Holy Roman Empire

These strategies are all true and fully in Austria's interest.However, due to various practical reasons and the low success rate, the Vienna government did not invest many resources.

For example: The Continental Hegemony Plan was formulated by the Vienna government in order to seize European hegemony. Because the success rate was too low, it lay in the archives after a short-lived flash in the pan.

Another example: naval hegemony strategy, which is a product of the arms race between Britain, France and Austria. According to the plan, Austria will build [-] ironclad ships within ten years to seize the British maritime supremacy.

A plan is a good plan, but when it comes to implementing it, it encounters difficulties.In addition to boasting in the newspapers for a while and providing the Royal Navy with an excuse to expand its army, changes have taken place in actual actions.

Ironclad ships are also divided into grades, the smallest is only a few hundred tons, and the largest is more than 1 tons. Battleships of different grades have different powers in naval battles.

In addition to brushing up a wave of presence, the British soon found out that they had been fooled.If you simply count the number, the Austrian Navy has built more than one hundred warships in less than ten years.

It's just some small boats, most of which are offshore patrol boats.The number of capital ships has increased by three or five. Although the ten-year deadline has not yet come, no one thinks that the Vienna government will continue to explode warships in the later period.

This is all on the surface. If the British hadn't deliberately wanted to be fooled, the plan would have gone wrong from the very beginning.It is not easy for the Royal Navy to expand its military. How can we persuade the Parliament to allocate funds without excuses?

In this respect, France and Austria are still allies of the Royal Navy.As long as France and Austria talk about building ships, the British will follow up immediately.

With the active cooperation of the Royal Navy, it is not difficult to fool the laymen in the parliament.As long as the appropriation is approved, even if it is worn out in the later stage, the money has already become a warship.

In the original space-time arms race between Britain and Germany, some people criticized that the navies of the two countries colluded with each other and joined hands to defraud military expenditures.

The word "collusion" is used too much, but there are really suspicions in this regard if they join forces to cheat military expenditures.

Now is no exception. Every time the navy expands, Britain, France and Austria use each other as rafts. As long as there are good reasons, the government can pay for it.

Before the alliance of the three countries, even if someone saw a problem, everyone could only bite the bullet and follow up, and no one dared to take the risk of stopping the construction of the navy.

International politics is very complicated, and it is very difficult to figure out the purpose of competitors.But it doesn't matter, it doesn't matter what the purpose of the competitors is, as long as they can't do what they want to do, it's right.

Since the banner of the German unification strategy was launched, European countries have been working hard to prevent Austria from unifying the German region.Britain and France kept a close eye on the German Federation, for fear that Austria would suddenly attack them.

The rise of the Kingdom of Prussia, in addition to Britain and France wanting to use their hands to attack the Russians; at the same time, by arming Prussia, it prevented Austria from unifying the German region.

Everyone is besieging Austria in the European continent, and Franz will naturally not look for excitement.The attention of Britain and France was attracted to Europe, and Austria's expansion in Africa was able to proceed smoothly.

Now Austrian Africa has developed and grown, but the foundation is not solid.Once the European countries discover the purpose of the Vienna government, who can guarantee that John Bull will not encourage the independence of Austrian Africa?

At that time, the French come up with ideas, the British are responsible for flickering, and if a huge sum of money is invested in it, who knows how much trouble it will cause.

On the bright side, Franz has been releasing Austria's strategic focus on unifying the German region.Everyone believes this statement, and the Austrians themselves believe it.

No one, except high-level governments, knew that the actions on the European continent were a sham.Even if Britain and France know that there is a problem, they must first protect Europe, otherwise the idiom "make the fake come true" will appear.

Prime Minister Felix: "Your Majesty, if we say that we have ambitions for Poland, no one will believe it.

Both Prussia and Russia regard Poland as something in their pockets, and no matter how unwise we are, we will not be able to go to occupy Poland alone; if Poland is divided up, it is estimated that it will be completed after a wave of operations, and the goal of attracting the attention of all countries will not be achieved.

Or use the recovery of the Holy Land as a pretense. If Britain and France don't believe it, then let them think that we want to annex the Asia Minor Peninsula, and an Ottoman Empire is always enough. "

The reality is such a comedy. If Poland is not attacked, it is not because Poland is too strong, but because Poland is too weak, so weak that it will fall if pushed.

