Holy Roman Empire

The Near East War was suddenly suspended, waking up many people in the Austrian government in an instant.It's no surprise that the powers are not fools and will not let the unified German Empire come out and rob them.

This is not what Franz expected, unlike the historical empire, Austria now looks much stronger.

When deterring European countries, it is natural that everyone will be afraid of it.Diplomatic means is very important at this time, and blind brutality is not done by wise men.

Berlin

Metternich proposed to the Prussian government to divide the German region. There is no doubt that the Prussians are not stupid, and it is difficult for the two sides to negotiate.

It is easy for Austria to annex the southern German region, but Prussia is very troublesome to annex the northern German region. This is a matter of soft power.

**** Prussianism, only strong military strength, culturally, most German states can despise them.

This is also the reason why the Kingdom of Prussia is easy to attract black people. In the cultural world, they do not have the right to speak, and they are not recognized by everyone in the culture.

Of course, they can also learn the same in history and force everyone to agree by force.But the current government of Frederick-William IV counseled and dared not take this step.

All countries jointly called for a stop of German reunification, and Austria encountered an unprecedented dilemma in diplomacy.If Prussia jumped out at this time, the pressure in Austria was relieved, and they forced themselves.

The North German region is different from the South German region. The countries of South Germany are mostly younger brothers of Austria. They have been influenced by Austria for a long time, which is why Franz advocates the use of political means to unify.

The North German region also has the British handwriting. Prussia wanted to annex these regions. Hanover is a hurdle that cannot be crossed.

After experiencing a Danish incident, the Berlin government knew that the powers were not easy to provoke. Even if the British would not be directly under the city like the Russians, it would be terrible for the navy to block the door.

Metternich said calmly: "Your Majesty, North Germany is the most prosperous area in Germany. Although the territory is slightly smaller, their economic strength is not weak at all."

The economic strength of the North German region is indeed not weak, and the total amount exceeds half of the Kingdom of Prussia. This is where Frederick-William IV dreamed.

Frederick-William IV shook his head and said: "Your Excellency, although the economy of the North German region is good, it is still not as good as that of the South German region. Both the population base and the territorial area are very different.

Considering the complex situation in the North German region, it is very difficult for the Kingdom of Prussia to annex these states. This is very unfair, and Prussia needs to receive Saxony as compensation."

Obviously, the Prussian government has recognized the importance of population during this period.

Metternich replied coldly: "Your Majesty, strength determines power. Once this line is exceeded, it means disaster!"

How is it fair?Austria paid such a big price, and finally let the Kingdom of Prussia get the same benefits, is it really silly for the Vienna government?

...

The Prussian government did not dare to provoke the British, but hoped to obtain compensation in the German region, which is obviously not acceptable to Austria.The last negotiations between Pu and Pu ended naturally with displeasure.

Metternich ’s goal has been reached, and the Prussians are tempted to divide up a piece of meat that is divided in Germany, which means that they cannot cooperate closely with Britain and France.

If the German region was divided into three according to the British and French proposals, what benefits would the Prussians have if they merged the states except for Prussia and Austria into one country?

Can't Prussia abandon martial arts in order to restrict Austria?Once this country is established, the loss of the Kingdom of Prussia will be great.

Without the South German region, Austria is still a European power; without the North German region, the current status of the quasi-power of the Kingdom of Prussia cannot be maintained.

The complete industrial system is gone, and the German Customs Union, which is related to the lifeblood of Prussia, no longer exists.

A Kingdom of Prussia with a population of 13 to 34 million cannot support an independent economy, even in the 19th century.

The area of ​​North Germany is not large, but the population is quite large. Once it is annexed, the population of the Kingdom of Prussia will exceed 20 million. This number has exceeded that of England, and the total economic volume is to grow by 60 to 70 percent.

The bait was put down, and Metternich was not afraid of the Prussian inattention.In the end, whether the Prussian eats meat or gets mad is nothing to do with him.

...

