A place in the Sun in 1919: Anthology of the Great War

10-Istanbul is still standing, for now.
Eastern Bulgaria (vilayet), Ottoman Empire.

Oben sat in front of Azer with calm, a sunny day and apparently calm, Azer starts the conversation "It's good to be back in Europe, do not you think? How's India?" The elder of the two men questions his student.

"It's a good change, the indian revolt was a blow for the british, but they will recover, the long depression is coming to an end sooner rather than later" says Oben, to which his teacher nods.

"The Sultan wants Oben names, the problems in India make it difficult for us to trade through Suez and the Bosphorus. Did you get anything?" Ask Azer seriously.

"It was a bit difficult with all the problems, but I got some information, the German New Guinea Company is involved with the Indian rebels, some mention a mediator surnamed Weber" Explains Oben with concern, note the problems around him, they are not welcome by the nearby bulgarians. These spend observing them with discomfort.

"In Berlin there will be a conference of the great powers to solve their agendas in Africa, maybe it is a good idea for the sultan to go and talk to the british about this information." Suggests Azer drinking the tea served in front of him, Oben nods.
-

Excerpt from "Great European Powers in the New Centuries"by Sonia Ouvrard

Chapter: The sick man of Europe and the empire where the sun never sets in The Berlin Conference.

The Berlin Conference (delayed until 1885-1886) set the precedents for future European geopolitics on the continent and the rest of the world. The ottoman diplomatic presence in Berlin and the ottoman ambassador in London made approaches to the english government, which resulted in a sudden military aid to the Ottoman army, although its political stability will leave much to be desired.

Egypt was still on nominal paper under ottoman rule but british control loosened a bit. This in turn meant that enemies who could not see their faces before came back, as in the Crimean War, the Ottoman Empire, the British Empire and France were on friendly terms. To this alignment was also added the Austria-Hungary of Franz Joseph I, although with the rise of Rudolf I this would change.

Powers such as Russia or the United States would be more neutral. Others like Sweden-Norway, Spain and Portugal would align much more with the German Confederation but this is studied more in depth in the chapters on the German Confederation.

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At last I did something with the ottomans and the Balkans, little and quite poor, but I did something.
I would appreciate some suggestions for future posts or arrangements in case I made a mistake that is particularly horrendous.
Thanks for reading.
 
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11-Slavs and Germans.
Excerpt from "Slavs: World History" by Ludmila Romanchuk.

Chapter: Prussian deportations and Austrian Poles.

The migration of poles of russian origin to the German Confederation had greatly diminished, on the other hand the immigration of poles of austrian origin had increased towards the more industrialized areas. This alarmed the most nationalist circles of the german congress, including chancellor Bismarck, which resulted in the deportation of a large number of polish and polish jews outside german territory.

Another reason for this deportation was that some of the austrian poles were found to be under suspicion of espionage. Today it is unknown whether all the poles of austrian origin accused were really related to the intelligence services.

Many of these poles would end up going to the Russian Empire, which in turn also received migration of ethnic germans to the Volga area. The demand for workers however continued to grow and the deportations were softening, but in Austria-Hungary, the prussian deportations would remain a controversy and cause for anger.

In Russia the Austrian Polish workers would develop a union that motivates some of the reforms of the workers on the part of Nicholas II.

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Excerpt from "Russian Reform: Alexander II and Nicholas II" of Yury Ovechkin

Chapter: Workers' rights.

The first unions in the Russian Empire had not been widely heard, but after the increase of the same and the generalized strikes in the United States promoted that Nicholas II will grant rights to the workers and the unions that were in charge of the zemstvos. Although the rights as days of 8 hours would take time to arrive, better laws of health and protection to the workers and the private property of the companies were implemented.

The more moderate unions would end up creating one of the first political parties allowed by the tsarist government of Nicholas II, whose leaders and petitions were democratically elected and communicated to the zemstvos.

The party Will of the workers or Volya Rabochikh would also initiate a mass propaganda movement against terrorist groups such as Narodnaya Volya, which was losing the support it had before some attacks on the life of Nicholas II. The party as such would disappear after the reform of 1905 when the new political parties such as the Kadets or Octobrists were created.

This meant the creation of the designation "Old Rabotnik" for the old party activists in the new parties.

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Excerpt from "Study of the German Nations" by Gunter Wasserman.

Chapter:Kingdom of Bavaria.

In Bavaria the kingdom suffered a financial decline, Ludwig II spent his personal coffers and not state coffers in artistic projects but the bavara debt did nothing but increase. A debt mainly made to France and Austria-Hungary, the governments of both countries nevertheless offered to alleviate part of these debts and juicy monetary loans, offer accepted by Ludwig and his council of ministers.

But the council in any way wanted the retirement of Ludwig, who would arrive years later in 1889 with his death by drowning, this would initiate the reign of Otto of Bavaria, who in essence was a puppet of his ministers, his regent Prince Ludwig III and the Austrian and French interests.

Chapter: Grand Duchy of Baden.

Baden experienced a social upset against the German Confederation, Frederick I had little to do, but the church and the more pro-austrian circles thanks to Bismarck's religious reforms led a disinformation campaign against the German Confederation.

This meant the radicalization of some of the most nationalist groups and the struggle of the conservatives against the liberals in the politics of Baden, polarizing the country, then signed the Treaty of Karlsruhe. It represented the reaffirmation of Baden's neutrality and attempts to appease both sides of the conflict, installing greater secularization, policies against misinformation, and the ban on union with Austria-Hungary.
 
12-Bloody Trafalgar Square
Excerpt from "Great European Powers in the New Centuries" by Sonia Ouvrard

Chapter: Great Britain and Bloody Trafalgar Square.

From November 13 to 20 of that same month in the year 1887 in the final stages of the economic depression, british society faced a large number of demonstrations of varying scope by irish citizens. Still dealing with the revolt in India, the british army and the metropolitan police in Trafalgar Square crushed a demonstration of approximately 30,000 people. Ending dozens of injured and dead in both groups.
This type of demonstrations extended until the 20th with increasing numbers more and more.

The main causes were the demand to free the Irish politician William O'Brien, but on the other hand this caused a great paranoia in the people of the rest of the United Kingdom.

