Diplomatic conferences (October-December, 1876)

Constantinople Conference?]

Tsar Alexander III obviously knew of the impressive victories of his armies in the Balkans, Dmitry Milyutin in particular was about to advance north, but the difficulties of the administration in the Caucasus (despite successful battles Loris-Melikov reported problems within it) knew that it would be more difficult to pressure in that region and make a profit.

Then Tsar Alexander III received a proposal for a truce from Sultan Abdul Hamid II, it was a double-edged sword, a truce would allow both sides to re-arm their forces.

Tsar Alexander III however accepted in early October.

Russia was not going to get stabbed in the back of course, the Russian logistics began to send more supplies to the rebel coalition allies against the Ottoman Empire, while ahead both states spoke of diplomacy.

Russia rallied Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, and the Croatian and Bulgarian Serbs in coalition, while Abdul Hamid II won support from Benjamin Disraeli and the conservatives who had not yet betrayed him.

The problem with holding a conference was that without the presence of France or one of the other great powers, the conference would lose all legitimacy and was essentially just paper.

In mid-October, Tsar Alexander III and Sultan Abdul Hamid II, accompanied by other foreign diplomats, met in Constantinople to try to form a peace between the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire.

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[The sides]

On one side was the semi-Russian-led coalition, made up of Serbia and Montenegro, Romania, and the various Slavic rebels from Bosnia-Herzegovina and Bulgaria.

Russia and her allies obviously expected the independence of at least Serbia, Montenegro and Romania recognized by the Ottomans, while there were discussions about the states of the other territories.

Emperor Alexander III proposed four possible solutions:

* An independent 'small' Bulgaria and an autonomous Bosnia-Herzegovina.

* A 'greater' Bulgaria (with Eastern Rumelia) largely autonomous, and an autonomous Bosnia-Herzegovina.

*A 'greater' independent Bulgaria (with Eastern Rumelia), with and an autonomous Bosnia-Herzegovina.

*A 'greater' independent Bulgaria and an independent Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Regarding territorial changes, Tsar Alexander III make the annexation of Russia of the territories lost in the Crimean War (southern Bessarabia) and the eastern Ottoman territories conquered in the Caucasus campaign.

Romania would receive in exchange the territories of Dobruja.

Then there was the side of Sultan Abdul Hamid II, comparably weaker than the Russian side in lacking allies, counting the plight of the British in this regard.

In a sense the Ottomans were only a representation of British interests who wanted to avoid the Russian presence in the Eastern Mediterranean, something that hurt the pride of Sultan Abdul Hamid II.

Disraeli at first did not want an independent Bulgaria, but due to the loss of popularity and disagreements with his own cabinet, he was in a sense, hand-tied.

The British Empire had to get something out of the Ottoman defeat at the hands of Russia.

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"What?". Sultan Abdul Hamid II and some of his diplomats ask in shock.

"In exchange for continuing our support for the Ottoman Empire, he requested that Cyprus be made a British protectorate within our administration. So we can maintain a military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean capable of engaging Russia." Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli contends.

*******

"I insist that the Slavs are people of peace, we do not want to disturb the Eastern Mediterranean, we want independence and stability." Shuvalov and some other Slavs propose.

Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli did not have enough reasons to trust the Russians, in fact he did not do it at all, but he was running out of time, and options regarding the signing of a peace treaty.

The English tried to extend the truce, but surprisingly, Sultan Abdul Hamid II and Tsar Alexander III agreed on something, they were against such action.

-Discussion between Abdul Hamid II and Benjamin Disraeli.

"I cannot understand why I would support the Russians in not extending the truce." Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli exclaims.

"For what? For Queen Victoria to obtain new territories?" The Sultan sustains.

There were not many words to say, it was true.

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[Minorities]

"I am sure that the Ottoman Empire would not be satisfied with the mistreatment of its former Muslim or Turkish subjects." Tsar Alexander III argues. "I think that we are both concerned about some of 'our' peoples. I am concerned about the situation of Armenians and Christians within Ottoman territory." Tsar Alexander III argues.

