Chapter 274: First Contact
The Kingdom of Italy found itself in turmoil due to the aggression of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and France, though sympathetic, was unable to provide significant assistance. However, in comparison to the Italian government, the newly established French Third Republic exhibited a sense of audacity.
The French defense government attempted clandestine negotiations with Prussia to mitigate the advancement of the revolutionary movement and had even started secret talks with Bismarck. Under mounting pressure from the French citizens, it reluctantly took measures to bolster the defenses of Paris. Paris now extended into unclaimed territory, an area fraught with uncertainty.
...
Southeastern Botswana.
"The opposite bank of the river is Boer territory!" Jacob declared as he gazed at the gently flowing Limpopo River.
Their expedition's destination was the Limpopo River, which originated near Johannesburg, South Africa. It took a winding path through the Botswana region to the northwest before turning eastward and emptying into the Indian Ocean.
The river was divided into three sections. The upper tributary had minimal water and often ran dry.
Their goal wasn't Mozambique in the lower reaches. Instead, the East African Kingdom aimed to establish its presence in the middle and upper reaches of the river, using the Limpopo as a natural geographical boundary.
Effectively, the Kingdom of East Africa had separated Botswana and Zimbabwe from the Boer forces that lay along the banks of the Limpopo.
"Yes, while most of the Boer's farms are situated on barren lands, they do cover a vast expanse. Were it not for the Limpopo River acting as a natural barrier, they might have expanded even further into this region," remarked Staff Boer.
"It's not as if they couldn't cross the river; it's simply unnecessary. The Boers have a small population, and as they move westward into increasingly arid territories, coupled with the constant threat from the British, they've chosen to concentrate their population in the East."
"The land on the other side is known as the Transvaal Republic. It was only in 1849 that it was formed by the amalgamation of several smaller Boer states. Further south, there's the Republic of the Orange Free State, another Boer nation, with the Vaal River as its border."
"While the Boers are primarily of Dutch descent, there are also a significant number of German immigrants among them, although most of these are considered 'old Germans.'"
This distinction referred specifically to those Germans who had emigrated from Germany to various parts of the world before 1865. This timeframe coincided with the arrival of the East African colonial team in Dar es Salaam.
Since 1865, immigrants from the German region had gradually redirected their journeys towards East Africa. As a result, today, more than 80% of German immigrants ended up becoming East Africans each year.
This distinction mattered because East Africa was predominantly influenced by German culture, while the Germans who emigrated overseas before 1865 typically settled in non-German regions.
Consequently, East African intelligence operatives in the Republic of Transvaal and the Republic of the Orange Free State primarily gathered information from fellow Germans. The Boers remained oblivious to this. If they ever did attempt to acquire intelligence from East Africa, their options were severely limited to the two free ports of Dar es Salaam and Mombasa. Furthermore, neither of the Boer republics had access to the sea.
As Jacob and Boer continued their discussion, a group of individuals suddenly emerged on the opposite bank of the river.
"Are you certain they're German on the other side?" inquired Vincent of his subordinates.
"Yes, their attire closely resembles that of the Prussian Army, with only minor differences in headwear. Having served in the Prussian Army myself, I can spot it a mile away," replied Buckhausen.
"This is highly unlikely! Are you suggesting that the Prussian army has made an appearance in Africa or our western hinterlands? Have they taken to the skies?"
Vincent, a genuine Boer, had lived in South Africa since childhood. Most of his knowledge of Europe was gleaned from the stories told by his parents or news conveyed by new immigrants.
Buckhausen, on the other hand, was a Prussian immigrant from the German region who had come to live on Vincent's father's farm ten years prior. East Africans recognized him as an 'old German.' His arrival coincided with the East African colonial team's landing in Dar es Salaam in 1865.
Despite receiving a basic education and having seen a world map during his youth, Buckhausen was unaware of East Africa's existence, as it wasn't included on maps from that period.
To be continued...