The 4 horsemen of the apocalypse (January-March, 1896)

Dynasty]

November 1895, on November 11, the son of Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich Romanov and Princess Elena of Montenegro were born, but due to certain complications the news was delayed a bit and the baby was only announced in February 1896 (which would be a source conspiracy theories for some personalities of the future, but it's just that, conspiracy).

The Tsesarevich and the princess were obviously greeted by their respective families and other members of the European nobility (grandparents-great-grandparents, cousins and acquaintances) for the baptism of the child.

The boy was named Nicholas Nikolaevich Romanov (according to Russian custom), and he was conferred the title of Grand Duke according to the Alexandrian laws of the house of the Romanovs.

The boy proved to be healthy and in good condition, with the news leading to government celebrations, which included some extra-official vacations, forgiveness of some debts and forgiveness of minor crimes.

Of course, the nationalist population of Russia also celebrated, the line of succession was more than assured or so it seemed.

Others would simply see another advance of the autocracy in perpetuating itself through a lineage.

*******

Sergei Alexandrovich and even younger Nicholas Nikolaevich had been put together to play, or well, rather get acquainted because Grand Duke Nicholas was still too young for many games.

There were Tsar Alexander III and Tsesarevich Nicholas watching. "Maybe I'm being paranoid." Tsar Alexander III mentions.

"No, I think you have a very rational fear, what if one of them is also like us." The Tsesarevich exclaims.

"Well, being logical doesn't mean it's good. Maybe we are just a huge coincidence, even that we are father and son with the same condition could be an even greater coincidence than the condition itself. Maybe it won't happen a third time in the universe, and if it does, what is the probability that it occurs in the same lineage again? " Tsar Alexander III exclaims.

"... Sometimes I don't quite understand you old man, but I still think that as you mentioned, it is better to be safe than sorry and stay attentive to the two of them until they are of legal age." The Tsesarevich Nicholas exclaims.

*******

[Just men fantasizing about space. part 2]

Professor Konstantin Eduardovich Tsiolkovsky and Tsar Alexander III met again, this time in a less formal meeting, intended less for business with the construction of airplanes and more only to discuss scientific and personal interests.

"Look, I know we mentioned a space elevator before, now imagine, with such a large galaxy, it would likely exist a planet with the same conditions as Earth, or different conditions for other types of life. Therefore, possibly extraterrestrial civilizations ". Tsar Alexander III explains.

"Yes. I have read some texts from Western Europeans, they believe that there is life on Mars, some on the other hand do not believe in such extraterrestrial life for various reasons." Tsiolkovsky calmly mentions.

"Everything would seem to indicate that there is a probability that civilizations more developed than ourselves should have made contact with the earth, either directly or through other means. And yet there is no consistent evidence of such an alien arrival, encounter or civilization. " Tsar Alexander III claims.

"Hmm ... it's a thought I can understand. What you mean is that if there is a presence of intelligent beings on the planets of the universe, which is apparently likely, they would have visited Earth, and if such civilizations did exist, then They would have given us some sign of their existence, but there is nothing similar. " Tsiolkovsky analyzes.

"Exactly." Alexander III responds.

"... But as you said, humanity is not ready for space travel, perhaps that is why, we are simply not ready for first contact." Tsiolkovsky argues.

"Could you explain a little more?" Alexander III questions.

"Let's say that if a technologically advanced life form exists, it could intentionally avoid coming into contact with life on Earth." Tsiolkovsky explains. "The question remains, why would they ignore us?"

"And why not? That is also a valid question, we ignore quite a few things a day." Tsar Alexander III argues.

Many of these talks or their consequences were compiled in books, manuscripts and other texts written by Konstantin Eduardovich Tsiolkovsky himself, years or even decades after they were raised.

For example the so-called "Zoo Hypothesis" and the "Tsiolkovsky Paradox" were re-posed by the scientist in 1933.

As a believer in extraterrestrial life and space travel, Tsiolkovsky explored many different concepts in books such as The Will of the Universe and The Unknown Intelligence, such as panpsychism, the colonization of the milky way by humanity, extraterrestrial life (in particular the aforementioned paradox was one of his concerns), cosmism (or Russian cosmism), space projects and space travel.

This is why Tsiolkovsky (and his talks with Tsar Alexander III) play a curious role in the development of space age thoughts, science fiction, and space science ideas.

*******

"You know, recently I have been thinking about the idea of a space elevator? And I have developed a different idea." Tsar Alexander III explains.

"I hear you." Tsiolkovsky exclaims.

