Holy Roman Empire

After receiving the news, the envoys of the four countries of Britain, France, Occidental and West scolded the pig teammates.

According to the pre-booked plan, the southern government declared independence, took advantage of the American people's opposition to the civil war, and created established facts under the intervention of various countries.

Now, most of those diplomatic efforts have been wasted.In addition to fooling three more animal husbandry states into participating in the Southern Alliance, the neutral northern states, which were finally persuaded, were involved again.

Drucker, the Austrian Minister to the United States, said with an ugly face: "The matter has come to this point, and it will not help the matter. Let's think about what to do next!"

Alfred, the French ambassador to the United States, sneered and said, "What else can we do, since these Yankees with no credibility want to fight, let them have a good fight.

When they are exhausted, we will come out to clean up the mess.As long as we remain consistent, even if the outcome is decided, the situation can be reversed. "

Obviously, Alfred is very dissatisfied with the southern government.Such a big matter as launching a war has not been discussed with other countries.

You must know that the current situation of the southern government is supported by the joint efforts of the four countries.This has just gained an advantage, and the southern government has drifted away.

Whether the Americans fight or not, in fact, everyone doesn't care.But it's different when it comes to everyone's political achievements. Now that the outbreak of war is out of control, the only way to intervene in the future is to rely on force.

Splitting the United States by force and splitting the United States by political means are not the same concept at all.If the United States is divided by political means, then the four sitting here have created a miracle in the history of diplomacy. With this credit, it is not surprising that they are mixed as foreign ministers.

Other countries are politically stable, with one radish and one pit, and it is still difficult to become a foreign minister.But France is different, at most they will be in the team for a few years, and it will be his turn.

This was still the era of Napoleon III, when politics was relatively stable.If it was in the period of the Republic, it would not be surprising to change people seven or eight times within a year.

Mark Oliver, British Minister to the United States, shook his head and said, "It's not that easy to reverse the situation. It's best for both the North and the South to fight, and we will mediate in the end.

It's just that the speed is not easy to grasp. If the game crashes and one side wins the war, we will have to pay a high price for intervening. "

Francisco, the Spanish envoy to the United States, complained: "It's all due to that idiot Jefferson Davis. His mind is full of fighting and killing, and he doesn't understand what politics is!"

"If he is not stupid, why do we support him? It is better to support a fool to dominate the Southern League than to support a hero." Austrian Ambassador to the United States Drucker comforted

There is no doubt that Jefferson Davis, a large plantation owner, could become the president of the Confederate States without the support of the four countries.

Jefferson Davis's ability to stand out from many competitors is obviously not an easy thing.He fought in the Mexican-American War and served as Secretary of War (predecessor to the Department of Defense).

In times of war, it is natural to elect a national leader who is proficient in military affairs.As for other abilities, it doesn't matter if you lack a little bit.Moreover, being able to serve as the Minister of War is enough to prove that his political talents are not low.

French Minister Alfred suggested: "In this case, let's support the idiots in the south first. Anyway, their strength is limited. Even if they conquer Washington tomorrow, they will not have the ability to unify the United States.

At that time, we will support the northern government to fight back.Repeatedly several times, consume their national power as much as possible, so as not to become a scourge. "

British Minister Mark Oliver thought for a while and said: "Since the southern government dares to put us together, we must teach them a lesson. Why don't we declare neutrality together now and call on the two countries to resolve the dispute peacefully."

There are many ways to support, and the most powerful one is naturally to end directly.Obviously, the stupid things done by the southern government have made everyone very dissatisfied, and it is impossible to directly pull the sidelines.

Declaring neutrality is undoubtedly a warning to the southern government not to play with fire.

Calling on the two countries to resolve disputes peacefully, in another way of understanding, can also be seen as creating an excuse for armed intervention.

When everyone was about to intervene, the subtext became: If anyone refuses to resolve the North-South issue peacefully, the four countries will use force to get them to agree.

