Chapter 727 - 337: The Outbreak of War

Indeed, Carlo found something novel in this Balkan crisis. If this Balkan crisis were to trigger a war between Austria-Hungary and Russia, or even spark a world war, Carlo truly couldn’t anticipate how the situation in Europe would develop.

At this time, Russia had not yet formed an alliance with France, while Austria-Hungary had Germany, its greatest ally.

Even if Russia, under diplomatic pressure, rapidly aligned itself with France, the isolated United Kingdom would not join the Franco-Russian alliance.

This also signifies that if war breaks out, the situation in Europe will enter a new phase. Although following the historical trajectory would be more advantageous for Carlo, new developments in the European situation might present more opportunities for Spain.

Returning to this Balkan crisis.

Upon receiving Austria-Hungary’s ultimatum, Serbia immediately contacted the Russian ambassador to Serbia. After receiving a definitive stance of support from Russia, Serbia rejected Austria-Hungary’s demands.

This also shows that the Serbian government is not foolish. Despite the loud proclamations of Great Serbianism, Serbia cannot possibly withstand Austria-Hungary, this mighty power, for long without external support.

No matter how weak, a great power is still a great power; no matter how strong an ordinary country is, it is ultimately not a great power. Austria-Hungary massively outmatches Serbia in terms of industry, population, economy, and overall national strength. If Russia is unwilling to support them, Serbia definitely would not resist Austria-Hungary firmly.

So the question arises, why is Russia willing to risk war to support Serbia?

The main reason is still because two years ago, Bulgaria appointed a new Grand Duke from the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha family.

This family’s prestige needs no further mention, as its influence is not in the least inferior to the German Imperial Family, the Hohenzollerns. It is one of the most renowned families in the German Region and across Europe.

The Saxe-Coburg-Gotha family controls not only its own Saxe-Coburg-Gotha Duchy but also the thrones of Belgium, Portugal, and Bulgaria.

Because Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, is also from the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha family, once she passes away, and her son becomes King of the United Kingdom, Britain will enter the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha dynasty era.

To Russia, how illustrious the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha family is does not matter; what matters is where this family comes from and which country they are close to.

Obviously, this family from the German Region is certainly close to Germany, which also means Russia will lose the very important Bulgaria among the Yugoslav Nations.

It is important to know that Romania and Greece are not considered Yugoslav Nations. The truly major Yugoslav Nations are only two: Bulgaria and Serbia.

Germany has already seized the Bulgarian throne, and if Russia cannot retain this last significant Yugoslav Nation, Serbia, the Pan-Slavism Russia advocates will also be obliterated.

This is also why Russia supports Serbia; they cannot abandon Serbia, which will serve as Russia’s only hope for expansion in the Balkan Peninsula.

Serbia, backed by Russia, shows no fear, but similarly, Austria-Hungary, supported by Germany, Italy, and Spain, shows no fear either.

As the time of Austria-Hungary’s ultimatum approaches, nations are speculating whether Austria-Hungary will wage a war for this and whether Russia will not retreat a step under international pressure.

On February 14, 1889, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary signed a mobilization order, mobilizing the military in the Hungarian and Croatian regions, and partially redeploying the garrison from Austria to Croatia and Hungary.

On the other side, Serbia also refused to show weakness, issuing a nationwide mobilization order, and conflicts frequently erupted at the border, suggesting that war seemed imminent.

In Russia, Alexander III was ordering the diplomatic department to seek France’s opinion.

Alexander III understood that once this war began, it would not be up to Russia to decide when to end it.

Concerning the situation in the Balkan Peninsula, the British might not remain neutral. If the British must choose a side, they will likely support Austria-Hungary.

The reason is quite simple—Austria-Hungary has no overseas territories whatsoever and has almost no conflicts with the British, whereas Russia has numerous conflicts with Britain in the Balkan Peninsula and Central Asia.

Under such circumstances, Russia must secure support from another great power nation to confidently participate in this war.

Because almost all major powers in Europe have already stated their positions, besides England and France, Alexander III can only pin his hopes on the French.

In fact, since the Russian-Turkish War failure, Russia and France have become much closer.

Both Germany and Russia understand that the Triple Alliance cannot continue. Germany is apprehensive of Russia’s continual expansion, and Russia is equally resentful of Germany’s lack of support.

```