"Oh no." Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli argues.

The mention of Armenian, Assyrian, Greek and other minorities within the Ottoman Empire caused certain problems, before the request for protection or at least some autonomy or reforms within the Ottoman Empire to prevent things like Batak from happening again.

The Tsar even proposed a Greek Cyprus.

That would certainly be good, even for Disraeli, but with the truce deadline approaching, at first the English could get no more than vague promises for Russia, which did not satisfy the Russian Empire at all.

Neither did it satisfy the Greek population, although the Hellenic policy could think that approaching the United Kingdom would guarantee "enosis" (the unification of all the lands with Greeks in a single kingdom) the population felt, wasted.

The Greeks could not fight the Ottomans alongside their Orthodox brothers due to the rapid war, now Tsar Alexander III in the discussions of Constantinople spoke precisely of those brothers still on Ottoman soil (parts of Anatolia, Cyprus, Crete, parts of the Balkans, etc) but only the British were winning.

The population had pro-Russian sentiments, or at least understood that Russian objectives could be aligned with Greek objectives. That made the Greeks wonder why the government was still siding with the UK (which had made no promise or attempt to guarantee enosis).

The Assyrians were still a long way from being a matter of the day, or possibly being influenced by a great power like Russia.

Only parts of the Armenian population were liberated, but Tsar Alexander III had some plans for the future.

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"I'm sorry, but I am not satisfied with the treaty." Tsar Alexander III judges Benjamin Disraeli about the conference so far.

"Why?". The British Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, was quick to ask, trying to speak his native English instead of the language of diplomacy, French.

"Potomu chto eto ne otvechayet interesam i bezopasnosti slavyan i drugikh khristian, kotoryye vse yeshche nakhodyatsya v Osmanskoy imperii. Rossiyskiye interesy ne poluchili dolzhnogo vnimaniya" (Because it does not fulfill the interests and security of the Slavs and other Christians still remaining in the Empire Ottoman. Russian interests have not been adequately addressed). Tsar Alexander III responds in his native Russian.

In the end Tsar Alexander III forced French into diplomatic conversations, although he knew perfectly English, he liked to annoy Benjamin Disraeli.

"If the British Empire is to obtain Cyprus, we need more concessions to balance the scales." The Emperor of All Russia sentences.

"... What if we don't accept?" Benjamin Disreaeli exclaims.

"Well, there are other powers that can better serve Russia's interests in that case, Germany and Italy for example." Emperor Alexander III sentencing.

The prospect of an Italian-German-Russian alliance would shake the European balance completely, they would dominate much of Central and Eastern Europe, being an obvious threat to Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire. Disraeli couldn't allow that.

The Emperor of Russia asked in exchange for British Cyprus:

* Expansion of the territory of the Caucasus campaign taken by Russia.

* The solution of the independent 'Greater' Bulgaria (and a de-facto independent Bosnia-Herzegovina).

* The creation of a committee, led by Russia, for the resettlement of Muslim-Turkish populations who do not want to be part of the new independent states of the Balkans. The Ottoman Empire would pay 75% of the compensation, and the Balkan alliance the other 25%.

*Promises (less vague and direct) of better treatment of minorities and reforms within the Ottoman state regarding them.

* The Russian right to intervene in the Ottoman Empire in the event of crimes against Christians and other minorities (Albanians, Kurds, Macedonian Slavs, the Greeks who were still in the Ottoman Empire, etc.) within the Ottoman Empire. Basically since it was the inspiration for the casus beli (the Batak massacre).

Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli could accept 'Greater' Bulgaria, even the Russians annexing more territory in the east and the committee, but the idea that Russia will indeed win the title of "Protector of Christianity" (and other minorities) within of the Ottoman Empire was terrifying.

