Chapter 0942: Withdrawal from the Alliance

On the morning of January 12, 1917, within the grand halls of the Vienna Imperial Palace, Emperor Karl I of Austria-Hungary, having ascended the throne not long ago, convened the empire's most esteemed military and political dignitaries to deliberate on national policy. 

Once other matters had been addressed, Karl I swept his gaze across the assembled ministers and solemnly declared, "Gentlemen, the Great War has been over for more than a year. I see no further reason for us to maintain our alliance with Germany. During the war, we were compelled to align with them to resist the formidable powers of Britain, France, and Russia. But now, those former adversaries have long since ceased to be a threat. As such, the alliance has outlived its purpose. I have decided that Austria-Hungary shall withdraw from the Central Powers." 

The emperor's pronouncement sent shockwaves through the chamber, plunging his ministers into a state of turmoil. 

Many among them had long been aware of Karl I's deep-seated animosity toward the German Empire, yet none had anticipated that he would be so audacious as to make such a drastic decision. After all, Germany was not just an ally—it was Austria-Hungary's immediate neighbor. To sever ties so abruptly risked provoking Berlin's ire, a perilous course that could well lead to the empire's ruin. Though Austria-Hungary remained a great power, few harbored any illusions about its ability to contend with Germany in open conflict. As ministers of the realm, they were well aware of their nation's true condition—an empire outwardly formidable but hollow within. While its grandiose stature might intimidate minor states, against a true great power—let alone the world's foremost military colossus—it stood at an undeniable disadvantage. 

"Your Majesty, have you given this decision thorough consideration?" Archduke Friedrich cautioned. "If we withdraw from the alliance, what becomes of our relations with Germany? Should we find ourselves at odds, the consequences will be dire." 

At his advanced age, Archduke Friedrich rarely participated in imperial councils, attending this time only as a gesture of respect toward the young emperor. Never did he expect Karl I to propose something so staggering. 

"Indeed, Your Majesty, we cannot abandon the alliance," Marshal Baron Conrad von Hötzendorf, Chief of the General Staff, interjected. "Remaining within it at least ensures a semblance of diplomatic ties with Germany. However strained our relationship may become, the Germans would hesitate to resort to force against an official ally. But should we sever this bond, we would stand utterly exposed. If Germany were to turn its might against us, how would we possibly defend ourselves?" 

Karl I's expression darkened at the immediate opposition. To have his military leadership publicly challenge his authority mere moments after his decree was a severe affront to his imperial prestige. 

"Damn them! How dare they all oppose me? Where was this defiance when my predecessor reigned?" Fury burned within Karl I. "Before my father, they were as docile as lapdogs, yet now they dare to defy me?" 

Still, he maintained his composure. "Even if we leave the alliance, it does not necessarily mean we must become enemies of Germany," he reasoned. "The alliance was formed to defeat Britain, France, and Russia. That objective has been achieved, and the war is over. The alliance, therefore, has no further reason to exist." 

"Your Majesty," Foreign Minister Baron Berchtold interjected gravely, "our relations with Germany are already deteriorating. If we withdraw from the alliance now, it will only accelerate that decline." 

Karl I's gaze swept across the chamber. "Do you truly believe that remaining in the alliance will improve our standing? Following the war, when we sat at the negotiating table, Germany deliberately suppressed us, ensuring that we gained little from the victory. And why did they do so? Because they fear our strength. If we remain in this alliance, Germany will continue to keep us under its heel until we are no longer a threat to them. Do you wish to see Austria-Hungary reduced to a mere vassal, forever bowing before Berlin?" 

Silence fell upon the room. None could deny that Germany had sought to suppress Austria-Hungary's influence, yet few had dared to confront the reality. Germany's power was overwhelming, and should Austria-Hungary challenge it, their chances of prevailing were slim. If war erupted and Austria-Hungary suffered defeat once more, there would be no leniency as there had been after the Austro-Prussian War. This time, the empire might not survive the reckoning. 

"Since peaceful coexistence with Germany is no longer viable, why should we not seize the moment and take our fate into our own hands?" Karl I urged. "If we can withstand the pressure from Germany now, then Austria-Hungary will no longer have to bow before them. We will forge our own path and emerge stronger than ever." 

"But, Your Majesty, such a course is fraught with peril," Archduke Friedrich countered. "If Germany truly turns its forces against us, how will we withstand the onslaught?" 

Karl I met his gaze unwaveringly. "Germany would not dare act so rashly. Austria-Hungary is no mere minor state. Even if they defeat us, they will pay dearly for their victory. Furthermore, if war does break out, the international community will not remain idle. Germany may be the world's leading power, but even they cannot dictate the fate of nations unchecked." 

The ministers knew well that Karl I had met with U.S. President Woodrow Wilson and had likely secured a secret agreement. Perhaps this was the source of his confidence. Yet skepticism lingered—America, separated from Europe by an ocean, might find its support constrained by geography and logistics. 

Despite their misgivings, the ministers refrained from outright rejecting Karl I's decision. The emperor had gathered enough allies within the court to see his will enacted. 

On January 15, 1917, Prime Minister Mario Weber, on behalf of the Austrian Empire, formally declared Austria-Hungary's withdrawal from the Central Powers.