War of brothers (June, 1866)
International]
Faced with various mobilizations and disputes over the administration of the conquered duchies, Prussia invades the Austrian Holstein on June 9. A few days later, on June 14, Minister President Otto von Bismarck proclaimed that the German Confederation ended.
The Austro-Prussian war had started, and soon Italy joined Prussia's side against Austria due to signed secret pacts.
They were in the war.
The Prussian side: Duchy of Brunswick, Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Duchy of Saxe-Altenburg, Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, Duchy of Anhalt, Schwarzburg-Sondershausen, Principality of Waldeck and Pyrmont, Principality of Lippe, Saxe-Lauenburg, Free City of Lübeck, Bremen and Hamburg. And the Kingdom of Italy.
The Austrian side: Kingdom of Bavaria, Kingdom of Saxony, Kingdom of Hanover, Kingdom of Württemberg, Hesse Electorate of Hesse, Grand Duchy of Baden, Grand Duchy of Hesse, Duchy of Nassau. Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen, Principality of Reuss-Greiz, Principality of Schaumburg-Lippe and the Free City of Frankfurt.
The rest of the German states were neutral.
Of course there are actually several more reasons: The Germanic world is in a confused stage, power could go to Austria or Prussia, nationalism is a powerful force, men are interested in the unification of Germany, etc.
Around the 24th onwards several battles took place, the Austrians defeated the Italians in the first battle, but suffered heavy casualties against the Prussians a few days later.
Hanover managed to defeat Prussia in battle ... only to surrender two days later.
And on June 29, Prussia defeats Austria in a battle (Gitschin (or Jičín)).
********
[Russian diplomacy and observation]
The world was watching the battle between Austria and Prussia with interest, especially other great powers like France.
The Russia of Alexander III for its part sent observers to Prussia and Italy, interested in observing the land and naval combat that would take place during the conflict.
Russia also remembered Crimea, so it is obvious that Tsar Alexander III did not plan to intervene in favor of Austria, generally maintaining a friendly neutrality with Prussia.
"Should I ask, why choose Prussia over Austria?" Foreign Minister Alexander Mikhailovich Gorchakov asks Emperor Alexander III.
"... The Crimean War, the Austrians betrayed us before, being cordial with them is the most they will receive from us in a long time" The Tsar replies, apparently thoughtful. "But the Prussians are not our friends either, we only seek to learn from them." The emperor assures.
"I'm afraid that might not be the best course of action" Gorchakov mentions "I mean, I understand the reasons, but revenge for Crimea could be a heavy diplomatic burden. What if our actions align other great powers? Not only Austria, France for example "
The emperor nods at the concerns of his minister "Suppose we do that. Who is France going to ally with? At the moment they are enemies of the United Kingdom, if France and Austria become a problem, the United Kingdom will be in our favor, they will do their best to prevent France and Austria from dominating central and western continental Europe. " The emperor explains "At the moment we do not align too much Austria, we are only neutrally friendly with Prussia, we will not meddle in Germanic or Italian affairs."
There are some things to learn from the Prussians when it comes to their military, although not everything can be applied at the same time or in the same way. Prussians and Russians are two different peoples, with different cultures, histories, and geography.
The Russian army is particularly large, but it has problems in logistics (resources), mobilization, training and tactics.
Geography has always been a curious but vital ally, the mud, the summers, the winter and the enormous Russia have eaten those who have not been prepared.
In addition to the spirit of the various ethnic groups that make up the place.
Some Slavophiles consider that it is not a good idea to abandon the Russian way, in exchange for the tactics of the West (other parts of Europe and the United States).
The current Prussian army on the other hand, is the son of Prussian history and the Chief of Staff, Helmuth von Moltke (the Elder).
The Prussian strategy depends on at least some level of initiative of the commanders, the use of artillery and the mobility of the units.
Moltke the Elder is particularly interested in using the railroad and some modern technologies to aid the military.
