บท 187: Which union is stronger? (January-March, 1906).
Persia: The Russian Bear, the British Lion and the Persian cat]
The year 1906 started well, there were international affairs to attend to on January 12. The Qajar dynasty, leaders of Persia (Iran), was suffering from a constitutionalist revolution.
A coalition of merchants (bazaar merchants), Ulama (علماء, scholars of Islam) and 'radical' reformers, sought to end foreign influence in Persia and the corruption of the late Qajar dynasty.
The Shah was using to support the wealthiest class-individuals (aristocrats) at the expense of Iran's resources and economy, sold to foreigners and with other concessions, which destroyed the national economy.
According to the revolutionaries, and in part it was true. The Shah sold many rights and resources to foreigners, increasing the foreign debt at the cost of obtaining joint interests on these rights-resources.
None of this money went to Persia (re-investment).
In 1904-1905, the Shah fulfilled his deals with Russia, imposing tariffs on British products and allowing Russian products (sugar, oil, etc.) to come to Persia easier, to pay off a loan.
The problem was that Russia produced an immense amount of all this, and they hurt the bazaar merchants. This caused price rises and protests in Tehran, which the authorities crushed through force.
Everything got worse when Iranian soldiers (including the Persian Cossacks) entered a mosque and in other conflicts killed 23 protesters, and wounded another 100. Among those killed was a sayyid (honorary title that people descendants of Muhammad receive).
The opponents were housed in a shelter on the outskirts of Tehran, while Mozaffar ad-Din Shah Qajar sought solutions, first firing his prime minister and establishing a 'house of justice'.
The British embassy and the Russian embassy in Tehran had to discuss this, there were over 12,000 protesters too close to the embassies, and after the experience in the Qing dynasty, the British and Russians did not want to leave these Persians close (or at least that's the accepted excuse at that time).
It also helped that the British were less willing to cooperate with the protests, due to the more reactionary doctrines of the British, and the protesters' opposition to the dominance of Persian oil by foreign powers.
The protests called for a majlis (a kind of parliament), which would limit the powers of the Shah, the Shah was old and fragile. His son, Muhammad Ali, did not sympathize with constitutionalism.
So Tsar Alexander III contacted Muhammad Ali and the British to get rid of these constitutionalists.
Shah Mozaffar did not do much, he was very absent due to his age and increasingly deteriorating health, giving the perfect opportunity for internal and external factors to invest.
Russia, Muhammad Ali and the British Empire agreed to certain deals, sowing discord among disparate constitutional elements to deal with the situation, in exchange for even more concessions on Persian soil from the prince, gaining more power from his absent father. .
The situation in Persia was not the best, but after Russia had annoyed the British Empire they reached an agreement, establishing some neutral zones in the center of Persia among their spheres of influence.
The successor, Muhammad Ali, begins to spend more time in Russia.
Tsar Alexander III warned the young man about the extreme possibility of violence, and cooperating with Russia, Muhammad Ali began to prepare for the possibility of conflict.
The Cossack brigade in Persia soon wins favor with the next Shah. And the Russian army improves its plans for the possibility of an intervention in northern Persia, after obtaining more information.
The British Empire on the other hand takes advantage of its new holdings, and some British elements gain more power in the south from the late Qajar administration.
Russia and the British Empire continue to drain Persia of resources, the south becomes more corrupt, and Russia becomes more influential in the north spending less money.
One of the few things Albert Victor and Alexander III could agree on on foreign policy.
********
[Duma: Reform]
Democratic reforms, a high degree of autonomy, and a strong feminist movement resulted in Finnish autonomists, independents, and MPs strongly supporting the expansion of Russian democracy to all women on a national level.
Proposal that existed very early in the Duma, thanks to leftists, some progressive and from the center, and the aforementioned Finns. The proposal meant that women could vote or be elected to the Duma.
This was controversial without a doubt, Russia was not the most progressive country in many respects.
Some insisted that women would already be represented at the National Congress of the Russian Citizens (Национальный конгресс граждан России, Natsional'nyy Kongress Grazhdan Rossii).
But there was something that undoubtedly began to attract the Russian right to the proposal, Russian women were usually not that different from Russian men. Product of the peasantry, the Orthodox Church and the tradition of Russian conservatism.
So more voters meant more votes for each party, which obviously wanted more power.
The right supported the idea of suffrage to obtain the votes of conservative women, the left to obtain the votes of women (many leftists were allied with or sympathized with feminist movements) and other MPs were simply progressive-reformists in these respects.
Tsar Alexander III also supported this idea of reform if the Duma accepted it.
Mainly because the tsar insisted that educational reform and the presence of women in various fields, especially medicine, made them capable of voting. Russia was simply no longer a purely peasant country.
