GermanButterfly: A different 19th century TL

[Chevalier]

This ist my first TL and I'm not a born English Speaker so please excuse my mistakes. Google helps me.
I'm open to constructive criticism, I even ask for it. Recognizing a mistake is the first step to never make it again.

This will be a After 1900 TL with prologs in the middle ages and before 1900.

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The first butterfly: Jun. 10th 1190, near Seleucia

It was a long hot day, as every day. Barbarossa felt his fatigue, but didn't wanted to rest now, the town was almost reached. Just the river then he could collect his energy in a cool house.
Just before he could enter the river on his horse, a strange butterfly catched his attention. It was a species he never had seen before. He slowed down and followed it but than entered the river.
Suddenly a knight was thrown into the river only a few meter ahead. Helpers could rescue him, but a thought followed Barbarossa the rest of the day: What would have happened, if he hadn't slowed down? He knew that he was not as strong and fit as in his youth. If something had happened to him, the morale of his army would be broken. But thanks god, this was just a fictional thought.

<< The next months are more or less than OTL, some skirmishes more but nothing else >>

May 1191, Akkon
English and french troops arrived at Akkon. Only to see the german flag atop the city.
The town has conquered some months ago, but know surrounded by the muslims. Barbarossa's well rested troops and the reinforcements forced the muslims to retreat after some rather harsh skirmishes.
But know the three kings began to argue who would be the leader for the crusaders. Barbarossa had the better chances, he arrived earlier, established a base. The french king was forced to leave for france when his important vasall Pillip of Elsass died without children and the succession had to be settled.
With two kings left Barbarossa proposed a trade: Richard the Lionheart would lead the crusaders from now, but at a given time Richard had to fullfill one single favor from Barbarossa.
Barbarossa felt his powers vanish and he started to prepare for his last days. A promised favor by the english king might be better than the leadership of a man who could die each day.

October 1191
After hearing that Saladins troops were far away to be beaten, Richard decided to ignore Jerusalem for the time and to enlarge the crusaders rule of the coastline first.
This affected the morale, but was strategically seen the right decision. Even if Jerusalem would be conquered, after this most of the crusaders would leave for their homelands, leaving the conquered grounds to a mighty muslim army.
Barbarossa used the fact that Richard had the supreme command to strengthen the morals of his german troops with the promise that their time would come.

May 1192
After the betrayal of the french king, who attacked english beloungings back in europe, Richard had to return to europe as fast as he could. But he couldn't just leave, because he needed crusading english troops in england. This would cripple the crusaders and all successes would be gone.
Now was the time that Barbarossa came to Richard and spoke his favor: Peace with the muslims, as soon as possible. Richard thought in the same direction, but didn't wanted to acknowledge this before his german rival. But he had no other choice.
Barbarossa had negotiators corresponding with Saladin for months. And now it was the time that Barbarossa could unfold his last and maybe greatest scheme.

<< The following peace-treaty is more or less the same as in OTL, Acknowledgement of the conquests of the Crusaders, return of Askalon, free entry for unarmed pilgrims to jerusalem >>

All the problems in the last months of the third crusade would be counted as Richards fault, the peace-treaty and access to jerusalem as Barbarossas victory.
The treaty had another agreement: Saladin promised Barbarossa and his loyal vasalls free access and leave to jerusalem for the condition, that Barbarossa would remain in jerusalem until his death. Barbarossa was now sure that he would die soon and wanted a last great sign before dying.

Barbarossa gave all of his titles to his son and send him back to europe. He himself held a speech in Jerusalem, later known as the "German Milestone".
He praised the powers of England and France and acknowledged their positions in their regions as he did with Byzantium.
Then he spoke of his dream that the Germans would inherit a similar role in their region, namely central europe a the successor of the west roman empire.

Two days later Barbarossa was found dead in his bed. He fall peacefully asleep. His corpse was brought back to Europe.

<< Barbarossa alive hasn't changed much of history. It just gave the germans a stronger identity which would come in handy later in the TL. >>


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The second Butterfly: Sep. 28th 1883, Rüdesheim
The historical assassination attempt on the german Kaiser Wilhelm I. was a failure. Because of the bad weather the dynamite didn't work.
One of the Anarchists around August Reinsdorf was seriously ill and coughed up blood for the last days. But he wanted to partake at his event.
The assassination failed, but his deadly bacilli sprayed upon a single butterfly which would later land on the Kaiser. He scared away the butterly, but how unlucky he was, some bacilli would later find its way in his body.
Two months later the Kaiser died after a short but serious disease.

December 6th 1883, Berlin
Friedrich Wilhelm was coronated as the new german Kaiser as Friedrich III.


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Questions: Could anybody help me? I imagined the case, that the son was on a voyage when his father became ill. This message could only transmitted a few days later. Friedrich Wilhelm rushed back to his father to see him before he died, barely missing his father by a few hours. On his way he promies, he would even stop to smoke if he could make it.
As a result he created a research facility for radio-technics which would later enable better communications.
Now the question is: How far was the radiotechnic developed at this time? Is this a plausible development?

I am thankful for each comment and hope I didn't make too much mistakes.

 

[Detlef]

Sounds interesting.
Even some Middle Ages stuff!

