Holy Roman Empire

The Russians are too greedy, this is a fact acknowledged by all.On the issue of territorial expansion, the tsarist government seemed never to be satisfied.

Dissolution of the Russian-Austrian alliance also has a high voice in the Vienna government.Many Austrians believe that cooperation with the Russians is not worth the loss, and that it is better to cooperate with Britain and France to suppress the Russian Empire, and the benefits that can be obtained are greater.

After pondering for a while, Minister Charlie said: "Okay, you convinced me. It's just that we don't do anything, and the Russians will be in big trouble before long."

Pit the Russians?This should not be counted, Charlie De is also a veteran of diplomacy, he has never made any promises to the Russians.

Out of an ally obligation, it unconditionally helped the Russians occupy Tsushima Island.Now the Nagasaki area has fallen into the sphere of influence of the Russians, but Austria has not benefited at all.

After the departure of the Austrian ocean-going fleet, whether the Russians can resist the pressure and keep the Nagasaki area is a question for the Russians themselves.

After the ocean-going fleet left, Austria's nearest fleets were far away in the South China Sea.At that time, the support that Austria can provide will really be limited to words.

After taking stock of it, Charlie could not help but breathe a sigh of relief after making sure that there were no hidden dangers left.

Hummel smiled slightly, stood up and took two steps forward, turned his back to Charlie and said, "Minister, don't you think that the relationship between Britain and Russia is getting better recently?"

Charlie was taken aback for a moment, and then reacted.Provoking conflicts between Britain and Russia is also one of the responsibilities of the Austrian Foreign Ministry.

Not only the contradictions between Britain and Russia, but also the contradictions between Britain and France, the contradictions between Britain and the West, and the contradictions between France and Russia... are all the work of the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The foreign ministries of all countries are doing this. If it weren't for European countries stabbing each other, there would be so many conflicts in the world.

It's just that these tasks are all carried out in secret, and everyone maintains a gentleman's demeanor on the surface.In this day and age, many people still think that all European countries are one.

Chapter 8 Preparations for Austria

Because of the distance, the news did not reach Vienna until more than two months after the outbreak of the American Civil War.

Looking at the information in his hands, Prime Minister Felix complained: "It seems that we have fostered a pig teammate!"

From the perspective of a bystander, the southern government is undoubtedly asking for trouble when it initiates the war.Regardless of whether the northern government can be forced to compromise in the end, the loss outweighs the gain.

Foreign Secretary Weisenberg said with a sigh: "No, the southern government is not stupid, they are confident.

If the previous script is followed, it will be difficult for the southern government to get rid of the influence of other countries in the future.For the benefit of the future, they decided to take a risk. Anyway, Britain, France, Spain and us helped to cover the situation. "

Chancellor of the Exchequer Karl questioned: "But the time for the southern government to start the war is wrong, and the northern states are not prepared for the war at all. They can definitely delay the war for a few months."

Foreign Secretary Weisenberg explained: "After a few months of delay, the northern government compromised. Don't look at the Lincoln government clamoring for war. In fact, the northern government has few soldiers at all.

The political system of the United States is different from that of European countries. The rights of their states are too great, and the rights of the central government are compressed.

Each state has its own army, and the northern government has no right to command these armies without the consent of the state government.

Their power over the states is not as great as our power over a few states.After the southern military officers left, the military strength of the central government was not as good as that of some powerful federal states.

Before the South started, the American public was largely opposed to the Civil War.The capitalists do support the Northern government, but they don't carry guns to war.

Under the interference of various countries, many federal states can no longer speak to the federal government.There were no more than ten federal states willing to send troops, and the Lincoln government did not have the strength to solve the southern government by force.

How can the southern government be independent without fighting a war and showing its strength?European countries support them, not for free! "

Interests make people lose their way, and they will still do it knowing that there is danger.

Franz interrupted: "Well, no matter what the southern government thinks, the war has already broken out. The life and death of Americans has nothing to do with us.

For us, the primary goal is to divide America.Although the situation is out of control now, it is not the worst.

The geographical position of the United States is unique. They have not experienced brutal wars. Now is the time for them to experience it. "

Franz couldn't help being careless, even if it was divided into two.Both of the United States have the foundation of hegemony, and the division only delays the time for them to grow up.

The southern government is easy to handle. Since they like to play the plantation economy, let them continue.The agrarian country is not a threat, and Franz doesn't mind helping them with their labor problems.

The northern government is different. Once industrialization is completed, it will change qualitatively.Driven by profit, they play expansion, who can stop it?

Even if Franz is determined to intervene again, with Spain in decline, will Britain and France follow suit?

The use of political means to split the United States actually hides murderous intentions.Once the United States is divided, the federal government will naturally lose its majesty, and its influence on the federal states will decline.

Since the southern states can leave the United States of America because of their interests, other states can also leave.

Once the seeds of division are planted, the future northern government will be busy.Just think about it, the fact that the underlying federal states are about to break up for independence is enough to collapse any government.

For example: A certain state finds that it has suffered a disadvantage from the federal government, so it jumps out to negotiate terms with the central government.If their interests cannot be met, they will be independent.

