As new life begins in the spring months of 1901, so too the slumbering giants of Europe’s great states begin to wake. Fleets set sail and armies begin to march as Empire squares off against Empire and the Great Game begins…

It is all action on the Eastern Front! Russia begins to mobilise her extensive forces and march steadily westwards. Her northern fleet moves from its home port of St Petersburg to the neighbouring province of Livonia – perhaps a deterrent to German progress eastward? Meanwhile further forces move into the Balkans, capturing the key region of Romania. The garrisoned army in Warsaw remains resolute, perhaps an indication that the Tzar anticipates a move from her neighbours into this region in the near future?

Looking further south, the forces of the Sultan begin their march from Asia Minor towards the Balkans once more. The Ottoman Empire similarly keeps an army garrisoned in their heartland, although this is likely due to a shortage of fleets to transport troops around as much as a desire to protect the Ottoman interior. One diplomat made the keen observation that a lack of fleet movement into the Black Sea suggests a level of coordination between the two powers – perhaps a truce is in effect?

As we move into the Mediterranean, the kingdom of Italy has made a number of assertive moves with its forces. It’s southern fleet has left port in Naples into the Ionian Sea. Will this fleet now make a move into the uncontested Tunisia or attempt to gain early control of Greece? These next few months will be crucial in setting the tone of relations between Italy and her fellow Mediterranean powers.

Elsewhere her armies march northward through the Alps, seemingly poised to take the fight straight to Austria. A daring move into Tyrol has placed one Italian army in the heart of the European theatre, ready to seize any number of key locations. The cat is very much among the pigeons.

Always in a precarious position between powerful neighbours, Austria has diverted its forces south to occupy Serbia and Albania, seemingly in an early attempt to wrestle control of the Balkans. Has this left them open to a rear assault from Italy and Germany? Only time will tell. To the north the Kaiser has send the army current occupying Vienna to Galicia, surely a sign of his intention against any further Russian aggression.

Austria’s northern brother has also been busy, as Germany mobilises all of its armies and fleets in the early months of 1901. Less aggressive than the other European powers, Germany has positioned its forces in a relatively conservative manner, with its North Sea fleet setting sail to occupy neighbouring Denmark and an army from Berlin replacing the fleet in Kiel. These next few months will show the rest of Europe what Germany’s plans are. Is it the full occupation of the Low Countries? Or will Scandinavia be subsumed into the Volk?

Ever the seafaring nation, the formidable fleets of England leave their ports into the North and Norwegian Sea. Surely this movement signals an imminent occupation of Norway? The lone English armies begins its long walk south from Liverpool, although it is too early to tell if this to protect the coast from naval invasion for an amphibious landing into the continent.

Finally, the grand Republic of France remains silent and unmoving. Time will tell if this sleeping giant will begin marshalling it’s forces and marching to war…