Es Geloybte Aretz - a Germanwank

[imperialaquila]

Originally Posted by The Sandman

Something I just thought of: with Italy guaranteed as neutral and the Serbians not exactly being much of a naval threat, is there any prospect of the Austrians trying to ship their fleet around to help the Germans?

That seems like a good idea. They probably want to hold a good chunk of it back, maybe try to get rights from the Ottomans to pass through the Straits and attack the Russian Black Sea coast?

[Wet Coast]

Originally Posted by carlton_bach

The Bavarian corps will go through them like prunes through a short grandmother.

I don't know if this is a common expression in a different culture or if you made it up but I laughed so hard I think I hurt something. I still can't read it without chuckling especially because I'm pretty sure I know that grandmother.

[Athelstane]

Though I might have enjoyed Fisher or Scott even more (such colorful language)...

Britain could very quickly become an important factor in this war. Their sympathies at this point have to be almost entirely with Germany, and all their (not so) latent Russophobia now on full boil. And the idea of Russian commerce raiders smashing up merchant traffic just off the Kentish coast - outrageous. The British, even under Campbell-Bannerman or Asquith, are not going to put up with that sort of thing very long at all. Especially because Germany was in 1906 already one of Britain's most important trading partners - the Russian blockade has to be playing hob with the London markets at this point. As it is, I have to think that the Channel Fleet and Atlantic Fleet must be on their war stations, anxiously watching for the slightest provocation. Liberal promises of economies in armaments have vanished like the morning fog.

As a start, it seems likely to me that before long Her Majesty's government would declare the Channel and much of the North Sea as non-belligerent zones, the Royal Navy enforcing them at the belligerents' peril - which of course would work entirely to the advantage of the Germans. Even the Czar's most belligerent advisers would think twice before risking British entry into the war.

After that...I could see war bonds being floated on London exchanges, with the benevolent support (perhaps indirect) of the British government, if this deteriorates further.

Meanwhile the London papers must be reporting the latest Russian outrages daily, outrageously. Lots of bluster will ensue on the floor of the House of Commons. And King Edward is wondering just what the hell has got into his Romanov nephew.

[Dathi THorfinnsson]

Originally Posted by carlton_bach

4 July 1906, Portsmouth

Is this Jane of Janes Fighting Ships? Wiki says that is john f.t. jane, and this is fred jane. Otoh, the second name of the famous guy starts with f. Or is this a son or someone totally unrelated?

[Wet Coast]

Originally Posted by Dathi THorfinnsson

Is this Jane of Janes Fighting Ships? Wiki says that is john f.t. jane, and this is fred jane. Otoh, the second name of the famous guy starts with f. Or is this a son or someone totally unrelated?

Fred T Jane was how he preferred to be known.

[carlton_bach]

Originally Posted by The Sandman

Something I just thought of: with Italy guaranteed as neutral and the Serbians not exactly being much of a naval threat, is there any prospect of the Austrians trying to ship their fleet around to help the Germans?

Very likely yes. Until a few days ago, the plan was for them to reinforce the Italians against the French and hope they don't sink each other instead. Now, all that will need arranging is the coaling en route. As far as I can tell, the Austro-Hungarian battleships didn't have the legs to go from Trieste to Wilhelmshaven.

[Dathi THorfinnsson]

Originally Posted by Wet Coast

Fred T Jane was how he preferred to be known.

Ah. Thanks. I totally missed this the first time reading, and even wondered if he was a Russian spy or something. Then realized what the last name was, and went looking, and still wasn't sure. So, thanks again.

These little 'easter eggs' as it were are a very interesting part of your writing, Carlton. Having to track down some of the points you don't explicitly cover adds some fun. I just hope we're getting them all.

[mikegold]

Originally Posted by carlton_bach

Very likely yes. Until a few days ago, the plan was for them to reinforce the Italians against the French and hope they don't sink each other instead. Now, all that will need arranging is the coaling en route. As far as I can tell, the Austro-Hungarian battleships didn't have the legs to go from Trieste to Wilhelmshaven.

What if they're allowed to coal at Malta, Gibraltar, and Plymouth?

[carlton_bach]

Originally Posted by mikegold

What if they're allowed to coal at Malta, Gibraltar, and Plymouth?

That's aiding the warships of a belligerent power. Bad idea. The Brits might as well declare war on Russia and be done with it. They don't want that, so someone has got to get creative. The Russians faced a similiar situation IOTL on the way to Tsushima.

[The Sandman]

Hire private colliers.

That the "private" colliers are being reimbursed and protected by the Royal Navy, US Navy, Spanish Navy or whoever else is relevant is of course something that will be quietly ignored.

[carlton_bach]

Originally Posted by The Sandman

Hire private colliers.

That the "private" colliers are being reimbursed and protected by the Royal Navy, US Navy, Spanish Navy or whoever else is relevant is of course something that will be quietly ignored.

Exactly what the Russians did IOTL, too.

[carlton_bach]

4 July 1906, New York

Przemysl Under Siege!
150,000 men trapped! Giant artillery pieces in action!


The Imperial Russian government today announced that its armies had invested the Austrian fortress of Przemysl in the greatest siege operation of the modern era. The Austrian garrison of 150,000 men faces a besieging army of over 400,000 Russians in its desperate effort to hold the city until a relief can be mounted. The Russian command has promised its suzerain Nicholas II to bring the garrison to its knees before the suzmmer is out. If occupied, this stronghold would permit Russian troops to occupy all of Galicia north of the Carpathia mountains as well as giving them a sally port for attacks into Bohemia and Silesia.
Caught unprepared by the Russian attack, Austria-Hungary has been fighting to stem the advance of the enemy into its territory since the war began, and this latest blow to its prestige and military power will not go unnoticed in many quarters. Presently, the build-up of forces held in readiness at the Serbian border continues, while that belligerent power is mobilising. Both armies are expected to clash soon. Meanwhile, Romania and Bulgaria have both declared mobilisations and may soon join the battle on their respective sides. The Romanian crown is obligated by treaty to aid Austria-Hungary, though the present situation malkes it a chancy undertaking and the mobilisation of its army may indicate no more that a readiness to defend itself from encroachment. Bulgaria may well choose to intervene on the Russian side. The Balkans are once again true to their reputation as the cockpit of Europe.

