Robur, the Conqueror of Ice and Sky (July-September, 1877)

The northern route]

Stepan Makarov and his commission were highly praised for their successes in the Russo-Turkish war of 76, meeting again with Emperor Alexander III and some members of the war ministry.

On the table was a map.

"I imagine you know that there are few ports that remain ice-free year-round, Makarov." Tsar Alexander III mentions.

"Yes." Makarov, recently promoted rear admiral, responds to the Emperor's words about him.

"Well, we are planning icebreaker development." Emperor Alexander III explains. "Look at this map, the government is planning in the future the construction of a canal from the White Sea to the Baltic Sea, through which ships from the navy can pass, not only that it will also connect to the navigable points of the Volga. But there is another route I'm interested in, a northern route. "

"From Murmansk to Vladivostok through the Arctic Sea?". Makarov exclaims interested. "Sorry to speak without permission." Quickly the sailor apologizes for his haste.

"There is no problem, and you are right. Indeed a route between the Far East through the Arctic Sea would be advantageous. Otherwise we depend on the Suez Canal or crossing other foreign territories, it is not favorable for us." Tsar Alexander III exclaims.

"... Alright, I'll start working on an icebreaker." Stepan Makarov sentence.

Russia had had primitive icebreakers in the White Sea before the rule of Peter I the Great, used by Russians from the north (Novgorod) for trade and so on, but Peter I's reforms banned and nullified the development of such ships because they were not continuing Western European standards (Peter I preferred boats with Dutch or other style, not traditional Russian boats).

Now the Naval Development Commission focused on studying the development of more modern and developed icebreakers for the improvement of the navy. At least in the sectors where there were no ice-free ports for the Russian Imperial Navy (and that's a lot of ports).

Makarov's experiments took him to Lake Baikal, Kholadya, and Murmansk for the first testing phases.

*******

[Mozhaisky aircraft?]

The Russian Imperial Technical Society received a particular request that received the interest of Tsar Alexander III, this was from a member of the navy Alexander Fedorovich Mozhaisky.

"So. Repeat again so you want the support of the Imperial Technical Society." Tsar Alexander III asks curiously.

"Well, I am not the greatest scientific expert, I could put money out of my own pocket but I lack the means to corroborate or push my interest too far." Mozhaisky explains calmly.

Alexnader Mozhaisky was interested in creating a heavier-than-air vehicle capable of flight, but he was at an early stage in researching it. He only needed the approval of the Russian Imperial Technical Society and 3000 rubles for data collection for his plan.

"... You know? I am very interested in this project, there is no doubt that the Russian Imperial Technical Society is going to support you." Emperor Alexander III sentencing.

Of course aeronautics would take years to develop, but the interest of men like Alexander III and Alexnader Fedorovich Mozhaisky in its early development would be important to its advancement.

However, there were still years to go for certain technological improvements that would make humanity's dream of flying like birds much more possible.

*******

[Militarily]

Despite the Russo-Turkish war of 76 being a success, Emperor Alexander III did not want the Russian army to remain on its laurels, an opinion certainly understood and shared by War Minister Dmitry Milyutin, who understood that he was becoming old but it did not mean less fit or ready to continue improving the Russian army.

Especially when Russia was fortifying and connecting its new possessions obtained after the Caucasus Campaign, knowing that there would be a future Russo-Turkish war at some point (it was not a question of whether it was going to happen or not, but of when it was going to happen).

There were two generals who rose in particular militarily speaking during this time, Iosif Vladimirovich Romeiko-Gurko and Mikhail Dmitriyevich Skobelev.

Romaiko-Gurko in particular was led to the fortification and training of troops in European Russia, in particular pointing out that any moment could be the time before the war. The soldiers under Romeiko-Gurko followed his orders steadfastly and had to be prepared at every possible moment for exercises or military preparations.

Skobelev on the other hand became an assistant to Emperor Alexander III, which meant various assignments throughout all of Russia. Skobelev had to repeatedly study Russian and foreign military assignments.

