Morocco's life has not been good at all in recent years. Due to weather reasons, its agriculture has suffered from drought, resulting in poor harvests for farmers. In addition, due to official corruption and the government's short-sightedness, there is no means of disaster relief, but it continues as usual.
The imposition of taxes has made farmers and herdsmen extremely dissatisfied, and anti-tax riots have continued one after another.
France's tentacles are increasingly tightening, and products from France are impacting Morocco's economy. The country's handicraftsmen have gone bankrupt one after another, which has also led to dissatisfaction with the government in the city.
Under this situation, the Moroccan people could not sit still, and a larger uprising broke out in early 1911. People who were dissatisfied with the government and the Sudan rose up under the banner of overthrowing the government and opposing the Sudan. The rebel army subsequently captured Rabat.
Meknes and other cities led to the rebel army becoming more and more powerful, and a large number of bankrupt peasants and craftsmen who could not survive joined them.
France, which considers itself the protector of Morocco, could not sit still when it saw that the Moroccan uprising was getting bigger and bigger.
The army was sent into Morocco with the intention of helping Morocco suppress the rebellion and completely control Morocco. Facing the French military operations, the Moroccan government had no resistance at all. As for the rebel army, it was not its opponent, and Rabat was soon occupied by them.
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The French's actions made European countries unable to sit still. Because it violated the Treaty of Algeciras signed by various countries a few years ago, various countries have expressed their dissatisfaction with the French's actions in Morocco.
However, the French ignored the attitudes of various countries and instead continued to send troops to intervene in Morocco. In the following month, they occupied the capital Fes, Rabat, Meknes and other places.
Some people couldn't sit still about what the French did. This person was Kaiser Wilhelm II. Kaiser Wilhelm II was in London at this time. He asked the British government whether France's behavior violated the Treaty of Algeciras.
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Not only did the British fail to uphold "justice" for him, but they told William II: This treaty is just a formality, so why should everyone take it seriously?
Unable to get the desired results from the British population, the Kaiser did not give up, but instead stepped up preparations.
As for Germany, in response to France's "provocation", the entire German society is filled with calls for a declaration of war against France.
At this time, Germany had considerable interests in Morocco, and its interests were second only to France and Spain.
However, although there have been calls for a declaration of war against France in the country, as the German Prime Minister, this "provocation" by France has filled the entire German society with calls for a declaration of war against France.
German Chancellor Holweg believes that Germany does not need to use force against France for Morocco.
He believed that Germany could recognize France's complete occupation of Morocco, but France must allocate a considerable area to Germany as a colony. In addition, France must make considerable compensation to Germany in Central Africa, West Africa, East Africa and other colonies.
Holweg had this idea because he was worried that using force against France would probably lead to Britain declaring war on Germany - the alliance between France and Britain was already too strong.
In addition, once a war breaks out, how to end it will also become a problem.
For this reason, after the Kaiser returned to Berlin, the Prime Minister immediately stated his views to the Kaiser.
"Are you saying that if we take military action against France, then Britain is likely to enter the war?"
Faced with the Kaiser's inquiry, Holweg immediately replied. "Actually, it's not just the United Kingdom. Based on the current relationship between France and Russia and the treaty signed between them, I think that if we declare war on France, then Britain and Russia will
The two countries will never sit idly by and ignore the situation. The two countries may take military measures to stop our country's war with France."
Holweg's words made William think deeply. If France alone is the only one, William is not afraid. Germany is not afraid of France in terms of population, national power or military strength. But if Britain and Russia are added, then Germany will be at a disadvantage.
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The visit to London some time ago has made William vigilant enough. But it is not his character to back down, and the anger in the country must be released, otherwise this anger will be turned on the government and himself.
"Holweg, do you have any ideas?"
At this moment, the Kaiser turned his attention to the Prime Minister. Since the other party found him, I believe he must have some ideas.
Facing the emperor's inquiry, Prime Minister Holweg, who had already had an idea, said, "Your Majesty, at this time we need to make two preparations. First, we must contact our allies, inform them of our plight, and seek their support.
Help. The Austrians can help us guard the Russians, and the Italians can help us share the burdens of Britain and France.
pressure. Second; we cannot show the slightest hesitation at this time. We must let the French know that if they want to take Morocco, they must ask us what we think. Then we set conditions in turn and let France provide compensation from other places. For example, France is
The colonies in Africa that are adjacent to us must give us a part."
Facing the Prime Minister's idea, William's eyes lit up. "Relying on the help of allies is a good idea. We have been in the Three Kingdoms Alliance for more than 20 years. I think if we make requests to them now, they will not refuse us. As for asking France
People express our attitude, so what do you think should be done, massing the army towards the French border?"
Wilhelm II's words shocked Prime Minister Holweg. How could the army be mobilized at this time? Isn't this arousing France's nervous nerves?
"Your Majesty, there is no need to dispatch the army. The army is the foundation of our country and should not be used. I think it is best to dispatch the navy. Sending a small warship to Morocco is enough for the French to know our attitude, and it is enough to explain to the country."
Although William was not very satisfied with Prime Minister Holweg's suggestion, it was still a good choice when there was no better way.
"Then I'll do what you want. I'll call Tirpitz and ask him to send a small warship to Morocco."
"Your Majesty, it's best to ask the navy to send nearby warships so that we can show our determination." At this time, Prime Minister Holweg gave another suggestion.
"Okay, I understand."
With that said, Kaiser Wilhelm picked up the phone. "Put me through Tirpitz's office and tell me I'm looking for him."
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After receiving the instructions from the Kaiser, Marshal Tirpitz immediately called his secretary after putting down the phone.
"Give me the information on the warship closest to Morocco. It must be less than 2,000 tons."
"As you command, Marshal."
After a while, the secretary found information about the small warship closest to Morocco.
"Marshal, the closest small warship to Morocco is the destroyer Leopard, which is currently in the waters close to Spain."
"Immediately send a telegram to Leopard and ask him to go to Morocco to protect the safety of our nationals there."
"Obey the Marshal."
Soon the officers and men on board the Leopard received orders from the Admiralty. Faced with the order personally issued by Tirpitz, the officers and men on the Leopard turned the ship around and headed for Morocco without hesitation.
The ship belongs to the sixth gunboat of the "Chicken" class (1897). It was launched in 1901. It has a displacement of 1,193 tons, a maximum speed of 13.5 knots, and an endurance of 3,400 nautical miles. The ship's weapons include 2 105 mm guns and 6
37mm gun.
The "Leopard" was extremely active in Germany's overseas military activities. In 1902, when the ship had just entered service, it shelled a Haitian rebel ship that hijacked the German ship "Macomania" in Haiti, causing a sensation in the Americas. In just a few years
Months later, the "Leopard" participated in the intervention in the Venezuelan crisis, and together with British and Italian warships, blockaded and shelled Venezuelan ports.
In 1905, the "Leopard" captured a German artilleryman in Brazil without the authorization of the local government, which triggered a serious diplomatic incident between Brazil and Germany, known as the "Leopard Incident" in history.
This time, the little Leopard was at the front again.
