The Rise of Australasia

Chapter 824 -616: Franco-Australian Alliance

Speaking of the most anxious nation in the world recently, that title must belong to the French, who have always considered the British as their rivals.

Looking carefully at the achievements of the United Kingdom in the last two years, they have taken control of Central America, acquired Persia, and fully controlled the Middle East.

With the help of Australasia, the United Kingdom has absolute say in both Europe and the World Alliance, while France, despite being undoubtedly the strongest country on the European Continent, has far less influence in Europe than the United Kingdom.

The Naval Limitation Treaty has made it impossible for the French to catch up to the British navy-wise, and their diplomatic isolation has also left them feeling endangered.

After much consideration, the French felt it necessary to find themselves an ally, a reliable ally of great power level to alleviate their pressure.

Looking carefully at all the countries in Europe that could be considered great powers, currently only Russia and Italy make the list.

Both of these countries are clearly unreliable. A complete Russia might have the strength to help France, but now, a Russia that is indeed weakened by civil war and its citizens are not inclined to engage in matters outside Russia, with Nicholas II focused fully on recovery and development.

There’s no need to discuss Italy. After Mussolini established his dictatorship, Italy’s presence in international affairs has significantly diminished.

Moreover, Italy’s performance in World War I was not very impressive, so such an ally could even be a burden for the French, who ruled them out first.

Besides these, there aren’t many countries left in Europe that could help France. After careful consideration and selection, the French still turned their gaze upon the greatly weakened Austrian Empire.

Speaking of the Austrian Empire, it should be the luckiest of the Allied Nations in World War I. Although it lost territories including Galicia, Bosnia, Hungary, and parts of northern Italy, the core territories of Austria and Bohemia remained.

However, due to the loss of the Kingdom of Hungary, the current Austro-Hungarian Empire has been renamed the Austrian Empire, reverting to its original imperial name.

Even with just Austria and Bohemia, the current Austrian Empire still has the strength of a power, albeit among the lower rungs.

Also, because it lost a large portion of its territory and suffered heavy casualties in World War I, the Allies didn’t impose as strict limitations on the Austrian Empire; the current state of industrial recovery is relatively good.

It’s impossible for the French to ally with Germany, so naturally, they set their sights on the Austrian Empire.

Although the Austrian Empire might not seem like the best choice, one certainly cannot opt for countries like Poland or Turkey.

The overall strength of Poland is not necessarily stronger than that of the Austrian Empire, but the ambitions of the Poles have already offended Russia.

The French are not inclined to offend Russia for Poland’s sake, because as far as the French are concerned, a Russia that has regained its strength is still an important ally for them in Europe.

Perhaps stimulated by the British taking control of the entire Persia, the French quickly contacted the Austrian Empire and, under the very excited gaze of a host of officials and Karl I, signed an alliance treaty between the two countries.

The excitement is due to the fact that the position of Karl I is quite precarious at the moment.

Although the European Royal Family Union Declaration and the actions of Karl I helped him retain his throne, he is still a defeated ruler; the Austrian Empire is still burdened with heavy compensation payments.

Although some industrial and economic recovery has occurred, the empire’s finances and the Austrians’ economic situation remain pessimistic due to the large amounts of funds annually allocated for compensation.

Although Karl I is trying his best to maintain his prestige, occasionally donating some royal funds to aid the Austrian people.

But there are still many voices calling for the abolition of the royal family, after all, the main culprit who led the Austrian Empire to defeat in the war was actually Francis, the Emperor who signed the declaration of war.

The Old Emperor’s prestige in the Austro-Hungarian Empire was indeed high during his lifetime, but this could not prevent the disaster he brought to the Empire after leading it to defeat in World War I.

Had the Austro-Hungarian Empire not been a defeated power, Karl I would not have been dethroned just a few years after ascending to the throne.

The reason for signing an alliance with the Austrian Empire is not only due to the remaining strength of the Austrian Empire but also because it is relatively close to Russia, enabling the formation of a Paris-Vienna-Saint Petersburg system.

An important reason for the Russians to remain silent in international diplomacy is actually Russia’s terrible industry and economy and the threat posed by Soviet Russia to Tsarist Russia.

If France and the Austrian Empire can provide Russia with major support, the unification of Russia and its return to its peak are inevitable.

By that time, the united front of France, Austria, and Russia could completely match British-Australian strength and overwhelmingly suppress them in terms of army power, which is the hope the French see in defeating the British.

Even though this means constantly supporting the Austrian Empire and Russia, even at the cost of a large amount of funds and supplies.

But what alliance does not require sacrifices? The British supplied their ally, Australasia, with vast amounts of supplies and equipment in exchange for strong support.

The French have also decided to follow the British example, cultivating their allies into two powerful nations.

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