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We've had a series of threads about what happens if some power cut their Navy spending and put it into the Army. Let's reverse it

So on his coronation day in 1896, Nicholas announces that he's reducing the term of service by one year. At the time, Russian infantry served four years, cavalry five. After the Japanese War, Russia does reduce the term by expands the number called. Here he keeps the number called the same

1896 i a good year: It would have given Nicholas a year to prepare, Germany joining the Triple Intervention means a relationship is possible, the Kruger Telegram means Germany is estranged from Britain and the Italian defeat at Adwa means war with the Triple Alliance is doubtful Finally, Japan is preparing to expand its fleet

Getting an exact number for Russian Army spending is rather difficult but the change would allow the Russians to more than double their fleet construction. we'll assume they build the same kind of ships just twice as many

So the questions:

1) How does Germany respond. Does it take this as a means to expand their fleet as well or do they see Russia as weakened and try to exploit it

2) What is British and Japan's reaction? Do the British realize that Russia is so much stronger that a Japanese alliance is worthless and offer the Entente on better terms? Does Russia take it?

3) Or does Britain try and pick a fight. Hoping to use someone as their stalking horse?

4) If Russia wins/avoids the Manchurian War will they also win a WWI that breaks out like OTL
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