Chapter 6 Efforts

Washington, inside the government building

Secretary of State Safar Zou reported with a frown: "Your Excellency, the current situation is very unfavorable to us. The southern government has used cotton diplomacy to win over the four countries of Britain, France, Austria and West, and the international public opinion has become one-sided."

It's not that Safar doesn't work hard, it's because the enemy is too strong.Since the southern government promised to abolish slavery in the future, the Civil War has turned into a tariff dispute.

The so-called justice of the northern government has been criticized by public opinion as worthless.This is the pot of the U.S. Constitution, which provided the legal basis for the independence of the South.

If the southern government hadn't taken the initiative to provoke the war, they still don't know what to do now.In this era, the states in the United States have great power. If everyone does not cooperate to prepare for the war, the central government is powerless.

The European cultural system attaches great importance to jurisprudence.With the legal basis, the governments of various countries directly recognized the legitimacy of the southern government.

The northern government's public relations are useless, the textile industry is too important to the British, and the national economy has been kidnapped.

It also has a considerable impact on France and Spain. The tariff barriers imposed by the northern government have undoubtedly increased everyone's production costs, which is stealing money from the capitalists' pockets.

Lincoln asked puzzledly: "I remember that the Austrians have stopped importing cotton from the south. Why do they still support the southern government?"

Not only has the import of cotton been stopped, but the United States and Austria are still competitors in the field of agricultural products.The plantation economic model in the south still had an impact on Austria's agricultural system.

From the perspective of interests, at this time the Austrians should support the northern government in combating the southern plantation economy.

Secretary of State Safar explained: "According to the intelligence we have received, the southern government promised to give up the interests of the Central American region in exchange for the support of the Austrians.

This is only a superficial factor, which may be related to the industrial market according to our analysis.Austria's industry has developed very rapidly in recent years.

Although the southern plantation economy has impacted their agricultural product exports, the impact is not large. Austria exports processed finished products.

Austrians account for the largest share of international agricultural export trade.At present, Germany, Italy, and England, the largest grain importing regions in Europe, are all affected by Austria.

Under the plantation economic system in the south, a large amount of industrial and commercial products need to be imported, and this market is also a must for all countries. "

There is no way, the northern government will inevitably compete with the major industrial countries in Europe if it wants to industrialize; while the southern government is producing industrial raw materials and providing everyone with an export market for industrial products.

These are real interests, and all diplomatic efforts are futile in the face of interests.It is impossible for the northern government to offer better conditions than the southern government, so naturally it cannot win over other countries.

After contemplating for a moment, President Lincoln said: "Then the key public relations Russians, they don't need industrial raw materials and markets, do they?"

It is difficult to be isolated internationally. The United States is still just a small bean, and there is no way to ignore international pressure.

Secretary of State Safar replied: "It is not difficult to win over the Russians, but their voice in the Americas is too low.

In addition to giving us diplomatic support, they cannot provide substantial assistance, and may even cause us a lot of trouble. "

This is a real problem. The awesome Russian Imperial Navy is not powerful. Although it has a great influence, its sphere of influence is limited to the surrounding areas of the mainland.

Regardless of the fact that Russia has a piece of territory in the American continent, but the total population of Alaska in this era is less than [-]. Even if the Russians want to make trouble, they can't do anything.

President Lincoln asked rhetorically, "Have we any other choice?"

There are only a few powerful countries in the world, and even if the rest of the countries are won over by them, if the four countries of Britain, France, Occidental and West look over, all their efforts will be in vain.

Winning over the Russian Empire is not the best option, but it is the only option.

The southern government's diplomacy was not strong enough to give them a chance.If the southern government also wins over the Russians, President Lincoln is very suspicious that the capitalists in the country will directly admit defeat.

The concept of country is still very indifferent to many Americans.

Now ask any American on the street, and he will tell you: he is British, French, German, Irish...but he can't say American.

It was only after the First World War that we truly built national self-confidence.At the Washington Conference, the Americans obtained the same naval tonnage as the British and established their status as a powerful country, which was widely recognized by the people.

