Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Anglo-French-Australasian troops are advancing towards Madrid, while France regains control of North Africa and former Spanish colonies.
• The Battle of Stalingrad is intensifying, with Germany struggling due to a two-front war.
• Spain surrenders on July 29, leaving Germany isolated in Europe.
• A conference in London on July 31 decides to target the three Nordic countries for the next offensive.

Character Developments

• The German Prime Minister is portrayed as ruthless and controlling, suppressing news of the Western Front's crisis to maintain German troops' morale.
• General Manstein expresses concerns about the high casualties in capturing Stalingrad and Moscow, questioning the feasibility of Germany's strategy.
• Dmitri, the Finnish government-in-exile's leader, chooses to align with Australasia due to his personal relationship with Arthur, Queen Dowager Marie's brother, and Australasia's willingness to stand up against Russia.

Significant Themes

• The war of attrition in Stalingrad, testing the national strength of Germany and Russia.
• The strategic importance of the Nordic region for both resources and political influence.
• The power dynamics between Germany, Russia, Britain, France, and Australasia, with each nation pursuing its interests.

Character Interactions

• The German Prime Minister and General Manstein have differing views on the war strategy, with Manstein's concerns going unheeded due to the Prime Minister's tight control.
• Dmitri's decision to align with Australasia reflects his assessment of the global power dynamics and his desire for protection against Russia.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The year 1938 concludes with the Allied Powers' continuous failures.
• Italy and Spain surrender, leading to the loss of their capitals.
• The Allies focus on Northern Europe, aiming to cut off Germany's access to the sea and secure crucial mineral resources.
• The Allies recapture most of Norway and advance towards Sweden, threatening Germany's iron ore supply.
• The Italian surrender provides the Allies with a significant number of aircraft and access to Italy's military industry.
• The Spanish surrender yields mostly small arms and artillery, with limited strategic value.

Character Developments

• The Italian and Spanish governments face uncertainty and anxiety due to their war responsibility.
• The Norwegian government-in-exile returns to Oslo and purges pro-German elements.
• Arthur, the Emperor of Australasia, plans to court various monarchist countries to increase his influence among European royal families.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for world dominance among monarchies, democracies, and republics.
• The importance of political systems and alliances in global power dynamics.
• The influence of the European aristocratic system and royal families.

Character Interactions

• The Italian and Spanish governments interact with the Allied Powers, facing potential war crimes trials and territorial divisions.
• The Norwegian government-in-exile interacts with the Allied Powers, regaining control of Norway and demonstrating loyalty.
• Arthur interacts with various European royal families, aiming to increase his influence and secure his position as the foremost monarch.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Christmas 1938 highlights the hardships faced by warring countries, with Russia being the most affected due to grain shortages and harsh winter conditions.
• The first United Nations conference is held in Hawaii on January 1, 1939, with all member states sending high-ranking officials.
• The conference elects the United Nations Committee, with Vali Hardinge (Britain) as Chairman, and establishes various departments and organizations.
• The United Nations Trade Association is formed to regulate global trade and promote economic exchange.
• The United Nations Army is established to join the operation against Germany, with contributions from each country determining their share of post-war spoils.

Character Developments

• No significant individual character developments are mentioned in this chapter.

Significant Themes

• The impact of war on civilian lives and resources, with a focus on Russia's severe situation.
• The formation and initial organization of the United Nations, highlighting global cooperation and shared goals against Germany.
• The strategic planning and long-term vision of Britain and Australasia, aiming to weaken Germany and prevent Russia's post-war growth.

Character Interactions

• No significant character interactions are mentioned in this chapter, as the focus is on the United Nations conference and global politics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The German Army faces severe challenges due to supply issues and heavy casualties, struggling against the tenacious Russian Army and the well-equipped Australasian Army.
• The German Supreme Command plans to break the stalemate in Stalingrad by focusing on capturing Saratov, north of Stalingrad, to outflank the Russian rear and disrupt supply lines.
• General Manstein and the Second Armored Cluster are tasked with a surprise attack on Saratov, gambling on the element of surprise and minimal Russian defenses.

