Holy Roman Empire

This is the reason why the two changed their plans. After all, they took this place by themselves, and the goods here are all their personal belongings.

If the original plan was just to make excuses, then at most they would get a bonus.

Stimulated by profits, this fledgling folk colonial team took the first step of colonization.

……

There was no suspense in the battle. The two led a colonial team of more than a hundred people to launch a surprise attack on the indigenous tribes who ruled here, and soon won the victory.

But after seeing the casualties, the faces of the two of them suddenly became gloomy. Three deaths and seven injuries were already a serious blow to the colonial team.

Andrea complained unwillingly: "Damn bastards, they actually caused us so many casualties, and they must not be spared lightly!"

Leo Haver said calmly: "Okay, Andrea. If you embark on this road, you must be prepared to sacrifice. It is said that thousands of people die in the colonial movement in Britain and France every year.

Now it's better to count the spoils and arrange the scene so that the war looks like they are motivated by money.

Then send someone to send a signal to the military to let them come and take over here, otherwise we can't stand the regular Egyptian army coming. "

Andrea adjusted his emotions and said, "Don't worry, I'm fine. It's just that I feel a little uncomfortable seeing a few boys we brought out die."

Leo Haver said calmly: "Just get used to it. It's impossible not to die in this business. People can't be resurrected after death. What we can do is to give their families an extra pension when we go back."

This colonial team was formed by the two of them in partnership. Due to limited strength, they do not yet have the ability to open up overseas colonies on their own. The main business is to undertake orders from the military.

Specially do some dirty work that the military is not suitable for, and get commissions as compensation.

If his own strength is strong enough to occupy overseas land alone and become king, Franz will not bother.

Obviously, this is only theoretical. Without the support of the country, even if it opened up an overseas colony alone, it would not have enough strength to keep it.

Now Austria's overseas colonial activities have just begun. Before seeing results, the domestic nobles will not invest their money.

Most of the non-government colonial teams that appear now are small organizations with no. 80 members, who have neither strength nor financial resources to support the operation of a colony.

Most of these small teams can only follow the pace of the government to participate in colonial activities, for example: exploring the African continent, encircling and suppressing the indigenous people who threaten the security of the colonial stronghold, or building a colonial stronghold by themselves and selling it to the government.

A strong team can also operate in partnership with the government.In other words, the government provides them with security protection, the colonial team manages the colony and pays taxes to the government, and the profits from operating the colony belong to the team.

Those who made great contributions to the colonial activities can also obtain titles and fiefdoms. Except for paying a small amount of taxes, all internal affairs of the fiefdoms are handled by the nobles themselves.

……

Obviously, these two rookie colonists don't know how much impact their actions will have on future generations.Now the two are still feeling aggrieved because they have gained too little.

Leo Haver exclaimed: "God, why is this indigenous tribe so poor, apart from a herd of camels and sheep, there is only a pile of fur.

Where did the gold and precious stones that the aborigines used for sacrifices go? "

Andrea said with deep empathy: "I also want to ask where the gold and precious stones went! Just now I went to open the treasure hidden by them, and there were several jars of salt inside.

God, when did table salt become a treasure?Didn't it mean that this was originally a trade transfer station between Egypt and the Ottoman Empire? Why is there no treasure at all? "

Leo Haver said angrily: "Bullshit trading transfer station, that's a thing of the last century. Since the trade route was cut off, the locals have left one after another, and now there are only nomadic tribes left.

Not only here, it is said that the permanent residents of the entire Sinai Peninsula are nomadic tribes.Without business travel, the local area is seriously short of water and cannot grow food. Now it has degenerated to primitive times! "

In primitive times, this is definitely an exaggeration.At least muskets appeared in the nomadic tribes, although we still don't know the age of the flintlock, it also entered the era of thermal weapons.

However, in terms of living habits, there is no difference from primitive society.Still stuck in the nomadic era, completely devoid of modern atmosphere.