1. Friedrich´s voyage.
According to some German websites Friedrich Wilhelm and his wife were frequent travelers. To the UK to visit the family of his wife and to Italy (vacation).

The UK probably won´t work. Too close and too many telegraph lines. And his location would probably be always known. After all he´s staying with the British Royal family.

What might work is Italy. Vacation trip to Southern Italy. Maybe staying on a yacht (pleasure cruise) to visit different ancient sites(Greek, Roman) in Sicily? Kind of, sleep on the yacht, travel by night, and a new port / ancient sight every morning?
(Mind you I don´t know if he did that. But it would be only a tiny butterfly.)

Sicily itself is already connected by an undersea telegraph line to mainland Italy. But small Sicilian ports probably aren´t connected yet.
So Berlin sends a telegraph message to the German embassy in Rome. This embassy probably has a timetable of the journey. It´s likely that this timetable even includes ways to forward messages / letters. Like on day 2 the yacht will arrive in port ABC. And someone will visit the postal office there for any messages. The same on day 5 in port DEF. And so on.
So a delay of 1-2 days might be possible.
The embassy additionally might have even decided to hire a special messenger (small ship or so) in Sicily to deliver the message faster. But because the family decided on a slight variation in the timetable (stay a day longer at one location, visit an unplanned location) it missed him.
When Friedrich Wilhelm finally gets the message, he leaves his family behind (to follow him more slowly) and uses the fastest ship available (Italian naval ship maybe?) to reach a mainland Italian port with a good railway connection. Naples maybe?
Using then a special train, given right of way by the Italian and Swiss governments, to travel to Germany as fast as possible.
But despite all the (likely) cooperation by Italy and Switzerland he comes too late.
So you could reasonably have 1-2 days till he gets the message. Sea travel to mainland Italy (good or bad weather?). Plus rail travel to Berlin from Italy.
I´d say 3-5 days (after sending the message from Berlin) would be entirely believable.

2. Radio-technics
Telegraphs were already widely used. Since the 1830s its was also known that the ground (earth especially when wet) could conduct electricity.
Maxwell has already published his equations and predicted the existence of electro-magnetic waves / fields traveling through empty space at the velocity of light.

In our timeline real wireless research started in the 1880s/1890s.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_telegraphy

A (grieving and furious) Emperor determined to do "something" probably would have contacted Hermann von Helmholtz and Gustav Kirchhoff, professors of physics in Berlin at that time.
Heinrich Hertz was an assistant of Helmholtz till 1883.
Ferdinand Braun was already a professor of physics in Karlsruhe in 1883. And maybe known to Helmholtz too.
That would be the main guys in Germany at that time. Especially Hertz and Braun.
(A dedicated research institute for electromagnetics - plus grants and donations - might have attracted some foreign scientists and inventors too. Tesla for example.)

Maybe kind of like, Emperor Friedrich III asking von Helmholtz about transmitting wireless signals? So that messages could be received everywhere with a receiver? After all, it is already proven that electrical signals can be transmitted through copper wires, wet earth and water? Then why not through the air? With von Helmholtz answering that in theory the Maxwell equations predict exactly that.

 

[Chevalier]

Intermezzo - Friedrichs journey to become Kaiser

November 20th 1883, Mediterranean Sea near Sicily

Friedrich Wilhelm and his wife were on one of their pleasure cruises and wanted to visit varios ancient sites in Sicily. Friedrich thought that this cruise would be different than all the others. And it would be so, but for a different reason.
A few days before left Berlin for his voyage his father had spoken to him. He meant "Maybe it is the time to make a late Barbarossa for me. Not today or tomorrow, but next year. Let us speak about this matter when you come back from Italy my son."

<< 'To make a late Barbarossa': Saying that one don't desire the maximum might one could get, but withdraw in a position of strength. Leaving the others in a situation, were they knew they could only accomplish it with ones own decision. >>

Friedrich was happy, because sometimes he couldn't stop to have a grudge for his throneblocking father. He never wished for his death, but if Wilhelm governed much more years he would never become Kaiser. So he left Berlin with a anticipation he never had after the birth of his last child.
The last week Friedrich has travelled on a yacht. Travelling by night, sightseeing by day. Each day a new view. After helping a small drifted fishing boat, the fishers told Friedrich about a 'secret' spot only known of the local fishers, where one could see the most beautiful sunrise in whole sicily.

<< No, this time no ominous time-changing killer-butterflies >>

So Friedrich decided to change his plans a little and to try out this secret location. The view was so phantastic that he decided to stay a day longer. The ruins would be also there, if he would arrive one or two days later.

Suddenly around lunch time a italien navy ship was spotted with direct course to the Kronprinzen-yacht. First Friedrich was suprised, then horrified. The german embassy had searched for him the last days. They received a urgent message from Berlin. Kaiser Wilhelm I. was seriously ill, his doctors didn't know how long much time he had left. It was his majesties last wish to see his son before his death.
He message was send to Friedrich designation of two days before and the after the executives learned by chance fishers had known of his possible location this navy ship was send to minimize any more delays.
A special train should have already prepared in Neapel and negotiations for free and fast travel were almost completed when the ship left port.