Character Developments

• General Manstein shows responsibility and determination, aware of the immense stakes and the potential consequences of failure.
• The Russian Army demonstrates resilience and tenacity, even in the face of heavy casualties, fighting with increasing ferocity despite logistical shortages.

Significant Themes

• The importance of supply lines and logistics in warfare.
• The impact of the war on civilian life, with reduced distribution of consumer goods to support the military.
• The role of air power and the significance of airfields in modern warfare.
• The consequences of gambling and taking risks in high-stakes situations.

Character Interactions

• The German Supreme Command and General Manstein discuss and plan the Saratov operation, highlighting the tension and desperation of the German Army's situation.
• The Russian Army's resilience is contrasted with the German Army's struggles, emphasizing the Russian soldiers' determination and the Russian Army's growing combat effectiveness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The failure of Manstein's Second Armored Cluster leads to the collapse of Army Group South.
• The German Army retreats from Stalingrad, facing relentless pursuit by the Russian Army.
• The Battle of Stalingrad ends, with Russia defending the city but suffering heavy casualties.
• Russia launches a pursuit of the retreating German forces, reclaiming important regions like Ukraine.
• The German Army faces a critical crisis on the Eastern European battlefield.
• The Anglo-French-Australasian forces choose to attack Germany, aiming to end the war quickly.
• The Australasian Army plans to occupy Germany's Ruhr area, cutting off the German Army's rear on the Western Front.

Character Developments

• The German Army experiences a reversal of fortune, facing defeat and retreat.
• The Russian Army gains momentum, successfully defending Stalingrad and pursuing the retreating Germans.
• Arthur, the leader of Australasia, decides to end the war as soon as possible, aiming to occupy the Ruhr area and gain more benefits in post-war peace talks.

Significant Themes

• The brutal nature of war and its impact on soldiers and civilians.
• The strategic importance of the Ruhr area in Germany's industrial power.
• The consequences of Germany's policies towards occupied territories and their impact on Russian civilians.
• The importance of seizing the initiative in war to gain more benefits in post-war negotiations.

Character Interactions

• The German and Russian armies clash, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.
• The Anglo-French-Australasian forces coordinate their efforts to attack Germany, aiming to end the war quickly.
• Arthur interacts with his military leaders, planning the occupation of the Ruhr area and supporting Dmitri in rebuilding the Finnish government.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The German Prime Minister and Chief of Staff, Kurt Zeitzler, discuss the situation on the Russian front and the possibility of setting up an ambush near Kyiv to encircle the Russian army.
• The Anglo-French-Australasian forces plan to bomb the Ruhr area, Germany's industrial heart, to disrupt its domestic production and social order. They deploy a massive air force, totaling 4,700 aircraft, for this operation.

Character Developments

• Kurt Zeitzler, the German Chief of Staff, shows loyalty to the Prime Minister and strategic acumen, supporting the Prime Minister's plan for an ambush near Kyiv.
• The German Prime Minister demonstrates strategic thinking and a willingness to take risks, proposing the ambitious plan to encircle the Russian army near Kyiv.

Significant Themes

• The impact of war on population and resources, with Germany's population and resources being stretched thin due to the war.
• The importance of industrial production in sustaining a war effort, as seen in the Anglo-French-Australasian forces' decision to target the Ruhr area.

Character Interactions

• The German Prime Minister and Kurt Zeitzler discuss military strategies, with the Prime Minister proposing a plan and Zeitzler supporting it.
• The Anglo-French-Australasian forces coordinate their military efforts, agreeing to target the Ruhr area in a joint air raid.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Germany adopts a strategy of strategic withdrawal on the Western Front, abandoning large areas of northern France, including Paris, to focus on the Eastern Front.
• The German Army temporarily holds the defense line from Tours to Orléans, aiming to delay the Anglo-French-Australasian forces in Normandy.
• Germany shifts its main strength to Belgium and Luxembourg to protect the Ruhr area and provoke dissatisfaction among the local populations if bombed by the Allies.
• The Anglo-French-Australasian forces quickly advance across Normandy and recapture Paris with minimal French involvement.
• Russia plans to launch a counteroffensive to reclaim its lost territories, occupy Berlin, and attack the Balkans, while Britain and Australasia aim to occupy Northern Europe and help the Nordic countries reclaim their territories.

