After the Paris Conference, Franz said goodbye to Nicholas I Of Russia and left. It was easy for people to sink into a life of luxury. Franz didn't want to test his willpower.
Looking at a single leaf, one could tell that the Russian Empire was sick. Judging from the corrupt life of the top officials of the Tsar government, Franz knew that the Russian Empire was sick.
Many people were addicted to the glory of the past. Even the bad situation of the war in the Near East couldn't wake them up.
"It's just psoriasis, not a problem."
Since the Tsarist government thought so, Franz naturally had no obligation to remind them. An ally addicted to the glory of the past was a good ally.
On the way back, Franz had already transformed into a literary youth and started the road of literary creation. The Emperor's Poems and the Emperor's Prose Collection, which would have a far-reaching impact in the future, were created at this time.
In this regard, Franz was still very moral, at least he didn't find someone to carry a pen with him. Therefore, the production was naturally not high. From St. Peter's Castle to Vienna, a total of two limericks were produced. It was really embarrassing to take them out.
…
The country was unfortunate, but the poets were fortunate.
Under the influence of the Paris Conference, the literary creation of the German Region during this period showed a situation of a hundred flowers blooming.
A large number of literati rose to prominence during this period, such as: Arthur Schopenhauer, Gabriel, Paul Heise, Freiligrat, Helweg, Werth, Fontana, F. Grillpatzer, Franz Grillpatzer, Adalbert Stefft …
It could be said that in just a few months in the second half of 1853, the literary works that emerged in the German Region exceeded the sum of the previous five years.
Criticism became the mainstream of literary creation during this period, and the newly born German Federal Empire was heavily criticized. Of course, the Government of Prussia couldn't escape the pen and ink of the literati, and even the Government of Austria couldn't escape the pen and ink of the literati.
It turned out that the show was very effective. Compared to the first two, the Government of Austria was much less criticized. After all, it was the land of hope for the unification of Germany, so people were merciful.
The newly born German Federal Empire was a tragedy. No one recognized it as an empire. The main reason it was named an empire was that there were already kingdoms in the states.
The central government couldn't be the same level as the local governments, so the Paris Conference artificially upgraded it to an empire. Obviously, this "empire of need" was not welcomed.
…
Bremen
A middle-aged man said angrily, "Corbes, look at the newspaper. The world's biggest comedy empire is about to be born, and we will soon be a member of this comedy empire.
When did we agree to join this empire? How come I didn't know? This is simply terrible!
I can't imagine what would happen if someone asks me which country I'm from in the future, and I tell them, 'I'm from the Comedy Empire'.
The birth of the German Federal Empire was a farce to begin with. It was ridiculed by Welt as the "Comedy Empire", and then everyone called it that.
Although the empire was a comedy, its overall national strength wasn't weak. It was only below the major European powers, and its economic strength was on par with the Kingdom of Prussia.
Although the Comedy Empire was a comedy empire, its comprehensive national strength was not weak. It was only below the major European powers, and its economic strength was comparable to the Kingdom of Prussia.
The bearded middle-aged man took the newspaper and glanced through it. Then he said calmly, "Feitra, is it worth making a fuss about such a small matter?
The bearded middle-aged man took the newspaper and scanned it, then said unhurriedly, "Feitra, is such a small matter worth making a fuss over?
The Paris Conference was a unanimous decision of the European countries. Do you think the government would dare to reject it?
What's there to be afraid of? Even if the German Region is divided into three, we still have two empires and one kingdom. This is something no country in the world can compare to! "
It was obvious that Corbes's expression had betrayed his heart. He wasn't as relaxed as he said he was. He just deliberately suppressed his anger and didn't let it explode.
In terms of overall national strength, a united German Region would be number one in the world. Even the United Kingdom couldn't compare.
Obviously, this was impossible. The European countries were not fools. Who could tolerate the emergence of a Central European giant?
The nationalists in the German Region fell silent after the Paris Conference. The blow brought to them by reality was unimaginable.
Even though everyone knew that the European countries would oppose the unification of the German Region, the pressure from so many countries still exceeded their expectations.
There was nothing sadder than a dead heart. Many people were in despair and became indifferent to politics. Corbes was one of them.
However, this indifference was only on the surface. When he learned that the German Federal Empire had really been established, he couldn't help but sneer a few times.
Feitra glared at Corbes fiercely and then said with a cold smile, "Enough, shut up you coward. As long as the Germans haven't died out, the German Region will be unified one day. "
Both of them were past the age of middle school. After the German Region was forcibly divided, they didn't run to the streets to protest like the young students.
Just as the newspapers said, even if all the people in the German Region came out to protest, the enemy wouldn't be able to see them. They could only do whatever they wanted.
Oh, this was probably what the capitalists said. After all, it affected their business.
Ever since the countries joined forces to interfere with the unification of Germany, the business world had been wailing. South Germany was fine, but Austria's market wasn't small. There were also two markets, the Regions of Italy and Russia.
The capitalists in the north deeply felt the malice. After losing the South Germany market, they still had to face competition from the United Kingdom in the future. This was simply forcing them into a dead end.
The business world in Prussia also felt the same way. Ever since Austria accelerated its industrialization process, a large part of their market was snatched away. Everyone's life wasn't good.
Now it was even worse. The northern market was impacted by the United Kingdom's products, and the southern market had trade barriers.
Due to the influence of the market, since the Kingdom of Prussia's reform in 1848, the Kingdom of Prussia's economy hadn't improved significantly. Instead, there were signs of continued deterioration.
It wasn't that the capitalists didn't work hard, but reality forced them to. Historically, when the Kingdom of Prussia carried out the reform, it also reduced military spending. The military spending was suppressed to less than 25% and the funds were invested in national construction.
