Chapter 857

It was very challenging to be neighbors with the French these days. They had to be vigilant at all times.

The Rhineland region was an enclave with a good neighbor. The Government of Prussia was prepared to lose the Rhineland region a long time ago, but they didn't expect to lose it in this way.

The Government of Prussia could only choose to compromise under the diplomatic pressure from Britain and Austria. In the short term, giving up the Rhineland region was also a good thing for the Kingdom of Prussia.

After selling the Rhineland region, not only could they get rid of the financial crisis, but they could also get rid of the threat of the French. They could concentrate on fighting against Russia.

If they stubbornly refused to sell, the French might just force their way in the next Prussian war. After experiencing the annexation of the Regions of Italy, the Government of Prussia had no confidence in the French's integrity.

If it wasn't for the mutual restraint between the great powers, the Rhineland region would have been lost a long time ago. Don't think that the Kingdom of Prussia won the bet and think that the military strength of the Kingdom of Prussia was above that of France. In fact, it was the opposite.

Perhaps the current military strength of the French Empire wasn't necessarily much stronger than it was at the same time in history, but the strength on paper was very amazing. The standing army was twice that of the Kingdom of Prussia, and the overall strength of the country was more than three times that of the Kingdom of Prussia. (Including the French Regions of Italy and Colonies)

After having the Russian Empire as their enemy, going against France was definitely stupid.

After a symbolic struggle, the Foreign Minister of Prussia, Jeffrey Friedman, reluctantly announced that the Rhineland region would be sold and the highest bidder would win.

There was no doubt that this was to drive a wedge between the UK, Fao, and France. In terms of financial strength, whether it was Belgium or the German Federal Empire, they couldn't be a match for France.

Austrian Minister Hummel: "There is no problem with your country auctioning the Rhineland region, but the Rhineland is part of the German Region and the people living there are all Germans.

Considering all factors, it is better for the Rhineland region to join the German Region. I suggest that the German-speaking countries, Switzerland, Belgium, the German Federal Empire, and the new Holy Roman Empire participate in this auction.

As the proposer, we can avoid arousing suspicion and withdraw from this auction. "

"Avoiding suspicion" was simply gilding one's face. Who could sleep well with an enclave right under the nose of the French?

European countries didn't want the French to expand in Central Europe, nor did they want Austria to expand in Central Europe. Even if they wanted the Rhineland region.

"Enclave" was relative. If they were facing the French, it would indeed be an enclave. If it were the German Federal Empire, it would be a two-pronged attack.

The French Foreign Minister, Montero, stood up angrily. "That won't do. Since it's a public auction, naturally, the highest bidder wins. The European. European countries are qualified to participate in. European countries are. limited to Countries.

How could he miss out on such a good opportunity to buy the Rhineland region with money? . and Schen Montero, there. and.

. and, and, and, "Humen, said." King "to say," German "" "to say" Mon. ""

. "t." To "cultural" and "Countries cultures". "to" European "." As a civilized nation, we must respect the will of the people. "

The "popular will" was first invented by the French, and it was by respecting it that Napoleon III came to power. Furthermore, it was truly a democratically elected emperor, not a conspiracy to restore the throne.

This didn't mean that the European countries respected public opinion. The ruling class often chose to respect public opinion when it was beneficial to them. Otherwise, they pretended not to see it.

In order to kick France out, Humen didn't hesitate to raise the flag of "public opinion." This is not only the needs of interests, but also the needs of politics.

As the leader of the German Region, Austria had the responsibility to stand up. Otherwise, Belgium and the German Federal Empire wouldn't have the guts to fight with France.

Seeing that it was about time, the British Foreign Minister, Marquis Maclean, said, "Sir Humen is right. As a member of a civilized society, we must respect public opinion.

More than 95% of the people in the Rhineland region are Germans. Their culture and tradition are more suitable to merge with Germany.

