The Red Crowns: An Imperial Tale
- Thread starter Major Crimson
- Start date
Been reading your TL with interest.
Unfortunately, my library's dreadful firewall system blocks anything hosted on either imgur or deviantart. I don't suppose you (Angry Celt) could possibly email me your maps*, or at least attach them into posts so that I may bask in their glory?
*PM me if you would like my email address.
Unfortunately, my library's dreadful firewall system blocks anything hosted on either imgur or deviantart. I don't suppose you (Angry Celt) could possibly email me your maps*, or at least attach them into posts so that I may bask in their glory?
*PM me if you would like my email address.
Been reading your TL with interest.
Unfortunately, my library's dreadful firewall system blocks anything hosted on either imgur or deviantart. I don't suppose you (Angry Celt) could possibly email me your maps*, or at least attach them into posts so that I may bask in their glory?
No worries mate, I'll attach them from now on and do a post with them attached to in a bit.
Ah, well when they ewre granted statehood is was decided that it would be as one entity instead of two. I'll go into much more detail when the Short War is over, I plan to do an update on each major power before moving forward properly.
Thanks, old chap. You are awesome.
Now, MOAR British Empire!
I'm not sure what's going in in Eastern Rumelia, though. Is it an Ottoman vassal or independent?
Now, MOAR British Empire!
I'm not sure what's going in in Eastern Rumelia, though. Is it an Ottoman vassal or independent?
Woops, that should be part of Bulgaria which, in itself, is de jure Ottoman but de facto independent.
Non White Colonies
How are the Imperial Socialists treating the non-white portions of the Empire like Africa and India? Any investments in upgrading living standards or infrastructure? How are the Chinese viewing the Short War?
How are the Imperial Socialists treating the non-white portions of the Empire like Africa and India? Any investments in upgrading living standards or infrastructure? How are the Chinese viewing the Short War?
This war is going to plat absolute havoc with the diplomacy in Europe, I'm eager to see what the fallout is going to be.
Chapter Eight: The Beginning of the End
Extract from The Round Tables: Diplomacy 1500-2000
By Mary Sue, Publish Oxford University Press 2006
After Trafalgar, British support for the war and, by proxy, the government was at an all time high. Two decisive victories against Britain's two oldest foes, what could be better? With progress being made in West Africa and the whispers of an invasion of Turkestan, British political opinion shifted hugely. France and Russia were Britain’s oldest foes and Prussia her dearest friend, how could anyone have ever thought any different? Notably, it was on September 18th that the HMS Leviathan was finally given the design greenlight. The Orange Coalition became heroes and, in the eyes of the Prime Minister, a quick end to the war would cement him as one of the great British leaders. So, on October 1st, the British government, through the neutral Germans, sent messages to the French and Russian governments, calling for a universal ceasefire, with negotiations to follow. On the third, both governments agreed and both sides sent diplomats to Oslo to attempt to draft a treaty. From step one, however, progress was slow. The British and Japanese pushed for grand colonial concessions and even grander war indemnities. The French entered with a naive bid for Status Quo Ante Bellum but even more surprisingly, the Russians demanded concessions. They wanted reparations from the British and control over the Japanese treaty Ports in China. The Anglo-Japanese delegation was gob-smacked, as were the French for that matter.
To understand the Russian demands, one must look at the Russian perspective. They had been offended by the Imperious British and upstart Japanese, they had launched an invasion into British lands that had been, at least temporarily, successful. One must also consider that, upon Tsar Nicholas’ death, the Russian government was in complete disarray. The new Tsar, George I, was outgoing, highly intelligent and moderate. In any other country, at any other time, he would be the perfect King. In Russia however, the people were angry, the Army especially were hungry for blood. The Russian Army was a huge, top heavy and violent beast and it’s head took the form of Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich. Nikolayevich was a Romanov himself and had been Inspector-General of the Russian Cavalry. Following the death of his cousin however, he retired that position and entered the Duma, calling for war at any cost. To Tsar George’s dismay, war was declared before he was even informed of his brother’s death. George was making a state trip to Finland at the time of the assassination and, due to either a technical error or deliberate subterfuge, it would take three days for George to hear of his brother’s death. When he returned to Moscow, the Duma lay firmly in Nikolayevich's hands. George was outraged but, after some coercion, consented that it was too late to go back and endeavoured with the war. AS things grew more desperate, the popularity of both men waned. Defeat after defeat only served to anger the Russian populace. How could the new Tsar disrespect his preddecesor with such failures? When the German government revealed that Britain had not been involved in Nicholas' assasination, little changed in Russia. The British were still belligerent, arrogant and a threat. Only George seemed perterbed by the information.
