Holy Roman Empire

The rest of the region has a population of 200 million in Bulgaria, nearly a million in the Kingdom of Greece, more than 90 in Serbia, more than 100 million in each of the Danube Principalities, more than 100 million in Macedonia, hundreds of thousands in Albania, and hundreds of thousands in Bosnia and Herzegovina .

No matter how hard the Principality of Montenegro tried, their population limit determined their development ceiling.

It is impossible to become a threat to Austria, then everyone can become good friends.For example, support the development of the Principality of Montenegro in the Albany region, support a nail, and prevent the reunification of the Balkan Peninsula.

Holman Stellen shook his head, dispelling these thoughts.This is a question that politicians should consider. As a weapon designer, he has already gone beyond the bounds.

……

The war soon started. In the telescope, Holman Stellen and his party watched the Montenegrin army attack the Ottoman positions.

Cannon fire roared, and flesh and blood flew everywhere.

Holman Stellen didn't bother to pay attention to these. He was observing the actual combat capabilities of the new rifle, showing a satisfied smile from time to time.

When platooning guns, because they can lie down and reload, the casualties of soldiers equipped with these new rifles are obviously much smaller.

Although the combat lethality is slightly lower, the advantage of higher hit rate in close combat makes up for this shortcoming.

As long as it hits the enemy within the effective range, it can achieve effective killing. This is not a sniper rifle. The chance of hitting the enemy at a long distance is too small, and it doesn't matter if the lethality is small.

The first round of testing was considered a success, and Holman Stellen breathed a sigh of relief. As long as the standard is met in the next maintenance, it is considered to have initially met the requirements.

Compared to Holman Styron's satisfaction, Lasridge next to him frowned.He had more contact with people from the Austrian weapons testing team, and he inevitably learned some professional knowledge.

"Mr. Holman, is the ammunition consumption of this rifle too high? Have you noticed that its high hit rate is actually based on the consumption of ammunition?"

Holman Stellen asked involuntarily: "Is the ammunition consumption high?"

Lasridge replied affirmatively: "Of course, ordinary rifles usually fire two or three rounds per minute, but this rifle can actually fire about ten rounds per minute.

That is to say, the ammunition consumption has increased several times, but the hit rate has only increased slightly. Of course, our casualties have dropped a little.

Such a gun is too expensive to use, and we can't afford it anyway.I'm afraid its manufacturing cost will not be low. "

Holman Stellen nodded and recorded all these situations in his notebook.Ammunition consumption is too high, and it is also very deadly in war, which means that logistical replenishment is more difficult.

For the Principality of Montenegro, this kind of breech-loading rifle consumes too much, and they cannot afford it no matter whether it is financial resources or industrial strength, and they are not equipped for equipment.

But it is not necessarily the case for Austria. The consumption of ammunition of this intensity has not exceeded the limit.

The birth of breech-loading rifles also means that the cost of war has increased, and the strength gap between industrially powerful and weak countries has once again widened.

Without strong industrial strength, it simply cannot support the terrifying ammunition consumption of future wars.

If in this Near East war, both sides of the war had switched to breech-loading rifles, the Russians would not be able to sustain this war at all.

Putting together consumption, Russia and Austria are really not the opponents of Britain and France.It can still bear it now. In addition to preparing in advance, the ammunition consumption of the front-loading rifle is not so large.

"Mr. Lasridge, it can be seen that you are very experienced in weapons testing. Are you interested in joining our team? Your salary will definitely satisfy you." Holman Stellen invited

Weapon testing on the battlefield is a high-risk job.When you do this job, you don't know when, you will be hit by a stray bullet flying from nowhere.

High risk naturally comes with high income, at least several times higher than the salary of Las Ridge, the head of the Principality of Montenegro.

No, it may be dozens of times.Due to financial difficulties, the treatment of officers and soldiers in the Principality of Montenegro is very low, and most of the time they do not receive military pay.

