บท 156: The end of a century (October-December, 1899)
Tsargrad]
Tsargrad, the Second Rome, capital of the Eastern Roman Empire formerly known as Konstantiniyye and Constantinople, was the jackpot for Russia since the last Russo-Turkish war in 1896-1897.
No piece of Anatolia or the Middle East was as valuable as the city and the straits, it had both historical and religious, cultural and more importantly, economic value.
The straits allowed Russia to freely send any product they wanted to the Mediterranean, allowed its commercial or military fleets to roam the region, and gave them other benefits through trade (part of Russia's New Silk Road, Bulgarian-Romanian trade towards the Mediterranean it passed through Russia now, etc).
The straits practically paid for themselves after the cost of taking them, through commercial activity and other activities (money left on pilgrimages and tourism, taxes, etc).
And with a Suez out of British hands, there weren't many problems for Russian exports, after all France was less than interested in getting Russia as an enemy in the middle of the Fashoda war, especially at a time where they wanted all the Russian resources that they wanted. could get for the war (agricultural products, metals and weapons).
So the city was doing very well economically, rebuilding the worst damage of the Russo-Turkish war, but even so the annexed regions had to be integrated into Russia.
With the Turkish-Muslim population having, for the most part, escaped the war (and thus going to various parts of Anatolia), there were many houses that were occupied by Orthodox citizens loyal to Russia. Great Russians, Little Russians and White Russians, Georgians, Armenians, etc.
Greeks, Bulgarians and Serbs, among other non-Russian Orthodox from the Balkans, were also welcomed in the region of course, they even had their own neighborhoods (not comparable to ghettos). They were not forced into Russification, but they were expected to naturally learn Russian since that was the language of the administration and that of many of the more important new priests.
With the Slavs this was relatively simple, with the Greeks and the few Romanians there were, not so much (but they did not represent a problem due to the Russian dominance over the region and the Russian economic-military power, much greater than the Greek or Romanian one).
The remaining Muslims were not forced to move, but some still did (either to Ionia or Cilicia). Those who did stay definitively managed to retain some autonomy according to Russian law, the majority Muslim neighborhoods maintained their religious authorities and created some new ones (zemstvo) according to Russian law.
Some encountered problems when certain mosques were turned into museums or Orthodox sites according to Tsar Alexander III, the most famous of which was undoubtedly the Hagia Sophia. But the most radical members of the Muslim community were displaced by various methods, whether collaborative and moderate Muslims or ... other methods.
The demographics of the city were still complex, with Orthodoxy dominating in 1900, but divided among Russians, other Slavs, Greeks, and Romanians, while the next largest religious group were Muslims (usually Turkish-speaking) and later other Christians ( non-orthodox).
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[Balkans]
The straits also gave Russia a foot in the Balkans, both at a military level (fleet, army, aircraft and later many other forms of weaponry) and at an economic-political level (continue to guarantee Russian political and economic influence in the region, ensure investments Russian, etc).
Russia had, in various ways, guaranteed its influence in key countries, especially in the Slavic countries, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Bosnia and Serbia (and to a lesser extent Macedonia, but this fell into the bag due to its economic dependence on the rest of the countries).
The infrastructure of Tsargrad and the straits was growing very quickly, it was not intended to damage historical sites (moreover they were protected, although in reality some were restored), but we talked about that many houses were modernized, bringing electricity, running water, and other improvements .
This also meant public transportation methods, new roads, etc. And among all this, Tsar Alexander III proposed a trans-Balkan railway, a railway from the straits to Veliko Tarnovo and Sofia (Bulgaria), Belgrade (Serbia), Podgorica and Bar (Montenegro).
Of course this meant more investment, infrastructure and economic development, it would facilitate Russian exports to the three countries, the passage of products from Bulgaria to the Mediterranean Sea, the access of Serbian products to the Adriatic or the Mediterranean Sea-Black Sea, and Montenegro would continue getting Russian money (which Montenegro needed and benefited from), etc.
And it put the three countries in the clutches of Russia, forcing the three countries to peace (indefinitely) and cooperation in exchange for money and economic development (it also helped the military dependence of Bulgaria, Montenegro and Serbia from Russia, either by training or weaponry).
The project was accepted by Peter I, Nikola I of Montenegro and the Bulgarian generals, which marked the beginning of the largest project in the Balkans on that date, which attracted the attention and investment of large traders and businessmen from all the countries involved and from other Balkan countries (Bosnia and Macedonia in particular).
The Balkans had entered a kind of reliance on the Russian golden age for their pseudo-peace and economic development (which seemed very similar to the term, trickle-down economics).
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[Alyáska]
Alyáska is a particular area of the Russian Empire, the only governorate located in America and disconnected from the great Eurasian empire.
This implied certain changes and differences between Alyáska and the rest of the Russian Empire, without reaching problems such as the separatism suffered by the Spanish Empire, the particular case of Brazil or the creation of dominions in the British case.