October rolled around however and the Russian people clamoured for the ceasefire, even the Army were growing tired of their defeats and so the government relented. George and Nikolayevich had proven a surprisingly successful couple, guiding the Russian government and meeting little early resistance up to this point. When it came to peace however, the Tsar attempted to put his foot down. George was willing not only to make concessions to the British but to the Japanese as well. After he made this clear to Nikolayevich the Tsar was “taken ill” and restrained to his bedroom for some time.
It was clear to most that Nikolayevich had seized control of the nation and despite his prewar reputation as something of a moderate, either the death of his cousin and friend (the Tsar) or the threat of his nation’s fall from grace, drove him to extremism. There has been debate over whether the man was insane or merely hugely narcissistic but none can deny his hugely negative contribution to Russian history.
The Russians eventually, after three days of talks, were dragged down to a status quo offer yet refused to budge any further. The French, quite stunningly, actually became less cooperative as the Russians made progress. Either in an attempt to seem strong or to maintain solidarity with their Russian comrades, the French too declared that they were sticking to Status Quo. The British, Japanese and even neutrals such as Germany and America were stunned by the Entente's refusal to negotiate. Perhaps because of these hardline policies, negotiations collapsed on the ninth and fighting began again on the eleventh. At least, it should have.
Grand Duke Nikolay Nikolayevich Romanov, the man with Russia in his pocket
Extract from The Round Tables: Diplomacy 1500-2000
By Mary Sue, Publish Oxford University Press 2006
After Trafalgar, British support for the war and, by proxy, the government was at an all time high. Two decisive victories against Britain's two oldest foes, what could be better? With progress being made in West Africa and the whispers of an invasion of Turkestan, British political opinion shifted hugely. France and Russia were Britain’s oldest foes and Prussia her dearest friend, how could anyone have ever thought any different? Notably, it was on September 18th that the HMS Leviathan was finally given the design greenlight. The Orange Coalition became heroes and, in the eyes of the Prime Minister, a quick end to the war would cement him as one of the great British leaders. So, on October 1st, the British government, through the neutral Germans, sent messages to the French and Russian governments, calling for a universal ceasefire, with negotiations to follow. On the third, both governments agreed and both sides sent diplomats to Oslo to attempt to draft a treaty. From step one, however, progress was slow. The British and Japanese pushed for grand colonial concessions and even grander war indemnities. The French entered with a naive bid for Status Quo Ante Bellum but even more surprisingly, the Russians demanded concessions. They wanted reparations from the British and control over the Japanese treaty Ports in China. The Anglo-Japanese delegation was gob-smacked, as were the French for that matter.
To understand the Russian demands, one must look at the Russian perspective. They had been offended by the Imperious British and upstart Japanese, they had launched an invasion into British lands that had been, at least temporarily, successful. One must also consider that, upon Tsar Nicholas’ death, the Russian government was in complete disarray. The new Tsar, George I, was outgoing, highly intelligent and moderate. In any other country, at any other time, he would be the perfect King. In Russia however, the people were angry, the Army especially were hungry for blood. The Russian Army was a huge, top heavy and violent beast and it’s head took the form of Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich. Nikolayevich was a Romanov himself and had been Inspector-General of the Russian Cavalry. Following the death of his cousin however, he retired that position and entered the Duma, calling for war at any cost. To Tsar George’s dismay, war was declared before he was even informed of his brother’s death. George was making a state trip to Finland at the time of the assassination and, due to either a technical error or deliberate subterfuge, it would take three days for George to hear of his brother’s death. When he returned to Moscow, the Duma lay firmly in Nikolayevich's hands. George was outraged but, after some coercion, consented that it was too late to go back and endeavoured with the war. AS things grew more desperate, the popularity of both men waned. Defeat after defeat only served to anger the Russian populace. How could the new Tsar disrespect his preddecesor with such failures? When the German government revealed that Britain had not been involved in Nicholas' assasination, little changed in Russia. The British were still belligerent, arrogant and a threat. Only George seemed perterbed by the information.
October rolled around however and the Russian people clamoured for the ceasefire, even the Army were growing tired of their defeats and so the government relented. George and Nikolayevich had proven a surprisingly successful couple, guiding the Russian government and meeting little early resistance up to this point. When it came to peace however, the Tsar attempted to put his foot down. George was willing not only to make concessions to the British but to the Japanese as well. After he made this clear to Nikolayevich the Tsar was “taken ill” and restrained to his bedroom for some time.
It was clear to most that Nikolayevich had seized control of the nation and despite his prewar reputation as something of a moderate, either the death of his cousin and friend (the Tsar) or the threat of his nation’s fall from grace, drove him to extremism. There has been debate over whether the man was insane or merely hugely narcissistic but none can deny his hugely negative contribution to Russian history.
