Holy Roman Empire - Chapter 213

Chapter 213: Chapter 100, Bluffing

Translator: 549690339

When the war broke out, Franz’s nerves were wound tight, and not a single person in the upper echelons of the Austrian Government dared to relax.

Though the speed of the front lines’ advance was very fast, even smoother than planned, the Austrian Government still carried out a national mobilization.

Perhaps to many, this seemed like an overreaction—deploying four hundred thousand troops against the Kingdom of Bavaria and mobilizing a million reserve forces domestically.

As a person directly involved, Franz could say very clearly that this was not an overreaction, but a strategic necessity.

Even when a lion fights a rabbit, it uses all its might.

This was precisely the state of Austria; if they were only facing Bavaria, perhaps thirty to fifty thousand troops would have sufficed to accomplish the mission.

After all, Munich was within easy reach, and an unexpected attack by thirty to fifty thousand troops was enough. There was no need for such a fuss or for such a massive display of force.

That was just on the military front, but politically, the war dictated that it should not be treated as business as usual.

Just take the example of many local governments and armies in Bavaria declaring neutrality—this was the result of the coercion of the four hundred thousand strong army combined with a political offensive.

If there were only thirty to fifty thousand troops, would the local power factions in Bavaria have easily compromised? Without these people’s cooperation, and without absolute advantage in strength, could Austria have induced Bavaria’s garrison to neutrality?

The reality was, it was not due to Franz being heaven-sent nor was it because the Habsburg dynasty was so beloved by the people, but rather strength that had won over the hearts of the people.

The Bavarian people witnessed the might of Austria, and the local ruling classes were intimidated. At this point, when envoys were dispatched, they naturally made choices that best served their own interests.

Whether they were capitalists or nobility, none would do something as futile as using their arms to block a chariot; attaching themselves to a stronger power was their way of survival.

These people cared about their reputation too. “Neutrality” just happened to serve as their fig leaf, and public opinion was the perfect tool to mask the true nature of their defections.

The Austrian Government also needed them to help create an atmosphere where all looked favorably upon Austria to win over the hearts of the people in the Kingdom of Bavaria, and endorse the war.

The current results were very good; everyone tacitly guided public opinion, using the pretext of German unification to frame this war initiated by Austria.

They also put on the hat of patriots under the guise of “not being able to betray the monarch they swore allegiance to, nor disrupt national unity,” then honorably declared neutrality.

After so many lies, they began to believe their own deceit, because now, Austria truly did have the support of the public.

The common people didn’t think so deeply. After a few rounds of boasting, they came to believe that the war for unification initiated by Austria was righteous. Anyone who considered themselves a patriot would definitely not stand in the way of national unification at this time.

One could say that Franz concocted the biggest ruse in history, ensnaring all parties, who then couldn’t find their way out.

Everyone around talked about “German unification”; to fit in, you involuntarily echoed it, unaware that those around you felt the same way, their actual buy-in to the idea nowhere near as strong as their verbal support suggested.

The true supporters of German unification were the nationalists; they were the real backers. Ordinary people were just swayed by the environment, influenced by preemptive opinions, and subconsciously considered themselves supporters of German unification.

The brainwashing was going very well; at least a million Bavarian people had been taken for a ride, and it was Bavaria’s local elite who had executed this plan.

They were also caught up in the game and couldn’t escape once they fell into it. One could say that this war had solidified the concept of German unification in the hearts of the Kingdom of Bavaria’s people.

This was something Franz knew to keep to himself; he wouldn’t talk about it. Everyone on the outside only saw that the Bavarian people supported Austria’s overthrow of the Bavarian Government to endorse German unification.

Even Maximilian II in Munich believed that he had been abandoned by his people, which would explain why the Austrian Army appeared outside the city without encountering any resistance.

Vienna

Prime Minister Felix optimistically said, “Your Majesty, the first phase of our strategy is secure. Under the banner of German unification, the Bavarians have shown no will to resist. It seems that our plans were too conservative after all.

The foundation of the people in the Germany Region is much better than we anticipated; perhaps we can take even bolder steps and simply…”

Franz shook his head. The alignment of the people in the Bavarian Region was the result of Austria’s years of effort combined with the right timing, location, and people, which could not be matched by other regions in Germany.

Continuing the ruse would reveal the deception. It was time to quit while ahead and let everyone think that the people of the Germany Region supported unification, inducing them to make incorrect assessments.

“Prime Minister, greed is the original sin of the world. The more critical the moment, the more we must control our desires. What Austria needs is stability, not to court danger!”

Startled, Prime Minister Felix broke into a cold sweat. Indeed, success could easily lead to losing one’s way and becoming arrogant.

Foreign Minister Metternich said, “That’s right, even if the popular foundation in the Germany Region is good, we now lack the capacity to unify Germany.

Austria cannot afford to stand against all powerful nations. What we need to do now is secure our gains and convert these spoils of war into national strength.”

Franz nodded, then instructed, “Mr. Metternich, you personally will have to make a trip to Berlin. The Prussian Government must be scared now; it is time to stabilize them.

Prime Minister, you too have a difficult task. Visit the German Confederation states again, starting with Saxon, and try to persuade them through political means.”

Must the war of unification involve fighting? Franz believed that history could serve as a guide; just as the Prussians politically annexed these sub-states, Austria could do the same.

When it came to domestic affairs, it was best to avoid military means if possible. If they resorted to bloodshed, they might enjoy a temporary thrill, but governing the land later would bring tears.

The fact that these small sub-state governments had continued to exist meant they had their own means of survival. Why did the historical German Empire leave these sub-states intact? It was for stability.