Chapter 8 Suez Canal

The plan can never keep up with the rapid changes. Originally, the main purpose of the Vienna government was to create conflicts, use military threats to the Egyptian government, and force them to sign a treaty.

Anyway, the Sinai Peninsula is not taken seriously, and its only function is to act as a buffer with the Ottoman Empire. The local indigenous tribes also accept the leadership of two governments at the same time.

As a result, the conflict was created, but the operation was too aggressive, and the place was occupied.The Egyptians did not take drastic actions either, they just ran over to protest.

If possible, Franz would rather the Egyptians call regardless, then the rest of the matter would be easier. Anyway, he would not have any pressure to single out Egypt.

Apparently the Egyptian government is not stupid, instead of being reckless, it sent people to explain the truth.Military threats are no longer appropriate at this time.

Franz has always paid attention to his appearance, making an excuse to come to the house to cause trouble, which has already refreshed his lower limit, and his conscience is very sorry.

Now that they have occupied the place that they tentatively count as the city, it would be too much to go to trouble with them.

The cause and effect of the matter, the Egyptian government does not care, no matter who is at fault, anyway, the parties involved are all dead, and the debt will be wiped out.Now it's just the Austrians who have evacuated, and they haven't asked for compensation.

Franz asked with a headache: "How do you think this problem should be solved?"

He admitted that he was not dark enough, so he couldn't do such a domineering thing.He prefers to resolve issues peacefully, if possible.

It is a pity that Austria's influence in Egypt is not strong enough to compete with Britain and France, so it has no choice but to make a bad move and seek a breakthrough in the Sinai Peninsula.

Metternich replied calmly: "Your Majesty, the value of the Sinai Peninsula itself is not great. We occupy it mainly to seize the opportunity so that we can intervene in the excavation of the Suez Canal.

Since the Egyptian government wants to negotiate, we have negotiated with them.It’s a big deal to pay for these areas. Anyway, it’s all sand and it’s not worth a lot of money.

Now Britain and France don't know our purpose. Even if they interfere, they are only worried that our continued expansion of power in Egypt will affect their interests.

At most, we can assure them that we will not continue to seek expansion into Egypt.As for the issue of the Sinai Peninsula, we are also great powers and need face! "

Although the approach is a bit excessive, it is indeed a great power.Whether right or wrong, when colonizing overseas, everyone was very domineering.

If the Vienna government is willing to spend some money symbolically, it will be a step down for the Egyptian government.If the Egyptian government refuses to agree, I will occupy the place anyway, so what can you do?

Is it because of a desert with nothing to fight a war with Austria on the Sinai Peninsula?It is estimated that the Egyptian government does not have the guts. If they lose and lose their family fortune, just wait to be divided up!

Don't look at the fact that the Egyptian government is preparing for modernization. It seems to be a bit rich and powerful.In fact, after losing to the Ottoman Empire in the last war, they recognized their own strength.

Prime Minister Felix reminded: "The French have already obtained the right to dig the Suez Canal. Will this be an obstacle?"

Metternich explained: "Don't worry, our attention to the Sinai Peninsula does not need to occupy the entire Sinai Peninsula, as long as we get a foothold on it.

Now that the Suez Canal has not started construction, it is unknown whether it will be navigable in the future. Now we are just planning for a rainy day.

As far as I know, the British are strongly opposed to digging the Suez Canal.They are well positioned to enter the Indian Ocean via the Cape of Good Hope and don't need the Grand Canal. "

The attitude of the British towards the Suez Canal in this era is so indifferent. Many British people believe that the opening of the Suez Canal will weaken their advantage in maritime trade.

After all, from a distance point of view, the opening of the Suez Canal is more beneficial to Mediterranean countries, and France, Austria, Spain and other countries have become closer to the Indian Ocean.

Originally, they had the shortest distance on the route, and suddenly they became farther than their competitors.This will undoubtedly make the cost of sea freight for British goods surpass that of competitors, reducing market competitiveness.

