Holy Roman Empire

A young student said excitedly: "Impossible, Beyer. Now besides the partition of North and South Germany, do we have a better choice?

Outside there is the intervention of European countries, and inside there is the traitor Kingdom of Prussia.In this context, you actually want to forcibly unify the German region. Do you know the consequences of doing so?

You are simply crazy, once the war breaks out, thousands of German people will be displaced, and the great German nation will sink like the Poles. "

In this world, there is never a shortage of idealists, and Bayer is one of them.

Bayer responded tit-for-tat: "Stein, don't yell. The intervention alliance looks powerful, but in fact, only Britain, France and Russia are really capable of sending troops to intervene in the unification of the German region.

Now that the three countries are full of conflicts, the possibility of forming a coalition force is almost zero. If they fight on their own, we may not be incapable of fighting. "

A person next to him sneered: "Yes, we do have the power to fight. After the First World War, the German nation will become history, or learn from the Prussian barbarians to be traitors and bow down to the enemy."

……

Not everyone likes war, even German nationalists, most people still hope for peaceful reunification.

Faced with the joint intervention of various countries, many people are rational, knowing that the German Federation is powerless to resist the common will of European countries, and compromise has become the only choice.

The theory of the partition of North and South Germany is not so much the Austrian government behind the scenes, it is better to say that these intellectuals need it.

In the case that the great unification cannot be achieved, this is the second option that everyone is forced to choose.

Fortunately, in the southern German region, after the partition of the North and the South, they merged with Austria, and they are also one of the most powerful countries in the world, which is acceptable to most people.

The North German region can't do it. If you don't like traitors and merge with the Kingdom of Prussia, many people can't get over the hurdle in their hearts.

Secondly, the North German region together has only stepped into the ranks of the great powers, and there is still a certain distance from the real big country, which is not what they want.

In this context, a new idea spread out of the Kingdom of Hanover, which spread in North Germany in an instant, and even flowed into South Germany.

"Kick out the two countries of Prussia and Austria, and the remaining German states will form a new country."

This statement has a great market in North Germany, and people who are unwilling to merge with the Kingdom of Prussia are willing to join this new country.

Although this country is only a medium-sized country, with a land area of ​​800 square kilometers and a population of [-] million, it is still far from the dream of a big country in everyone's mind.

There is no doubt that there must be a British Empire in it.Once the three pillars of the German region are established, whether it is Austria, Prussia, or this new country, they will lose the ability to unify the German region.

Under such a balanced system, the European continent will become more stable.On the premise that it is in line with the interests of the British, it also eliminates the worries of the French. Even the Russians are very tempted by this system.

This idea has been around for a long time, and the Bavarian government is a supporter of the tripartite confrontation. Unfortunately, this idea lacks supporters in the German region, and even the Bavarians oppose it.

The current situation has changed. After determining that the German region cannot be unified, the North German state, which does not want to merge with the Kingdom of Prussia, has become a supporter of this idea.

Franz, who was far away in St. Petersburg, didn't know that John Bull had already made a move, and it was a fatal blow.

With a theory based on the masses, it is not just a theoretical idea, but may become a reality.

People in South Germany may not support this argument, but the governments of these states are different.Mixing with Austria, their right to speak is destined to be limited.

The right to speak means benefits. A group of small states have merged together, and no one can dominate the family. It must be a federal system!

In a federal country, the power of the central government is destined not to be too great, and everyone's interests can be guaranteed to the greatest extent.

Stimulated by their interests, the governments of these small states involuntarily promoted this theory in the country, and undercurrents surged in the German region.

Baden

Prince Friedrich is hesitating whether to join the federal empire organized by the British. According to the British, they will gain the greatest benefit by joining this empire.

"Everyone, what do you think of the British proposal?"

After a moment of silence, Prime Minister Woltz replied: "Your Highness, if the British plan goes well, it will be more in our interest for us to join the Federal Empire.

