The Rise Of Australasia

Chapter 431: Chapter 350: War and Expeditionary Force_2

On the day of declaring war, Chile mobilized two divisions to the border regions and announced nationwide mobilization.

Being a country with a decent army, there are currently five divisions of regular troops and 100,000 reserves.

If the nation is mobilized, it could arm at least ten divisions, yielding over 150,000 combat troops.

Due to the proximity of the two nations, Argentina swiftly received news of Chile's declaration of war.

With the situation developing as it has, both nations had made some preparations for war and quickly deployed large numbers of troops upon the declaration of war.

Argentina had made more thorough preparations and some reserves had already joined the army.

At present, the Argentine combat force exceeds 100,000, half of which were located at the Argentine-Chilean border, with the other half on the way.

"Enlist in the army, defend the Motherland!"

"Your great homeland is behind you, fight for your homeland and family!"

"Gentlemen, your country needs you!"

In a short time, recruitment slogans permeated the streets of Chile and Argentina, both nations had mobilized fully.

It's worth mentioning that Argentina's new troops are mainly equipped with the M1903 Springfield Rifles, whereas Chile's new army is primarily armed with Lee-Enfield rifles.

The commencement of the war in South America was quickly broadcasted globally.

At this time, the White House in the United States was led President Wilson, who had only been in office for a few months.

However, President Wilson's mood was far from joyous as he belatedly realized that the situation in South America was not playing out as he'd anticipated.

The decision to contact and assist Argentina had indeed been under Wilson's advisement. After all, South America could be seen as America's backyard, and as President, Wilson harbored considerable ambitions towards the region.

However, the timing chosen by President Wilson to strike was not now, but at a more opportune time, such as during the outbreak of the European War.

After the European War broke out, the Powers were bound to be too preoccupied to meddle in South American affairs.

Even the powerful British Empire would need to worry about challenges from Germany.

But now things are different. The British Empire remains the most powerful nation. It's not a game that America can play on its own.

A direct confrontation with the British is not good for America at this time and perhaps it would merely benefit Germany.

"Fuck! Shit!" President Wilson cursed quietly, yet he had no choice but to confront the current grim situation.

If Chile and Argentina go to war, the United States has to decide whether or not to aid this new ally of theirs.

Even if America aids Argentina, it and Argentina combined would still not match the power of Britain and Chile.

If the US does not aid Argentina, it is likely to lose this newly acquired ally, losing sight in South America.

Of the three South American powers, Chile is friendly with the United Kingdom, and Brazil has good relations with Germany.

The remaining Argentina became America's breakthrough point and is a crucial condition for America to transform South America into its backyard.

The choice now has become a dilemma: either way would cause losses to America.

In contrast to America's awkward position, the British Empire's choice is much simpler.

On July 4, 1913, one day after the outbreak of the South American war, the British Empire formally stated that Argentina has exhibited shameful aggression in this war, posing a significant threat to Chilean territorial security.

To maintain peace and tranquility in South America and reduce further casualties, spreading peace around the world, the British Empire announced that it would provide military aid to Chile, along with an interest-free loan.

At the same time, American aid was transported to Argentina.

To avoid offending the British Empire after the war, America had specially renamed its support. On the surface, it was Argentina buying US armaments, and the order was signed before the war.

With the backing of the major power behind the scenes, the war between Chile and Argentina became even more intense, evolving into a ferocious conflict along most of the border.

It is proven that Argentina, who had prepared for war in advance, did indeed gain certain advantages in the early stages of the war.

Within just one week of the outbreak of the war, Argentina had advanced several kilometers forward on the border, eliminating thousands of Chilean soldiers.

Although Argentina also suffered heavy casualties, by virtue of numerical superiority, it had gained certain advantages on the battlefield.

This war between the two nations involved heavy weapons, including firearms and heavy machine guns, causing substantial casualties for both sides.

For the British Empire at this time, the war in South America was more important than the Balkan War, and Britain was prepared to get involved at any time.

The British Empire did not have many interests in the Balkan region, most of which concerned the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Russia, and Italy.

As long as Constantinople is not threatened, the British Empire can accept whatever happens in the Balkans.

But the situation is different in South America. Chile is the main strategic partner of the British Empire, and also the world's largest exporter of saltpetre and saltpetre products.

If there are problems with the situation in South America, it is unacceptable for the British Empire. Especially, if America gains control over South America, it would become an invincible nation.