Capítulo 142: The horseman of Famine (July-September, 1896)
Diplomacy: The Anti-Ottoman League]
"This is the time to start the military mobilizations, we will never have another opportunity like this to destroy the Ottoman Empire, its traditional allies have abandoned it and are now fighting among themselves." Tsar Alexander III proclaims in a diplomatic meeting with King Carol I of Romania, Nicholas I of Montenegro, George I of Greece, Bosnian delegates and the Bulgarian Regency Council, among other envoys.
"Do we declare war immediately?" Some of the Greeks and Bulgarians ask.
"Not yet, but the Ottoman Empire surely knows its days are numbered. We will only move troops to the borders and wait until October, or December at the latest. Then we will declare war on the Ottoman Empire." Tsar Alexander III explains.
"Doesn't it seem a bit dangerous to give them time to prepare?" Carol I questions.
"We surpass them in number and armament, we have a more powerful navy and we have planned every detail, also as we already mentioned, the Ottoman Empire is alone. Giving them a few months will not change the result, besides we still have to wait a bit for Kurdistan, it is the least prepared country of the group. " Tsar Alexander III finishes, and his word is accepted by the meeting.
The kingdoms of Greece and Bulgaria began their mobilizations first, accompanied by some Romanian reinforcements. Obviously such movements would not go completely unnoticed in the Ottoman Empire.
Meanwhile the Kurds, Montenegrins and Bosniaks were preparing for their respective mobilizations.
The army of the Russian Empire did not take long to prepare either, the Russian ships were getting ready in the Black Sea, entering Bulgarian-Romanian territorial waters for "joint exercises".
The economic, diplomatic, political and social situation within the Ottoman Empire went from bad to worse, the Fashoda war only effectively isolated the Ottoman Empire much more, limiting its diplomatic and economic potential.
Meanwhile the nearby Serbia of Alexander I felt threatened, and sent strong diplomatic comments against the Greek-Bulgarian mobilizations due to fear of a possible war of these two states against Serbia.
Of course the scene of a war against Serbia was already within the operations, any misstep by King Alexander I of Serbia would condemn his country to a Balkan intervention that would oust him from the throne in favor of Peter Кarađorđević.
Meanwhile the international scene, outside of the aforementioned Ottomans and Serbs, did not pay attention to the mobilizations in Eastern Europe and the Balkans directed against the Ottoman Empire.
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[Fashoda War: War Trade]
Russo-Italian exports to France simply exploded.
The United Kingdom had tried a bit of diplomacy regarding the kingdom of Italy (offering a bit of French territory in Africa) in exchange for supporting the British blockade of French ports on the Mediterranean Sea, but Umberto I's Italy (partly by of his own free will and partly due to foreign pressure) denied that offer.
Through Tunisia and through the Italian navy, farmers and products from southern and northern Italy (agricultural and industrial) began to be sold to France to support this country's war effort.
Russia on the other hand profited immensely from the conflict with the sale of agricultural products, steel, weapons, industrial equipment and tractors (among others) to France, either through land or the Baltic Sea.
Germany allowed it, very favorably, even making some less taxes allowing more Russian products to France (of course Russia gave some "thank you payments" to Germany).
Any pretense of a British blockade was rendered useless, and they did not have the support of anyone in that regard (except Portugal, but their navy could not do much).
The British simply could not stop the Italian-Russian trade to France by hook, and doing so by hook would be a hefty sentence (at the diplomatic level).
This assumed that the French navy, while on the ropes, was not even so threatened for the logistics of the war, as they paid (with English money and money extracted from colonial products, and other transactions) to the Russians and Italians for resources by course.
The important thing was to feed the French army, since the campaign would be fought mainly on the African continent (any operation to attack the British Isles or mainland France was simply a waste that would require millions of men and expenses).
And here lies a huge problem for the United Kingdom, its navy could sink many French boats, but even so they had to respect other nations that, although they claimed to be neutral, sold important material to France.
There was also the problem of the army, facing the French kilometer by kilometer with machine guns, in deserts or jungles (it depended a bit on the place).
The army initially supported the cause, but by how much more?
*******
This war trade meant something considerable, the Franco-Italian rapprochement, at the diplomatic level both countries had nothing to lose, in fact France needed allies and it was obvious that at this time Italy was more suited to France than the United Kingdom (especially when Italy aimed more at Libya, not Algeria).
In response Austria-Hungary soon chose her place, asserting itself in the British countryside (because they also needed British help in Borneo).
