usatvline Chapter 824: 616: Franco-Australian Alliance
Chapter 824: 616: Franco-Australian Alliance
Chapter 824: Chapter 616: Franco-Australian Alliance
Speaking of the most anxious nation in the world recently, that title must belong to the French, who have always considered the British as their rivals.
Looking carefully at the achievements of the United Kingdom in the last two years, they have taken control of Central America, acquired Persia, and fully controlled the Middle East.
With the help of Australasia, the United Kingdom has absolute say in both Europe and the World Alliance, while France, despite being undoubtedly the strongest country on the European Continent, has far less influence in Europe than the United Kingdom.
The Naval Limitation Treaty has made it impossible for the French to catch up to the British navy-wise, and their diplomatic isolation has also left them feeling endangered.
After much consideration, the French felt it necessary to find themselves an ally, a reliable ally of great power level to alleviate their pressure.
Looking carefully at all the countries in Europe that could be considered great powers, currently only Russia and Italy make the list.
Both of these countries are clearly unreliable. A complete Russia might have the strength to help France, but now, a Russia that is indeed weakened by civil war and its citizens are not inclined to engage in matters outside Russia, with Nicholas II focused fully on recovery and development.
There’s no need to discuss Italy. After Mussolini established his dictatorship, Italy’s presence in international affairs has significantly diminished.
Moreover, Italy’s performance in World War I was not very impressive, so such an ally could even be a burden for the French, who ruled them out first.
Besides these, there aren’t many countries left in Europe that could help France. After careful consideration and selection, the French still turned their gaze upon the greatly weakened Austrian Empire.
Although Karl I is trying his best to maintain his prestige, occasionally donating some royal funds to aid the Austrian people.
But there are still many voices calling for the abolition of the royal family, after all, the main culprit who led the Austrian Empire to defeat in the war was actually Francis, the Emperor who signed the declaration of war.
The Old Emperor’s prestige in the Austro-Hungarian Empire was indeed high during his lifetime, but this could not prevent the disaster he brought to the Empire after leading it to defeat in World War I.
Had the Austro-Hungarian Empire not been a defeated power, Karl I would not have been dethroned just a few years after ascending to the throne.
The reason for signing an alliance with the Austrian Empire is not only due to the remaining strength of the Austrian Empire but also because it is relatively close to Russia, enabling the formation of a Paris-Vienna-Saint Petersburg system.
An important reason for the Russians to remain silent in international diplomacy is actually Russia’s terrible industry and economy and the threat posed by Soviet Russia to Tsarist Russia.
If France and the Austrian Empire can provide Russia with major support, the unification of Russia and its return to its peak are inevitable.
By that time, the united front of France, Austria, and Russia could completely match British-Australian strength and overwhelmingly suppress them in terms of army power, which is the hope the French see in defeating the British.
Even though this means constantly supporting the Austrian Empire and Russia, even at the cost of a large amount of funds and supplies.
But what alliance does not require sacrifices? The British supplied their ally, Australasia, with vast amounts of supplies and equipment in exchange for strong support.
The French have also decided to follow the British example, cultivating their allies into two powerful nations.