Chapter 166 The First World War breaks out

Just look at the map to understand how powerful the British Empire is. The small blue flag means it is a British colony. The vast number of small flags on the map makes people’s scalp numb. The Empire on which the Sun Never Sets is now the most prosperous.

During this period, although it began to decline, it was still a powerful empire that China could not compete with.

Relying on these colonies, Britain was still the world leader until the eve of World War II, which shows how strong the British Empire is now. Fang Jianxiong never thought of joining the German alliance to fight against Britain. Not to mention the distance between the two countries, the navy

It is still Britain's strength. From China to Germany, almost every choke point is under the control of the British. What is such an alliance if it is not seeking death?

It was not difficult to convince Sun Baoqi and Tang Hualong on this issue, but the other issue made them a little worried.

"Fuguo, do you really want to go to war with the Japanese?" Sun Baoqi asked worriedly. Fang Jianxiong really didn't know whether to tell the truth. Japan's penetration in China is too deep, and there is no guarantee that there are not one or two around these two people.

What if a subordinate who has a good relationship with Japan spills the beans and the information is leaked?

After thinking about it carefully and looking at the eager expectant eyes of these two people, Fang Jianxiong sighed, waved his hands and stepped back, and whispered: "Teacher, brother Jiwu, actually I don't want to fight at all. The problem is, once Europe fights

Up, Japan will definitely take the opportunity to expand its influence in China. For example, take the Jiaodong Peninsula! After the Russo-Japanese War, Japan has been in a recovery period, and its national strength is extremely weak. Even now, Japan's domestic economic situation is very bad. If Japan wants to

Recover and strengthen ourselves. First of all, we must suck blood from China, and secondly, we must seize the opportunity of the European War and make a lot of war fortune. The European War is an opportunity that cannot be missed for China and Japan. If we miss it, thirty

There will be no chance to turn around within this year. Therefore, Japan’s blood-sucking tentacles must be cut off! A war between China and Japan is inevitable. All recent deployments of the Ministry of National Defense are aimed at this. This matter is strictly confidential.

The only people in the government who know about it are the teacher and Brother Jiwu."

The two audience members were stunned. They did not expect that they were really going to fight. Fang Jianxiong saw their expressions and knew that they were in trouble. The Republic of China government is currently in a difficult transition and recovery period, and fighting at this time is undoubtedly a heavy burden. The Chinese navy cannot

, unable to hit Japan, can only resort to passive defense. Once the war does not end for a long time, it will be unbearable consequences for the new government of the Republic of China. Coupled with Japan's powerful navy, it can attack any point on China's long coastline

How to defend when I log in?

Since it is Fang Jianxiong's decision, it is something that cannot be changed. Even if these two people want to persuade, they can't say this. The Republic of China was brought down by Fang Jianxiong single-handedly. It is Fang Jianxiong who can sit in the current position of these two people.

It was due to the power of Fang Jianxiong. If it were not for Fang Jianxiong, Tang Hualong could not survive in the Nanjing Provisional Government, and he would not have seen a good life under Yuan Shikai in Beijing. When Sun Baoqi was promoting independence in Shandong, he was forced by Yuan Shikai to claim illness and leave in just one month.

After the independence of Shandong, both beard and hair turned white.

"Fuguo, what can we do?" Sun Baoqi made up his mind. Since Fang Jianxiong decided to fight, it's time to fight. Anyway, this student is very capable and cannot be controlled by him. Since he can't be controlled, then he should work hard to help.

.We are already on the same boat. If Fang Jianxiong is killed, they will not be able to recover.

"There are many things the government can do, such as promoting nationalism and nationalism. I plan to replace a group of officials in Shandong. Everything is to ensure that we can win this battle!" Fang Jianxiong still needs their cooperation. The war will not end.

It's just a matter of the military.

In Europe, after Germany and Austria reached an agreement, France and Russia also reached an agreement. On July 20, French President Poincaré and Prime Minister Viviani visited Russia. The two countries assured each other that in the event of war against Germany, the two countries would

Russia must fulfill its obligations as an ally. Russia has made concessions and retreated three times in the international crises of 1909, 1912 and 1913. Now it has decided not to give in or retreat this time. Russia and France stated in the communique of the talks between the two countries and

In public diplomatic occasions, both countries have repeatedly emphasized the "precious friendship" between the two countries, exaggerated the "brotherly strength of the navy and army", and expressed each other's willingness to "loyally and tirelessly cooperate with its allies." During the summit talks between the two countries,

Russia held a reception banquet at the Winter Palace in Petersburg. During the dinner, Poincare specifically talked with the Austrian-Hungarian ambassador and asked the ambassador to tell the Austrian-Hungarian government that it "should be particularly cautious" in handling its relations with Serbia. He emphasized: "Serbia has great influence on the Russian people."

They are very close friends, and Russia also has France as an ally. I really don’t know how many terrible disputes there are on this issue."

On July 23, the Austro-Hungarian Empire issued an ultimatum to Serbia that it could not agree to. This day happened to be the day when the French President returned to the country. The European War was about to break out! Serbia, which did not want to go to war, made all efforts to save it, but ultimately failed. 7

On September 28, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.