On a technological level, the Prussians use needle pistols, more specifically the gun made by Johann Nicolaus von Dreyse, the Dreyse.
In August this year the French will invent and service the Chassepot, so Tsar Alexander III encouraged observers of him to look at other things, rather than rifles specifically.
The Prussian military schools are also an interesting focus, the Prussian army in general is quite conservative, and they have made some progress in their training practices.
Like for example war games.
********
"To His Highness, Emperor Alexander III of the Russian Empire, we want to notify a proposal for a joint punitive expedition against the Joseon dynasty of Korea. Co-led by Rear Admiral Pierre-Gustave Roze.
In response to the murder of 9 French Christian missionaries on Korean soil. "
-Ambassador of the Second French Empire to the Russian Empire, Charles Angélique, baron of Talleyrand-Périgord.
The note was actually longer and more protocol, but that was essentially the important content presented to Emperor Alexander III at the end of June.
It seems that the French were interested in having the support of the Russian Tsushima for the cartographic preparations of the expedition in the north of the Korean peninsula.
"I understand that our navy in the Pacific is mainly coastal and observation" Emperor Alexander III argues with Gorchakov and Milyutin.
"Indeed. In case we accept, we need a quick victory before the expedition becomes too expensive or difficult" Minister Milyutin mentions.
"I agree that a long war is not favorable for us, but helping the French minimally could mean a small diplomatic rapprochement between our empires" Minister Gorchakov mentioned.
"Could we get something out of this, maybe some technical help, money or something?" Tsar Alexander III questions his foreign minister.
"Only if the French think our help is worth it. We have time to think about this ... Korean adventure." Gorchakov explains.
********
[Russian Internal Situation]
The summer season proved extremely rainy in the summer of 1866 for Russia, at least in the northern regions (the Grand Duchy of Finland). Potatoes and burrows rotted, while cereal crops became unfavorable.
The Tsar ordered the Finnish government to deal with the situation immediately before it was too late.
Pine bark and food was promptly stored ... if the food runs out many will have to eat pine bark.
But it was feared that it was not enough, in addition to various other problems.
The Finnish diet had to negotiate with the Svecoman industrialists (influenced by the Emperor Alexander III), and some Central European investors for the construction of a public railway line.
So the construction of a railway line between the city of Riihimäki and Saint Petersburg began, the Finnish end would be connected to the city of Helsinki.
Other public works began to be planned: hospitals and medical sites for infectious diseases, the purchase of greater agricultural diversity, and improvements in communication between Finland and northern Russia.
Finance Minister Johan Vilhelm Snellman was refusing to borrow, thinking that high interest rates would hurt the Finnish Markka.
Emperor Alexander III took advantage of this to launch some of his political allies to weaken Snellman's position, but political pressure caused him to spend part of the reserves on securing European grain before prices rise.
*******
Economically speaking, Nikolai von Bunge is preparing a series of economic measures, first a public accounting system, continuing some of the tax measures of his successor to minimally stabilize the ruble before major changes.
Measure approved by Tsar Alexander III, for the time being.
Speaking of railways, Tsar Alexander III began to discuss them with the Minister of Railways, Pavel Petrovich Melnikov, of the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Railways.
Alexei Pavlovich Bobrinsky was placed as second in command (Deputy Minister) of the Ministry by Tsar Alexander III.
Bobrinsky is someone who already knows at least some success in economic measures, especially in Tula (fun fact, Bobrinsky and Alexander III have a common ancestor in Catherine II, but the really good thing for the Tsar is that Bobrinsky is a friend of Julius Christoph Heinrich Georg Witte, father of Sergei Yulyevich Witte).
The following year the creation of the Department of Construction, the Technical Inspection Committee, and the State Railroad Office are planned to assist public efforts in the formation of rail lines.
Speaking of which, it was definitely confirmed that the Empire would use the 5 ft (1,524 mm) track gauge, as the Russians have already been using it since 1843. Instead of a more standard model used in Western Europe.
This has certain advantages and disadvantages.