With the Indian revolt at its peak, it was feared that problems in Ireland were even worse, being so close to the center of the British Empire. Then began a witch hunt against different groups of Irish society, socialists and nationalists were caught equally in a crackdown. The dream of self-government seemed even more distant than in his first attempt.

The popular opinion of Europe and the rest of the world would polarize in favor or against the irish.

-

At the beginning of December the German Confederation seemed an ideal place for most people, the economic depression was ending and agriculture and industry were returning to their normal rhythm. Not for others like that ex-student who drowned his sorrows in alcohol " Donovan Morris?" Questions a man approaching elegantly dressed in a fluid english.

The young man looks up "Who are you?" Question confused.

"Forgive my manners, I am Rudolf Braunlich, journalist" The man extends his hand towards the boy. He salutes even confused "Listen, I want to do an interview about what happened in London between November 13 and 20 I tracked you using information that customs gave me in the port"

"What would you like to know?" Question Donovan.

"Would you like some more alcohol before you answer?" Suggests Rudolf with kindness.
-

In the bar Morris and Braunlich begin the interview while the student drank, the man took out a notebook "Tell me, what was your relationship with the protests?"

"I was part of the Social Democratic Federation, my father had lost his job and my sister and I could not find one ... it seemed like a good idea when we met other irish people in London" Donovan relates with some shyness, Rudolf thoughtfully, writes slowly.

"... What happened to your sister?" Ask curious Rudolf.

"She was caught in the tangle of people fleeing ... I did not hear anything from her, I do not know if she's locked up or ... dead" Donovan answers taking a big sip.

"How did the events happen?" Rudolf exclaims calmly.

"We were many people, some were carrying iron bars, pipes or knives ... I was not going with any of that but suddenly we found ourselves facing the army and the police, I'm not sure what happened, I think someone was beaten, and then shots began to be heard, people began to be caught, to hit each other and run ... After that the police began to search the houses, the meeting places, some of my friends were imprisoned " Explains Donovan, frightened, almost in a whisper.

"Do you know anything about the nationalists?" Continue Rudolf asking.

"The Irish National League? No, I do not know much about them, but they suffer a fate similar to ours, they also support the reform movements for the Irish Home Rule and agrarian reform."

"It's a pity, it's a violation of irish citizens" claims Rudolf, almost like a monologue.

"Did not your government start deporting ... poles?" Donovan asks more drunk as time passed.

"That's austrian propaganda!" Exclaimed laughing Rudolf downplaying the subject, Donovan fell drunk "Well, it was a pleasure, here you have some money if you want more, see you" The german says goodbye while the irish stayed there.
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Excerpt from a newspaper of the German Confederation written by Rudolf Braunlich in 1887.

"Young irish nationalist tells his story in the Bloody Trafalgar Square"

The British have already waxed and killed tens of hundreds of Irish, today a young member of the Irish National League named Donovan Morris tells us about the crimes of the English government against the Irish, particularly the story of the murder of his sister...
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13-The last pogrom and the Ulyanov family.
Excerpt from "Russian Reform: Alexander II and Nicholas II" of Yury Ovechkin

Chapter: Pogroms in the era of Nicholas II

For a long time in the Russian Empire the pogroms were realized, that supposed a massive lynching to (mainly) jews by different reasons. In the south of Russia the pogroms were made in 1881-1884 for the murder of Alexander II, thousands of jews were left without business or home.

This situation came slowly to have importance for Nicholas II, whose opinion of the Jews was abstract for the time. Not particularly anti-semitic but jews were not an issue of importance until part of the government buildings in southern Russia were destroyed in a lynching. Added to this was the negative british reaction of different political groups or jewish groups.

The Tsar then studied the legal status of the jews. The next action was the total destruction of the Pale of Settlement as a region in the Russian Empire. A controversial decision that allowed the temporary or permanent settlement of the jews throughout the empire, along with this was the protection of their private property and material goods.

Discrimination on ethnic or religious grounds was repeatedly banned accordingly by the Tsar government ever since. A tangible fact in the constitution of 1888.

-

In mid-December Nicholas II toured a prison with a bald, bearded man, in addition to his 16-year-old son "I really want to thank you very much Mr.Ulyanov for all your support for public education in Russia, I consider it an honor to have you here "Exclaims the tsar.

"It's a great honor to hear those words of his majesty ... Is the boy okay?" Ilya asked with concern, the teenager next to her was quietly expectant.

"He has recovered well since the police caught his companions and he in November, is related to the Narodnaya Volya, we find brochures, information, meeting times and ... plans for a bomb ... In any case, and decided not execute Aleksandr, instead he will serve a sentence of several years and rehabilitation with other prisoners "Nicholas relates in a sombre and distant way "If other people, such as the military, and not the Volya Rabochikh, had caught Aleksandr while distributing Narodnaya Volya advertising, he would probably have been hanged sooner or later for terrorist activity, but he did not commit a crime of great magnitude to receive that punishment. "

"Thank you for your mercy, your majesty, I promise I do not know what could have happened for Aleksandr to join those terrorists" Ilya thanked solemnly, Nicholas moved his hand and a guard with keys proceeded to open the cell containing Aleksandr Ulyanov. Vladimir watched the tzar a few moments, but quickly noticed his brother while Nicholas was leaving.
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I decided that probably as a monarchy, the Russia of Nicholas II ITL follow a government similar to that of the German OTL Empire.
 
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Aleksandr Ulyanov taking care of his nephews, colorized photo. (it's just a joke that I thought)
 
14-Why would the english do this?
Morris was angry, he saw Rudolf right in front of him, now the irishman was full of bruises, unable to move well, partly because of the drunken state he was in "It's really a shame Morris, in other circumstances I would like you" The journalist points out.

"Fuck you, why did you lie?" Donovan asks in pain.

"It was easier to make people empathic with your situation if you were not a socialist and if your sister had died, as simple as that" explains Rudolf with indifference "Could you keep your mouth shut? " Ask the reporter waiting for the result, grabbing something under his raincoat.

"Fuck you!" Morris exclaims trying to get up when a shot goes through his head.

"Why would the english do this?" Ask Rudolf with irony, a quick call to the police and a few photos later they would quickly have their new newspaper.
-

Excerpt from a newspaper of the German Confederation written by Rudolf Braunlich in 1887.

"After a week of their interview, young irishman is found dead "

The young Donovan Morris has been dead on December 14, the police recognized him from bruises to a gunshot and signs of torture. A suspect has not been identified since Morris had barely arrived in Germany recently.