In 1853, Paris still maintained a part of the medieval style, a new wave of dark power surged in the corners of classical cities, and a large number of immigrants flowed to Paris with a dream of living.

The skyrocketing population brings not only economic development, but also mountains of garbage and feces, and congested streets at any time.

A wide ditch bisected the road and also blocked the road on both sides.As long as there is a light rain, the road will build a rickety bridge.

The cattle slaughterhouse is located in the center of the city, blood flowing down the road like a stream, condensing on the sole of the shoe, and then the leather shoes are dyed crimson.

This is Paris in the eyes of Metternich, accustomed to the cleanliness of Vienna, and seeing the messy Paris, he is really difficult to like.

The most unacceptable is the infanticide that appears in the stinky ditch from time to time. The brutal society forces the people to lose their morals. In order to survive, the bottom people have to artificially control the birth rate. The sound disappeared.

This is a prosperous international metropolis, this is a landmark city in Europe, and this is also a sea of ​​sin. This is Paris in the 19th century.

Palace of Versailles

Metternich and Napoleon III held a secret meeting. The interests will always be the best catalyst for state relations. Before the Great Revolution, it was the honeymoon period of the relationship between France and Austria.

This situation turned sharply after the Great Revolution. After the succession of Napoleon III, the relationship between France and Austria once rebounded. With the outbreak of the Near East War, the relationship between the two countries once again fell to the freezing point.

Now the two can talk and laugh together because of interests, and there is a common topic between the mainland and France.

Nothing cannot be solved by interests. If the interests cannot be solved, then the interests must not be big enough.

Napoleon III was not a saint without desire, so he had great expectations for the arrival of Metternich, which meant profit.

Metternich opened the door and said: "Your Majesty, on the European continent, France and Austria can cooperate with each other and take their own needs.

The 'two countries' confrontation' is required by the British's mainland balance policy, which is not in the interest of our two countries.

My visit to Paris this time is to have in-depth communication with your country and resolve the disputes between the two countries."

"What do you need us to do, and what can we get?" Napoleon III asked neatly

In fact, the higher the level of negotiation, the simpler it is.Everyone is very busy, there is not so much time to whisper.

Usually high-level meetings are very short. To achieve results within a limited time, it is easier to reach a consensus by talking directly about interests.

Metternich directly stated the conditions: "Your Majesty, Austria hopes to obtain your country's recognition of the New Holy Roman Empire. In return, Austria will support your country's expansion in the Kingdom of Sardinia and Central Europe."

Napoleon III thought for a while and said, "It seems that unifying the German region is just a guise. Your real purpose is only to annex the southern German region. Now your goal has been achieved?"

Metternich replied solemnly: "Yes, Your Majesty! It is too difficult to unify the German region. No one wants us to succeed. Austria has no plan to challenge the world."

Napoleon III was lost in contemplation. The call for unity in the German region was high. Austria in the South German region had already eaten it. Obviously, it would not be easily spit out.

From the standpoint of France, he naturally did not want Austria to continue to grow, but now it is very difficult to interfere.

Don't look at the temporary truce of the Near East War. Napoleon III is very clear that the conflict between the three countries of Britain, France, and Russia is still not alleviated. As long as the Russians do not stop, they cannot give in.

Diplomatic pressure to retreat Austria?Napoleon III can say with certainty, stop dreaming.In this era, everyone is talking about strength. Austria has already shown its muscles. Do n’t expect them to compromise without overwhelming their strength.

He had to admit that Austria had chosen a good opportunity to take advantage of the battle between Britain, France, and Russia, and won the South German region in one fell swoop, resulting in established facts.

Napoleon III cautiously said: "Your country must cede the land west of the Rhine to France, and at the same time your country must withdraw from Italy.

The sphere of influence of the New Holy Roman Empire is limited to the current member states and may not continue to expand into the German region.

In the Near East War, your country must not continue to support the Russians.If your country can do this, we can recognize the legitimacy of the new Holy Roman Empire."

