Chapter 673: Ming Dynasty's Vienna Conference on Spoils Division (First Update, Please Subscribe)
Put aside disputes and jointly develop... uh, now it should be called jointly dividing!
It has to be said that these eight words are definitely a major innovation in the field of diplomacy. If we just keep on getting entangled in disputes, it will be absolutely impossible to reach a consensus on some issues.
But if we put aside the dispute between the two sides for the time being, perhaps there will be a new breakthrough.
Of course, eventually the differences must be resolved. There is a saying that goes "When you are poor, you put aside your disputes; when you are rich, you keep them."
Only a man who can bend and stretch can be a real man.
Of course, for now, everyone is just putting aside some major differences. After all, everyone wants to get a big bite of fat from Turkey.
In the next few days, the foreign ministers of the four empires sat in this conference room, where they argued over the map, trying to grab more land for each other. In their writings, the land of the Ottoman Empire was divided again and again.
Such meetings to divide the spoils are not uncommon in history.
In this world where the strong prey on the weak, the weak are meant to be divided up.
During the long negotiations, Austria-Hungary got most of the Balkans, including Bosnia and Herzegovina and all the territories up to Albania. As a compromise, they agreed to Serbia's complete independence. At the same time, Russia's request to establish the Kingdom of Greater Bulgaria was also recognized.
Of course, what was the most important reward for Russia? They gained free access to the Mediterranean Sea - they not only got Constantinople, but also northern Asia Minor and the Caucasus.
Of course, as the leader of the alliance, France also received generous rewards. They not only obtained Palestine, Syria and Mesopotamia, but also the Red Sea coastal areas.
In addition to the southern part of Asia Minor, the Austro-Hungarian Empire also received another piece of land during the spoils division conference - Egypt. Of course, it was not just annexed, but became a protectorate of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
As for what the Ming Dynasty got?
From Kuwait City to the Persian Gulf coast in the south, in order to divide the sphere of influence with France, they directly replaced a straight line from northwest to southeast in the middle of the Arabian Peninsula. In this way, the two sides completed the division of the Arabian Peninsula.
This is what Emperor Zhu wanted, after all, most of the land is desert. Although it is desolate, there is endless wealth buried underground.
Of course, an even more wonderful place is that the population there is really too sparse, with only a few Bedouins living in the oases in the desert.
How many are there?
The number is so small that it can be ignored. If necessary, they can be relocated from the local area.
Of course, this is not the most important thing for the Ming Dynasty. The most important point is that the three countries support the Ming Dynasty's "ownership" of most of the land in Africa. To a certain extent, the Ming Dynasty and them completed the division of Africa.
In fact, compared to the return that the Ming Dynasty received, it was undoubtedly the least. At that time, the world had no idea about Africa at all. That land could not be used as a dumping market - the local residents were barbaric and poor, nor could it be a mature source of resources - except for ivory and black slaves, there were no other resources. Moreover, the local natural environment was harsh and various tropical diseases were prevalent, which also restricted the Europeans' colonial activities in the area.
In history, it was because the continuous expansion of Germany and France in Africa, as the rising stars, threatened the interests of Britain that the "Berlin Conference" was held and the sphere of influence in Africa was divided. Now, for France, Russia and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Turkey is the real fat meat.
At the conference, they each got what they needed. Austria-Hungary got the Balkans they had always dreamed of, Russia got the "old Roman Empire" they had always dreamed of, and France got the Holy Land they needed.
And what about the Ming Dynasty?
Of course, he got everything he needed. It wasn't just the oil in the Persian Gulf. It was a four-nation alliance tied together by the Treaty of Vienna. The Treaty of the Four-Power Alliance was secret, but from the moment it was signed, it was no longer a secret treaty. In addition to the additional secret treaty to divide the Ottoman Empire, the news of the signing of the Treaty of Vienna soon caused a sensation in Europe.
For a time, all European countries were surprised. Faced with this unprecedented treaty, what was the core of this treaty?
