Chapter 368 Vertical and horizontal combination (Part 1)

Chapter 368 Vertical and horizontal combination (Part 1)

Prussia, Berlin.

William IV supported the unification of Germany. Although he personally opposed Austria's joining, he was still very pleased to be able to lead the war for Germany at this time and to get help from the Austrian Empire.

Yes, the Prussian court was full of Junker nobles at this time. Their brain circuits were different from those of ordinary politicians, and they were optimistic about this war. After all, Belgium only had 20,000 troops, and the Netherlands only had three troops in the country. , 40,000 people.

At this time, Prussia had a standing army of 200,000 people. Coupled with the high civil war sentiment, many people were willing to join the army. Even if general mobilization was not carried out, there would be no problem in recruiting another 200,000 troops.

On the Austrian side, the standing army alone has 420,000 people. When combined with the total military strength of other states, it can even exceed the number of people in Napoleon's expedition to Russia.

With an army of one million against the Belgian and Dutch coalition forces of less than 100,000, and there are still big cracks within the coalition, it will be easy to win.

While the palace was toasting in celebration, far away in a manor in Latin America, Bismarck slammed the wine glass to the ground, and scattered glass flew all over the room.

"A bunch of idiots! Stupid pigs! They will destroy Prussia and the German Confederation."

In Bismarck's eyes, this war was completely a manifestation of madness, and he knew very well where Britain's bottom line was. That is the Low Countries. Once this red line is touched, the UK will definitely not sit idly by.

As for the French, that stupid King Louis-Philippe is like a puppet to the English. Including Guizot, the leading figure in French politics at this time, was also a lackey of the British, and was short-sighted to the point of stupidity.

The German Confederation was simply a mess, and there were countless pro-British and pro-French factions in it. If a war really broke out between the two sides, the German Confederation would probably collapse from within first.

Once the greedy Russians in the east see that the German Confederation is weak, they will definitely take advantage of it. By then, both the pro-British and pro-French factions, as well as Austria and Prussia, will be in a desperate situation.

Maybe the German Confederation will be dissolved, like the Holy Roman Empire. The German Customs Union, the organization that allows Germans to live a "good life", may also be abolished.

All he can do now is to mobilize people to build fortifications in his hometown to reduce the impact of the Russians when they arrive. It is best to keep the Russians out before the negotiations are concluded.

This can be regarded as a contribution to Prussia.

Russia, St. Petersburg.

Nicholas I got the news that the German Confederation was going to regain territory for its members, and the Foreign Minister also got the news. As a pro-British faction, Neserlov said excitedly.

"Your Majesty, this is an excellent opportunity to prove that we are the most trustworthy ally of the British Empire."

Nicholas I's expression did not change at all as he sat on the throne. He just looked at the report, but his hands were trembling.

According to the bureaucrats in the palace, Russia will rule the world as long as it can join forces with Britain. However, can that really be achieved?

Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace.

Although the public sentiment outside was turbulent, there was a peaceful and tranquil scene inside the palace. The lavishly decorated Christmas tree, the busy palace people as usual, and the scent of spices and fried carp floating in the air.

At this time, Austrian Christmas meals do not eat beef, pigs, chickens and other meats, because Catholics are not allowed to eat meat on Christmas Eve.

(Seafood and fish are not considered meat, just think like modern foodies)

"Is this the country being kidnapped by its citizens?" Franz thought.

This is not what he wants. Ignorance, brutality, and even a little stupid unity are like a Pandora's box. Although it contains hope, it also contains countless monsters and monsters.

Since the empire is a big river and public opinion is a torrent, then Franz can be the sluice.

Franz is not prepared to rely on this kind of power. The Austrian Empire should still bring the battlefield to areas it is familiar with. There is not only one way to fight the war, some undead methods will be more effective.

"You look a little tired, Prime Minister."

Franz looked at the old man in front of him who was known as the "European Prime Minister". Although Metternich is 69 years old, he is still very energetic in the political arena and has to argue with Count Korolaf for at least four hours every day.

But at this time, Metternich seemed to have aged dozens of years in a day, his eyes were sunken and haggard, and he seemed to be sweating coldly.

"Archduke Franz, you should do everything you can to prevent this war."

The old prime minister said hoarsely, and Franz shook his head in response.

"Do you know Louis XVI? He supported the American War of Independence, but he was guillotined by his own people.

Now that the empire is following the path taken by the French, Luxembourg may become Austria's Achilles' heel.

At this time, the empire's economy is developing healthily, but a war can destroy everything! The fruits of reform, the happiness of the people, the wealth of the empire."

Metternich spoke hoarsely, but Franz remained unmoved.

"Prime Minister, you are old. Austria is not France, my uncle is not Louis XVI, and you are not the self-righteous Marquis de Lafayette.

You are Metternich, the Prime Minister of Europe. Luxembourg also belongs to Europe. European affairs must of course be resolved by Europeans. "

Metternich seemed to understand something, but seemed to understand nothing. But he understood that the "little adult" in front of him already had a solution.

"Your Excellency, Prime Minister, there once was an era called the Warring States Period in the far east. There were seven powerful countries collectively called the Seven Heroes of the Warring States Period. Among them, Qin was the most powerful and wanted to unify the Central Plains by force.

But at this time, a man named Su Qin stood up and lobbied the six countries to jointly resist Qin. In the end, he returned to his hometown with the seal of the six countries, and made Qin Qiang dare not leave Hangu Pass for fifteen years.

That was the first Eastern Prime Minister. Although it was two thousand years later, his approach is still worth learning from. "

Franz's words have made it very clear. Metternich is not a fool. Of course he understands what it means, but he has no idea how to do it.

"Belgium was the breaking point."

"Belgium? But behind it are Britain and France. This alliance is so powerful that other European countries may not be able to defeat it even if they unite."

Metternich followed Franz's train of thought, but soon reached a dead end.

"Britain and France are not monolithic. It is true that they both have interests in Belgium. But France wants to do business with Belgium and the local French-speaking residents, while Britain just wants Belgium to serve as a fortress to ensure its security.

And although France is a constitutional monarchy, Louis Philippe's power is not small. His Majesty the King is not a person who can withstand pressure. At the same time, he is a villain who is unjust and unjust. We can take advantage of this. "