Empire Rising: Spain

While the Spanish Government was discussing a course of action against Portugal, the situation in the Balkan Peninsula, which had been calm for several months, once again descended into chaos.

In mid-to-late February 1878, the Russian Government forced the Ottoman Empire to sign the Treaty of San Stefano, attempting to end the war as quickly as possible to avoid the results being interfered with by the United Kingdom and Austria-Hungary.

The content of this treaty was previously agreed upon by Russian Foreign Secretary Alexander Mikhailovich Gorchakov and Tsar Alexander II, leaving the defeated Ottoman Empire with no options.

According to the treaty signed by both parties, the Ottoman Empire was forced to recognize the complete independence of Montenegro, Serbia, and Romania, and acknowledge the autonomous status of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bosnia and Herzegovina would remain within the Ottoman territories as an autonomous region, but their internal affairs would be managed by themselves, with no right of intervention by the Ottoman Empire.

Additionally, a Great Bulgaria was established in southern Romania, and the Ottoman Empire had to allow Russian activities in the Bulgarian region.

The Ottoman Empire also had to return the southwestern part of Sarabia to Russia and cede Kars, Bayazid, Ardahan, and Battling to Russia.

Besides territorial changes, the Russian Government also demanded that the Ottoman Empire amend the navigation rules of the Bosphorus Strait, allowing warships from all Black Sea coastal countries, including Russia, to pass through the strait indefinitely.

Originally, the contents of this treaty were to be strictly confidential for a short time according to Russian demands, to prevent opposition from the United Kingdom and Austria-Hungary.

However, the Ottoman Empire was not foolish, and the imperial high command knew that only the British could prevent the dismemberment of the Ottoman Empire at that time.

Through the efforts of the Ottoman Empire’s high command, the relevant contents of the San Stefano Treaty were disclosed to the European media, becoming known to countries across Europe.

This caused strong dissatisfaction from the United Kingdom and Austria-Hungary.

Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary could no longer remain calm, ordering the government to express strong criticism against the treaty and issuing a regional mobilization order.

The Russians gained a large amount of land through the treaty and could indirectly control Montenegro, Serbia, and Romania by supporting their independence.

Meanwhile, Austria-Hungary only obtained autonomous status for Bosnia and Herzegovina, which were still within the Ottoman Empire’s territories, as opposed to the promise made by the Russians to grant them to Austria-Hungary before waging war.

This meant that if the treaty’s terms were adhered to, Austria-Hungary could only watch as Russia expanded its influence on the Balkan Peninsula, while it itself had to withdraw from the power struggle there.

The British Empire was also extremely dissatisfied. Although the treaty did not grant Russia control of Constantinople, it did provide Russia with free navigation rights through the strait.

Without the constraints of the strait, Russia’s Black Sea Fleet would be able to sail to the Mediterranean unimpeded, thereby disrupting the British arrangements at the two entrances to the Mediterranean.

The British had grand ambitions. After gaining control over the Suez Canal, they effectively achieved control over the Mediterranean.

Both eastern and western exits were in the hands of the British, and Mediterranean nations had to heed the British attitude to exit the sea.

The British greatly enjoyed this position and were unwilling to let any country disrupt the existing system, especially one with a strong competitive relationship with the United Kingdom, like Russia.

After Austria-Hungary announced partial mobilization, the United Kingdom directly dispatched the Royal Fleet to the Strait of Constantinople and convened a diplomatic meeting to solemnly declare the San Stefano Treaty between Russia and the Ottoman Empire illegal, labeling it unilateral extortion by Russia against the Ottoman Empire.

Austro-Hungarian and British vehement attitudes put tremendous pressure on Russia, causing Tsar Alexander II to place hope in his ally, the German Empire.

The Germans were also in a difficult position. Almost on the verge of outright conflict over the Balkan issue, choosing any side would undermine the policy of isolating France, as devised by Prime Minister Bismarck.

However, if they failed to take a stance, it would not only dishearten the two allies but also potentially affect Germany’s international standing in Europe.

This clash between major powers was precisely the moment to showcase national stature and international influence. If Germany acted cowardly, the event might be derided by the French for decades.

After careful consideration, German Prime Minister Bismarck ultimately chose to mediate the conflict between the great powers as a neutral intermediary.

This decision also demonstrated the capability of the Iron Chancellor Bismarck. Selecting either side would severely damage relations with the other.

Nevertheless, Germany could not abstain from involvement, making a neutral stance aimed at mediating the conflict the most suitable choice.

Germany also possessed the requisite strength to assume the role of mediator. Such a role requires not only significant international status and influence but also sufficient power to ensure countries fairly negotiate with each other.

Without enough strength, mediation efforts might be ignored by the nations, treating it as mere background noise.