Skobelev, Milyutin, Loris-Melikov and Romeiko-Gurko, able members of the army, would serve to iron out many of the rough edges that still existed within the Russian army in terms of logistics, preparation and the training of troops.

Something that had confirmed to be vital for future Russian campaigns, from Central Asia to the Ottoman Empire.

The most important thing however was that the problems were reduced little by little over the years, the training and education became more professional and the disciplined soldiers, the logistics and military administration were put in a vital position, new generations of military, etc.

*******

"It is clear that next time we will have to have several backup plans." Emperor Alexander III exclaims alongside War Minister Dmitry Milyutin.

"Are you worried about Ottoman modernization or foreign intervention?" Milyutin asks curiously.

"Both." Emperor Alexander III responds.

"It is understandable. I suppose that next time Romania will not allow us a passage through her lands, but perhaps if Bulgaria will let us park in a port we could attack the Ottoman Balkans or try an amphibious assault." Milyutin starts. "It is also clear that our new positions in Armenia will be vital, we can attack multiple positions although we must not leave fortification and defense behind."

The expanded Russian Armenian certainly needed to be defended, as it would be vital to future Russian strategies against the Ottoman Empire. Fortunately Loris-Melikov was already cleaning up impurities and defects in the civil-military administration in the Caucasus and nearby areas.

Through the Russian Armenian it was possible to advance towards Mesopotamia, Arabia, the Levant and the center of Anatolia. A remarkable strategic position for future Russian armies in a new march on the Ottomans.

*******

[Logistics: Blinov, ships and the Pacific]

"Blinov, I have to say that you continue to impress with every step you take." Emperor Alexander III calmly mentions.

"It is nothing the majesty of him, I just had to follow some ideas and advice from Ivan Shestakov and Stepan Makarov. Besides that I already have experience in improving boats, it is a joint effort." Fyodor Blinov humbly exclaims.

Due to logistical needs and the discovery of coal, among other issues, the Russian engineer and inventor Fyodor Blinov, following some indications from naval experts of the Russian Empire, developed some improvements in ships of the Pacific navy so that they could make longer voyages. made Russian possessions in the Pacific Ocean.

Understand, Novaya Gvineya mainly, without depending so much on the ports of the Kingdom of Hawai'i or other foreign nations. The main idea came from Shestakov regarding the difficulties of the trip, but with the proper study of the problem by Blinov and Makarov, solutions were found.

Of course far removed from modern ships, but they increased the ease of travel and communication between Russian possessions from the Far East, the Straits of Korea, and Russian America to Novaya Gvineya.

This allowed for the expansion of the Russian naval presence in the region, and even greater Russian migration to the growing colony in the future.

This was not necessarily bad, Miklouho-Maclay was convinced that greater Russian presence meant greater increases in the profit of the colony-protectorate, then, greater investment and increased quality of life.

Although obviously despite the logistical improvements, in the early days only the military presence increased, not the presence of civilians (that would come at another time).

*******

[Sport culture: The final]

The second edition of the Russian Soccer League comes to an end with a clash between the team from the city of Saint Petersburg and the city of Kharkov (last year's winners).

In the second edition, again the city of Kharkov wins by 9 to 8 against the capital of the Russian Empire, thus curiously becoming not only the first to win the All-Russian Cup, but also the first to win it consecutively.

*******

* Perspective of Tsar Alexander III.

Alexander Yegorovich Timashev and Tsar Alexander III left after having seen the last match of the Russian Soccer League and having presented the award to the Kharkov team. "You know, I think this is an interesting opportunity." Emperor Alexander III exclaims.

"We lost the opportunity for foreign people to see the Russian Soccer League in St. Petersburg." Timashev exclaims somewhat confused.

"Yes, but now we can expand tourism to other areas of Russia thanks to Kharkov's victory. We can offer free tickets to the World Exhibition in Saint Petersburg at the third edition of the Soccer League in Kharkov, and offer free tickets to Soccer League in St. Petersburg. People who accept should see our country and spend a lot more money in Russia. " Emperor Alexander III exclaims.