Few options remain but to point out Morris's work as a young nationalist who fought for the Irish government against the rule of London.

-
Excerpt from "Great European Powers in the New Centuries" by Sonia Ouvrard

Chapter: The Morris case.

In December of 1887, the irish Donovan Morris was assassinated in german territory. Quickly the most sensationalist newspapers pointed out that this was the fault of the british government due to the recent interview of Morris with Rudolf Braunlich, the more moderate or neutral ones in their place indicated that Morris probably in a drunken state met the wrong people.


However "the Morris case" was a barrel of gunpowder between the irish, the german public and the english. The files revealed by the police in Trafalgar Square pointed to Sarah Morris among the victims of the altercations between November 13 and 20.

With the international tension rising British and German governments began a series of reforms and investments in different technological projects, ranging from the naval force to the industry initiating the great competition seen in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
 
15-1888
Excerpt from "Russian Reform: Alexander II and Nicholas II" of Yury Ovechkin

Chapter: Evolution of the zemstvos.

Between 1885-1887 the zemstvos received more freedom from the autocracy, a controversial measure for the local nobility that lost economic, political and social power quickly. Replaced by the new business owners and the peasantry. It is considered that part of the judicial and administrative reforms in this area came from the Minister of the Interior, Count Mikhail Loris-Melikov, who played a similar role in the government of Alexander II.

The most conservative members proposed to grant power to the nobility to "observe" the work of the zemstvos and regulate it under a "land captains" or "zemskiye nachalniki". A measure denied both by Nicholas II and by most of the zemstvo councils that were forming.

This leads to the creation of a conservative coalition against the reforms of Nicholas, led by Konstantin Petrovich Pobedonostsev ex-jurist and dismissed government statesman, Ivan Davidovich Delyanov who was part of the Russian imperial army before the modernization of it and the journalist fallen into disgrace of Moscow, Mikhail Nikiforovich Katkov. Crowds of nobles from St. Petersburg, Moscow and Novgorod supported this coalition, providing economic support and forming militias.

Others who supported the coalition did so more nominally like the philosopher Konstantin Nikolayevich Leontiev.
-

Excerpt from "Russian Reform: Alexander II and Nicholas II" of Yury Ovechkin

Chapter: Constitution of 1888 and the reactionary movement.

In the early 1888 Nicholas III carried out economic reforms that gave more importance and benefits to growing medium and small businesses, began to arrive a new upper class based on economic success and a middle class of workers and peasants. The zemstvos began to offer not only administrative assistance in the development of the Russian Empire, but also began to elaborate different proposals to the tsarist government for different areas.

Thus on February 18, 1888 the Emperor Nicholas II proclaimed the first constitution of the Russian Empire, initiating in a few weeks the first elections for the Duma and the Imperial Council.

  • The Russian Constitution of 1888 emulates in several aspects the system of government of the German Confederation, then sits the emperor with less power and establishes the Imperial Council (upper chamber of parliament) formed by 2 representatives of each Guberniya (maximum administrative division) of the Empire Russian, along with the emperor's ministers and a chancellor.
  • Sixteen representatives of the autonomous government of the Grand Duchy of Finland were established in the Imperial Council, together with the Governor-General in the cabinet.
  • On the other hand is established as the lower chamber of parliament, the Duma. Comprised of some 380 democratically elected representatives.
  • The Duma and the Imperial Council have a term of office of 4 years.
  • Among other aspects of the constitution the freedom of religious worship is established but keeping the Russian Orthodox Church as the official religion of the empire. Leaving the Most Holy Synod as an organ separate from the Duma and the Imperial Council. But maintaining its traditional structure created by Peter I.
  • The most holy synod was obliged to offer free education in places where he built churches or other buildings for the poorest populations
  • The secret and universal vote is established for male citizens over 18 years of age.
  • The Duma obtained part of the legislative power that it shared with the Tzar, decisions that had to be discussed by the Imperial Council.
  • The chancellor had to be proposed by the Imperial Council or the Tsar himself, and be accepted by a majority of votes.
  • The Tsar on the other hand was leader of the foreign policy of the Russian Empire. He also had control of the state's armed forces and formal declaration of war. However, the signing of treaties remained in the hands of the Imperial Council.
  • The Gregorian calendar is adopted.
  • The death penalty and deportation are prohibited.This was a fact done before the constitution, since no one during the first 8 years of Nicholas's reign had been executed, there was always the excuse that the crimes of certain individuals deserved an "extraordinary exception".
  • Prohibition of revolutionary activity in public or private schools and universities. However there was an idiomatic liberation, courses were given in regional languages together with Russian, many polish universities as well as catholic churches were reopened.

Among other measures of minor importance.

This then leads to the counterreformation movement led by the reactionary aristocracy, and its conservative political leaders. With the intention of deposing Nicholas II from the throne (although there was no generalized consensus of the successor, some put Nicholas's brother, Alexander, the firstborn son of the Tsar or one of the Tsar's nephews) in the cities of St. Petersburg, Moscow and Novgorod.

The Troika formed by Konstantin Pobedonostsev, Ivan Delyanov and Mikhail Katkov then declares the "February Decrees" informing of the intentions of the uprising against the reforms of Nicholas II.


At the time of the uprising the Russian army led by the veteran Dmitry Milyutin and the Minister of War Piotr Vannovsky begin the mobilization against the counter-reform movement. Others like Alexander and Ivan Romanov participate in the battles produced in St. Petersburg.
 
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I've been thinking about the possible wife of the heir Romanov, the main options seem to me:
  • Maria of Romania, daughter of Carol I of Romania, who survives the scarlet fever. Perhaps his survival would also mean that there is no distancing between Carol and Elisabeth.
  • Margaret of Prussia, as a result of good russian-german relations and the closeness between the two monarchies that share a similar political system.
The heir of Nicholas II, son of the Tzar with Dagmar of Denmark would be Ivan Nikolaevich of the House of Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov. Who would have been born in 1867 or 1868, quite close with his cousin Nicholas Alexandrovich(son of Alexander Alexandrovich Romanov, OTL Alexander III).
 
16-February Decrees.
Excerpt from "Russian Reform: Alexander II and Nicholas II" of Yury Ovechkin

Chapter: Constitution of 1888 and the reactionary movement.