Friedrich rushed to Berlin, leaving his family behind. They should come back on normal ways. After boarding his train in Neapel he was vexed: In the newspaper given by an aide was the headline "The german Kaiser is dying, not to achieve heir". Whole europe but him knew about his father's condition. Damn telegraphs!
But there was a good side to the situation: Anywhere he arrived the people prepared the fastest route and free ride. First europe gossiped about the lost heir, now it followed his forced march back to Berlin. But sometimes bold reporters tried to stop and interview him. How they could not see that he hasn't even a spare second!

After finally arriving at the palace he could only hold his father's cold hand. He had died only an hour ago. The kaiser had prepared a sealed envelope which should only be opened a week after his death and only if Friedrich would be too late. He had known from the newspapers and later from hourly telegraph-reports which way Friedrich had taken. He was satisfied that his son tried his best to reach him and died with a smile on his face.

Friedrich was as enraged as his father was satisfied. First the message was delayed by bad luck. Second the whole continent was faster informed. Third the travel back, which was too slow. If only the airplanes he read a lot about would have been already so advanced that he could have flown to Berlin. In a fragment of time...

When the first week about his father's death was gone, Friedrich opened the envelope. His father had left him with words he would have never told him face to face.
He praised his supports and interests in culture, science and art. Encouraged him to follow his ideals. And acknowledged the fact that he wished to see his son as a great emperor.

Later the first degree of the newly coronated Kaiser after his strong and positively received coronation speech was the creating of a national research institute in Konigsberg, where researchers and scientists of new technologies with possible great impact to the society would be funded an supported by the royal family itself. Technology is the future and it would be his destiny to lead his nation to this future.
The core would be the semi-official "Templer Bruderschaft" where the greatest minds from past and present Germany are represented. The brotherhood were given the right to call themselves an Order of Knights and would undergo as consideration restructuration to allow a wider usage.
On the behalf of the Kaiser himself the first to be created research group would be researching the possibilities of wireless telegraphs. After negotiations with different professors the department of electromagnetics would be led by Professor Hermann von Helmholtz.

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Hope this chapter is okay. In the next chapter I will give more informations about the templer brotherhood. our little first butterfly has to do something with it.

 

[Chevalier]

The Templar Brotherhood

The Templar Brotherhood:

The Knights Templar were founded in the Middle Ages after the first crusade. After the third crusade one Templar has witnessed Barbarossas last ideas. Not the ones for the people, but the ones coming right from his heart. Spoken to a few loyal friends. Barbarossa felt his lifeforce leaving him and he wanted to leave behind his great ideas.

This led to a splinter group inside the Templar: The "Schatten" (german as a tribute to Barbarossa). The group was only known by the highest-ranking Templars. It purpose was to ensure the survival of the Templar ideals. Few Schatten remained active in the order. Most of them would even become the enemy. This was one of the reasons the Templar were warned beforehand of the planned dissolution by King Philip IV of France. Their treasure was hidden, as were the relics.

Around 1700 the Brotherhood was made public. It was more or less a loose connection between aged academics and warriors using their wisdom to teach selected adepts. It has similar ideals as the later created "Studentenverbindungen" (fraternities). Meetings between like-minded, support for the youth.
With the differential that there were two wings in the organisation. The new wing was composed of young men and women with special skills to be teached. The old wing was composed of people which had reached importance in their sphere of influence.

Around 1880 the brotherhood was a semi-official organization similar to the Freimaurer consisting of the greatest minds in middle europe. To be part of this organization was a matter of course for the aged and an honor for the young. Only skills could open their doors. Not money, not threats. And as skills open the doors, everything else was ignored. If it was a woman with radical mathematical ideas or a muslim which rediscovered ancient secrets. With the right skills anybody could enter the organization.
Funded by successful members of the old wing, based on the potential of the new wing.

Ideas and skills were also teached in schools and universities, but inside the brotherhood each opinion had the same weight and one could try out radical ideas before opening it for publicity.

Friedrich Wilhelm was an honorary member of the brotherhood as he had supported science, culture and arts on wide areas. He saw the brotherhood as a possible melting-pot for the cultural and scientifical elite of europe.

 

[Chevalier]

Response

Friedrich was seen as a liberal hope in Germany, but his first decision to create a national research institute for "Zukunftstechnologien" (Future technology) was seen as a possible threat.
First because of the inclusion of the Templar Brotherhood. There were a lot of secrets about this organization (mostly to ensure privacy without ulterior motives, but how should have the people known this?). Some had seen it as a masonic lodge. Friedrichs goal was only to create a institute with own ethics to not use everything one could use (similar to the "late Barbarossa").

<< maybe useful later, researchers blamed themselves for delevoping the atomic bomb. Friedrich didn't thought in such drastic means, but wanted the possibility to restrain the researchers for their own good. >>

Second the status increase to a order of knights. In the past such orders would be created and today special people would be honored with the knightstitle, but to create a new one? The press tried to tear up this idea, however such tries were silenced after another speech of the Kaiser:

