Chapter 466: The Attitudes of Other Nations
Whether or not a real alliance was formed didn't matter much to East Africa. If a true threat arose, Austria-Hungary wouldn't be able to protect East Africa anyway—only the great powers could act without concern for Vienna.
"I think Austria got off too easy in this deal!" Ferdinand grumbled, dissatisfied with the outcome of the negotiations.
"Don't worry. We've achieved our goal. Even if it's just Austria, they're still intimidating to most countries. Internally, we understand the duality of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but to outsiders, Austria represents the whole empire," Ernst reassured his father-in-law.
As Ernst predicted, news of East Africa's "alliance" with Austria sparked reactions across Europe.
British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli was particularly focused: "Austria's agreement with East Africa shows the Austro-Hungarian Empire has its eyes on Africa!"
"There might be some truth to that. In times of economic depression, few tools remain for deflecting internal tension. Colonies are becoming increasingly important," added the Foreign Secretary.
"We can't sit idle while Austria makes its move. And what's the latest on East Africa's intelligence? I didn't expect them to cozy up to Austria-Hungary first."
Unlike his predecessor Gladstone, Disraeli, leader of the Conservative Party, was a vocal advocate for British colonialism and global expansion. Notably, Disraeli himself was Jewish and maintained close ties with the Rothschild family.
In 1875, Egypt's Khedive Isma'il Pasha, facing a financial crisis, attempted to sell his shares in the Suez Canal. While the French hesitated to offer a decent price, Disraeli privately borrowed £4 million from the Rothschilds overnight and purchased Egypt's 45% share in the canal—gaining near-total control of the East-West maritime lifeline.
Thus, as someone closely connected to the Rothschilds, Disraeli naturally had little goodwill toward the Hechingen royal family behind East Africa.
The good news was that Disraeli's focus was still on India. In 1876, his foreign policy centered on strengthening ties between Britain and India, including crowning Queen Victoria as Empress of India—transitioning the British Empire from informal to formal imperialism.
For India's security, Britain intensified aggression against neighboring regions—Southeast Asia, East Asia, Afghanistan, and Iran. Africa came second, with South Africa as a springboard.
India's importance was beyond question. Britain's increased interest in Africa stemmed from its failures elsewhere. As the world's top colonial power, Britain had largely completed its expansion in the Americas. The only remaining large, untapped landmass was Africa.
Because of its commitments in India, Britain lacked the energy to "care for" Africa, but Disraeli's administration had begun surveying African powers for future action.
East Africa, unfortunately, stood directly in front of Britain's most strategic African colony—Egypt, which was effectively semi-colonial.
"We sent twelve expeditions last year to explore Africa's interior. Progress was decent in West Africa, but we ran into trouble in the south. The East African Kingdom forbids all private or state actors from conducting expeditions within its territory. Five teams were expelled, and one is missing," reported British intelligence.
These expeditions had started from British colonies—the Gold Coast in the west and Cape Colony in the south. The former had moderate success. The latter, however, was blocked hard. East Africa controlled the north bank of the Orange River and sealed its border entirely.
Disraeli fumed: "That damned Gladstone! He never should've let East Africa annex the Transvaal Republic!"
"Prime Minister, we don't know enough about East Africa. We shouldn't rush. The Transvaal is gone, yes, but the Orange Free State remains. We should prioritize integrating it into Cape Colony. Its diamond wealth is vital to the Empire."
"I know that. Send someone to negotiate with the Free State. Meanwhile, increase intelligence operations on East Africa. We must know their population, territory, and true strength. Austria's behavior proves they're not to be underestimated."
"Yes, Prime Minister."
…
Berlin
Wilhelm I also took interest in Austria's unexpected solo deal.
"So Austria still has time to dabble in Africa? Could there actually be profit there?" Wilhelm asked.
Bismarck replied, "Unlikely, Your Majesty. From my perspective, Austria's alliance with East Africa stems from friendly high-level ties. The Hechingen royal family simply wants a shield. It's how many small states survive."
Wilhelm said, "Then Prince Constantino should have come to us! The Principality of Hechingen is technically part of the Empire."
"Forgive me, Sire, but I believe they made the smarter choice. East Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere. The closest major power is Austria-Hungary. They're separated only by the Suez Canal. Austria's navy, while mediocre, still surpasses ours. For Prussia to support East Africa, we'd have to sail from the Baltic, around the Atlantic, through the Mediterranean, and finally to the Indian Ocean. It's not feasible.
"Moreover, East Africans are Germanic—culturally closer to Catholic Austria than Protestant Prussia. Historically, the Hechingen family has always been closer to Vienna. Only after the 1848 revolution did they briefly enjoy a honeymoon with us."
Wilhelm sighed, "You're right. Our navy is in an awkward position. Even if Austria's isn't great, the Mediterranean offers far more flexibility than the Baltic."
Bismarck concluded, "Let Austria influence East Africa—it's fine. We'll just influence Austria. Their current chancellor is very pro-German."
…
Compared to Britain and Germany, France couldn't care less about East Africa. In fact, France saw East Africa's alliance with Austria as a potential asset for its African strategy.
France's colonial focus lay in North and West Africa, with no overlapping interests in East Africa. If East Africa could annoy Britain, even better. France and Britain were true rivals in West Africa.
As for East Africa allying with Austria, France wasn't bothered. What, was Austria going to try building a "Triple Monarchy"? As long as they weren't cozying up to Prussia, France had no objections.
Russia: "East Africa? Never heard of it. As long as it's not in the Balkans, we don't care."
Portugal: "…"
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