A region equal to or more difficult than Siberia, at least Siberia could be connected to the rest of the empire through land, rivers and railways, even with more infrastructure, population (number and density), etc.
To begin with, the region was populated through waves of fur trade, gold rushes, and oil deals, although other economic sectors also developed to a lesser extent.
In the 19th century with the Alexandrian development of the region, Alyáska ceased to be a colony administered by the Russian-American company and became a governorate with its own Zemstvos, and the population of Slavic-Orthodox grew not only but also other Ethnicities such as Finns, Native Americans, Asians (mainly Korean, Japanese and Chinese), among some others from the huge Russian Empire and nearby countries.
However with the relative isolation (the lack of a land connection, so a boat or other non-land transportation method was needed to get from Alyáska to Eurasia and vice versa), the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nature of the governorate, and the proximity of the English-speaking countries, cultural differences developed between Alyáska and Eurasia.
The existence of dialects of Alyáska has already been studied, which differ from Russian spoken in the Empire in the 19th century and from modern Russian because of this.
But there are also other differences, due to interactions with Native Americans and Anglo-speakers, in addition to climate and geography, there were quite a few changes in winter fashion and "traditional clothing" among the population.
Music and dance were also affected by a mixture of factors, up to a point.
Most of the population identify as Russians, but they are a type of Russian (either by citizenship or ethnicity) different from the Russians of Eurasia.
Basically Tsar Alexander III managed to turn Siberia's Siberia into a more functional part of his empire, productive in certain economic sectors (while it is dependent on the rest of the Empire for food and important products) and with a Russian identity with individualities / particularities.
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As in Eurasia, Alyáska had a small community of African Americans, citizens of the United States who, hearing the stories of racial equality in the Russian Empire, moved to the region to seek their fortune.
With relative successes, the Afro-descendant and Afro-Russian communities at that time were still somewhat small but treated with some dignity and respect by the authorities.
Of course, black immigration to Alyáska or Eurasia (Russia) were not very common, and even less to the Russian colonial empire.
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[Radio revolution]
It is the 4th of November when the SEiPK of Nikola Tesla and associates begins the mass production and sale of radios for civil use, leading to the popularization of radio as it had not been seen until that date.
Radio was an item for military use, particularly of the Russian armed forces and services (vital administration, intelligence services) but was now accessible to civilians, and had varied uses.
Radio programs, music and the most common use in their early stages, news and communication. SEiPK as a company, and Russia as a country led the way in the radio revolution, producing equipment and supplies for Russia, as well as exporting abroad.
No other country or company could produce such accessible civilian radios at that time, especially with the Fashoda war still in action and many countries still focused on the export of raw materials, agricultural products and weapons.
The Russians were also the first to take advantage of the radio for the use of the government to communicate propaganda to the population, the voice is as powerful as any image and now the population could hear such important figures as Tsar Alexander III himself, Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich, ministers and generals, etc.
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[International]
* [Fashoda]
The Fashoda war is not getting much better, France, UK and Germany are getting closer to a breaking point (economically speaking) but the war of insane still plans to take many more souls with it.
On October 11, the Boer states (Transvaal / South Africa and Orange) declare war on the British Empire, as a result of various tensions between the British and the Boer, Franco-German diplomatic moves, economic reasons, etc.
As a result of this new front of the war, various British positions and regiments are taken by surprise from behind, diverting British resources from the Mozambique-Tanzania front, where the Germans begin to have more luck against British soldiers.
Between October 13 and 14 the cities of Mafeking and Kimberley suffer from a siege product of the Boer forces. On October 30 the same thing happens in Ladysmith.
October 20, General Sir Penn Symons leads the British to victory at the Battle of Talana Hill, at the cost of great British casualties.
Under the influence of the surviving Commander Sir Penn Symons, Prime Minister Louis Alexander Mountbatten (and other members of the British government) accept the creation of tactics to destroy Boer land (burning farm fields, chemical attacks and so on) and eliminate human problems, which which leads to the creation of concentration camps.
The inhumane tactic leads to famines, pandemics of measles and other diseases, displacement and internment of civilians, etc.
November 24, 1899, the Royal Navy carried out the last military operation to recover Suez from French hands ... the operation was a failure at 6:46 p.m., forcing a large number of British troops to retreat from the sea Rojo and the Arabian Peninsula as a result.
Leaving the British Empire primarily based in Yemen and the truce states, Arab allies elsewhere on the peninsula turn their backs on the British.
However on November 29, the battle of Gibraltar is brought under control, even with the opposition and strike of British soldiers, the French and Iberian forces involved, the Royal Navy managed to maintain the position.
At the cost of enormous casualties of course, for relatively little gain, the British Empire lost veteran soldiers and army confidence, expending immense resources and succeeding in saving its islands in the Mediterranean, but it has lost footing throughout North Africa and vital parts of it. Arabia.