"The german Empire is a new might in europe. I am well aware of all the possible implicatins. Positive and negative. But it is my belief by showing good intentions and leading to a better nation we will eventually earn our place. Before the gates of the new century with rapid changes in many ares of life it is our duty to ensure our virtues diligence and discipline together with others.
I want to show the world that there aren't only monarchy and democracy with democracy as the only logical successor to the monarchy. People should receive the same rights in our society - to a certain extent. For example it is only fair that people devoting themselves to the society should be granted greater benefits than criminals. As long as rulers prove their competence they deserve their rank.
Monarchies might decline all over the world and even in our nation there are groups seeking a german democracy. But as childs learn from their parents and inherit their profession the same could be said for rulers. I will create a greater voice for the public - in a advisory role.
The new order of knights will be our instrument to ensure this. People with great special skills will be given titles and benefits. As in the brotherhood connections and money would not open any doors. Only own archievements. Their childs will inherit this benefits. But only for one generation. So they will be given the chance to prove their own skills to earn their own title.
The order will be established betwenn the noble virtues of the old orders of knights and the titles in the education (Doctor, Prof). With higher ranks there will be more possible ways to advise the leadership with greater weight of their words. Leading to a society where the intellectual will heavenly influence the rulers of the nation.
The german empire will prove the possibility of a monarchy in todays and tomorrows world."

In many nations the ideas of the german emperor were seen as empty promises but as a step in the correct direction. The US welcomed Friedrichs decision for more democracry, however the idea of monopolizing democratic rights to the intellectual and excluding the masses of workers raised critics. In France this all was seen as pure propaganda trying to build up an own reputation.

1884
- The construction of the "Reichstag" began, Friedrich decided to build a similar building in Konigsburg as center of his imagined institute
- Friedrich used much efforts in inner politics leaving decisions for foreign affairs to Bismarck. The claims for the african colonies Togo, Kamerun and Südwestafrika were made


<< The next years went by mostly like in OTL. Friedrich worked to build an German Empire of his imagination with the consent of the public. He used every possible situation to support a positive image of germany. >>

Following Bismarcks suggestions the german empire worked on a net to surround and isolate France alliance-wise and prevent a possible two-front-war by every means.

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Friedrichs restructuring pacified public pleas for more democracy. Using knight-similar titles addresses both the military and the performers of the nation. The worker-class would be represented by choosen senators.

This whole education-restructuring and the more open policy are cornerstones for further developments. With the yet to evolve research institute the empire can attract researchers and scientists. The brotherhood will help with the funding in later chapters.

Outside the german empire the only difference is the more positive appeal of the empire.

The next chapter will have another butterfly. The last one as I have planned yet.

 

[Feanor]

Very interesting. I´ll follow this TL

 

[Lord Grattan]

An interesting POD Chevalier. However, with a POD in 1190 it's extremely unlikely that OTL Kaiser Frederick III will exist at all; neither will Bismarck. Life and the people in Europe will in fact be quite different by the 19th Century.

 

[Jotun]

Lets not get too scientific and narrow-sighted here I like the premise...

 

[DuQuense]

]

As a result he created a research facility for radio-technics which would later enable better communications.
Now the question is: How far was the radiotechnic developed at this time? Is this a plausible development?

2. Radio-technics
Telegraphs were already widely used. Since the 1830s its was also known that the ground (earth especially when wet) could conduct electricity.
Maxwell has already published his equations and predicted the existence of electro-magnetic waves / fields traveling through empty space at the velocity of light.

In our timeline real wireless research started in the 1880s/1890s.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_telegraphy

There was a American Inventor in the early 1860's that tried to get the War Department interested in his Wireless Telegraph. The antennas were lifted by kites.

 

[Detlef]

Political structure of the German Empire

Second the status increase to a order of knights. In the past such orders would be created and today special people would be honored with the knightstitle, but to create a new one? The press tried to tear up this idea, however such tries were silenced after another speech of the Kaiser:

...

In many nations the ideas of the german emperor were seen as empty promises but as a step in the correct direction. The US welcomed Friedrichs decision for more democracry, however the idea of monopolizing democratic rights to the intellectual and excluding the masses of workers raised critics. In France this all was seen as pure propaganda trying to build up an own reputation.

...

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Friedrichs restructuring pacified public pleas for more democracy. Using knight-similar titles addresses both the military and the performers of the nation. The worker-class would be represented by choosen senators.

...

I´m not quite sure here...

I´ve got no problem with the new order of knights.
In the Constitution of the German Empire (after 1871) the Emperor had a pretty strong position. He could appoint and fire the German government (Chancellor, government ministers etc.) for example.
So, simply saying that he wants to reward people for outstanding service / merit / scientific advance by creating a new knights order shouldn´t be a problem. Likewise using them as government advisers.

However the Constitution of 1871 - for that time - was already somewhat progressive about voting rights (general, equal, secret).
- Every man (voting age of 25 years) could vote (some exceptions here).
- Representatives were elected using the first past the post system (like todays UK election system).
- The elections were secret.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Empire

Which means that the "worker-class" already had the right to vote. Taking that away from them and introducing "chosen Senators" would require:
a) changing the Constitution now (the then German Constitution doesn´t even know Senators) or
b) an additional "butterfly" back in the 1860s. Bismarck - when creating the Constitution of the North German Federation in 1866 - especially added these "progressive" voting rights to attract support from the German Liberals back then. Which resulted in a split, "national liberals" and "progressive liberals".

I just don´t see the Social Democrats (SPD), the progressive Liberals (DFP) and the Catholic "Center" (Zentrum) parties supporting that.