The February Decrees made by the Troika Pobedonostsev-Delyanov-Katkov, established the objectives of the reactionary movement at the immediate level:

  • The abdication of Nicholas II as Autocrat and Emperor of All Russia, along with all his titles.
  • Cancellation of the Constitution of 1888 together with the elections for the Duma and the Imperial Council.
  • Limitation of the power of the zemstvos.
  • Establishment of the zemskiye nachalniki as vigilance of the zemstvos against the tsarist power.
  • Reinstatement of the Pale of Settlement and other restrictive norms against the jewish population.
  • Establishment of russification policies in polish, baltic, finnish and other non-russian speaking and ethnic areas. Along with this was to close the various universities and other institutions in the western provinces where he would begin to teach also in polish, belarusian, ukrainian and lithuanian.
  • Reinstatement of the rights of the high nobility according to the autocratic government.
After the speech given by Konstantin Pobedonostsev, Ivan Delyanov was put in charge of the reactionary forces in Saint Petersburg. Delyanov marched to the Kronstadt port with the intention of taking the nearby fortresses and part of the commercial-industrial material present, before marching to the Winter Palace.

Others like Mikhail Katkov got up in Moscow and Novgorod, in a more militant movement. Where Katkov overestimated his popularity.

-

Nicholas had probably given the most important speech of his reign, and it could be the last if something went wrong. There they were applauding however, great industrialists, leaders of different zemstvos, part of their political allies, among other diverse more moderate or liberal groups gathered at the Winter Palace.

"Tsar, news, a group of rebels has declared against you, they have met in St. Petersburg, Novgorod and Moscow, they are marching to Kronstadt at the moment" Calls the Minister of war Piotr Vannovsky, approaching Nicholas.

"I expected something like that ... call Milyutin, let him take charge of Novgorod, you lead the army here in St. Petersburg" Nicholas orders quickly, the meeting had become much more heated in the face of the news.

"As you command your Majesty, what should we do with Moscow or other places in case the revolt spreads? " Vannovsky asks.

"You are the one who knows about war, not me, but I want the least number of civilian and military casualties on our side. "Nicholas clarified, giving his minister free rein, Vannovsky nods and with the greatest speed he can go with the orders to the loyal regiments and find Milyutin. Elsewhere the tsesarevich and his uncle were marching with a regiment to Moscow via the railways.
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The train carriage in question was not exactly a very luxurious place, but it served the purpose with which the tsesarevich Ivan Nikolaevich Romanov, born on January 14, 1868. Beside his uncle Alexander, who after the reform of the russian army ran a detachment in St. Petersburg, the detachment that was following them to Moscow. Similar detachments were in the most western provinces, mainly those of polish and lithuanian speech and culture.

"This was not ordered by your father "

"You may not like all my father's reforms but this is to ensure the government of Russia" Ivan ensures with speed and determination, many of the young soldiers with him accompany him in the feeling.

Enthusiasm spread through the detachment as they got closer, about to get off the car. Alexander and Ivan were preparing seriously, when finally the doors opened they went out to find the uprising going through the streets trying to gather more members to the cause. They ran like a chicken headless rather.

Moscow had grown exorbitantly, much population and investment had come to the city, small, medium and large companies, in addition to the zemstvos had also grown. In fact small militias were formed from the zemstvos against the uprising, the police had also taken care of much of it, but the group that accompanied Mikhail Katkov was still running towards the Kremlin.

"..." The silence throughout the detachment intensified. Alexander growled and took the voice "Our duty is to catch Katkov and take him directly to the Tsar, we have the obligation to defend Russia from any attempt at acts of rebellion".

Then the detachment charges to begin to surround and support the police against Katkov. Later, they would also have to stop a series of lynchings in Poland, Ukraine and Belarus, encouraged by the rebels.
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Excerpt from a newspaper written by Rudolf Braunlich in 1888, in the Russian Empire.

"The German model is implanted in the Russian Empire, the triumvirate fails against Tsar Nicholas II "

"In February 1888, the Russian Empire became a very interesting place, and soon the first national elections were held in its history, emulating, of course, the german model in matters of government.

However, while the Tsar gave his opening speech in this new era, a triumvirate of reactionaries tried to depose Nicholas II and his reforms. This ends up being stopped by the police, the army and groups formed by citizens.

The largest uprisings in Novgorod and St. Petersburg were resolved in a matter of a few hours, that of Moscow was much smaller in size and time. The most damaging actions were the lynchings against jews encouraged by the rebels.

The air is full of new opportunities, much more investment, a Russia more open to the actions of central and western Europe.
In a short time the military Dmitry Alekseyevich Milyutin will be named field marshal for his assistance in stopping the uprising.
"
 
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17-Soft terror
Excerpt from "Russian Reform: Alexander II and Nicholas II" of Yury Ovechkin

Chapter: Reactionary imprisonment

During the months after the reactionary uprising, the so-called "Soft Terror" was lived in Russian society, the members who declared the uprising against Nicholas II were imprisoned in different prisons throughout Russia. Exile to Siberia and forced labor had remained in the past, to the disgrace of some.

There were some small uprisings that occurred weeks or months after the proclamation of Nicholas II, from Kola, to the Caucasus, arrested by police and military actions, with civil assistance.

The civilians, mainly the new middle class, young students and new businessmen, added to different minorities began to persecute and arrest those guilty of different uprisings.

However Nicholas II clearly established the procedures of the court of these. The Tsar was known mostly as a lawyer, correcting the Russian judicial system, which would prevent social justice against innocents in case of error.

-

Excerpt from "Russian Reform: Alexander II and Nicholas II" of Yury Ovechkin

Chapter: New Decembrists

Russian political society was barely taking its first steps. Due to the recent social hustle after the uprisings in February leads to only two parties with a unified political agenda.

The first were the Volya Rabochikh his agenda included:

  • Free market.
  • Rights and protection for workers.
  • Social conservatism.
  • Improvement of health and education.
  • Constitutional Monarchy (Status quo of the german model).
  • Moderated panslavism (good relations with the other Slavic peoples, no Russification or axis around Russia).
  • Orthodoxy as a religion of the state (according to the constitution).
  • Isolationism in Europe.