This is not coercion, but everyone spontaneously gave up their military pay.Unless the family really can't live on, under normal circumstances they will voluntarily give up their salary.

Rusledge smiled and refused, "Thank you, Mr. Holman. But I don't think so, it's not about money.

In this world, there are many things more important than money.Now my motherland is in a bloody battle with the Ottomans, and the shame of hundreds of years needs to be washed away with blood.

To me, defeating the Ottoman Empire is the goal of life.If this goal is accomplished, I will reconsider my life. "

Holman Styron bowed and said, "Mr. Rusledge, please excuse my insolence. You are a true soldier and should not be insulted by money."

At this moment, Holman Stellen really recognized Las Ridge, or recognized the Principality of Montenegro.

Maybe they are not strong enough, but their unshakable spirit of fighting against the Ottoman Empire for hundreds of years for the nation deserves everyone's respect.

After the episode, Holman Stellen and his party changed their views on them.There is no longer the arrogance of the past, and the relationship between the two parties has improved a lot.

Chapter 81 Before soldiers and horses move, publicity comes first

St. Petersburg Hermitage

The Russian-Austrian arms deal contract has already appeared on Nicholas I's desk, along with the document that the loan was blocked and the Austrian government proposed to issue a bond.

Regarding the purchase of the weapon production line, Nicholas I had no objection, and directly issued instructions on the document.

There is a huge gap between the military industry of the Russian Empire and European countries, which cannot be made up in the short term. Purchasing production lines is the only option to bridge the gap in the short term.

Nicholas I asked: "What do you think of the Austrian proposal to issue bonds?"

Chancellor of the Exchequer Aristotle Rhodes analyzed: "Your Majesty, I am afraid this is very troublesome. It is not that we have not issued bonds, but the previous bonds have been cold in the capital market.

Now if you want to sell the bonds, in addition to the Austrian proposal to use collateral, you must have a sufficiently high interest rate to be able to win the favor of capital.

This will greatly increase our financial costs. Previously, the monthly interest rate of our loans from Austria was only 0.2%. If we issue bonds, it may be greatly increased.

The military expenditure of this war has far exceeded our expectations. If the financial cost is increased, our financial pressure will be very high in the future. "

The Tsarist government did not consider that Britain and France would send troops directly. All the battle plans were to single out the Ottoman Empire.

According to the original plan, they have sea power in the Black Sea, the Russian army can obtain supplies at sea, the logistical pressure is greatly reduced, and the Russian army can greatly increase the number of troops it can invest in the Balkan Peninsula.

In theory, the Russian army with sufficient advantages could defeat the Ottoman Empire in 1852, end the war in the Balkans in 1853, and then set out to attack the Asia Minor Peninsula in two directions.

As a result, the plan could not keep up with the rapid changes, and the participation of Britain and France disrupted their deployment.The war was out of control from the very beginning, and military expenditures increased significantly.

Nicholas I continued to ask: "Is it possible to continue to obtain low-interest loans from the Austrian government?"

Foreign Minister Karl Wossel replied: "Your Majesty, if there is no problem with small loans, it may be impossible to obtain a one-time loan of 2 million rubles.

Although Austria did not directly reject our loan, they clearly pointed out that the amount of funds was too large and exceeded their capacity.

After analysis by our people, the Austrian government has the ability to raise a huge sum of money, but this will affect their domestic development, unless we pay a high price, otherwise it is impossible. "

2 million rubles is an astronomical figure, which is equivalent to the fiscal revenue of the Russian Empire for one year.Under normal circumstances, the Austrian government does not have the financial resources.

But the situation is different now. The Russians do not need to take real money for loans. All the loans are used in Austria, and the money has not left Austria.

The money did not flow into the market all at once, but first lay in the Austrian bank account, and slowly flowed into the market through the purchase of materials.

Because of the tax relationship, a large part of the funds flowed back to the hands of the Austrian government, and the actual amount that needs to be paid is much less.

