Saint Petersburg Conference]
At the beginning of November, the Saint Petersburg Conference begins, to decide the division of the territories in the interest of the colonial and imperialist powers in Africa and the Pacific.
* English perspective.
**Pacific Ocean:
The British had the ambition mainly to defend Singapore from the Russians, but they were also concerned about the rise of other powers in the region.
Sadly, London was not listening to the expansionist wishes of many Australians towards New Guinea, and they missed that cake.
Gladstone didn't want to be too imperialistic, in the Pacific at least, but he still wanted to keep Hawaii free of German or Russian presence.
The English were also bothered by the expansion of German Indochina.
In short, English policy towards the Pacific was more about 'containing other powers' than' expanding the British Empire.
**Africa.
Several English for their part had the ambition to unite from 'Cairo' symbol for Egypt, with Cape Town (South Africa), that is, a continuous colonial empire from north to south on the continent, which was opposing the majority of colonial empires Europeans (planning colonial empires from west to east).
The English yearned for Sudan (currently in rebellion and winning against the Anglo-Egyptians), Uganda, parts of the rich Congo, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and the Boer states.
In addition to Eritrea and regions of the Horn of Africa south of Ethiopia.
And obviously a little more would never hurt ...
* German perspective.
** Pacific Ocean (Germany-Netherlands):
The German colonial empire or Deutsches Kolonialreich was growing towards the north of Vietnam, threatening the south of China, a traditional British area for the sale of opium.
However, it must also be noted that speaking of the Pacific, the German Empire and its commercial enterprises were running rampant through the Dutch East Indies, legally looting and taking advantage of the weakened Dutch colonial empire.
Also having interests in Hawaii, for the expansion of the 'Dutch' (or German ...) East Indies and for the expansion of the German imperial navy in the Pacific.
Which was seen as a possible threat by Austria-Hungary (and France), the United Kingdom, and the Russian Empire.
The Dutch already had territories like West Timor (and Germany had its eyes on some nearby islands) and the island of Sulawesi (or Celebes).
Properly said the German Empire apart from its interest in Hawaii and Vietnam, had an interest in the islands of Samoa.
**Africa.
Speaking of Africa, Chancellor Otto von Bismarck was not very interested in the continent, especially when the colonial expansion was already pointing to a military campaign towards the north of Vietnam. But there were Germans interested in colonial expansion over Africa.
With this, the Germans had the idea of building a great colonial empire from west to east, which would go from East Africa (the sultanate of Zanzibar or Tanzania mainly) to the Congo (from the Indian ocean to the Atlantic ocean). With some more territories (southern Cameroon, Uganda), some fewer territories.
Recently the German Empire had taken possession of 'Togoland' (Schutzgebiet Togo), which did not fall within these plans due to its geographical position, but a little more of the cake never hurt ...
The problem was the other Europeans, who saw the sudden annexation of Togoland as another example of Germany's aggressive expansionism. Kidnapping Africans and forcing them to sign a treaty was not the central point, for most, but politically speaking it was an excuse to be against German interest.
* French perspective.
** Pacific.
With the loss of Indochina, the French did not have a very clear colonial policy towards the Pacific, only a few islands such as New Caledonia remained.
Some were interested in regaining what was lost in the Franco-Prussian war, or perhaps a protectorate of some kind over Siam, however the administration of Emperor Napoleon IV wanted to focus on African expansion.
**Africa.
The French had the idea of occupying considerable parts of North Africa, they already had Algeria and wanted Tunisia (in Italian hands) as well as Morocco (independent).
After that everything went down and east, with the ideas of occupying large parts of the Sahara, West Africa, and reaching the Red Sea through Sudan and so on, etc.
Including the Congo, the French generally planned a three-way colonial empire, from west to east.
The French pursued a great colonial expansion, supported by the Austrian and to some extent by the British, to secure African markets that could revive even more strongly the French economy after its destruction in wars.
Also having a strong ideological factor, not only the 'Civilizing Mission' of the European peoples over the Africans, but also the reestablishment of the lost French honor with a series of conquests, glory, riches, etc.