Agree with Napoleon III's request, how is this possible?At such a high price, a Southern Germany is harvested, and Austria is not busy.

Metternich shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, your appetite is too big, which has exceeded Austria's bottom line.

Except that the New Holy Roman Empire does not continue to expand in the German region, we cannot accept any other conditions.

First of all, there is a covenant between Russia and Austria. We cannot betray our allies. There is no need to discuss this issue.

Secondly, it is impossible to withdraw from the Italian region. We can at most promise not to continue the expansion in the Italian region.

The German land west of the Rhine can be discussed, but not now, we must consider the feelings of the people.

In fact, our territory west of the Rhine is not much, and the value is not very high. It may be better for your country to make up for it from other places."

After Metternich personally acknowledged the existence of a covenant between Russia and Austria, Napoleon III's heart sank to the bottom, which meant that intervention was no longer possible.

Don't look at all the European countries to join in the fun. In fact, most of the countries are just to brush up their presence in the world. If they are sent to the army, one or two will be repelled.

As long as the Russians support Austria, intervention in the coalition forces will not be organized.Unless the Near East War is stopped immediately, the British and French troops will be able to interfere with Austria ’s strength by drawing back to the front.

The British refused to do it, and Napoleon III did not know that it was absolutely impossible for him to do it anyway.After paying such a large price, the battles were all fought against him. Without a big victory, he would not be able to end.

This is related to his political life. Napoleon III cannot bet on his throne in order to interfere in Austria, which is not worth it.

Since there is a deal between Russia and Austria, Metternich secretly appeared in Paris, what about London?If the Austrians persuaded the British, it doesn't matter if France admits it or not.

Thinking of this, Napoleon III reluctantly found that at this time, he had little choice, unless France would not expand in the future, otherwise it would be the best option to exchange interests now.

France's mineral resources are inadequate. The mineral resources in the German Rhine region have always been coveted by France, especially the local rich coal resources.

Most of these areas are currently under the control of the Kingdom of Prussia, which is also one of the incentives of the Franco-Prussian War in history. The Prussians did not fulfill their prior commitments and Napoleon III provoked the war.

...

Maximizing profits is the essence of any politician, and Napoleon III is no exception. Now he needs a benefit in Austria to consolidate his unstable rivers and mountains.

After some bargaining, on August 6, 1853, Metternich and Napoleon III signed the "Agenda for the Treatment of the Fau-Italy Issue", "French-French-European Scope Delimitation Treaty", and "French-Austrian Mutual Assistance Contract" in Versailles.

The first two treaties only stipulated that outside the sphere of influence of the two countries, many treaties that may be in dispute are stipulated in treaties.

The following secret contract is the core of this negotiation. According to the agreement: France supports the establishment of the New Holy Roman Empire, and Austria will support the French to obtain the west of the Rhine and parts of Italy.(Including Belgium, Luxembourg, Rhineland, Kingdom of Sardinia, Sicily)

When he is generous with others, Franz is always very generous. If the French dare to ask, even if they include the Netherlands and North Germany, Metternich will not refuse.

Anyway, the support of this commitment is only lip service, and there is no need to pay actual benefits.

Didn't Napoleon III know?Obviously it is impossible, but he has confidence in the strength of France and thinks that there is no problem in winning these regions.

As long as the Austrians can fulfill the agreement, support it verbally, and do not interfere with other countries, they will have great success.

Ideals are always needed, what if they are realized?

The agreement was made in advance, in case an action was to be taken in the future, an opponent was also excluded in advance.

Of course, Napoleon III was not stupid. He would not really believe in the promise of the Austrian government. With so many goals, even if they want to take action, it is impossible to make a leap.

The road has to be taken step by step, and the meat has to be eaten bite by bite. As long as you do n’t greedily go ahead, these goals are still very likely to be achieved by the French.

In short, everything depends on strength.As long as France is strong enough, these small goals can be achieved.Conversely, if the power is insufficient, even if the Austrians fulfill their promises, they will have no appetite to eat.