However, Disraeli's time was running out, public opinion was against him, and the Russians were not happy with the first drafts of the treaty. If the situation continued, the Russian Empire would attack Constantinople and there was little the British could do to get them out of there even with Cyprus.

If the British Empire gave up on Cyprus, it would lose a valuable possession in the Eastern Mediterranean but they could try more relaxed terms in Constantinople, but if those terms did not meet Russian interests, the British would lose the conference and the Ottoman Empire would have greater problems with the Russians and their coalition with 1 more month of rest and preparation.

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The decision of Tsar Alexander III undoubtedly left minorities within the Ottoman Empire, some of them, such as the Armenians, who actively helped the Russian Empire in its campaign (Slavs and Armenians). And they would do it again.

They were simply a dagger pointed against the Ottoman spine, Abdul Hamid II understood. He had to find a way to get rid of them, but in doing so he invited Russia to repeat the Russo-Turkish war, countless times.

With France unstable, there was no one else who could seriously compete for the title of defender of the Christians in the Ottoman Empire, so the British simply awarded it to Russia.

Indeed, as if the Crimean War had been avenged.

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[A treaty]

At the end of October everything was decided, on November 3, 1876 the Russians and Ottomans would sign a peace treaty (verified by the English) that would end the Russo-Turkish war of 1876.

Under the articles of the treaty, the Ottoman Empire would give independence to: Serbia, Romania, Montenegro and Bulgaria. While Bosnia-Herzegovina would receive the status of a largely autonomous principality (de-facto independent).

Russia would get its conquests in the Caucasus and more.

And the de-facto British Empire would get Cyprus as a territory.

Russia acquired Dobruja and the lost territories in Crimea, but Dobruja on the Danube went to Carol I's Romania.

It was made clear that the elected Prince of Bulgaria could not be a Romanov ... unfortunately, cousins of Emperor Alexander III, who were not part of the Romanov dynasty, were allowed.

The Russian Empire won the right to intervene within the Ottoman Empire (similar to how the Austrians, French and English had the right to intervene against Russia) in specific cases, similar to Batak.

The Ottoman Empire promised reform regarding the Armenian minorities in the Ottoman East ...

Russia would create a committee to deal with the Ottoman / Turkish-Muslim populations in the newly independent states in early 1877.

Although the payments were divided in the end 70-30 and not 75-25.

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[New European Order?]

"Russia is a mystery, wrapped in an enigma. Maybe a strange society, which hides in a barbaric disguise to avoid showing its true face.

The Octopus -Russia- perhaps forgetful or recovered from his wound in the Crimea, is stretching his arms in all directions.

Catching up with the Turk, hoping that he can overwhelm and crush him (as he already did with Poland). While Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria and Montenegro also seem to be nipping at his heels.

Russia's neighbor Hungary is eager to help, and only his sister Austria holds him back from his impulsiveness.

The United Kingdom (Ireland, England and Scotland) must be vigilant against any possible Russian intervention in the Suez Canal. "

-Writings of Benjamin Disraeli, which caused a certain satire in some political drawings of the time.

Traditionally Russia was represented in the UK as a bear (when not represented by its tsar), a large but clumsy and extremely barbarian animal. Tsar Alexander III fit the description of what people thought of Russia, a tall and stocky man, but the extent of Russia's intellect and industrialization was unknown.

Only then did the European world begin to look more vigilantly towards Eastern Europe, certainly different from Western culture.

* German perspective.

"So we recognize the Constantinople conference?" Emperor Wilhelm I asks curiously.

"It's definitely the logical thing to do." Chancellor Otto von Bismarck mentions. "Now, we can finally try to get the UK to accept our proposals for the security of lines of trade between Europe and our colonies, perhaps they think they are winning an ally against Russia."

"Wouldn't that alienate Russia?" The kaiser questions.

"Not totally, it is not binding on military aspects, it is only about trade and security. After all, it is clear that until further notice we do not want to align Russia with France and Austria-Hungary."

