Holy Roman Empire - Chapter 130

Chapter 130: Chapter 17, The Russo-Austrian Secret Treaty

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Causing trouble for Prussia, Franz did so only as a matter of convenience; the Austrian Government would not commit too many resources to this, as the most important thing was still domestic development.

While the Prussia-Denmark War broke out once again, the Russo-Austrian negotiations also came to a close. After nearly half a year of effort, the two countries finally reached a consensus regarding their respective interests.

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On March 21, 1849, the Austrian ambassador to Russia, Wessenberg, signed the Russo-Austrian Trade Agreement with the Russian Foreign Minister Carl-Wasserod in St. Petersburg.

The treaty contained:

1. Both countries would be granted most-favored-nation status, with tariffs on commercial exchanges not exceeding those of a third country;

2. Both countries formed a strategic trade partnership, following the principle of free trade; (trade would continue as usual between the two countries even if one party went to war with a third country)

These rather hastily agreed upon trade agreements clearly were not the culmination of half a year’s efforts by the governments. What truly merited attention were the secret treaties signed, including the Russian-Austrian Military Alliance and Russian-Austrian Power Division.

The Russian-Austrian Military Alliance included:

1. As of the date of the treaty signing, the two countries officially entered into a military alliance;

2. If one party were subject to a foreign military invasion, it would be considered as declaring war on both countries;

3. When one party declared war on a third country, it could request assistance from the other, including material and military support;

Undoubtedly, the Russian-Austrian Military Alliance was an extension of the Berlin Convention, and it even went a step further. The only difference was that the contracting state did not include Prussia.

Because of the Prussia-Denmark War, Nicholas I had a very cold attitude towards the Kingdom of Prussia, and the outbreak of this war also marked the end of the “Northern Three Courts” era.

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Compared to the military alliance, the Russian-Austrian Power Division was the cornerstone of the coalition between the two countries. Both parties got what they needed and acquired all that was necessary.

The treaty stipulated:

1. Austria recognized the complete sovereignty of the Russian Empire over the Black Sea Strait, the Dardanelles Strait, and the coastal lands; (including Constantinople, the Asia Minor Peninsula, and parts of the Balkan Peninsula)

2. Austria recognized the rights of the Russian Empire in the Far East;

3. The Austrian Government recognized the interests of the Russian Empire in the Central Asian region;

4. The Austrian Government recognized the rights of the Russian Empire in Persia;

5. The two countries would jointly divide the interests in the Balkan Peninsula and the Mediterranean;

6. The Russian Empire recognized Austria’s sovereignty over the South German Region;

7. The Russian Empire recognized Austria’s interests in the Danube Basin;

8. The Russian Empire recognized Austria’s interests in the Italian Area;

9. The Russian Empire recognized the interests acquired by Austria in its overseas colonies;

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It was very clear in the agreement: you support my acquisition of lands along the Black Sea coast, and I support your annexation of the South German States, and together we divide the hegemony of the Balkans and the Mediterranean.

Beyond these core interests, as long as there were no conflicting interests between the two, they would support each other.

With both sides in agreement about their expansions, this also meant that the British-led Convention concerning the Straits was voided. Without Austrian support, it became very difficult for England and France to suppress Russian ambitions in the Near East.

According to the agreement, Austria would gain the South German Region, the regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, most of Serbia, most of Romania, and a portion of Bulgaria.

In terms of territorial size, this was still less than half that of Russia; economically, the two were even less comparable.

In this era, regions along the Black Sea coast were developed, with the essence of the Ottoman Empire located there. Aside from the South German States, other areas on Austria’s side had not yet been developed.

Seeing the comparison of gains between the two sides, Franz understood why historically Russia and Austria would fall out. The Russians took too much, and the Austrian Government was envious.

More critically, once the Russian ambitions were achieved, the Austrian Empire would no longer be able to sleep soundly.

Initially, Franz thought that the interests in the Black Sea Strait would be enough to satisfy the Russians, with at most half of the Balkan Peninsula. It proved that he was wrong; the Russians had also marked the Asia Minor Peninsula as their own.

Since the Russians had a voracious appetite, he certainly didn’t mind giving them a push. The Austrian Empire recognized Russia’s acquisition of the Asia Minor Peninsula, and the Russians made a concession of interests in the Balkan Peninsula.

The range of influence in the Balkans agreed upon by both parties was of no great concern to Franz. It would be good to secure it, but it was also fine if they didn’t; all that mattered was occupying Belgrade.