The Kingdom of Bavaria is still under the control of Austria, and it is unlikely that they will spit it out.

With the establishment of a new federal empire, no one can dominate.We, together with Hanover, Württemberg, Saxony, Hesse, etc., will dominate this country.

It's just that although the benefits here are huge, the potential risks are not small.

The nascent federal empire is too weak. Whether compared with Austria or France, we are very weak, and our development potential may not be as good as that of Prussia.

If the European balance is disturbed, we will be in big trouble.Unless the British can force Austria to voluntarily give up the new Holy Roman Empire, we have become traitors and will definitely be liquidated in the future. "

Don't talk about the future, it is possible to be liquidated now. Even if Austria stretches out a hand, it can crush the Principality of Baden to death. This is the reason for their hesitation.

Foreign Minister Nikolaus thought for a while and said: "The issue of Austria's revenge is easy to handle. At worst, we can publicly elect a Habsburg emperor, which is enough to appease their anger.

The question now is whether the British can subdue Austria and Prussia. If they can't do this, this nascent federal empire will always exist only in theory. "

Prince Friedrich nodded, he wanted the benefits, but he didn't want to bear the risks involved.In case the British plan fails, there is a nine-to-nine chance that the angry Austrian government will abolish the Baden royal family.

Unlike other kings, Ludwig II was mentally ill, and his prestige among the people was infinitely close to zero. Most Baden people had no feelings for the Grand Duke.

"In this case, we will reply directly to the British that we agree with their plan, but we will not make any comments until the Paris meeting makes a final decision.

People should pay attention to publicity, and don't let people catch it. These ideas are spread freely by the people and cannot have anything to do with the government. said Prince Friedrich

There is no way, the way of survival of a small country is "grass on the wall".The British can't afford to offend them, and Austria can't afford to offend them either. If they want to reap benefits from being caught between the two big countries, they are dancing on eggs.

Chapter 1 John Bull's Diplomacy

Versailles Palace

British Foreign Secretary Thomas said to Napoleon III: "Your Majesty, the Russian-Austrian alliance is too great a threat to us. Since the outbreak of the Near East War, if it were not for the support of Austria, the Russians would have been unable to hold on.

Now the opportunity has come. The Austrians want to unify the German region, and the Russians will definitely oppose it.

Judging from the current situation, the Vienna government has made concessions, on the condition that it supports the Russians in obtaining Constantinople, in exchange for the Russians' support for their annexation of South Germany.

This deal, which seemed to be getting what they needed, had problems in the process of operation. The Russians failed to take Constantinople, but Austria swallowed the South German region in one gulp.

There must be many people in the tsarist government who do not want Austria's plan to be realized, so their support for Austria must be limited.

Facing the joint diplomatic pressure of European countries, the Austrian government naturally cannot withstand the pressure.Originally, they suffered a loss in this transaction. If they find that the Russians are not working hard at this time, the Vienna government will definitely be dissatisfied.

At this time, we accepted their annexation of South Germany as a condition to induce Austria to abandon the Russia-Austria alliance, which was very successful. "

The existence of the Russia-Austria alliance has seriously threatened the core interests of Britain and France, which involves the struggle for dominance in the European continent.

From the end of the Anti-French War to the present, the reason why Russia, which has gained European hegemony, has not been able to expand abroad is not only the constraints of the Vienna system, but also the more important reason is that the tsarist government’s diplomatic means are not good enough, and it has been boycotted by everyone.

The situation is different now. Austria and Russia have come together. Britain and France can despise Russian diplomacy, but they cannot ignore Austria's diplomatic capabilities.

Metternich was hailed as the "Prime Minister of Europe" by this era. The British have personally experienced his diplomatic ability.

With the strength at the end of the four major powers, Austria has dominated the politics of the European continent for 30 years, relying on diplomatic means.

"Suppressing France, driving Britain, and blocking Russia" is the greatest achievement of the Vienna system. Relying on the contradictions among countries, Metternich completed his strategic goal of using the weak to control the strong.