For example, when purchasing 100 million RMB of goods, the first round of transaction tax, value-added tax, corporate tax, tariffs, etc. add up, and the government will receive 30 million RMB; the second round of raw material suppliers will also have to pay transaction tax, value-added tax, etc. Taxes, corporate taxes and other taxes add up to tens of thousands.

Because of this business, it has also driven the development of transportation and the surrounding catering industry, which will also generate taxes.Capitalists make profits, workers consume after receiving wages, and consumption drives the development of other industries. These are all taxes.

This is just the simplest commodity circulation. In fact, the industrial circulation system is much more complicated than this.Few companies directly purchase raw materials, which can be turned into finished products for sale.

Most industries follow a three- or four-round cycle. In the cycle, funds are returned to the government's finances through taxation.In fact, the funds that the Austrian government needs to pay for this loan are only half of it or even less.

Without these advantages, countries such as Britain and France would not be keen on usury just relying on the interest of those few points.

Furthermore, through loans to speed up the circulation of goods between the two countries, it gradually penetrates into all walks of life in a country, especially the financial industry is the easiest to be penetrated.

Nicholas I thought for a while and said: "Is it because of the interest? We can pay according to the internationally accepted standard, even if it is a little higher, it doesn't matter, anyway, there will be no bond interest."

Foreign Minister Karl Worser replied: "Your Majesty, I'm afraid it's not a question of interest. The Austrians didn't ask for an increase in interest. It should be because of financial difficulties.

The Austrian government attaches great importance to domestic economic development and will not interrupt domestic economic development for a little interest.They won't come up with the money unless we make big political concessions. "

Nicholas I nodded. Countries are very realistic, and even allies cannot sacrifice their own interests to help.

If it is just for a few points of interest, the domestic economic development must be sacrificed, and everyone knows how to choose.

"Austria's loans cannot be given up, as much as it can be won. The Ministry of Finance has formulated a plan to issue bonds. Not only Austria, but all European countries can sell them.

I don't know when this war will end. Now the government wants to raise funds as much as possible, and a higher interest rate is acceptable. "

Nicholas I was a smart man and did not continue to increase domestic war taxes.

In history, the Russians were boycotted by the major European powers and unable to raise funds from the international capital market, so they were forced to search for domestic funds.

The consequences of tax increases were also very serious. After the failure of the Crimean War, the ruling foundation of the Tsarist government was shaken.

After the war, Nicholas I, who was in good health, died suddenly. Most historians believe that he committed suicide by taking poison. He used his death to bear the responsibility for the failure of the war, and gave an explanation to the outside world, stabilizing the rule of the tsarist government.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" replied the Chancellor

……

Franz couldn't figure out exactly how Nicholas I died. In short, his death completely deteriorated the relationship between Russia and Austria.

Whether in terms of personal feelings or national interests, Franz hoped that Nicholas I could live a long life.

Nicholas I was a good character and a good ally, and the tsarist government he led was still reputable.

And the longer he lives, the later the tsarist government's serfdom reform will be, and the more difficult the reform will be.

A good ally is an ally who is not a threat. After recalling the historical data, Franz had no choice but to feel lucky to have caught up with the good times.

Barring accidents, future generations of Russian tsars have been relatively quiet, which means Austria's back is safe for decades to come.

The Russians are preparing to issue bonds, and Franz is also preparing to issue bonds. There is never too much money.Especially in times of war, it is very necessary to store more ammunition.

Unlike the Russians who rely on high interest rates to attract capital purchases, Franz is planning to take advantage of the national patriotism.

In order to support the Prussians in recovering the two principalities in the north, everyone can donate tens of millions of guilders. Now for the unification of the German region, everyone will be more active.

"Unified bond", Franz did not add the word "Germany" in front, mainly to take care of other nationalities in the country.He wouldn't mind adding -Holy Roman Empire if possible.