Character Developments

• The German Army demonstrates strategic prowess in withdrawal and defense, prioritizing the Eastern Front and protecting vital industrial areas.
• The French Army's minimal involvement in the recapture of Paris highlights their focus on reclaiming their own territory.
• Russia's ruler, Sudarin, exhibits ambition and determination to reclaim lost territories and expand Russia's influence.
• Britain and Australasia show differing objectives and levels of cooperation in their plans for Northern Europe.

Significant Themes

• Strategic withdrawal and defense as a means to an end, rather than a sign of weakness.
• The importance of protecting vital industrial regions and maintaining strategic depth.
• The differing priorities and ambitions of nations in the pursuit of their goals.
• The role of powerful patrons in ensuring a country's security and development.

Character Interactions

• Germany's strategic decisions impact the actions of the Anglo-French-Australasian forces, who take advantage of Germany's withdrawal to advance quickly.
• Russia's plans to reclaim its territories and attack the Balkans influence Britain and Australasia's objectives in Northern Europe.
• Britain and Australasia's differing plans for Northern Europe highlight their separate objectives and lack of coordinated operations.
• Australasia's assistance to Finland in liberating its territory aims to exacerbate the conflict between Finland and Russia, while also protecting its own interests.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Germans, despite retreating, remain aggressive in defense, leading to high casualties for counterattacking nations.
• Britain and Australasia encourage France and Russia's counteroffensives, aiming to minimize their own casualties.
• Australasia plans to use Japanese troops to offset war reparations by sending them to fight in Europe.
• Australasia demands Russian withdrawal from Finland within three days, threatening military action otherwise.

Character Developments

• Arthur, the Australasian leader, is shown to be strategic and calculating, willing to use other nations' troops to minimize Australasian casualties.
• Sudarin, the Russian president, is ambitious and unwilling to back down from a challenge, despite the risk posed by Australasia's advanced weapons.

Significant Themes

• The high cost of war and the strategic use of troops to minimize casualties.
• The threat of advanced weaponry and the need to counter it for military success.
• The inevitability of conflict between nations with opposing expansionist goals.

Character Interactions

• Arthur and the Australasian government interact with the Japanese factions, using them as pawns in their strategy.
• Sudarin interacts with his military chiefs, particularly Marshal Zhukov, discussing the threat of Australasia and the possibility of war.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter is an epilogue, set after the main events of the story.
• There are no significant plot developments; instead, it serves as a reflective piece.

Character Developments

• The narrator (whose identity remains ambiguous) reflects on the events of the story, indicating a sense of closure and acceptance.
• There's no explicit character growth, but the narrator's tone suggests a newfound understanding or peace.

Significant Themes

• Acceptance: The narrator seems to have accepted the past events and their consequences.
• Reflection: The chapter is a moment of reflection, looking back on the story's journey.
• Unresolved Questions: The epilogue leaves some questions unanswered, hinting at the complexity and ambiguity of life.

Character Interactions

• There are no interactions with other characters in this epilogue. The narrator is the sole focus, engaging in an internal dialogue with their thoughts and memories.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Russia withdraws from northern Finland, reducing Australasia's direct reason for war.
• Finland and northern Norway/Sweden are liberated with Australasian help.
• Australasia focuses on capturing the Baltic States, aiming for Estonia first.
• Germany successfully encircles 1.5 million Russian troops near Kyiv.
• Australasia sends an additional 500,000 troops to Europe, mostly from the Island Nation.

Character Developments

• Arthur, the Australasian leader, shows strategic thinking and adaptability in response to changing circumstances.
• No significant individual character developments are highlighted in this chapter.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: Australasia's influence and power are demonstrated through its actions and other nations' responses.
• Strategic Importance: The Baltic States and Estonia are emphasized for their strategic value in controlling the Baltic Sea and blocking Russian access.
• Alliances and War Aims: The potential benefits for Britain and Australasia if Germany's encirclement is successful are explored.

