Chapter 180: Full-Scale War Erupts, Referendum Results Announced
On February 6, following the severing of diplomatic ties with the Russian Empire, the island nation prompted Russia to prepare its land and naval forces in the Far East for a potential war, while simultaneously trying to delay its outbreak to gain more time for military readiness.
According to international conventions, war between two countries is typically preceded by both a formal declaration and the breaking of diplomatic relations. Since the island nation had not issued a declaration of war, Russian officials—including Tsar Nicholas II—believed the island nation was merely bluffing or testing limits, and that it would not truly dare to start a war.
This mindset partially slowed Russia's war preparations in the Far East. Many Russians believed the island nation would not initiate a conflict, so readiness was sluggish.
At the time, most of the Russian Empire's Pacific Fleet remained anchored at Port Arthur, following standard alert protocols. Although plans were in place to heighten readiness, these measures had yet to be fully implemented.
Alekseyev, the Governor-General of the Far East, had long been informed of the breakdown in negotiations with the island nation, yet failed to take any urgent countermeasures.
Arrogantly confident, he believed war was impossible. Just hours before the conflict began, he confidently told Admiral Witgeft, chief of staff of the Pacific Fleet, "There will be no war."
But only a few hours after he uttered those words, on the night of February 8, 1904, the island nation dispatched its fleet and launched a surprise attack on the Russian Pacific Fleet anchored at Port Arthur.
At the time, the Russian Far East fleet was split into three groups: one at Vladivostok, one stationed in Incheon, Korea, and the main fleet anchored at Port Arthur under Admiral Starck's command.
The island nation's attack plan was also divided into three parts. A small fleet headed north to guard against reinforcements from Vladivostok. Another group, comprising six cruisers—including one built in Australia—targeted the Russian warships Varyag and Korietz at Incheon.
The main force of the combined fleet struck the heart of the Pacific Fleet at Port Arthur.
Around 10 p.m., the combined fleet arrived at Port Arthur's outer harbor. Winter had already brought early nightfall, and the skies were pitch-black.
The Russian Pacific Fleet had no idea an enemy fleet was approaching.
Despite growing signs of war, Governor Alekseyev and Admiral Starck had failed to increase readiness, believing the island nation would never dare attack.
To avoid alerting the Russians, the island nation first sent several torpedo boats to quietly infiltrate the harbor.
They were soon spotted by ships at the harbor perimeter, which turned on searchlights and discovered the enemy vessels.
But that didn't stop the attack. Within minutes, the torpedo boats launched dozens of torpedoes at nearby battleships and cruisers. Although more than half missed, over ten torpedoes hit their targets.
The most heavily damaged were the battleship Petropavlovsk and the fleet's flagship, the Tsarevich.
When the sounds of torpedoes and Russian return fire echoed onshore, Admiral Starck and others were still confused.
Guests at a banquet speculated that the navy was firing ceremonial salutes or conducting drills—some guesses so convincing even Admiral Starck hesitated.
Only when reports confirmed that warships were under attack did Starck end the banquet in alarm.
The surprise attack continued for several hours. Ultimately, due to the harbor's strong fortifications and coastal artillery, the island fleet was forced to retreat.
But the attack was not without success. The battleships Petropavlovsk and Tsarevich suffered heavy damage and would be out of action for the foreseeable future.
Two cruisers and several smaller ships also sustained damage, significantly reducing combat effectiveness.
The most successful strike occurred in Incheon, where the smaller Russian fleet was outnumbered. The Russian ships stood no chance and, after brief resistance, both were sunk.
News of the attack reached the Russian Empire the next day, around noon.
Russian officials were furious, and Tsar Nicholas II smashed several decorative pieces in rage.
Soon after, the Russian foreign minister received a formal declaration of war from the island nation's ambassador.
The island nation weakly explained that the declaration had been delayed due to a malfunctioning telegraph.
The Russian Empire responded with scorn and fury, stating, "Your country's shameless excuse is utterly disgusting. The Russian Empire will make you pay."
With the attack on February 8 and the declaration of war arriving on February 9, the conflict between the Russian Empire and the island nation escalated into full-scale war.
A war between an old-world power like Russia and a rising nation was a global event.
As war broke out, the world's attention once again turned to the Far East.
As before, the British Empire and the United States supported the island nation, while the German Empire sided with Russia.
To maintain its alliance and influence, France reluctantly backed Russia as well.
Other countries observed with curiosity, as the conflict remained far from Europe and posed no immediate threat.
Australia and New Zealand acted swiftly, declaring neutrality on February 9.
Aside from selling arms to both sides, Arthur had little interest in the war.
For Australia and New Zealand, the upcoming referendum was the real matter of concern.
This distraction was, in a way, beneficial—thanks to the Far Eastern war, international attention shifted, and Arthur's role in the referendum faded into the background.
On February 15, 1904, New Zealand's voting period officially ended, moving into the month-long counting phase.
With tens of thousands of ballots to process, New Zealand borrowed several hundred colonial officials from surrounding imperial territories to help.
They did not request help from Australia or the British Empire, as both were central to the referendum—having them assist in counting would have been inappropriate.
Fortunately, the borrowed officials from neighboring colonies greatly expedited the process.
After a month of painstaking counting, on March 15, 1904, the results were officially announced.
The referendum saw overwhelming participation from eligible New Zealanders. A total of 406,327 votes were cast, accounting for 94% of eligible voters.
Of the three available options, the least popular was full independence.
Only a little over 13,000 people—just 3%—supported independence.
This clearly indicated that New Zealanders did not believe independence would bring prosperity and instead feared becoming prey for other powers.
The most popular choice was joining Australia.
Whether due to Arthur's role during the crisis, New Zealanders' natural affinity for Australia, or the influence of Grant's United Party, joining Australia won a landslide of support.
57,000 votes supported remaining a self-governing colony under the British Empire, accounting for 14%.
More than 336,000 votes—over 82%—chose to join Australia and form a federation.
With this overwhelming 82% majority, the referendum decisively selected union with Australia.
When the results were announced on March 15, New Zealand's streets filled with people weeping for joy.
They saw in this decision the hope for a prosperous future, and the possibility of a life as comfortable as Australians enjoyed.
From March 16 onward, banners reading "Long live the Federation!" and "Long live Duke Arthur!" appeared across New Zealand. The people celebrated their rebirth as a new nation and their joy at sharing Arthur as their monarch.
On March 17, 1904, Arthur gave a speech in Wellington as Governor of New Zealand, affirming the colonial government's acceptance of the referendum result. He declared that once Australia officially took control, the colonial government would be reorganized as the New Zealand government, with the bicameral parliament remaining unchanged.
On the same day, New Zealand and Australia received congratulations from numerous countries—including the German Empire, Austro-Hungarian Empire, Russian Empire, the island nation, France, and the United States. The British Empire was the last to offer congratulations.
On March 18, 1904, Arthur, in his capacity as Duke of Australia, formally welcomed the people of New Zealand, promising that under the new federation, New Zealanders would be treated the same as Australians—that both would be his people.
(End of Chapter)
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