Holy Roman Empire

Palace of Versailles

British Foreign Secretary Thomas said to Napoleon III: "Your Majesty, the Russian-Austrian alliance threatens us too much. The Near East War broke out to the present, and if it was not for the support of Austria, the Russians would have been unable to sustain it.

Now the opportunity is coming, the Austrians want to unify the German region, and the Russians will definitely oppose it.

Judging from the current situation, the Vienna government made concessions on the condition of supporting the Russians to obtain Constantinople in exchange for the Russians' support for their annexation of the South German region.

This seemingly separate transaction required problems in the process of operation. The Russians failed to win Constantinople, while Austria swallowed the South German region in one fell swoop.

There will certainly be many people within the Tsarist government who do n’t want Austria ’s plan to be realized, so their support for Austria must be limited.

In the face of the combined diplomatic pressure of European countries, the Austrian government naturally cannot withstand the pressure.They had suffered a loss in this transaction. If the Russians were found to be unable to work at this time, the government of Vienna would certainly be dissatisfied.

At this time, we seduce Austria to abandon the Russian-Austrian alliance on the condition of acknowledging their annexation of the South German region. The success was very high."

The existence of the Russian-Austrian alliance has seriously threatened the core interests of Britain and France, which involves the dispute over the dominance of continental Europe.

From the end of the Anti-French War to the present, Russia, which has obtained European hegemony, has not been able to expand externally. In addition to the restrictions of the Vienna system, what is more important is that the Tsarist government ’s diplomatic means are not relevant.

The situation is different now. Austria and Russia come together. Britain and France can despise Russian diplomacy, but they cannot ignore Austria's diplomatic capabilities.

Metternich was hailed as the "Prime Minister of Europe" in this era. His diplomatic skills were experienced by the British.

With the power of the last four powers, Austria has dominated the politics of continental Europe for thirty years, relying on diplomacy.

"Suppressing the law, drove the British, and blocked Russia" is the biggest achievement of the Vienna system. With the contradictions among the countries, Metternich completed the strategic goal of weakening and strengthening.

If Russia and Austria continue to cooperate in depth, once they achieve strategic complementarity, it will have a fatal impact on the core interests of Britain and France.

Napoleon III shook his head and said, "Mr. Thomas, the threat of the Russian-Austrian League is clear to us, and I am happy to break up the pair.

But what you said, the success rate that can be achieved is too low, the old fox of Metternich is not easy to deal with, I am afraid he is not easy to win the prize!"

Leaving aside the French-Austrian trade, let's say that to break up the Russian-Austrian alliance, the plan must be reliable.

Can not rely on speculation that the Russians will reduce Austrian support because of jealousy, and then rashly pull Austrian hind legs in diplomacy.

Everyone is playing politics, and dealing with international relations is about interests. As long as the interests are appropriate, it is not difficult to suppress personal emotions.

Thomas said calmly: "Your Majesty, the Russian-Austrian alliance is built on the basis of interests. Austria refuses to give up its covenant with the Russians, it is only because of insufficient interests.

As long as Austria is willing to abandon its covenant with the Russians, we can support them not only in annexing the southern German region, but also in the central German region, even to the Ottoman lands they now occupy.

If Austria is not willing to give up the Russian-Austrian alliance, then we must make the worst plan and directly limit Austria's strength.

We sent 100,000 troops, 200,000 troops from your country, 50,000 troops from Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, Sardinia, and Spain, plus 300,000 troops from the Kingdom of Prussia, forming an intervention force to force the Austrians to abandon this expansion."

I have to say that the British are ruthless enough, the Russian-Austrian League can get the benefits of the hand, and if you tear up the alliance, you can get it, or even more.

Napoleon III was lost in contemplation. From a strategic point of view, the threat of the Russian-Austrian alliance is too great, and it is no less than the unified German region of Austria.

For the sake of world hegemony, the British have to attack their biggest competitors. At this time, of course, everything can be given.