Unfortunately, we had to be realistic, the French Congo was overextended, the colonial treatment in Algeria was brutal, among other administrative and economic problems.
* Austro-Hungarian perspective.
** Pacific.
Kaiser Rudolf I had simply the intention of expanding the commercial rights, port and Austro-Hungarian presence within the island of Borneo, following a line in the southwest of the island.
Another idea of the Austro-Hungarians in their colonial project was that more naval bases could be a defense against German expansionism towards Singapore, Siam or Russian Indonesia, etc.
At the moment the Hungarians had no opposition to the idea of the Pacific colonies, focusing on continental issues, but what the Hungarians did avoid was an Austro-Hungarian colonial policy towards Africa.
Although there were proposals, unfortunately they came to nothing (for example, the purchase of Spanish colonies).
However there was still possibility for Austro-Hungarian commercial presence in foreign ports, etc.
* American perspective.
The United States was a country with imperialist intentions of course, in particular they had their eyes on the Spanish Philippines, but conversations in this regard came to nothing during the conference.
Perhaps the only thing of interest to the United States was the islands of Samoa in the Pacific.
Speaking of Africa, the Hancock administration was theoretically there to maintain Liberian independence, at the invitation of Tsar Alexander III.
But the Americans also received certain offers from Russia, so that American ships would receive certain rights of transit and trade throughout certain European colonies.
A juicy deal that undoubtedly interested President Hancock, since it would mean a victory in the economic aspect of the administration, for which President Hancock was always criticized.
In return, the United States only had to support some of the Russian projects.
* Russian perspective.
** Pacific.
Tsar Alexander III did not have much interest in continuing to expand the Russian Pacific, counting that more or less all the islands already had some already developed colonial position (German-Dutch ...), so the objective of Russian diplomacy was rather recognize its sphere of influence (Russosphere) within the Pacific in Russian Indonesia.
A series of protectorates and zones especially in the interest of Russia.
Protectorate status already existed in Bali and Aceh, while Novaya Gvineya had already been a Russian colony for more than a decade. While on the other hand the Lanfang Republic was a tributary of Qing (officially).
So Russia did not have much to discuss, most of the powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy and France) simply recognized this and did not see it as a threat due to issues of diplomacy or treaties (German-Russian division of New Guinea , the treatises with William IV, Rudolf I focusing on North Borneo, etc).
**Africa.
Russia's African policy focused primarily on two points, New Krakow in the West and New Moscow in the East. The area of Cameroon was already being colonized by the Russian-Poles, establishing an effective administration.
Claims on this region were actually quite modest, and France and Germany could see it as a possible buffer state or just some commercial possibility.
The claim in New Moscow was even more modest, with simply the Gulf of Tadjoura and nearby towns, mainly for commercial and ship repair purposes.
Claims supported by the (ignored) envoy from Ethiopia, but the important thing was that other European powers (potentially excepting the United Kingdom) did not necessarily see this as a threat, after all it was a colony, which according to Russian intention, would be quite small.
Austria-Hungary supported the idea as long as ships could pass from time to time after crossing Suez and the Red Sea, as did the United States. France supported Austria-Hungary, and Germany and Italy had no particular reason to object.
Other claims would be produced rather by commercial power and treaties between powers, but the main interest of Tsar Alexander III were those.
In addition to solving the Congolese situation, one of the main centers of conflict or desire regarding the situation of African colonization. The czar especially wanted to keep Belgium out of the Congo, for some reason.
*******
The rest of the perspectives were minor powers without much importance, Spain had interests in Morocco and in extending the colonies that it already had, but France also had possible plans in Morocco.
Portugal was in essence the minion of the United Kingdom, having a 'Pink Map' plan that would unite Angola and Mozambique, but unfortunately it went against British interests.
In reality Portugal claimed all of Africa for the Treaty of Tordesillas, but it was a claim obviously ignored by all.
Sweden-Norway had had some lost colonies, and interest in the Congo.
Denmark had some ideas for ports.
And the Netherlands, if they were independent, would have an interest in recouping their losses to the English and possibly the Boer republics and more.