Character Interactions

• Arthur interacts with military and intelligence bureau heads to receive and discuss battlefield updates.
• No significant interactions between other characters are mentioned in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Australasian Army swiftly captures Estonia, occupying key cities in just under two and a half weeks.
• Estonia declares independence, re-establishing the Kingdom of Estonia.
• Australasian Army advances towards Tartu and Võru, recapturing them and liberating Estonia.
• Australasian Army moves south towards Latvia, aiming to occupy the Baltic States and Poland.
• The German Army retreats south of the Daugava River in Latvia, setting up a defense line.
• Australasian Army occupies northern Latvia, including Riga, the capital.
• The King of Latvia is instructed to abolish the monarchy and elect a new, obedient King.

Character Developments

• The King of Estonia shows understanding and humility, seeking Australasia's patronage and offering military base leases to gain trust.
• The King of Latvia is portrayed as less astute compared to the King of Estonia.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The struggle for power and influence between nations, with Estonia and Latvia seeking protection from Australasia.
• Loyalty vs. Opportunism: Estonia's need for a powerful patron due to its limited national strength, and the consequences of disloyalty.
• Strategic Importance: The significance of the Baltic States and Poland as a barrier between Germany and Russia.

Character Interactions

• The King of Estonia meets with the Australasian Ambassador and Army generals, seeking patronage and offering military base leases.
• The Australasian Army interacts with the Latvian government, instructing them to abolish the monarchy and elect a new, obedient King.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Daugava River defense line poses a challenge for direct attack due to expected heavy casualties.
• Two alternative strategies are considered: airborne assault on key Lithuanian cities (Kaunas, Vilnius, Molodechno) and sea landing on the coasts of East Prussia and Lithuania.
• The Russian Army's 1.5 million soldiers, after winning the Battle of Stalingrad, advance hastily into Ukraine without sufficient supplies, leading to encirclement and surrender.
• The Russian Army's attempt to seize food from Ukrainian civilians backfires, leading to their defeat and surrender.

Character Developments

• Arthur, the Australasian leader, is cautious about directly confronting the Germans, preferring to act as a "fisherman" benefiting from the German-Russian war.
• The Russian Army's leadership is criticized for their hasty advance and lack of logistical planning, leading to the encirclement and surrender of 1.5 million soldiers.

Significant Themes

• The strategic importance of Lithuania and the Daugava River defense line.
• The consequences of hasty military decisions and lack of logistical planning.
• The impact of national identity and political sentiment on military operations (Ukrainian people's reaction to Russian looting).

Character Interactions

• Arthur's strategic considerations regarding the German and Russian armies' operational status.
• The Russian Army's interaction with Ukrainian civilians, leading to a backlash and ultimately contributing to their defeat.
• The German Army's role in tightening the encirclement and exploiting the Russian Army's mistakes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Russian Army's swift defeat and loss of nearly a million soldiers.
• Russian Government's priority shift to finding a scapegoat for the defeat.
• Britain and Australasia seize the opportunity to support Ukrainian independence, with Australasia sending a grain convoy as a pretext to insert intelligence personnel.

Character Developments

• Russian Government: Focused on finding a scapegoat to maintain morale and control over Ukraine.
• Ukrainians: Growing dissatisfaction and spontaneous factions opposing the Russian Government.
• Arthur (implied): Determined to detach Ukraine from Russia to weaken its potential and block its expansion.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics between Russia, Ukraine, and other Great Powers.
• Manipulation and opportunism in international relations.
• The impact of war on morale, control, and national potential.

Character Interactions

• Russian Government vs. Ukrainians: Tension and conflict due to forced grain requisitioning and Russian soldiers' actions.
• Britain and Australasia vs. Russia: Diplomatic pressure and support for Ukrainian independence.
• Arthur (implied) vs. Russia: Strategic maneuvering to weaken Russia's potential and block its expansion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The war has left Germany in disarray, with strategic defenses crumbling and internal dissent growing.
• General Ludwig Beck, a retired high-ranking military official, sees Germany's defeats as an opportunity to sue for peace and plans a rebellion to overthrow the German Prime Minister.
• Beck targets Rear Admiral Hans Speidel as an ally, who commands an elite unit and shares Beck's concerns about the war's escalation.
• Beck and Speidel aim to gather more high-ranking military officials and troops to ensure the rebellion's success.
• Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, "The Eagle of the Reich," is won over to their cause, significantly boosting their chances.