The Russians eventually, after three days of talks, were dragged down to a status quo offer yet refused to budge any further. The French, quite stunningly, actually became less cooperative as the Russians made progress. Either in an attempt to seem strong or to maintain solidarity with their Russian comrades, the French too declared that they were sticking to Status Quo. The British, Japanese and even neutrals such as Germany and America were stunned by the Entente's refusal to negotiate. Perhaps because of these hardline policies, negotiations collapsed on the ninth and fighting began again on the eleventh. At least, it should have.
Grand Duke Nikolay Nikolayevich Romanov, the man with Russia in his pocket
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Their government hasn't been in power long but the Fabians have a very forward (if somewhat patronising) view of the non-white empire and are doing what they can to reform the system.
Living standards are on the rise and, despite the war, the government are upgrading the infrastructure at a great pace. I'll go into detail into both of these matters and more in a post war after action report on the UK, which I'll do for every major power.
As for China, they couldn't be happier. Their three biggest threats are duking it out and wearing each other down. As the war reaches it's final stages however, they realise that Anglo-Japanese dominance of the east might not be such a great thing. For now though, they don't want to hedge bets and are keeping to themselves.
Oh yes, the sparks are going to fly!
And don't worry, we'll get a nice, in depth view of Europe and the World as the ripples move outwards.Chapter Nine: They All Come Tumbling Down
Extract from Short War, Long Fight
By Rupert Ayoade, Published Harper Publishing 2009
When the ceasefire was declared a unilateral failure on the 11th of October, British forces around the world restarted their offences. In Africa, it wa very much a return to the norm, an endless British push against the demoralised and thinly spread French. Similarly, at sea the British domination continued. The Russian front however was different altogether. In Primorye the up and coming General Torbov ordered a complete evacuation of the Primorye region. His reason for this being; “The Battle is lost, so is the war. My men will not be as well.”. Turbov retreat allowed the Russians to form an effective defensive line further to the North and though it was seen by many as traitorous, it was a highly successful operation. Many in Russia saw Torbov as “The Empire’s last General” due to the low casualty rates and high morale of the soldier under his command. Largely disregarding orders from Moscow, Turbov was actually able to launch an effective counter attack on the 23rd of October, though by this point it had become clear that, due to events elsewhere in the world, this could only yield limited results.
Meanwhile, the Russian forces on the Turkestani border received their orders, an offensive had been planned against the British. It was, to all who saw it, complete suicide. An all on, frontal assault on the heavily fortified British lines. The higher-ups in the Russian military had promised huge reinforcements to compensate for what were, in Churchill’s terms, “Meatgrinder Assaults”. A few officers knowingly marched to their doom taking their men with them. However, these men found that the great majority of Russian forces had not joined the advance. Instead, all along the Russian lines, Officers (usually rich young men with a lot to lose) and their men simply said no. Some sat in their trenches and did nothing, some offered armistices to their foes, a great many even surrendered on the spot. Most famously, the Russian garrison at Ashgabat, an important Turkestani city, rebelled against their leaders. Many of the soldiers were locals and, growing tired of seeing their brethren slaughtered and their lands invaded, threw off their Russian officers. On the 14th of October, after three days of heavy fighting, the Confederation of Turkestan was declared in the city. News spread like wildfire throughout Russian ranks and infighting began almost immediately. Genuine “Russian” soldiers began fighting with their colonial counterparts, not just Turks but Poles, Tartars and even Ukrainians. It was anarchy and the British would not let it pass them up. Anglo-Afghan forces steamrolled the entire Russian line. The chain of command collapsed in days and soon the entire region was in chaos. The Russians were never able to mount an effective defence after that point, the British covered too much ground and were too well organised. Meanwhile, the Turkestani revolt grew in truth, spreading outwards and cropping up in random places. When British forces first met the rebels they were treated as friends and liberators. The war was over for Russia.
In Moscow, this was as obvious as anywhere. People were displeased that the Government had in effect, sabotaged any efforts for peace. Riots began in the streets, anger really began to grow when it became clear that General Nikolayevich had imprisoned the Tsar in his own palace. The armed forces in the city too felt a need to free their Tsar and began clashing with Nikolayevich’s loyalists. On October 23rd, the Tsar’s Palace was raided by Tsarists and Nikolayevich’s forces were crushed. The Tsar would issue a warrant for his cousin’s arrest and the city turned into a battlefield. Two days later, Nikolayevich was found dead in his Quarters, having killed himself when the tide turned. The Tsar sued for peace on the 25th and the French followed suit. There could be no doubt now, the Entente had challenged Britain’s dominance and they had been completely and totally beaten.