Unfortunately the Dutch colonial era, despite the opposition of the Dutch themselves to the Germans, ended.
*******
[Independence]
Tsar Alexander III and President Hancock's administration lobbied for two independent African states, the United States for Liberia and Russia for Abyssinia.
If that request was not fulfilled, Russia then claimed a protectorate over the region and (or) potentially hands-free in other parts of the Horn of Africa.
The presence of an Ethiopian envoy (long ignored) hinted to other powers that Russia planned to build a junior partner in Africa, similar to the Dutch for the Germans or the Portuguese for the English.
They all had ambitions, and none was surprised that Russia had her own ambitions.
Liberia was simple to accept, there was not much interest there apart from some possible border problems. The issue came with Ethiopia, Russia argued that the main reason was the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which worried the English about the Red Sea, the defense of the Suez Canal and the possible excuse of using the Orthodox religion to launch wars.
Yet Russia had managed to bring the United States and Austria-Hungary on its side under the prospects of Russian ports on the Indian and Atlantic for commercial purposes. France on the other hand was pressing hard for Sudan and the coast of Eritrea, against english interest but they could reach an agreement with the Russians.
Italy also had its requests in the area, but Germany blocked them for the possibility of throwing the Russians into Anglo-French arms.
Russia also discussed with the United Kingdom the possibility of establishing an independent Kingdom of Hawai'i, or at least a proclamation that Russia and the United Kingdom wanted to maintain Hawai'i's independence from other foreign powers or nations. The offer was an unusual event in Anglo-Russian relations (mostly a surprise for the english).
Germany and the United States were invited to these discussions.
Bringing these powers to the table implied that they all had their goals in the Hawaiian archipelago, and they all really did. This meant that there were discussions and having to come to an agreement.
The Hancock administration could once again be put on the Russian side with promises to avoid foreign military ships but giving trade freedoms as long as all guaranteed Hawaiian independence.
Germany and the United Kingdom were simply not going to go to the same side, so the joint declaration regarding Hawaiian independence was made.
*******
[Desert Diplomacy]
Spain asks for Western Sahara, and people care little because currently it is mostly sand ... Yes, the Spanish Empire has been considerably reduced in importance.
Then there is Germany, which asks for the Namib desert or Namibia, however it is obvious that after much discussion of the gains of the Dutch (or Germans) in the Pacific, France, Austria-Hungary and the United Kingdom are less willing. to allow such a colony.
Especially when Germany already claims the tropical and gigantic Congo to the north of Angola, Tanzania and other parts of central Africa.
Some parts of the German delegation base their claim on a private commercial base owned by a German citizen in the region. This was discussed for some time...
(Russia offer Otto von Bismarck the posibility to buy the Namibian port from German hands).
France obviously claims parts of the Sahara south of Algeria.
And Italy claims the Ottoman Libya. Britain could try to do something, but most understand that the Ottoman Empire in Africa is now mostly a joke.
*******
[Congo]
The Congo, the mysterious jungle heart of Africa, King Leopold II was very interested in the Congo, even offering various riches to Russia in exchange for a favor to obtain the Congo.
However King Alexander III did not accept, that was a good sign at the conference as it could show that Russia was more neutral than for example the United Kingdom. Belgium could not obtain the Congo either because it was very inclined to the United Kingdom, which was against German interests in the area, but also against the French, the English, Portuguese, Swedish-Norwegians, etc.
With so many people claiming the Congo, it was obvious that he was going to a neutral power.
Tsar Alexander III proposed that an international free trade zone be created for the European powers (and the United States), under the executive and legislative power of a minor power but where everyone could freely trade and invest to fulfill their own projects.
A tempting idea, but it had to be clarified which lower power it would be.
The Netherlands and Portugal were out of the question as puppets of major powers. Belgium on the other hand, although it had a lot of interest, it was blocked by the French, Austrian (allied to the French), German, Italian and Russian interests to keep it out of the Congo (and also the the disclosure of Belgian treaty-winning practices very similar to the criticized German practices in Togoland, but the great powers could make a pardon for Germany, not Belgium, a minor partner, helped against such claim).