(New York Herald)

[Zmflavius]

Oooh, we have (a) pic!

It seems that the Siege of Przemysl will proceed as OTL. Initially, at least.

[carlton_bach]

Originally Posted by Zmflavius

Oooh, we have (a) pic!

Yep. Ignore the uniforms, they're all wrong. What a difference eight years make.

[carlton_bach]

06 July 1906, Berlin

“I told you, it means nothing. He does not think he owes us a thing.” August Bebel could be hard to bear when he was convinced he was right, and convinced he was. The newspaper clipping announcing the formation of a committee on the economic conduct of the war had demonstrated to his credulous colleagues once again the true nature of the ruling classes. Gratitude was an alien concept to crowned heads.

“I cannot believe that.” Paul Singer was still shocked. The announcement was as brief and bald as it was provocative. Rathenau, Stinnes and General Groener would head the new Kommission für Kriegswirtschaft! Other candidates to be announced as they were nominated. Industrialists all, and Stinnes the worst of the lot.

“Well, intentional or not, it's a frightening thing. We will have to talk to the comrades. I'm sure the workers of the Ruhr will be furious when they hear of it.” Eduard Bernstein seemed calmer than Bebel, but no less angry. Singer added bitterly: “This is the worst possible idea. I cannot think of a better way of demonstrating that nothing has really changed. What next, bring back the Socialist laws for the duration?”

Silence followed. Bernstein looked out of the window thoughtfully. “Does the emperor know what he is doing?”, he idly asked.

“What do you mean?” Bebel replied impatiently.

“Look at the way the committee is set up. We have Groener – an expert on logistics. Rathenau – a well-regarded industrial manager. Stinnes – likewise, and a representative of the German industry that is not Krupp-AEG.” Bernstein presented his thought tentatively. “If you lived in Sanssouci and only ever met grand-bourgeois and nobility, wouldn't these be the people you'd consult in economic matters?”

“You mean, he just asked the people he knew.” Bebel considered that for a moment. “Makes sense, actually. He has a way of tapping his inner circle for important jobs. Quite annoying”

Singer spoke up. “Well, either way, we have to register our protest. I think we should do it through the Reichstag. Labour must have a seat on the War Economy Committee.”

Bebel nodded, but then raised his hand momentarily. “One thing: I think it might be better if we did not air this in public. There are too many who would call us unpatriotic. I suspect that Wilhelm would see one of us, if he came as a representative of the Reichstag faction. If he still says no, we can go and butt heads.”

The other men nodded. “Who, though?” Bernstein asked.

Bebel smiled. “Paul”, he said, turning to Singer, “you have the manners of the upper crust, don't you? Go and talk to His Majesty about this. You're better at being conciliatory than I am.”

Singer shook his head. “Why would he listen to a red Yid?”

“That's never stopped him before.”, Bernstein pointed out. “Look, I can come along if you want me to. Or take David. He's an expert on finance.”

Paul Singer rose, sighing heavily. “All right. I think taking along a delegation will make sense. I'll have you and David, and Ebert. He has the background on community businesses. Maybe we can get somewhere on this, after all.”

[Monty Burns]

Oh well, let the Reds have a representative in the committee. 1 against 3 is not much to be afraid of, and after all the Socialists will have to live with all measures enacted to the best of the fatherland. Not to mention that many in the SPD are strongly in favour of this war anyway...

If the person is chosen right, he could even make it into Wilhelm's inner circle. Would be very beneficial in the long run if nhe befriends a moderate socialist and establishes a short link into SPD.

[mikegold]

The Herald may be wrong about Bulgaria: Nis is arguably a bigger prize than North Dobrudja, and all of Serbia may even be on offer. In any case, Tsar Ferdinand will probably wait to see which way Romania and Turkey jump and let all sides commit their forces, then jump in while the getting's good.

However, If Bulgaria does go for an early declaration on the Russian side, Germany may well give the Ottomans carte blance south of the Dabube.

[Jotun]

I just had a nice thought. If Germany and/or her allies decide to buy goods from the USA, could maybe Teddy Roosevelt decide on sending the Great White Fleet on its world tour a year early and the other way around (eastwards) for a visit to, say, Rotterdam and guard a convoy or two along the way? I'd like to see the Russian reaction to THAT

[Vnix]

Originally Posted by Jotun

I just had a nice thought. If Germany and/or her allies decide to buy goods from the USA, could maybe Teddy Roosevelt decide on sending the Great White Fleet on its world tour a year early and the other way around (eastwards) for a visit to, say, Rotterdam and guard a convoy or two along the way? I'd like to see the Russian reaction to THAT

if only this were facebook

[Faeelin]

Originally Posted by Jotun

I just had a nice thought. If Germany and/or her allies decide to buy goods from the USA, could maybe Teddy Roosevelt decide on sending the Great White Fleet on its world tour a year early and the other way around (eastwards) for a visit to, say, Rotterdam and guard a convoy or two along the way? I'd like to see the Russian reaction to THAT

Teddy's feelings on Germany should be interesting; in OTL he thought they were a progressive, hardworking, incredibly dangerous people who wanted to conquer the planet. But he was also no fan of the Russians...