"Imagine an impulse exchange tether, a space tether that could theoretically reduce the cost of positioning charges in low Earth orbit. A skyhook" Tsar Alexander III responds.

"How would such a device work?" Tsiolkovsky questions.

"You have a heavy space structure, connected to a cable that extends into the upper atmosphere." Tsar Alexander III explains. "Said charges that we mentioned earlier should be lighter than the structure of course, they hook onto the end of the cable as it passes and then are put into orbit by rotating the cable."

"... That could alter the altitude of the structure, so it needs some kind of mechanism or propulsion to return to its original altitude if necessary." Tsiolkovsky exclaims.

"Very probably." Tsar Alexander III accepts.

"It is different from a space elevator because the hypothetical skyhook would be much shorter, but it would still need a suborbital displacement vehicle to reach its lower end," Tsiolkovsky points out, which the czar also accepts.

"How much energy would it take for all these projects? It sounds unthinkable to humans at this point, but there is still the possibility that other extraterrestrial races could have done something similar." Tsiolkovsky questions.

"Or maybe not, it all depends on how much energy can be extracted from the resources of a planet ...". Tsar Alexander III responds.

"Yes, there are certain energy requirements that not all planets may meet." Tsiolkovsky accepts. "But then these planets probably shouldn't have been fit for life in the first place."

"Perhaps." Tsar Alexander III exclaims. "Let's say that the largest of these projects exceed the energy that can be taken from the home planet. How would you solve it?"

"... I probably wouldn't, a higher intelligence would." Tsiolkovsky exclaims, not exactly avoiding the question but demonstrating part of his philosophy, there was actually a universal intelligence that controlled individuals like characters in a movie.

"... Imagine a structure capable of harnessing the energy of a star to extract energy for the use of a civilization." Tsar Axander III exclaims.

"It would be colossal, even more colossal than the space elevator. But it could also allow a much more efficient use of solar energy." Tsiolkovsky responds.

"Now imagine a 'smaller' scale megastructure, instead of surrounding a star it surrounds an entire planet." Tsar Alexander III exclaims.

"'Smaller scale'?". Tsiolkovsky and the Tsar laugh a bit at this, it would still be a titanic project.

"Yes, smaller scale. It is a ring that surrounds the orbit of a planet, it would serve as a space station or for launching space vehicles." Tsar Alexander III explains.

"... Obviously it would be very difficult to do, it is even difficult to think how fast it would have to move." Tsiolkovsky exclaims.

"Everything we think is difficult to do, at the moment the most likely are rockets and we are still decades behind." Tsar Alexander III insists.

"Yeah true." Tsiolkovsky accepts.

"Hey, mom ask if you want something to eat." Grand Duke Michael exclaims visiting his father and Professor Tsiolkovsky.

"Sure." Both men accept.

"The conversations between Alexander III and Professor Konstantin Tsiolkovsky have a Platonic tinge in the philosophical sense of the word, with the Tsar giving examples and questioning Tsiolkovsky, usually from a much more dominant, more confident and concise point of view, with Alexander III being Plato and Tsiolkovsky another philosopher or student.

Does that by itself indicate the contact of Tsar Alexander III of Russia with extraterrestrials? Possibly, because he speaks of concepts decades ahead of what he would raise and study Tsiolkovsky himself or other scientists much later. "

-An presenter for the History Channel.

*******

[Medicine: X-rays]

On January 12 the first X-ray photograph is taken, and on January 18 an X-ray machine is exhibited for the first time.

They are called X-rays by Wilhelm Röntgen's texts (because it was an unknown type of radiation), but in languages like Russian they are called Röntgen Rays (Rentgenovskiye luchi, Рентгеновские лучи).

The discovery was a sensation, and soon experiments, tests and articles of all kinds about the discovery were being carried out, in particular an X-ray machine arrived at the Moscow medical facilities and they began to study and manufacture their own.

Röntgen did not doubt the medical potential of X-rays, and neither did the Russians, especially when it could also be useful for armies (almost all medicine is useful for an army).

But amid so much excitement about X-rays, the Russians immediately had their own concerns and developments, hand in hand with Ivan Romanovich Tarkhanov's collaboration with Moscow institutions under Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich Romanov.

Tarkhanov explored the effect of X-rays (or Röntgen rays for Russians) on frogs and other animals, noting that there are effects of the incidence of X-rays on the central nervous system, animal behavior, the heart and circulation and the embryonic development.

This would create a whole scientific field of its own, radiobiology.

