More specifically, the Scramble of Africa was driven forth by nationalism and I was wondering whether it could've also created nationalism and loyalty in places where it was somewhat weak. I was wondering whether an Austrian-Hungarian involvement could've lead to more Austrian-Hungarian nationalism, somewhat of a pan-Imperial identity so to speak, and if it could've lead to the various minorities of the Empire becoming more loyal to the Crown, due to pride and such. Also, what kind of effect it would have on Austria-Hungary's standing and economy?
WI: Austria-Hungary participates in the Scramble for Africa
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although that would be interesting, A-H wasnt in a great spot to take any colonies in africa. even if it could, i doubt any other power (italy especially) would have been happy.
it did have a concession in china, and unlike most nations involved in china A-H's control over it involved incorpating the locals. at one point it did have the nicobar islands near india, but the colony died off.
it did have a concession in china, and unlike most nations involved in china A-H's control over it involved incorpating the locals. at one point it did have the nicobar islands near india, but the colony died off.
Generaloberst
Banned
Why? As far as I know, the Austro-Hungarian Empire had absolutely no desire for Africa, and by the time they really could've started staking claims, bigger and more 'colonial' nations had already stuck their flag into the ground and were cutting up the prize.
I really doubt they would've been able to have anything other than a token island off the coast which gets occupied and taken by British forces in the First World War.
I really doubt they would've been able to have anything other than a token island off the coast which gets occupied and taken by British forces in the First World War.
If they get involved on Russia's side against the Ottomans in the early part of the 19th century, would they be strong enough to take Libya?
Okay, that's just Austria, that's true, but what about 1877-8? You could possibly see them then going down and taking what is now Chad, or at least claiming it.
The bigger problem is that they were so concerned with Russian interests in the Balkans that it would be hard to see them focusing on Africa. So, perhaps we need the Ottomans to collapse in the 1820s entirely. If Austria is secure in the Balkans, then perhaps it would beel comfortable entering Africa that way.
Okay, that's just Austria, that's true, but what about 1877-8? You could possibly see them then going down and taking what is now Chad, or at least claiming it.
The bigger problem is that they were so concerned with Russian interests in the Balkans that it would be hard to see them focusing on Africa. So, perhaps we need the Ottomans to collapse in the 1820s entirely. If Austria is secure in the Balkans, then perhaps it would beel comfortable entering Africa that way.
The Russians could collapse, or be definitively shut-out of the Balkans as well. With a secure Ottoman border, both A-H and the Ottomans could focus on their African expeditions...
Anaxagoras
Banned
The Habsburg had enough trouble keeping their own population in Europe under control. I think the last thing they would want is the burden of maintaining colonies in Africa.
scholar
Banned
Colonies were originally a safety valve, though by the time the scramble for Africa occurred this was no longer the case. Perhaps Austria-Hungary becomes interested in the scramble for Africa and in the process dumps unwanted nationalists, revolutionaries, and the excess population into these areas. This would work particularly well if they get part of Libya, a toehold in East Africa, or some land in Southern Africa.
austria had the opportunity to join to colonial race a lot earlier than durng the scramble for africa, they didnt because they rightly concluded that an empire across your border is far more usefull than one across the sea.
oh, and at the later stages they had no money and a joke of a navy, so there's that too.
oh, and at the later stages they had no money and a joke of a navy, so there's that too.