On the other hand, the "New Decembrists" were formed in the southern regions of Siberia. These were a kind of political-spiritual successors of the old Decembrists:

  • Free market.
  • Autonomy of ethnic minorities (following the finnish model of autonomy).
  • Improvement of infrastructure.
  • Realpolitik.
  • Greater constitutional power for the government and less for the Tsar.
  • Secularism.
  • Isolationism in Europe.
Objectively speaking the Volya Rabochikh (VR) was much larger than the New Decembrists (ND), and they were much more established in the local zemstvo government, and enjoyed greater popularity in the metropolitan areas.

For its part, the New Decembrists were a much more rural party, centered in the areas of Siberia. At the same time they were more involved in primary economic activities, so their influence only extended to farmers, intellectuals or people focused on these economic sectors.
Making the VR Party majority in the Duma or in the Imperial Counsil, while the ND were the second place, followed by independent politicians and national politicians, such as the poles or finns.


In any case both shared common areas, therefore enjoyed a healthy coexistence. Many of the politicians of both parties were also in tune with the Tsar, allowing Nicholas II to continue to have a decisive weight in the Imperial Council. The Duma for its part was more tied to the zemstvos, which became the platform for political rise, the participation of the middle class in political life and the talk of the Duma with the population, and from the Duma to the Imperial Council and the Tsar.

This starts the democratic tradition in Russia on a large scale.
-
 
18-Working with a regicide scientist
Excerpt from "Russian Reform: Alexander II and Nicholas II" of Yury Ovechkin

Chapter: Patronage in the Russian Empire of Nicholas II

Many philosophers and modern scholars consider Nicholas II the "Father of Neo-Enlightened Absolutism" for his policies of enlightenment from the elevated positions towards the lower classes of the Russian Empire.

Ideas such as autonomy, the separation of the church from everyday life and the state (to a lesser extent), progress, fraternity, tolerance and constitutional development flourished under his reign.

Nicholas II not only offered individual economic freedoms or religious tolerance, but also made improvements in community life.

Added to this, Nicholas was known to many as a patron of science and the arts. Engineers, physicists, geologists, biologists, lawyers, dancers, doctors, chemists and others flourished under his patronage, which brought to Russia people from different parts of Europe or from Russia itself.

Similar actions were carried out by the governments of the German Confederation, Austria-Hungary, France and the United Kingdom in their arms race. Taking to that its economy will be oriented more to the heavy-military industry. In the first years of Nicholas II the Russian economy benefited from the export of materials. Allowing investment and modernization of the fields (offered to private farmers in areas such as Novorossiya or Malorossiya) to avoid famines.

The patronage behavior of the Tsars would continue for the following decades of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Some of the most famous russians and europeans who received the patronage of Nicholas II are Nikolai Kibalchich, Hermann Ganswindt, Pavel Yablochkov (Nicholas was the principal investor of Electric Lighting Company, P.N. Yablochkov the Inventor and Co since its foundation, in his reign made the company serve to illuminate St. Petersburg and other cities of Russia), Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, among many others.

-
[March 24, 1881]

In the cell there was a man who seemed quite disoriented, or rather focused on his work, while writing different blueprints, despite his imprisonment.

At that moment Nicholas II, visibly upset enters the cell, accompanied by his guards "Nikolai Kibalchich" Call the Tsar.

The man leaves for a moment his work, even something distant, but quickly look at the man in front of him "Tsar!" Greets Nikolai with decorum.

"... Kibalchich, I am a lawyer, in essence, not a scientist, so I am interested to know what it is ... this, that you sent" Nicholas points out a design.

"It's my aeronautical device" Nikolai exclaims with simplicity "I've also been raising a special engine, I'm missing the mathematical calculations and the means to do it of course."

"I must say that I am surprised that in prison your mind seems more lucid than when you confabulated to kill your Tsar" Nicholas notes with annoyance.

"I did what I thought was right, Is it true that Hryniewiecki died?" Nikolai questions with curiosity" What happened to the others?"

"Yes, Ignacy Hryniewiecki is dead, Sablin, on the other hand, committed suicide before being able to arrest him, your companions are locked up like you, on the other hand, the trial will be held on March 31, life imprisonment thanks to my intervention. Rysakov was useful, maybe he could get out of prison"

"I see, I guess it's okay" The prisoner breathed indifferently "What are you going to do with my designs?" Nikolai exclaims calmly. Although Nicholas noticed some bruises on his hands, he was still working.

"I offer that you receive an apartment in St. Petersburg and a pension for the continuation of your work along with the necessary experimentation, guarded by loyal guards of course, the term would be "Home arrest" and if you work honestly I could offer you as a teacher in Saint Petersburg Imperial University, guarded and as long as it does not propagate revolutionary ideas"

"You offer to be my patron and give me patronage" exclaims Nikolai delighted.

"... Yes, something like that, because I see that this project can be useful, and I do not like the execution ..."
The guards then escort Nikolai out of his cell next to the Tsar.
-

[July 1888]

In certain aspects, Kibalchich was similar to Alexander Zasyadko, rather they both resembled the aspect of working with rockets.

Nicholas felt a certain fear whenever he found Kibalchich near those gadgets, although he was his "patron" (according to Kibalchich himself), Nicholas enjoyed a great instinct of self-preservation (sometimes). The Tsar had bought him equipment from France and Germany, including a german helper, the young Hermann Ganswindt, barely 32 years old now (22 years old when he was hired, in 1880 he had developed a project that Kibalchich had heard of).

In front of this he observes several rocket designs, other devices and an internal combustion engine.
Kibalchich and Ganswindt were silent "I will send the patent to Paris as soon as possible" Sentenced Nicholas.
 
Last edited:
19-German India.
Weber watched Goa in its splendor, perishing a fortress surrounded by the problems of British India. The supplies were cut by land, the ships were sabotaged in their own ports, and the supplies that arrived were poisoned. Perhaps the Indians had taken their advice too far. Nova Goa nevertheless continued to pretend to be a beautiful city to the rest of the world.

The rebellion of the indian citizens was at its height, although they had suffered some reverances thanks to the new British forces. However, their crimes against the population did not go unnoticed.

In a short time he would meet with Augusto César Cardoso de Carvalho, Governor of portuguese India.

Next to him was the governor of the German New Guinea Company, Reinhold Kraetke. Kraetke lacked a fine education, it is likely that his position will not last long, it was better in other areas such as mail and communications.

