Chapter 160: Heartlessness Makes the Willow Shine
Chapter 157 – Heartlessness Makes the Willow Shade
Since the establishment of the Holy Roman Economic Alliance, the economies of the joining countries have been closely linked together, and the import and export trade between the alliances has climbed rapidly.
Bavaria, for example, in 1850 with Austria between the total import and export trade climbed twenty-three percent, of which the import trade increased by thirty-two percent, the export trade increased by seven percent.
For Bavaria, the trade deficit with Austria widened to 8 million guilders in 1850, which seriously affected the development of the Bavarian capitalist economy.
Of course, there were two sides to the coin. Because of its geographical location, Austria had to transit through Bavaria in order to trade with other states in the South German region, and this boosted the development of Bavaria’s domestic transportation industry.
It is difficult to say whether it was a loss or a gain. But one thing is for sure, those who engaged in import and export trade made a profit.
These people all had one characteristic, most of them were local powerhouses – nobles. European aristocrats didn’t discriminate against business; they wouldn’t cross with money.
In order for the alliance to be established smoothly, Austria naturally drew in a portion of the powerhouse nobility, and it was the contribution of these people that pushed for the establishment of the economic alliance.
Interest is always the best catalyst, even now Bavaria in diplomacy and the Kingdom of Prussia came together, but the economy is still half unaffected.
Maximilian I would not dare to move the cheese of the interest groups, if the trade is cut off, the royal family are one of the biggest losers, or perhaps their own family will be the first to make trouble.
Austria’s domestic construction of railroad fever, but also inevitably affect the Kingdom of Bavaria, civil construction of railroads more and more loud.
In the German economic exchanges organization under the needle, a railroad connecting the South German region of the states of the main line, was the economic experts proposed.
It quickly aroused a heated debate among the people, and countless experts and scholars came out to advocate the theory of a strong railroad, listing a series of benefits of building railroads.
The social debate also attracted the attention of capital, especially those engaged in the transportation industry, they know more about how lucrative railroads are.
Bavaria is not without railroads, but there is no perfect railroad network, and there is a lack of a main railroad line running through the east and west of the Kingdom of Bavaria.
From the perspective of economic development, the establishment of such a railroad trunk line will greatly promote the economic development of Bavaria.
Munich.
Within the Royal Bavarian Railroad, the construction of this trunk line is being discussed.
In accordance with the recommendations of economists, the railroad was extended westward to Baden and eastward to merge with the Austrian railroad network in Salzburg.
Now the discussion is about technical feasibility and economic viability. The Royal Bavarian Railway is a state-owned enterprise, so naturally the efficiency is inevitably that much lower.
Engineer Thayer replied with a serious face, “Technically there is not much of a problem, except for a small number of sections where a detour is required, there are no major technical difficulties in building this railroad.”
Technically there is indeed not much difficulty, this so-called main line is actually only three to four hundred kilometers, most of the sections are in the Bavarian plain.
“And what about economically? Let’s not forget that we still have the Danube River between us and Austria, and water transportation plays an important part in the trade between the two countries.
Now that this railroad is being built, mainly to make money, can our railroad compete with water transportation?” Railroad company president Moorca asked with concern
Wilkes, the head of commercial operations, replied, “Water transportation is indeed cheaper, but the Danube River has a limited radius. The river is also not under human control, unlike our railroad, which can be built wherever it wants.
Once this railroad is through, the economic lifeline of the entire South German region will be in our hands, and with the current volume of commercial transportation, achieving profitability is not a problem at all.
If you are worried about the risk, we can also raise shares from the public, and there are plenty of people out there who want to invest in this railroad.
If we don’t set up a project as soon as possible and get the right to build the railroad from the government, I’m afraid we’re going to be preempted.”
Don’t think that there is no competition from state-run enterprises, private individuals in Bavaria in this era can build railroads, as long as you can afford to pay for it, you can build it however you like.
Competition in this era is not yet fierce, if the early 20th century, perhaps between two cities, there can still appear several railroad companies in the railroad competition.
