Well, it's like Prince Lvov and Prince Kropotsky then.
Hardly without OTL precedent. AND they're Arab Shiites to boot, so that factors in.
Hardly without OTL precedent. AND they're Arab Shiites to boot, so that factors in.
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The Revenge of the Bear
Chapter 31: Aravian Nights
By 1909, the Aravian peninsula was all but split in between the Russian and Ottoman Empires. By a game of politics the small Zaidi Imamate in northern Yemen and the Rashidi Emirate in Ha’il remained independent and sovereign as the Russians and Turks settled into a status quo. But in August 1909, the status quo would be shattered by a Turkish invasion of Yemen.
The Russian Empire’s reaction was immediate. Alexei Kuropatkin, Infantry General and General-Governor of Aravia, was ordered to prevent the complete fall of Yemen under Turkish governance, as well as assure Russian domination over Ha’il to prevent a potential Turkish incursion into there, too. The General-Governor decided that time constraints were too important to attempt a purely diplomatic approach, and so he simply ordered an invasion of the two muslim states.
By the time Russian infantry left Aden, Turkish infantry was busily capturing Yemen
General Sukhomlinov, with his Aden Corps of twenty thousand infantry, was to move into Yemen and capture it before the Turks did. By the time Sukhomlinov finally deemed himself ready to set out into Yemen, the Turks had already entered northern Yemen and were busily marching south along the coast of the Red Sea, capturing towns and ports. Moreover, as time would tell, Sukhomlinov prepared his assault poorly and instead of arranging ample water supplies for his soldiers, he instead dragged along a caravan with gifts for the Zaidis.
Ha’il was brought under Russian control quickly
In the north, the Aravian Cossack Brigade, which was at the time based around a number of oases in the Aravian desert, was ordered to invade Ha’il through the desert, while infantry from the Musqat Corps would be ferried in by train and then invade from the Persian gulf coast. The performance of the camel cavalry exceeded that of the infantry by all accounts, even if Kuropatkin’s performance was far better than that of Sukhomlinov.
Omani nobles surprised Russian administrators by rioting in Musqat
And while Kuropatkin with the bulk of his forces was away in the north, over in Musqat Omani nobles surprised Russian administrators by staging an impressive riot in the city. The Shia nobles and landowners converged on the seat of Russian colonial government to protest against what they saw as Russian oppression of Shia Arabs in their own lands and to demand the reopening of Islamic schools shut down by Russian administrators. They also demanded a cessation of administrative control over Islamic charity projects, which was just an opportunity for Russian bureaucrats to embezzle additional funds. Colonial gendarmes and remaining soldiers dispersed the rioters after a day of disorders, resulting in a dozen casualties among the rioters.
The Yemeni deadlock
In Yemen, the situation reached a deadlock. The Turks captured the north of the country while the Russians captured the south. Russian and Turkish soldiers stared at each other over the de facto demarcation line and the situation could escalate at any moment. At the moment, the Empire was not interested in a new war against the Ottomans and, as such, it was decided to abandon Russian claims over the northern half of Yemen in favour of the Turks, while enforcing the claim on the southern part.
The Zaydi Imam Yahya, who accepted to talk to Russian emissaries, was lured into accepting a Russian proposal of recognizing the Empire’s suzerainty over his country and to accept Turkish conquest of his northern lands. In return, he would become the Sultan of an enlarged Yemen incorporating south-western Aravia, with the exception of the port of Aden, which was seen by Russians as a strategic naval base. As a protectorate, Yemen would be governed as Yahya deemed fit, with exception made for the Aravian Railway that would remain under Russian sovereignty, as well as any Imperial subjects residing in Yemen that would remain under Imperial laws and not Yemeni. At first, Yahya considered rejecting the offer. But after consideration, he accepted.
A similar offer was made to Saud bin Hamud, who rejected the offer and vowed to fight on in the deserts. He did not live long after this, assassinated by the Al Sabhan family who proclaimed Saud bin Abdul Aziz, aged only 9 at the time, as the new Emir. The new regime in Ha’il sent emissaries to the Russians, gladly accepting Russian suzerainty. As a “reward”, or as a sign that they should have done so earlier, the Empire passed the central Aravian desert into the domain of the Al Rashids, despite the latter clearly having their sights on the Persian Gulf coastline.
Finally, the last rearrangement in Aravia concerned Oman, where Sayyid Faisal bin Turki was made the ruler of a Russian protectorate. Oman covered most of its pre-annexation territories, with exception made of the Musandam Peninsula, which remained under Russian military governance, and the port of Sur in the south-east. The seat of the Russian colonial administration for Aravia remained in Musqat, however, which was, thus, much closely looked after by the Empire than Ha’il and Yemen. Needless to say that the portion of the Aravian Railway in Oman remained under Russian sovereignty, and Imperial subjects in the Sultanate were not subject to whatever laws the Sultan came up with.
