Chapter 63: Shift in Strategic Focus
Chapter 63: Strategic Center of Gravity Shift
Franz did not rush to take a stand, wanting to integrate all the ethnic groups in Austria is not that simple, it is estimated that the vast majority of the people, except for the bottom layer of civilians who do not know what ethnicity is, is difficult to accept.
If you can’t get everyone’s heartfelt approval, and make a nominal Austrian ethnicity out of it, the end result could be very embarrassing.
Origin of Nationalism In 18th century Europe, the bourgeoisie initiated a nationalist movement in order to break the theocracy and feudalism.
The triumph of the bourgeois class revolutions from 1789 to 1871, and the establishment of the nation-state system, were driven by nationalism.
Southeastern Europe, which is more conservative, almost always gave birth to nationalism as a result of the ideological output of the great powers.
Hungarian nationalism, for example, was exported by the French, and it is only now in its infancy, and the Hungarian nation of later times will not really take shape until they have absorbed the common people.
In the middle of the 19th century, the Tsarist government started the “Pan-Slavism” in order to launch the war of aggression, and nationalism spread to the Balkan region, which was the trigger of the World War.
“Mr. Karl, if we create an Austrian nation, what will happen to the existing nations?
Do we withdraw from the German region and create a separate Austrian empire?” Prime Minister Felix asked with a frown on his face
The windowpaper was pierced, and the atmosphere in the room was instantly oppressive.
“Back in 1806 when the Holy Roman Empire fell, Austria became independent from the German region, could it be that we can now establish the Holy Roman Empire again?” Karl asked rhetorically
“It is impossible to unify the German region, Austria can be independent of the German region, but we cannot abandon Germany, this is a matter of principle.
Trying to replace all of the current nationalities within Austria with one is clearly undesirable, even we ourselves would not agree, but it is still feasible to downplay the concept of nationalities and emphasize Austria.” Metternich said in an old-fashioned manner
Franz frowned, it’s true that everyone is in opposition, this era has not yet recognized the crisis of the multi-ethnic state, for a long time, governments are still using ethnic conflicts to cover up class conflicts.
At this time, Franz had to take a stand, Finance Minister Karl can not support alone, if he does not support, the Austrian nation will become a bubble.
“This matter we can look at it separately, all the Austrian nationalities together add up to the Austrian Empire, the Austrian nation can also be all Austrians.
Constructing a nation that everyone agrees with, gradually replacing the dozens of nationalities within Austria now, this will greatly reduce the ethnic conflicts within our country.
Other than that, at least the Hungarian rebellion that is happening now could have been avoided.”
“Your Highness, even if there is no more nationalism, ambitious people can likewise fight under other banners, and there will be no lack of excuses as long as they want to.
For this, we will lose our leadership over the German region, is it worth it?” Archduke Louis asked with difficulty
His words were polite enough, if he had said it differently he would have sprayed – stupid, coward, traitor.
The core foundation of Austria is – the Germans, and this will not change, at least until the national integration is completed. To give up the Germans now would be to give up the basis of rule.
“No, Archduke Louis! Who says we are giving up the leadership of the German region?” Franz asked rhetorically
Not waiting for anyone to answer, Franz continued, “Although the German region is a scattered mess, it is located in the heart of Europe, and whoever grasps this place grasps the European continent.
However, unfortunately we do not have the strength to unify the German region, and the European countries will not tolerate the unification of the German region.
Against this background, Austria, the leader of the German state, was in fact only in name, internally we have to face the challenge of the Prussians, externally we also have to resist the pressure from various countries.
And our gains were only nominal. Did Austria actually benefit from the German region?
From the point of view of investment, the resources we have invested in Germany over the years have been at a net loss, while the Prussians have gained a great deal.
So why don’t we give up on Germany for a while and move on to other areas where the return on investment is higher?
As for the German region, we just need to retain Austria’s influence, maintaining the balance of the German region isn’t just our business, dividing some of the responsibility to our allies, lest we all be idle.”
That’s right, Franz wants to shift Austria’s strategic center of gravity now. If you continue to die in the German region, there is Prussia’s internal constraints, and the French are still watching externally, what’s the point?
Do not look at Austria in the German region of a bunch of little brother, arm wave group of male response, as long as Franz dare to reveal the unification of Germany’s ambitions, the plot will immediately carry out a 180-degree turn, become the world’s enemies.
His ancestor, Maximilian the Great, showed his ambition to unify the German region, which ended in tragedy when the French and their vassals joined forces.
At that time, the Habsburgs were the Empire of the Sunset, much more powerful than the current Austria, annexed the peak of the Spanish Kingdom, but also occupied half of Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium are the family territory.
As for whether he would be kicked out of the German region for messing with the Austrian nation, Franz was not worried at all.
The German lords are not stupid, Austria and Prussia to restrain each other, their days will be better, if one family is dominant then it is the end of their days.
After so many years of mergers and reorganizations, we all know to play the balance, the North German regional states to Prussia close, South German vassals fell to Austria.
Franz’s implication is clear to everyone, it is only to give up the long-standing policy of continental balance, anyway, now the “Metternich system” has collapsed, to rebuild, Austria will need to pay too big a price.
“Your Highness, you are ready to turn Austria’s strategic center of gravity to the Italian region?” Metternich asked with concern
“No, Austria’s next strategic center of gravity is at home, as for the Italian region, we will just cripple the Sardinian Kingdom in passing to make an example of it!” Franz shook his head and said
Hearing Franz’s answer, the crowd breathed a sigh of relief. The Italian region was not that easy to move, and it also involved Britain and France.
Just taking the Sardinian Kingdom, then there is no problem, this is the Sardinian Kingdom itself sent to the door, can’t let Austria not counterattack, right?
(End of chapter)