Family]
The Romanov family is large, Tsar Alexander III has quite a few relatives. With some of him he is closer than others, he is mainly close with his uncles and direct cousins, because if he leaves more he finds his grandfather (Nicholas I) the relationship with his relatives becomes more disconnected and fleeting .
Among his uncles and aunts (plus cousins) are:
Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna: Mother of Maria (Princess Romanovskaja), Nicholas, Eugenia (Princess Romanovskaja), Eugen, Sergei and George. Grigori and Elena (second marriage).
Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna, Queen of Württemberg (no children).
Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolaevich: Father of Nicholas Konstantinovich, Olga Konstantinovna, Vera Konstantinovna, Konstantin Konstantinovich, Dmitry Konstantinovich and Vyacheslav Konstantinovich.
Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich: Father of Nicholas Nikolaevich the Younger and Peter Nikolaevich.
Grand Duke Michael Nikolaevich: Father of Nicholas Mikhailovich, Anastasia Mikhailovna, Michael Mikhailovich, George Mikhailovich and Alexander Mikhailovich.
21 cousins between 4 uncles and 1 aunt.
Great Gatchina Palace, Saint Petersburg.
"Why are we hiding here from those skunks?" Tsesarevich Vladimir Alexandrovich, 19, asks his older brother, Tsar Alexander III.
"Russia is in a state of emergency, until further notice we will return to Gatchina, we are not in hiding, it is just that it is much safer and more protected than the Winter Palace" The Tsar replied calmly.
"Are you going to stay in hiding after father's murder?" Tsesarevich Vladimir dares to ask.
The emperor sighs "I know you are angry Vladimir, but attacking me is not going to solve anything. Listen, you are my younger brother and my heir, your safety is important right now. The Okhrana continues to investigate more terrorists."
"I am not attacking you" Vladimir promptly assures, his voice stuttering for a moment "I only think that the emperor and the Tsesarevich should not hide".
"... You have already seen how this mother, there is no reason to risk" Emperor Alexander III sentenced, Empress Maria Alexandrovna was not the same since the death of Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich, and the death of Alexander II only worsened her condition .
"You know? I'm not mad at you, I'm mad at the doctors who misdiagnosed Nixa, and the terrorists who murdered Father. We are the most powerful family in Russia. Why couldn't we do anything?" Vladimir exclaims, exploding.
"Nothing of what happened was your fault Vladimir, there are simply things beyond our control" Emperor Alxander III stands up and embraces his younger brother.
The three oldest sons of Alexander II had to grow up, fairly quickly. Alexander III, 21, Vladimir Alexandrovich, 19, and Alexei, 16.
By Maria, 13, Sergei, 9, and Paul, 6.
"Tell me Vladimir. What would you be interested in doing from now on?" Emperor Alexander III was encouraged to ask his younger brother, Tsesarevich Vladimir, 19 years old.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Vladimir asked confused by the sudden words of his brother.
"What career do you want to pursue? You have to spend your time and energy on something" Emperor Alexander III asked.
"The truth ... fine arts" Tsesarevich Vladimir seemed a little nervous, usually the Romanovs entered the army.
On the other hand, Alexander III allowed his brother to enter the Academy of Fine Arts. While Vladimir remained in Saint Petersburg more usually for this, Alexei chose to pursue his military career within the navy, serving in the Azore (Portugal) islands for his training.
Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolaevich and Foreign Minister Gorchakov had met with Emperor Alexander III, not to discuss anything about the deposition of the Grand Duke from the admiralty, but for another matter.
"Should we continue to discuss your marriage with Princess Dagmar of Denmark?" The Grand Duke began.
"I understand that it was supposedly one of Nixa's wishes ..." The emperor seems to say a little uncomfortable.
"That is a yes?" Minister Gorchakov makes sure.
"... Yes, let's hope it is successful" Emperor Alexander III sighs. Konstantin knew that his nephew is not the most social person in the world, but politically speaking, he had to at least try to have an heir.