Chapter 164 Apennine Business Alliance
Metternich looked at the numbers on the document, and the content could only be described as shocking.
Although the Archduke Franz in front of him has shown superhuman wisdom since he was a child.
But the entire upper class had a rather disdainful evaluation of the professors who taught Franz.
After all, many aristocratic parents have heard such comments as "your son/daughter is very smart, but just refuses to work hard", and they know the trick very well.
But Metternich knew that those professors did not give too much praise. As one of Franz's teachers, he knew very well how outstanding the young man in front of him was.
He was destined to inherit the throne from birth, and the late emperor was even willing to risk the disapproval of the world and write a will to let him inherit the throne when he was eighteen years old.
At only 7 years old, he can speak eight languages. All the teachers who have taught him think he is a genius once seen in a century.
Being able to come up with a solution to the refugee problem at the age of eight, although a bit immature, does provide a new idea for the empire to solve the refugee problem.
Compared with providing simple relief of funds and food, "relief for work" is indeed not as good as using the state apparatus to organize the construction of large-scale projects for refugees.
This will not only benefit the country, but also allow disaster victims to find jobs and earn money, thus achieving a win-win situation.
Archduke Franz was often able to give his own opinions on national affairs, which was particularly rare. Of course, ordinary children at this age do not have the opportunity to be exposed to politics.
Prince Metternich clapped his hands to show his appreciation for Franz.
“Dear Archduke Franz, the Empire’s losses in Italy are indeed heartbreaking, but that is to maintain the Empire’s status in Central Italy.
Similarly, maintaining the stability of the empire's surrounding environment is very important for the current empire. I have lived in this empire since I was a child, but I have never seen this empire as peaceful and vibrant as it is today, and its economy is developing at an unprecedented speed.
Even though so many bad things happened last year, it did not slow down the progress of the empire. Its economy is still growing at a rapid rate of 11% per year. The empire's position within the German Confederation is unshakable.
But the empire's fiscal revenue was still less than half that of France, and only a little more than one-sixth that of Britain.
Archduke Franz, you will definitely become a great monarch in the future, but please be patient now, the Austrian Empire still needs time. "
In the same year, the UK's economy grew by 2%, Belgium's economy grew by 21%, France's economy grew by 4%, and Prussia's economy grew by 8%. Russia and the United States made a fortune due to the food crisis, and Spain each occupied half of the country due to the civil war, so it is not counted for the time being.
"Your Excellency, I did not say that I wanted to annex Sino-Italy, but only to establish a commercial alliance. The purpose is to integrate the entire Sino-Italy into the Austrian economic system. Only by joining this cycle can they truly Integrate into Austria.
The tribute trade currently implemented in our country was also done by a large Eastern country in the past. Even after hundreds of years, it still cannot assimilate those vassals.
Therefore, it is an inevitable choice to integrate those Italian states into the economic system led by Austria.
Moreover, Britain and France are all attacking all over the world, so how can they have time to come to China and Italy to take care of our family affairs? As for the old man, the Pope, he is probably more concerned about whether his rule can continue, right? "
Franz's words made Metternich think deeply. Now is indeed a good opportunity.
The French were internally divided, the Bonapartists always held great power, and although the workers' uprising was temporarily subdued, it only took a spark to reignite the war.
Externally, the Berbers of Algeria have never surrendered. The Spanish Civil War has been on and off. Although the Carlists are at a disadvantage, they can always make the French and Spanish government forces return without success due to their geographical location.
The Queen Regent's debauchery and enjoyment also caused dissatisfaction in Spain. Coupled with natural disasters and war, her rule was already in danger.
The Texas colony brought rich rewards to France, but also fed its endless ambitions.
The massive dispatch of troops to the Central American Federation plunged the French into endless jungle and mountain warfare. On the frontal battlefield, a French regiment could defeat Carrera's indigenous warriors.
But in the mountain jungles of Central America, they experienced the helplessness of the US military in Vietnam more than a hundred years later.
To kill a French soldier, Carrera had to lose at least three indigenous warriors, but this battle loss ratio was still unacceptable to the French.
What is even more troublesome for the French is Morazán's perverse behavior. As a representative of extreme liberalism, he first pretended to invite conservatives to form a new government.
After retaking Guatemala City, Morazan began a major purge. He nailed conservatives who opposed him to a cross as a warning. Later, he executed conservative officers on charges of collaborating with the enemy. Finally, due to the unsatisfactory war, , they organized the remaining conservatives into troops and sent them to their deaths.
The great development of Texas has also sounded the alarm to the United States of America and Mexico in North America. The arms race among the three countries continues to escalate. Mexico maintains a force of 50,000 people, and the Americans even plan to form a force of 100,000 people. powerful army.
The British started wars all over the world, from Tasmania in the Southern Hemisphere (Tasmanian Massacre) to residential schools in Canadian Columbia (Indian and Inuit concentration camps, with a death rate higher than the concentration camps during World War II). Still high.).
From the La Plata River in South America to the Nile River in Egypt, to the Ottoman Empire, Indian states, Afghanistan, and an ancient Eastern country, the British spread war all over the world.
At this time, Britain, France, and Russia were all working hard for hegemony in the Near East. The outcome of the Turkish-Egyptian War would greatly affect the ownership of hegemony in the Near East. The support of the Austrian Empire would undoubtedly be an important weight in the balance.
As for the Pope? How many divisions does he have?
Although Metternich talked about principles and rules, he was actually an opportunist.
Just as Metternich first persuaded Francis II to marry his daughter to Napoleon and become his ally. Later, when Napoleon defeated Moscow, he tore up the agreement with Napoleon and added insult to injury.
However, no one cares about his treachery. People only know that he brought decades of peace to Europe and maintained Austria's dignity.
Metternich knew that this was the best opportunity to realize the legacy of his late emperor, and it might also be the last political resource he left for the Austrian Empire.
After all, Metternich was 66 years old at this time, and his energy and physical strength were gradually failing him.
"Archduke Franz, you are right. A brand-new Apennine Customs Union that can guarantee the interests of all parties should indeed be established."
"I wish you good luck, my Prime Minister." Franz still believed in Metternich's ability to do things. There was no problem with him talking or drawing on the map.
But if Franz is really asked to formulate a complete national policy, coordinate various departments, and put it into practice, he does not yet have the ability.
Vienna, Regency Council.
"Duchess Marisa has indeed made a lot of sacrifices for this empire, so she should not continue to work. It is better to let her retire! We should now establish a new Apennine Customs Union to protect their and the interests of the country."
Metternich's words were like throwing a stone on the calm water, causing an uproar immediately.
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