How would WW1 have gone if Russia was Germany's ally from the Start
The Treaty of Björkö was a plan by Kaiser Wilhelm II to secure Russia as an ally. It was never ratified due to opposition from influential political circles on both sides, mainly because it conflicted with Russia’s existing alliance commitments with France. But what if it had been ratified? What if, in 1905, Germany and Russia had actually become allies? Now, I have a few questions. Would this drastically change the lead-up to World War I in any way? Russia and Austria had fought over influence in the Balkans for decades—would Austria have been okay with Germany aligning itself with Russia? And what happens to Serbia? Would Germany value Russia more than Austria and essentially say, “forget it—Serbia can do whatever it wants; we want the larger empire as our ally”? And assuming events unfold similarly otherwise, how would World War I change? Personally, I think it might turn into a massive push toward Paris in 1914. Britain could still join, but if the Central Powers gained more ground early on, it might end up being Germany, Russia, Austria, and Italy against France and Britain. What do you think.