Chapter Summaries

Oscar and German officials prepared for war after learning that Karl I had secretly met with Woodrow Wilson and seemed to be turning away from Germany. Germany planned to crush the Austro-Hungarian Empire and annex Austria, while leaving its other states as protectorates.

• General Balaimin reported that Karl I and Woodrow Wilson had held a secret meeting in Vienna and that Wilson had left pleased.
• Oscar said Germany expected Karl I to end the alliance, which would give Germany a pretext to declare war.
• Field Marshal Falkenhayn confirmed that five German army corps had secretly mobilized to invade Austria and Bohemia and deter Hungary.
• Wachth reported that Karl I had little control over the Austro-Hungarian Empire's divided states and had shown hostility toward Germany.
• Oscar explained that Germany intended to annex Austria and make the empire's other states independent protectorates.

Karl I persuaded Austro-Hungarian officials to support withdrawing from the Allied Powers despite fears of provoking Germany. On January 15, 1917, Prime Minister Mario Weber announced the Empire’s withdrawal.

• On January 12, 1917, Karl I told the Imperial Council he had decided that the Austro-Hungarian Empire would leave the Allied Powers.
• Archduke Friedrich and Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf warned that withdrawal could expose the Empire to a German attack.
• Foreign Minister Baron von Berchtold cautioned that leaving the alliance would further worsen relations with Germany.
• Karl I argued that Germany already suppressed the Empire and that other nations, including the United States, might intervene if Germany attacked.
• The ministers did not openly oppose Karl I, and his decision passed with the support of several officials.
• On January 15, 1917, Mario Weber announced that the Austro-Hungarian Empire had withdrawn from the Allied Powers.

Oscar confronted Baron von Berchtold over the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s withdrawal from the Allied Powers and demanded that it reverse the decision within three days. Berchtold reported Germany’s ultimatum to Vienna and urged Karl I to comply, warning that war could destroy the empire.

• Baron von Berchtold told Oscar that the Austro-Hungarian Empire had withdrawn from the Allied Powers because it believed the alliance was no longer needed, not to provoke Germany.
• Oscar denounced the withdrawal as a betrayal and demanded that the Austro-Hungarian Empire publicly retract it within three days or face the consequences.
• Berchtold realized that Germany might be using the withdrawal as a pretext for war, but assured Oscar he would report the demand to his government.
• Berchtold hurried to the Austro-Hungarian Embassy and urged Karl I to reverse his decision, warning that the empire could not withstand a German invasion and should not rely on American support.

Karl I and the Austro-Hungarian ministers debated Germany’s ultimatum after the Empire withdrew from the Allied Powers. Karl rejected compromise and insisted the Empire would resist a German attack, though his advisers doubted its chances.

• Baron von Berchtold’s telegram warned Vienna that Germany’s ultimatum could lead to war, and Prime Minister Mario Weber and Duke Andrassy urged Karl I to take the threat seriously.
• Karl I declared that the Austro-Hungarian Empire would rather fight than submit to Germany.
• Archduke Friedrich warned that the Empire might not be able to defeat Germany, while Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf and General Anton Haus described the limits of the army and navy’s ability to resist.
• Karl I claimed the Empire could hold out until the United States and other powers joined the war against Germany.
• Karl I urged the ministers not to yield and suggested that Germany might be bluffing, but the ministers remained apprehensive.

Hungarian nobles and the Bohemian Archduke prepared to abandon Karl I rather than face war with Germany. The chapter left Hungary considering neutrality and Bohemia agreeing to let German troops pass through, while the Archduke expected Germany to grant Bohemia independence.

• Count István von Tisza, Baron Tobres, and Hungarian nobles condemned Karl I for challenging Germany and putting the Austro-Hungarian army on alert.
• Marquis Damen Fe Lenz proposed that Hungary remain neutral if Germany attacked, revealing he had already contacted the Germans.
• The Bohemian Archduke agreed to German demands and told Prince Carini that Bohemian troops would let German forces cross their territory toward Vienna.
• The Bohemian Archduke said Germany would likely allow Bohemia independence, though the new kingdom would have to align with Germany.
• The Bohemian Archduke told Prince Carini that the Austro-Hungarian Empire had become a shell after Franz Joseph I died.

Germany prepared to fight the Austro-Hungarian Empire after securing neutrality promises from several constituent states and considering the risk of American intervention. On January 19, Bülow formally declared war, and German forces stood ready to attack.