"... I'll make the preparations !"

*******

[International]

In July the publication of Anna Karenina by Lev Tolstoy ends in The Russian Messenger.

In turn, one of the first mini-tennis tournaments between women of the Russian nobility takes place, sponsored by Empress Maria Feodorovna.

On July 16 the so-called Commune of St. Louis takes place, in reference to the Commune of Paris. Due to the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, product of the Long Depression and other internal-external reasons of the United States of America.

There are problems due to riots throughout the entire Ohio to Baltimore railroad due to railroad workers, creating great sympathy for the movement in Pitsburg and beyond. So much so that a socialist government is formed in St. Louis, Missouri.

President Rutherford B. Hayes calls on the military to crush the socialist uprising, which ends in the death of many of those involved, including civilians.

There are two important currents within the United States due to the socialist state of St. Louis, reactionary-conservative anti-socialists and socialists that turn the dead of St. Louis into martyrs.

From August 12 to 18, the American astronomer Asaph Hall discovers the moons of Mars, Phobos and Deimos.

On September 22, unknowingly due to differences in oral and written culture, as well as translations between languages, various Blackfoot tribes turn over their lands (previously considered their property) to the English crown and the Canadian government in Treaty 7.

According to said treaty, the Canadian Confederation would declare the territories of the Native American nations as indigenous reservations, help the transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to sedentary-agricultural societies, avoid the invasion of native lands among others, reduce poverty and generally improve Native American life.

On the other hand, the lands given to the natives are unsuitable for cultivation, various natives transfer the land of other tribes, the level of hardship and poverty increases, the American bison disappears faster and faster, there is no support from the Canadian government, etc.

September 24. The great failure of the Japanese imperial army occurs at the Battle of Shiroyama, where the Empire of Japan loses in a relatively even battle (with slight numerical superiority) to the samurai Satsuma rebellion.

Delaying the reestablishment of order in southern Japan (Kyushu) and obviously only bringing more trouble to the initial administration of the Meiji Emperor government.

This forces the Satsuma Rebellion to the northernmost parts of Kyushu, in ports where they are blocked by the Imperial Japanese Navy.

*******

[Russian Astronomical Society (RAO)]

There was undoubtedly an astronomical interest in Russia, but it never manifested itself in a particular body or organization. The idea first emerged in 1870, but it did not receive much attention until Tsar Alexander III was informed of the discovery of Phobos and Deimos by Asaph Hall.

For this a total of 300 astronomers from Russia (the profession existed but the Russian space sciences were never particularly developed until now) were gathered for the foundation of the Russian Astronomical Society.

Also abbreviated in English, RAO. The founding of the Russian Astronomical Society was a new addition to the science and education support societies and various projects that were created during the reign of Alexander III.

Planetariums, observatories and other space science study centers (of the time) were built.

Most in European Russia, some scattered throughout Siberia-Central Asia, and about two buildings in Vladivostok.

*******

[Russia and the bison]

The bison population, which includes European bison (Bison bonasus) and American bison (Bison bison), which at the time covered a wide stretch of territory, was in constant decline due to hunting (human activity) and some other factors. .

Seriously putting the species in danger.

Consequently, continuing with his curiosities regarding animal life, Tsar Alexander III created some reserves for specimens of the two groups of bison.

One was created in White Russia (for European Bison), and another was formed in the Alyáska territories (for Wood Bisons of America).

In addition, some specimens were brought to the Moscow Zoo.

*******

[Japan-Russia?]

* Japanese perspective.

In the midst of the Satsuma rebellion in Kyushu, the Japanese diplomat Kuroda Kiyotaka (Kiyotaka Kuroda according to foreign conventions), concerned about the Japanese situation, tried to gather some support to try to repeat the Japanese attacks against the Joseon dynasty, to get a favorable treaty for Japan on the Korean peninsula.

