayment. Austria was also sharpening its swords menacingly in the Sinai Peninsula, looking to reclaim the Holy Land.

Of course, officially, the Austrian government has never demanded the Ottoman Empire declare war on Russia. They’ve only conducted military exercises.

After these exercises, didn’t they withdraw from the Sinai Peninsula? They only left a regiment stationed on the peninsula, enough to prove that Austria had no intention of provoking war.

As for what the Ottoman government thinks, nobody knows for sure. But Britain and France have issued ultimatums to them. Either they fight against Russia or they face off against Britain, France, and Austria.

There’s certainly an element of coercion in all of this, but the Ottoman government dares not take risks. The Ottoman Empire owes debts to Britain and France that it cannot repay, and Austria is eyeing Jerusalem hungrily.

Everyone kept the Ottoman Empire around to tie down the Russians. If they can’t fulfill that role, their existence loses its purpose.

Despite Russia often defaulting on debts, they have the confidence to do so. Aside from this one exception, which among the other countries that dared to default on debts fared well?

For example, Mexico, whose previous government collapsed due to defaulting on debts. To collect the debt, the French sent troops to Mexico and placed Maximilian I on the throne.

Even distant Mexico couldn’t escape unscathed. Needless to say, the Ottoman Empire, which was much closer, was in an even more precarious situation. The use of military force to collect debts is an instinct of the great powers of this era.

Foreign Minister Wessenberg replied, “With the support of Britain and France, the Ottoman government has issued a nationwide mobilization order.

Currently, the Ottoman Empire has assembled a force of three hundred thousand troops, but they do not intend to attack the Caucasus. Instead, they aim to attack Constantinople.”

To be blinded by the lust for gains!

This idiom could not help but pop into Franz’s mind.

If they were to attack the Caucasus region, there was at least a possibility of seizing some advantage. Even if the Russians wanted revenge in the future, geographic advantages would still give the Ottomans a chance to hold their ground.

But Constantinople was different. The political stakes there were too great. The Russian government would sooner give up Poland than relinquish this place.

Once this city is captured, Alexander II would have no choice but to fight to the bitter end. Despite the internal turmoil and exhaustion of the Russian forces, the situation would change when it came to defending Constantinople.

Franz sneered coldly, “Since the Ottoman government wants to court death, then let them! It’s a good opportunity to test the results of their reforms. If they fail, then the Ottoman Empire deserves to perish.”

The Habsburgs and the Ottoman Empire have been longstanding enemies, so Franz naturally wants to carry on the noble tradition of his ancestors by eliminating this hidden danger from the East once and for all.

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