Now that the new Holy Roman Empire has withdrawn, the most suitable countries to participate in the auction are Belgium, the German Federal Empire, and Switzerland. "

The British and Austrian countries had the same stance. The European countries that had been watching all joined in. Everyone was "respecting public opinion."

…

With more than ten countries having the same stance, Montero couldn't take the pressure. The reality was that no one wanted to see France continue to expand. The so-called "public opinion" was just a fig leaf that everyone used to frame their own image.

If they really respected public opinion, Ireland and Scotland would have become independent by now, and the various colonial empires would have collapsed.

The truth was one thing, but what they said was another. Everyone wanted face. It was necessary to say one thing and do another.

If they didn't use the fig leaf and directly said that France was too strong, everyone would worry that France would become a threat to their own safety. How would they get along in the future?

"Hmph!"

After snorting to express his dissatisfaction, Montero chose to remain silent. There was nothing he could do. This wasn't a suitable place for a war of words. Everyone's attitude was very firm, and there was no way to convince them.

If they wanted to threaten and bribe, and the leaders were Britain and Austria, they would only be humiliating themselves. France didn't have the power to challenge Europe alone.

Montero's silence quickly received high praise from everyone. All sorts of flattery came, such as "looking at the big picture," "having a sense of international responsibility," "respecting public opinion," etc.

But in Montero's ears, it all turned into mockery. If they didn't achieve their goal, no amount of flattery would bring them any benefits.

As a politician, if they received praise from all sides, they shouldn't be too happy. It was best to calm down and reflect first.

Under normal circumstances, there were only two situations that would receive praise from everyone. The first situation was that you were dead. Everyone was always lenient towards the dead. The second situation was that your actions were in line with their interests.

Internationally, the second situation could most often be explained as: you did something wrong, and everyone benefited. This situation was the easiest to receive praise. You would be famous in both life and death.

Otherwise, it would be good enough if the enemy didn't smear your name. How could you expect others to give you a good review?

Respecting one's opponent meant respecting one's dead opponent or fallen opponent. One didn't think of a way to defeat an opponent who was still in power. Instead, one wanted to help the opponent gain fame. What kind of spirit was that?

After appeasing the French, everyone's gazes gathered on the representatives of Switzerland, Belgium, and the German Confederation, waiting for their reply.

The Swiss Minister, Podolski, was the first to answer. "Although we really want to buy the Rhineland region, we are limited by our financial resources and have no choice but to give it up."

Looking at the pained expression on Podolski's face, everyone almost believed him. The Swiss Confederation was indeed poor. Limited by their productivity and resources, Switzerland hadn't developed yet.

However, everyone was more willing to believe that the Swiss were afraid of the French and didn't dare to set their sights on the Rhineland region.

In this regard, Switzerland was completely different from Belgium and the German Confederation. The latter two were directly bordered by the mainland and could increase their national strength.

Take the Kingdom of Belgium for example. If they obtained the Rhineland region, it wouldn't take long for their overall national strength to increase. As the first country on the European continent to complete industrialization, Belgium was the world leader in many areas.

Unfortunately, limited by the small size of the mainland and insufficient development potential, Belgium couldn't touch the threshold of a big country and could only exist as a small country.

If they obtained the Rhineland region, they could complete the transition to a medium-sized country. At that time, their ability to survive would be greatly increased.

If it fell into the hands of the German Confederation, the increase in strength would be even more obvious. Not to mention anything else, it was inevitable that their heavy industry would surpass Spain.

There were only two buyers left. The Foreign Minister of Prussia, Jeffrey Friedman, wasn't angry. This was expected.

Either the Fao and the two countries bid together, or the two countries would be eliminated together. Austria didn't want to be stuck with this trouble at this time, so they directly chose to leave with the French.

The auction couldn't be carried out immediately. No one had completed the insider trading. How could there be a result so soon? This wasn't a matter of money. There was also political influence.

…