Spain, Denmark and Sweden-Norway however were seen as the main candidates of Tsar Alexander III.
Spain had no interest so that only left Denmark and Sweden-Norway.
Denmark because it had a fleet and naval tradition for the construction of ports there and some colonial experience (mainly in the Caribbean). The problem was the Danish military and political weakness itself in Europe, or also that the tsar was married to a Danish princess (to be honest, the only time in history that a Russian tsar had married a Danish princess ...) .
That left Sweden-Norway, with ties to both the UK and Germany, and to a lesser extent but mainly neutral to Russia, France and Austria-Hungary, etc.
This was a delicate discussion.
*******
* Alexandrian perspective.
Emperor Alexander III sipped his tea, while the Ethiopian envoy and his escort (Menelik, King of Shewa) drank coffee along with the Liberian, the Japanese envoy drank some alcohol, and the American envoys (John A. Kasson and Henry S. Sanford) in one of the Tsar's private rooms, guarded by guards and Araps.
"Are meetings between European powers always like this?" The Japanese envoy asks as respectfully as he can.
"This is a special meeting, a lot more different than usual." Tsar Alexander III responds.
"There is a lot more alcohol and tobacco than usual." Sanford affirms with some laugh at the end. It was quite true, and it was also something unbearable for the Tsar, who did not drink or smoke.
The Abyssinian envoy was silent, but he could watch St. Petersburg from the window. "Anything that interests you, your majesty?" The emperor asks Menelik.
"Ah, sorry. I'm just looking at the city ... a breathtaking sight." Menelik, one of the many kings of Abyssinia exclaims.
"A bit cold for my taste. But I have to admit something Your Highness, Saint Petersburg is impressive, I have been at the court of King Leopold II of Belgium and yet there is something ... strange, unique so to speak." Sanford mentions.
"I am very pleased by such words." Tsar Alexander III promptly exclaims.
The Tsar had specifically asked for Menelik, King of Shewa, as an envoy, the reason was simple, Menelik had experience dealing with Europeans (more specifically Italians) ... and also King Menelik was a kind character very interested in Russian weapons .
Simply the perfect person to show the European situation to Emperor Yohannes IV and the need for Russian-Ethiopian relations.
*******
* Foreign perspectives.
Probably a foreigner could not fully understand Russia, just very foreign. For a Russian the city could be somewhat depressing on many occasions but foreigners were seeing a lot of things.
Power, technological advancement, economy, etc.
Russia had had the world's first electric tram there, the first city fully electrified with incandescent lamps, and what to say about architectural wonders among other advances demonstrated at the St. Petersburg Exposition just a few years ago.
This was not going to change the opinions of Russia from one day to the next, many would continue to consider Russia as a backward state, or that outside the capital the situation was diametrically different, etc.
But for example for businessmen like Henry S. Sanford or ambitious men like Menelik I, and statesmen like Otto von Bismarck it was clear the enormous potential and / or Russian power in many respects.
*******
[Korea]
Historically speaking, the first Orthodox missionaries from Russia arrive to the Joseon dynasty, Korea is not part of the colonial orthodoxy program but is de-facto a protectorate of Russia, so delicately some missionaries went to do charity work to try to gain some successes with the native Korean population of Korea.
After the Imo incident, the Russian Empire ran the affairs of Korea, for example Russian-trained officials and administrators were rising as the main leaders of the reform, replacing the inept and 'inept' (disloyal or from non-aligned factions).
Under the reform of King Gojong and Queen Min the Oeamun (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and Naeamun (Ministry of the Interior) were formed, with Russian advisers of course.
With this the management of the growth of railways and extractive-agricultural mechanized industries (first step for industrialization in other areas) was essentially in the hands of Russia and Koreans considered capable or loyal.
The Seoul Railroad was able to be completed more quickly as new farms and industries grew in the countryside. Of course there were many positive or negative results, on the one hand mechanization left more free labor for some industries, but Koreans were increasingly migrating to Russia for better life chances.
But better still, Korean industry was growing, and Russia made money from all of this by modernizing Korean industry and the Korean military with Russian equipment and Russian-trained officers.
