What if Austria-Hungary, uncharacteristically, offered to support Italian expansion into Albania in parallel with Austrian annexation of Bosnia?
Here Austria-Hungary is trying to keep its alliance partner sweet while dealing with possible Serbian and Russian backlash. Italy getting influence on the other side of the Adriatic in Albania is perhaps not ideal, but perhaps it keeps Italy busy and sets a second power besides Austria-Hungary against Serbia.
How does Italy react to the proferred A-H support/encouragement?
Does it remain passive? Does it move to occupy Albania? If so, does Italy succeed?
Over the following decade (1908-1918) is Italian hostility toward Austria-Hungary reduced?
Is Serbian (and probably Greek) hostility against Italy?
Here Austria-Hungary is trying to keep its alliance partner sweet while dealing with possible Serbian and Russian backlash. Italy getting influence on the other side of the Adriatic in Albania is perhaps not ideal, but perhaps it keeps Italy busy and sets a second power besides Austria-Hungary against Serbia.
How does Italy react to the proferred A-H support/encouragement?
Does it remain passive? Does it move to occupy Albania? If so, does Italy succeed?
Over the following decade (1908-1918) is Italian hostility toward Austria-Hungary reduced?
Is Serbian (and probably Greek) hostility against Italy?