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CHAPTER II: a changing arena
CHAPTER II: a Changing arena 1889:
Though this year was particularly uneventful in the grand scheme of things, it would still be a year of political movement in the empire, while on foreign policy Bismarck and the new young Kaiser agreed whether they like or not, they commonly butted heads on domestic issues where it seemed Kaiser was more inclined to a more left position as he pushed for workers’ rights especially after the miner strikes, these issues greatly frustrated Bismarck and his conservative view. This new Kaiser while by no means liberal and very Prussian in nature was a large believer in certain socialist values such as workers right and education with institutions like the Kaiser Wilhelm society. Though this frustration would place strain it would not break them though the Kaiser would become more focused on domestic issues rather than foreign policy which he let Bismarck handle.
OOC:
While the Kaiser was interested in the foreign policy the actions of his predecessor’s kind of pigeon-holed him into that path, so he chose to abandon it.
1890:
The early 1890s proved to be quite uneventful for most nations. However, in the background the nations of Europe moved into place as the realisation of this new threat was becoming apparent, more so for the duel monarchy as they quickly sought new ally’s while also building a cordial relationship with the ottomans. they begin to court France who readily accepts in an attempt to end their diplomatic isolation thus it officially ends Austria’s place in the triple alliance. but realising that their opponents outclasses them France seeks out Britain. However, while willing to build relations with this new entente they do not wish would push the league as Russia so far has been only one within the league to really challenge Britain especially in their colonial ventures. Germany has continued down its path of a land power Which leaves Britain happy and, in its eyes, Italy is more than pro-British and would not try to push them. So, in their eyes the balance on the continent is still in play.
though France could have a sigh of relief as Spain once again would enter a series of troubles between the various faction immobilizing it. with the death of their king Amadeo the I tough Emanuele the I would succesfully procced him in maintaining stability. 1894:
This would be another year of change for the league in Russia’s case it would be the death of the tsar Alexander the third who succumbed to kidney disease. This would have a mixed result as his successor was Nicholas the II who never really had any formal training in court. This was combined with the fact that he was a very weak-willed individual who many times relied on his wife’s opinion and those surrounding him this made him inconsistent. However, in many senses he was a continuation of his father in the methods he ruled. the left-over work of his father who he viewed in awe also gave him a clear path too take so while he may not of been as efficient as his father the route taken was very much his. For Italy this would be an establishment of their true colonial empire. As their dispute with the Ethiopians grew over their respective view of the treaty of Wuchale.
This led to the break out into conflict though while France and Austria trying to support Ethiopia in its conflict against Italy it struggles to do so as the only real port they can ship equipment through is Djibouti and this was relatively blocked off blocked off by the Italians they were also in no real position too send any more support then what had been offered. Ethiopians attempted to obtain Russian support, but they flat out refused as they did not wish too would act against an ally especially in a conflict which had little consequence in Russia. This meant that the Ethiopians had very little in the way in modern small arms and not a single artillery piece with no one too really train them in its use. Thus making those who had them of very little use. Italy on the other hand was preparing their campaign with a lot more support then believed needed as France and Austria both openly supported Ethiopia. So, Italy went into the conflict with a sense of paranoia. The campaign would be a lot more successful as the Ethiopians were in no way able to effectively counter the rather large and well-equipped Italians forcing them to use their only advantage, numbers. Though it would only get worse as Menelik the II in the following battle would be killed leading the army and later nation too fracture as Menelik had no male heir at the time.
The Italians exploited this by proposing the Italians as the counter to Menelik’s daughter this proposal was attractive too many as it allowed much of the elite that supported Italy too maintain and even grow their position in the empire as Italy and their new allies would split up Ethiopia. This gave a massive boost to the Italians as they all of a sudden had numbers of their side. Leading to victory against the forces that still opposed Italy. The remaining elite would pull a complete one 180 in many senses that to this day confuse many historians.
They suggested that the Italian king takes up the crown of Ethiopia. Some suspect this would be for the fact that the king would not really push too be a direct ruler and as long as they work with the Italians and those, they send down they will be able too effectively rule in peace with more autonomy than before. This was compounded by the fact if Italy wished to hold Ethiopia, they need the elites too help suppress the revolts. Giving them more leverage. though some also note this was not in character of the rather independent minded nation and this action would proceed to backfire on the elites
Another consequence of this war was the boost of prestige provided to the crown with this it led too the crown pushing for greater support for Spain which would bolster them once again creating a uneasy peace in the country yet also tied Spain further to Italy which would fuel fears in the french