A Map of the World when the Second Peace was Declared
Extract from Short War, Long Fight
By Rupert Ayoade, Published Harper Publishing 2009
When the ceasefire was declared a unilateral failure on the 11th of October, British forces around the world restarted their offences. In Africa, it wa very much a return to the norm, an endless British push against the demoralised and thinly spread French. Similarly, at sea the British domination continued. The Russian front however was different altogether. In Primorye the up and coming General Torbov ordered a complete evacuation of the Primorye region. His reason for this being; “The Battle is lost, so is the war. My men will not be as well.”. Turbov retreat allowed the Russians to form an effective defensive line further to the North and though it was seen by many as traitorous, it was a highly successful operation. Many in Russia saw Torbov as “The Empire’s last General” due to the low casualty rates and high morale of the soldier under his command. Largely disregarding orders from Moscow, Turbov was actually able to launch an effective counter attack on the 23rd of October, though by this point it had become clear that, due to events elsewhere in the world, this could only yield limited results.
Meanwhile, the Russian forces on the Turkestani border received their orders, an offensive had been planned against the British. It was, to all who saw it, complete suicide. An all on, frontal assault on the heavily fortified British lines. The higher-ups in the Russian military had promised huge reinforcements to compensate for what were, in Churchill’s terms, “Meatgrinder Assaults”. A few officers knowingly marched to their doom taking their men with them. However, these men found that the great majority of Russian forces had not joined the advance. Instead, all along the Russian lines, Officers (usually rich young men with a lot to lose) and their men simply said no. Some sat in their trenches and did nothing, some offered armistices to their foes, a great many even surrendered on the spot. Most famously, the Russian garrison at Ashgabat, an important Turkestani city, rebelled against their leaders. Many of the soldiers were locals and, growing tired of seeing their brethren slaughtered and their lands invaded, threw off their Russian officers. On the 14th of October, after three days of heavy fighting, the Confederation of Turkestan was declared in the city. News spread like wildfire throughout Russian ranks and infighting began almost immediately. Genuine “Russian” soldiers began fighting with their colonial counterparts, not just Turks but Poles, Tartars and even Ukrainians. It was anarchy and the British would not let it pass them up. Anglo-Afghan forces steamrolled the entire Russian line. The chain of command collapsed in days and soon the entire region was in chaos. The Russians were never able to mount an effective defence after that point, the British covered too much ground and were too well organised. Meanwhile, the Turkestani revolt grew in truth, spreading outwards and cropping up in random places. When British forces first met the rebels they were treated as friends and liberators. The war was over for Russia.
In Moscow, this was as obvious as anywhere. People were displeased that the Government had in effect, sabotaged any efforts for peace. Riots began in the streets, anger really began to grow when it became clear that General Nikolayevich had imprisoned the Tsar in his own palace. The armed forces in the city too felt a need to free their Tsar and began clashing with Nikolayevich’s loyalists. On October 23rd, the Tsar’s Palace was raided by Tsarists and Nikolayevich’s forces were crushed. The Tsar would issue a warrant for his cousin’s arrest and the city turned into a battlefield. Two days later, Nikolayevich was found dead in his Quarters, having killed himself when the tide turned. The Tsar sued for peace on the 25th and the French followed suit. There could be no doubt now, the Entente had challenged Britain’s dominance and they had been completely and totally beaten.
A Map of the World when the Second Peace was Declared
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Maybe it's just because I've been reading Es Geyobyte Aretz, but it seems almost natural the Russians would bungle making peace. What just happened with the Tsar is interesting though, not sure what the anger of the masses being directed towards rescuing the Tsar will do long term.
Should be interesting to see the diplomatic fallout from this war as well, so I'll definitely be keeping watch.
What just happened with the Tsar is interesting though, not sure what the anger of the masses being directed towards rescuing the Tsar will do long term.Should be interesting to see the diplomatic fallout from this war as well, so I'll definitely be keeping watch.
Generals
Sounds like Torbov and the rebel Generals/Officers may be the only thing keeping the Czar in power.
Sounds like Torbov and the rebel Generals/Officers may be the only thing keeping the Czar in power.
AngryCelt, could you please attach the new map, also please?
Honestly, this library firewall is soooooo annoying.
Honestly, this library firewall is soooooo annoying.
Glad people are enjoying it, if there's ever something people find implausible or don't think would work, feel free to tell me. I'm a big fan of constructive criticism.
Mmm, Russia are going to have something of a rough time but Tsar George isn't stupid, their politics should be interesting.
Yeah, the Tsardom is teetering on the edge at the minute, it would be the perfect time for certain rebels to show their faces...