This bond is still being kept secret and will be issued at the same time when the unification war is launched.Since it is for national unity, it is too vulgar to talk about interests.

The annual interest rate of the "uniform bond" is only 1%, which can be said to be better than nothing.Even with such a low interest rate, Franz is still confident in the sale of bonds.

Under his influence, Austria's Great German thought still occupies the mainstream, and everyone is still very interested in rebuilding the Holy Roman Empire.

In order to create a basis for public opinion, the Austrian government spent millions of guilders on propaganda for two consecutive years in 1851 and 1852.

Not only Austria, but even all states in the German region are within the scope of propaganda.

"Reconstruction of the Holy Roman Empire" has become the hottest topic in Germany, whether it is support or opposition, in short, this concept has been poured into everyone's mind.

University of Munich

A debate about the future of the German region started here.

Since the former King Ludwig I issued a declaration that the royal family will work hard for the unification of Germany, it has become legal to talk about the unification of Germany.

The ideas of Greater Germany, Little Germany, the partition of North and South Germany, and the newly proposed reconstruction of the Holy Roman Empire, etc., a series of messy plans can all be discussed in a grand manner.

Not only the Kingdom of Bavaria, but also many states in the German region can discuss these issues.The government must also express its support. This is the rights and interests that the people of the 1848 Revolution fought for, and it is also politically correct.

To put it simply, you can support any kind of German regional unification plan, but you cannot oppose the German regional unification.

Shinra faction supporter, Christian's passionate speaker: "The German region has been divided for too long, and the development models of the states are different. It is very difficult to integrate these regions immediately and build a big empire. easy.

That being the case, why don't we neutralize it?Rebuild the Holy Roman Empire first, and gather everyone within the framework of a unified empire.

For other issues, we can sit down and discuss slowly.If one year is not enough, it will be two years, and if ten years is not enough, it will be 20 years. After decades, the German region will become a whole. "

After the secret propaganda of the Austrian government, there are many people who support the reconstruction of the Holy Roman Empire, and even the rulers of some small states are supporters of this idea.

The Holy Roman Empire is not terrible. This empire has never been truly unified. The major states below are doing their own things. The central government only exists in theory and has almost no binding force on the states.

If unification is really inevitable, such unification can protect their own interests to the greatest extent.

There are also people who like to live a peaceful life. The unification of the German region is easy to say, but in fact, war is not far away.

Whether it is a big Germany or a small Germany, you must use the army to subdue everyone before you can complete the great cause of unification.

It is much easier to rebuild Shinra. Everyone holds a meeting to vote and elect an emperor, and the German region will be unified.

Everyone's interests are not very damaged, and the states still play their own way, but the economic exchanges have been strengthened, and everyone stands together when it comes to foreign affairs.

The German region is unified again, even in name, this great empire is the most powerful empire in the world.

A young student objected: "This kind of unification is too slow, and European countries will not give us time to integrate the whole country. With the emergence of a unified German Empire, we will immediately be resisted by all countries.

Even being besieged by various countries, only when the German region is completely unified and everyone becomes a whole can we defeat the enemy and complete the great revival of Germany. "

As soon as the voice fell, someone objected: "Don't forget the lesson of Napoleon, any country that tries to confront the whole of Europe will bring its own destruction.

The current international situation simply does not allow us to complete national reunification step by step.Once there are signs of unification in the German region, European countries are bound to intervene.

The British, French, Russians, Spaniards... will not look at the unification of the German region, and it is unwise to fight against the European continent on their own.

At this time, we have to learn to walk step by step.First unify the small German region, and when the integration is completed and the strength is strong, we will unify the entire German region. "

Another person objected: "Unify the Little Germany region? If that's the case, we might as well divide the North and South Germany regions.

It can also avoid the joint attack of the great powers and accumulate strength for the final unification of the country. Why should we look at the face of the upstarts in Prussia? "