Now, due to the influence of the international situation, Prussia's military spending didn't decrease but increased to guard against Russia and Austria. In this context, not to mention investing in domestic construction, the government would be thankful if they didn't impose excessive taxes.
In the face of the increasingly severe economic situation, Frederick William IV Of Denmark had a headache. Unfortunately, he wasn't suited to develop the economy. If it was the development of armaments, perhaps he had more say.
Looking at the cabinet full of military personnel, it was difficult to develop the economy. The word "reform" appeared in Frederick William IV Of Denmark's mind again.
…
Vienna
Franz, who had just returned to the country, was faced with three problems.
First, the settlement of the Bavarian royalty.
Second, the name of the country.
Third, the governance of the new territory.
Ever since he returned to the Vienna Palace, his mother, the Empress Dowager Sophie, often appeared in front of him and mentioned the issue of marriage from time to time.
Although she didn't directly mention the Bavarian royalty, the meaning was clear. No matter what, there had to be an explanation, right?
Now that they were under house arrest like this, where would the Empress Dowager put her face?
Even the two little girls often came to pester him, looking like they would cry if he didn't give them an explanation.
Well, this matter was Franz's fault. He said that he would change the throne for them, but it had been delayed until now, and he still hadn't implemented this issue.
…
In order to get rid of the days of harassment, at the State Conference, Franz said helplessly, "Everyone, let's put other problems aside for now. Let's find a good place for the Bavarian royalty first."
Prime Minister Felix thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, the Kingdom of Bavaria still has the province of Pfalz, which was also thrown to the German Confederation this time. We might as well restore the status of the Duchy of Pfalz and let the Bavarian royalty succeed the Grand Duchy. "
Metternich objected, "That's not right. We promised to guarantee the Bavarian royalty, and now we have to appease the people. Going back on our word will easily cause unforeseen events."
Prime Minister Felix shook his head and said, "I don't want to go back on my word, but the problem is that the Bavarian royalty won't agree to let them inherit the throne of Serbia.
Maximilian II Of Macedon is now fearless and wants a rich land to continue to be the king. How is that possible? "
Metternich asked in reply, "Serbia is a barren land, it's not even comparable to the Greek Kingdom. For the sake of the Greek throne, the Bavarian royalty's investment has not been recovered after so many years. How can they accept the throne of Serbia? "
The current Serbia was not a good place. Due to the impact of the war, the local population had fallen to less than 700,000, and most of them were old, weak, sick, and disabled. The young men between the ages of 16 to 40 were all transferred by the Osman.
The economy was completely dependent on agricultural production. It could be said that this kingdom in name, in reality, was less than a province of Bavaria.
If he became the king of Serbia, it was estimated that for a long time in the future, the revenue here would not be able to come out.
The ambition of Maximilian II Of Macedon had been extinguished, and he did not want to suffer anymore.
…
Looking at the people who were arguing, Franz suggested, "What if we break up the Kingdom of Lombardy and Venetia, restore the Kingdom of Lombardy, and let Maximilian II Of Macedon inherit the throne?"
The Minister of Finance, Carr, objected, "Your Majesty, the Lombardy region's economy is developed, and accounts for nearly one-tenth of our revenue. If we let this place be independent, we will suffer a great loss."
Franz shook his head and said, "We don't want to let this place be independent. First, we need to trick Maximilian II Of Macedon into succeeding the throne and give the Bavarian people an explanation.
Then, the central government will pass the constitution and get the local personnel appointment and dismissal rights, as well as financial power, so that he can peacefully receive his annuity. "
Independent country? Dream on! As an outsider, without the support of Austria, how could Maximilian II Of Macedon rule the local area?
Counting on the Italians to support him, Franz did not believe that Maximilian II Of Macedon had the charisma to be in such a dire situation.
The Minister of Finance, Carr, thought for a moment and said, "If we don't let the Lombardy region be independent, and just provide for Maximilian II Of Macedon, then it won't be a big problem."
The matter of 1.8 million guilders was indeed not worth mentioning. For the long-term stability of the Bavarian region, this money had to be spent.
Metternich said worriedly, "Your Majesty, if Maximilian II Of Macedon becomes the King of Lombardy, I'm afraid that England and France and other countries will instigate the local independence in the future."
Independence? Frankly speaking, Franz never cared about the independence of the Regions of Italy. In terms of development potential, it was impossible for the region to become the core of Austria.
Currently, there were more than six million Italians in the Austrian Empire, which was a very high proportion of the population. The nationalism of the Regions of Italy had awakened, and it would be a huge challenge to rule these people for a long time.
Currently, the Government of Austria would not give up Lombardy Venetia, mainly because of the benefits. That was why the government spent a lot of money on local assimilation.
If the cost of ruling exceeded the benefits, it was estimated that Franz would have made them independent long ago. After all, these areas were lacking in resources, and the local industrial products were gradually losing competitiveness.
Before the westward strategy was launched, the Government of Austria had prepared for the worst. At the price of giving up the Kingdom of Lombardy Venetia, the Government of Austria would recognize Austria's annexation of South Germany.
Unexpectedly, England and France launched the war on the Crimean Peninsula, causing them to be unable to send troops to intervene in a short period of time, and these areas were saved.
Franz shook his head and said, "Even without this king, our enemies have not forgotten to plan for local independence.
According to our plan, the local wheat will be changed to mulberry, and it won't be long before the local food is completely dependent on Austria.
As time goes by, the local textile industry will rise in the future. If they leave Austria, where will they find a market? "
The Government of Austria had also conducted research on the long-term stability of the Regions of Italy. The answer was: control of food, and economic dependence.