So Weber and his partner Fritz Rose were essentially those who ran diplomacy right now.

Recently, the company had begun to buy more and more land in the portuguese possessions, had brought more investments and more immigration, its trade with the portuguese and the native indians had greatly increased. In fact, thanks to Kar, they had obtained many more benefits than they could have expected.

"It is a pleasure, I welcome you again gentlemen" Augustus receives them.

"We feel more than welcome" replies Kraetke. Rose and Weber accompany him in feeling.

"We've come to talk about business, as we usually do of course ... maybe our business has to stop for the moment" Weber said, at that moment he sees the governor's face, almost a heart attack. Weber smiled inside.

"Why?" Augusto asked.

"Without a fixed land for our possessions, the maritime trade has become much more expensive, the problems in the indian mainland have increased the demand of course, but our ships and posts can not cope, we also have problems with the british, we could have to retire from the business shortly if this continues like this " Weber explained.

"There is something I can do to fix it, the population would suffer enormously without german support" insists Augusto worried.

"Nothing in particular ... unless we can lease part of their colonies, but I'd have to first discuss it with their king, and maybe we do not have enough time" Kraetke declares.

"... How long would it be?" Augusto asked thoughtfully.

"The usual time would be 99 years" Informo Weber.

Augustus seemed about to suffer an attack, in the distance he could almost hear the British fight with the rebels "... I will discuss it with Lisbon as soon as I can"

"We'll be waiting, for a while," the Germans insisted as they politely retreated.

In the following months the Treaty of Nova Goa would be signed, where the Portuguese lands were leased to the German Empire for 99 years.
-

Excerpt from "Asia and Europe: Colonialism, Imperialism and Struggle" by Jin Yongliang.

Chapter: German Confederation and India.

The Kingdom of Portugal had more than 3 centuries owning lands in the indian subcontinent, although they had lost much of their former domain and their colonies went into decline, but in Africa they had focused on completing the "Pink Map" taking advantage of the fact that the British Empire seemed busy. They tried to raise their claims more strongly.

The results were disastrous for portuguese politics and diplomacy, whose coasts were soon threatened by the english navy. This in turn hindered supplies from their territories in India, which only worsened the famine and chaos they suffered, as did the rest of India under the british.

At that time the leader of the German New Guinea Company, named Reinhold Kraetke intervened and offered to lease the Indian territories of the portuguese domain. Lisbon sought to improve relations with Berlin as opposed to the British Empire. Resulting in the Treaty of Nova Goa.
99 years of german lease, where they had economic, political and military dominance. Relations with indians and commerce increased. In german territory the indian textile industry flourished again along with other economic sectors, while the Indian-British struggle would continue for another 4 years.

The Treaty of Nova Goa yielded the territories of:

  • Gogolá
  • Simbor
  • Island of Angediva
  • Dadrá and Nagar-Aveli
  • Goa
  • Daman
  • Diu
  • Timor
And in turn it provides the portuguese commercial benefits to the germans.
-
Excerpt from "Study of the German Nations" by Gunter Wasserman.

Chapter: Germans in South Asia

With the acquisition of new territories, the colonial and commercial societies of the German Confederation increased, the demand for work and different products did the same.

This led to the german population going to all cardinal points to a greater or lesser extent, many went to the city of Goa in South Asia, India. Initiating a process of reconstruction and development of infrastructure.

In its beginnings the German India Company became immediately profitable, a spectacular economic growth and without recession.
Many indians began to learn german and serve under the administration or the german army, in a surprise development of events. Regarding what happened in other regions of the subcontinent.

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Flag of the German India Company

These new territories in turn allowed new bases for the german navy, which was closer to its new ally Siam. Another place that received a large german immigration and would soon be a protectorate. The German Empire was gaining its place in the sun.
 
20-Trip to the United States
Kibalchich and Ganswindt waited patiently, the construction of the engine had cost years of experimentation. They had almost died a couple of times. Then Nicholas entered through the door, both men waited patiently "... The patent has already been certified in Berlin, Paris, London and the United States ... I think the city was called Alexandria" Exclaimed the Tsar with sufficiency. Joy is perpetuated in the room.

"Then, could you finance my aeronautical project?" Kibalchich insisted promptly.Ganswindt was also visibly interested in continuing his work.

"Of course, I am also financing someone who will join you as quickly as possible, but first I would like to discuss the engine with an acquaintance, mass production is quite low, but the possibilities and solutions are many," Nicholas exclaimed.

Crossing the door came Fyodor Blinov, who politely entered and observed the engine "So this is what you have been working on, very impressive I must admit" the inventor exclaimed.

"We call it the Ganswindt-Kibalchich engine," says Kibalchich excitedly.

"The difficulties were many, we had to investigate the principles of thermodynamics, the experimentation with locomotive engines of Yefim and Miron Cherepanov and we almost died in the attempt, but we did it" Declares Ganswindt.

"They have undoubtedly done a very good job, this can be very useful, your majesty" Blinov points out.

"Money well invested, but I want to know if you can do something for the mass production of these engines, maybe we can use them for locomotives or other vehicles" asks the Tsar.

"... I can suggest that we could use an assembly line, in some canned meat factories in the world they use them, and also the ones used to load and unload ships" Explains Blinov.

"... I should focus on Russia producing consumer goods ... In any case, I want this in a vehicle! ... that does not use a continuous track by the way," Nicholas pointed with emotion.

"I will start working on it, if you give me the liscence of course" Asserts Blinov.

Nicholas's proteges nodded.

"I'll go see one of those canned meat factories" Nicholas points out calmly.
-

Nicholas had traded with the United States during the last days of James A. Garfield, the entire period of Chester A. Arthur, and was still trading with Grover Cleveland. But the latter was visibly surprised by the arrival of the czar when he disembarked in Chicago, had barely notified him that he was coming with Blinov.

"I must say I did not expect it here" the president pointed out.

"Well, I do not come on a diplomatic visit, I'm interested in some consumer goods companies" Nicholas mentions simply "Would you like to come?" Offer politely.

"I'm busy, but I'm glad you can meet with all the american entrepreneurs that you like," says Cleveland.
-

Excerpt from "Russian Reform: Alexander II and Nicholas II" of Yury Ovechkin

Chapter: Blinovism

In 1888 the Ganswindt-Kibalchich engine came out for the first time, resulting in one of the great advances in the automotive industry and others in the future. However for manufacturing the industrial capacity of the Russian Empire was with problems.