But most importantly, it was a remarkable discovery, which prompted Russian investment in investigating minimal protection (for doctors and patients) from the use of X-rays.

While also investigating its use for military medicine of course, Tarkhanov himself headed the Department of Physiology at the Academy of Military Medicine from 1877 to 1895.

These new discoveries, investments, and innovations would continue to attract notability to Muscovite medical institutions, attracting in part due to the remarkable X-rays at the time, more students, professors, and specialists from abroad to work in Russian institutions.

*******

[Five arrows: Somaliland]

After commercial, diplomatic and war expansions, the Somali lands finally found themselves unified under a single administration and a single leader.

The Russian colonial administration and Tsar Alexander III, to which all the small Somali kings or tribal leaders had submitted, either by peace (diplomacy, sale of goods or purchase) or by force (using local pawns for war or the Russian troops themselves).

The Russians especially dominated the coast, where a series of ports and military establishments had been formed that allowed Russia to control the trade routes through which Somali resources left or Russian resources entered, deploy troops, administer territory, etc.

In the border regions of Russian Somaliland with Ethiopia the Russians also had moderate control through collaboration with Ethiopians and local kings.

New or more secluded sections of roads, trade routes, and infrastructure (usually because they were in the middle of the desert) were also part of the colony, but were not yet as well integrated as older or developed areas.

But they would be, especially when the closest neighbors were developing and Russian power in the region continued, through schools and orphanages, infrastructure and economic dominance, Russian colonial politics, etc.

Nor would it help Somali independence the fact that there were no allies, Ethiopia was a Russian ally and to the south was the Russian colony of Keniya, in short the situation did not look positive for separatisms.

Giving the Russians time and free space to continue their policies regarding the region, due to the strong Islamic presence the Orthodox Church was not a very good idea, but the education and vassalage of the former Somali authorities to the Russian institutions was.

*******

[Russia: Korea]

Demography and economy:

The Russian dominance over Korea through annexation caused the need to continue the integration of Korea into the Russian Empire, economically the transition was quite smooth, after years of a Korea de-facto economically dominated by Russia.

In essence it also meant a more direct boom in Russian migration to the province, especially to the north of Korea and some ports focused on the south.

Although most Koreans remained in Korea, others also continued to move to the Far East and now Inner Manchuria, where they founded restaurants and a few other minor businesses.

Politically speaking:

The massacre of previous elites allowed Tsar Alexander III to convert loyal servants of the administration and army (as well as loyal propagandists, intellectuals and other 'servants of the community') into the new nobles of the Korean governorship.

This in essence divided Korea into individuals loyal to the new establishment, and not to Grand Prince Gojong who in essence became only a symbolic figure.

The Orthodox Church took some timid steps, and Korean intellectuals were in a mixed position (after purges of opposing intellectuals), some preferred neutrality (do not disturb Russians and not be disturbed in return), others approached with curiosity did western philosophies.

Integration:

The Korean population in recent generations had essentially grown by the efforts of Russia, on an industrial level Russian advisers had supported the development of Korean railways and Korean metallurgy, so much was the Russian influence that Korean railways were already connected to the Trans-Manchurian and the Trans-Siberian.

At the military level the army was trained by Russia, by Russian-Korean instructors or in Russian academies.

The modernization of the bureaucracy and the educational system, with a great Russian influence, was also developed by Russia (obviously).

Although the regional history was to be given, also the new educational programs and festivals declared by the central government in Saint Petersburg, painted Russia in a positive light, the role of Russia and the Russian-Korean friendship (cultural, economic, politics, etc).

In short, Korean identity (as culture and ethnicity) could not be suppressed, but could be turned around to integrate within Russian identity (as citizenship).

And the Alexandrian tsarist government knew how, sanctifying Queen Min (not literally but propagandistically), promoting the aforementioned festivals, through education, the economy, other means of propaganda, etc.

There was also an interest in continuing to highlight the many Korean regionalisms, for example Quelpart or Jeju being an island different from the peninsula, the different theatrical traditions and dialects of Korean, etc.

In short, dividing the Korean identity to make it weaker or less possible for a particular unification against Russia.

The Tsarist administration already had experience in these after years of practice in the aforementioned Jeju, it had to be emphasized that in reality (Russian) citizenship was a very useful unifying factor for the Korean people (ethnic-culture).

*******

The integration of Korea into Russia meant something, a new series of socio-economic developments in the Russian Far East and was an indirect declaration of Russia's hegemonic intentions at the economic and political level.