Sorry buddy, I'll try and remember for the future. Here y'are.
Maybe it's just because I've been reading Es Geyobyte Aretz, but it seems almost natural the Russians would bungle making peace.
Should be interesting to see the diplomatic fallout from this war as well, so I'll definitely be keeping watch.
Mmm, Russia are going to have something of a rough time but Tsar George isn't stupid, their politics should be interesting.
Yeah, the Tsardom is teetering on the edge at the minute, it would be the perfect time for certain rebels to show their faces...
AngryCelt, could you please attach the new map, also please?
Honestly, this library firewall is soooooo annoying.
Sorry buddy, I'll try and remember for the future. Here y'are.
Chapter Ten: The End, Finally
Extract from: Peacetime and Plows
Written by Earl John of Kent, Published Oxford University Press 1998
The Treaty of London is exceptional for many reasons, a key one of these is it’s briefness. The British Government were clear in their demands whilst both the French and Russian diplomats were clear in their defeat and simply happy to end the war. The Treaty was also surprisingly harsh, especially on the Central Asian and West African Fronts. When the parties assembled in London on November 3rd Britain and Japan felt sure in their mastery, whilst the Entente government were each balancing on a knife edge. British demands were clear, harsh and even to those who could see the complete British victory, arrogant.
-France would cede all African territory East of 20 Degrees East and South of 18 Degrees North to the British Empire
-French Indochina is to be divided and annexed along lines stipulated in the Treaty of Saigon
-France will cede her Pacific Islands to the Empire of Japan
-Russia will grant independence to several Central European regions to form the Kingdom of Turkestan
-Russia will cede border territory to Afghanistan
-Russia will cede Sakhalin, to be henceforth known as Karafuto, along with the Kuril Islands, to be henceforth known as the Shikotan Territory, to the Empire of Japan
-France will pay the British Empire £500 Million in War Indemnities
-France will pay the Empire of Japan £150 Million in War Indemnities
-Russia will pay the British and Japanese Empire’s £500 Million each in War Indemnities
-Russia’s Pacific Fleet would be limited to 1 Battleship, 5 Cruisers and 10 Gunboats
-The French and Russian Navies will not, individually, exceed ⅓ Tonnage of the Royal Navy
-Britain and Japan will receive preferential trade rights in Russian Pacific Ports
-Russia will acknowledge responsibility for the War
-France will acknowledge the responsibility of creating tension in North Africa
-Neither France, nor Russia, shall declare war on a sovereign nation for a period of Five years, upon pain of Intervention
To the great surprise of the world, and particularly the British, the Russians signed the Treaty immediately. Tsar George needed to end the war now, he had seen the tide in Russia, it was hurtling towards revolution. In Central Asia, Russia had lost complete control of the territory of Turkestan, to attempt to keep it was foolish. The British, Japanese and Russian delegates signed the treaty on the 5th, officially ending the war with Russia. However, France was not quite so easily cowed. Having seen that the British primarily blamed the Russians for the war, French diplomats were able to argue the British down to change both the indemnity and North African clauses to:
-France would cede all African territory East of 22 Degrees East and South of 14 Degrees North to the British Empire.
-The Sudanese Border will the redrafted, with more territory going to Britain.
-France will pay the British Empire £300 Million in War Indemnities
-France will pay the Empire of Japan £100 Million in War Indemnities
The French signed the Treaty on the 6th and, after barely three months of fighting, the war came to it’s cataclysmic close. France and Russia had been neutered as Empire and Britain reigned supreme. Japan too, had proven her might, transforming themselves from a regional power and a point of interest for the international community into one of the world’s major powers.
Each nation’s reaction could be based on the now famous lines of their leaders, in Britain Queen Victoria would give her last famous speech, remembered for the line; “We have proven, in this hour, that the Empire of Great Britain is truly the greatest and most mighty that the world has ever been graced with.” In Russia, however, an even more famous speech would be given. Tsar George’s address was a sombre one but one that called for unity. This is well summed up in his closing paragraph:
“My people of Russia, it was brutes that waged this war, it was brutes that forced us into this terrible, terrible war. Let us not blame the world for our folly, but let us not blame each other for what has passed. Should the people of Russia turn upon each other, our Empire would go from bruised to broken. My people, we must not allow this. Together as one people, as a united people, we will march forwards with confidence and pride” The Tsar’s speech was a good one but hid the internal crisis that was gripping Russia. Not only had they been bested by the British but also by rebels within their own borders. It became clear that change would have to come and it would have to come quick.