That is, if other countries declare war on any of the four countries, it means declaring war on Ming Dynasty, France, Russia and Austria-Hungary. They will declare war on the enemy countries at the same time for the sake of collective security and world peace.
what does that mean?
Everyone knew what this meant. It meant that the four most powerful empires in the world had formed a close alliance.
Of course, the most powerful means second only to Britain. In the past, their power was far less than that of Britain, but what happens when their powers are combined?
Everyone knows very well that the signing of the Treaty of Vienna actually, to some extent, disintegrated the Vienna system that brought peace to Europe after the Napoleonic Wars.
In other words, the continental balance policy that the British had painstakingly pursued for half a century completely failed with the signing of the Treaty of Vienna.
Who is this treaty aimed at?
Everyone knows this very well, but they are more concerned about the content of the additional treaty. Although they don't know whether there is an additional secret treaty, everyone believes that all treaties have additional secret content.
But who is this treaty aimed at?
One thing that is certain is that the signing of the treaty must be aimed at Britain, the world's largest country. They formed an alliance just to confront Britain.
But what else?
Every country has its own speculation. Just as the North German Confederation believed that the secret treaty was directed against itself, the Turks would certainly believe that the secret treaty was directed against them. The British were no exception.
As a result, London newspapers described the signing of the Treaty of Vienna as "the biggest diplomatic failure in history", and British diplomats tried to form their alliance among various countries.
Of course this takes time.
“Time is on our side.”
When Emperor Zhu signed his name on the treaty, he smiled and said to Zuo Zhongtang.
"Well, with this treaty, we can also win the whole world,"
It took almost two years, and with the help of Ming Dynasty and France, France, Russia and Austro-Hungary finally got on board.
This ship was built by the Ming Dynasty, and its ultimate goal is to dismantle the British world empire. It is easy to get on this ship but difficult to get off.
"Now they are all on our ship. Türkiye is the ticket to board this ship. As long as everyone eats the meat, there is absolutely no possibility of making them spit it out! The British..."
Emperor Zhu laughed.
"They would never tolerate Austria-Hungary occupying Egypt, France occupying Mesopotamia, and Russia occupying Constantinople, so at least in this respect the alliance was solid."
The best part about this plan?
It is very difficult for any country to get off this ship at night after getting on it, because what they want to obtain is what they have always dreamed of, and what Britain is doing its utmost to oppose.
Since the British would not support their claims to those lands, they could not get on the same page with the British, so there was no possibility of getting off the ship.
"But your majesty, Britain is now conducting secret negotiations with Prussia, Italy and other countries, including Türkiye, and they will also form an alliance against us."
Zuo Zongtang gave a reminder.
"The reason why the British can look forward to their opponents on the continent time and time again is because they are good at forming broad alliances. Now we are just a little ahead of them. Who knows what changes will happen in a few years?"
This is exactly what Zuo Zhongtang is most worried about. Perhaps, the Ming Dynasty can establish its own broad alliance, but the British can do the same.
"The British can do this, but now, time is on our side."
Once again, Emperor Zhu said with some pride.
"Any alliance must first have a threat, and this threat must be realistic. They must be wondering what is in our alliance treaty. The Prussians and Turks can feel the threat, but they are not sure. They will not jump on the British chariot easily. Especially when Britain cannot make too many promises to them, what kind of promises will Britain make to them? As we all know, Britain got its start by betraying its allies."
Emperor Zhu lit a cigar with some pride, took two puffs, and then spoke slowly.
"For so many years, the British have played the role of an 'offshore balancer'. They have already exhausted their credibility. No one will trust the British until the last moment."
What does it mean that you will suffer the consequences if you do evil? The British have perfectly interpreted this saying. The British have been wavering in diplomacy for the sake of their own interests, which has left them with almost no diplomatic credibility.
All countries know that dealing with the UK is only based on interests. If the UK cannot provide enough benefits, or until the last moment, no one will believe them.
"And then, do we need some actions to confuse Britain and other countries and make them believe that our so-called secret treaty is not aimed at them?"
I have set up a book club: 335260551. Everyone is welcome to join and discuss and deduce the plot together.
(End of this chapter)
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