In history, the central government of the German Empire gradually eroded the powers of the individual sub-state governments through conciliation.

For Austria to achieve this was even easier now, especially since the largest sub-state, the Kingdom of Bavaria, had been defeated, leaving the remaining few too insignificant to mention.

As long as the positions of sovereign and subjects were determined, everything else would be easy to handle. The Central Government, with its strength and just cause, could easily suppress the local governments.

If all else failed, wasn’t there also the historical practice of territorial transfer?

In desperation, Franz could even act shamelessly; by seizing a handle, he could swap the domains of these so-called kings and grand dukes.

For territories they had managed for decades, or even centuries, if those were indefensible, what of a place unfamiliar to them? How could they fail to be obedient then?

Even more shamelessly, Franz could offer a nominal title, such as the title of King of Jerusalem, to swap with some unlucky soul.

This sacred title was extraordinary, yet it was a pity that the land was within the Ottomans’ sphere of influence, and when it might be restored was unknown.

Within the Munich Palace, Maximilian II had to accept the harshest reality; perhaps he couldn’t even escape anymore.

The Munich City Defense Army had astonishingly declared neutrality. Now, those loyal to the king, apart from the Palace Guard, only included a newly mobilized infantry division prepared to defend Munich.

But how reliable was this force? The answer was negative; public sentiment could not be defied, and since the Bavarian people had made their choice, they inevitably were influenced.

The only reason they had not declared neutrality was that the senior military officers were still loyal to the king, unlike the City Defense Army, which had been penetrated by the nobility and capitalists.

On June 10, the second day of the Austrian siege, representatives sent to persuade surrender had already entered the Munich Palace.

Negotiating terms after defeat was a common occurrence in Europe. This was not the first time it happened in the history of the Kingdom of Bavaria.

However, unlike before, the position of the Bavarian Royal Family was precarious; even Maximilian II himself lacked confidence in retaining his throne.

But Prime Minister August assured him that the Austrians would not abolish his kingship for one reason—appearances.

There were so many sub-states in the German region, everyone was still watching; the Vienna Government couldn’t overstep too much.

Foreign Minister Bachhaus furiously said, “Mr. Jonas, your country’s conditions are too excessive. We have agreed to join the Holy Roman Empire, and yet you put forward so many unreasonable demands, this is clearly annexation of Bavaria!”

The Austrian Envoy to Bavaria, Jonas, shook his head and replied, “Making a mistake always has its cost, and the current Bavarian Government lacks any capital to negotiate.

Mr. Bachhaus, believe it or not, even if the Austrian army immediately withdraws, the Bavarian Government will still be doomed. The people outside can’t wait to send you to the guillotine.

The current situation of the Kingdom of Bavaria is no longer suitable for the royal family to continue ruling. Exchanging territories with Austria is the best choice.

At that time, the respected King Maximilian II could assume the throne as King of Serbia, and you gentlemen could serve as ministers of the Kingdom of Serbia.

This is the limit of what Austria can offer. You have lost the foundation of governance; to continue ruling the Kingdom of Bavaria means a future filled with endless revolutions.

The unified Central Government of Germany is not a tool to truly aid your revolution, Mr. Bachhaus. I hope you understand this.”

Cheat after cheat, has the Bavarian Government really lost the hearts of the people? Franz knew they had not, judging by the fact that the local government chose neutrality instead of defection.

But they themselves didn’t know this. A thick stack of declarations of neutrality made it seem as though the Bavarian people were all supporters of Austria.

In their view, such neutrality was tantamount to betrayal; there was no need to defect openly, as Austria didn’t need their action to maintain face. Who would demean themselves?

Foreign Minister Bachhaus continued to strive for an agreement: “No, the Balkan Peninsula is too remote, and Serbia is just a savage land, this is clearly exile!

If we’re to exchange thrones, it must be an equitable exchange. Austria must offer a prosperous region to be fair.”

It wasn’t that his bottom line was too low, but rather, mistaken perceptions had caused Maximilian II to lower his expectations, and so Bachhaus, responsible for negotiations, naturally lacked confidence.

In their view, the Bavarian Royal Family had lost public support; regardless of anyone’s backing, they could no longer safely rule Bavaria. Originally, he was prepared to abdicate to take responsibility.

Unfortunately, Austria didn’t agree and threatened that if the royal family didn’t cooperate, they would incite the Bavarian people to revolt and send them to the guillotine.

Maximilian II did not fear such threats; as long as Austria was an imperial state, it would be impossible to send him, a king, to the guillotine, but it was different for others.

Austria would execute ministers without hesitation; wasn’t punishing a “National Traitor” the perfect excuse? For the sake of their lives and properties, the upper echelons of the Bavarian Government had to work on Maximilian II’s morale.

Even the current negotiations were for Maximilian II’s eyes. They feared that he might suddenly take drastic action; if he were to hang himself, Franz would mourn.

It would mean Austria had busied itself in vain. Having lost a king, how dare they annex the Kingdom of Bavaria? The future would be forever restless.

To win public support, Maximilian II’s cooperation was essential. Only with his agreement to relinquish the throne could Franz legally gain the rule over the Kingdom of Bavaria.

Maximilian II had to survive, at least until Austria annexed Bavaria; he had to be alive.

And he had to live well, without letting the Bavarian people see his downfall or feel sympathy. This led to the proposal of exchanging territories, with the Austrian representative suggesting swapping Serbia for Bavaria.

Once this proposal came up, the negotiations reached a deadlock. Bachhaus had to fight for the best interest of the king he served, while Jonas was unwilling to make concessions.