• Wachth reported that Hungary, Bohemia, Croatia-Slavonia, and Dalmatia would remain neutral and were interested in independence.
• Oscar and his officials discussed possible American intervention, and Admiral Scheer proposed keeping aircraft carriers in the Atlantic to counter the US Navy.
• Oscar ordered Germany to declare war the next day and directed the military to attack quickly.
• More than a million German troops took their positions as Europe watched and speculated about the war's outcome.
• On the morning of January 19, Bülow declared war on the Austro-Hungarian Empire on the grounds that it had betrayed the alliance.

German Emperor Qin Tian justified the declaration of war on the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and German forces crossed the border as the invasion began. In Vienna, Karl I ordered a counterattack and sought international support.

• Qin Tian accused the Austro-Hungarian Empire of betraying its alliance, and German propaganda stirred public anger in favor of war.
• German commanders sent prepared vanguard units across the border and ordered them to crush any resistance.
• Officials, civilians, and soldiers in Vienna panicked over Germany’s declaration of war and doubted the Austro-Hungarian Empire could win.
• Karl I blamed Germany for forcing the Empire out of the Allied Powers and ordered Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf to counterattack the invading forces.
• Karl I ordered his government to expose Germany’s invasion to the world and send the Americans a Telegram requesting support.

President Woodrow Wilson discussed how the United States could use a war between Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire to gain time and weaken Germany. After Germany declared war and invaded, Wilson left open whether America would send troops or strike the German Navy.

• Secretary of State Bryan reported that Austria-Hungary had left the Allied Powers and Germany had threatened military action unless it reversed its decision.
• Wilson said a European war would benefit the United States by slowing Germany’s growth while America developed its industry and technology.
• Secretary of War Garrison asked whether America would honor its promise to send troops if Austria-Hungary held out for a month, and Wilson said the decision would depend on the situation.
• The Secretary of the Navy suggested exploiting a German naval deployment to the Mediterranean to attack the German Atlantic Fleet, and Wilson said America would wait for an opportunity.
• A secretary reported that Germany had declared war on Austria-Hungary and crossed its border, and Wilson said the show had begun.

German forces crossed into Austro-Hungarian territory and advanced through Bohemia as local troops chose not to resist, leaving the empire’s central government with few forces to oppose them. German troops reached Prague and continued south toward Austria, while Bohemia’s rulers hoped the invasion would help them gain independence.

• The Austrian Division Commander withdrew his troops after scouts reported German reinforcements and tanks approaching.
• The German 211th Regiment advanced toward Vienna after learning the Austro-Hungarian troops had retreated.
• Bohemian troops surrendered or opened the border under the Bohemian Archduke’s policy of non-resistance, allowing German forces to enter Bohemia.
• German 6th and 7th Army Corps occupied key cities and transport hubs, and German tanks appeared in Prague within hours.
• Prince Carini told the Bohemian Archduke that German troops had occupied Prague and were advancing south, and the Archduke said Bohemia would become independent after Germany defeated the empire.
• Baron Tobres ordered Hungarian troops to remain in their barracks, leaving the Austro-Hungarian central government with few forces available to resist.

Karl I learned that Germany had invaded the Austro-Hungarian Empire and insisted the empire could defeat the German forces through mass mobilization. The situation worsened as Bohemia surrendered and Hungary’s army was ordered to stay in its barracks, leaving the empire’s defense in jeopardy.

• Karl I told Archduke Friedrich and Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf that the Americans had promised to join the war if the empire held out for a month.
• A staff officer reported that four German army groups had crossed into Austro-Hungarian territory and were advancing toward Vienna and through Bohemia.
• Karl I called for expanding the army to four million, while Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf warned that the available forces might still struggle against Germany.
• A staff officer reported that the Kingdom of Bohemia had opened its border and surrendered to the Germans.
• A staff officer reported that Baron Tobres had ordered all Hungarian troops to remain in their barracks.

After Bohemia and Hungary refused to support the Austro-Hungarian Empire against Germany, Karl I tried to win them back with promises of greater autonomy and royal titles. Both rejected him, leaving Karl and his ministers convinced that the Empire would lose the war and break apart.