"Reichstags" elections 1881 (your time-line now is in 1883):
Progressive Liberals: 23.1% (the biggest supporters of Friedrich)
Catholic "Zentrum": 23.2%
Social Democrats: 6.1%

In the 1890 elections the Social Democrats are already the largest party in the Reichstag. In 1912, the last elections before WW1, these 3 parties got 63% of all votes.
There is just no way that these parties - which might become the biggest supporters of Friedrich - would agree to a restriction of voting rights!

 

[Detlef]

]
There was a American Inventor in the early 1860's that tried to get the War Department interested in his Wireless Telegraph. The antennas were lifted by kites.

You´re probably right.
Before writing my comment I did a quick search on "wireless telegraphs" before 1880. And I found a few examples too.
That´s why I mentioned "real wireless research" as in "organized research".
Organized as in readily available published research.
I just wasn´t sure if these isolated attempts would be known in Europe / Germany in the early 1880s?

However add an Emperor and his interest / donations and it´s quite likely that early inventors (regardless of their nationality) would be invited to prove their inventions....

 

[Chevalier]

First: Thanks for the comments. I am very grateful for all help.

@ Detlef:
The last post was written in a little rush. I didn't meant to take voting rights away, but an additional right.

Later there would be something like a triumvirat:

- Emperor (choosen by birthright / out of the royalty)
with additional advisors

- Chancellor (voted by the public [normal way])
with the normal elected institutions

- Great Master (choosen from the brotherhood)
elected internally, where the interests of the workerclass would be represented by elected senators.

Similar to the advocatus diaboli, where someone have to take opposition for a more balanced conversation. This should reduce sole representing the interests of the elite.

 

[Chevalier]

1885-1887

At first I just wanted s short chapter in the pre-1900 era. Thanks to wikipedia I learnt a lot of this time and I just can't skip all this stuff.
If I want to change one single fact several other facts are affected. So expect some more chapters for the last decade in the nineteenth century. And of course I am thankful for hints and tips.

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:: 1885 ::

After several proposals and drafts for the later format of the announced academy the new 'Akademie der Wissenschaften & Künste' (Academy of Sciences and Arts) were inaugurate by Friedrich himself on June 8th in Kongisberg. Publicly known as Konigsberg Academy.
Various universities fought back against a new institute that would cost them support. Friedrich decided to create a central academy, agreed to guarantee the current financial aid for the next fifteen years and announced the creation of the first nationwide network between the largest universities and faculties using telegraphs and telephones. The Konigsberg academy should be seen as addition and focal point for researches, not a competitor.
Skeptics wondered about the high costs the emperor would take into account. Only a few would know that the brotherhood had large savings accumulated in the past centuries. There were even rumors that the lost treasure of the Templars were never lost but kept in secret. With the creation of a new order this treasure would now be used to expand and consolidate their influence.

The first persons to be awarded in the new academy were Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach for the first ride of a motorcycle. In the last days of the year Carl Benz was awarded for his automobile. In 1886 the reaearch group automobile movement were set.

In September the ottoman governor-general of Eastern Rumelia Gavril Pascha was overthrown by a coup. The province joined the Principality of Bulgaria. Serbia declared war on Bulgaria (GB support, AH toleration).


:: 1886 ::

In January 1886 the German Empire acted as trustee and tried to maintain the status quo and to calm tensions between the two parties and their backers. As a result, Serbia accepted the new bulgarian borders. In return Bulgaria committed no further military extension of territory for the next 15 years which the German Empire would monitor. Bismarck had to use threats of intervention and offended his austrian ally.
In long negotiations Bismarck received a new possibly ally on the balkan, because Bulgarie distanced itself from Russia. The 'Dreikaiserbund' (Three Emperor's League) broke, but efforts had been made to use Bulgaria and Serbia as a buffer between the panslawic expansion and sovereignty claims by Austria-Hungary.
Russia lost its influence in the region, however with the soon to be signed 'Rückversicherungsvertrag' (Reinsurance Treaty) and some concessions to the russians the matter was solved. Bismarck confirmed the german wish for a pro-russian ally (in a secret paragraph hidden from Austria-Hungary).
Bismarck developed a long-term plan to eliminate the serbian factor on the Balkan which he saw as a major disturbing factor for stable relationships in the region. The rivalry between Austria-Hungary and Russia was more as enough for possible trouble. The (partial) serbian absorption by Bulgaria were seen as an option.

In April Friedrich signed the settlement law concerning former polish territories. German settlers and integration willing Poles would receive temporary (~15 years) tax benefits. Official and school language would be german, but polish in normal life were in any way penalized. The emperor made clear that he wanted to integrate this provinces as whole in the Empire and didn't want to destroy their way of life.
Surely there must have been a independence movement but he noted that each of the european german territory were little nations without any power not so long ago. In time the poles would see the benefits as german citizens.

In May succeeded Heinrich Hertz with the transmission of electromagnetic waves from a transmitter to a receiver in Konigsberg. He followed Prof von Helmholtz to Kongisberg after he was promoted as a department head. After this experiment Hertz were given his own research capabilities.

Friedrich attended the inauguration of the Statue of Liberty in New York on the 28th of October. He travelled to America on his new ship 'Albion'.
The Albion was a Barque build by the hamburger naval shipyards Blohm + Voss. The Albion was a present for the emperor and should convince him of the quality Blohm + Voss could offer. The Albion had white panels and blue-grey sails. Later Blohm + Voss would be primary supplier for german Navy ships.