After offending Russia anyway, the Austrian rear was unstable, and the French were in front of it, and they could not dominate Europe.

But it is different for the French. It is of course very important to break up the Russian-Austrian alliance, and it is also important to suppress the generation of new opponents.

In case the Russians were suppressed, and Austria was brought to the top again, they would not be busy.

The British want a European balance. As long as the balance can be maintained, it does n’t matter who is strong and who is weak. Anyway, Austria ’s geographic location is absolutely incapable of challenging sea power, and the threat to them is the smallest among the powers.

It is different for France. Napoleon III is also an emperor who is determined to fight for the European continent. Naturally, he cannot tolerate the emergence of the Big Mac of Southern Europe.

The strength gap between Austria and France is not large. Now the Austrian Empire, Napoleon III is not sure to suppress it, not to mention the expanded Austria?

At this time, Fao Miyue had been left behind by him, and all he thought was that he could not prevent Austria from growing, and effective measures must be taken to limit their development.

After half a fight, Napoleon III shook his head and said, "Mr. Thomas, your plan is too unreliable. What if we admit that after the expansion of Austria, they turned their backs?"

The Russian-Austrian alliance can be torn apart, and it can also be established again. In the final analysis, it is-interests.

Your European Continental Balance Plan has actually suppressed Austria ’s future development. In order to go further, they will join forces with the Russians sooner or later.

If I were Nicholas I, as long as I was able to annex the Ottoman Empire, it would be acceptable even if I indulged in Austria ’s unification of Germany.

After the unification of Austria in Germany, France was the first to bear the brunt. The Russians could completely provoke the French-Austrian War and then take advantage of the fishermen.

Your country can also sit on the sidelines and wait for the situation to change.Mr. Thomas, do you think I am fooling?"

Feeling the murderousness in the eyes of Napoleon III, Thomas quickly remedied: "Your Majesty, you think too much, Nicholas I is not as wise as you.

Moreover, we will not watch Austria grow, and all European countries do not want a giant in Central Europe.

Austria has no chance to unify the German region, at least they cannot eat the Kingdom of Prussia.

Don't look at Austria now looking strong and powerful. Once the war is fought, as long as it is not fought in their homeland, the logistics of the million troops are enough to delay them."

Napoleon III said with certainty: "Mr. Thomas, no matter what you say, it is impossible for us in France to let Austria grow bigger in order to split the Russian-Austrian alliance!"

After saying this, Napoleon III reacted instantly.Where did the British let Austria grow bigger? It was clear that they wanted to curb the development of Austria before they came to stimulate him.

Thinking of this, Napoleon III looked at Thomas' eyes, and the disgust was overwhelming.

Seeing the change in Napoleon III's complexion, Thomas said casually: "Your Majesty, since your country wants to restrict the development of Austria, then as an ally we naturally have to cooperate with your country's actions.

The aggressive war launched by the Austrians with ambitions was intended to annex all the states in the German region, which all the righteous people cannot tolerate.

I suggest that our two countries join forces immediately to stop the Austrians ’actions, and permanently split the German region, forming the region outside Pu’o into an independent country and eliminating the source of war in Europe."

Seeing the poor picture, Napoleon III knew that this was the real purpose of the British, but now he was a little unbelievable.

John Bull was too good at playing diplomatic calculations. In the old days, his uncle Napoleon the Great was so bullish that he beat European invincible players, but he fell under the British diplomatic calculations.

Austria can dominate the establishment of the Vienna system, which is also the British colonial expansion needs overseas, they did not have the energy to intervene in European affairs, only pushed a hand to allow Austria to help maintain European stability.

When they were free, they immediately ran back to engage in things. The present Near East War, interfering with the reunification process in the German region, these were carried out under the British leadership.

Even now it is clear that the British wanted to curb the growth of Austria, but it became France to curb the development of Austria, and successfully transferred the task of pulling hatred to him.