It is said that Tsar Alexander III also supported the idea for the fact that it would be another reason to brag to the rest of Europe, especially the British (in the British Empire Australian women could vote in Australia and New Zealand, for now, in England English women could not vote).
Premier Witte also supported it to some extent, or was at least neutral after the votes.
For this reason, on March 20, the First Duma finally accepted the resolution, after some shots and loosens between both sides, granting the right to vote for Russian women for the next elections.
It also meant that Russia was the first non-socialist country (and therefore recognized, because most countries did not recognize the socialist countries of Europe) in Europe to allow women to vote. And because of this, is usually considered the first european country in did so.
* Socialist countries contributed to women's rights, but they were only recognized for the first time, by another country, in 1907.
Of course, women in Russia did not vote until the next election. Because there was no other opportunity in 1906,
In a relatively short time (6 months), political amnesty and the female vote had been achieved in the Russian democracy. Not the biggest renovations or events, but it was definitely a positive, for the moment.
What did not happen was the prohibition of the death penalty or the abolition of the worst Russian criminal practices (the Katorga and her descendants). The Russian Empire was still a tough place, and everyone knew or wanted a firm iron fist on the delicate administration of one of the largest empires in the world.
*******
Speaking of the criminal practices of Russia, although the arrangement and presence of the prisons and labor camps did not change much (at least they did not expand), if some new laws were made.
For example, the illegality of sodomy and other forms of consensual homosexuality between two adults was approved, basically leading to a repression of homosexual rights in Russia.
Nothing strange during the early twentieth century.
In part it may have been another bone towards the Russian conservatives after female law, or simply part of the homophobic natures-tendencies of the time, considering that in nearby Germany and the socialist world there were strong growths of homosexual, transgender, societies or clubs, etc.
"It's sad.
The denial of homosexuals can make they an element against the state, sympathizing with foreign or anti-state ideology forces.
But in turn, many of the elements of society see them as a degeneration of values.
And if I have to choose between the conservative church and gay rights, I have to choose the conservative church because it is the basis of some of my power.
Added to this, vetoing the bill could result in anger on the part of conservative-centrist MPs, and the church. "
* Note from Tsar Alexander III to his son, Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich.
It goes without saying that Russia had a history of homosexual personalities and repression of homosexuals, a mixture of everything. There were even notorious conservatives who perpetrated homosexual activities, sometimes notorious scandals, sometimes overlooked events, and other times hidden by influence, power and money.
********
Among other events, there were many discussions about the Russian administration model in the First Duma during January-March 1906. (Which also helped the first anti-filibuster laws by the way).
Russia was a centralized and unitary state, simply because of the tradition of the Russian administration. There were positions and traditions like military regiments that were decades or centuries old, cared for through a meticulous bureaucracy.
Some thought it was too much, or wanted autonomy, proposing the federalization of the Russian Empire to allow better administration.
Of course this went against the nationalists and those who did not want the federalization of Russia, as they saw it as a problem.
This did not lead to anything, but it showed certain tendencies.
The Poles for example wanted more autonomy for the Polish Congress, other autonomists, as their name suggests, too.
* Finland currently only wanted to maintain its autonomy, the Finns were active collaborators in keeping other minorities down.
Some leftists proposed federalization, but centrists and conservatives preferred the status quo, even some leftists were against the federalization of Russia (Iosif Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili for example, but this is a matter for another time).
"The Russian right insists that supporting self-determination of peoples and minorities is supporting separatism. That is a silly idea.
It is like saying that by supporting divorce laws, one is against family values. "
* Vladimir Lenin, Russian-German socialist.
The definition of self-determination has undergone certain changes, in theory it remains the ability of a people to determine their own destiny, but in a world of exploitation, imperialism and colonialism, not all peoples have this right.
To determine its own destiny, a people needs strength, economic strength, military strength, political strength.
*******
[Dynasty]
On March 7, the last son of Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich Romanov and Princess Elena of Montenegro is born, this is Grand Duke Sergei Nikolayevich Romanov.
Thus completing the family of the Tsesarevich and his wife:
* Nicholas Nikolaevich (Novermber 11, 1896)
* Mikhail (January 8, 1899)
* Maria (August 11, 1901)
* Cyril (August 15, 1903)
* Sergei (March 7 1906).
*******
*March 10th.
Tsar Alexander III receives his new grandson for the first time, after the Tsesarevich and Princess Elena had been in Hungary, learning a little about the new kingdom run by the Romanovs.
"Happy birthday old man." Nicholas exclaims.
"Oh yeah ... wait, how old am I ... 61!" Alexander thinks for a few moments.
"Surprised or just forgetful?" Nicholas exclaims, settling in next to his father.
"A bit of both. First, I didn't think I'd get that far. Second, it's hard to think of my birthday, I still remember another date..." Tsar Alexander III mentions. "Anyway, young Nicholas is turning 10 in a few months, I can't wait" The grandad inside the tsar exclaims.