Poland fell, and the end result was nothing more than being divided.Once the strategic goal is directly accomplished, the strategy will naturally come to an end.

Unless there is a fight with Pu Russia next, or this is the end, except for an extra piece of land, the other benefits are almost zero.

Not to mention, headaches for the increased Polish population.The Vienna government has not done this kind of thing that increases the instability of the empire for many years.

The Ottoman Empire was different. It was big enough not to be swallowed by Austria, and there were very few competitors.

The Russian Empire, which has been greatly weakened, is not qualified to compete with Austria for the Ottoman Empire, and at most it will follow suit.

Just grasp the rhythm, don't beat the Ottoman Empire to death all at once, it is better to win and lose each other, and have a slight advantage. European countries are still happy to see Austria and the Ottoman Empire die.

If Britain and France want to hold back, they will probably support the Ottoman Empire.In this regard, Franz is not worried at all. It is no joke that the mud cannot support the wall.

The Chosen One has not yet been born, and the internal conflicts of the Ottoman Empire are too heavy, and it is almost impossible to rebirth from the ashes.

Consuming it like this is good for everyone. Austria can hide from the world, Britain and France have achieved the goal of containing Austria, the Ottoman Empire can also deceive aid, and Prussia and Russia can rest assured to PK.

In the process of fighting against consumption, it can also nibble away at the Middle East region quietly. Not only does it not have to worry about the energy for the next century, but even half of the world's hegemony is in its hands.

A small fight in three years, a big fight in ten years, this scene can be played for a long time.The Habsburg dynasty and the Ottoman Empire were feuds, and there was no need to worry about an excuse to attack them. Revenge was the best excuse.

After looking at the map, Franz pointed to Poland: "This is not enough, in order to make this scene more realistic, we need to add a few supporting roles.

Isn't the Kingdom of Prussia obsessed with Poland, so let them be fulfilled, and find a chance to sell it for a good price.

If the Prussians can defeat the Russian Empire, then this is ours. Give them a little strength and strengthen the fighting spirit of the Junker nobles. "

Franz drew a circle on the map, and a large area of ​​Russian land was enclosed, and the Black Sea directly became the Austrian Inland Sea.The efforts of the Russians for 200 years were all lost in one day.

After going through this wave, it is really very difficult for the shrinking version of Russia to rise.Even if they become stronger again, they have to face the Kingdom of Prussia first.

As for Austria, how could Franz brutally annex the territory of the Russians?The tsarist government, which lost the war, doesn't need someone to help it?

This kind of difficult operation definitely needs to be paid.At that time, the Vienna government will pay a sum of money to buy these territories.

The Americans have done a good job in this regard. The French have been bought and sold by force. There is still nothing to say on the surface. They bought it through legal means.

Looking at the circle drawn by Franz, everyone looked at each other as if they hadn't seen anything.Such a calculation of allies can almost catch up with John Bull.

But by then, the Russia-Austria alliance should also expire.The two sides are no longer allies, and it seems logical to do this again.

Although the picture cake is beautiful, everyone is still not very optimistic about Prussia.There may still be a chance to defeat the Russians, but it is very difficult to defeat the Russians.

If the tsarist government was not beaten to death, I am afraid they would not be able to accept Austria's blackmail. It is not easy to realize this third strategy.

Foreign Minister Weissenberg: "Your Majesty, the Kingdom of Prussia is too scattered and faces too much pressure on defense. If they can't concentrate their forces, it may be difficult to defeat the Russians.

After the annexation of Poland, Prussia is already very strong, and we cannot continue to let them grow bigger.

I suggest that the Prussians give up the Rhineland region. The Berlin government is now very poor, but the German Federal Empire is very rich. It is better to let them buy the Rhineland region. "

This proposal is very constructive. The Rhineland region is rich in coal and iron resources, and the local industry is also well developed.If this enclave is cut off, the heavy industry of the Kingdom of Prussia will be directly cut in half, which will greatly weaken their development potential.

As long as it is done properly, Franz is not worried that the Berlin government will refuse.Potential is just potential. After the immediate crisis, there will be a future.

Solving the financial crisis and concentrating all military forces are essential factors for them to win the next war.