Regardless of whether it is unfounded or unfounded, this sense of crisis is always correct.It is this sense of crisis that brought the British Empire to where it is today.

Whether the Suez Canal can be navigated is not only doubted by the British, but also by many people in the Austrian government.

There has never been such a long Grand Canal in continental Europe. The total length of 190 kilometers is more than everyone can bear.

Franz has no way to convince everyone that the Suez Canal will be navigable, even if the cargo capacity is navigable, it is also a test.

If only a few small boats can pass, then it is also a failure.For strategic considerations, Austria needs the Suez Canal to be able to navigate at least [-] tons of ships.

Otherwise, in the era of dreadnoughts, this canal will be abandoned.At that time, if they want to continue to expand the canal, the British will definitely hinder the construction, so that the Austrian warships can only navigate through the Strait of Gibraltar, thereby establishing a strategic advantage.

Franz said confidently: "Don't worry about the navigation issue. According to historical records, in the 7th century AD, there was a great empire of the Sui Dynasty in the East who dug a North-South Grand Canal with a total length of more than 2700 kilometers.

Even after the geographical change and the subsequent diversion, the new Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is 1797 kilometers long, and now it can normally navigate ships of [-] tons.

With the technology of the ancients, such a long canal can be dug by manpower without using any machinery. Can't our current level of technology not dig a canal less than 200 kilometers?

From the topographic point of view, the construction difficulty of the Suez Canal is far from being comparable to that of the North-South Grand Canal, so what is there to worry about? "

Prime Minister Felix exclaimed: "Your Majesty, are you sure there is such a long Grand Canal in the East?"

Franz replied affirmatively: "Of course, do you think I'm going to lie? The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is still running normally, and it's in the decaying Manchu Qing Empire. You can check the information and find out."

Prime Minister Felix quickly explained: "No, I didn't doubt what you meant.

I just feel that this is incredible. More than 1000 years ago, someone dug a Grand Canal of more than 2700 kilometers.

If true, then this should be the greatest project in human history.That great empire must be very powerful to be able to complete such a huge project. "

Franz smiled and said nothing. He couldn't explain that because the excavation of the Grand Canal consumed too much people's power, the empire would die immediately, right?

So don't you all want to...

Oh, no need to worry at all.To excavate the Suez Canal, there is no need to transfer labor from Austria, as long as the money is ready.

It’s even okay to deliver food directly. Anyway, in addition to the salaries of technicians and management personnel, ordinary workers can take care of the food.

The biggest expense, labor cost, is saved in this way.The total cost of the Suez Canal in history was 1860 million pounds, more than double the budgeted cost.

This is mainly because the British planned the slave labor riots and created public opinion pressure to condemn, so that the French had to pay salaries to hire people later, resulting in a substantial increase in construction costs.

As the price for the navigation of the canal, 12 laborers were buried here.

This issue is beyond the scope of the Austrian government's consideration.Franz also resolutely chose not to see, because any major project in this era is piled up with human lives.

Austria's large railway network is an example. In just five or six years, Austria's domestic railway has become the number one in Europe, and tens of thousands of workers have also fallen behind.

It can be said that the faster the construction speed in this era, the greater the casualties, and the efficiency is all piled up with human lives.

London

After receiving the news that Austria was attacking the Sinai Peninsula, the first reaction of the British cabinet was: the Austrians are going to invade Egypt, if not, they must be stopped.

Prime Minister Granville asked suspiciously: "Who told me what the Austrians are going to do? Could it be that the Vienna government has lost its mind and wants to go to the Sinai Peninsula to eat sand?"

On the face of it, there is no colonial value in the Sinai Peninsula.The most affluent places in Egypt are all in the Nile River Basin, hundreds of kilometers away from the Sinai Peninsula, and there is a desert in the middle to block it. It is not qualified to be a springboard.