Britain's true intentions have been well hidden. On the one hand, it encouraged France and Russia to go to war with Germany and Austria. On the other hand, it expressed its willingness to mediate on the 26th. On the 29th, British Foreign Secretary Gray met with the German ambassador and said that Britain could

Remain neutral. Once Germany and France intervene in the war, Britain will not be able to remain neutral. Kaiser Wilhelm II regretted it too late, because Austria-Hungary had declared war on Serbia for two days and the army had already entered Serbia. Everything was irreversible.

.

In other words, the British played a trick on all the other four countries during this period, and then dragged themselves into the water and fell into the European quagmire for four years. It can be said that they "shot themselves in the foot!"

The Austro-Serbian War broke out quickly. Russia and France stood on the side of Serbia and immediately launched general mobilization for the war. On July 31, Germany issued an ultimatum to Russia and France, asking them to stop general mobilization, but they were flatly rejected. Germany issued an ultimatum to Russia and France on July 31.

Russia declared war on France on August 3. On August 2, in order to implement the Schlieffen Plan, the German General Staff sent an ultimatum to Belgium, requesting that the German army be allowed to use Belgium to fight against the French army, and was given a reply within 24 hours.

Belgium, with a population of 7 million, bravely rejected Germany's unreasonable demands and asked Britain for help. On August 4, Germany brazenly violated the 1839 treaty that guaranteed Belgium's permanent neutrality, and the Lutheran Army invaded Belgium. Britain learned that Germany had plans to invade Belgium.

After realizing the intention, it issued an ultimatum to Germany on August 4, requiring Germany to unconditionally respect Belgium's neutrality. However, German Prime Minister Bateman claimed to the British Ambassador to Germany: "The international treaty is just a piece of waste paper." So the United Kingdom accused Germany of sabotaging it.

Belgian neutrality was used as an excuse to declare war on Germany. In just one week, the two major European military groups appeared amidst the clamor for war and were involved in a four-year war. The world war began.

Europe finally started fighting. Fang Jianxiong in Beijing cheered when he heard the news. He laid out a table of dishes, opened a bottle of sixty-year-old Moutai, and called the three chiefs of general staff together.

"Three brothers, Europe is at war. Germany invaded Belgium, and Britain also declared war on Germany and Austria. For Europe, it is a blood-draining disaster, but for China, this is a once-in-a-lifetime development opportunity.

But before we develop, we must first deal with a competitor, and that is Japan. We cannot defeat Japan at sea, but we can fight on land. All the preparations over the years are for this battle. I hope everyone will unite and fight

A turnaround for national rejuvenation.”

When Fang Jianxiong picked up the cup, Yin Weijun came in and reported: "German Minister Harhausen urgently asks for an audience!"

Fang Jianxiong said with a helpless smile: "It's really the wrong time to come. The bad guy is drunk." The other three people thought this guy was too shameless, but everyone liked Marshal Fang's shamelessness. "Let's go meet him together." Fang Jianxiong

Putting down their wine glasses, the three of them got up and came out together, and saw Hahausen in the reception room.

"Your Excellency, Marshal, have you not made up your mind about the alliance?" Hahausen asked when they met. Fang Jianxiong did not dodge this time and answered directly: "You have made up your mind. The alliance between China and Germany must have a

The prerequisite is that the United States joins, otherwise China will not agree to the Sino-German alliance."

Harhausen was stunned. This result was really difficult to achieve. If the Americans wanted to form an alliance, wouldn't they have done so earlier? Looking at Harhausen's disappointed expression, Fang Jianxiong continued to say unhurriedly: "Please tell His Majesty the German Emperor,

The Chinese government is willing to cooperate with Germany on the Qingdao issue and promises that if Germany is willing to return Qingdao to China, German personnel and property in Qingdao will be protected by the Chinese government."

Harhausen did not stay long. After receiving a clear answer, he immediately turned around and left. In Chinese terms, Fang Jianxiong's statement this time was a clear statement. All pro-German expressions before this were an illusion. For the sake of China's own

In terms of interests, Marshal Fang will not easily get involved with Germany. Harhausen feels that he has been fooled, but anger cannot solve any problem. Fang Jianxiong’s ambition for Qingdao may not be a bad thing in Harhausen’s view. The news must be fed back in time.

domestic.

The course of World War I did not change much because of Marshal Fang's map. The German Chief of General Staff Moltke still changed the Schlieffen Plan. The German army on the Western Front reduced by 11 divisions, and chose Belgium as a breakthrough

Instead of going around the Netherlands to avoid the Liege Fortress, this change can be said to be a fatal defeat for Germany. The German army suffered a bloody blow in front of the Liege Fortress, and the fierce battle for three days made no progress.

.

The little Moltke was so shocked that he urgently sent Ludendorff to lead his troops for reinforcements. Ludendorff, who had done enough homework before the war, had made many appeals not to leave Belgium before the war, but to no avail. He could only watch the German army.
Chapter completed!