The General-Governorate of Aravia in December 1909
The three arab vassal rulers were subject to the governing authority of the General-Governor of Aravia. They were allowed to form their own armies, which were outside of the structures of the Imperial Army and the Imperial Colonial Army, but subject to Imperial command when deemed necessary. In practical terms, the combat value of the Yemeni and Ha’il irregulars was doubtful at best. However, this allowed the Empire to concentrate on the really important areas of Aravia, while leaving the rest of the desert up to the Arabs to watch over.
This reorganization, however, came at a steep price. Out of the 20’000 men of Sukhomlinov’s Aden Corps, 15’000 returned back to Aden. Five thousand soldiers died in the conquest of Yemen, of them only a hundred lost to enemy fire. The rest died of thirst and dehydration due to the general’s awful planning of the operation. Kuropatkin fared better, losing a thousand men to thirst and dehydration.
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It works well enough, I suppose. You get the important bits and the Arabs the pointless bits. Simple enough. We'll see if the Arabs cause any more trouble, though, and I wonder what the Ottomans have to say about the whole situation.
salidas16: I'll do a proper storywise update for the US. Already began research on it 
robou: Russia has 63 divisions right on the Turkish border, available on Day 1 of any potential war. Turkey has 29 divisions in all. Turks do not have much to say. It is just that Russia has already taken everything she wanted from the Ottomans, so any new war against them is rather pointless.
RGB: Indeed. I didn't even know that OTL Orenburg cossacks used camels before you suggested them for the Aravian role in this alternative history. I am still curious about your pick of Armenians, though
For those wondering, here's a photo of OTL Orenburg Cossacks.
robou: Russia has 63 divisions right on the Turkish border, available on Day 1 of any potential war. Turkey has 29 divisions in all. Turks do not have much to say. It is just that Russia has already taken everything she wanted from the Ottomans, so any new war against them is rather pointless.
RGB: Indeed. I didn't even know that OTL Orenburg cossacks used camels before you suggested them for the Aravian role in this alternative history. I am still curious about your pick of Armenians, though
For those wondering, here's a photo of OTL Orenburg Cossacks.
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It was a total joke, the staff officers were meant to give it away
But given your crazy ATL Russia it seems totally plausible, actually
Armenians? Well, they were prominent enough in the Empire and probably considered both politically reliable and good fighters. So the Cossacks and the Armenians are the "European" core of the Aravian army that would prevent a repeat of the previous disaster under Sukhomlinov.
But given your crazy ATL Russia it seems totally plausible, actually
Armenians? Well, they were prominent enough in the Empire and probably considered both politically reliable and good fighters. So the Cossacks and the Armenians are the "European" core of the Aravian army that would prevent a repeat of the previous disaster under Sukhomlinov.
Well, your total joke actually has a historic basis, that Orenburg cossacks really used camels! :rofl:
Camel cossacks hunting Arabian deserters. :wacko:
I think you've made the right choice regarding Russian Aravia. It's a bunch of worthless desert anyway and you do control the prime oil territory still.
I think you've made the right choice regarding Russian Aravia. It's a bunch of worthless desert anyway and you do control the prime oil territory still.
Irenicus: Indeed, oil RGOs have already popped in those coastal provinces in the north of the peninsula. Unfortunately, however, production is rather low.
Ahura Mazda: I am not sure bears make good cavalry mounts.
Ahura Mazda: I am not sure bears make good cavalry mounts.
The Revenge of the Bear
Chapter 32: Entente Cordiale
Just as Russia was busily asserting her domination over the Aravian peninsula, the highest delegation from the Russian Empire, led by Alexander Izvolsky himself was solemnly signing the Franco-Russian Convention, bringing a long standing friendship and economic cooperation to the whole new level of common defence and military assistance. The treaty, immediately dubbed the Entente Cordiale by French newspapers, was the conclusion of a decade long rapprochement between the powers and heralded the formation of a strong alliance to counter-balance Germany’s Mitteleuropa alliance on the European continent. There were some doubts about the feasibility of an alliance after French meddling in the Russian conquests in China, but apparently these were not an obstacle to blossoming relations.
And so was born the Entente Cordiale
The choice, however, was not an obvious one. France and Russia were separated by Germany; military cooperation in case of war would be extremely complicated and each side would, all things considered, have to wage war independently. Moreover, there was still a strong pro-German side in Russian politics that favoured establishing a league of the three conservative Emperors against the menace of liberalism and republicanism. So why not ally to Germany, the world’s second military and economic power after Russia? The competing interests of the two Empires were simply too great and created too wide a gap between the two Empires for any alliance to work.