• Karl I and his ministers learned that Bohemia and Hungary had abandoned the Empire, cutting its strength and leaving it unable to resist Germany.
• Archduke Friedrich urged Karl I to make concessions, and Karl sent Telegrams promising Bohemia and Hungary greater autonomy and the title of König if they fought alongside the Empire.
• The Bohemian Archduke rejected Karl’s offer, saying Bohemia had already secured what it wanted and would not fall with the Empire.
• The Hungarian Government also rejected the offer, blamed Karl I for the war, and declared Hungary would remain strictly neutral.
• Prime Minister Mario Weber warned that Hungary and Bohemia would likely become independent after the Empire’s defeat, and Karl’s ministers accepted that they could no longer prevent its collapse.

Karl I tried to rally the Austro-Hungarian Empire to resist Germany, but his ministers argued that American support was unreliable and the war was unwinnable. After more kingdoms declared neutrality and frontline troops retreated, he agreed to seek peace from Germany at the lowest possible cost.

• Karl I ordered Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf to send troops to the front and begin emergency mobilization.
• Baron von Berchtold argued that the Americans had used the Empire as a pawn and would not support it.
• Karl I asked his ministers how to preserve the Empire, and Baron von Berchtold advised seeking peace from Germany.
• Prime Minister Mario Weber and Archduke Friedrich urged Karl I to seek peace, warning that refusing could destroy the country and cost the Habsburg dynasty its throne.
• The Kingdom of Dalmatia and the Kingdom of Croatia-Slavonia declared neutrality, while a staff officer reported that frontline troops were retreating as German forces advanced.
• Karl I gave up on resistance and ordered that peace be sought from Germany at the smallest possible price.

After Karl I’s disastrous leadership left the Austro-Hungarian Empire unable to resist Germany, its ministers agreed to seek peace and accept even his abdication to preserve the Austrian Empire. Baron von Berchtold was sent to Berlin by airplane to negotiate, though the empire’s fate remained uncertain.

• Karl I realized the Austro-Hungarian Empire was collapsing and left the war room, while the ministers concluded he could not remain emperor.
• Prime Minister Mario Weber urged Baron von Berchtold to go to Berlin and seek an end to Germany’s offensive.
• Archduke Friedrich, Duke Kaspar, and Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf agreed Karl I was unfit to rule and that the empire could accept his abdication.
• The ministers decided Baron von Berchtold should fly to Berlin rather than take the train, despite the danger.
• Baron von Berchtold agreed to depart at once and promised to seek the best possible terms from Wilhelm III.

After learning that the Cabinet was seeking peace with Germany and would accept his abdication, Karl I asked General Anton Haus to help him escape to the United States if the Empire fell or he lost the throne. Anton Haus pledged his loyalty and agreed to escort him with the naval fleet.

• General Anton Haus grew furious when the ministers discussed abandoning Karl I, then disguised himself and went to the imperial palace.
• Anton Haus told Karl I that Baron von Berchtold had flown to Berlin to seek an audience with the German Emperor and prepare for peace negotiations.
• Karl I accepted that the Austro-Hungarian Empire might break apart and that preserving the Austrian Empire would be the best possible outcome.
• Anton Haus told Karl I that the ministers would accept his abdication and choose another Habsburg as Emperor of the future Austrian Empire.
• Karl I asked Anton Haus to lead the naval fleet in taking him to the United States to establish a government in exile if the Empire perished or he was forced from the throne.
• Anton Haus pledged his loyalty and agreed to Karl I's request.

On January 19, Oscar received reports that German forces were advancing into the Austro-Hungarian Empire with little resistance, while most constituent states had defected or stayed neutral. He ordered the army to speed its advance toward Vienna as the navy prepared to contain the Austro-Hungarian fleet and deter American intervention.

• Field Marshal Falkenhayn reported that winter weather had slowed the 3rd and 5th Army Corps, which had advanced twenty kilometers into the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
• Field Marshal Falkenhayn said the 6th and 7th Army Corps were moving through Bohemia with the Bohemian Archduke's cooperation, while the 9th Army Corps remained in reserve.
• Oscar said Austria was isolated and urged Falkenhayn to provide more trucks so German troops could reach Vienna within a week.
• Admiral Scheer reported that submarines, light warships, and seaplanes were monitoring the Austro-Hungarian Navy near the Adriatic Sea.
• Admiral Scheer said the Home Fleet and Indian Ocean Fleet were heading to the Mediterranean, while the Atlantic Fleet and six carriers stood ready to counter the American Navy.