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The current Austrian Empire didn’t possess such an appetite yet—gobbling it all up would only leave them bloated. If it weren’t for the fact that the Balkan Peninsula’s population was still sparse during this era, he wouldn’t even dare to touch it.

However, the act must be played out in full. If the appetite of Austria seemed too small, the Russians might suspect a conspiracy behind it all.

Franz boldly guessed that at this moment, the court in St. Petersburg was celebrating this great victory.

In history, the Russians dismantled the “Strait Convention” in exchange for sending troops to help Austria suppress the Hungarian rebellion.

In this timeline, the Austrian Government faced no chaos and settled the rebellion on its own, naturally eliminating the need for assistance, and thus there was no talk of compensation.

If the “Strait Convention” had been in place, the Crimean War that followed could not have broken out, as the Russians would not dare take on England, France, and Austria alone.

This is also why Austria, after betraying Russia historically, was in a bad position both internally and externally. In the eyes of England and France, if it wasn’t for Austria’s initial leniency towards Russia, the war would never have started.

“Your Majesty, we stand to lose too much from this treaty. Once it becomes reality, no one will be able to contain Russia!” said Prime Minister Felix, frowning.

The policy of annexing the South German Region was led by him as Prime Minister, but upon witnessing the cost of compromise with the Russians, he regretted it.

“If the Russians don’t grow stronger, do we stand a chance to annex the South German Region? Which nation in Europe would want to see the Austrian Empire continue to expand?” Franz countered.

Metternich, agitated, said, “Your Majesty, it’s easy to let the Russians out, but it’s going to be difficult to contain them once again.

Moreover, can we really annex each state of South Germany?

If the Russians indeed occupy the aforementioned areas, and we haven’t yet digested the South German Region, then Austria will have lost its future prospects.”

Franz replied calmly, “Do not let greed blind you. On the surface, this treaty seems hugely advantageous to Russia, but do you actually think the Russian national strength can support this plan?

The Russians now aim to swallow the Ottoman Empire whole, and the Sultan Government will surely resist to the death. This war obviously won’t be ending anytime soon.

The French have extensive interests in the Near East and will not allow the Russians to expand unchecked; the Russians’ actions might even unite the French government against a common enemy.

There’s even less to say about the British. They’ve never let down their guard against this rival, and supporting the Ottoman Empire is inevitable. They might even pull the French along into the fray.

Do not be fooled by the British naval prowess; they have deep pockets. As long as the Ottomans don’t reach extinction, the British can keep the war going.

Even if the Russians are formidable, they will eventually be worn down.

Unless the Tsarist Government decides to quit while ahead, stopping all military action after seizing Constantinople and defending locally with Russia’s national strength. Defending a fortress city for a few years is manageable, and after some time, England and France will naturally give up.

Then, the Russians can slowly consume the Ottoman Empire. If nothing goes amiss, within three to five decades, they might achieve their goal.

That length of time is sufficient for us to accomplish much. By then, the Austrian Empire may not necessarily be weaker than Russia.”

Speaking of the French, Franz couldn’t help but smile. In modern history, the French are matched only by the Habsburg dynasty in squandering wealth.

The Ottoman Empire doesn’t count, as they haven’t started on their path to ruin yet; they’re still in possession of a vast territory.

Beginning in the 18th century, the French embarked on their tragic journey. If anyone paid attention, they’d see that, at its zenith, the First French Colonial Empire truly was prosperous.

They were defeated in the Austrian Succession War, losing their holdings in the Indian region; the Seven Years’ War saw them relinquish Canada. After supporting American independence, they were barely done when the anti-French Wars erupted, and they were strong-armed by the United States into selling the Louisiana area. (The US bought 2.6 million square kilometers of land for 15 million dollars.)

And that was just the start. If history remained unchanged, the French would continue to lose their stakes in Central America, including the Panama Canal, and their dominant position in Egypt…

Each fall of France directly fed the British and Americans, both of which became world powers by stepping on French shoulders.

Of course, the Habsburg dynasty contributed significantly to this. Without their selfless contributions, neither the British nor the Americans would have risen so successfully.

Franz finally convinced the Cabinet, and of course, the treaty being signed—fait accompli—played a significant part in this.

In theory, as long as England and France put in the effort, it would be difficult for the Russians to realize their ambitions. The frailty of the Ottoman Empire hadn’t been exposed yet, and expectations were still high for them.

If the Russians chose a conservative strategy and struggled gradually, that would be even less concerning.

Three to five decades are more than enough for the Austrian Empire to not only complete industrialization but also to assimilate the South German Region.