Kuroda Kiyotaka was part of the anti-Russian factions of the government of the first years of the Meiji restoration, this because Kuroda Kiyotaka was part of the colonization committees of Hokkaido, and therefore witnessed the commercial-military development of the Empire. Russian.

Russia was at that time promoting its trade and investment in the Joseon dynasty, carrying out some of the first attempts at modernization (at least of Korean military weapons), which was seen as a threat to Japanese interests according to Kuroda Kiyotaka.

This led Kuroda Kiyotaka to ally himself with members of the army within the War Ministry, but it did not turn out as he expected. When Kuroda Kiyotaka and some of his army allies, who failed in the initial encounters of the Satsuma rebellion, pressed for a diplomatic envoy to Korea to retry the same strategy as in 1875, the Japanese navy got in the way.

Vice Admiral Enomoto Takeaki radically opposed such intervention, which would alienate Russia against Japan.

Japanese discussions regarding the conquest of Korea had momentarily resumed in 1876, again due to the Japanese army. But Russia's swift victory over the Ottoman Empire showed that the Japanese army still had much to learn from Europe, and a war with Russia on the Korean peninsula would likely end in failure.

Enomoto Takeaki of the diplomatic service and the navy, became one of the predecessors of the South Doctrine, that is, the Japanese expansion to the Pacific and not to continental Asia.

Only strategic points in China (such as Taiwan) were needed, and commercial relations that allowed food and / or materials to feed Japanese industrialization.

In the internal conflict of the Meiji Restoration, Enomoto Takeaki finally came out with the upper hand due to the failures of the army in the early stages of the Satsuma rebellion.

Corruption scandals between 1880-1881 would also ruin Kuroda Kiyotaka considerably, while in February 1879 Enomoto Takeaki would become Lord of the Navy under the War Office (position prior to the creation of Minister of the Navy).

However this would cause an obvious schism within the Japanese military corps, where the Japanese Navy and Meiji Restoration Army would fight over budget, plans, etc.

Sometimes acting independently of the emperor's government and the Meiji constitution, and obviously sabotaging each other. Which would cause problems at the national or even international level.

*******

* Russian perspective.

While Russian industrialists were conducting some inspections on minerals and mineral quality in Korean territory (in addition to presenting certain foreign technologies in Korea), once again the diplomat Enomoto Takeaki approached Russia.

With various objectives actually, for example the preparation of the Japanese exhibition at the World Exposition in St. Petersburg, but that is a more secondary issue.

"We propose a series of joint investments between Japan and Russia, in addition to commercial exchanges." Enomoto Takeaki explains in Saint Petersburg.

"As a policy, the Russian Empire is willing to trade. But we believe it is necessary to establish some points." The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mikhail Alexandrovich Gorchakov exclaims together with the Secretary of Asian Affairs, Nikolai de Girs.

The Russians obviously did not want a relatively powerful neighbor who had interests in their borders (Siberia, Korea, etc), that was a no to an investment at least in the Japanese army and the heavy arms industry.

Instead Russia could invest in agriculture and the increasing modernization of textiles in the Empire of Japan.

Instead Japanese companies and immigrants could go to the ever-growing Russian Far East, and a limited number of migrants to Alyáska.

The offers were sent to the Meiji Emperor.

Japan did not want to continue to go into financial debt to Russia (as was the case during the rebellion of the Ezo Republic), the diplomatic service was excited to be treated with respect by a European power and certainly the Japanese agriculture and textile industry needed some help.

The trade agreement was accepted, giving a boost to the pro-Japanese navy in opposition to the army (whose anti-Russian sentiment grew) within the government.

Russian fertilizers and certain modern agricultural-textile equipment from Russia went to Japan, and the ever-feeding Russian industry grew.

The Japanese in the Far East were labor for the Russian railways and industries (competing with other immigrants), farmers and craftsmen, mainly.

Japanese immigrants in particular liked the Chinese instant noodle factories in Russia (Vladivostok was one of the first), created primarily for the army and navy. But the Japanese soon became some of the first civilian buyers keen on the industry. Increasing Russian profits.