The impact of the Battle of Sirte was not only military, nor did it only affect the participating countries. The impact of this naval battle far exceeded the awareness of the countries involved.
After the war broke out, Istanbul, as the core city in the Black Sea Strait, the only channel to the Black Sea, became extremely prosperous.
However, although the Ottoman Empire reaped the dividends brought by the war, the Ottoman people were not satisfied. Because the Ottomans were humiliated. Yes, the British detained two Ottoman battleships, which did not give the Ottomans enough respect.
Looking at Chile, which also had battleships conscripted by the British, the British not only compensated it, but also promised to return the battleships after the war. If the battleships were lost during the war, the British government would provide sufficient compensation, which can be said to be full of sincerity.
After looking at the conditions given to the Ottomans, they forcibly recruited Ottoman battleships and kicked off the Ottoman sailors who were ready to receive them. There was no compensation, and they only promised to return the battleships after the war. As for how to compensate for losses during the war, more
Not a single word.
The conditions for the Chileans were generous, but the Ottomans were so harsh. Although Chile was a traditional ally of the British, and Chile's saltpeter mines were also very important, this did not become a reason for the British to insult the Ottomans. Yes, the Ottomans believed that this was the British
of deliberate humiliation.
In fact, did Britain humiliate the Ottomans? There was actually a misjudgment here, a misjudgment by the British and Russian governments. They believed that the Ottoman government would participate in this war. If the two battleships were delivered, they would become the allies to attack the Allies.
weapon at sea.
You must know that Russia did not have any dreadnoughts in the Black Sea at this time, and Britain and France were still facing threats from Italy and Austria in the Mediterranean. Giving the Ottomans two battleships at this time was not a way to support the enemy.
The main reason for this misjudgment was the huge pro-German forces in the Ottoman territory. In particular, the Grand Vizier (equivalent to the Prime Minister) Hamed Riza, the Minister of War Enver, the Minister of the Interior Talat, and the Minister of the Navy Jan
The four giants of the Al-Shabaab party headed by Maar are all pro-Germany.
"Be careful, teacher."
"I also think it's acceptable."
After putting the document in his hand on the table, Army Minister Enver immediately picked it up and read out Germany's conditions. "Germany is willing to provide 100,000 1888 Committee rifles, 500 Maxim machine guns, and 15 million rounds of machine rifle bullets.
As for now, taking advantage of Italy's great victory in the Battle of Sirte, the Germans want to dispel some thoughts that the Ottomans should not have.
Under such circumstances, the Ottomans naturally couldn't stand it.
The lack of preparation is simple. The Ottomans are an agricultural country, with 85% of the country's population engaged in agriculture. They do not have the ability to arm millions of people.
Since everyone agrees, Hamed, as the leader of the Ottoman Youth Party and Grand Vizier, will naturally not object. "Since everyone agrees, then I will go to see Ambassador Bachman."
After showing his willingness to wait, Hamed asked the servant to serve him tea and then went to the backyard, where the other three were already waiting.
In addition, Germany has a large military advisory group in the Ottomans. These professional German general staff officers are regarded as military mentors by the Ottomans. Therefore, the Turkish army accepts the guidance of German officers in both strategy and tactics, and appoints German officers to various positions.
The chief of staff of the Army Group and Army, it can be said that this is a Turkish army led by Germans.
Home Secretary Tallaght voted in favor.
Hamed, who took the document, asked him to wait and said he needed to discuss it with the other three.
As for greed, let me say one more thing. After the Ottomans signed the alliance treaty with Germany, they also secretly contacted France and Russia, but because each had their own agenda, there was no result. (Russia always wanted Istanbul, and France needed Russia to contain Germany from the east. More
Don’t dare to offend Maozi.)
It can be seen from the actions of the Ottomans that although they wanted to participate in this war for passive reasons, wanting to gain benefits was the main reason.
Then the Ottoman Empire, which could disperse the pressure at this time, became important at this time.
Because from all aspects, the Ottomans wanted to be Germany's allies, let alone give them battleships.
