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Hi all, first post, but I used to hang out in alt/soc.history.what-if a lot in the 1990s.

just an outline of an idea for a timeline fr turning the Russo-Japanese war of 1904-05 into World War I, starting early.


It has to do with the nature of the 1902 treaty between Japan and England: if either was involved in a war with at least two powers, the other was obligated to help.

And adding a slight change to the wording of the Franco-Russian Alliance such that after the defeat of the Russian Pacific Fleet in 1904, France offers enough aid to the Russian Northern Fleet (coaling stations, intel, material repairs, possible selling Russia some ships to help replace losses, etc) that Japan is able to argue that a second power has joined the War.

since this is before the 1905 reconciliation between Britain and France, Japan is able to persuade Britain to declare war on Russia and France.

Germany sees its chance (It has been worried about the Franco-Russian alliance since 1892) after Britain begins a naval interdiction of the Russian/French fleets, and activates the Schleffen plan, declaring it is doing so to *HELP* England, kicking off World War I of France & Russia vs Japan & England & Germany

Thoughts on if this is plausible, and ideas on how to expand it to a proper timeline?
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