The Russian declaration of war against the United Kingdom did not only reach the French Republic. Neighboring powers like Austria, Prussia, Denmark-Norway, and Sweden heard the news.
In the capital city of the Kingdom of Prussia, at the Sanssouci Palace, Frederick William III of Prussia was having tea with his wife, Luise Auguste Wilhelmine Amalie, the Queen of the Kingdom of Prussia.
Luise set down the saucer of fine porcelain, her gaze distant as the weight of the news settled upon her.
"Frederick," she began. "The situation in Europe is growing increasingly tense. With the Russian Empire aligning itself against the United Kingdom, what course of action should Prussia take?"
King Frederick William III looked out of the palace window, his expression pensive. The rustling of leaves in the palace garden seemed to echo the uncertainty of the times.
"Luise," he responded slowly, "the choices we make in these critical moments will shape the destiny of our kingdom. So, the best course of action we should take is to align ourselves with the Russian Empire temporarily. We can't make the French Republic our enemy when it is allied with our ally. Though this decision disgusts me, we have no other choice."
"Frederick, aligning with the Russian Empire means you align yourself with the French Republic. Their ideals, their revolution, might spread like wildfire across our borders. Our traditions, our very way of life, could be threatened," Luise interjected, her brow furrowed with worry.
Frederick William III nodded solemnly, his gaze returning to his wife. "I understand your concern my dear but rest assured, this is only temporary. The French Republic and the Kingdom of Prussia would never get along. We are just doing this for Russia's sake."
Luise leaned back in her chair, her fingers tracing patterns on the tablecloth. "I think that the Russian Tsar just reacted proactively after learning of his assassination. In four to five years, I don't think France and Russia will remain aligned. Oh, before I forgot, what about the defensive alliance the French proposed in Versailles?"
Frederick hummed aloud, contemplating a decision. The British fleet in the Baltic and the English Channel continued to interfere with their trade by searching French contrabands, affecting their economy. Since he was aligning with the Russians, he might as well join the defensive alliance to thwart the British further attempts of interfering.
Frederick flicked his fingers and a servant walked over to their table.
"Yes, Your Majesty?" The servant promptly inquired.
"I want you to send a telegraph to my Chief Advisor for International Affairs. In the telegraph, send him this. I, Frederick the third of the Kingdom of Prussia, has made a decision to remain neutral in the conflict in the war of The Russian Empire, the Republic of France against the United Kingdom. But we are committing ourselves to joining in the defensive alliance proposed by the French Republic to protect our trade, commerce, and interest."
The servant bowed and quickly left the room.
***
Kingdom of Sweden, Drottningholm Palace. King Gustav IV Adolf received the news of the Russian declaration of war against the United Kingdom through his Foreign Minister, who was standing in front of his desk.
"The Russian Emperor declares war on the United Kingdom under allegations of a conspiracy against his person," the Foreign Minister announced.
King Gustav IV Adolf, seated at his ornate desk within the elegant chambers of Drottningholm Palace, listened with focused attention. His expression remained stoic, betraying none of the turmoil within his thoughts.
"Charles Whitworth, the British Ambassador to Russia, is said to be involved?" the King inquired, his voice holding an air of contemplation.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the Foreign Minister confirmed. "The Russian Emperor perceives this alleged conspiracy as a direct threat to his rule, his sovereignty, and his very life."
Gustav IV Adolf leaned back in his chair, his fingers tented beneath his chin.
"Does Tsar Paul I seek alliances in this endeavor?" the King asked, his gaze fixed on the Foreign Minister.
"Not in the same sense, Your Majesty, the Russian Empire only wanted us to join the defensive alliance proposed by the French Republic to protect our merchant ships from the British fleet patrolling in the English Channel and the Baltic Sea."
"Oh yeah, the Second League of Armed Neutrality? They are renewing it with the French at its helm," Gustav IV Adolf mused aloud, his mind already working through the implications. The Second League of Armed Neutrality was a concept that held strategic significance, providing a shield for their maritime interests against the meddling of the British navy.
"Indeed," the Foreign Minister responded, "by aligning ourselves with this defensive alliance, we can safeguard our trade routes and ensure that our economy remains stable amidst the ongoing conflict, especially now that the Russians are involved. They are not only going to blockade France but Russia too, which before they get there, they have to pass through our waters."
Gustav IV Adolf nodded, considering the idea. Joining the defensive alliance seemed like a prudent move to counteract this threat.
"Prepare a response to the French Republic and the Russian Empire," the King instructed the Foreign Minister. "Make it known that we appreciate their proposal and are inclined to join the renewed Second League of Armed Neutrality. Our maritime interests must be protected, and this alliance aligns with our strategic goals."
The Foreign Minister bowed slightly. "Your Majesty's directive will be carried out promptly."
As the Foreign Minister left the room to fulfill his duties, the King sat in thoughtful contemplation.
"It seems like by the year, the French Republic is gaining more and more power in European affairs," he commented.
***
Copenhagen, the capital city of the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway.
Christian VII sat in his chambers at the Christiansborg Palace, listening to the news brought by his advisors.
"Your Majesty, the situation is indeed precarious," one of his advisors remarked.
Christian VII leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming lightly on the armrest. "And what of Denmark-Norway's position in all of this?"
"Your Majesty, we find ourselves at a crossroads," another advisor chimed in. "The British interference with our trade routes has been a constant concern, and aligning with the defensive alliance proposed by the French Republic might offer us protection against their naval blockade. With the Russians joining the war, it is in our best interest to join. We have suffered long enough from the British interfering with our trade."
Christian VII nodded, absorbing their insights. The unfolding events were forcing him to confront the reality of his kingdom's vulnerability and the need for strategic decisions.
"It is clear that we must act decisively to safeguard our interests," he mused aloud. "Prepare a message to be sent to the French Republic. Express our willingness to participate in the renewed Second League of Armed Neutrality.
The advisors nodded, acknowledging the King's directive.
Vienna, the capital city of the Holy Roman Empire.
Emperor Francis II sat in his study, his brow furrowed as he considered the reports before him. The news of the Russian declaration of war against the United Kingdom had set the diplomatic stage ablaze.
"The Russians are declaring war against the British?" Francis II exclaimed.
"That's correct, brother," Archduke Charles confirmed. "One of the conspirators to the plot of killing the Russian Tsar is a British Ambassador to Russia."
"This is bad…how can we exact revenge on the French when the Russians are allied with them?"
Count Johann Philipp Stadion, Count von Warthausen, the Foreign Minister of Austria, entered the study. He had been informed of the ongoing discussions and decisions in various courts, and he was prepared to present his perspective.
"Your Imperial Majesty. You don't," Johann said simply. "It's best that we remain neutral. We can't afford to fight the French now that they are allied with the Russians."
"Damn those French!" Francis II cursed. "So we can't do anything huh?"
Johann nodded, indicating that there was none.
Francis II clicked his tongue. "Another bad news for King Louis then huh?"
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