*******
[Chess]
January 31, is a curious day for Russia, the city of Kolomna, in the governorate of Moscow, becomes the city of the Russian Chess Empire, when many of the clubs of Russian fans and champions (from the peasantry, the aristocracy , Army and Navy) meet for games and other similar events.
Also celebrating the tradition of Russian chess, which was only on the rise with the Alexandrian period of Russia.
Russia already had its history with chess, but since the system of four national championships (divided into social class or military branch) was established and sport (both physical and other activities) was promoted, chess continued to rise in popularity and the Russian people had passion and talent.
The Russian Empire spawned many notable chess champions in the 20th century, either through years of triumph for particular champions or some of the most notorious matches in the 20th century.
The popularity of physical and intellectual sports in Russia would later give its peculiarities also in video games, popular culture, etc.
(OOC: Chad world in flames and conflict vs Virgin Russia playing chess).
*******
[Mongolia]
Mongolia was a particular place, the Mongols gave rise to one of the largest land empires in the World. A remarkable history at the military level, historical events, political, etc.
In his time the Mongols had defeated the Kiev Rus, Russia's predecessor, and now Russia annexed Mongolia in very different situations.
But that is not the important thing, after one of the most notable earthquakes in regional history, the Russian Empire began to bring more people to the Mongolian area, to administer and further develop the region (which had problems in number and population density ).
Fortunately, this was not genocide against the Mongols.
But in the Russian Empire if a very important event was achieved in Mongolia-Tuva, the opium trade in the region had been eliminated (basically because all opium traders had been executed, put in jail, collaborated with the Russian government or I had abandoned it 'for good').
An opium use that was brutal during the Qing times.
Unfortunately, alcohol consumption was not eliminated, which actually increased over time ... Fortunately, the Russian state continued to fight against poverty in the regions.
Cities were renovated and the construction of infrastructure began-continued, for example a Trans-Mongolian line through Outer Mongolia and Tuva.
Joining this railway line to the Trans-Siberian and Trans-Manchurian lines of the Russian Empire, a very important first step towards the integration of these territories into the west-east commercial lines of the empire.
*******
January 16, the Anarchist Convention of Algeciras, in Iberia (Socialist Union of Hispania / Iberia) takes place.
The convention was the gathering of various supporters of libertarianism (anarchism, also called libertarianism at that time), anarcho-communism and syndicalism (and possibly bourgeois republicans), who were in decline since the failed movements in Catalonia.
Francisco Largo Caballero was not the president that these groups wanted or expected, due in part to the federalization of Iberia and decisions of Catalan Communism. Despite this, these groups no longer had much popular support base.
Therefore it was clear that they needed a stable national organization.
For this reason the organization Solidaridad Obrera (Workers Solidarity) is created, which later forms the Confederación Nacional del Trabajo (National Confederation of Labour, CNT) in 1910-1911.
Still, these groups lose the elections.
January 29, in the elections of the Socialist Union of Hispania, Francisco Largo Caballero is elected (again) as President of the first socialist state.
The second in command of Francisco Largo Caballero (and according to some the head behind the throne, although there are different opinions that deny this) is Antonio García Quejido.
Quejido and Caballero carry out the "Marxization" of the country, Quejido edited the first volume of Spain of Karl Marx's Capital, which helps the new Iberian educational program.
On the other hand, the regional communist parties in Catalonia and Portugal are the vanguard of the Marxist position opposed to anarchism.
January 22, 100 Québec revolutionaries are arrested in Canada. Opponents of the monarchy and the Anglo-Saxon political system of the country.
January 31, the Panamanian front between the United States and Colombia-Venezuela with the support of Germany, remains stagnant, being a series of expensive resources for all the countries involved in reality.
However, on the 31st, the Venezuelan government of Cipriano Castro and the Colombian government of Rafael Uribe Uribe reach the final stage of the Latin American liberal project for both countries.
After a vote in the congresses of both governments, and some local referendums (more or less ... Latin America already had serious problems of electoral corruption at the moment), Colombia and Venezuela merge in Gran Colombia.
The treaty of Pasto (capital of Nariño, in Colombia) unites both countries under a federal model, with a National Congress where both sides of the federation (Colombia and Venezuela) are represented in equal parts.
At this time of war, however, a provisional government is established pending elections, where Cipriano Castro and Rafael Uribe Uribe represent the executive power as Presidents of Congress.
The resources of Greater Colombia are re-organized, but they manage to maintain the line against the United States, which is concerned about this new pan-American state.
*No union is perfect, especially between Latin American countries, but the liberals and the war against the United States make it work for the moment.
February 10, the United States begins its operation to attack the German-Mexican positions in Yucatan and the Tehuantepec Canal, through a naval operation.