:: 1887 ::

After the uproar in the Reichstag concerning an army reform and the following parliamentary election (no consent was found) emperor Friedrich and Bismarck decided for a course of action concerning political decisions. Friedrich would account Bismarck's lead in foreign policy, for domestic policy Bismarck would do the same with the emperor.

In early March the Russian Ludwig Lazarus Samenhof arrived in Konigsberg. There he presented his plan language Esperanto. Esperanto was a artificially created language which should be used as an international language, very easy to learn. In consideration that the Konigsberg Academy should attract people from different nations and that everyone should have the same conditions the idea of an academy intern office language was granted. Esperanto was renamed to 'Standard' with the default that the name of the language would be 'Standard' in all different languages. This way language-wise discrimination were prevented.

In April the emperor experienced his first crisis with the Schnaebele incident. The french police-inspector Wilhelm Schnaebele was arrested for espionage. The week-long incident had such threatening and provocative language from both sides as to cause serious concern of war. A large section of the German press demanded that Germany would make no concession.
The emperor ordered Schnaebele to be released and published a statement:

"There were evidence that Mr Schnaebele was involved in espionage. Instead of threatening the french state authorities we followed this lead and arrested him for further interrogation. The surveys were carried out in a polite atmosphere and he was hurt in any way.
Rather than clarifying the facts on a personal level, the french administration goes so far to even threaten war. I believe that nobody has forgotten the events about the Ems Dispatch and its results. It is not in Germanys desire to start a war about a single person (again).
We will release Mr Schaebele. However I remind the world public: We let him go out of our own will and not because of french threats.
Please remember my words: Violence and threats can solve many problems, but they are never the best solution. For each victory on this road another door is closed. The German Empire is ready and willing to defend its ideals.
I am very interested how the french administration will handle this affair in the following. Since my coronation and the declaration of reforms France tried to find even the smallest blemishes. Tried to chain and slander our nation.
I hereby declare: I want peace and a friendly relationship with France. Our both nations are heirs of the frankish empire and we have much to give each other. But as long as I live will I never back down because of simply power-political threats.
If the german empire is wrong, we will admit it. But if the german empire is right, we will stand by our decision.
I offer peace and friendship, what will I get?"

As reaction of this statement Britain and the US urged France to make concessions. A war was not in their sense. More so that objective observers stated, that the french troops were in a similar state as before the Franco-Prussian War. Georges Ernest Boulanger as main culprit were dismissed from his posts. Wilhelm Schnaebele were put under House arrest und dismissed from his post after his confession (not in public).
Friedrich has collected sympathy from various nations. He made clear, that his nation was ready and willing for a provoked war (France would had been alone and Russia wouldn't intervene because of the agreement with Germany), but he decided for the diplomatic way.
Of course insiders knew that there could had been a chain reaction. If the german Empire really could conquer France or pressure it for its colonies the british would have surely intervened in one way or another.
The german Empire was young and on the search for its rightful place in the world. Maybe it could had accomplished a great step in this direction with an 'easy' victory over France. But now was not the time for a large-scale war (if other nations intervened). First the world had to learn that the german empire could be a friend. Want to be a friend. Then it would be time to show off its power and _earn_ its rightful place. Maybe peaceful, hopefully. But surely with head held high and without mercy.

On the 3th June the emperor set the foundation for the Kiel Canal naming it the Kaiser Wilhelm I. canal.

Since August industry products imported to Britain had to be marked with the country of origin. The term "Made in Germany" were created. German products exported to Britain had to be marked with this stamp to present them as inferior. Due to the high quality of the articles this mark was soon be seen as a quality seal.
German merchants soon adapted this idea and marked all their product with the mark "Hergestellt in Deutschland".


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- No coup in Bulgaria 1886
Germany and Russia tried to forge a solid alliance between the two nations. Germany was Russias door to europe's culture and technology. At least since the Schnaebele incident Friedrich/Bismarck proved to be a fair but unyielding mediator.
Here again Friedrich made a 'late Barbarossa' showed off his determination and power and then backed down with pride. Nothing lost but something gained.

Please comment. I am grateful for help and advice.

 

[Chevalier]

Current german situation 1888

:: Current situation 1888 - Plans/Objectives ::

Germany presented itself as a fair mediator. But secretly Germany used all opportunities to expand its own power. On one side Germany acted as mediator, on the other side the administration rushed to bring under control the last possible colonies for an own 'place under the sun'.
A peaceful development was hoped for, but measures had to be taken to be prepared for the worst case. The saber-rattling during the Schnaebele-incident brought public sympathies, however some politicians were concerned that Friedrich also threatened with military power and if it was only indirect.

Even if public opinion about Germany was good, the old powers (specially the deteriorating ones) feared the induced instabilities. With an unstable France and a rising Germany many things could happen.

:: France ::
In France the possible german threat was one of few reasons to not totally fall into a state of civil war. Slowly the situation improved, but more than one attempt for a coup was prevented. Especially the military didn't wanted to acknowledge the current inferiority. Friedrichs offer of friendship was seen as sarcastic malice.