Casualties in the Battle of Gibraltar go up to 200,000.
Between December 10 and 11, the British lines are gaining strength in central Africa, advancing from their Congolese lines against the French generals in a trench warfare.
December 15, the first concentration camps are opened on the Boer front.
December 26, the Mangin Offensive (named after Charles Mangin) officially begins, an offensive aimed at defeating the British lines in central Africa to regain leadership on the Congolese front.
The offensive uses many of the resources at the disposal of the French, the railways built by Africans (forced) in the service of the army, the German lines, the support of native mercenaries, etc.
The offensive lasts 2 months and 19 days (March 13, 1900), being a turning point in the war, defined by a large number of casualties on both sides (both combatants and some non-combatants).
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* [Firipin]
In the Philippines-Japan conflict, the Empire of Japan after the massacre of 500 Japanese civilians, began the massive boatload of Japanese settlers to the Philippines.
However, even though Filipinos lose demographically in terms of numbers, it is not yet the end of the guerrilla conflict.
On December 2, the Battle of Tirad Pass, also known as the Filipino Thermopylae, takes place.
In this battle, forces of the Imperial Japanese Army suffer a strategic defeat at the hands of the Philippine government, where General-President Antonio Luna and the youngest general of the Philippines, Gregorio del Pilar, manage to delay the Japanese forces from their conquest of the center of the Luzon island.
Both President Luna and General Gregorio del Pilar manage to get out of the conflict alive, while Japanese control of the region continues to be limited to strategic and coastal points such as Manila.
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[Latin revolutions]
On December 16, revolutionaries ("troops", militias, allies and common people, among other diverse participants) from northern Italy successfully march on the south of the Italian peninsula, achieving various victories over the remnants of the Italian forces that they have not escaped to North Africa.
Initially during this period the French and German troops had started to have some victories in northern Italy, but then France is having trouble holding its front with Italy due to spending in Africa (Suez, Morocco, Central Africa) and Iberia.
Meanwhile the Germans, who were the last option, had to stop after many clashes and violations of Swiss neutrality during the conflict.
This delay in the Alps returns the initiative to the Italian Socialists, who have almost wiped out the Kingdom of Italy, and creates a threat of war between Switzerland and Germany.
However, the socialists have other problems as well, as they march on southern Italy, although they take Rome supported by the kingdom, they do not advance on Vatican City, inspired by fear of the world Christian community and the very religiosity of many of the followers of the movement.
The problem is that the Catholic Christian Church is not the best friend of socialism, and it could still be a problem in the future.
Fortunately at this time the Vatican, Germany (Germans and Dutch) and various Eastern Europeans (large and small Russians) see more important to support the Boer.
(OOC: This is true, curiously Russia, Germany, the Netherlands and the Vatican tried or gave support to the Boers).
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November 8, the Bronx Zoological Park in New York opens, due to an initiative of the New York Zoological Society.
November 15, first reports of US ocean liners reporting through wireless telegraphs designed by Guglielmo Marconi.
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* Perspective of Lvov.
"Alright, how much are we shipping?" Lvov questions his man, a union worker in Nikolayev, near the Black Sea coast.
"Over 2000 head of cattle, horses and farm equipment, our volunteers will be coming soon." The man responds quickly.
"Very well." Lvov exclaims positively before going to settle the paperwork matters.
Of course, the nickname Lvov cannot be used for such activity, a voluntary support against British imperialism from which the Boers suffer.
For this, Lvov must use his birth name, Lev Davidovich Bronstein.
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[Last days of the XIX century]
It is December 31st, the Russian Empire was about to change from Julian to Gregorian calendar with a new arrival of the century.
Meanwhile there were various celebrations, it was another prosperous year for Russia at the economic, social and political level, with Tsar Alexander III speaking on the radio with various of his subjects, military marches, religious celebrations, etc.
Kaiser Wilhlem II watched with enthusiasm an empire that he thought was supported on concrete and not clay (the Marxist Social Democrats were still enjoying success in early October in their opposition to the current German government), Albert Victor and Prime Minister Mountbatten were preparing the "normalization "of the Scandinavian situation (especially Sweden) but they had failed on various fronts and prices continued to rise, and finally in France, Generalissimo Boulanger was watching his pistol, attacked by depressive attacks and the problems of the French regime.
Although France could in theory continue, you cannot break what is already quite broken, there was diverse opposition in many ways.
In the rest of Europe things were not so good, and Tsar Alexander III knew this quite well.
"I assure you, the war is going to last until this year or the next." Tsar Alexander III insists on Tsesarevich Nicholas, governor of Moscow.
"How are you so sure?". Nicholas exclaims curiously.
"I am old, more in mind than body, I know a few things about how the men at the helm of this war work." Tsar Alexander III responds
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