Holy Roman Empire

Just regaining national sovereignty, the Japanese are still not strong these days, especially when they are facing the European powers, they have no confidence at all.

……

In St. Petersburg, Alexander III was very entangled.I don't know when it started, the voice of the main domestic war rose again.

There is no doubt that the Anglo-Russian War has just ended, and Central Asia is still in a mess, and it will definitely not be fighting with the British; Russia and Austria are traditional allies, and the main combatants will not be too hard to think about doing something against their own people.

Apart from these two big bosses, only the French are still qualified to keep pace with Russia.The target of the main combat faction this time is the French.

The reason is very simple: disrupt France, smash the Anglo-French alliance, cut off the arm of the British, and prepare for the future capture of India.

Far-fetched must be a little far-fetched, but it is barely justified.According to the logic of the main combat faction, as long as the French fall, the future will be for the British to fight against the Russian-Austrian alliance alone, and the two-to-one game is settled.

It is stable, but the problem is that Yingao has to follow the script.It would be embarrassing if France fell to the ground and Britain and Austria died down again.

It is because Austria has a good reputation, but this time the interests involved are too great, and Alexander III expressed deep doubts about whether the Vienna government could perform the contract.

Suspicion alone is not enough. In recent years, the Russian Empire has won the Russo-Prussian War and the Central Asian War successively, and the morale of the people in the country has recovered.

Except that the government's pockets are not enough, the awesome Russian Empire has returned.

Strength is courage. Although the Central Asian war finally stopped in Afghanistan, the ambition to spy on India has already emerged.

The fact that high-level government officials can see the hidden crisis does not mean that ordinary people can also see the crisis.Otherwise, they wouldn't have ignited a firecracker to blow up such a big noise.

"The voice of the main domestic war is rising. Do you think it is appropriate to declare war on the French?"

asked Alexander III.

The people clamored fiercely, but the tsarist government was extraordinarily calm.Everyone knows that Austria is behind the upsurge in the main battle, but the voices of the people can't deceive people. If it weren't for the subjective tendencies of the people, Austria's promoters alone would not be able to create such a big momentum.

There is nothing wrong with this judgment, but it is not necessarily true if someone conducts long-term public opinion guidance and brainwashing.

Of course, the tsarist government cannot be blamed for this.For a long time, the relationship between Russia and Britain and France has not been good. The domestic media publicizes the black history of Britain and France, which is politically correct.

Since it is politically correct, it is nothing to be caught in some private goods. After all, newspapers and magazines have to attract attention!

It doesn't matter once or twice. After more than ten or twenty years, quantitative changes have caused qualitative changes.Coupled with the just-concluded Anglo-Russian War, the people's hatred of Britain and France became even more serious.

Journalists also have to eat. Since the people hate Britain and France, they naturally have to meet the needs of readers.

In this context, Austria poured money to fuel the flames, which quickly ignited public opinion, and the calls for declaring war on France suddenly rose.

For a democratic state, public opinion can influence and even dominate government decision-making, but in the conservative Russian Empire, it is the tsarist government that can really make decisions.

Minister of War Ivanov: "Your Majesty, judging from the current situation in the European battlefield, the anti-French alliance has reversed the situation, and the possibility of winning the war is very high.

If we add it in again, it will be a matter of time before the French are defeated.Even if the British end in person, they will be powerless. "

There's nothing wrong with it. Now we can definitely win the war with the French militarily.Even if the French suddenly opened up and pulled in all the neutral countries, they would not be able to turn the tables.

Although the main battle was not clearly stated, from the expression of Marshal Ivanov, everyone can still see that the military is eager for war.

It's right to think about it. This kind of war that beats the dogs in the water is the most suitable for military exploits. Naturally, the military cannot refuse.

Foreign Minister Oscar Jimenez analyzed: "The marshal is right. Now joining the anti-French alliance, there is almost no military risk. However, we still have to consider the political impact.

Our joining will allow the Anti-French Alliance to easily win the war, and the situation in continental Europe after the war will undergo a fundamental reversal.

According to the information collected by the embassy in the Federal Republic of Germany, Austria has reached an agreement with several states to restore the Holy Roman Empire after the war.

Jurisprudentially, this is Austria's internal affair.As allies, we have no way to directly oppose it.

If there is no intervention, a giant that spans Asia, Europe and Africa will emerge, an empire that is not inferior to the ancient Roman Empire in history.

There is no doubt that with this Big Mac, the battle for European hegemony has naturally come to an end.For a long time to come, our European continent can only play a supporting role. "

Continental hegemony has been the goal of the Russian Empire for hundreds of years, but it has ended in failure every time.Nobody wants to give up now if possible.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Alisher: "It is indeed not in our interest for Austria to grow bigger, but it is too late to find a way to contain it. From the fall of Egypt, the French are doomed to fail.

Whether we join or not, the final outcome cannot be changed.That being the case, why don't we prioritize the interests of the empire?

Going to war with France does not mean sending troops immediately.We can find excuses to delay time, consume the strength of the Austrians first, and wait until the last moment to send troops to share the fruits of victory.

