Holy Roman Empire

For example, now, if the ministers have a unified position, Nicholas II may be happy on the surface, but he will definitely not be able to sleep at night.

As for solving the problem?

In fact, various departments have already started to act.The Ministry of Finance is trying to raise money, the Ministry of War is dispatching troops, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working like a swarm of bees.

Actions are actions, but most of these actions are passive.No one can expect that in just a few hours, everyone will come up with a perfect plan.

The situation would definitely have been much better had Nicholas II held a conference later.No matter how bad it is, it will not be a bunch of unnutritious clichés.

……

In the Far East, as the initiator of this war, Japan showed unprecedented fanaticism.As soon as the Japanese government issued a recruitment order, a wave of joining the army broke out.

Especially the people in Tokyo, perhaps stimulated by the previous embassy case, are now extremely fanatical.

Whether it's government agencies, schools, stores, or factories, they all put up propaganda slogans of "revenge of shame".

The felon who was sentenced to death in the embassy case has now been invited to the shrine as a hero, and various folk sacrificial activities are also in an endless stream.

If it weren't for the embarrassment of the embassy, ​​it is estimated that the Japanese government would go to the sacrifice in person.In short, the previous trial results have now been overturned by the Japanese.

Even the Japanese students who were ready to take the Nanyang University Entrance Examination put down their books one after another and devoted themselves to this war that will determine the destiny of the nation.

In the context of the whole people clamoring for revenge, the minority of rationalists simply cannot afford to make waves.

"Anti-war", that does not exist.Even members of the anti-war faction obediently kept their mouths shut now, and at most they thought about it secretly when no one was around.

Even foreigners in Japan have been affected.As an ally of the Russians, the Shinra embassy in Tokyo has kept a low profile recently.

From this point of view, the Russian embassy case is still valuable to Japan, at least it has hit the arrogance of embassies in various countries.

As the saying goes, barefoot people are not afraid of wearing shoes, and today's Japan is that barefoot.The national sentiment has been mobilized to the extreme, and it will explode with a little stimulation.

It's just that this kind of mental stimulation is obviously impossible to last.This situation can go on for a long time if the front-line troops continue to win.

On the contrary, once the frontline army suffers a big defeat.The fragile Japanese national spirit will immediately trigger an avalanche.

Betting on the country's fortune is not only about the army and colonies, but also the national spirit.

Today's Japan has once again embarked on the old path of the original time and space, and everything will be lost if it loses; if it wins, the nation will be reborn from the ashes, forging the foundation of a great country, and the world will have another great power.

Chapter 1

The plan did not change quickly. Originally, he planned to trick the Russians against Franz, but the plan failed as soon as he took action—the economic crisis came.

When the free trade system collapsed, it was Shinra who lost the most, but France was the first to collapse.

There is no way, first it was severely beaten in the European war, and then it was harmed by the Russians.France, which has a big family and a big business, has also lost its temper after being tossed.

After the withdrawal of the Russian army, with the help of the Vienna government, the French economy also began to slowly recover.

Everything is going in a good direction, but it is a pity that the huge debt burden has destroyed the healthy growth of the French economic ecology.

Apart from increasing employment and meeting the basic needs of the people, the dividends of economic recovery have entered the pockets of the anti-French alliance countries in the form of indemnities.

After the collapse of the free trade system, the economies of all European countries have been hit, and France is no exception.

Without a sufficient economic moat, the fragile economy directly collapsed in the first wave of shocks, directly triggering an economic crisis.

Under the free trade system, the economic ties of European countries are already very close, and they cannot be interrupted all at once.

The French economy is in crisis, and European countries will inevitably be implicated.Before Franz could react, the economic crisis began to sweep across the European continent.

Economic crises are always accompanied by overcapacity and unsalable goods, and this time is no exception.Everyone is worrying about unsalable products, and raising the price of strategic materials has naturally become a fantasy.

I don't know whether to say that the luck of Japan and Russia is good or bad.

Against the backdrop of the economic crisis, the financial problems faced by both Japan and Russia are no longer a problem.

There are pros and cons.In order to divert the domestic crisis, both Britain and Shinra will support the two countries' shopping, which means that the Russo-Japanese War will be unprecedentedly tragic.

It just so happens that both Japan and Russia are masters who can afford to die.Theoretically speaking, as long as the money and supplies are sufficient, the two countries can continue to fight.

When it will end depends on the breath in your heart and when it will be vented.

Of course, it is estimated that before they can't bear it, the benefactors behind will shrink back first.

After all, the governments of Japan and Russia have no choice. The governments of London and Vienna are still sober and have to weigh the pros and cons.