Tsar George, one of Russia's Greatest Kings
Meanwhile, France was similarly shaken. Often neglected in Histories of the war France’s role was key and the wars effects would be felt their for many decades. The people of France were more united than their Russian allies but plagued by opposition to the peace. The French had surrendered a lot of land, too much land according to most and the people were dissatisfied. The French Government, headed by Hanotaux was replaced by the moderate and somewhat forgetful leadership of Emile Loubet. Loubet was, by all accounts, a good leader. He was a strong orator, a clear headed statesman and in the not terrible position of being a moderate Anglophile. However, his governance was wrought with hardships as he faced opposition from three key figures. The first of these was Raymond Poincare, a right wing politician who was unending in his fear of Germany, next was the exiled Prince Napoleon, or Napoleon IV. A known friend of Queen Victoria’s and rumoured to be an Imperial Socialist, the man was popular amoung France’s middle class and presented a strong, charismatic leader for the people of France to turn to. Finally was Emile Pouget, a Marxian-Anarchist who presented the people of France with a tantalising offer. The Marxian movement became popular amongst the increasingly poor working class and would present a major threat to the government. No one knew which direction France would swing but the world watched with bated breath.
Finally, Great Britain revelled in it’s glory. Following the Treaty of London it was the undisputed master of Africa but Britain would be saddened however by the death of it’s ageing Prime Minister, Lord Mountbatten, in December 1896. The Queen, quite controversially and after great debate, invited Robert Cunninghame Graham to form a government. To ask a Socialist, even an Imperial one, to be Prime Minister was shocking to many and met great discontent. Despite this though, Cunninghame Graham proved a competent leader and a popular one. Under his hand the Orange government would pass the important “Africa Act” which completely redrew British colonial borders in Africa. The act was spearheaded by the Fabians and attempted to make these new borders fit more closely along tribal lines. These borders have been criticised for being “too neat” and over generalising native cultures, however they were considerably more cooperative than anything that predated it. It also set up an official system for Dominion status to be granted, at royal consent, and laid the path for African Suffrage. In Asia, the British realised that attempting to govern their new-found territory would be expensive and difficult and so declared the Empire of Vietnam, under the Nguyễn dynasty. The country was undoubtedly a British protectorate but nevertheless enjoyed both autonomy and wealth in their new status.The 20th Century was tantalisingly close as 1896 came to an end and the world turned their heads onward, hoping for a more peaceful century. They would find themselves thoroughly disappointed.
Extract from: Peacetime and Plows
Written by Earl John of Kent, Published Oxford University Press 1998
The Treaty of London is exceptional for many reasons, a key one of these is it’s briefness. The British Government were clear in their demands whilst both the French and Russian diplomats were clear in their defeat and simply happy to end the war. The Treaty was also surprisingly harsh, especially on the Central Asian and West African Fronts. When the parties assembled in London on November 3rd Britain and Japan felt sure in their mastery, whilst the Entente government were each balancing on a knife edge. British demands were clear, harsh and even to those who could see the complete British victory, arrogant.
-France would cede all African territory East of 20 Degrees East and South of 18 Degrees North to the British Empire
-French Indochina is to be divided and annexed along lines stipulated in the Treaty of Saigon
-France will cede her Pacific Islands to the Empire of Japan
-Russia will grant independence to several Central European regions to form the Kingdom of Turkestan
-Russia will cede border territory to Afghanistan
-Russia will cede Sakhalin, to be henceforth known as Karafuto, along with the Kuril Islands, to be henceforth known as the Shikotan Territory, to the Empire of Japan
-France will pay the British Empire £500 Million in War Indemnities
-France will pay the Empire of Japan £150 Million in War Indemnities
-Russia will pay the British and Japanese Empire’s £500 Million each in War Indemnities
-Russia’s Pacific Fleet would be limited to 1 Battleship, 5 Cruisers and 10 Gunboats
-The French and Russian Navies will not, individually, exceed ⅓ Tonnage of the Royal Navy
-Britain and Japan will receive preferential trade rights in Russian Pacific Ports
-Russia will acknowledge responsibility for the War
-France will acknowledge the responsibility of creating tension in North Africa
-Neither France, nor Russia, shall declare war on a sovereign nation for a period of Five years, upon pain of Intervention
To the great surprise of the world, and particularly the British, the Russians signed the Treaty immediately. Tsar George needed to end the war now, he had seen the tide in Russia, it was hurtling towards revolution. In Central Asia, Russia had lost complete control of the territory of Turkestan, to attempt to keep it was foolish. The British, Japanese and Russian delegates signed the treaty on the 5th, officially ending the war with Russia. However, France was not quite so easily cowed. Having seen that the British primarily blamed the Russians for the war, French diplomats were able to argue the British down to change both the indemnity and North African clauses to:
-France would cede all African territory East of 22 Degrees East and South of 14 Degrees North to the British Empire.