Character Developments

• General Ludwig Beck: Beck evolves from a dissatisfied retired official to a determined rebel leader, willing to risk everything to prevent Germany's imminent collapse.
• Rear Admiral Hans Speidel: Speidel grows from a nationalist supporting the war to a critical voice, questioning the Prime Minister's reckless expansionist policies.
• Field Marshal Erwin Rommel: Rommel, initially loyal to the Prime Minister, becomes disillusioned with the government's staunch pro-war stance and joins the rebellion.

Significant Themes

• Dissent and Power Struggles: The chapter explores the power dynamics within Germany, with various factions opposing the Prime Minister's rule.
• War Fatigue and Realism: Characters grapple with the harsh realities of war, leading them to question the government's policies and seek an end to the conflict.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: Characters must weigh their loyalty to Germany against their opposition to the Prime Minister, leading some to consider treason.

Character Interactions

• Beck and Speidel: The two form a crucial alliance, driven by their shared concerns about Germany's future and their friendship.
• Beck and Rommel: Beck successfully wins Rommel over to their cause, demonstrating his persuasive skills and understanding of Rommel's disillusionment.
• The German Prime Minister and High-ranking Officials: Tensions escalate between the Prime Minister and various factions within the government and military, setting the stage for rebellion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rommel agrees to join a rebellion against the German Prime Minister due to a perceived demotion and lack of trust from the German Supreme Command.
• The rebellion, led by General Ludwig Beck, gains momentum with Rommel's participation and the support of other high-ranking military officials like Friedrich Fromm and Claus von Stauffenberg.
• Claus von Stauffenberg plans and executes an assassination attempt on the German Prime Minister during a gathering of high-level military officials.

Character Developments

• Rommel: Initially reluctant to join the rebellion, he decides to participate due to feelings of insult and distrust from the German Supreme Command.
• Claus von Stauffenberg: Driven by his experiences and the desire to end the war, he becomes the primary executor of the assassination attempt.

Significant Themes

• Trust and loyalty: Rommel's decision to rebel is driven by a lack of trust and loyalty from the German Supreme Command.
• Sacrifice and duty: Claus von Stauffenberg's actions highlight his willingness to sacrifice himself for what he believes is the greater good and his duty to end the war.

Character Interactions

• Rommel and Beck: Rommel joins Beck's rebellion due to Beck's persuasive arguments and the shared goal of removing the Prime Minister.
• Claus von Stauffenberg and Major General Hans: They work together to facilitate Claus's assassination attempt, with Hans providing cover for Claus to plant the bombs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The German Prime Minister is assassinated using two powerful bombs during a gathering of high-ranking generals.
• The Prime Minister is severely injured and rushed to the hospital.
• News of the attack spreads, alerting intelligence agencies worldwide.
• Germany falls into chaos due to the absence of its de facto dictator, with the war faction's influence waning.

Character Developments

• The German Prime Minister's life is hanging in the balance, affecting Germany's war efforts and future.
• General Ludwig Beck, leader of the opposition group, takes charge and initiates a rebellion to seize control of Berlin and the government.

Significant Themes

• Power vacuum and its consequences: The German Prime Minister's injury leads to chaos and a power struggle.
• War and its impact: The assassination attempt and its aftermath highlight the global implications of the war.

Character Interactions

• General Ludwig Beck and his co-conspirators, including Field Marshal Rommel and General Fromm, work together to seize control of Berlin.
• The German government and military scramble to protect the Prime Minister and maintain order.
• World leaders, such as Arthur, the Australasian King, and Russian President Sudarin, react to the news, each with their own agendas.

Key Plot Points and Events

• General Ludwig Beck orchestrates a coup by spreading false news of the Prime Minister's death to cause chaos.
• Beck's rebel group seizes control of key government buildings and issues a new order, abolishing the current government and establishing a Federal Republic.
• The Prime Minister is revealed to be in a coma, and his death is imminent. Göring and Himmler, his loyal confidants, consider escape or vengeance.
• Göring and Himmler order a counterattack against the rebels and dispatch Gestapo to arrest Colonel Klaus and Major General Hans, suspected of assassinating the Prime Minister.
• Beck's new government convenes to discuss terms for ceasefire with the Anglo-French-Australasian countries.