"Everyone, this is the best condition our country has obtained for you. For this condition, our country negotiated with Vienna and Rome for a long time before we obtained it for your country."
"Ambassador, please sit down for a moment. We need to discuss this."
"I think so too."
As for why Germany was anxious at this time, the main reason was that the Eastern Front was not fighting ideally. After winning the Battle of East Prussia, the German army fought successively at the Battle of Ivangorod and the Battle of Lodz, although it dispelled the Russian army's desire to peek at Silesia.
, but the pressure on the Eastern Front did not decrease at all. As the commanders of the German army on the Eastern Front, Hindenburg and Ludendorff hoped that the General Staff could increase their troops.
Therefore, on October 13, Germany and the Ottomans signed a secret alliance treaty, which brought the Ottomans to the Allied camp.
This is an arms worth 120 million marks, which can be said to be full of sincerity.
"It's okay, I can wait."
However, at this time, because of the occupation of Paris, Germany had no idea of deploying troops on the Western Front and could only mobilize some newly formed troops (most of which were returned to the Western Front).
Some people may say that Osman didn’t show any intention of changing his family after joining the war?
I can only say that you are too naive, because since he participated in the war, the Allied Powers have been ready to dismember him. Look at the dismemberment plan of Ottoman after the end of World War I in history. If Kemal had not risen to power, the Ottoman Empire would have been destroyed.
The chicken will be even more miserable.
Enver's words were obviously optimistic about Germany's victory on the battlefield.
"Teacher, I think Germany's sincerity this time is very high. These are the territories we have lost. As long as we can win, it will just make the people feel enough national self-confidence. And currently, it seems that Germany has a very high hope of winning.
In addition, our army is almost ready."
Some people may ask, why did the Ottomans not declare war on the Allies after joining the alliance, but still remained neutral?
The reason is very simple, that is, the Ottomans' lack of preparation, coupled with their hesitant and greedy nature, led to this situation.
After reading the muskets, Enver continued to talk about the more important division of the spoils. "If the Ottomans join the alliance, then Germany, Italy and Austria will promise to acquire Georgia, Cyprus, and Russian Armenia for the Ottoman Empire. In addition, the German government will provide the Ottoman Empire with
Providing loans of 80 million marks for people's livelihood..."
There is also an idiom that can describe the Ottoman country, which cherishes one's life when doing big things, and forgets one's life when seeing small gains.
After Enver finished speaking, Hamed looked at him and said, "Enver, do you think the Germans' conditions this time are acceptable?"
In the Grand Vizier's Palace, the German Ambassador to the Ottomans, Mr. Bachmann, was handing a document to Hamed Riza.
Okay, all three of them agreed.
"This is a new condition from the Germans."
Faced with the British seizure of warships, the Ottomans expressed protest, but this diplomatic protest could only be used to wipe their butts and London ignored it.
At this time, the German ambassador to Constantinople took the opportunity to propose to the four Ottoman giants a treaty to conclude a German-Turkish alliance. Due to the long-term conflicts between the Ottomans and Tsarist Russia, and the fact that its army had already been under the influence of the German military envoys headed by Sanders,
The influence of the Communist Youth League, coupled with the pro-German stance of the Big Four.
Under German training, the Ottoman standing army was only 250,000, and its military industry could only produce a small amount of weapons, most of which needed to be imported. This also resulted in the Ottoman military being unable to reserve a large amount of weapons and equipment, so its military power capability was very weak.
As the person who knows the most about military affairs among the Big Four and is Hamed's successor, Enver's words hold great weight.
As soon as he stood up, Hamed felt dizzy and his body started to shake.
Enver, with his sharp eyesight and quick hands, immediately stood up and supported Hamed.
"It's okay, it's just an old problem. I'll have to rely on you in the future."
Ahmed patted Enver on the shoulder and walked out.
On January 15, the Ottomans announced that they would join the Allied camp, and subsequently declared war on Britain, France, and Russia. The Allies had new members.