-The Sudanese Border will the redrafted, with more territory going to Britain.
-France will pay the British Empire £300 Million in War Indemnities
-France will pay the Empire of Japan £100 Million in War Indemnities
The French signed the Treaty on the 6th and, after barely three months of fighting, the war came to it’s cataclysmic close. France and Russia had been neutered as Empire and Britain reigned supreme. Japan too, had proven her might, transforming themselves from a regional power and a point of interest for the international community into one of the world’s major powers.
Each nation’s reaction could be based on the now famous lines of their leaders, in Britain Queen Victoria would give her last famous speech, remembered for the line; “We have proven, in this hour, that the Empire of Great Britain is truly the greatest and most mighty that the world has ever been graced with.” In Russia, however, an even more famous speech would be given. Tsar George’s address was a sombre one but one that called for unity. This is well summed up in his closing paragraph:
“My people of Russia, it was brutes that waged this war, it was brutes that forced us into this terrible, terrible war. Let us not blame the world for our folly, but let us not blame each other for what has passed. Should the people of Russia turn upon each other, our Empire would go from bruised to broken. My people, we must not allow this. Together as one people, as a united people, we will march forwards with confidence and pride” The Tsar’s speech was a good one but hid the internal crisis that was gripping Russia. Not only had they been bested by the British but also by rebels within their own borders. It became clear that change would have to come and it would have to come quick.
Tsar George, one of Russia's Greatest Kings
Meanwhile, France was similarly shaken. Often neglected in Histories of the war France’s role was key and the wars effects would be felt their for many decades. The people of France were more united than their Russian allies but plagued by opposition to the peace. The French had surrendered a lot of land, too much land according to most and the people were dissatisfied. The French Government, headed by Hanotaux was replaced by the moderate and somewhat forgetful leadership of Emile Loubet. Loubet was, by all accounts, a good leader. He was a strong orator, a clear headed statesman and in the not terrible position of being a moderate Anglophile. However, his governance was wrought with hardships as he faced opposition from three key figures. The first of these was Raymond Poincare, a right wing politician who was unending in his fear of Germany, next was the exiled Prince Napoleon, or Napoleon IV. A known friend of Queen Victoria’s and rumoured to be an Imperial Socialist, the man was popular amoung France’s middle class and presented a strong, charismatic leader for the people of France to turn to. Finally was Emile Pouget, a Marxian-Anarchist who presented the people of France with a tantalising offer. The Marxian movement became popular amongst the increasingly poor working class and would present a major threat to the government. No one knew which direction France would swing but the world watched with bated breath.
Finally, Great Britain revelled in it’s glory. Following the Treaty of London it was the undisputed master of Africa but Britain would be saddened however by the death of it’s ageing Prime Minister, Lord Mountbatten, in December 1896. The Queen, quite controversially and after great debate, invited Robert Cunninghame Graham to form a government. To ask a Socialist, even an Imperial one, to be Prime Minister was shocking to many and met great discontent. Despite this though, Cunninghame Graham proved a competent leader and a popular one. Under his hand the Orange government would pass the important “Africa Act” which completely redrew British colonial borders in Africa. The act was spearheaded by the Fabians and attempted to make these new borders fit more closely along tribal lines. These borders have been criticised for being “too neat” and over generalising native cultures, however they were considerably more cooperative than anything that predated it. It also set up an official system for Dominion status to be granted, at royal consent, and laid the path for African Suffrage. In Asia, the British realised that attempting to govern their new-found territory would be expensive and difficult and so declared the Empire of Vietnam, under the Nguyễn dynasty. The country was undoubtedly a British protectorate but nevertheless enjoyed both autonomy and wealth in their new status.The 20th Century was tantalisingly close as 1896 came to an end and the world turned their heads onward, hoping for a more peaceful century. They would find themselves thoroughly disappointed.
A Map of The World, Post Treaty of London
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Hey everyone, sorry I was gone for so long but this update's a big one. You can consider this the end of Part 1, so to speak. After this we'll move on and I'll give an overview of all major powers. It'll be Britain, Russia, France, Germany, America, China, Japan and then one big one for all the other powers. I'll do two powers to a post most of the time and try and get trough it daily, starting tomorrow!
Hope you all enjoy and as ever, shower me in your comments!
Hope you all enjoy and as ever, shower me in your comments!
Another fine chapter, really enjoying this story of imperial socialism which seems a rather British invention which may be imported to France.
Er... I'm not so sure this treaty is realistic. At all.
