The Great War
The Conflict
Prelude
The prelude to the conflict is complex and encompasses many smaller conflicts. The rivalries began at various place depending on the nation involved. The conflict can be traced back to 1855, when the Russian navy forced Japan to open up and signs a treaty in regards to interests in China. Both nations were involved in the alliance in the Boxer Rebellion. Tension were heightened as Russia refused to exit the Liaodong Peninsula due to the building of the Trans Siberian Railway to Port Arthur. Japan relented and offered to recognise Russian interests in Liaodong if Russia recognized Japan's special interests in Korea. Tsar Constantine II agreed to avoid conflict. However, Japan eventually signed an alliance with Britain rather than renew the treaty with Russia. Russia was split in a conflict against the Conservative branch of the House of Romanov led by Alexander Alexandrovich. The Ukrainian War began in 1882 with the death of Alexander Nikolaevich, the father of the younger Alexander. Alexander negotiated with Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary, being able to convince the latter that the former was the rightful claimant to the Russian throne. Though the war was a stalemate, Tsar Constantine I sued for peace and recognised Ukrainian independence. Russia and Ukraine would continue a military arms race in preparation for a follow up war. Following the Austro-Prussian War, the German had been split between the influences of Prussia, Bavaria, and Austria. Prussia, having come victorious, formed the North German Confederation in 1866. Bavaria formed the South German Confederation in 1870 following a crisis against Occitania. Following Austria's actions in Ukraine, Prussia convinced Bavaria Austria could not be trusted. The two confederations were joined into the German Empire in 1884. Holland had been expanding their holdings in southern Africa when gold and diamonds were found. British presence in the area attempted to filibuster the territory to be annexed by Britain later. These British citizens were prosecuted by Dutch forces, causing Britain to demand their return. The South African War began in 1880 and ended in a surprising Dutch victory in 1881. Though Dutch control over their territories held, the British presence in Cape Colony continued to trek north. The Dutch colonial forces persecuted the British population, causing anger in the British Government. Beginning in 1898, Germany, under Kaiser Wilhelm II, began a naval arms race against Britain. Two two began constructing dreadnaught, which Britain declared for every one the Germans order, they would order two. Holland, having a rivalry with Britain, declared they would join the race as well, adding their fleet to Germany's. The arms race ended in a truce with Britain building a total of 22 dreadnaughts, Germany building 19, and Holland building 7. However, most of the Dutch fleet remained in their territories in Indonesia. In 1905, Spain's acquisition of Morocco caused outrage in various places, particularly in Germany. Germany began to promise Moroccan independence. However, Germany was outvoted in an international conference, and Spain acquired Morocco. This emboldened a rivalry between Germany and the Iberian Alliance. With the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by Austria-Hungary, many of the European powers became outraged and demanded military action. This was adverted by amendments of the Treaty of Berlin, effectively making the situation a fait accompli. However, with the attempted assassination of Archduke Leopold, Austria-Hungary themselves demanded military action. An ultimatum was submitted to Serbia, who declined the Austrians jurisdiction in Serbia. Instead, a conference elected Ukraine to conduct the investigation. In 1915, it was decided that though Serbian officials partook in the attempt, the Serbian government itself was absolved.
For me as a German, it is extremely exciting to read about not being considered a warmongering nation during this era (apart from the arms race). However, I would be very interested to see what happens to the power structure in Europe after this Great War; after all, the winner dictates the conditions to the losing nations.
Thank you. I tried to make the Great War and the events leading up to it complex enough that no one nation is the bad guy while at the same time no one is guilt free either. I have some ideas for what comes after, but still working on the specifics for this.