Another example: Conflicts of interest have occurred in the federal states, where does the federal government occupy?Support one side, and the other side will fight for independence.If it is not handled well, several states may declare independence together.

When it comes to creating conflicts, the British are the best at it, and they don't need Austria to fight in person.In less than 20 years, the American continent will be full of small countries just like the European continent.

It's a pity that Franz's great plan died just after it started.The Civil War broke out, and the federal government certainly took command of the state armies.With military power in hand, the central government's control over the states will naturally rise to a higher level.

It is estimated that it will not be long before President Lincoln will amend the constitution to patch up and abolish the legal basis for the states to freely withdraw from the federation.

The Minister of the Interior, Prince Wendisch Gretz, proposed: "Your Majesty, why don't you order the ocean-going fleet to go to America as soon as possible, and first establish a foothold in Central America to lay the foundation for armed intervention."

This foothold is not just a port.To be able to station tens of thousands of troops and ensure the supply of basic materials, the place is too small.

Franz shook his head: "Don't worry, just follow the normal schedule. Let's discuss first, where should we put our foothold?"

Colonial Secretary Josip Jeracic replied: "Your Majesty, in terms of resources, Nicaragua is the most suitable, and we can borrow a place here.

If we want to intervene by force in the future, we can actually choose to attack the west coast of the United States from the Western Pacific, forcing the northern government to recognize the independence of the southern government. "

Looking at the map, Franz's eyes lit up.In this era, the Panama Canal has not yet been opened, and the superior geographical location of the Americans has not yet been fully highlighted.

Now the main force of the U.S. Navy is in the core area of ​​the east coast, and the defense of the west coast is relatively weak.Once the threat of war is encountered, no matter whether the northern government will compromise or not, the states on the west coast will definitely withdraw from the war anyway.

Without these states, the North American government's population advantage is not obvious.Without sufficient military strength, it is almost impossible to win the war.

The three countries of Britain, France and Spain are not soft persimmons. The navy is blocking the east coast, and even bombarding the east coast. The northern government can't afford to compromise.

At least the eastern consortium can't bear it. They can't bear the price of destroying their foundations and continue to support the northern government.

Franz said with some hesitation: "The plan is good, but in this way we have to station a naval fleet on the west coast and coordinate with the British to obtain supplies from Canada."

Foreign Minister Weisenberg replied: "Your Majesty, there is no problem in diplomacy. We have signed a secret agreement with Britain, France and Spain to jointly intervene in the American Civil War.

Once the United States is divided, the British are the biggest beneficiaries, and they have no reason to refuse. "

After looking at the map, Franz made a decision: "Deploy five divisions from the country, two of which will be dispatched to the Nanyang region in batches, and the ironclad warship Vienna, which is our watchdog, will also be dispatched to the Nanyang region. .

In the short term, we will first develop and expand the two large islands in the Nanyang region and the surrounding subsidiary islands.At the same time, prepare for an expedition to the United States.

The other three divisions, one was sent to Central America, and two were sent to the African continent, making a gesture that we want to speed up the process of overseas colonization.

The ocean-going fleet was divided into two, leaving two ironclad ships and a part of the subsidiary fleet in Nicaragua, and the rest continued to visit American countries.

Don't worry, the American Civil War cannot be won or lost in a day or two.The army can be in place within two years, and the navy will follow the normal rhythm. "

When the truth is false, the false is also true.

Franz's plan was not random. History has changed, and no one knows what the outcome of the American Civil War will be.

Whether or not armed intervention is necessary, and when it will be, is unknown.Austria's strategic plan obviously cannot revolve around the American Civil War.

Otherwise, the American Civil War will be stalemate and the opportunity for intervention will not come, so the Austrian army can wait forever?

Intervention also has to consider costs.So Franz decided to colonize while preparing for military intervention.

As for the ocean-going fleet, when they visit the southern government, pack it up and sell it to them.It is estimated that by this time next year, the navy in the north will almost block the south.

Take advantage of the fire to rob and try to sell it at a sky-high price.Franz didn't have any pressure, and the slave owner's money was not earned for nothing.

Chapter 9 American Version Hongmen Banquet

On the first day of the Civil War, Fort Sumter fell.The northern government's fleet transporting supplies is just watching from a distance, helpless.

The next day, President Lincoln ordered 7.5 state militiamen to be conscripted for 90 days to suppress the southern rebellion.

Obviously, the northern government has not realized the seriousness of this civil war, thinking that as long as there is no intervention from other countries, they can easily suppress it.

The Southern government preemptively won the military victory, but lost the political advantage.

The northern states, which were originally uncertain, united in a short period of time. Under the influence of capitalists manipulating public opinion, patriotic young people joined the army one by one.

The leader of the Democratic Party, Stephen Douglas, who was originally inclined to the South, also stood on the side of the Northern government at this moment, denouncing the Southern government for instigating the civil war.

Publicly declared: "There is no neutral in this civil war, either a patriot or a traitor."