This might seem useful ... but the truth is that Austria-Hungary was indeed a drag, its only "ally" was Serbia, due to the pro-Austrian positions of the dynasty, but in addition to that all the Balkan states, Germany, Italy and France were now against Austria-Hungary.
In addition, the United Kingdom had to continue spending resources in the Austrian Borneo, precisely what kept Austria-Hungary in the English field.
In other words, having to divert resources very far from the territory of the conflict (Africa), it was simply not convenient, especially with Egypt under threat.
*******
Fortunately Russia seemed to remain neutral, but obviously the UK and Russia were not going to be allies, Russia was simply too close to Germany and France at the time (commercially speaking).
Equidistant politics did not make the Russian government dumb, a distracted and spent Britain was what they wanted and needed now that they were targeting a war against the Ottoman Empire.
As long as the Fashoda war lasted, Russia could take the Straits and Constantinople, effectively without interruption.
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[Infrastructure and economic development]
The war was another economic boom for Russia, although its main buyer was France for obvious reasons, they could also sell material and agricultural-food products to the British (but they did not sell them arms or ammunition, because that would be supporting the British war effort , something Russia was not planning to do).
Sales needs motivated the exponential growth of vertical agriculture developed at the Grand Meeting of April, obviously favoring the growth of production and the necessary infrastructure.
In essence, Russia was already Europe's leading exporter of agricultural products, and Fashoda simply lifted the Russian state to a position much higher and harder to pull than before.
But agricultural development was not the only one to explode, Russia also began to increase the naval infrastructure around the end of July (day 27), especially in the Baltic, not only supporting the expansion of the navy, but also Russian exports to Denmark. , Germany, France, etc.
This was accompanied by railways, roads and highways in the Russian Baltic territories to precisely export Russian resources and products by sea to the aforementioned regions.
The region of Korea (part of the Russian Empire) experienced a first demographic mini-boom in early August 1896, caused not only by high birth rates and low mortality (with increased quality of life) but also by immigration and investment. .
During this period, companies such as the Park Seung-jik store (August 1), predecessors of the Doosan business conglomerate, were founded.
And in Africa, on August 14, the Uganda-Keniya railway was founded, which linked well, territories of German Uganda and Russian Keniya, which surrounded Lake Victoria to the Russian (colonial) city of Mombasa, increasing the exports from the Russian colony.
Of course we are talking about exports mainly in agricultural products and raw materials, not finished products, but any sale is useful for Russia, one of the largest exporters of agricultural products and raw materials.
*******
[Infrastructure and Economic Development: Cinematography and Refugees]
Obviously with the Fashoda war there are considerable population movements, many French leave the British territory but some do not return home and become a diaspora through various territories.
There are also French who leave France, such is the case of the Pathé brothers. Charles Pathé, Théophile Pathé, Émile Pathé and Jacques Pathé.
On September 28, the brothers founded the Pathé Frères company in Russia, where they settled after the start of the Fashoda war.
Pathé through this becomes one of the oldest film companies in Russia and the world in general, again this contributes to the Russian development in various considerable aspects (technological and economic).
Of course the number of refugees, displaced people and immigrants caused by the Fashoda war at this point in 1896 was still 'small', currently coming mostly from the UK (and its French inhabitants).
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[International]
*[USA]
July 9, the democratic national convention occurs, the US elections are particularly close and there is much to discuss, not only the economic situation but also the international situation could become important.
The United States was selling agricultural products to the United Kingdom and to a lesser extent to France, the Fashoda war and the Mexican purchase of the island of Cuba were curious points.
Some Americans advocated pro-British neutrality and others pro-French neutrality, or simply continued isolationism (no one particularly strong advocated intervention).
Regarding Cuba there was the decision of whether a war with Mexico for Cuba was inevitable or not, but it would have to be seen.
Regarding the Democratic convention proper, there were two main candidates, Adlai Stevenson I, president after the death of Grover Cleveland, and William Jennings Bryan.
Stevenson was seeking reelection after this term as interim president / un-elect, while Bryan was a 'new' face in the nomination race, he was not as experienced and younger than the rest of the candidates.
Both Bryan and Stevenson supported the free silver policy, and eventually Stevenson is elected as the presidential candidate. However after certain votes and deals, Bryan becomes the vice presidential candidate (aided by his public speaking skills).
Bryan as vice president begins to gather around him Democrats, Republicans of the free silver and populists.
*******
* [Francophones]
July 11, in Canada, more specifically in the French-speaking region of Quebec and some of the main Canadian cities, riots and lawsuits occur between the English-speaking and French-speaking populations of the region.
