After Napoleon Napoleon III annexed the Kingdom of Sardinia, Vittorio Emanuele II, who went into exile in London, formed the Sardinian government-in-exile with the help of the British.
Later, the French annexed the rest of Italy. For the needs of the Italian anti-French movement, Vittorio Emanuele II passively became the leader.
The reason was very simple. The barefoot was not afraid of the shoe-wearing. Vittorio Emanuele II, who had nothing, had the courage to fight the French to the end.
In contrast, the royal families of the other states were different. Although the country was taken away by the French, they still had the crown in name and could receive an annual annuity.
In this context, although everyone was very dissatisfied, they did not have the courage to jump out and fight the French to the death. They only secretly played small tricks.
At first, the Sardinian Independence Organization was only supported by the British, and the organizational structure was generally stable. Later, it expanded into the Italian Independence Organization, and the situation changed.
Austria also became a supporter of the independence organization. With an additional financial backer, many things became complicated.
In 1878, after the death of Vittorio Emanuele II, his son, who was only nine years old, inherited the throne. Naturally, a little kid was not able to quell internal conflicts.
The Italian Independence Organization existed in name only and gradually divided into four groups, representing the Kingdom of Sardinia, the Papal State, Tuscany, and the Kingdom of Two Sicilies.
The Italian Independence Movement fell into a low tide. Even after the outbreak of the Paris Revolution, they launched an uprising, but it was only a flash in the pan.
Lions and elephants also used all their strength to fight rabbits. The outbreak of war in Europe was imminent, and Franz naturally wanted to rope in all the forces that could be roped in.
Although the strength of the Italian Independence Organization was weak, they had a strong appeal among the Italians!
Think about it, at the critical moment of the Fao War, the Italian soldiers in the French army suddenly quit. How funny that scene was.
There was no doubt that the most powerful and influential Italian Independence Organization was naturally the Sardinian Independence Organization, which was under the direct command of Vittorio Emanuele III.
Although the Kingdom of Sardinia had been annexed by the French, and the French Emperor had an additional crown on his head, Vittorio Emanuele III was the recognized King of Sardinia in Europe.
No matter how powerful France was, the illegally stolen crown was not recognized by the European aristocracy. In this regard, Franz also took great credit. The Hapsburg family took the lead in denying the legitimacy of the Bonaparte family to the throne of Sardinia.
In a manor on the outskirts of London, two men, one old and one young, were fishing. It could be seen that both of them were absent-minded. The floating objects on the water were constantly being pulled, but they did not care.
The Austrian Minister in London, Jonas, said, "Your Majesty, the European Continental War is about to break out. Your chance to restore your country has come."
The young Vittorio Emmanuel III smiled and said, "That's just an opportunity. The French are still very strong.
The Italians, of Independence, and Kingdom of Of Independence. Unless your country can deal a heavy blow to the French on the battlefield, with the strength of an independent organization, it is simply suicide. "
This Was Territory of Empire Was Independence Organization of Napoleon of That was was was Of Was.
Jonas hoped that the Italian independence organization would start an uprising first to shake the French army's morale and increase the Austrian army's chances of victory on the battlefield.
Vittorio Emanuele III, on the other hand, hoped that Austria would defeat the French on the battlefield.
Jonas shook his head. He understood Vittorio Emanuele III's wariness. The relationship between the King of Sardinia and Austria had never been good.
If the French were driven out and the Austrians came in, it would be like going to the tiger at the front door and entering the wolf at the back.
"Your Majesty, there is no free lunch in this world. It is impossible to gain national independence without paying a price.
I know what you are worried about, and I understand your feelings. But you should know that Austria never mistreats its allies.
Since we have made a promise to support your country's independence, we will fulfill it.
However, Austria is also particular about equivalent exchange. You get what you pay for.
If you wait until the situation is settled before you get involved, we will not be able to guarantee the territorial integrity of your country. "
This was a blatant threat. Jonas was certain that Vittorio Emanuele III would not cooperate with the French. If he wanted to restore Kingdom of Sardinia, he had to get Austria's support.
Vittorio Emanuele III's expression changed drastically. He was still too young to be able to keep a straight face.