……

The outbreak of the American Civil War was an opportunity for many countries.The four countries of Britain, France, Occidental and West actively intervened in the American Civil War, and actually had the intention of taking the opportunity to break through the fence of the "Monroe Doctrine".

Since the rise of the United States, the interests of all countries in the Americas have suffered serious losses.The Spaniards were no exception, Florida was seized by the Americans.

If it weren't for the intervention of various countries, the Americans would still be preparing to seize the Cuban region.Although the military strength of the Spaniards is still higher than that of the United States, the strength that can be invested in the Americas is very limited.

This is why the Spaniards were actively involved in intervening in the alliance.Only by uniting together can we suppress the Americans and protect our own interests.

The governor of Spain in Cuba, Pérez, asked eagerly: "Your Excellency, the American Civil War has broken out. Is it possible to retake the island of Spain?"

Francisco, the Spanish envoy to the United States, replied: "Don't worry, Your Excellency, I have already coordinated with Britain, France and Austria. They will support our military operations, and the southern government has recognized our sovereignty over Spanish Island.

But you have to be quick, if you can't occupy Spanish Island in a short time, we will miss the time to carve up Mexico. "

(Note: Spanish Island is also known as Haiti Island)

No country will be willing to decline, and Spain is no exception.When the colonies became independent one after another and the domestic development could not keep up with the pace, the Spanish people of insight also started a self-help movement.

Governor Perez and Minister Francisco are among them.In order to save this declining colonial empire, they decided to seize more fertile land.

Now Britain, France and the West are eyeing the silver kingdom of Mexico, and Austria is eyeing the Central American region. As for the capture of the Spanish island, it is just an appetizer before the feast.

Governor Perez said indifferently: "Don't worry, we can occupy Spanish Island again in a month at most, and the plan will not be delayed."

……

Since the island of Spain broke away from the rule of the Kingdom of Spain, two countries, Haiti and Dominica, have been established on the island.

Don't look at the poorness of these two countries in later generations. In this era, Spain Island is still a rare place of prosperity, second only to Cuba Island in the Caribbean Sea.

Weakness and richness have become the original sin. In this era of the jungle, Haiti and Dominica have become the food of the great powers.

After confirming that it was possible to do something, Governor Perez immediately organized [-] troops after returning to Cuba Island, appointed Colonel Gary Blackmail as the commander, and sent troops to occupy Spain Island.

In the vast and boundless azure ocean, one wave after another kept coming, hitting the warship, making the roar of the sea, and splashing snow-white foam.

Gary, who commanded the operation independently for the first time, blackmailed the colonel, standing on the splint of the warship and looking into the distance.It seems to be appreciating the charm of the sea, with apprehension, excitement, and passion...

The guard reminded: "Colonel, there are still [-] nautical miles to reach Spanish Island. There may be enemy warships ahead, and the splint is not safe."

Colonel Gary Blackmail laughed and said, "Don't worry, little Andre. This time our enemies are only the native kingdoms of the two countries, and there is no navy at all."

The same is not true for the indigenous kingdoms. Being able to get rid of the colonial rule of the Kingdom of Spain and become independent has some strength.

However, this is based on the support of the Americans.Now that the Civil War broke out in the United States, without external support, the two small countries were completely exposed.

Gary blackmailed the colonel and finally accepted the suggestion and returned to the command room.The fact that Haiti and Dominica do not have established navies does not mean that they have no power to fight back.

There are still a few shore cannons. If you are unlucky and a shell flies over, it will be too late to cry.

Gary hadn't lived enough to blackmail the colonel, and he wasn't going to make fun of his own life.The fleet sailed slowly towards Spanish Island, getting closer and closer, and the pier could be seen with the naked eye.

Without any hesitation, Gary blackmailed the colonel and immediately ordered: "Attack!"

……

Chapter 7 Ocean Fleet

On June 1861, 6, the Austrian ocean-going fleet visited North Korea.The two sides reached an agreement on the friendly exchanges between the two countries, and the diplomatic relations were upgraded to the ministerial level.

North Korea, which was under the feudal system during this period, rejected foreign trade.Prior to this, Austria had little interest in North Korea and had no embassy but only one office.

