Chapter 368: Alliances (Part 1)
Prussia, Berlin.
William IV supported the unification of Germany. Although he personally opposed Austria's joining, he was very pleased that he could lead the war for Germany and get help from the Austrian Empire.
That's right. At this time, the court of Prussia was full of Junker nobles. Their thinking was different from that of ordinary politicians. They were optimistic about this war. After all, Belgium had only 20,000 troops, and the Netherlands had only 30,000 or 40,000 troops at home.
Prussia had 200,000 standing troops at this time. In addition, the domestic war sentiment was high, and many people were willing to join the army. Even if there was no general mobilization, it would be no problem to recruit another 200,000 troops.
The Austrian side had 420,000 standing troops alone, and the total strength of the troops of other states could even exceed the number of Napoleon's expedition to Russia.
With a million troops to deal with the Belgian and Dutch coalition forces of less than 100,000, plus the fact that there were still big cracks within the coalition, it was easy to win.
While the court was toasting in celebration, in a manor far away in Latin America, Bismarck smashed his wine glass to the ground, and the scattered glass splashed all over the room.
"A bunch of idiots! Stupid pigs! They will destroy Prussia and the German Confederation."
In Bismarck's eyes, this war was a complete manifestation of dementia. He knew very well where Britain's bottom line was. That was the Low Countries. Once this red line was touched, Britain would definitely not sit idly by.
As for the French, the stupid King Louis Philippe was like a puppet of the British. Including Guizot, the leading figure in French politics at that time, he was also a running dog of the British, and he was short-sighted to the point of stupidity.
The German Confederation was basically a mess, and there were countless pro-British and pro-French factions among them. If a war really broke out between the two sides, the German Confederation would probably collapse from the inside first.
Once the greedy Russians in the east saw that the German Confederation was weak, they would definitely take advantage of it. At that time, whether it is the pro-British faction, the pro-French faction, or Austria and Prussia, they will all be doomed.
Perhaps the German Confederation will be dissolved, just like the Holy Roman Empire in the past. The German Customs Union, the organization that made the Germans live a "good life", may also be abolished.
All he can do now is to mobilize people in his hometown to build fortifications to reduce the impact of the Russians when they arrive, and it would be best to keep the Russians out before the end of the negotiations.
This can also be regarded as a contribution to Prussia.
Russia, St. Petersburg.
Nicholas I received the news that the German Confederation was going to recover the territory for its members, and the Foreign Minister also received this news. As a pro-British faction, Nesherlov said excitedly.
"Your Majesty, this is a great opportunity to prove that we are the most trustworthy allies of the British Empire."
Nicholas I sat on the throne with no change in his expression. He just looked at the report, but his hands were shaking.
According to the bureaucrats in the court, Russia will rule the world as long as it can join forces with Britain, but can it really be achieved?
Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace.
Although the public sentiment outside was turbulent, the palace was peaceful and tranquil. The luxuriously decorated Christmas tree, the busy palace servants as usual, and the aroma of spices and fried carp floating in the air.
At this time, Austrian Christmas meals do not eat beef, pork, chicken and other meats, because Catholics cannot eat meat on Christmas Eve.
(Seafood and fish are not considered meat, the same thinking as modern foodies)
"Is this the country kidnapped by the people?" Franz thought.
This is not what he wants. Ignorance, barbarism, and even a little stupid unity is like a Pandora's box. Although it contains hope, it also contains countless demons and monsters.
Since the empire is a big river and public opinion is a torrent, Franz will be the sluice.
Franz is not prepared to use this kind of power. The Austrian Empire should still pull the battlefield to its familiar territory. There is more than one way to fight a war. Some ways that don't kill people will be more effective.
"You look a little tired, Prime Minister."
Franz looked at the old man in front of him who was known as the "Chancellor of Europe". Although Metternich was 69 years old, he was still full of energy on the political stage. He had to argue with Count Korolav for at least four hours every day.
But at this time, Metternich seemed to have aged dozens of years in a day. His eyes were sunken and he looked haggard, and he seemed to be sweating.
"Archduke Franz, you should do everything you can to stop this war."
The old prime minister said hoarsely, and Franz shook his head in response to him.
"Do you know Louis XVI? He supported the American War of Independence, but he was sent to the guillotine by his own people.
The empire is now following the path that the French took back then, and Luxembourg may become Austria's Achilles heel.
At this time, the empire's economy is developing healthily, but a war can destroy everything! The results of reform, the happiness of the people, and the wealth of the empire."
Metternich said hoarsely, but Franz was unmoved.
"Prime Minister, you are old. Austria is not France, your uncle is not Louis XVI, and you are not the self-righteous Marquis de Lafayette.
You are Metternich, the Prime Minister of Europe, and Luxembourg also belongs to Europe. European affairs must be solved by Europeans."
Metternich seemed to understand something, but he also seemed to understand nothing. But he knew that the "little adult" in front of him had a solution.
"Prime Minister, there was an era called the Warring States in the far east. There were seven powerful countries collectively known as the Seven Heroes of the Warring States Period, among which Qin was the most powerful and wanted to unify the Central Plains by force.
But at this time, a man named Su Qin stood up and persuaded the six countries to jointly resist Qin. In the end, he returned home with the seals of the six countries and made the powerful Qin dare not leave Hangu Pass for fifteen years.
That was the first prime minister in the East. Although it was two thousand years later, his approach is still worth learning from."
Franz's words were very clear. Metternich was not a fool. Of course, he understood the meaning, but he had no idea how to do it.
"Belgium is the breakthrough point."
"Belgium? But behind it are Britain and France. This alliance is too powerful, so powerful that other European countries may not be able to defeat it even if they unite."
Metternich followed Franz's thoughts, but soon entered a dead end again.
"Britain and France are not a monolithic entity. It is true that they both have interests in Belgium. But France wants to do business with Belgium and wants the residents of the French-speaking area, while Britain only wants Belgium to be a fortress to guarantee its security.
Although France is a constitutional monarchy, Louis Philippe has considerable power. His Majesty the King is not someone who can withstand pressure, and he is also a villain who forgets his principles when he sees profit. We can take advantage of this."