Canadian Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier was elected before the Fashoda war, and therefore as the first prime minister to be French-speaking, there are now many English-speakers who want to ... 'withdraw' their vote through force .
Laurier tries to keep things under control but it gets complicated, there are even political circles within the British aristocracy in London who distrust him.
Prime Minister Laurier tries to reassure the French-speakers of Quebec, but they are firmly opposed to the war against France, some even ask for autonomy, independence or to go to Franco as volunteers for the war.
The situation could become more and more volatile as London mentions the possibility that more soldiers will need to be recruited into the army from the citizens or natives of the colonies and dominions of the British Empire.
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*[Socialism]
In London long after the outbreak of the Fashoda war, delegates from the International Socialist Workers and Trade Union Congress meet in London to discuss various issues.
These included mainly British (over 400), Germans (48) and French (129), which obviously raised some problems among the more nationalistic and conservative parts of British society.
The Fashoda incident caused the dismissal of many liberals, moderate conservatives, socialists, Irish nationalists, etc., leaving right-wing extremists and the British aristocracy, now fervently opposed to all of the aforementioned, and the French.
But that is another matter, the point is that the socialist members of the congress of the Second International discussed and made some decisions.
* Oppose militarism and war, caused by imperialist and bourgeois motives.
* Support the independence of the Philippines, Macedonia, Cuba and other separatisms of the Ottoman Empire.
* Oppose tsarism and the monarchy.
* Decisions on political action (generally physical action and not voting or using the 'bourgeois' democratic system).
* Decisions regarding agricultural, educational and industrial policies.
None of this is particularly illegal, but it is viewed negatively and suspiciously by British elites, especially opposition to militarism and the Fashoda war.
********
In early August a heat wave kills more than 1,000 people in the United States.
August 16, Skookum Jim Mason, George Carmack and Dawson Charlie discover gold in the Klondike, Yukon, Canada.
August 17, first recorded automobile fatality in history. Bridget Driscoll was hit by a Benz car on the Crystal Palace grounds.
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* [The twilight of an empire]
August 23, 1896 arrives, and the cry of Pugad Lawin hits the last nail in the Spanish Empire, initiates the Philippine Revolution with the rebellion of members of the Katipunan (Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan, KKK) led by Andrés Bonifacio and de Castro.
This news, already remarkable in itself, only worsens when there is a confrontation between the Spanish navy and the Japanese navy, with a declaration of war by the Empire of Japan against the Spanish Empire.
The Imperial Japanese Army and the Imperial Japanese Navy had discussed what their objective should be now that Fashoda occurred, some supported the idea of taking the island of Hainan but finally won support for the taking of the Philippines because it was bigger and more secure. with more helpful resources.
Also, there just came a time too good to be true, leading to war for pure interests rather than animosity (although there was a bit of animosity).
The Spanish Empire of the Kingdom of Spain, led by Carlos VII, was stunned. So were other white societies and states in Europe, primarily Germany.
Despite the sale of Cuba, Spain barely had time to use that money on some kind of reform, and now they had not only the Philippine opposition but also a war against the Empire of Japan.
The truth is that Spain was not too stupid a country, it soon asked for help not only from Germany (with whom it supposedly had a deal) but also from France and the United Kingdom in exchange for their support in the Fashoda war.
Germany threw Spain under the bus because there were actually bigger issues, and France had no intention of helping because of its fixation on the Fashoda war in Africa.
This left the UK, which was too greedy, and attempted some diplomacy with Japan, but failed. Therefore the UK abandoned the miniscule attempt to aid Spain, effectively condemning the country.
However Spain and France then had a "rapprochement", Carlos VII planned to scare the United Kingdom about the possibility of an Iberian front, perhaps getting something in return (or at least that is what the Carlist government hoped to save face).
Faced with such actions, the United Kingdom sent some troops to Portugal, the problem was that this started some negative reactions within the Portuguese state, where there was already some opposition to the monarchy.
*******
August 27, the Anglo-Zanzibar war begins (which ends a few minutes later, becoming the shortest war in history), the United Kingdom establishes a protectorate over the Ashanti Empire, and in the Fashoda war the Nigerian front is opened.
Nigeria becomes a difficult place of conflict, with both sides, the French (on the offensive) and the English (on the defensive), resorting to a guerrilla war in the region's difficult terrain, or a trench warfare with machine guns (it depends of the moment).
The French begin to arm the natives defeated by the British and use those natives against the British once again, leading to British repressions against such groups, initiating and continuing a cycle of hatred and violence that only further complicates the war.
