alternatehistory.com

the First world war was now entering its third year of fighting. The Germans and the Austro-Hungarians had finished off the Serbians and had crushed Romania. The previous year had seen the Irish Rebellion, the crushing body blow at Verdun and the naval clash at Jutland. Russia had taken a beating and was beginning to lose the ability to fight.
Kaiser Karl had met with Kaiser Wihelm II and had finally convinced him that the Central powers needed to end the fighting while they were still ahead. The Kaiser talked with someone other than Hindenburg and Ludendorff and deceided that his fellow ruler was right.
The Czar was now told by his advisors that the army was crumbling and the people were unhappy. If Russia contined to fight there would be internal unrest which might not be able to put down.
Thus Czar Nicholas II sent a peace feeler through Sweden to Germany. He wanted to end the war and wanted to know what terms could be reached.
The Central Powers deceided that the would accept the following: Russia would lose all of its Polish territory, Liuthania, Latvia and Estonia would be granted independence, Finland would be granted independence. Germany would withdraw from the Ukraine and return half of white Russia. Russia would demoblize its army.
The Czar was relucant to accept the terms but with food riots he deceided that he had no choice.
The Central Powers offer to restore Romania.
Kaiser Karl was to approach the allies to see if a peace settlement could be reached in the West. With the Collapse of the Russians it appeared that the Italians were considering quiting the war too.
Karl was able to offer on behalf of the Central Powers that Germany was willing to leave occuppied France and restore Belgium. In return it asked that the Britsh government end the blockade and guarentee that the borders would be recogized by Britain as permanent.
France would be forced to demoblize its army and there would be a demilitarized zone. German colonies would be discuussed at a peace conference. The issue of Serbia and Montnegreo would also be discussed.
Top