Empire Rising: Spain

In April 1877, a message from Tsarist Russia shocked the whole of Europe, and immediately turned the Balkan Peninsula into a global focal point.

Tsar Alexander II officially declared war on the Ottoman Empire, and the Russian army swiftly crossed Romanian soil, launching an attack on the Ottoman Empire along the Danube River.

Due to insufficient preparation, when the Ottoman army was attacked by the Russian army, they appeared extremely panicked.

The Ottoman army, which had been fighting rebellions such as that in Serbia, had never felt the pressure brought by the Tsarist Russian army.

Although Russia had mobilized for several months, the frontline army totaled just over 200,000, but the combat power of these 200,000 troops was clearly different from that of the armies of Serbia and other nations.

With several months to prepare, Tsarist Russia launched an attack on the Ottoman Empire in two prongs. The first comprised two armies totaling 100,000 men, forming the Caucasus Army Group, led by Tsar Alexander II’s brother, Mikhail Nikolaevich, as the group commander. Militia forces from Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Oshchizia also joined the Caucasus Army Group.

On the European front, the expected size of the Danube Army Group was as high as 300,000. Although more than 200,000 soldiers were still on their way, the 100,000 troops already on the frontline, combined with the Bulgarian militia joining the Danube Army Group, were completely sufficient for countering the Ottoman Empire in the short term.

The Danube Army Group, although temporarily insufficient in number, was equipped by Russia with over a thousand cannons, more than the entire cannon count of the Ottoman Empire.

This caused the Ottoman Empire to suffer right on meeting, as the inadequate artillery firepower resulted in the Ottoman army not daring to raise their heads in direct battle with the Russian army due to being suppressed by artillery.

The disparity in firepower caused the Ottoman army to not advance an inch, also affecting the morale of the Ottoman forces.

Under these circumstances, the Russian army advanced like a hot knife through butter, retreating the Ottoman army that once threatened Romania by more than ten kilometers in just a week.

The news of Tsarist Russia entering the fray shocked the entire world, including the Austria-Hungary and British Empire, who were constantly paying attention to the Balkan Peninsula.

Neither country expected that the Russians would have such determination. Despite the possibility of the United Kingdom joining the war, the Russians resolutely chose to engage in battle.

Judging solely from the military strength on paper of both Tsarist Russia and the Ottoman Empire, these were two completely incomparable nations.

The Russian regular forces comprised 48 infantry divisions totaling 720,000, with over 3,000 cannons equipped.

The entire Ottoman army, in contrast, only had 400,000 men, with just over 850 cannons.

Although the quality of Ottoman Empire’s rifles was higher than those of Russian infantry, since these rifles were provided by the United Kingdom and Austria-Hungary, Russia maintained absolute superiority in heavy firepower.

Of the Ottoman Empire’s 850 cannons, more than 300 were provided by the United Kingdom and Austria-Hungary. However, the Ottoman Empire’s original industrial foundation was far too weak, and the ability to arm beyond 850 cannons in a short period was already the result of strong support from the British.

Though Russia was not strong industrially among the five traditional great powers, compared to other non-great powers, Russia’s industry was still quite sizable.

Arming 720,000 troops with over 3,000 cannons—this level, not to mention the Ottoman Empire, even the land forces of the powerful Germany and France weren’t in a position to claim surpassing Russia in paper data.

More importantly, Russia’s military strength was not limited to these superficial figures. Under full mobilization, Russia could arm millions of troops, which was why Russia was feared by other European countries.

The Ottoman Empire’s population was far less than Russia’s, and the truly core Turks were even fewer. This led to the Ottoman Empire, upon learning of Russia’s participation in the war, having no hesitation in immediately shifting its strategic objective from attack to defense, and seeking aid from the United Kingdom and Austria-Hungary.

When the news of Tsarist Russia declaring war on the Ottoman Empire reached Spain, it was already the second day of the war.

The then Spanish Prime Minister, Duke Serrano, with a look of surprise, found Carlo, bringing news that Carlo had already anticipated.

”What is the British reaction?” Carlo asked with a smile, neither flustered nor worried by the outbreak of this war.

”The British Government has yet to react, but it cannot be ruled out that they might announce joining this war.” Duke Serrano replied, ”Your Majesty, if the British do announce joining this war, what should we do?”

This is a good question, but considering history, this question shouldn’t have arisen.

”It is highly unlikely the British will join this war, unless the Ottoman Empire collapses faster than expected.” Carlo replied with a smile.

Despite the United Kingdom being the world’s hegemon now, the British are also unwilling to face the powerful Tsarist Russia.

Unless Russia is going to occupy Constantinople or achieves great victories in the Balkans, the British are unlikely to step up.

The notorious meddler of Europe title isn’t without reason, and this is one point about the British Empire that was annoying during this era.