Start 1861: I Just Inherited the Dutch Throne

The Austro-Hungarian Empire launched a war against Mexico, which put its old enemy Colombia in crisis. The ambitions of the German-Austrian Alliance in Latin America also aroused resentment among the people of many countries in the Americas. The Australian Times reported that the American Governance Project of the Dutch National Peace Foundation in the autumn of 1881 Polls show that only 7.1% of Colombians and 9% of Venezuelans have a positive view of Austria-Hungary.

Only 26% of people in Colombia and 21% of people in Venezuela have a positive view of the German Empire.

"From a bilateral perspective, Austria-Hungary and Germany do not pose a real direct threat to Venezuela and Colombia. The challenge is that the German-Austrian alliance How to reshape the international norms and international system that allow Colombia and Venezuela to safeguard their security and benefit from harm, and what this means for Colombia and Venezuela, both politically and economically, as well as in terms of security, as members of the Dutch Alliance Group of Allies Influence."

However, Colombia and Venezuela have no intention of being like Guatemala and Belize. Because they are close to Mexico and the Austro-Hungarian occupation zone, and the threat has become greater, they have announced the closure of the border with the Mexican occupation zone and declared the Austro-Hungarian Empire as an inviolable territory for these two countries. Welcoming people and preventing the Austro-Hungarian Empire from entering the country's borders, it is obvious that the two countries have completely turned against the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Since Colombia and Venezuela are in the southern Caribbean, and their land area and influence are stronger than the five Central American countries, these two countries regard themselves as spokespersons for the regional alliance when dealing with Germany and Austria. The role of a middle power.

It is reported that Colombia and Venezuela have received fewer and fewer telegrams and diplomatic contacts from the German-Austrian alliance. At the same time, the two countries have moved closer to the Netherlands and are increasingly openly supporting foreign policy goals against the United Kingdom. , and increased the Dutch military and economic influence in the country. The Austro-Mexican War raised the stakes for many small and medium-sized Latin American countries, especially the members of the Group of Thirteen Alliance. Their security must rely on the Netherlands to guarantee it, and they are the guarantee of the Netherlands. The Dinghai Shenzhen that protects you from threats.

The war between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Mexico has lasted for almost two weeks. The establishment of the German-Austrian Alliance has made even the Mexican presidential office, which is not so hawkish towards the German Empire, tired of the German Empire's position. A senior Mexican official said, Germany's previous close contacts with Mexico now seem to have become meaningless to Mexico.

Many Mexicans pointed out that the relationship between Mexico and Germany accelerated in the 1970s and even became Germany's second strategic security partner in the Americas after the Confederate States of America. The two countries were even originally preparing to form an alliance to deal with the British in the Confederate States of America ( The threat of the independent southern part of the United States, north of Mexico), and the threat of expanding Dutch influence in Colombia and Venezuela in the south.

But I didn't expect that as soon as Germany formed an alliance with the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire launched a war of aggression against itself.

Germany and Mexico negotiated many times, but Germany always failed to agree to Mexico's persuasion to withdraw from Austria-Hungary. Instead, it used various excuses to excuse itself. So within two weeks, the relationship between Mexico and Germany gradually deteriorated. As a strategic cooperation framework between the German Empire and Central America, One of the founding members, Mexico, like other regional countries, is dissatisfied and tired of Germany's practices.

The Austro-Hungarian Empire launched a war against Mexico that changed the geopolitical situation in Latin America. The close relationship between Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire further worsened Berlin's image in Latin America. "European Times" reported that Latin American countries are adjusting their policies towards Germany. and strengthen cooperation with the Netherlands.

Of course, only 26% of people in Colombia and 21% of people in Venezuela have a positive view of the German Empire, mainly due to the belief that the German Empire will play a role in the peace negotiations to end the Austro-Mexican War, so these make you think that they The two countries need to maintain good relations with Berlin. They believe that their countries should have a seat at the negotiating table. Some people believe that Germany may sit next to the invader Austria-Hungary, or even replace Austria-Hungary and directly roll up its sleeves to participate in the negotiations. .

In short, the current image of the Austro-Hungarian Empire has collapsed, and Germany is also seriously deteriorating. If the losses are not sustained, Germany will be completely bound to the identity of the Austro-Hungarian ally.

On September 29, 1881, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dutch Government stated in a statement that Foreign Minister Joseph Beit was in Melbourne with Sweden, Denmark, Greece, Spain, the Russian Empire, the Qing Dynasty, the Kingdom of Koryo and the other twelve countries of the Thirteen-Nation Alliance of Latin America. The ambassador to the Netherlands and other 19 people met and briefed them on the Netherlands' views on Austria-Hungary launching a war against Mexico.

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: "Our Dutch and global allies are aware of the threat posed by the Austro-Hungarian invasion of Mexico and the German-Austrian Alliance. Therefore, our nineteen countries will coordinate closely on this issue and reiterate the importance of the Netherlands. We are more united with our allies than ever before.”

Joseph Beit visited Vienna in June. Unexpectedly, in the blink of an eye, the Austro-Hungarian Empire would launch a war against Mexico.

On Wednesday (September 29), Beit met with representatives of 19 countries. At the meeting, Beit emphasized close coordination in dealing with the Austria-Hungary and Mexico issues, and called on all countries to be more united to deal with future threats and challenges.

At the meeting, Foreign Minister Beit announced that the Netherlands will provide arms support to Mexico starting next week in response to the results of the collective representative meeting of the Group of Thirteen Latin American countries.

It is currently confirmed that the Netherlands will provide 20,000 rifles and 5,000 semi-automatic rifles plus ammunition to Mexico at a 50% discount every month to support Mexico.

The news from the Netherlands spread immediately, causing serious dissatisfaction in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Franz Joseph I directly criticized in Vienna: "We have no intention of targeting the Netherlands. We have been friends with the Netherlands for generations. The Netherlands is now providing weapons to the enemies of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This is preparing to provide weapons to the 30 million Austro-Hungarians." Send a signal of hostility? If so, then the Austro-Hungarian Empire will not show any timidity and face the enemy directly."

The toughness of Austria-Hungary makes people surprised. At the same time, it also agrees with the possibility that many experts mentioned a few days ago that the Mexican-Austrian war may have escalated. If Austria-Hungary and the Netherlands really start a war because of this, Then the great power war will come, and it will be difficult for the Austro-Hungarian Empire to win the war, but will Germany, the other side of the German-Austrian Alliance, stand aside and watch?

Germany has always liked to plan and act later. It is impossible for Germany to retreat when the Netherlands enters the scene. Therefore, many countries keep their eyes open and wait for the show to unfold, especially the United Kingdom.