Japan in the 1890s is not Japan in the 1900s, and I'm not sure they would've been able to sustain a war effort of that kind with Russia that early without some serious losses. Russia is not fighting a huge landwar with Germany to suck up huge resources, and a war in Central Asia favors the defender, largely. While any Russian advance into Afghanistan might be disastrous, a British advance into Central Asia would be too. Especially since the Afghans were historically anti-both, British protectorate be damned...
There's a nuanced relationship between the British and the Afghans and it was one they carefully balanced. Afghanistan would be totally wary of British soldiers staying on once the Russian threat was removed.
Who are the British backing as king of an artificially created Turkistan? There certainly wasn't massive support at this time for one.
Why was Indochina conquered so quickly? The Royal Navy may be powerful, but the Marine Nationale isn't crap, and Indochina would've been a long campaign; Japan trying to invade would definitely have been a horrible setback for the Japanese themselves. In addition, the British wouldn't have annexed it, as they were wary of adding another India to their Empire- Indochina would need a massive influx of British administrators, even for simply the directly administered areas.
France would not surrender Senegal or Gabon or literally any of those territories south of that line you've drawn up. The French Empire is a point of pride, and you've essentially left them with a lot of desert. And again, now Britain is left to administer a bunch of land they don't really need or want.
Also, Fabian plans or not, trying to redraw African borders into tribal ones would be massively expensive, and arguably not worth it. In fact, I'm sure trying to convince Parliament this is the best idea will totally not be worth it, especially since those straight line borders prevent any real tribal borders anyway.
You've also completely underplayed the racial tensions that would've occurred within the British Army. Indian soldiers would have been the majority of soldiers fighting in Central Asia, and many would be apprehensive about going through Afghanistan. By relying so much on Indian soldiers, you've also created a political problem for Britain in the future, but that's one to deal with later. It would also still be an ineffective army, divided into three parts, with only the Bengal Army initially being present in the Northwest. Britain would've needed to gain political support in India for more and more soldiers to go beyond the northwest. Indian soldiers would not be happy about going beyond Afghanistan at all.
Japan would not get Primorye and Russia's warmwater Pacific port, and they wouldn't have the capabilities to take it. Japan would overextend itself trying to invade that deep into Russia. Manchuria is one thing, Russia another. The soldiers there would be enough to send the Japanese packing. Vladivostok would remain under Russian rule, even if the Japanese rule the seas there.
Japan in the 1890s is not Japan in the 1900s, and I'm not sure they would've been able to sustain a war effort of that kind with Russia that early without some serious losses. Russia is not fighting a huge landwar with Germany to suck up huge resources, and a war in Central Asia favors the defender, largely. While any Russian advance into Afghanistan might be disastrous, a British advance into Central Asia would be too. Especially since the Afghans were historically anti-both, British protectorate be damned...
There's a nuanced relationship between the British and the Afghans and it was one they carefully balanced. Afghanistan would be totally wary of British soldiers staying on once the Russian threat was removed.
Who are the British backing as king of an artificially created Turkistan? There certainly wasn't massive support at this time for one.
Why was Indochina conquered so quickly? The Royal Navy may be powerful, but the Marine Nationale isn't crap, and Indochina would've been a long campaign; Japan trying to invade would definitely have been a horrible setback for the Japanese themselves. In addition, the British wouldn't have annexed it, as they were wary of adding another India to their Empire- Indochina would need a massive influx of British administrators, even for simply the directly administered areas.
France would not surrender Senegal or Gabon or literally any of those territories south of that line you've drawn up. The French Empire is a point of pride, and you've essentially left them with a lot of desert. And again, now Britain is left to administer a bunch of land they don't really need or want.
Also, Fabian plans or not, trying to redraw African borders into tribal ones would be massively expensive, and arguably not worth it. In fact, I'm sure trying to convince Parliament this is the best idea will totally not be worth it, especially since those straight line borders prevent any real tribal borders anyway.
You've also completely underplayed the racial tensions that would've occurred within the British Army. Indian soldiers would have been the majority of soldiers fighting in Central Asia, and many would be apprehensive about going through Afghanistan. By relying so much on Indian soldiers, you've also created a political problem for Britain in the future, but that's one to deal with later. It would also still be an ineffective army, divided into three parts, with only the Bengal Army initially being present in the Northwest. Britain would've needed to gain political support in India for more and more soldiers to go beyond the northwest. Indian soldiers would not be happy about going beyond Afghanistan at all.
Japan would not get Primorye and Russia's warmwater Pacific port, and they wouldn't have the capabilities to take it. Japan would overextend itself trying to invade that deep into Russia. Manchuria is one thing, Russia another. The soldiers there would be enough to send the Japanese packing. Vladivostok would remain under Russian rule, even if the Japanese rule the seas there.