Gently tapping the grand master's chair with both hands, Franz fell into deep thought.

Unlike Japan, which was low to Britain, the tsarist government next door was a big rogue, and almost [-]% of it happened.

Russia and Austria are allies, and it is incumbent on them to support them.So money must still be borrowed, but the Vienna government must also have a stop loss line, and cannot invest indefinitely.

This speed is not easy to grasp, even if Franz has been emperor for so many years, he cannot easily make up his mind.

Money is not a problem, the key is that the country is not a country of one person, even the emperor must consider the reaction of the people.

As an ally, the government supported the tsarist government, and everyone could understand it, but the strength of each person's willingness to support, or in other words, their expectations were different.

Once the bottom line of most people is crossed, there will be a backlash inside.As a qualified monarch, these issues must be taken into consideration.

Not only Shinra needs to face it, but the British government also needs to consider it, and even more.

The Russia-Austria alliance has lasted for several generations. There is a large group of pro-Russians in Shinra, and most people have a good impression of the Russians.

Britain is different, what the hell is the Anglo-Japanese alliance?It is estimated that 90.00% of British people are unwilling to admit that they are allies with Japan.

For no other reason, it is purely because I feel that it is shameful to form an alliance with an indigenous country in the Far East, and it is not worthy of the British world empire.

Especially not long ago, Japan's show operation exposed the "barbaric" image, which was even more unacceptable to the arrogant British people.

Just as truth is in the hands of a few, power is also in the hands of a few, so opposition is invalid, and the Anglo-Japanese alliance continues.

After contemplating for a while, Franz said slowly, "Get ready for battle!"

Frederick, who was sitting across from him, changed his expression greatly. "Preparing for war" at this time does not mean "preparing for war" in the general sense, but means that the decisive battle between Britain and Austria will be brought forward.

According to the original plan, the decisive battle with Britain would break out ten years later, and the Russo-Japanese War was just a drill before the World War.

"Why early?"

Frederick blurted out.

Fortunately, their father and son were the only ones here, otherwise Frederick would not be the only one who asked "why".

Compared with Britain, Shinra has a clear advantage in development potential.It can be said that the longer the decisive battle is delayed, the better it will be for Shinra.

If Britain was in the Japanese model, it would have taken the risk long ago, and it would have done something to Shinra in advance.

In fact, the struggle for hegemony between Britain and Shinra has not erupted until now, thanks to the rationality of British politicians.

Knowing that waiting, it will be more and more detrimental to Britain.But there is no way, the situation of Shinra has been established, at most they will be locked up in the Mediterranean Sea, and the lobster soldiers will not dare to land at all.

For politicians, taking the risk of failure without winning the ultimate victory is undoubtedly not worth the risk.

Anyway, there are no evergreen trees in politics, as long as the glory of Britain continues during his tenure, it is enough.The name before and after life belongs to oneself, and the troubles belong to the next generation.

Those with a conscience, or those with a strong patriotism, will try their best to cause trouble for Shinra in other ways. Anyway, it is impossible to end in person.

Successive British governments have operated in this way, coupled with the deliberate cooperation of the Vienna government, and finally formed the current situation.

If nothing unexpected happens, this situation can continue for decades until Britain itself declines.

From this point of view, the original plan to challenge British hegemony ten years later is considered radical.

Now that the time for the decisive battle has been advanced again, let alone.This aggressive style is obviously at odds with Franz's usual steady style.

Standing up and walking to the window, Franz poked his head out and looked out the window, Franz said slowly: "The opportunity is rare!

According to the current situation, after the Russo-Japanese War, the Russian Empire will inevitably suffer heavy losses. Coupled with our arrangements, it will not be easy for the Tsarist government to keep its power.

Without the threat from the east, it is the best time for us to fight the British.Even if the navy fails to win, the British will be consumed by us after three to five years.

In recent years, the British government has continued to attract allies overseas. The United States has fallen to them. Many countries in the Americas have also shown signs of being drawn in, including countries in Europe.

Although these countries have limited strength and cannot change the overall situation, troubles are always troubles.

If the British go crazy and continue to export technology to countries and arm these countries, even if we win hegemony, it will be difficult to control the world after the war.

The United States, in particular, has a certain industrial base. If it is coupled with the support of the British, it is likely to become our formidable enemy in the Americas in the future.

For the empire, the future not only means advantages, but also uncertainty.And the longer the delay, the greater the possible variables.

Nothing is perfect in this world. Instead of waiting for a future full of uncertainties, it is better to do it in advance. "

Well, Franz admitted that he was cowardly.Fire cannot be contained in paper, and sooner or later the Vienna government's black hands against the tsarist government will be leaked.