Although I don't know how much profit we will get in the end, we don't have to pay back the money we owe the French.This gain alone is worth our war on France. "

Regardless of the international situation or the balance of Europe, nothing can compare with tangible benefits.The Tsarist government is really poor now, and it is a fortune to save a fortune.

Just declaring war in name can wipe out debts of more than one billion francs, and Alexander III really can't find a reason to refuse.

Chapter 2 gives too much

Austria is on the move, and the British are not idle either.In order to win over the Russians, British Foreign Secretary George personally visited St. Petersburg.

The most striking hallmark of the industrial age is speed.In the Middle Ages, it usually took more than half a month to travel from London to St. Petersburg, but now it only takes four or five days.

The rapid development of navigation technology has connected the human world more closely.Everything has two sides, and the closer the connection, the more international disputes will follow.

Stepping out of the splint, looking at the sparsely welcoming crowd in front of him, George's anger has risen.

It's too perfunctory. As Britain's foreign minister, he is the most honored guest wherever he goes. I didn't expect the Russians to be so shameless.

Not to mention members of the royal family, even the top officials of the tsarist government did not come.Only a few low-level officials were sent over, and the identities of the two parties were completely unequal, which can be said to be very rude.

Of course, this is the British view.In the eyes of the Russians, this treatment is already very face-saving.

The Anglo-Russian War had just ended, and the animosity between the two countries was at its peak.At this time, the government has sold well to the British, what do the people in the country think?

Politicians are smart people who know how to choose what is best for them.For such a thankless task as receiving the British, everyone naturally pushes it down step by step until it can't be pushed down.

The big shots are gone, let alone the welcome crowd.The fighting nation is not in vain. It would be embarrassing to rush to a duel with the British if a few passionate young people were mixed in.

It’s not that this kind of thing has never happened. If you look through the history books, you will find that Russian diplomats received more than two digits of lunch due to duels, including the famous poet Pushkin.

Be angry and be angry, things still have to be done.The current international situation is very unfavorable to Britain, and if it can't handle it well, the world hegemon will be replaced.

Since the status of the reception staff is not equal, George will naturally not waste time on them.After disembarking, I went straight to the embassy, ​​and even refused the welcome banquet.

……

"What's going on, why are the Russians so indifferent?"

George asked seriously.Since it is an official visit, the foreign ministries of the two countries must have communicated before this.As far as the situation is concerned, this kind of pre-negotiation, no matter what, must be decent.

Minister Richard Trulli explained: "The situation is very bad. Just a month ago, the Austrians made a sudden move and set off a wave of anti-French in St. Petersburg.

Anti-French sentiment among the Russian people was already very strong, and the pro-Austrian faction once again occupied a dominant position in the tsarist government. Pushing hands from top to bottom, a national anti-French movement soon broke out.

By the time we reacted and were ready to take measures, it was too late.

Due to the influence of public opinion and the advocacy of the pro-Austrian faction, the political stance of the tsarist government may have changed. "

This is not his responsibility. Because of the Anglo-Russian War, Britain once evacuated its embassy in Russia.Richard Trulli, the Minister, actually took office for just over a month.

In such a short amount of time, being able to straighten out the daily work is already considered shrewd and capable.It would be too embarrassing to destroy Austria's actions.

George waved his hand and said very considerately: "Forget it, it's not your responsibility. The French didn't find out about it, let alone us?"

As Britain's foreign minister, George still knew the internal political factions of the tsarist government very well. At present or in recent decades, the pro-Austrian faction has always held power.

This is determined by interests. As the Russia-Austria trade continues to deepen, more and more people are tied to this chain of interests.

Not only were there many pro-Obnotists in the tsarist government, but there were also many pro-Russian officials in the Vienna government. This cannot be changed by personal will.

Of course, political orientation does not necessarily mean political stance. In essence, everyone is still toward their own country.

Generally speaking, this tendency can only play a role if it does not harm one's own interests.

Even so, Britain has no way to destroy Austria's public opinion.After all, the Anglo-Russian War had just ended, and the pro-British faction in the tsarist government did not dare to take the lead.

Without the cooperation of the local snakes, Britain can't do it by itself!If the British minister really stood up to speak for the French, it is estimated that the original anti-war faction would become the main combat faction.

However, George did not take the change in the tsarist government's position as a matter of course.Between countries, only interests can last forever.

In George's view, preventing Austria from dominating Europe is in the common interests of Britain and Russia.The indifference shown by the tsarist government was only for self-improvement.

If he was really not interested in mediation, the tsarist government would have rejected his visit long ago, and there was no need to engage in these petty tricks that could not be put on the table.

"Is the situation on the European battlefield very bad?"

asked Minister Richard Trulli.

The information about St. Petersburg still needs to be blocked. Even if the news is transmitted, it will be embellished halfway through, and the original flavor has long been lost.

George nodded: "The situation in French Italy is unstable, there are many guerrillas on the peninsula, and the French defense line in southern Europe is in jeopardy.