If Russia and Austria are allowed to continue in-depth cooperation, once they achieve strategic complementarity, it will have a fatal impact on the core interests of Britain and France.

Napoleon III shook his head and said: "Mr. Thomas, we are all aware of the threat of the Russian-Austrian alliance, and I am happy to dismantle this pair.

But the success rate of what you said is too low. That old fox Metternich is not easy to deal with. I'm afraid he won't be caught easily! "

Leaving aside the Fa-Austrian deal, the plan must be more reliable in order to dismantle the Russia-Austria alliance?

You can't rely on guesswork to think that the Russians will reduce Austria's support because of jealousy, and then hastily pull Austria's hind legs in diplomacy.

Everyone is playing politics, and dealing with international relations is based on interests. As long as the interests are appropriate, it is not difficult to suppress personal emotions.

Thomas said calmly: "Your Majesty, the Russia-Austria alliance is based on interests. Austria refuses to give up its alliance with the Russians only because of insufficient interests.

As long as Austria is willing to renounce its alliance with the Russians, we can not only support them in annexing South Germany, but also give them Central Germany, and even give them the land they currently occupy from the Ottomans.

If Austria is unwilling to give up the Russia-Austria alliance, then we must plan for the worst and directly limit Austria's strength.

We sent 20 troops, your country sent 30 troops, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, Sardinia, and Spain each sent [-] troops, plus the Kingdom of Prussia sent [-] troops to form an intervention army to force the Austrians to give up this expansion. "

I have to say that the British are ruthless enough. The Russian-Austrian alliance can get the benefits they can get, and they can get it if they tear up the alliance, and they can even get more.

Napoleon III fell into contemplation. From a strategic point of view, the threat of the Russia-Austria alliance was too great, no less than Austria's unification of the German region.

For the sake of world hegemony, the British want to attack their biggest competitor. Naturally, they can give anything at this time.

Anyway, after offending Russia, Austria's rear is unstable, and the French are holding it back, so it is simply unable to dominate the European continent.

But it is different for the French. It is of course very important to dismantle the Russia-Austria alliance, and it is equally important to suppress the emergence of new opponents.

If the Russians are finally suppressed and Austria is put on the throne again, their work will be in vain.

The British want a balance in Europe. As long as the balance can be maintained, it doesn't matter who is strong or who is weak. Anyway, Austria's geographical location is absolutely impossible to challenge sea power, and the threat to them is the least among the great powers.

It was different for France. Napoleon III was also an emperor who aspired to fight for hegemony in Europe, so naturally he could not tolerate the appearance of a giant in southern Europe.

The gap in strength between Austria and France is not that big. Napoleon III is not sure that he can suppress the current Austrian Empire, let alone a strengthened Austria?

At this time, he had forgotten the Faumi Treaty, and all he could think about was that Austria could not be prevented from growing, and effective measures must be taken to limit their development.

After a while, Napoleon III shook his head and said: "Mr. Thomas, your plan is too unreliable. What if they turn around after we admit Austria's expansion?

The Russia-Austria alliance can be torn up, and it can also be re-established. In the final analysis, it is - interests.

Your country's European continental balance plan has actually suppressed Austria's future development. In order to go further, they will join forces with the Russians sooner or later.

If I were Nicholas I, as long as I can annex the Ottoman Empire, even if I indulge Austria to unify the German region, I can accept it.

After Austria unifies the German region, France is the first to bear the brunt. The Russians can completely provoke the French-Austrian war and then reap the benefits of the fisherman.

Your country can also sit on the sidelines and wait for the situation to change.Mr. Thomas, do you think I'm being fooled? "

Sensing the murderous look in Napoleon III's eyes, Thomas quickly remedied: "Your Majesty, you worry too much, Nicholas I is not as wise as you.

Moreover, we will not watch Austria grow stronger, and European countries do not want a giant in Central Europe.

Austria has no chance to unify the German region, at least they cannot eat the Kingdom of Prussia.