* Ottoman perspective.

After the defeat of the army of three different sultans to the Russian armies of Tsar Alexander III, and the problems of the 'traditional defenders' of Ottoman sovereignty, it was clear that there were significant problems in the Ottoman state.

The British and French were no longer reliable, in the opinion of Sultan Abdul Hamid II, to protect Ottoman interests in the face of the growing threat from Russia.

Not counting other problems such as economic deterioration, the navy and the army, internal problems among national minorities, etc.

Now the question was: Who could defend the interests and the sovereignty Ottoman Empire? (Besides that it was necessary to do to continue with a kind of modernization and industrialization).

The Dual Alliance of Germany and Italy could was a candidate, although due to the Italian interests in Ottoman territory they had their problems.

But Germany had potential as an ally.

The France-Austria-Hungary axis was also possible, but French internal problems were precisely what prohibited French intervention in the conflict with Russia. And there was no guarantee that Austria-Hungary will be able or willing to support the Ottoman Empire in the future, without concessions of some kind.

In the immediate future of the Russo-Turkish war the Ottoman Empire would remain dependent on the British Empire, something that continued to bother Abdul Hamid II after having to grant Cyprus.

Much of the nationalist support he garnered in overthrowing Murad V was lost to his humiliating military defeat to Russia, and his humiliating diplomatic defeat to Russia and the United Kingdom.

Abdul Hamid II was also clear that he had to do something about the 'Armenian betrayal' and minorities within the Ottoman state, ignoring the Constantinople Conference ...

*Russian perspective.

With the military (and in a certain diplomatic sense) victory, Tsar Alexander III was undoubtedly praised among the Slavic and Christian communities of the Balkans and beyond, and his popularity in Russia (already quite high) increased even more.

In Bulgaria the tsar took a walk through the capital of the new state, Tarnovo. The Bulgarian national board would elect Duke Sergei Mikhailovich Romanovsky, Duke of Leuchtenberg over the second preferred candidate, Alexander of Battenberg.

Sergei was a veteran of the Russo-Turkish war who fought alongside the Bulgarians, gaining him great popularity in that country.

The Bulgarians nicknamed Alexander III, the Tsar Lliberator of the Bulgarians.

After the celebration in Tarnovo, the Tsar traveled through southern Russia to Saint Petersburg.

Tsar Alexander III entered Saint Petersburg on horseback, accompanied by Dmitry Milyutin on the right and the rest of the generals behind the minister of war. A splendid reception by the capital of Russia before the Ottoman victory, a true celebration without a doubt.

Upon the arrival in Gatchina, the emperor greeted his family, taking three days off before returning to work in his office.

It was announced that the Russian Soccer League would resume in 1877.

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* Mikhail Skobelev.

'The White General' a nickname that stuck with Ottomans and Slavs alike in the Balkans, the general once again returned to his duties within the Russian army, rising even more notably after his participation in the Russian war -Turkish.

But Mikhail Skobelev was not happy after the victory. "The English are the reason that prevented us from taking Tsargrad." General Skobele insists on a meeting in the city of Moscow.

"Yes, the taste of the English elites for the Turks is obvious, they want to keep Suez." Ivan Sergeevich Aksakov, head of the Moskva newspaper exclaims.

"I don't think it's just that." Skobelev exclaims.

"Mh? Why?" Aksakov asks curiously.

"You see, I have a thought lately. So far we've been lucky, but a showdown between the Germanic world and the Slavic world is inevitable." General Skobelev sentences. "Now we have been lucky that Germany, Austria-Hungary and the English have not been able to align, but we will not have the same luck in the future. Eventually a war between Russia and the Germanic powers is going to break out."

"And what about the rest of the Slavs?" Aksakov questions again.

"They will obviously join us." Skobelev sentence. "But we have to make sure they know that the great Russians are the ones who run the Slavic world."

Nikola Tesla perspective.