Russian companies as in the Far East, mainly from Vladivostok, such as SEiPK among others, and the bourgeoisies of Port Arthur started a fierce competition, not only among themselves for the new markets in the new territory, but also a competition against the new companies. and bourgeoisies of the Korean government.

It was a tripartite economic war of innovation, marketing, production and major ports such as Busan, Onsan and Gwangyang among others.

Of course it did not erupt into violence, but all the capitalists were interested in the new population to sell to, possible new properties and resources, etc. Too good to pass up.

This also caused remarkable economic growth, marking certain focal points on the New Silk Road and the Russian Empire.

Like for example Vladivostok as the pearl of the Pacific and the jewel in the crown, Port Arthur and Busan.

*******

[International]

January 2, the Jameson raid, a British raid into the South African republic of the Boer, fails with the surrender of colonial administrator Leander Jameson (employment related to Cecil Rhodes) to the Boers.

*******

January 4, in the treaty for the sale of Cuba, the kingdom of Spain led by King Carlos VII, sells the captaincy general of Cuba to the Second Mexican Empire of Maximiliano I of Habsburg (minister president, Porfirio Diaz).

Emperor Maximilian I adds the province or "Kingdom" of Cuba to the Mexican empire, making his heir, Agustín, prince of Iturbide, also "Prince of Cuba."

The Cuban situation is confusing because of this, there are people in favor of the "unification" of Cuba with Mexico, a Spanish-speaking country independent from Spain.

Others only understand that the fight changed, against the Spanish power to the Mexican power.

Emperor Maximilian I did not take long to apply his laws to protect native and black workers, representation for them (right to vote).

This means that many of the rebels got what they wanted, particularly confusing them but at the same time upsetting most of the white landowners.

Minister President Porfirio Diaz is quick to establish military positions, prisons and vital sites (for resources, administration, etc).

This obviously upset the United States, but so close to the US elections, they remain isolationist observers for the time being.

Accepting the Mexican proposal but not the Japanese one also causes certain tensions between the Empire of Japan and the Kingdom of Spain.

*******

January 5, an Austrian newspaper announces the discovery of X-rays.

January 6, due to the aforementioned employment relationship between Leander Jameson and Cecil Rhodes, Rhodes is forced to resign as Prime Minister of the Cape of Good Hope.

January 7, new volumes of the "1001 Eurasian Recipes" are published, in particular with Chapter 4 written by Janusz Lewandowska with the Kimchi recipe, celebrating the Russian annexation of Korea.

January 18, first fine for speeding in the UK.

February 19, a train carrying 56 tons of dynamite explodes near Braamfontein, South Africa. Resulting in the death of 78 people.

March 1, Somali lands are unified by the Russian colonial administration.

March 3, in Berlin begins the publication of the magazine Der Eigene, a German magazine that is the first in history to focus exclusively on male homosexuality.

The author is Adolf Brand, writer, anarchist and promoter of the acceptance of male bisexuality and homosexuality.

*******

March 9, speaking of European colonialism, we can mention the first successful campaigns of the Anglo-Egyptian forces in northern Sudan, while the French continue their victories in the west and now central and southern Sudan.

This seems very good, both troops will meet in June, but the problem is that the French do not cooperate with the British, and in fact they have their own intentions to claim their own rights in the Suez Canal.

The French expedition marches safely and without thinking, fueled by nationalist fervor, orders not to retreat and the promise of victory, and to recover what France lost, colonies, Alsace-Lorraine, Suez, etc.

The British on the other hand were unaware of this and were quite optimistic that they would get all of Sudan without giving anything in return, to meet their own goals of course.

Meanwhile, the rest of the European nations and Ethiopia watched.

In the midst of all this, the rise of nationalisms continues in the United Kingdom (pride recovered after the defeat at the Sudanese hands) and France (practically a very central element of Boulangism).

At least that's at home, the war in Africa is not easy due to geography, at least the French have their railway logistics lines in Chad and the English have the colonial administration in Egypt close by.

Tens of thousands of troops are involved on both sides, mainly on the Sudanese side.

The fight against thousands of natives, the arid and hot climate, the difficult situation of life, only cause more and more discontent in the English ground troops, who are still angry after the suppression of their strikes and the cut of salaries and budgets. in exchange for the favor of the navy.

The French troops commit what are currently various war crimes against the Sudanese, but it does not mean that war is easy for them, their psyche in particular is somewhat damaged, because they know very well what they are doing.

And in addition they are also affected by the weather and the brutalities of the battles that involve so many natives.

*******

March 23, the New York legislature enacts the Raines Act, which prohibits the sale of alcohol to hotels on Sundays.