Foreign Secretary John Russell said with a smile: "It is said that this was done by an Austrian non-governmental colonial armed force. It originally wanted to do things in Egypt, but it turned out that it was not strong enough.

In order to recover their colonial costs, they went to the Sinai Peninsula to rob a tribe and occupied an abandoned city. "

Colonial Secretary William sneered: "This rookie colonial armed force must be a master of no brains, maybe the spoils they harvested are not enough to pay the pensions for the loss of personnel.

In the Sinai Peninsula, we have already sent people to investigate. The nomadic tribes on the island have nothing but camels and sheep.

These camels and sheep are worthless at all, unless they can be shipped back to the country for sale, where they can only be sold for their fur.

The locals are so poor that they can't live anymore. The Egyptian government is too lazy to send people to collect taxes, but there are still people who rob them. "

Everyone laughed. This kind of thing happened not once or twice during the colonial movement. Many civilian armed forces who have just engaged in overseas colonization often make this mistake.

Sheep and camels are real goods, worth a lot in some places, but unfortunately worthless in Sinai, because there are no buyers for these things.

At most, the animals are killed, and the fur is taken away and sold to a fur merchant.If you want to transport these animals to sell, it is estimated that it is not enough to pay for the freight.

After laughing enough, Granville said: "Then the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to keep an eye on the Vienna government to see their next move, and we are deciding on the countermeasures to take.

Anyway, it is the French who benefit the most in Egypt. Now that a competitor has been added, let them have a headache first! "

All the while, Granville didn't take it seriously.Overseas colonization is a game, a game of plundering wealth, which is completely different from the situation on the European continent.

As long as India is not threatened, the London government will not immediately overreact.Otherwise, the news of colonial conflicts every day can piss them off.

This is no joke. After entering the 19th century, on average, the London government encountered more than a hundred colonial conflicts every year.

Most of the small conflicts here are handled by the colonial officials, and only the escalated conflicts need to be handled by them personally.

If they don't learn restraint and use force at every turn, they will fight all the colonial empires in Europe in less than three months.

They paid attention to the problems in the Sinai Peninsula, mainly because they were worried about Austria's invasion of Egypt. After confirming that it was the civilian armed forces, their interest naturally disappeared.

For details, you can refer to the British civil colonial team, such as the East India Company, which has destroyed several countries overseas, and the London government may not know the news.

Weaker individuals organized colonial armed forces, robbed a certain area today, robbed another area tomorrow, provoked the enemy the day after tomorrow, and were wiped out by the enemy...

This kind of thing happens too much. Anyway, it is profitable, and the British government will stand up for them. If there is no benefit, it will be wiped out. The London government is too lazy to care about it, and it can't control it.

……

Paris

Napoleon III said confidently: "The Austrians have reached deep into Egypt, should we cut them off immediately?"

France's strength in Egypt is not small, as long as it encourages the Egyptian government to expel the Austrian invaders.

Of course, it is estimated that the Egyptian government will not listen to them now.After all, in the last war with Ottomans, the Egyptian government was miserably tricked by the French.

The aid was agreed, but under the pressure of European countries, the Paris government resolutely gave up.Without their aid in your weapons and equipment, the Egyptian government was quickly beaten to the ground by the Ottoman Empire.

Foreign Minister Auvergne persuaded: "Your Majesty, let's negotiate first! We can mediate this conflict. If we can't reach an agreement in the end, it is better to take extreme measures."

He was not as confident as Napoleon III, and if he encouraged the Egyptian government to rush forward, the matter would be resolved.

In case the situation gets out of control and the Vienna government refuses to admit defeat and beats up the Egyptian government, will they go up or not?

The French government, which had just fought a war with the Russians and suffered heavy losses, did not want to fight another war with Austria. No one wanted to do this kind of loss-making business.

Napoleon III was just talking, and he didn't really want to take risks.Now he is already wearing shoes, and he is no longer young and struggling, and he dares to bet on anything.

The reality of the Near East War told him that the current France is no longer the one that slammed the European continent.