"Your Excellency, it is our bottom line to guarantee the territorial integrity of the Regions of Italy! If you can't do this, then there is nothing to talk about. "
Jonas reminded, "Your Majesty, you are only the King of Sardinia. You are not qualified to represent the other three countries.
In fact, we have already reached an agreement with the representatives of the three countries. We are only talking to you about the Kingdom of Sardinia. "
Italy was just a place these days. Currently, there were four countries that were internationally recognized. The Italian Independence Organization was a grassroots organization that did not have any legal significance.
Hearing this answer, Vittorio Emanuele III's expression became even uglier.
As the leader of the Italian Independence Organization, he originally thought that he would be the King of Italy after driving away the French.
However, the reality was very harsh. Jonas clearly told him that it was impossible.
The Italian Independence Organization did not represent anything. Austria only recognized Sardinia, the Papal Kingdom, Naples, and Tuscany.
If Austria did not recognize it, there was naturally no way to talk about the King of Italy. Vittorio Emanuele III was very indignant, but unfortunately, he did not have the confidence to fall out with them.
He was not willing to cooperate with Austria, but there were many people who were willing. Don't think that being a member of the Independence Organization was so noble. Everyone had to eat.
As a king, even if he was exiled overseas, he could still live a life of debauchery. However, the followers below him were tragic.
Even if they were rich, after so many years of struggle, they had almost used up all their money. Those who were poor had already found work in London. Relying on the little subsidies given by the Independence Organization, they had long starved to death.
After so many years, the hot-blooded youths of the past had long been worn down by life. Restoring their country was their only chance to turn things around.
Whether it was the King of Italy or the King of Sardinia, as long as they had the ability to establish a political power, they could become high and mighty rulers.
No one would let go of the last straw of hope. Whoever stood in everyone's way was everyone's enemy. Even Vittorio Emanuele III, the nominal leader, was no exception.
After a pause to adjust his thoughts, Vittorio Emanuele III slowly said, "Minister, we can think of a way to restrain the French, but with our strength, we do not have the ability to directly confront the French army."
Seeing that his goal had been achieved, Jonas smiled and replied, "Your Majesty, please rest assured. Austria will not harm our friends.
After the war breaks out, you only need to cause damage in the rear and affect the logistics of the French army. You do not need to go directly to the battlefield.
For example, you can spread rumors to shake the morale of the French army, call on the Italians not to work for the French, destroy roads and bridges, organize workers to go on strike …
In order to reduce losses, you can also call on the people to not cooperate with violence. These are all contributions. "
Hearing Jonas' explanation, Vittorio Emanuele III heaved a sigh of relief. They were the best at shouting slogans. The weakness of the Independence Organization was in the military.
As long as they did not fight with the French and caused damage in the rear, they could still do it.
After a pause, Minister Jonas added, "Your contribution to this war will determine the benefits you will receive after the war.
As long as the contribution is large enough, there will be territory and war reparations. You will also have a chance to take back the territories that were originally disputed between the King of Sardinia and the French. "
This was not a big picture. As long as they won the war, no matter how they performed, the disputed territories would be given to the Kingdom of Sardinia.
Austria did not have the appetite to annex France. After the war, the hatred between the Fao and the two countries would definitely deepen, and it might not be resolved for decades.
For the stability of the Western Front, the Government of Austria had to weaken France. Other than the Regions of Italy that could be independent, the territory of France was actually still very stable. It could not be divided at all.
Even if it was forcibly divided, it would be reunited in a few years. Franz would not do useless work.
In this context, other than pulling the neighbors to divide the land, the Government of Austria did not have a good solution.
Moreover, it was not only the land that was divided, but also the hatred that accompanied it.
If they took the land of the French, they could only fight to the death with the French. There was no other choice but to hug the thigh of Austria.
Without any hesitation, Vittorio Emanuele III replied decisively, "Rest assured, Minister, we will do our best to cause trouble for the French!"
The conditions were already very good, much better than what Vittorio Emanuele III had expected. Austria did not have the idea of taking the territory of the Kingdom of Sardinia.
The only regret was that Austria opposed him to unify the Regions of Italy, but this was not a big problem for Vittorio Emanuele III.
Vittorio Emanuele III had been living in exile since he was born. Although he was young, he was not delusional at all.
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