After this friendly visit, Hummel signed a friendly trade agreement with the North Korean government, and the two countries gave each other most-favored-nation treatment.

This is a common practice. Along the way, Austria has signed commercial most-favored-nation treaties with a dozen countries, including Britain and France.

By the way, several military purchase orders were also made. In addition to army equipment, Hummel also sold five ironclad ships.

Thailand and Vietnam each ordered one, and the Qing government ordered three at one go.Obviously, they were frightened by Britain and France and wanted to consolidate coastal defense.No matter how expensive an ironclad ship is, it is better than being a homeless dog.

Austria is not prepared to expand in the Far East, so it is natural to do business when it comes to business.As for whether this will bring trouble to the European colonial empires, it is not within the scope of Hummel's consideration.

Hummel is still a bit reconciled to not being able to fool the North Korean government, and can only see if Japan, the last one in East Asia, can gain something.

After all, everyone is selling army equipment, and under competition, profits have been suppressed.And the only one selling ironclad ships is the Austrian family, and twice the net profit is really not high.

Active equipment can also be sold if someone is willing to pay a high price.For example, this ocean-going fleet, as long as someone bids more than 3000 million Aegis, Franz doesn't mind packing it up and selling it.

Anyway, the production cost of these warships will not exceed 700 million Aegis, and it will take more than a year to build such a fleet.

After Austria adopts the gold standard, the international gold-silver ratio has also been impacted. Silver to gold has depreciated to 15.3:1. Now 1 Aegis is equivalent to 1.5 taels of Pingku silver.

Obviously, in this era, there are very few countries that have the strength to spend 500 million taels of silver in one go.No one would come to be taken advantage of unless forced to do so.

……

In Edo, Hummel had just made a friendly visit with the shogunate government, and Austria's most-favored nation added another one.

Charlie De, the ambassador to Japan, asked suspiciously: "Your Excellency, why don't you take this opportunity to expand our interests in Japan?"

Hummel smiled slightly and said, "Hasn't it already expanded? We have signed a mutual most-favored-nation treaty. Any power that expands its rights and interests here will directly enjoy the same treatment."

This is a fact, a treaty of complete equality on the surface, because of the gap in national strength between the two sides, the final outcome is also different.

The most-favored-nation treatment signed with Britain and France is a purely equal treaty, and both parties get what they need.Anyway, no one in this era has the ability to force them to sign unequal treaties and sell domestic commercial interests.

It is different in Japan. The Japanese government grants commercial privileges to any country, and Austria automatically enjoys them.

However, compared with the practices of other countries, Austria is actually quite moderate.There is no coercion and occupation by force, no damage to our sovereignty, and it is only limited to commercial cooperation.

Minister Charlie shook his head and said, "Your Excellency, this is not enough. We can establish concessions, ports, or occupy several islands here."

Hummel explained solemnly: "Your Excellency, we do have the strength to do so now. The ocean-going fleet is currently the strongest armed force in East Asia. Even turning Japan into a protectorate will not be a problem.

However, the ocean-going fleet cannot stay here forever, and we will leave soon.At that time, will Britain and France watch us occupy so many interests?

After there is no force to suppress, will the local aborigines accept our rule?With our strength in the Far East alone, we simply cannot afford such a big benefit.

That being the case, it is better to have a good relationship with everyone from the beginning.East Asia is not the focus of our expansion, it is enough to do business here. "

Minister Charlie said unwillingly: "Isn't there still a Russian ally? If our two countries join forces, it will not be a problem to keep these interests."

Not long ago, Charlie helped the Russians occupy Tsushima Island, so there were considerations in this regard.Introducing the power of the Russians is for the two countries to jointly win the biggest cake.

Hummel sighed and said: "The Russians are too greedy, and Japan cannot satisfy their appetite. If you cooperate with them, you will be tied to a chariot by them in the future.

Here is too far away from Austria, beyond the range of our power input.Don't forget that the ocean-going fleet was able to reach East Asia smoothly, borrowing supplies from various countries' ports along the way. "