Germany saw Russian military hegemonism as a direct threat to not only her national sovereignty, but also to German interests in Austria-Hungary and Turkey. Moreover, Germany resented the annexation of the “Ostgebiete” by the Empire and, whilst officially the government did not question the peace treaty of 1868, many in the political establishment demanded a complete and full return of Posen and Oberschlesien.
This, in turn, posed the problem of the Polish question. Pragmatics in the Russian political establishment understood early on that Russia could only be friends with either Germans or the Poles. Being friends with both was impossible. A restitution of Poznan and Upper Silesia to Germany would certainly guarantee German friendship. But it would alienate the Polish population, which in its majority has proven loyal in the past half a century. On paper the choice was, thus, riculously simple: break the established relationship with the Poles in favour of German friendship, or maintain the status quo in the Polish question and keep Germany as a hostile neighbour.
Opole (Oppeln) on the left. Poznan (Posen) on the right. The two cities held an important symbolic meaning for the Poles in Russia, who saw their return under Polish self-rule as a sign of renascent Poland.
Unrelated to the Polish question, Russia was concerned with Germany’s rearming of the Ottoman armies. In 1908, the Turkey fielded 20 divisions. By the end of 1909, it was already 29 divisions. In 1910, the number was estimated to be of no less than 40. This could upset the established balance of forces in the region, which was radically in Russia’s favour.
In Austria-Hungary, Russia was outright angered by the Austrian tacit support of Polish bombists that targeted Polish officials in the Kingdom loyal to the Empire. Russia, however, could not simply deal with the problem as whilst Austria herself was not a match for the might of the Russian armies, the Danubian state was defended vehemently by Germany.
Romania, squeezed between Russia and Austria and cut out from the access to the sea, maintained her alliance with the Ottoman Empire. Romanian claims over historic Bessarabia and Dobruja were problematic to the Empire. Southern Dobruja was part of the Kingdom of Bulgaria and northern Dobruja, part of the governorate of Bessarabia, was claimed by the Bulgarians. In turn, Dobruja was of great importance to the Empire as it allowed a railway link to Constantinople.
Friedrich von Bernhardi, the most prominent defender of the Lebensraum im Osten.
The national concept of Lebensraum began emerging in Germany, demanding an expansion of Germany’s colonial Empire. However, a yet small, but growing, part of the movement also called for expansion into the East. Problem was that the “East” was nothing else than Russia. Needless to say, the Russian political establishment was not amused in the slightest.
This, in turn, posed the problem of the Polish question. Pragmatics in the Russian political establishment understood early on that Russia could only be friends with either Germans or the Poles. Being friends with both was impossible. A restitution of Poznan and Upper Silesia to Germany would certainly guarantee German friendship. But it would alienate the Polish population, which in its majority has proven loyal in the past half a century. On paper the choice was, thus, riculously simple: break the established relationship with the Poles in favour of German friendship, or maintain the status quo in the Polish question and keep Germany as a hostile neighbour.
Opole (Oppeln) on the left. Poznan (Posen) on the right. The two cities held an important symbolic meaning for the Poles in Russia, who saw their return under Polish self-rule as a sign of renascent Poland.
Unrelated to the Polish question, Russia was concerned with Germany’s rearming of the Ottoman armies. In 1908, the Turkey fielded 20 divisions. By the end of 1909, it was already 29 divisions. In 1910, the number was estimated to be of no less than 40. This could upset the established balance of forces in the region, which was radically in Russia’s favour.
In Austria-Hungary, Russia was outright angered by the Austrian tacit support of Polish bombists that targeted Polish officials in the Kingdom loyal to the Empire. Russia, however, could not simply deal with the problem as whilst Austria herself was not a match for the might of the Russian armies, the Danubian state was defended vehemently by Germany.
Romania, squeezed between Russia and Austria and cut out from the access to the sea, maintained her alliance with the Ottoman Empire. Romanian claims over historic Bessarabia and Dobruja were problematic to the Empire. Southern Dobruja was part of the Kingdom of Bulgaria and northern Dobruja, part of the governorate of Bessarabia, was claimed by the Bulgarians. In turn, Dobruja was of great importance to the Empire as it allowed a railway link to Constantinople.
Friedrich von Bernhardi, the most prominent defender of the Lebensraum im Osten.
The national concept of Lebensraum began emerging in Germany, demanding an expansion of Germany’s colonial Empire. However, a yet small, but growing, part of the movement also called for expansion into the East. Problem was that the “East” was nothing else than Russia. Needless to say, the Russian political establishment was not amused in the slightest.
The difficulties surrounding any rapprochement with Germany thus made France the natural choice for a European ally. The news were met with anger in Berlin, with Willhelm II firing a private, yet harsh worded telegram to his cousin Nicholas II accusing him of defying the sacred notions of monarchism by pactising with French revolutionaries, who have made overthrowing their God-appointed monarchs a national habit.