Regardless of which government dominates Russian politics in the future, the Russia-Austria alliance will end.

It would be fine if it fell apart. If the Soviet Union was released in advance, it would be a trouble.

Of course, with Shinra's current strength, he would naturally not be afraid of a nascent Soviet Union.The problem is that there are still British people!

With John Bull's ability, it was almost inevitable that the Russians who were out of balance after the war would join the anti-Shinra alliance.

Instead of passively fighting, it is better to take the initiative.If you have to fight anyway, then simply don't give the British a chance to join forces.

It happened that the Russo-Japanese War provided cover for the Vienna government to prepare for war.When Japan and Russia are almost ready to fight, and Shinra's preparations for war are almost completed, it happens to catch the British by surprise.

Once Shinra became the sole overlord, it would not be a big deal to play against the Tsarist government.No matter which government is in power, it will choose to pretend to be deaf and dumb.

Politics has always been determined by strength.As long as one's own strength is strong enough, all problems will not be a problem.

……

The Vienna government has maintained a consistent high efficiency, and with Franz's order, preparations for war are in full swing.

It's just that these preparations are labeled as "aiding Russia", which looks like the Vienna government wants to fully support the tsarist government.

In line with the principle of acting as a complete set, on March 1904, 3, the Shinra Bank Group signed the "Basket Agreement on War Loans" with the Tsarist government.

The treaty includes a war loan of 3 million Aegis and a consignment sale of 5 million Aegis war bonds. It is expected that in the next three years, 8 million will be raised for the Tsarist government.

After the news spread, the European world immediately exploded.This huge loan not only broke the world record for a single loan, but also announced to the world the determination of the Vienna government to support the Russians.

You must know that the Shinra embassy in Tokyo announced its withdrawal a week before the signing of the loan agreement. If you look at these things together, it is not just a matter of supporting the Russians.

It's not that everyone has a lot of associations, it's really the practice of the Vienna government, which is too surprising.Nothing is telling the world that the Russo-Japanese War is the continuation of the struggle between Shinra and Britain for hegemony.

The thunder did not fall all at once. Before everyone could discuss a result, on April 1904, 4, Russia and Austria signed the "Memorandum of Naval Development".

According to the treaty, in the next two years, the Holy Roman Empire will build 8 super battleships, 24 destroyers, and 16 cruisers for the Tsarist government...

Don't say that it is all completed, even if it is half completed, the Russian Navy can become the world's third naval power.

Military novices are all immersed in the great works of Russia and Austria. People with a little military common sense have a question in their hearts: How can the Tsarist government afford to build so many warships at one time?

How can I afford it?No one can answer this question.Including within the tsarist government, a large group of people are in a state of confusion.

Insiders will not come out to explain, anyway, the treaty has been signed.The information released to the public is: organizing an ocean-going fleet to go on an expedition to Japan.

……

Tokyo, the Japanese government as one of the parties involved, has completely fallen into a state of confusion at the moment.

Emperor Meiji: "Who can tell me what happened in Europe? Why did the Austrians do this?"

I've seen people who support allies, but I haven't seen people who support them this way.

It's fine to spend a lot of money, the big deal is that Shenluo is rich and powerful.But the most advanced warships are packaged and sold, that would be too much.

The Russians are going to make an expedition to Japan, everyone believes; the Siberian Railway has not yet opened to traffic, and the best way for the Tsar to win is to fight from the sea.

Different from the original time and space, the Russians now have the support of allies, there is no lack of supplies and maintenance along the way, and the risk of the fleet's expedition is much smaller.

But to deal with those wrecked ships of the Japanese Navy, how could such a big deal not be needed?

Not to mention 8 super battleships, as long as there are 2 super battleship leaders, plus the current family property of the Russian Navy, it is enough to complete an expedition.

Ito Hirobumi: "Your Majesty, with the financial resources of the Russian Empire, it is impossible to support such a huge fleet.

Even if they purchase warships because of the war, relying on the relationship between Russia and Austria, they can also buy Shinra's active warships, and there is no need to waste time ordering new ships.

There are only two countries in the world that have the financial resources to purchase so many warships at one time.

If the order is true, then most of these warships were purchased by Shinra, and the target is probably Britain.

The name of the Russian is mostly just to deceive people.

With the strength of the Shinra Navy, if these warships are added, the gap between them and the Royal Navy will be evened out, and they may even gain the upper hand.

It's just that it still doesn't make sense. If Shinra wants to catch the British by surprise, they can build ships in secret.

Their colony is so vast, it is not impossible to find several hidden ports to build shipyards.