This changed with the trip of the United States of Fyodor Blinov and Tsar Nicholas II, to the company of Gustavus Franklin Swift, where Blinov studied in depth the "disassembly line", method that would apply at the end of 1889 to found Blinov Motor Company.

This marked the beginnings of mass production of automobiles, added to the improvement of working conditions in the Russian Empire and export, the cars began to be bought by the average citizen throughout Europe and North America. The production model seriously used by Blinov would begin to be known as Blinovism.

Quickly Blinov Motor Company started producing about 100 cars daily. A number that increased along with the american competition, that would grow exponentially in the decade of the 90 in century XIX. The company also produced tractors, wagons and other equipment while its branches expanded. The first establishment was in St. Petersburg but quickly spread to Moscow, Tula, Tsarytsin, Helsinki, Warsaw and Riga, in later years began to open in other countries.

This model was also quickly used by other companies in Russia and Europe, in the Russian Empire would begin to increase the companies of cars and other consumer goods, hands of armenian, georgian, russian, german, finnish and polish businessmen. An example would be the company of Hippolyte Romanov, Romanov Electric Motors.

-------------------------------
Annotations:

  • The Ganswindt-Kibalchich engine replaces the OTL Diesel engine. Probably Rudolf continued his career in any case, although being German he would not have been able to go to the Royal Bavarian Polytechnic of Munich, counting the tensions between Bavaria and the German Confederation.
  • The Blinovismo is OTL Fordism, but a few years before. The base is the same however.
 
21-Three Kaisers.
[March 10th, 1888]

Nicholas II was in his office when his heir Ivan entered, the Tsar was working received a great shock when his firstborn suddenly entered "Father, news from Germany, the Kaiser has just died" exclaims the Tsesarevich.

"Oh, what a surprise ... I'll be preparing a note of condolence to Frederick and Bismarck ... Frederick has been very ill"

"If it bothers you, I'd like to go and deliver it myself, I could also go visit Frederick and Willy."

Nicholas could not help but laugh when his son called the german crown prince Willy.

Although the Tsar did not particularly like Wilhelm, he empathized a lot with Frederick, his wife and their ideas, he meditated a few seconds and nodded, "Let me prepare the letter." He nods quickly.

In a few moments the heir of the Russian Empire was on his way to the German Confederation, received by a prussian escort that went with his own escort. Berlin was a beautiful city in the eyes of anyone with common sense.

When lowering his vehicle Ivan was almost in front of Wilhelm "Tsesarevich Ivan"

"Prince Wilhelm"

Both heirs walked to the palace of Charlottenburg, behind closed doors both relaxed "Willy!" Ivan greeted again.

"Haha, good to see you again Ivan" Wilhelm thanked.

"My father sends his condolences, you can consider that I do the same" Declares Ivan taking out a letter.

"I really appreciate this, from both, but now we'd better relax and talk a little bit. How long will you stay?"

"It should be until the funeral happens"

"We have time" Wilhelm exclaimed calmly.

"Your father is not here?"

"He traveled to Italy because of health problems, he should return tomorrow"

"How have things been going in Russia?"

"Smooth sailing"

"Speaking of sailing, would you be interested in learning more about submarines?"

-

Extracts of newspapers from different countries.

"The German Emperor arrives in Berlin"


-

Letter from Ivan Nikolaevich Roamanov to Tsar Nicholas II

Father, Frederick III (as he has decided to consecrate himself, following the Prussian line) has arrived in Berlin at 11 pm today, March 11 ... I must say that it is a shadow of what it was in the past, the disease as a result be worse than what we had heard.

Willy must replace him at the funeral, it will be on the 16th.

On the other hand Wilhelm has spoken to me about many other things, for example of the german navy. The race between the German Confederation and the english has paid off ... strangers. To put it in some way, it has a future but I do not know if a war in Europe is what the world needs at this moment.

On the other hand his long-term plans as emperor are very promising, if you made the effort, I think Wilhelm would like you as much as I did.


-

Wilhelm I was buried with all kinds of luxuries. Ivan thought it was definitely spectacular.

Frederick III had not attended the funeral due to medical problems, however his dedication to his work seemed admirable.

"Thank you very much for being here Ivan" Thanked prince Wilhelm.

"Friends are for something" Ivan assents.

"And I give you my sincere thanks. You know, I've thought about what I'll do when I'm Kaiser, I'll praise my grandfather as he deserves. "

"Sounds good to me"

"Tell me, how has the german model worked in Russia for now? Does the chancellor have too much power?"

"... I would still have to wait a bit to prove it, but it's going well, the zemstvos and the unions are still working. According to the constitution, my father and the chancellor have almost the same executive power, the Tsar keeps part of the legislative power, control over the Imperial Council and the Duma, but has lost much of the judicial power, can only issue a few government pardons, under strict surveillance of criminals, as Kibalchich for example "

"It seems very good to me, that it would be of a monarch if he could not influence the politics of his country, I wish your father the best"

-

[June 15-16, 1888]

In this case Nicholas II was the first to receive the news, it was an expected result telling what he had heard of Frederick's situation, but it had barely been 99 days "A great loss for Germany, and for the world in general" The Tsar allowed himself to drink a cup in the honor of a like-minded fellow, at least at certain points.

Ivan on the other hand was in the Crimea at that moment, the news took longer to appear but a quick telegraph sent messages to both Wilhelm, now Wilhelm II and Nicholas II.

The Tsesarevich took longer to travel ashore, crossing the polish lands by rail to Berlin.

There Wilhelm received him once again, this time there was much more security.

-

"People start saying " Three eights, three Kaisers" is funny if you think about it a bit"

"More ironic"

"Yes, I think that would be a better term" Wilhelm points out.

"Are you sure you're fine?"

"In recent years I've thought more about my father, I'm not a liberal, you know quite well, his education ...and my mother... had a lot of influence on him, I'll focus on the German Confederation getting its place in the sun , a new direction, I will deal with the bad conditions of the workers, I will compete with the british and the austrians, I have a lot to do "

"I wish you luck Wilhelm"

"You are always welcome in Berlin, Ivan"

-

Excerpt from "Study of the German Nations" by Gunter Wasserman.