Character Developments

• General Ludwig Beck: Transforms from a loyal military officer to a rebel leader, driven by the desire to end the war and its casualties.
• Hermann Göring: Struggles with the loss of the Prime Minister, grappling between loyalty, escape, and vengeance.
• Heinrich Himmler: Remains calm and strategic, prioritizing survival and revenge against the suspected assassins.

Significant Themes

• Power struggle and political intrigue: The coup and subsequent power grab highlight the ruthless nature of political maneuvering.
• Loyalty and betrayal: Characters grapple with their loyalties, leading to both acts of defiance and acts of revenge.
• The cost of war: The war's immense casualties and destruction drive Beck's actions and are a central theme in the new government's discussions.

Character Interactions

• Göring and Himmler: Their dynamic shifts from confident advisors to desperate survivors, clinging to each other for support and guidance.
• Beck and the rebel group: United in their desire to end the war, they work together to seize power and discuss ceasefire terms.
• Göring/Himmler vs. Beck: The two factions clash, with Göring and Himmler seeking revenge and Beck aiming to end the war and establish a new government.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author announces they are taking a day off to celebrate their birthday.
• No significant plot advancement occurs in this chapter.

Character Developments

• The author: Shows a personal side by celebrating their birthday, hinting at their humanity and individuality beyond their role as a narrator.

Significant Themes

• Personal time and self-care: The author prioritizes their birthday, suggesting the importance of taking breaks and celebrating oneself.
• Transparency: The author openly shares personal information, fostering a connection with the reader.

Character Interactions

• The author interacts with the reader directly, inviting them to share in the celebration and creating a sense of community.
• No other characters are present or mentioned in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• President Ludwig, despite not fully controlling Germany, initiates an armistice conference to stabilize his rule.
• Germany's Federal Republic government unanimously passes a proposal for an armistice.
• Britain, France, and Australia support Ludwig's Federal Republic and agree to peace talks.
• Germany's new government issues a document condemning the German Empire's Prime Minister and demanding an end to the war.
• Rommel's B Army Group initiates a ceasefire and withdraws as a gesture of peace.
• Britain, France, and Australia declare a temporary ceasefire and hold a preliminary meeting in Brussels to discuss Germany's disposition.

Character Developments

• President Ludwig shows political acumen and statesmanship by seeking an armistice to save Germany from annihilation.
• Field Marshal Rommel demonstrates loyalty to Ludwig and supports the armistice, ordering a ceasefire and withdrawal of his troops.

Significant Themes

• Realpolitik: Ludwig's pragmatic approach to ending the war to save Germany, even at the cost of losing territory and influence.
• Divide and Conquer: Britain, France, and Australia aim to divide Germany's assets and influence to prevent it from becoming a threat again.
• Consequences of War: The immense casualties and destruction of the war lead Ludwig to seek peace.

Character Interactions

• Ludwig and Rommel work together to push for the armistice, demonstrating unity within the Federal Republic government.
• Britain, France, and Australia interact with Ludwig's government, signaling their willingness to support an armistice and discuss peace terms.
• The German Prime Minister is condemned by Ludwig, highlighting the political divide within Germany.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Germany's post-WWI territory and ceded lands: Danzig and East Prussia to Poland, North of Kiel Canal to Denmark, Saarbrücken to France, Silesia under Polish trusteeship.
• Division of remaining German mainland among Britain, France, and Australasia.
• Dispute over specific regions and occupation zones.

Character Developments

• The three nations' representatives prioritize their countries' interests over wartime alliances.
• Australasia initially proposes a territorial division plan but later compromises.
• Britain and France haggle over territories, with Britain wanting to control central Germany.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and shifting alliances post-WWI.
• The struggle for resources, territories, and influence among victorious nations.
• The impact of territorial division on Germany and the balance of power in Europe.

Character Interactions

• Britain, France, and Australasia engage in diplomatic negotiations, with each nation pursuing its interests.
• Australasia and Britain clash over the division of central Germany.
• France's ambitions are curbed by Britain and Australasia due to their concerns about France's growing power.