Empire Rising: Spain

The hatred these nations have for the Ottoman Empire is undeniable. After occupying these lands, the Ottoman Empire will have to fight to regain the Balkan Peninsula.

For the currently weakened Ottoman Empire, this is almost an impossible task. Therefore, Abdul Hamid II’s orders are clear; he does not want the Ottoman Army to lose the Plovdiv Fortress because that would mean Edirne and Istanbul would be exposed to Russian forces.

”I understand,” Muhammad Ali Pasha nodded.

He was a German convert to Islam, with excellent military skills, which is why he became the commander-in-chief of the Ottoman Empire’s frontline army.

However, the Ottoman Empire’s military strength is inconsistent. Besides a small number of newly trained troops modeled after European countries, the remaining forces are ineffective in battle.

This also makes it difficult for Muhammad Ali Pasha to utilize his command abilities. After all, the execution ability of the lower ranks determines the effectiveness of an order.

Even if the order itself is excellent, its impact is mediocre if poorly executed by the lower ranks.

Having arranged everything, Abdul Hamid II finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The Ottoman Army held the Plevna Fortress for several months, holding the Plovdiv Fortress for a month should be easy.

As long as the British aid arrives within this month, the Ottoman Empire still has hope of winning the war.

Of course, if British aid never arrives, the Ottoman Empire must prepare for the worst.

”Great Sultan, perhaps we could also use Austria-Hungary’s help to relieve our pressure on the Balkan Peninsula.” The Foreign Secretary proposed a new plan, brightening Abdul Hamid II’s already relieved expression.

”Tell me more,” Abdul Hamid II gestured for the Foreign Secretary to continue.

Besides the British wanting to prevent the Russians from controlling the Balkans, Austria-Hungary also does not wish for the Balkan Peninsula to fall under Russian control.

Although relying on Austria-Hungary to expel Russia presents challenges, it may be our only hope besides the British.

Among other European powers, no country will go to war with Russia for us. Even if the United Kingdom chooses not to join the war, as long as Austria-Hungary does, we can maintain the situation in the Balkans.

Russia’s army outnumbers us significantly; sustaining long enough would strain Russia’s finances.

Conversely, with British support, finances would not be an issue in the short term. Whether the United Kingdom or Austria-Hungary, if either assists us, we could exhaust Russia, this colossal entity,” the Foreign Secretary said with a smile.

As the Ottoman Empire’s Foreign Secretary, he understood the European situation well, particularly around the Balkan Peninsula, knowing which great powers were concerned with the Balkans.

Currently, besides relying on British aid, the Ottoman Empire’s only hope may be Austria-Hungary.

Austria-Hungary remained neutral in this war mainly because Russia promised it would gain Bosnia and Serbia after the war.

But would Russia truly give such vast territories to Austria-Hungary? Wouldn’t this create a stronger competitor in the Balkans?

”Sultan, what the Foreign Secretary says is reasonable, perhaps worth trying.” Before Abdul Hamid II could express his thoughts, the commander-in-chief, Muhammad Ali Pasha, stood up, showing his support.

As a German convert to Islam, he understood the situation concerning Austria-Hungary, knowing that Austrians were also Germans, only excluded from Germany due to Prussia’s unification of the German region.

”Since General Muhammad also believes Austria-Hungary could help us, the Foreign Affairs Department should pursue it.” Abdul Hamid II nodded repeatedly, his face no longer showing panic.

”Whoever can bring either Austria-Hungary or the United Kingdom into the war will be the empire’s greatest hero. After the war ends, I will reward you accordingly, recognizing your contributions.” With a solution in sight, Abdul Hamid II was all smiles, promising generous rewards to his ministers.

With Abdul Hamid’s promises, many ministers were motivated to act for the Ottoman Empire’s future.

While discussing the dire war situation domestically, similar discussions occurred within the United Kingdom and Austria-Hungary.

Even though the British were reluctant to interfere in this war, their attention was unprecedented.

Ever since the Plevna Fortress was conquered, the British Government held emergency meetings to discuss increasing support for the Ottoman Empire.

Unexpectedly, within just two and a half weeks of the Plevna Fortress’s fall, the Ottoman Empire’s defeat was monumental, with even significant strongholds like Sofia and Pernik captured by Russian forces.

The British Government hadn’t yet decided on increasing aid, and the Ottoman Empire was on the verge of defeat in the war.

This shifted the British Government’s discussions from increasing aid to joining the war because if the Ottoman Empire fell, Russia’s expansion in the Balkans would be unstoppable.