:: Britain ::
Britain hadn't decided for a clear course regarding France and Germany. On one side France was an established power. After wars in the past the two nations were on more or less good relations. There might be some minor problems considering colony-questions, but this was less important.
A rising Germany could be a threat (spies informed them about possible german plans to drastically raise their navy funding). A weakened France could be formed to an adequate ally.
On the other side Germany had one of the largest armies worldwide and hadn't shown much interest in direct meddling with Britain in the near past. There were also some attempts for a partnership.
Britain had the luxus to wait and see what would happen in the next years. Sensors had been extended to both sides. The absolute decision between these two nations would be in the future.

:: Spain ::
Spain had some disputes with Germany about their colonies in the pacific in the last year. Knowing their power had shrunken they attempted to preserve the status quo. Lately there were some... arguments with the US about spanish colonies on the two american continents. The second rising star (USA) supported these independence movements.
There had been some attempts to profit by the French weakness. However such plans were canceled after the observation that France would be quickly restabilized with a clear outer enemy. Germany had this position at the moment.

:: Belgium ::
Belgian neutrality was generally accepted. There were some inofficial negotiations for closer relationships. Belgium could be an easy deployment zone for british troops and french interests in belgium had to be limited. Economic expansion to the belgian sphere were under way.

:: Luxembourg ::
Luxembourg had a positive relation to Germany. Their independence was fully recognized and they were member in the german customs bond. Currently Germany offered more than France to Luxembourg.

:: The Netherlands ::
The Netherlands were treated in a similar way as Luxembourg. Accepted independence and neutrality. Offer for closer economic relationship and inconspicuous information about possible german support in the future.

:: Belgium + The Netherlands + Luxembourg ::
After approximation to german interests and aversion from french and british influence a plan was formulated to create a neutral (pro-german) belt between german, british and french interest spheres.
This belt could protect Germany from attacks through these lands and with inofficial secret agreements for military walkthrough would allow germany fast attacks on french territory.
Of course this was also evident for France and Britain.
The current situation supported Britain as it was the belgian protecting power. If Germany would be seen as a threat the british influence could also lead to belgian support for France which had to be prevented.

:: Denmark ::
Since the Second Schleswig War Denmark followed a strict neutral course. Especially the mighty german neighbor shouldn't be provoked. Now Germany approached Denmark with several offers:
- a german guarantee for independence
- a one-sided defense alliance (Germany would help Denmark in case of war)
- the strict confirmation of borders (with an option for later public voting in the border area)
In return Germany wished for closer economic relationships and later maybe a common defense policy regarding the baltic sea.

Cause of this offers was a secret '10-Jahresplan' (10-years plan) prepared by military and economic experts inside the brotherhood. Goal of the plan was the german consolidation in middle europe with a strengthened strategic position. Main areas of the plan were northern europe and the balkan as these places offered opportunities or were possible troublemaker.

Another derived directive was complete acknowledgement of the polish way of life and consideration of polish interests in the eastern provinces. Balkan and eastern europe offered high potential for civil unrest and cries for independence for the different nationalities. One would be well advised if he had taken all necessary steps to minimize these tendencies in own provinces.
As byproduct the suppression in russian-controlled provinces had been made more clear.

:: Scandinavia ::
No territorial interests, but economic. Idea for a unified Scandinavia as northern ally (ressources).

:: Austria-Hungary ::
Austria-Hungary was seen as a major ally with high potential for trouble. Even now there were some tendencies for Austria to side with Germany where Hungary had taken much more interest in preserving their control over the various nationalities in the region. A possible siding Germany with Russia was another major matter for hungarian interests.

:: Serbia ::
As mentioned before Serbia could be the trigger for a large-scale war. Under influence of Austria-Hungary, receptive for the russian idea of panslavism and with own desires in the region. With their help in the last war Bulgaria could be handled, but sooner or later one had to deal with Serbia if stability on the balkan was desired.

:: Russia ::
A friendly relationship with the russian empire was sought. It was necessary for the german consolidation-process in europ to prevent a possible 2-front-war by any cost. Russia had much to give. But as France feared a rising Germany, a rising (and policy-changing) Russia could also be a threat to Germany. The 10-Jahresplan recommended friendly relationship but also the beginning of secret reconnaissance of possible weaknesses and resistance groups for a possible war or partial decay of some regions.
The best plan would be if there occured a separation without much bloodshed at the outer western russian borders. With a pro-russian relationship and backing by other european powers Germany could take these new nations under their protection. After all Germany was a fair trader with only the best interests.

:: United States ::
But no matter which course Germany would take, it was important to gain another major ally besides Austria-Hungary to survive a war with a greater number of enemies. Traditionally this would be Britain and Russia, but the US as a fellow rising star could be an alternative.
The US followed the Monroe-Doctrine but this could be changed in the future. So were friendly relations to the US another directive. Not by all means however the large share of german emigrants could help to find similarities and interest in common goals.


As friendly and reform-enthusiastic Friedrich appeared, he always followed his conviction that Germany had to prove itself sooner or later against the old powers. Balance of powers was not in german interests as this would suppress Germany to some degree.
He was more than ready to prepare his nation for the day to come.