In the Central European battlefield, the French army seemed to be maintaining its offensive, but it was actually physically and mentally exhausted.The troop reduction is very severe. Judging from the current situation on the battlefield, France will persist for another year at most, and it will be worn to death by Austria.

The situation on the battlefield is ever-changing, and no one knows what will happen tomorrow.It is imperative to arrange a meeting between me and the Russian high-level as soon as possible to form an intervention alliance. "

It's not that George can't hold his breath and wants to contact the Russians in a hurry. The key is that they don't have much time left.

Intervention alliances cannot be built in a day or two.Even if the alliance is established, it is necessary to coordinate the relationship between all parties, and it will not be possible for a while.

If the internal relationship has not been straightened out, the European war will end, and Britain will have a lot of fun.

……

Almost at the same time that George arrived in St. Petersburg, the negotiations between Russia and Austria also came to an end.

Facts have proved once again that there is nothing that money can't handle; if there is, it must be that there is not enough money.

Naturally, the Vienna government is unwilling to give real money, but Franz has no pressure to be generous to others.

After the Vienna government promised that "once the tsarist government joins the war, it will receive no less than 20.00% of the total war reparations", the tsarist government could no longer hold on.

As the third largest power in the world, France has a very strong family background.The compensation that can be paid after the war is at least billions of Aegis.

Calculated according to the lowest 20.00%, that is hundreds of millions, or even more than a billion Aegis, which is equivalent to the fiscal revenue of the Russian Empire for several years.

Just declaring a war without specifying combat missions, to be able to get such a generous return was completely beyond the Russians' expectations.

In the eyes of the tsarist government, it was rare for the Austrians to be confused. If they did not sign the treaty quickly, it would be too late for them to react.

……

After all the dust settled, Russian Foreign Minister Oscar Jimenez, who was in a good mood, finally remembered the British Foreign Secretary who was visiting Russia.

People come from afar, so it’s fine if they don’t receive warmly, and it’s very rude to leave them there for several days in a row.

However, for Oscar Jimenez, this is not a problem.The relationship between Britain and Russia is like this. A few months ago, the two countries were still fighting on the battlefield, and if they were offended, they would be offended.

Improve diplomatic relations with the British?

Sorry, the tsarist government has not given up its ambitions for India.Although the top government officials knew that the British were difficult to deal with, they still couldn't stop the enthusiasm of the people.

I am afraid of comparison in everything. Compared with the Prussian-Prussian War, the Anglo-Russian War is much easier.In the eyes of many people, if it weren't for the logistical drag, the tsar could have held a military parade in India.

Even if it failed to achieve its ultimate goal this time, it would still capture Central Asia, including three-quarters of the "Eurasian Heart".

Immediately after the end of the Anglo-Russian War, someone within the tsarist government proposed to build a railway linking Moscow and Afghanistan to prepare for the next war.

If it weren't for the lack of money in the government's pocket, the plan would have been implemented.In this context, any attempt to repair the relationship between Britain and Russia is doomed to be futile.

……

British Foreign Secretary George asked: "Your Excellency, what was said in the telegram last time, I wonder what your country thinks?"

idea?Oscar Jimenez was a little confused.Frankly speaking, if it weren't for George's reminder just now, he almost forgot about the British proposal to form an intervention alliance.

The reason is very simple, even if the enemy supports it, I oppose it.The Anglo-Russian War had just ended, and the British came to the door. Naturally, the Tsarist government did not believe that the British would feel at ease.

In Oscar Jimenez's view, the British proposal was to drive a wedge between the Russian-Austrian alliance.Then, the Russian Foreign Ministry handled this significant telegram in the eyes of the British.

Even this visit of George was deliberately made by Oscar Jimenez in order to negotiate terms with Austria.Now that the goal has been achieved, actors are naturally not so important.

"Sorry, Sir George. After careful study, we feel that the situation in Europe is moving in the right direction, and there is no need to form an intervention alliance."

Hearing this answer, the coffee cup in George's hand almost dropped.It was so unexpected that the Russians were not worried about Austria becoming bigger.

George's horrified expression naturally fell into Oscar Jimenez's eyes.

The Russian Empire really didn't want to see Austria grow bigger.But there is no way, identity determines the position, the Russian Empire has joined the anti-French alliance, and the situation is developing in the direction of the alliance, it must be correct.

After calming down, George asked: "Your Excellency, are you kidding me? According to the current situation, after the Anti-French Alliance wins the war, Austria will become the only one.

The appearance of a giant that spans Asia, Europe and Africa not only endangers world peace, but also threatens the interests of your country. "

Oscar Jimenez shook his head and said with a slight smile: "Your Majesty is too worried, Russia and Austria are allies, so there is no need to say such sowing words.

Everyone knows what happened to the European War. If the French hadn't invaded Central Europe, there would have been no such war.

The anti-French alliance managed to gain the upper hand after bloody battles. Isn't it conniving at the atrocities of the French to intervene at this time?

If the aggressors are not punished, then the European countries will not follow suit in the future, so how can there be any peace at all? "