The Rise Of Australasia

Chapter 399: Chapter 337: Preparatory Military Service System

The year 1912 had just passed, marked by crises but nothing too serious.

In this year, the Italo-Turkish War, the Balkan War, and a more intense arms race among navies, along with the smaller scale straits crisis, made the European situation increasingly unpredictable.

While people did not know when the European War would break out, the smell of gunpowder was already spreading across Europe.

Compared to previous years, the 1913 National Day was quite ordinary, but with the distribution of free grain and meat, it appeared lively in the streets and alleys of Australasia.

Just after the National Day holiday, Arthur summoned Prime Minister Kent and Minister of Defense Raul to inquire about the military preparedness situation of Australasia.

The military expansion of European countries was rapid, not only expanding their standing armies but also revising various laws to increase the number of reservists.

Although Australasia was far away in Oceania, the eventual World War I would also be crucial, not only as the real start of the country's rise but also as the best opportunity to truly control all of Oceania.

For Australasia to gain more international say after World War I, it was essential to become one of the victorious nations.

Although strict neutrality could lead to better development, a neutral country would not have much say.

Between the two major European military blocs, if Arthur had to choose which one to side with, he would undoubtedly choose the Allies, who seemed to be stronger on paper.

Both emotionally and logically, the Allies were a better choice for Arthur.

First, Australasia and the British Empire had closer blood ties, and the two countries were both offshoots of the same origin, thus having more intimate connections.

Second, Arthur possessed the experience of later generations and naturally understood which side would have the last laugh in this war.

Despite Russia's withdrawal from the war, the Allies had more extensive colonies, populations, and ultimately achieved victory.

In theory, as long as Australasia participated in World War I and declared war on the Central Powers from the perspective of the Allies, it could smoothly take over German New Guinea, consolidate the colonial territories in the region, and even advance westward, merging the previously divided New Guinea into one giant direct colony.

Also, in theory, dispatching the army to fight could be a bargaining chip to make Britain and France give up some of their colonies in Oceania.

Thus, Australasia could control the entire Oceania and become the true continental hegemon.

In the meeting room of Sydney Palace, Arthur summoned Prime Minister Kent and Minister Raul to discuss the military preparedness of Australasia.

"Minister Raul, how are our military preparations? If the European War breaks out in the future, how many troops can we mobilize at most to participate in the European War?" asked Arthur solemnly.

Arthur's original plan was to play both sides, selling armaments to both of them. After the war situation became clear, he would then join the more advantageous side.

However, upon reflection, such a fence-sitting approach would be too demeaning. Besides, after World War I, Britain and France would remain the top world powers, and as long as the United States did not drain Europe's blood during the war, the world would still be Europe's domain.

This would also be beneficial for Australasia, as after Germany's defeat, the direct competitor of Britain would become the United States.

And for Australasia to rise and dominate the Pacific Ocean, their enemy would also be the United States.

In this regard, not only could Australasia cooperate with Britain and France in World War I, it could also become their ally in World War II.

As the saying goes, one reaps what one sows. Instead of standing on the sidelines, truly participating and contributing to the victory would give Australasia more say.

Of course, Arthur would not foolishly bleed his nation for the British and French cause. your chapter source mv-l,e mp _yr

After all, there were many indigenous people in Australasia who could form indigenous armies and replace the Australasians in dying for the cause.

"Your Majesty, we currently have 220,000 standing troops. Our reserve system is not mature enough, so if we want more soldiers, at least six months of training is required. Based on the enthusiasm of our countrymen towards the army, we have about 1 million troops in total," replied Minister Raul after careful consideration.

"Reserves?" Arthur nodded, turning his gaze to Prime Minister Kent, asking, "Do we have the conditions to institute laws on the reserve and conscription systems? If we implement conscription within Australasia, how many potential soldiers can we get?"

"Your Majesty, under normal circumstances, if we implement conscription in Australasia, we should be able to get nearly one million reservists. Considering Your Majesty's prestige among the people, I'm afraid the number could even be higher," laughed Prime Minister Kent.

A highly esteemed and popular monarch has one advantage: any policy they implement will be well received by the people.

Australasia has no shortage of manpower, and as long as Arthur called to arms, millions of people would likely enlist.

However, an army of millions of troops from a population of 12 million would hurt the national development too much and be a burden Arthur could not bear.