However this again requires considerable resources and having to fight in difficult terrain.
The operation also does not have much support from the army or air forces, since as north-central Mexico is abandoned, the US military is concerned about the Mexican jungles and southern territories.
Yet another remarkable event occurs, which initially gives hope to the army. The guerrilla of the revolutionary Francisco I. Madero is defeated by the United States Army on February 11 (among other minor ones, but the only victory that counts is the one against Madero).
Many other guerrillas mourn the loss of Madero, and fortunately the joy of the United States (and of Victoriano Huerta, one of the commanders who was in the battle of Madero's death) did not last long.
The Madero guerrilla does not end there, defeated now they are led by Francisco I. Madero's younger brother, Emilio Alberto Madero González.
Emilio Madero allied himself with the forces of Venustiano Carranza, Emiliano Zapata and Francisco Villa, among other minor guerrilla of the north, forming a powerful coalition in northern Mexico that gave important defeats to the American forces.
Felix Diaz, on the other hand, continues without much success, but begins to receive opportunities to be another Mexican leader from some Americans (who want to take advantage of the Diaz family's fame).
"The Madero brothers are good men, Francisco would have brought much good to the country and Emilio is a good general."
-Francisco Villa regarding two of the Madero brothers.
On the same day Pope Pius X publishes new texts, speaking even more against the corruption of many religious orders throughout the world, mainly those that have committed violence against innocent civilians during the war in France or Irish workers in the United States.
Controversial, it is surprising that Pope Pius X (James Gibbons) survived so long (1834-1921).
It also marks the trend of greater political openness for the Roman Catholic Church in the world. The church has a legacy of reactionism and politico-social conservatism, there were 'liberal' predecessors for what was a pope, but never one as far to the left as Pius X in 1906. Liberals and conservatives are losing ground (partly due to scandals in France, Germany and Italy) to a new wave of more 'Labor' Christianity, coming from such unexpected places as Ireland, the United States, and a few other countries (both from countries with a Roman Catholic majority, as well as countries with many Roman Catholic immigrants).
March 4, Native governments in the Indian Territory are terminated by the United States government authorities, for the formation of the state of Oklahoma.
Another loss for Native Americans in the USA.
March 10, reforms in the mining sector of the People's Republic of France, laws such as more security measures or worker participation.
The collectivization of farms also continues after the massive destruction in the civil war and the loss of many farms and factories (both the rural and urban sectors were affected, although to different degrees).
February 18, Germany launches new models for its air forces, in response the United States invests more.
Basically another arms race by Germany against other countries, without realizing that it is a bad idea.
As the UK and Russia became more focused on looking at the new German models and the race between the US and Germany, German planes weren't really the best thing in the world (counting the economic troubles in Germany). But the world was bad enough.
The British Empire invested more in its navy than the army, and some developments in its air force were still lacking. Meanwhile Russia was investing more in its army, they kept investigating navy developments (which would take years) and had an advantage, for the moment, in the air force.
*******
* [The Roosevelt family]
"Does it look anything like him?" Alice asks curiously.
"Yeah, it looks pretty close. At least from the last time I saw it." Theodore Roosevelt Jr, American writer, calmly affirms.
The writer and his daughter Alice were going through one of the universities on the Korean peninsula, modern universities, traditional Asian style, but with a Russian influence in several ways, it is not surprising that at this time many Korean universities and schools had Statues of Tsar Alexander III. Since many children, adolescents and adults had education thanks to the tsarist government (and propaganda!).
"Korea was a very different place than what I saw in other parts of Asia. I had received news of the barbaric crimes committed between Orientals and the wars in the Philippines, in China I saw a depressed and malnourished people, and in Japan I saw a fairly conflictive nation (none of the stories of the state that defeated the Spanish and the Meiji restoration was up to the histories I hear).
Only Hong Kong was an ideal place, where a white man could be carried by 4 Chinese workers on chairs or palanquins through the streets and roads. Definitely a jewel of the British Empire, although transport is becoming more expensive.
Korea was a different place than all of this.
The Russian Empire had annexed the region quite a few years ago, and I think it demonstrates very well the success of the dominance of European models over the Asian peoples.
While there is no segregation between white (few) and Korean (most) districts, the Korean people are quite well behaved and cheerful, there are good roads and railways, and many schools where many children go.
Koreans seem to take pride and joy in little things, such as education or potatoes. The rural villages that I saw in Korea were very different from what I saw in China, the missionaries know the local language and the Koreans seem to smile a lot more than the Russians (I think it's just a cultural thing). "
-Travels through Asia of the Roosevelt family.
*(OOC: I don't support any of this, but White Man's Burden is a thing in this time, and also Hong Kong was pretty anti-Chinese during the white colonial rule).
**P.S: The potato thing is based in the North Korean Song, Potato Pride.
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