September 15, demonstrations of Irish Catholics and Italian nationalists in favor of France, these two groups form some voluntary bodies to support the French against the British.
Of course this does not sit well with the United Kingdom and Austria-Hungary.
September 22, a nationalist parade in France celebrating French victories at the time during the Fashoda war, an example of boulangist government propaganda.
*******
* [Fashoda War]
The situation in Fashoda was not good at all, for example the Nigerian front had been opened, and there were skirmishes and guerrillas between the two forces in some other territories.
But the important thing was not that, if not the march of General Marchand on Egypt, defeating the Anglo-Egyptian forces (legally Ottoman vassal territory but de-facto an English colony).
During the first months the French general was already marching on the English conquests in Sudan, not only that but he was also invading southern Egypt along the Nile, joining some Copts to his army against the English and Egyptian-Ottoman Muslims. .
This was unusual, terrifying. French forces were also fortifying themselves on the western coast of the Red Sea (Eritrea) to threaten the trade routes of the United Kingdom and the British Raj.
Then on September 30, the unthinkable happened, Marchand finally marched on the city of Cairo, inflicting another defeat on the British Empire (with certain French casualties of course, he did not come out totally successful).
And Marchand did not plan to stop there, on the contrary, the general aimed at Suez while his allies were strengthened in Eritrea.
This was unthinkable, it was scandalous in London for a Frenchman to inflict such defeats on the glorious British Empire, such defeats had not been inflicted since the Napoleonic wars (although of course Marchand was not as talented as Napoleon, but he had good officers).
Of course September was over, but Marchand was already planning to march to Cairo as soon as he could.
The Ottoman Empire did not want to get into this conflict, basically leaving Egypt and the United Kingdom to their fate. Which Marchand took advantage of to use Egyptian nationalist rhetoric against the Ottomans and British.
This allowed to recruit more Egyptians to the French army for the next military operations.
In the midst of all this, Georges Boulanger proposed to Italy obtaining Libya in exchange for greater Italian support in the Fashoda war, very tempting for King Umberto I (Wilhelm II wasn't in said diplomatic talks by the way).
Nicholas and Alexander III.
"I must say, I'm surprised, we currently have nothing to do with Fashoda or the Spanish-Japanese war." The Tsesarevich Nicholas exclaims in surprise.
"I know, I told you. There are going to be surprises for us too." Alexander responds calmly.
"Should we react to the Spanish-Japanese war?" The Tsesarevich questions.
"At most we are going to sell products and make loans to both parties, it is not our problem at the moment. The situation regarding Japan is under control." Tsar Alexander III explains.
*******
[Russia: Workers]
The Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich Romanov brought together a total of 30,000 workers from European Russia (mainly from the industrial sector) to listen to their demands regarding future workers' rights.
It was an event allowed by Tsar Alexander III, and it had no precedent in Russia, in fact there was no precedent in Europe in general, no heir would do something like that.
That was very special, it just triggered the popularity of Tsesarevich Nicholas with the working class.
Nicholas insisted on restraint, and that sadly not all demands could be met at the time, but the workers were already quite calm with the fact of the great Muscovite meeting and the insistence of the Tsesarevich that reform would come sooner or later.
The demands included, for example, the creation of trade unions and their rights-responsibilities, wishes regarding the minimum wage and working conditions, the hours of the daily working day, etc.
After this great meeting the Tsesarevich began to analyze everything and begin to present such requests and possible projects to Tsar Alexander III in the utmost secrecy, so that he would not enter into public knowledge that it was going to be modified or removed.
Tsar Alexander III raised the possibility that labor reforms would come after the Russo-Turkish war or in 1898-1899 as fixed years.
*******
[Dynasty]
The young Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich Romanov had been called by his father, Tsar Alexander III. "You are about to turn 18 by the end of the year."
"Yes." Michael exclaims somewhat confused by the sudden mention.
"You will start working immediately after that." Tsar Alexander III calmly reports.
"Wait, where? Why?" Michael asks surprised by the sudden news, of course the Grand Duke had studies and an ethics, but not exactly work experience.
"Because you are my son, Nicholas is governor of Moscow and Alexander ... well, he is not the smartest but still at least he is a loyal officer." Tsar Alexander III responds. "Regarding where, that's what I wanted to talk to you about."
The Grand Duke was presented with the opportunity to work as his father's secretary in Saint Petersburg or to be his older brother's secretary in Moscow, to work in one of the Romanov family companies, the diplomatic service or some minor administration in the empire.
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