The flag of the Russian Foreign Legion was placed on top of the coffins, which would soon descend to the holy ground according to the rites of their religions (mostly Orthodox). There were Nikola, Mihajlo and Petar saying goodbye to their companions.

"... We were lucky this time." Nikola pessimistic sentence.

"I wouldn't call it luck, maybe God is on our side or something." Petar exclaims more calmly.

"Hey, we're not going to get very far thinking that way. We'd better think about what we're going to do after we finish our time in the legion." Mihajlo exclaims more excited and positive.

"... I think I'm going to invite my family to visit ..." Nikola sentences.

"Some Serbs, Bulgarians and Montenegrins became free, but many were still under Ottoman and Austrian territory. Having decided to stay in Russia, outside of the Balkans, I invited my family to come.

My father was concerned about my health, I thought that being a soldier was not the right life for me. He wanted him to be a priest or even an engineer.

I still had many opportunities present in my life. After the Russo-Turkish war of '76 I started saving money to buy a house or rent an apartment. "

-Memoirs of Nikola Tesla.

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[Some Family time]

"I never caught anything." The Tsesarevich Nicholas exclaims a little frustrated while his father de él sat calmly fishing off to the side and Grand Duke Alexander was eating cookies.

"Don't worry, it's part of fishing." Tsar Alexander III assures.

Tsesarevich Nicholas kept trying but then Minister Alexander Gorchakov appeared. "Your majesty, it seems the other powers are willing to accept his proposal from him." Minister Gorchakov announces.

"Very good, after fishing I'll start working." Tsar Alexander III mentions without issue.

"That proposal?". The Tsesarevich asks with interest.

"I proposed in Philadelphia that the next great world exposition be held in St. Petersburg." Tsar Alexander III mentions in passing. "Now concentrate on fishing."

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[Loris-Melikov and the administration]

"But I am against the use of the Okhrana." Mikhail Loris-Melikov explains to the Tsar. "I'm sure there are alternative ways to deal with our problems in the administration and the military."

Tsar Alexander III is not very surprised by the answer. "So you take the job or not?" The emperor asks.

"I mean, yes, but I would like to rely solely on legal methods." Loris-Melikov explains.

"The Okhrana is a legal method, as long as it is necessary. If you don't need it, I am happy as long as you do your job well." Emperor Alexander III responds.

Commander Mikhail Loris-Melikov was placed as supervisor and administrator in the newly conquered regions of the Ottoman Empire after the Caucasian front.

It had become clear that even though there were competent generals (Romeiko-Gurko, Milyutin, Skobelev, etc.) there were still some incompetent administrators and corruption and administration, which had seriously hampered some segments of the campaign in the Caucasus (further away from the imperial center of political power).

Loris-Melikov was put to the task of reviewing the flaws within the imperial bureaucracy, working on the development of the region, etc.

Something particular about Loris-Melikov was his 'ethical' work within the bureaucracy, as he did not like working with the Okhrana to eliminate the worst defects of the Russian bureaucracy and state enemies.

However obviously the Okhrana would still be an organ used in the rest of the government of the Russian Empire, operating with a quite remarkable record since the elimination of several Polish leaders from the political scene.

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[International]

On October 31, a major cyclone hit the Bengal region in the British Raj, causing an approximate of 200,000 or more.

November 10, the Centennial Exposition ends in Philadelphia, United States. The great powers, seeing the poor state of Paris and the French situation, allow Russia to celebrate one in Saint Petersburg.

November 29, Porfirio Diaz is reelected as Minister-President of Mexico, under his first term, the Second Mexican Empire has seen growth in stability, economic development and improvement of diplomatic relations with its neighbors in the south.

In December the "Christmas offensive" occurs in the center of the Iberian Peninsula, where the forces give a serious blow to the Alphonsist forces (of Alfonso XII).

The Iberian Peninsula with the recent victories and defeats of both sides, has been effectively divided from north to south between both monarchical suitors.