Although the Rhineland area is good, but the neighbors next door are French, it suddenly becomes bad.If war broke out, this enclave would simply not be able to hold.

Britain and France are very vigilant about Austria's expansion on the European continent, but they will never worry about the expansion of the German Federation.Even with the addition of the Rhineland region, the German Federal Empire is only a medium-sized country, and the threshold for the great powers is too low to touch.

With Austria's influence in the German Federation, it is not difficult to promote this transaction.Even if the Imperial Parliament fails to pass it, it is the same to manipulate one of the states to buy it.In the German Federation, Austria still has no shortage of younger brothers.

After clearing his mind in the shortest time, Franz nodded: "This plan is very good. After the Rhineland region is gone, the strategy that the Kingdom of Prussia wants will completely move eastward.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the specific plan should improve it. It is not convenient for us to intervene in person. It is best to use the hands of the British to implement it.

In order to split the German region, the British took great pains.As long as they are convinced that strengthening the strength of the German Confederation will make it more difficult for us to unify the German region, I believe that the London government will do everything for us.

The French should be more peaceful for the time being, but they can't relax their vigilance, and we can't let them take advantage of the loopholes, so we will make wedding dresses for them. "

Back then, with the help of the British, Germany was changed from two points to three points, which curbed the rise of the Kingdom of Prussia. Now Franz naturally doesn't mind doing it again.

Prologue to Chapter 1

Any huge strategy requires long-term preparation, and it cannot be completed overnight.Now Austria's primary strategy is to promote the second industrial revolution and develop the African continent.

The Middle East can only be ranked second. As for the other strategies, they all belong to hunting grass and hunting rabbits. It is good to succeed, but it is okay to fail.

After a few more decades, the overall situation will be settled.This is to learn from the Americans. In any case, the experience of successful people always has merit.

It is not easy to fool countries into the set, now is the era of heroes, and there are too many smart people.

In recent years, the French have been keeping a low profile and digesting the results of their wars. Napoleon III has already had health problems, and at this time they are busy paving the way for Napoleon IV.

In this context, the French obviously will not risk the world's disgrace and run out to make trouble.If you want to count them again, there is no way to use it.

Franz estimated that not only Napoleon III would adopt a conservative strategy in his last days, but France would still adopt a conservative strategy for a long time after Napoleon IV succeeded to the throne.

Including Austria, all European countries are supporting the Italian independence movement, but this is of no avail. France at its peak easily suppressed these small disturbances.

Don't think that France is vulnerable just because Prussia won the bet in the original time and space. In fact, the combat effectiveness of the French army is still at the top level in the world.Had it not been for Napoleon III to run blindly to direct, the final outcome is still unknown.

The overall national strength of the French is only behind the British and Austrian, far surpassing all European countries.If calculated based on various factors, the national power of the Russian Empire, which followed closely behind, is less than half that of France.

Modern wars are fought in logistics, and the advantages of industrial countries over agricultural countries are too great, which cannot be compensated by the number of people.

In order to complete the plan smoothly, the Vienna government conspired with the Russians to deal with the Ottoman Empire, and at the same time engaged in activities within Prussia.

……

In a manor on the outskirts of Berlin, Prussian radicals are plotting.

The host of the meeting, Count Marcel Jensen, the leader of the young Junker nobles: "Everyone, we have just received a message through a secret channel that the Russians are wooing Austria to plot the Ottoman Empire."

The atmosphere in the room suddenly became tense. Although everyone did not have a good impression of the Ottoman Empire, many people even wanted to see the end of the Ottoman Empire.

But definitely not now, the Ottoman Empire was still an ally of Prussia when fighting against the great enemy of the Russians.

The last Russian-Prussian War proved the role of the Ottoman Empire. At a critical moment in the Russian-Prussian War, the Ottoman Empire stabbed the Russians in the back and accelerated the time for the Tsarist government to admit defeat.

A young officer asked nervously: "Your Excellency, has the Vienna government agreed?"

Allies belong to allies, but Prussia and Ottomans are separated by Austria. Once something happens, they are beyond their reach.

Facing the cooperation of Russia and Austria, the Ottoman Empire at its peak may not be afraid, and now they are not able to handle any one of them.

Marcel Jensen shook his head: "I don't know. Even if there are no more than ten people who know this level of news in Austria and Russia, it is impossible to leak it out. If it is not by chance, our No news of secret contact will be received.

