When the Near East War broke out, other parts of the world were no more peaceful. Britain, France, and Russia had gone to war, and the Americans across the ocean sensed an opportunity.
Cuba was the first to make trouble, but the Spanish cut off its tentacles. After running into a wall and receiving warnings from Britain and France, it had no choice but to tuck its tail and continue playing the grandson.
Yet the Americans had not given up. In July 1853, they engineered the Black Ship Incident in Japan, using military threats to force the shogunate government to accept their terms and sign the Treaty of Kanagawa.
Given the great powers' shit-eating nature, they naturally could not watch the Americans swallow Japan's interests whole. So they all rushed in. Britain, France, the Netherlands, and other countries were the first to enter the fray, forcing the shogunate government to sign similar treaties.
When the news reached Vienna, Austria's Colonial Faction saw an opportunity and wanted to join in. The Vienna Government was debating whether to follow suit and strike while the iron was hot.
Prime Minister Felix spoke first. "Your Majesty, Japan is too far away for us to reach. Besides, our interests there are limited; there is no need to expend too much effort.
"Our priority remains domestic development, especially putting South Germany in order. Rather than taking action in East Asia, infiltrating the German Federal Empire would better serve our interests."
Naval Minister Filkos objected. "Prime Minister, taking action in the Near East would not cost us much. If even the Dutch can force the Japanese government to compromise, it would not be difficult for us to obtain equivalent benefits.
"The Japanese government is now like a bird startled by the mere twang of a bowstring. It