Chapter: "The New Course" of Wilhelm II

In 1888, the German Confederation saw the fall and rise of three monarchs, with the death of Wilhelm I Frederick III came and finally with his death came Wilhelm II, who would implement the policy of "The New Course", with the intention of improving the position of the German Confederation in the world, obtaining allies and overcoming enemy powers. Added to the notorious industrial and military improvement of the time.

Wilhelm quickly became interested in the social problems of the time, his actions would derive in the german demographic and naval growth, as well as in the development of the human rights in the european continent. Some consider that Wilhelm also took advantage of the neutrality of Nicholas II and his unconditional support to maintain "Cold peace in Europe"

His close relationship with the Tsesarevich Ivan Nikolaevich Romanov would mark his foreign policy with the Russian Empire, an effect equivalent to that which Ivan VII had with the German Confederation in later years.

The friendship of Ivan and Wilhelm had begun in 1884, when Tsesarevich was only 16 years old, and Bismarck sent the prussian prince to St. Petersburg on a diplomatic mission. Since then they had also maintained letters and other occasional communications.
-------------------------------------------------

The next update would be about the train incident in Borki.
 
22-The Borki train disaster
[October 29, 1888]

Crimea was the favorite place of many people in Russia, writers and poets had written much of that place. About 295 kilometers north was Kursk, the imperial train carrying the Tsar and other members of his family to St. Petersburg.

At that time most of the imperial family was in the dining car, Tsar Nicholas II, his wife Tsarina Maria Feodorovna, in addition to them were Peter and Maria, the second son and the only daughter of the couple, born in December of 1875.

There were also other members of the Romanov family, not in the dining car but on the train, such as Grand Duke Alexander and his children Nicholas, Alexander, George, Xenia, Michael and Olga. Tsesarevich Ivan was walking on the train with his cousin Nicholas, having recently returned from the funeral of Frederick III.

It was during those moments of small family rejoicing that the train derailed.

There were people who could barely react, they died almost immediately. Time seemed to stop for some people, such was the case of Nicholas II, remembered that railway manager who warned him Sergei Witte? Maybe that was his name. The Tsar had dismissed his warnings.

He thought about that while everything seemed to fall around him, the car had collapsed quite a bit, or at least the roof of it. Inside he was quite worried, there were his wife and two of his children, but his body hurt a lot.

It was at that moment that both Alexander and his children crossed the door of another car, entering the dining car.
-

Outside were already Ivan and Nicholas, the Tsesarevich had a broken leg, while his cousin, apart from some blows, was quite unharmed.

They saw how different people came quickly, some were removing the bodies and others helped rescue efforts. Nicholas II left along with the other Romanovs from the dining car. Some saw it almost as a miracle.

"I want you to bring Sergei Witte" It was Nicholas II's first words as he left.

Nicholas II and most of his family went to St. Petersburg, meanwhile Ivan Tsesarevich stayed for a while in Kiev along with Mikhail Dragomirov, observing his military work.
-

In his office now Nicholas II had to be taken care of, the experience hurt him, he was much more slender and fragile than his younger brother or other relatives. It was at that moment that Sergei Witte entered, presumably nervous.

"Your imperial majesty" Greeting Witte.

"Nice to see you again"

"Is it better since ... since the incident?" Ask shyly.

"Not precisely, but I'm not here for that. Are you interested in being a minister?"

Witte almost choked.

"I'm still thinking, minister of transport or finance, in any case I think you would be useful"

"It is a great honor your majesty"

"By the way, how about the idea of a train that runs all over Russia?"

"Your majesty, I think you are proposing the longest train in the world"

"I am very interested in that"
-

Excerpt from "Russian Reform: Alexander II and Nicholas II" of Yury Ovechkin

Chapter: Chancellor Nikolai Bunge.

The first chancellor of the Russian Empire, both for support of the Imperial Council and the Tsar, was the Minister of Finance Nikolai Karl Paul von Bunge. Nicholas II and many unions were zealous defenders of Nikolai when conservative deputies and subsequently parts of the reactionary movement, undermined his career.

He worked hard on labor and child protection laws. Under his mandate and the reign of Nicholas II, Sergei Witte flourished in the Ministry of Transportation, who in the middle of the following year held the position of Minister of Transport.

Both Bunge and Witte had extraordinary powers to fight corruption, a decision supported by the Imperial Council, a much easier job after most arrests after the reactionary uprising. The administration of Bunge (who continued with much influence in the Ministry of Finance) with the help of Witte, solved the early budget deficit of the russian economy, and established large economic sources such as alcohol production.

Witte on the other hand promoted the construction of the Trans-Siberian Train, which already had a little more than a decade of planning but a decision was obtained during the administration of Witte. The train would start in Vladivostok, its work would end earlier than expected thanks to the industrial and technological increase, in 1902.

During part of this time the Tsesarevich Ivan would work under Witte's orders as part of the transport ministry, after the Eastern Journey between 1889-1890.

-

Excerpt from "Manifesto of Elitism" by Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov under the pseudonym "Vladimir Lenin". Published in 1905.

When you leave important works, such as criticism for taking an example (with the aim of approaching a high vision of reality), to ordinary people, you leave these works in the hands of the mediocre. Reducing quality and standards.

However, elitism offends them, even when this, by definition, is a prominent minority in the area in question, and, therefore, should have more right to be served, reason why the masses in times of instability, fall before the populism of false Dmitry.

In his fight against corruption, Nicholas II hired people as skilled as Sergei Yulyevich Witte, to whom he granted the power to dismiss people in case of low performance, regardless of their personal wealth or family connections.

In his writings, Nicholas II details his thinking about elites and political opinion, although he does not defend absolute objectivity, he argues that there are points of view that are more relevant to others:

"Some people are like gas, light, easy to spread and of great volume, but they are ephemeral and toxic in large quantities.

Others are more like solids, have weight, have presence and relevance. They are important for the points of view, both their own and those of others.

Although they are not always right, or do not have all of it, their verdict has its characteristics, it has weight.

Consequently, it is better to be surrounded and gather people with weight, than to be surrounded by suffocating gases. "

That is why there are people defined as Mensheviks (minority), and others as Bolsheviks (majority).
-

The next update should be from the Eastern Journey, or perhaps from the early aeronautical beginnings.
 
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