However, with the grievances between the Habsburg dynasty and the Ottoman Empire, it is a matter of time before Austria starts to attack the Ottoman Empire. "

This is tantamount to confirmation in disguise, no wonder they came to this conclusion.If you read the history books, you will know that the Habsburg Dynasty and the Ottoman Empire have been entangled for hundreds of years.

The European hegemony of the Habsburg dynasty, or most of the world hegemony, was overthrown by the "Sacrilege Alliance" formed by the Ottoman Empire and France. The Habsburg dynasty almost lost Vienna at a critical moment.

France is powerful, and it is too difficult to seek revenge from them. Now that France and Austria have little conflict of interest, the possibility of the two sides fighting is very low.

The Ottoman Empire is different, not only has enmity with Austria, but more importantly, Ottoman has declined.

If you fall behind, you will be beaten. This is the nature of the world.

If Austria attacks other countries, the pressure of European public opinion and domestic public opinion may also be considered.But to attack the Ottoman Empire, there is no need to think about it, just do it.

The Ottoman Empire is so hated. European governments may oppose it for their own interests, but the people will never mind the Ottoman Empire being beaten.

Young officer Mao Qi: "What can we do? If the Austrians and the Russians join forces, the Ottomans will definitely not be able to stop them. Even if we want to intervene, it will be useless."

"Yes, there is still Austria in the middle, and we can't even support them if we want to."

"Shouldn't the Prussian-Prussian War be launched in advance?"

"No, that would drag Austria down."

……

Looking at the people who were arguing, Marcel Jensen waved his hand to signal silence.

"You guys, the situation is not that bad. It is also an opportunity for us if the Austrians and Russians want to attack the Ottoman Empire.

Numerous evidences show that allies are unreliable, and we still have to rely on our own strength at critical moments.

If we were able to annex Poland while the Russians and Austria were being held back, it would be a whole different story. "

Having said this, Marcel Jensen stopped, leaving time for everyone to digest the content.

Annexation of Poland is not news.There have always been such voices within the Kingdom of Prussia, and Prussia was almost invincible after winning the Kingdom of Poland.

After the Pubo merger, although the overall strength still lags behind Russia, the strength that can be put into the battlefield is definitely not much worse than that of the Russians.

Poland's water transportation is well developed, and a few more railways will be built to make up for it, and the traffic problem will be solved.However, if the Tsarist government wanted to solve the traffic problem, it would not be able to do it without decades.

Even if preparations are made in advance, the Russian army will not be short of food, but strategic materials are still a big problem.Not all materials can be stored in advance, and many things cannot be stored for a long time.

These advantages may not be enough for Prussia to win the war, but it can still be done to keep the family business.

It is true that there are many Russians, but after the Pubo merger, there are also many people, nearly half of the Russians.If the tsarist government wanted to win the war with human sea tactics, it would be very difficult to do so.

Little Mao Qi: "Your Excellency, this may be difficult to do. The Ottoman Empire is no longer the Ottoman Empire 200 years ago. They are unable to contain Russia and Austria at the same time.

Moreover, it is impossible for European countries to agree to our annexation of Poland, and even Britain and France will most likely oppose it. "

This is the crux of the matter. If it were not for everyone's opposition, Prussia would have annexed Poland as soon as the Prussian-Russian War ended.

Marcel Jensen smiled leisurely: "This is going to be a test of skill, everyone is familiar with the establishment of the new Shenluo Empire in Austria back then!

What Metternich relied on to make European countries compromise, we can also follow suit.Create established facts first, and then give up part of the benefits according to the actual situation in exchange for the approval of various countries.

The main purpose is to convince Britain, France and Austria that the Russians are already enemies, and their position is not important.

We have to believe in the capabilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and it is not impossible to convince the three countries.For example: support Austria's annexation of the German Federation, I don't believe that the Vienna government is not moved.The Austrians have taken this step, can Britain and France still take care of us? "

For the sake of the Kingdom of Prussia, Marcel Jensen didn't mind making concessions. If it weren't for the fact that there were more "secondary school boys" among the people present, he would have said that the Rhineland region should be ceded to France.

The settlement of France and Austria has actually created an established fact. No matter how dissatisfied the British are, they can't care about them anymore.