After a pause, Molka made a decision, “Since everyone has no problem, then the engineering department will set up the railroad project as soon as possible, come up with the design drawings, and the operation department will immediately apply to the government for the right to build this railroad.”
Although the Royal Bavarian Railway was a state-run enterprise, there were actually quite a lot of people who shared interests in it, and these people were the main force driving the construction of this railroad.
Perhaps and Austria kind of tens of thousands of kilometers of railroad network plan of the large sum of money did not compare, but this main line once completed, then supporting the branch line section is also less.
Thousands of kilometers of railroad in this day and age, is undoubtedly a big project, which contains the interests of the absolute not a small number.
……
In the royal palace in Munich, the plan for the construction of the railroad artery has appeared in front of Maximilian I, not only the Royal Bavarian Railway Company, but also a Bavarian Watson Railway Company has also submitted an application.
Profit is always the best catalyst, eyes on the railroad will obviously not be the only people, if the Bavarian government delayed decision, the future to receive the railroad construction applications will be more.
The military value of railroads in this era was not yet appreciated, and Maximilian I did not consider the military threat that Austria would bring to Bavaria after the construction of the railroad.
The main reason is that it is useless to consider, the power gap between the two sides is too big. Munich is only seventy kilometers away from the Austrian border, the so-called defense and security issues, is simply a fallacy.
Such a short distance, even on foot at most two days, with or without railroads are the same. Expecting transportation to block Austria’s advance is not as reliable as expecting international intervention.
Maximilian I attaches great importance to domestic economic development, for the construction of a railroad can promote domestic economic development, his heart is also supportive.
Moreover, this railroad will not only bring economic benefits to Bavaria, but also the spread of political influence, which can consolidate their position in the German states.
“To build this railroad, you have to coordinate several countries along the way, are there any problems with diplomacy?” Maximilian I asked with concern
The Foreign Minister replied, “Your Majesty, according to the provisions of the Holy Roman Alliance, investments in the construction of railroads between allied countries and their own railroad companies enjoy the same treatment, we can communicate with the governments of each country.
If there is a railroad company within their country that is willing to participate, we can all join forces and each complete the construction of the section within their own country and set up a joint railroad operating company.
If there are no railroad companies involved, we can also invest in the construction of this railroad in accordance with local laws.”
……
Vienna.
After receiving the railroad construction plan from the Kingdom of Bavaria, Franz’s first reaction was that the Bavarian government was crazy.
Wouldn’t it be easier for Austria to invade by building such a railroad? After double-checking, Franz realized that he was overthinking.
Bavaria is a small area, the capital Munich is too close to Austria, with or without the existence of this railroad, can not be exempted from the Austrian military threat.
The only thing was that with the railroad, the Austrian military operations would be more convenient. Only this convenience is not to Bavaria, but to the more distant Baden, Württemberg and other German states to use military more convenient.
Franz smiled and said: “The same Bavarian government’s request, since they want to build this railroad, let them go and fix it. Those who need our cooperation, cooperate with them.
If they are short of funds if they are short of funds, let them go to the Vienna stock market to raise funds.”
He didn’t say how much benefit this railroad would bring to Austria after its construction was completed, this kind of thing should of course be muffled.
You know, originally authorized the German Economic Organization to promote the construction of this railroad, Franz are ready for the Bavarian government’s strong opposition.
He was also prepared to use public opinion to force the Bavarian government to also build this railroad. As a result, the Bavarian government took the initiative to jump out just as the civil society campaign had begun.
To Franz, the Bavarian government could not have done better than to take the initiative to build this railroad. The relationship between the South German states, naturally, they are also responsible for the coordination, the Austrian government does not need to do anything, can enjoy the benefits.
As for this Royal Bavarian Railway Company, the future will earn huge wealth because of this railroad, Franz very generously said that this is what they deserve.
If this railroad, to Austria’s unification of the South German region to bring convenience, then Franz does not mind to give them a big medal.
By the way, the Emperor Bavarian Railway Company was renamed the Royal Austrian Railway Company to commemorate their outstanding contribution to the cause of German unification.
czbYzY’s 10,000 reward added more, still owe 17 chapters, Hai Yue slowly paid back. Thank you for your support.
(End of chapter)