Holy Roman Empire - Chapter 107

Chapter 107: Chapter 107: The Most Suitable Country for an Alliance

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Translator: 549690339

Franz was also very interested in opening up colonies. However, his view differed from others; it wasn’t simply about plundering wealth from overseas.

The Habsburg dynasty had existed for too long; an ancient empire signified conservatism and rigidity. Even though the rebellion had led to a reshuffling, the path to ascent remained narrow.

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As a member benefiting from the status quo, Franz certainly couldn’t choose to start over. Therefore, the only solution was to enlarge the cake. With a bigger plate, naturally, more opportunities would arise.

Expanding in Europe was too difficult, and even if successful, it would not be without consequences. Overseas colonization, on the other hand, was different. With Austria’s strength, getting a piece of the pie was no issue at all.

Almost without much cost, colonies with several times the area of the homeland could be acquired. Then they could slowly be developed by immigrants from the Germany Region. It’s well known that the main force of European immigrants at the time came from the Germany Region, so there was no worry about manpower.

If the colonization plan succeeded, Austria’s internal problems would also be resolved. A group of noble scions would have a place to exert their skills, rather than staying idle and just waiting to die.

Do not think that all nobility are wealthy; in fact, such a notion is nonsense. Just look at the Church, where many missionaries and nuns come from noble backgrounds—the cruel reason is poverty.

Impoverished nobility could no longer afford the expenses of their younger sons’ marriages or the dowries for their daughters. For the sake of their pitiful noble dignity, they had no choice but to take such paths.

These people were not easy to deal with. They were well-educated, and many were not content with their fate dictated by chance. They were the main force behind the various European colonial movements.

In the 19th century, missionaries wandering overseas essentially had a dual identity—they were colonists.

Discussing this issue now was still too early; Franz decided to delay it further.

“We will discuss this matter later. British Foreign Secretary Palmerston has already entered Austria, and it won’t be long before he arrives in Vienna.

Palmerston’s purpose for this visit is mostly likely related to the war with the Kingdom of Sardinia. What do you all think about how we should deal with the Kingdom of Sardinia?”

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Mentioning the Kingdom of Sardinia infuriated everyone. The great powers all had their dignity, and any challenge must be met with severe punishment.

Foreign Minister Metternich spoke up, “Your Highness, we just received news that on June 23 in Paris, a workers’ uprising broke out. It is said to be due to French workers opposing the government’s support of us and the Russians in suppressing the Polish revolution.

If the situation is true, at this moment, the French government, in order to maintain domestic stability, may have to give up on dividing the Kingdom of Sardinia with us.”

Upon hearing this news, everyone was stunned. Who could have imagined that the main factor behind the June Revolution in Paris was to support the Polish revolution?

The idea seems laughable, but Franz knew the news was indeed true; the Parisians of the era had already embraced internationalist spirit.

Of course, their support for the Polish revolution did not mean they would support the Italian revolution. The French still had designs on the Italian Area.

However, after this uprising, France would be in disarray for a while. Until their leadership stabilized, they could not be expected to deploy troops.

“This is an opportunity, as Prussia and Russia are preoccupied with the Prussia-Denmark war and cannot obstruct us; with the French preoccupied with themselves, as long as we can withstand British pressure, we could annex the Kingdom of Sardinia!” Archduke Louis said excitedly.

Austria had not expanded abroad for a long time, and everyone was eager. Now the opportunity had presented itself. The Kingdom of Sardinia was asking for death coming at such a convenient time.

Metternich shook his head and said, “I’m afraid it’s not that simple. If the French joined us, creating a fait accompli, most nations would probably accept it.

If we were to annex the Kingdom of Sardinia alone, even if the Russians do not oppose, we would miss out on their support. With Prussia busy waging war against Denmark, they probably wouldn’t have time for us.

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We can indeed withstand the pressure from the British alone, but what about after annexing the Kingdom of Sardinia?

When the French resolve their internal conflicts and the Prusso-Russian conflict comes to an end, what should we do if the Alliance of England and France, or even the British, French, Prussian, and Russian nations combined intervene, demanding our withdrawal from Sardinia?”

Clearly, Metternich’s diplomatic judgment was very accurate, as he effortlessly clarified the complex relations among the great powers.

Not medding now does not mean they won’t meddle in the future. Austria’s annexation of the Kingdom of Sardinia would not be recognized by the great powers.

Once everyone was free to deal with it later, they could still hold us to account. In the past, didn’t Austria annex the Danube Basin during the Crimean War, only to spit it out afterward?

Prime Minister Felix nodded and said, “Mr. Metternich is right. It’s not difficult to swallow the Kingdom of Sardinia, but what matters is the attitude of the other countries.

If we put forth diplomatic efforts, getting Prussia and Russia to remain neutral isn’t difficult, but securing their support would come at a great cost, perhaps more than it’s worth.

Everyone understands the French’s position; they would never tolerate us swallowing the Kingdom of Sardinia alone. Once they have stabilized internally, they would intervene alongside the British.

This may take two to three years, or mere months. Are we confident that in such a short period we can fully absorb and assimilate the Kingdom of Sardinia?

If we can’t, once there are foreign enemies surrounding us and guerrilla forces wreaking havoc within, the newly acquired territories will be utterly indefensible.”

After a pause, Finance Minister Karl suggested, “If we cannot annex the Kingdom of Sardinia, how about demanding a hefty war indemnity or the cession of some territories?”

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Metternich confidently asserted, “That depends on the attitude of the British. Whether it’s to demand a war indemnity or territorial cession, the Kingdom of Sardinia must pay the appropriate price.

If they cannot compensate for our losses in the war, then the war will not end. I believe the British will give us an explanation.”

This confidence stemmed from strength. Among the great powers, there was a set of unwritten rules, and usually, no one would flip the table.

The advantage of the British lay in their isolation at sea and having a navy that dominated the world, placing them in a detached position within Europe.

This was also their weakness. As an island country focused on maritime power, they naturally relinquished land power. To maintain a strategy of European balance, they needed to cooperate with the Great European Nations.

Among the many European powers, Austria was undoubtedly the most suitable ally for the British at the time. More exactly, Austria in that era had the foundation to form an alliance with any European power.

With substantial power of its own, Austria could coordinate with allies, but due to internal issues, it lacked the power to contend for world dominance.

For the United Kingdom, France, and Russia, who aspired to world hegemony, Austria was the ideal ally as long as it didn’t unify the German Region.