The overthrow of Tsar Nicholas II's rule and the transfer of power to the Bolsheviks dealt a severe blow to the entire Western world. In capitalist circles, the Bolsheviks and their ideologies had long been viewed as heretical and dangerous.
Historically, the Bolsheviks faced relentless oppression; both domestically and globally, their situation was dire. Yet now, they had pried open a chink in the weakest link of the capitalist world. The ensuing panic in capitalist nations was, therefore, quite predictable.
From the current global landscape, it was clear that the fears of the Allies outweighed those of the Central Powers. Despite suffering a catastrophic defeat on the Eastern Front, Russia remained one of the principal members of the Allies. The presence of millions of Russian soldiers on that front had significantly constrained the forces of Germany and Austria-Hungary.
Now that a radical change had occurred in Russia, it was uncertain whether the Bolsheviks would honor existing treaties and continue the war effort. This uncertainty posed a considerable challenge for the Allied powers in the upcoming strategic landscape.
In contrast, the Central Powers felt less pressure. Although Germany and Austria-Hungary harbored hostility towards the Bolsheviks, their immediate concern was winning the current war. The upheaval in Russia meant they no longer had to fear threats from the Eastern Front and could redirect their forces to other fronts for a counteroffensive.
Moreover, the Bolsheviks had the backing of Germany. The German Empire felt little apprehension about the Bolsheviks turning against them, especially at such a precarious moment for their new regime. They would not dare act against Germany until they had fully consolidated power in Russia. By that time, the German Empire might very well have secured victory in the world war, emerging as a superpower, further reducing their fears of the Bolsheviks. This was precisely why QinTian boldly supported the Bolsheviks in Russia. With their victory, it was now time to consider how to maximize the benefits from this outcome.
Austria-Hungary, meanwhile, was eagerly preparing for another offensive. Following the return of the German 8th Army, Austrian forces had previously launched an attack but faced setbacks and had to withdraw due to logistical issues and troop losses. With the recent turmoil in Russia, they saw a prime opportunity to strike.
However, before Austria-Hungary could act, Germany intervened. The German government formally communicated with Austria-Hungary, urging them to cease their actions against the Bolsheviks. They had initiated contact with the Bolsheviks, seeking to resolve the situation on the Eastern Front through negotiation. High-ranking officials in the Austrian government and military were dissatisfied with Germany's demands but did not dare to voice their dissent openly. After all, the German Empire was their most powerful ally, possessing far greater military strength than Austria-Hungary. They had no choice but to carefully consider Germany's wishes.
Crown Prince Karl expressed his strong discontent, asserting that, while Germany was an ally, the two nations were equals, and Austria-Hungary need not follow Germany's orders.
Yet, few supported him this time. Previously, he had garnered significant backing due to Germany's ambiguous stance. Now that Germany had made its position clear, opposing it would be tantamount to provoking the German Empire—an outcome no one could afford to face. Notable figures such as Archduke Friedrich and Marshal Baron Herzendorf firmly voiced their opposition. Consequently, Emperor Franz Joseph I ordered the military to maintain a defensive posture and refrain from any offensive actions.
This outcome infuriated Crown Prince Karl, who found himself powerless to change the situation. All he could do was vent his frustration through curses, unable to effect any real change.
Germany was indeed preparing to negotiate with the Bolsheviks, a process spearheaded by QinTian from the outset. From the moment he began supporting the Bolsheviks, he had been strategizing to compel them to sign a treaty and withdraw from the war. Achieving this would allow Germany to conclude its operations on the Eastern Front while securing substantial benefits at minimal cost.
The Allies, for their part, were actively considering their next steps in light of the upheaval in Russia, seeking ways to protect or even enhance their own interests. Were it not for the current global war, they would likely have dispatched troops to assist the Bolsheviks and support the restoration of Tsar Nicholas II. However, the situation had shifted dramatically. Under the Central Powers' relentless assault, they were already struggling. Sending forces to Russia was now utterly unfeasible.
In London, at 10 Downing Street, members of the Cabinet gathered in the Prime Minister's conference room, their expressions grim. The smoke from cigars swirled around the room, yet no one paid it any mind.
"Gentlemen! How do we perceive the upheaval in the Russian Empire?" Prime Minister Asquith inquired.
His mood was bleak; Russia had just suffered a devastating defeat on the Eastern Front, which undoubtedly struck a heavy blow to the Allies. They had only recently agreed to finance and supply arms to rearm Russia, hoping to maximize its potential on the battlefield. Yet now, such a dramatic shift threatened to exacerbate their already precarious situation.
With Russia's influence curtailed, it was clear that they would soon face a full-scale offensive from Germany and Austria-Hungary. While Austria-Hungary posed less of a concern due to its relative military weakness, Germany was a different matter entirely. The Anglo-French forces would need to muster all their strength to withstand another assault from the Germans. If they faltered, northern France could fall entirely, raising serious doubts about the French people's willingness to continue the war.