Military balance of power in Europe at the end of 1909
Unknown to the public, the “Willy Telegram” caused the Tsar to nearly abort the Entente by seriously consider blocking the ratification of the Franco-Russian Convention in the State Parliament. Whilst Nicholas II was fully aware that allying France would inevitably upset Germany, he did not expect his cousin the Kaiser to be in such an uproar over it. Nicholas was anything but a republican and he himself considered France’s ideology as dangerously liberal and privately told his closest cousins and uncles that he would not have minded restoring monarchy in the République.
But after a serious discussion with Stolypin and the Grand Dukes Nikolay and Michael, the Russian Emperor did not prevent the treaty from being ratified by the Duma and Senate and coming into full force.
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There is only one thing to do. Dismember AH, annexing the Polish parts and protecting the other parts from foreign aggression. A strong Hungary should be instituted. Polish areas of Germany should of course be incorporated into the Polish nation. Scandinavia seems to have chosen the wrong horse, if they join Mittel-Europa, take Finnmark, it'll give Rodina ice free ports. The UK will probably not like this, try sweetening them by promising them colonies or something. Perhaps a joint venture in Egypt and Suez.
Well, considering it's position, allying France, is the best thing Russia can do to destroy the Republic, because in the event of the war, in th worst case scenario I think Germans, English and Italians might go for a swift overwhelming assault on France to kick them out of war.
But although it will give you couple of months of easy going with Germany (AH will be there in full numbers), of maby untill next spring if you are really lucky, it might leave you facing combined armies of nearly entire Europe.
Next war if happens, might really decide the fate of the world.
I don't know of how much use will Americans be. Do Brits posses Canada any longer? If not, theyll have nobody to attack, except maybe try to wreck German/Brit navy and try to Isolate Europe form their colonies resources.
But although it will give you couple of months of easy going with Germany (AH will be there in full numbers), of maby untill next spring if you are really lucky, it might leave you facing combined armies of nearly entire Europe.
Next war if happens, might really decide the fate of the world.
I don't know of how much use will Americans be. Do Brits posses Canada any longer? If not, theyll have nobody to attack, except maybe try to wreck German/Brit navy and try to Isolate Europe form their colonies resources.
The lines are being set up for something apocalyptic.
As 4th dimension said, France is in trouble with or without the alliance. But with the alliance, perhaps the Russians will be around to take revenge.
As 4th dimension said, France is in trouble with or without the alliance. But with the alliance, perhaps the Russians will be around to take revenge.
As to echo whats been said, you're playing with fire inviting the French into an Entente. You can't count on American support, at least not to their full potential, in Europe. France is strong, but not as strong as Germany and you'll have to hit hard if the Germans go at France to save the republic. Tricky situation you'll be in, but at least you have opened up a second front with Germany and added 1.6 million men to your arsenal.
The big question is, who will the UK and Spain (and maybe the dutch) join?
I cant see the UK wanting to join Russia, so a UK-Germany allaince sounds probable. And would give you an extra thing to worry about.
I cant see the UK wanting to join Russia, so a UK-Germany allaince sounds probable. And would give you an extra thing to worry about.
Hm. I am sure my French neighbours appreciate your enthusiasm over France's chances
Now, all your ideas and questions are all very interesting. Unfortunately, I shall have to ask you to be patient.
I plan on having the Great War start in 1914, to have a more or less historic date. I shall have to come up with a new casus belli, however.
Until then, I have many ideas for the game of alliances and interests that might involve switching allegiances and shadowy plottings. As such, instead of having "Russia built X factories and everybody rejoiced and there was much happiness and money was made" updates, I shall put an emphasis on the storywise diplomatic games that are ill reflected by the gameplay possibilities. So I cannot answer your questions right away in a non-story post
But whilst I have my own ideas, reading comments and the ideas of others have often led to changes in my plans. So do not feel shy and express your own views of the situation and the hypothetic developments.
Now, all your ideas and questions are all very interesting. Unfortunately, I shall have to ask you to be patient.
I plan on having the Great War start in 1914, to have a more or less historic date. I shall have to come up with a new casus belli, however.
Until then, I have many ideas for the game of alliances and interests that might involve switching allegiances and shadowy plottings. As such, instead of having "Russia built X factories and everybody rejoiced and there was much happiness and money was made" updates, I shall put an emphasis on the storywise diplomatic games that are ill reflected by the gameplay possibilities. So I cannot answer your questions right away in a non-story post
But whilst I have my own ideas, reading comments and the ideas of others have often led to changes in my plans. So do not feel shy and express your own views of the situation and the hypothetic developments.