Chapter 0892: Mastery Over Egypt

Through a small-scale war, Germany successfully coerced Spain into a humiliating concession. Not only did Spain cede the recently reclaimed Gibraltar to Germany, but it also surrendered the Balearic Islands, which had originally belonged to them. Additionally, Spain was forced to pay a staggering war indemnity of one billion marks. This undoubtedly placed a heavy burden on the Kingdom of Spain.

Of course, when compared to the prospect of complete annihilation by Germany, this outcome was far more favorable. With the formidable fighting power of the German army, a single army corps could easily have wiped out the Spanish Kingdom.

Germany now held control over Gibraltar, marking a significant territorial expansion in the Mediterranean. Although the Balearic Islands spanned only a few thousand square kilometers, the mere prospect of Germany deploying military forces there posed a grave threat to Mediterranean coastal nations. This was especially true for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which boasted itself as the second-largest military power in the world after the conclusion of the Great War. This self-proclaimed title, however, was little more than a source of amusement for the Austrians, as few others acknowledged it.

As the most powerful Mediterranean nation, the Austro-Hungarian Empire held significant interests in the region, particularly with their near-total domination of the Balkans. Their extended coastline had liberated them from the confines of the Adriatic Sea, and they were eager to establish a dominant presence in the Mediterranean. Yet, with Germany now in control of Gibraltar, they effectively controlled the Mediterranean's western entrance. Once the German military reinforced the Gibraltar fortress, any ships wishing to pass would have to contend with the German stronghold's formidable defenses. The strength of German artillery made it clear that the fortifications would be invincible. Should the Austro-Hungarian Empire clash with Germany, their fleet would be utterly trapped within the Mediterranean.

Meanwhile, on the eastern side of the Mediterranean, Germany was also making significant moves. On January 8, 1916, the German 3rd Marine Division, with the support of the Mediterranean Fleet, successfully landed at Alexandria. Shortly after, the German 8th Army began to land in force. Despite the valiant resistance put up by the British forces stationed in Egypt, they were easily overwhelmed by the relentless German advance.

With Britain's homeland already fallen and the British government having fled to Canada, the United Kingdom began to redirect troops from its colonies to strengthen Canada's defenses, thus avoiding interception by the German Navy, which held an undeniable advantage in the Atlantic. Consequently, British forces in Africa weakened considerably.

On January 12, the German 8th Army, with one armored division and four infantry divisions, launched an assault on Cairo. Despite the presence of more than 20,000 British defenders and over 200,000 colonial troops, it was clear that, given the overwhelming power of the German military, Egypt's forces could hardly hope to resist the German onslaught.

As the German forces approached Cairo, Sultan Hussein Kamel of Egypt secretly initiated contact with Germany. Despite Egypt's impoverished status, with a population of only 6 million and most of its land desert, Hussein Kamel was not foolish. He understood that the British were sinking, and if he did not abandon ship, both he and his nation would perish alongside the British. This was something he was unwilling to allow. Although Egypt had become a British protectorate in 1914, it was solely due to Hussein Kamel's urgent need to stabilize his own rule after overthrowing his nephew, Abbas II, with the aid of British support.

The German 8th Army's commander, General Ludendorff, quickly reported this development to Berlin. QinTian approved negotiations with Hussein Kamel.

Given Egypt's distance from Germany, direct control over the country was not realistic. Aside from the Suez Canal, there was little of particular value in Egypt. While Egypt had abundant oil resources, Germany had no shortage of oil, especially with the vast reserves extracted from Libya. Moreover, once the 8th Army secured Egypt, it would advance through the Suez Canal, swiftly conquering the rest of the Middle East, the region that contained the majority of the world's oil. Thus, Egypt's oil would remain buried in the sand for now.

Hussein Kamel, fully aware of Germany's strength and his own weakness, understood that Egypt had little leverage in negotiations. He sent a message to Germany, offering to become a German protectorate, provided that Germany guaranteed his rule and position in Egypt.

Ludendorff, after consulting with QinTian, agreed to these terms. Furthermore, Germany proposed the reorganization of Egypt's military, assisting in the creation of a modern army. The plan included establishing five infantry divisions, with all officers above the rank of colonel required to study at the German Military Academy. Officers below the rank of colonel would undergo training at a newly established German-run camp in Egypt. Additionally, Egypt's police force would come under German guidance.

If Egypt accepted these terms, it would effectively become a German colony, with its military and police under German control, and its internal affairs guided by German oversight. Hussein Kamel would be reduced to a puppet ruler, but securing his position as Sultan was enough for him. Even as a puppet, he would remain the Sultan of Egypt, and as long as he maintained a good relationship with Germany, his descendants would continue to hold the title, making this arrangement highly beneficial.