Don't look at how strong Austria is now. Once a war starts, as long as it is not fought on their own soil, the logistics of a million troops will be enough to drag them to death. "

Napoleon III said with certainty: "Mr. Thomas, no matter what you say, it is impossible for us France to let Austria grow bigger in order to split up the Russia-Austria alliance!"

After saying this, Napoleon III reacted instantly.Where did the British want to let Austria grow bigger? They clearly wanted to curb Austria's development, so they came to stimulate him.

Thinking of this, Napoleon III looked at Thomas with disgust beyond words.

Seeing the change in Napoleon III's face, Thomas said nonchalantly: "Your Majesty, since your country wants to restrict Austria's development, as allies, we naturally have to cooperate with your country's actions.

The ambitious war of aggression launched by the Austrians intends to annex all the states in the German region, which is intolerable to all righteous people.

I suggest that our two countries join forces immediately to prevent the actions of the Austrians, and permanently split the German region, and form an independent country outside of Austria, so as to eliminate the source of war in Europe. "

After seeing Qiong Tudagger, Napoleon III knew that this was the real purpose of the British, but he couldn't believe it now.

John Bull was too good at playing diplomatic calculations. In the past, his uncle Napoleon the Great was so bullish that he fought invincible opponents all over Europe, but he fell under the diplomatic calculations of the British.

Austria was able to lead the establishment of the Vienna system, which was also the need for the British overseas colonial expansion. They did not have the energy to intervene in European affairs, so they pushed Austria to help maintain European stability.

When they are free, they will immediately run back to do things. The current Near East War and interference in the unification process of the German region are all carried out under the leadership of the British.

Even now it is clear that the British want to contain the growth of Austria, but it has become France that wants to contain the development of Austria, and successfully handed over the task of pulling hatred to him.

reject?Napoleon III wanted to refuse very much, but he had no choice.

Reason told him that if France did not come forward to restrict the development of Austria, the British would really allow Austria to grow bigger in order to split up the Russia-Austria alliance.

This was an overt conspiracy, and Napoleon III couldn't help but jump into the pit.Now France has defaulted on the contract and blocked Austria's expansion. When they expand in the future, what will Austria do?

It can be said that a calculation not only curbed the development of Austria, but also allowed France and Austria to contain each other, cut off the alliance between the two countries, and at the same time forced the French to continue to depend on them in international politics.

Napoleon III sneered: "Mr. Thomas, is this your real goal?

But do you think Austria is a soft persimmon? Where are the intervening coalition forces of various countries?

Before the coalition forces appeared, I didn't think France could do it by relying on a few threats to make the Austrians make concessions.

But Mr. Thomas is eloquent, why don't you go on behalf of France and let Metternich bow his head and surrender! "

Is the coalition so easy to organize?Before the plan is exposed, it is no problem to trick Prussia into participating. Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the Kingdom of Sardinia have always followed the lead of the British, and it is not difficult for them to send troops.

A neutral country in Switzerland is full of food, so why send troops to offend Austria, which is close at hand?Whether Austria grows or not has nothing to do with the Spaniards, so why should they go into this muddy water?

Napoleon III didn't expect that France would be the one to take advantage of it in the end. If the Austrians didn't surrender and the war broke out, where would he cry?

Fighting also kills people. Napoleon III would not be cowardly in normal times, but he was not crazy when he started a war with Austria while fighting the Russians.

Thomas said with confidence: "Your Majesty, please rest assured that we have resolved the problem of interfering with the coalition forces.

Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium can obtain part of the territory of the German region in return, and Spain and Portugal can be rewarded for their overseas colonization.

As long as our two countries have the same stand, they dare not reject our goodwill.

Once the Austrians choose war, the Royal Navy will blockade the Adriatic Sea, cutting off their overseas trade routes.

Considering the actual situation, I think it is very likely that the Austrian government will succumb. As long as we show our intention to form a coalition, they will compromise.