He had some other issue that afflicted him. What would happen after his regency? His son Wilhelm II. was heir to the throne. But he hadn't only positive features. Stubbornness and unnecessary preference for militaristic behaviour were only some problems.
Most important for Germany was continuity, Friedrich might had to speak with his son. On some days he remembered now the last words with his father. One could never know when they would die. Better to prepare beforehand.
His debate with Bismarck was fortunately over. To the public only questions of responsibilities were disputed, but the true reason was Friedrichs command for Bismarck to choose and train a formidable successor. In the past Bismarck did his best to restrict possible competitors. However Friedrich did not let up prevailed himself.
As a fickly emperor might be a threat, to rely on mediocre ministers and a weak chancellor was out of question.
Both weren't the youngest and Friedrich had some ailments in the last year.

 

[Chevalier]

Chapter 07: Events 1888-1889

:: Events 1888-1889 ::

:: 1888 ::

The german association for the advancement of aeronautics became part of the academy. In November Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin joined the association.

In June Heinrich Hertz published a work concerning electromagnetic waves and proving their existence. Nearly simultaneously his disciple Wilhelm Hallwachs discovered the photoeffect.

Ferdinand Braun, the main figure for the foundation and development of the physical institute of the konigsberg academy, soon took notice of Hertz article.

In October the German Bank got the concession to build the anatolian railway.

The convention of Constantinople were signed. The Suez Canal should be an open connection for every nation. Only nations at war with the canal owner should have their permission revoked. After long discussions this convention would come into effect on the first day of 1900.

In November a conference concerning Samoa (D+GB+USA)and african spheres of interest (GB+D) was held in Berlin. The continuous quarrels about Samoa made this conference necessary.
In the end Germany revoked all claims for Samoa in favor of GB. As exchange the island Helgoland was sold to Germany.
The other agreements were the contents of OTL Heligoland–Zanzibar Treaty. With the exception that Germany kept the Witu protection and the border definition was a little better for Germany.


:: 1889 ::

On 4 February 1889, the Tribunal Civil de la Seine lawfully applied for the winding up of the Panama Canal Company in Paris. This would later lead to the Panama Affair.

The Exposition Universelle of 1889 was a World's Fair held in Paris, France from 6 May to 31 October 1889. It was held during the year of the 100th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, an event traditionally considered as the symbol for the beginning of the French Revolution.
Nevertheless Kaiser Friedrich visited the fair with a moderate entourage.

An early method of high-voltage DC transmission was developed by the Swiss engineer René Thury. Recruited by the academy he would work together with Braun and Hertz for the next years (through telegraphs and regular meeting). His invention would be first used in Italy.

Japan adopt a new constitution on the European model

Through the treaty of Uccialli italian east Africe is respected by Ethiopia. The italian steady expand their influence for the next five years.

The German parliament gives its approval to pension and disability insurance.

The British Parliament passed the Naval Defence Act and write down the two-Power standard. Reasons for this included the massive naval investments by France and Russia.

In Washington, DC, the first International Conference of American States begins. There were hardly any results.

The Second International was founded on July 14th in Paris. The Second International was an organization of socialist and labour parties.

November 15 – Field Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca organizes a military coup which deposes Emperor Pedro II of Brazil and abolishes the Brazilian monarchy. Later the Empire of Brazil officially becomes a Federal Republic and Field Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca becomes its first president.

The Miners' strike of 1889 in the Ruhrgebiet marked a turning point for social reforms. Through the socialist law and other means Bismarck excluded possible revolutionary movements and an entire population group. The miners sent a delegation to the kaiser, who intervened to their benefit.
After this affair Friedrich classified social reforms on a higher niveau and decided that reforms had to be made. The Conservatives would be against it, but Friedrich had already seen the end of the era Bismarck before this.


In August 1889 a broad study for the 'Kontinuitätspolitik' (continuity policy) was completed. Initiated by the kaiser and under the leadership of leading experts (economy, military, culture, social reforms, etc) objectives for the german development for the next twenty years were defined. Some of these objectives:

- massive efforts to improve the railway network in Germany and connection with foreign networks for improved economic benefits. Plans for a large railway company with two departments: Passengers and goods.

- End of the confrontational course of Bismarck, Reconciliation in the interior. The monarchy had the right to rule, but should withdraw in matter of social conflicts, clarifying it by the elected officials.

- improvement of worker protection and labour law, Review of complex tax law.

- Development of new trade agreements and prioritization of the industry (instead of agriculture). Clear decision to change germany in an industral land.

- The ratification of Geneva Conventions in the near future was recommended


Bismarck had chosen Leo von Caprivi as this successor. The debates with Kaiser Friedrich had taken a worse tone. He didn't want to acknowledge the need to integrate the socialists. And the imminent renouncement of his course was also a reason. Sooner or later the Reichstag would take a different course.

Friedrich tried to moderate the ambitions of his son Wilhelm. Since 1886 he had taken measures to prepare his second son, Heinrich, as a soothing counterbalance to his brother.
Heinrich hadn't any interest in political affairs and Wilhelm did his best to keep him away. Both sons followed their grandfather more than their father. Friedrich succeeded in persuading Heinrich. Since 1887 he learned general political standards and practices.
Wilhelm didn't welcome this development, in early 1888 the two sons had a really bad dispute. Through that Heinrich changed his view of Wilhelm and dissociate himself from him. Since then he worked harder for a countering position.

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1890 will be the Year of the Three Emperors, but with different circumstances and effects.

Please comment.