Chapter 731 - 38: Prototype of the Super War (Part 3)

"God will bless us; only the Habsburgs can be the victors!"

Like Alexander III, Germany also faced the decision of whether to join this war.

During the era of William I, there would have been no internal disputes within the German government. In William I’s time, Bismarck was the undisputed ruler, and his foreign policy was strongly supported by William I.

Unfortunately, the German Emperor at this time was ultimately William II.

Although Bismarck was highly respected, he was merely the Prime Minister of the German Empire. German Emperor William II was the master of the country, and when there was a significant conflict between imperial power and the power of the Prime Minister, if the emperor could not be changed, then only the Prime Minister could be changed.

On February 17th, 1889, German Emperor William II personally ordered the government to prepare for war.

A few hours later, the German Foreign Secretary summoned the Russian ambassador to Berlin and then informed the Russian Government: "We are certainly unwilling to tear up the treaty of insurance, but when your army steps onto the land of our ally, we will be forced to take up arms to defend peace."

The Russians apparently anticipated Germany’s involvement in the war. The Russian ambassador did not show a surprised expression. After the German Foreign Secretary expressed a relatively tough stance, the Russian ambassador merely nodded calmly and then said, "His Majesty the Tsar likewise wishes to avoid conflict with your country, but the future can only be decided by God.

The sovereignty of the Slavs shall not be infringed, and we are willing to face any formidable enemy’s attack for Serbia."

The meeting ended unhappily, and news of the breakdown in talks between Germany and Russia quickly became front-page headlines in all European countries.

At this time, governments and citizens of all European countries had a thought they had never considered before, which was that Europe might erupt in a super war never before experienced.

At present, Austria-Hungary and Russia, two major powers, have joined in. Can a third major power be far behind?

In fact, to cope with the pressure from the formidable enemy, Russia, Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary not only contacted his most powerful ally, Germany, but also his secret ally, Italy, and his in-law ally, Spain.

For Carlo, at this moment, he also faced a difficult choice.

Spain could join this war and experience a possible super war. Spain could also stay out of it and watch the entire process of the war with focused attention as an observer.

For Carlo, the choice had long been made.

Spain doesn’t mind joining a super war, but there’s absolutely no need to go to extremes against Serbia and the Russians.

Frankly, Spain has no interests on the Balkan Peninsula and it’s not worthwhile to fight a war with Russia for Austria-Hungary.

Even if the war is won, Spain wouldn’t gain much benefit. But if they lost, Spain’s hard-earned Golden Age could vanish, and they might also face large compensations and industrial decline.

This also determined Carlo’s stance: even though Spain is related to Austria-Hungary by marriage, they would not personally step in.

Of course, Carlo wouldn’t be stingy in terms of material support. If Austria-Hungary is willing, Spain could certainly become Austria-Hungary’s arms supplier.

The ultimate victor of this great war is not that important to Spain. What’s important is which countries are participants in this war.

For Spain, if both the United Kingdom and France could intervene in this war, it would be excellent news.

Only when all the European Powers are involved will Spain consider personally joining the fray. After all, there is still a British Empire isolated from the European Continent, watching the situation of this war. Carlo is not foolish enough to charge for the British before they express their clear stance.