The Life and Influence of Francisco Sabatino di Arnaud Part 3: The Art of Diplomacy
Shortly after the end of the war, German and Italian diplomats meet at Zurich to begin negotiations for further cooperation between Germany and Italy. They are not ready to sign a permanent alliance, but agree to many cooperative practices. The Understanding of Zurich is signed on October 15, 1871, and the nations agree to lower tariffs with their respective nations, protect German merchantmen in the Mediterranean and Italian merchantmen in the Baltic, and allow each other�s warships to come into each other�s naval installations. The most important part of the Understanding is a pact for Germany to remain neutral in the possibility of an Italian conflict with Austria-Hungary, and Italy to remain neutral in the case of a German war with France. There is no restriction on aiding the other in said conflicts. Arnaud believes this is a step in the right direction in a full alliance with the German Empire.
Arnaud also uses much of the money gained by the war to fund a number of Academies at Rome, Naples and Venice. Scholars can come from all nations to study at Italian Academies with most expenses paid, provided that they can back up their findings. Arnaud issues this as a step towards the reinstitution of Italy as the European center of learning. Many learned scientists come to Italy and begin studying.
Arnaud also begins a naval rebuilding program to ensure control of the Adriatic in case of war with Austria-Hungary, and to pave the way for a North African colonial program. Arnaud plans to build 3 battleships and 8 frigates to add to the Adriatic Fleet. These battleships are to be christened the Conte de Cavour, the King Charles Albert and the Giuseppe Mazzini. Arnaud also offers France a deal to renounce all claims to Tunis in exchange for absolving 100 million francs from their indemnity. France, overburdened with over 7 billion francs to pay, agrees to Arnaud�s offer in 1872.
In 1873, Germany, Austria-Hungary and Russia organize the Three Emperor�s League at Bismarck�s behalf. The three nations agree to non-aggression, but Austria-Hungary and Russia do not get along, especially over their Balkans policy. Bismarck manages to hold them together for a few years.
The new ships built by the naval rebuilding program are finished in early 1874, and comprise the new Sicilian Fleet, based in Taranto. Now that extra naval forces are ready, Arnaud prepares to occupy Tunis when the time is right and begin Italy�s colonial program. Also, the military has completed its updating and retraining program and forms one of the best armies in Europe. Arnaud decides against conscription to avoid appearing as a militaristic power. Arnaud focuses on maintaining peace abroad and domestic tranquility.
In 1877, Russia goes to war with the Ottoman Empire to get control of additional Caucasus territory and gain influence in the Balkans. While the Ottoman Empire is distracted by the war, the Sicilian Fleet joins troop transports in Taranto. In January of 1878, the Italian fleet leaves Taranto and heads toward Cape Bon, where Italian forces land, encountering minimal resistance. Tunis is captured on January 24th, and Sfax on the 3rd of February. Arnaud announces that Italian troops landed to protect the property of Italians, and announces a protectorate over Tunisia. Italian troops have control over most of the countryside by February 15th, excepting minor tribal insurrections. The bey, Kahmidarli Abasset, signs the Treaty of Al Metlaoui on February 31st, recognizing Tunisia as an Italian protectorate.
On March 3rd, the Treaty of San Stefano is signed between Russia and the Ottoman Empire, but its harshness towards the Turks cause Count Gyula Andrassy of Austria-Hungary to call for a conference in Berlin. Chancellor Bismarck presides over the conference, and Austrian gains are numerous, but not completely equal to land given to Russia by the conference. Bismarck and the Italian foreign minister, Francesco Crispi, collaborate against Austria-Hungary to limit their gains at the conference. Russia is given southern Bessarabia, and the Russian occupied �Big Bulgaria� is divided into three parts, two of which are administered by Bulgaria. Russia receives the former Ottoman provinces of Batum, Kars, and Ardahan, in exchange for promising not to send warships into the Mediterranean. Bosnia and Herzegovina is made autonomous areas of Austria-Hungary and are non-militarized zones. Serbia loses small areas to the northeast to Romania. The Treaty of Berlin is signed on the 11th of July.
Britain supports the Russian Mediterranean concession and the losses of independent states in the Balkans, and accepts the conferences results. Austria-Hungary is disappointed in its gains at the Congress of Berlin, and feels somewhat threatened by Russia, alienated by Germany, and uneasy towards Italy. Germany and Bismarck has achieved better relations with Russia, and do not want to see Austria-Hungary rule the Balkans. Arnaud is content with his Tunisian territory, and is very pleased to weaken Austria-Hungary. Emperor Victor Emmanuel I dies in Rome on February 16th 1879, and Prince Humbert is crowned Emperor soon after. Humbert is well liked by the people of Italy and supports Arnaud, having seen his actions to strengthen Italy. Humbert primarily desires colonies and Italian prosperity, and Arnaud promises Humbert both. The Italian Academies are beginning to show their worth, as scholars and scientists acknowledge Italy as a place of learning and advancement, and make Italian industry more efficient and cost effective through innovations.
In August of 1879, Count Gyula Andrassy, in his recent discomfort with Austria�s position, between a powerful Russia and a powerful Italy feels the need for a stronger alliance than the Three Emperor�s League. Germany is in too good of relations with Italy to support Austria-Hungary in case of war, the Ottoman Empire is too weak, Britain doesn�t make alliances on the Continent, and all that is left is France. France likes the idea of an alliance with Austria-Hungary, as it would give Germany a two-front war during France�s next conflict. The Franco-Austrian Entente is signed on October 5th, 1879 at Salzburg, with Prime Minister Gyula Andrassy and French Premier Jules Ferry signing the document at the same time. Both countries, defeated, scared, and feeling alienated, celebrate after finding an ally.
Bismarck quickly affirms his neutral relations with Austria-Hungary, and manages to get a non-aggression pact signed that will preserve peace in the case of a French attack on Germany, but not a German attack on France. Bismarck is relieved that a two front war with France will be avoided.
In late 1881, after seeing cooperation between France and Austria-Hungary, Arnaud believes that time has come for a full alliance with Germany. Arnaud contacts Bismarck, and negotiations quickly begin for a full alliance. German and Italian diplomats meet at Geneva in November and sign a full alliance. The Dual Alliance is formed between the German and Italian Empires on November 25th 1881, and hopes to preserve a balance of power in Europe for years to come.