Refuse?Napoleon III wanted to refuse, but he had no choice.

Reason told him that if France does not come forward to restrict the development of Austria, the British will really let Austria grow bigger in order to split the Russian-Austrian alliance.

This is a conspiracy, so that Napoleon III must not jump.Now that France has breached the contract, preventing Austria from expanding, what will Austria do in the future when they expand?

It can be said that a calculation not only curbs the development of Austria, but also allows France and Austria to contain each other, breaking the road of alliance between the two countries, and also making the French have to continue to depend on them in international politics.

Napoleon III quipped: "Mr. Thomas, is this your real goal?

But do you think Austria is a soft persimmon, where is the interference of the various countries?

Before the coalition did not appear, with a few threats, the Austrians gave in. I do n’t think France can do it.

However, Mr. Thomas can speak well, it is better for you to take a trip on behalf of France and let Metternich bow his head!"

Is the coalition organized so easily?Before the plan was not exposed, it was no problem for Prussia to participate. Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the Kingdom of Sardinia have always only looked forward to the British, and it is not difficult to ask them to send troops.

A neutral country in Switzerland is full of food. Why should we send troops to offend Austria?Whether Austria has grown or not, it has no interest at all with the Spaniards. Why should they visit this muddy water?

Napoleon III didn't want to get France to be the culprit in the end. In case the Austrian would not succumb and the war broke out, where would he cry?

Fighting is also about dying. Napoleon III usually does not admonish him, but while fighting against the Russians and then against Austria, he is not crazy.

Thomas said confidently: "Your Majesty, please rest assured that we have solved the problem of interference with the coalition forces.

Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium can receive some German territories in return, and Spain and Portugal can be rewarded in overseas colonies.

As long as our two countries agree, they dare not refuse our goodwill.

Once the Austrians chose war, the Royal Navy blocked the Adriatic Sea and cut off their overseas trade routes.

Taking into account the actual situation, I think the possibility of the Austrian government succumbing is very high, as long as we show the intention of forming a coalition, they will compromise.

Moreover, we do not want to be killed with a stick. For example, the Bavarian kingdom already occupied by the Austrians can be annexed.

The London government just wanted to break up the Russian-Austrian alliance, and did not want to make the Russian-Austrian alliance closer, so military intervention was only the worst plan.

If we make a move to intervene by force, Your Majesty, how do you think the Russians will be at home?

Did they risk sending troops and Austria to attack the Kingdom of Prussia, or confronted us in the Near East and supported Austria verbally?"

After listening to Thomas's explanation, Napoleon III only felt thunder, and the British calculated too much.

Almost all European countries have been wiped out, except for Denmark and Sweden in Northern Europe, which are too close to the teddy bears, but it is really impossible to draw in.

Even if the Russian-Austrian alliance still exists, most European countries are standing on their opposites, and it is such a cow to have sea power.

The world ’s first and the world ’s second naval power join forces, and Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands have no choice.

Belgium ’s geographical location determines that it must hold the thighs of Britain and France; the Kingdom of Sardinia wants to take revenge on Austria; Switzerland and the Habsburg dynasty have grievances, and if they offend Britain and France again, they will not be mixed up at all.

Napoleon III said coldly, "Since this is the case, then this plan should be proposed by our two countries together.

The Russians should still be visited by Mr. Thomas, as long as the Russians are not firm enough, this plan will be completed."

Thomas said expressionlessly: "Your Majesty never forgot. The plan to divide the German region was proposed by the Russians. Presumably the Austrians will have a wonderful face when they know this plan."

Napoleon III reluctantly said: "The prerequisite is that the Prussians did not know our follow-up plan, otherwise they chose to share Austria with Germany.

By then, all of these plans have turned into a bubble.The two countries have grown at the same time, and your country ’s interests in the German region are not guaranteed. In the future, a competitor will be added."

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