Chapter 1129 Dancing on a Powder Keg
It can be said that East African industry and commerce encountered a very bad time in finding a way out overseas, because at this time Europe was facing a new round of economic crisis.
In 1912, an economic crisis first broke out in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which then triggered a wave of industrial and commercial bankruptcies in Near Eastern countries, and international trade and financial markets shrank. In August 1913, the heavy industry and financial industry of Britain and Germany began to be in trouble, the number of unemployed people surged, and the industrial production of France, Italy, Japan, and other countries also began to decline.
At this time, East Africa's domestic industries were exporting a large amount of goods, further exacerbating the crisis in European society. The market was flooded with cheap products, but no one cared about them. On the one hand, capital produced goods without restrictions, but on the other hand, it was unwilling to increase wages for workers. Society Consumption is weak. Under this contradiction, Europe has become a big explosive keg, and social revolution may break out at any time.
If Europe is the dynamite barrel of the world, then the Balkans are the dynamite barrel of Europe. After the two Balkan wars, the Balkan countries are generally poor and suffered the impact of the economic crisis after the war.
During this period, if these troubles cannot be solved and the people's attention cannot be diverted, the current Serbian regime may collapse at any time, so they turned their attention to their "enemy" - the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The contradiction between Serbia and the Austro-Hungarian Empire has been around for a long time. As early as after the "Bosnian Crisis", Serbian nationalists were making various efforts to achieve "national independence and unity".
However, as time went by, Serbian nationalism began to evolve towards extremes. Out of political needs, some politicians also publicly issued tough words, intensifying domestic emotions. This made Bosnia and Herzegovina the focus of conflicts between Austria and Serbia. .
There are more than 200 related committees of national self-defense organizations established in Serbia. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, they recruit and train soldiers, organize guerrillas and volunteers, establish espionage systems, and prepare intensively for war.
In Ernst's view, the Austro-Hungarian Empire suffered an unreasonable disaster. After all, when the Austro-Hungarian Empire annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina, it was snatched from the hands of the Ottoman Empire. Now it is really unreasonable for Serbia to blame the entire responsibility on the Austro-Hungarian Empire. reason.
Even Ernst, an outsider, thought so, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire was naturally even more dissatisfied with the Serbians' "unreasonable" behavior.
As one of the great powers, the Austro-Hungarian Empire never believed that Serbia could pose a major threat to itself, so it began to deploy troops on the border between the two countries and organize frequent military exercises.
The actions of Austria-Hungary and Serbia were clearly dancing on a powder keg that could explode across Europe at any time.
…
June 28, 1914.
Sarajevo.
Kalamen Beer Hall is one of the gathering places of the Serbian “Black Hand” organization.
"Graves, did you hear that? The Austro-Hungarian Empire held a military exercise in Bosnia."
"Of course, these damn Austro-Hungarians, who do they think they are? According to what the newspapers said, they not only provoked us Serbia in Bosnia, but also regarded Serbia as an imaginary enemy. The Austria-Hungarian Empire's wolf ambitions towards our Serbia are obvious. Expose." The young man said indignantly.
The conversation between the two resonated with most people in the bar. Nowadays, Serbia’s economy is in recession and it has experienced two wars. Everyone’s life is not easy and they are very depressed. The beer hall is obviously a place where they can vent their emotions. place.
Due to the unfavorable personal fate and the instigation of national public opinion, the Serbians hated the Austro-Hungarian Empire as naturally as drinking water.
"Graves is so right! The Austro-Hungarian Empire not only occupies our Bosnia, but also exploits our compatriots in various ways. Only by overthrowing this evil empire can permanent peace be achieved on the Balkan Peninsula." An alcoholic echoed.
"Damn it, although I agree with what you said, the gap between us and the Austro-Hungarian Empire is too big. The Austro-Hungarian Empire has always been a well-known European power and a powerful country in Europe, but we, Serbia, have only gained independence and freedom. For a long time, we spent a lot of national power to defeat the Ottomans, so what can we do in front of the Austro-Hungarian Empire?" someone said pessimistically.
"Gavrilo, don't be too pessimistic. Although the Austro-Hungarian Empire is much more powerful than our Serbia, the Austro-Hungarian Empire is not terrible. We can completely use the Russians to deal with the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Russia will not watch the Austro-Hungarian Empire annex Serbia is indifferent, so for us, Austria-Hungary is not invincible, and we also have top supporters behind us.”
The young man known as Garilov continued: "It is true that the Russians support us, but can the Russians support us in regaining Bosnia? Moreover, this Austro-Hungarian military exercise is a complete humiliation to us Serbia. This is what I Unacceptable.”
"For such humiliation, if it were directed at me personally, I would not be so indignant, but the Austro-Hungarian Empire obviously humiliated the entire kingdom and our Serbian nation. If you are indifferent and do nothing, it will be difficult to convince yourself."
Graves came over, patted Garilov on the shoulder and said: "Garilov, I understand your mood very well, and I also really appreciate your correct attitude towards the country and the nation. We really cannot remain indifferent and wait for death. We must Fight back against Austria-Hungary and let them know that we Serbs are not to be trifled with.”
Garrylov said: "Graves, is there anything you can do?"
Graves nodded and said, "It's just some immature ideas, but once this idea is realized, it will definitely deter the Austro-Hungarian Empire."
Graves's statement naturally aroused the interest of Garilov, and he asked, "Then what should we do? If your method is feasible, even if I lose my own life, I am willing to sacrifice for the Serbian national cause."
Looking at this passionate young man who had just joined the organization, Graves' mouth moved imperceptibly. Young people nowadays are easy to incite.
Of course, Graves still pretended to be serious and said to Garilov, "It is said that Archduke Ferdinand of Habsburg will come to Sarajevo to review the troops today. I think this is our opportunity. Since the people of the Austro-Hungarian Empire dare to show off their power on our land, let them pay the price in blood."
Assassinating a European archduke is no small matter, especially a top European royal family member like Habsburg.
But Garilov's eyes lit up, and he responded fiercely: "That's right, only with blood can the Austro-Hungarians see the courage of us Serbs. Only when they are taught a lesson can they understand that no one can show off their power and bully others on Serbian soil."
At this time, Sarajevo actually belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. As the capital of Bosnia, it was not unusual for Archduke Ferdinand to come here to review the Austro-Hungarian army.
Sarajevo was originally a place where three ethnic groups lived together, with Ottomans, Serbs and Croats living there. However, because it was close to the Kingdom of Serbia, Serbia had a great influence on Sarajevo. Many Serbs, including Garilov, regarded themselves as the Kingdom of Serbia, and they also regarded Sarajevo as the inherent territory of the Serbian nation.
This is very unreasonable. After all, there are not only Serbs, but also Ottomans and Croats living here. In addition to the three major ethnic groups, there are also Germans, Albanians and other ethnic groups here.
However, it is impossible to reason with such extreme nationalists. Garilov was determined to expel the Austro-Hungarian "invader" from "Serbian land."
Graves, a senior in the organization, was also willing to provide opportunities for young people. He was ready to help Garilov realize an action that would shock the world.