Oscar received Baron von Berchtold, who had flown to Berlin to seek peace for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but rejected reconciliation and revealed Germany's plans to dissolve the empire. He declared Austria would be annexed by Germany, while the other constituent states would become German protectorates.

• Foreign Minister Wachth told Oscar that Baron von Berchtold had arrived in Berlin by plane to seek peace.
• Oscar agreed to receive Baron von Berchtold at the palace out of regard for the countries' former friendship.
• Baron von Berchtold asked Oscar to forgive the Austro-Hungarian Empire and promised it would follow Germany's lead.
• Oscar rejected the appeal, saying the empire had squandered its chance by withdrawing from the Allied Powers.
• Oscar told Baron von Berchtold that the empire would be dissolved and its constituent states would become German protectorates.
• Oscar declared that Austria would cease to exist and be annexed by Germany.

Oscar insisted that Germany would annex Austria despite Baron von Berchtold’s warnings, while Austro-Hungarian leaders received the news and resolved to resist. The chapter ended with Austria preparing to fight Germany even though its officials saw little chance of victory.

• Oscar rejected Baron von Berchtold’s arguments against annexation and warned that resistance would bring needless casualties.
• Baron von Berchtold returned to the embassy and sent a Telegram reporting Germany’s demand to his homeland.
• Prime Minister Mario Weber and the Austro-Hungarian ministers read the Telegram and condemned Germany’s plan.
• Archduke Friedrich, Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf, and Duke Kaspar called for resistance, and the leaders resolved to fight to the bitter end.

President Woodrow Wilson and his cabinet tried to encourage the Austro-Hungarian Empire to fight Germany by promising American military support, while preparing the U.S. fleet to sail. A telegram from the embassy revealed that Karl I could not control the states under his command, leaving Wilson furious at the ally’s incompetence.

• President Woodrow Wilson discussed how a prolonged war between Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire would benefit the United States.
• Secretary of State Bryan advised Wilson to give the Austro-Hungarian Empire hope so Karl I would keep fighting.
• Wilson ordered Bryan to tell the Austro-Hungarian Empire that American forces and the fleet would soon go to Europe.
• Secretary of the Navy Daniels said the American fleet could defeat Germany’s Atlantic Fleet, and Wilson ordered it to sail but not fire unless attacked.
• Wilson received a telegram reporting that Karl I could not control the states under his command, and he condemned the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s poor performance.

President Woodrow Wilson’s cabinet learned that Bohemia, Hungary, and other Austro-Hungarian states had abandoned the war or refused to obey the central government, leaving the empire unable to resist Germany. Wilson concluded that the United States’ scheme had failed and ordered the fleet to avoid conflict with the Germans.

• President Woodrow Wilson told Bryan and Garrison that Bohemia had surrendered to the Germans, allowing them to advance toward Austria.
• Wilson warned that Germany might have secured the loyalty of other Austro-Hungarian states, threatening the empire’s survival and the United States’ investment in its scheme.
• A secretary reported that Hungary had declared neutrality, while Baron Tobres ordered Hungarian troops to remain in their barracks.
• The secretary reported that Dalmatia, Croatia-Slavonia, and other states had also declared neutrality, and Austrian troops at the front had collapsed without fighting.
• Wilson told Daniels to send the fleet on a circuit of the eastern Atlantic and avoid conflict with the Germans.

The British Cabinet in exile in Canada reacted with dismay as Germany rapidly overwhelmed the Austro-Hungarian Empire, ruining their hopes that the war would weaken Germany enough to help Britain reclaim the mainland. The Island Nation also abandoned its plans to exploit a prolonged European war to retake the South Seas.

• Churchill, Sir Edward Grey, and Kitchener lamented the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s rapid collapse and Britain’s dim prospects of defeating Germany or reclaiming the mainland.
• Churchill told the ministers that Britain would have to wait until it and the Americans grew strong enough to challenge Germany.
• Admiral Jellicoe noted that the Americans’ fleet in the Eastern Atlantic had lost its planned Austro-Hungarian partner, and Churchill said Britain’s weakened navy could not join it effectively.
• The British Cabinet accepted that Germany had emerged from the war with a more secure position while Britain rebuilt its navy in Canada.
• The Island Nation lost its chance to exploit a drawn-out war to attack the South Seas and recover its former colonies.