*******
[Central Asia]
The Ministry of Transport and Railways seemed to be successful at the moment with regard to the railways destined to link the Transcaspian railway with the Trans-Siberian railway. Despite the geography of the region, the railways and communication lines were advancing, yes, with occasional problems, but it was nothing that more money, effort and other improvements could not solve.
Tsar Alexander III however wondered what he could do to further diversify the Russian Turkestan economy.
There was already a potential for tourism, perhaps something related to archeology and the ancient history of the region (Samarkand with the tomb of Timur the lame for example), some constructions and of course something related to reserves and zoos.
It would also be good to invest in some of the more developed manufacturing or service industries (there was a dyeing industry, agriculture, livestock, dairy industry, extractive industry, railways, etc. But more could never hurt).
*******
[Bessarabia]
In Bessarabia Tsar Alexander III always received good news, more or less actually, the Tsarane had stopped rebelling for years so there were no more protests to crush with armies, now agriculture was advanced, there were railways and new industries, the Moldovan lords weren't a problem, etc.
Perhaps the biggest problem was actually the extreme consumption of alcohol and the occasional case of corruption that always cropped up.
Tsar Alexander III decided to give some push to the tourism sectors (such as its beaches), restaurants and other services in Bessarabia. The production of wine due to migration and internal economic issues, was proliferating more in other regions of southern Russia such as the Caucasus or Malorossiya-Novorossiya (due to the bulk of the Iberian-French migration going to these areas).
However, it was not a reason not to enjoy the climate of Bessarabia and other possible attractions, being the only Latin culture within the Russian Empire it was undoubtedly something interesting for the Russians themselves.
Emperor Alexander III for example gave the statue of a bull (symbol of ancient Moldavia) to the city of Kishinev (capital of the province of Bessarabia).
Also if the natives of Bessarabia (Moldovans, Orthodox Turks or others) felt more appreciated by the government and without economic problems, nationalism would not be a problem.
*******
* Alexandrian perspective.
"... Having subjects is radically different from knowing your subjects, statistics indicate that the empire has more than 100 million people, that there is economic prosperity, stability, investment, etc.
But is that enough?
I wonder if ordinary people really value it, if they believe that the idea and the imperial project is what has given them all that ...
The industry is expanding, the navy is doing it, the army is doing it, and the empire too, with colonies in the Pacific and potentially in Africa in the medium and long term.
Some believe that Russia and Europe are simply providing civilization to wild natives, but I think I am simply avoiding piles of larger corpses. "
Tsar Alexander III destroyed another of his notes, tired of so much discussion with foreigners due to the Saint Petersburg conference but still thinking about the people.
More specifically in what people think and say, including some foreigners.
The tsar in particular had a surprise for 1885, he at least hoped it would work.
*******
[International]
On October 6 in the United States the Naval War College of Rhode Island is founded.
November 1, in Ireland the Gaelic Athletic Association is founded, a sports and cultural organization that has the purpose of promoting Gaelic sports and pastimes.
November 2, under King Carol I of Romania, the Romanian city of Timișoara becomes the first Romanian city with streets illuminated by electric light.
Obviously behind some great powers, but it is still an achievement for the Balkans and Romania.
November 4, although Hancock's presidency is not over, due to diabetes and other illnesses, his health has deteriorated. Preventing him from participating as a candidate in the 1884 elections.
At the Democratic convention there were two candidates: Grover Cleveland and William H. English (vice president of the Hancock administration). Grover Cleveland won the nomination.
At the Republican convention on the other hand were: James A. Garfield and James G. Blaine. Finally, despite Garfield being a political expert in his own right, his loss to 'rookie' Hancock led to Blaine's victory in the nomination.
On November 17, the Saint Petersburg Conference begins. To decide the divisions of Africa and some parts of the Pacific.
At the beginning of December the minister-president Porfirio Diaz wins the elections again, which, to the annoyance of Emperor Maximiliano I, Diaz will hold until 1900s.
December 6, under the Hancock administration, the Washington Monument is completed in Washington D.C.