Nearly every northern state overdelivered on its conscription mandate.Inadequate training, lack of armament, lack of discipline, and not being able to find enough officers were common problems in the northern states.

But it doesn't matter, they are all cannon fodder anyway, as long as they have a passion for it.

Looking at the troops gathered in all directions, the high-spirited President Lincoln was ready for victory.

The Secretary of War said angrily: "Your Excellency, Maryland and Delaware have refused the draft, and they have barred the entry of Union troops."

These two states are very interesting. Some support the South, and some support the North. The two sides remained in the Northern government because of a stalemate.

Especially since Washington is still within the encirclement of Maryland, if this state falls to the southern government, it may not be long before the northern government will become a prisoner.

President Lincoln asked, "How many more troops are there in the Washington area?"

The Secretary of War replied: "With the newly mobilized militia, we now have 3 soldiers."

President Lincoln asked cautiously: "If the government wants to solve Maryland by force, how sure are you?"

The Secretary of War replied: "Maryland has mobilized about 3 armed in support of the Confederates, and about 2 who remain loyal to the government.

In general, forces inclined to rebellion prevailed.Maryland remained neutral as the two sides checked each other.

Without reinforcements from the South, our chances of winning are ninefold. "

How could this be possible without reinforcements from the South?You must know that the southern states have long been preparing for war, and the northern government's preparations have just begun.

Fortunately, this era is limited by traffic, and the size of the United States is large enough. It will take a lot of time from mobilization to assembly.

Otherwise, if the southern government launches a blitzkrieg, the northern government will not be able to hold back.It is estimated that before they complete their mobilization, the central government will become a prisoner.

Once there is no leader among the dragons, the war will be decided.As an immigrant country, the patriotic enthusiasm of Americans in this era only lasts for a month or two at most.

The people have returned to rationality, and many people are unwilling to continue to work hard.Historically, in order to win this war, the northern government did not force fewer soldiers to join the army.

After hesitating for a while, Lincoln made a surprising decision: "I will personally go to Maryland to do their ideological work, and you are ready for military action.

Once diplomatic efforts fail, you immediately join our supporters to take military action, and the speed must be fast. "

This is no choice, and Virginia, next door to Maryland, has declared independence.Once the war started in Maryland, the Southern Army next door immediately came to kill.

Don't look at the minister of war's vowed guarantee that there are nine chances of winning, but this is based on the fact that the enemy is isolated and helpless.With the support of the southern government troops, President Lincoln did not think he could easily win the victory.

The chances of winning in the military are not great, so use the political means he is better at.

Secretary of State Safar reminded: "Your Excellency, you must take charge of the overall situation at this time, and it is not suitable to leave Washington."

President Lincoln shook his head and said: "However, if I don't personally go to solve the threat in Maryland? As long as this threat is not solved for a day, Washington is under the threat of the enemy.

Now that Maryland is not independent, as the president of the federal government, they will not do anything to me. "

The political struggle in the United States is still relatively moderate. Even if he runs to a territory that leans towards the south, don't worry about the danger.

This point has been proven in history. After the defeat of the southern government, almost none of the top leaders were liquidated, and they were still rich.

The Secretary of State is not worried about the president's personal safety. Even if the president dies, the vice president is on top. Anyway, they are the spokespersons for the interests of the capitalists, and it doesn't matter whoever they replace.

He was just worried about the president, so he ran over to do ideological work, not only failed to bring back those who supported the southern government, but instead forced Maryland back, which would embarrass the government.

Don't look at the high evaluation of Lincoln in the history books. In this era, people don't recognize his ability.Especially in dealing with the southern issue, his performance was not satisfactory.

Of course, it satisfied the interest groups behind him.Many capitalists believe that the victory is in their hands. As long as the rebellion is suppressed, they can obtain cheap industrial raw materials and markets.

In essence, the capitalists in the north wanted to turn the south into an economic colony, and the southern states reacted so violently.

However, there is no need to explain this misunderstanding clearly.This is the basic quality of politicians.

……

On April 1861, 4, a week after the Civil War broke out, Lincoln entertained local socialites in Maryland.

The opening was naturally a passionate speech, but half of the people were applauding, while the other half were watching the excitement, the scene was very embarrassing.

Naturally, such a small scene cannot scare President Lincoln, and it is harmonious to watch the excitement.During a speech, he has personally experienced the incident of someone throwing banana peels on the stage.

In this regard, the American people are very open. If you are unhappy, you will be unhappy, and will not save face for the president.

Lincoln said as if nothing had happened: "Gentlemen, in order to prevent the Southern Rebellion from affecting the stability of Maryland, the federal government has decided to temporarily suspend the Habeas Corpus in some areas. I hope everyone can cooperate with the government's work."

This is equivalent to military control in disguise. Without the "Habeas Corpus", the power of the government will be greatly increased, and the voice of these celebrities will be greatly reduced.

With this protection order in place, even if they support the southern government openly, the government can't do anything to them.

Before that, a guy named John Merriman was arrested for organizing activities in support of the Southern government, and then released without charge under the writ of habeas corpus.