In mid-June, after a defeat with the Romanians, the Austro-Hungarian people's endurance seemed to have finally reached its limit. Incidents of blatant anti-war rhetoric on the streets have increased, and the attitude of local governments has become subtle. They weren't reprimanding these people as if they hadn't found out. The waves lurking in the shadows began to appear in the eyes of the world, which made the environment in Austria-Hungary worrying.

Now it seems that anyone can criticize the government's various measures, the public is suffering from hunger and officials are spending their days drinking for this war, and the government is depriving the other side of their right to live by oppressing ethnic minorities. These remarks, which were completely unspeakable in the past, are now popping up all over the country.

In Prague, Bohemia (formerly known as the Czech Republic), a large number of people gather in an estate outside the city. These are some of the most prominent people in the region, and they are now gathered to discuss a great matter concerning the future of the nation. Thick curtains hung over the windows on all sides, and vigilant guards were all around. And the sound that came out of the hall from time to time made the guards look around more vigilantly.

"Everyone has seen the current situation of the war, the defeat of this war is inevitable, and we must make our own careful decisions for the future of the Czechs. Please note that your decisions will be recorded in the history books in the future, so that future generations can appreciate the passion of our nation for independence. In addition, I would like to share with you the good news that President Masaryk has received a batch of military and economic assistance from the United States, which will be of great help to our cause of independence. ”

A tall, thin middle-aged man was speaking to the attendees about the importance of the secret gathering. And the Masaryk he was talking about was the leader of the Bohemian independence movement.

This Masaryk was born on March 7, 1850, in Hodonin, Moravia. Graduated from the University of Vienna with a doctorate.

In 1882, he became a professor of philosophy at Charles University, and founded journals such as Athens Literature and Art and Time to criticize the autocracy and national oppression of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He was repeatedly elected as a member of the Austrian Imperial Parliament.

In 1900, the Czech People's Party (renamed the Czech Progressive Party in 1905) was founded, which sought to achieve Czech autonomy within the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

After the outbreak of the war, Masaryk went into exile in December 1914 because his assertion of hard autonomy was not in the interests of Austria-Hungary. During this period, he used his prestige to unite Czechs abroad in a propaganda campaign against Austria-Hungary, hoping to fight for national independence with the support of the Entente. Moreover, he also organized the Czechoslovak Corps in Russia, France, Italy and other countries to support the Entente. After his tireless efforts, in 1916 he established the Czech National Council in Paris and became its chairman.

As evidenced by the fact that he addressed Masaryk as chairman, he was not a member of the Czech Progressive Party and a member of the Czechoslovak National Council, which had been established in Paris.

"Mr. Shstefanik, what you said about what to do with the property that belongs to the Austro-Hungarian Empire after our independence?"

A fat-headed, big-eared man stood up and asked, and he did not sit down when he had finished speaking, but waited for the answer of this Mr. Shstefanik.

This phrase caused quite a stir in the conference hall, because in Bohemia there were too many assets belonging to Austria-Hungary. As one of the few coal and iron areas in the empire, the government has invested a lot of money in developing it over the years. After all these years of accumulation, these riches can make many people red-eyed, and they can't wait to pounce on them and eat a mouthful of oil.

The middle-aged man, known as Shstefanik, glanced at this dead fat man, and also took into account the actions of many people present. At the same time, I despise these people's short-sighted and greedy actions in my heart. If you haven't succeeded independently, you want to take benefits, and sooner or later these people will be eliminated. However, he had already discussed with Chairman Masaryk before the meeting that the property could be distributed to some local influencers.

So he looked at the crowd and said: "We have been discussing this Mr. Krones question for a long time. In the future, when the nation becomes independent, we will unconditionally nationalize these industries to compensate for the oppression of our nation by the Austro-Hungarian government over the years. After the repossession, we will auction off these properties and let those who can afford it continue to operate. ”

Shstefanik's words, everyone present understood that this was intended to be a reward for these Austro-Hungarian properties. Nationalization, auctions, and other moves are just to cover people's eyes.

Shstefanik's answer did not make the fat-headed, big-eared Mr. Krones sit down, but he asked again: "Mr. Benes, do you approve of Szffaninik's proposal?" ”

Krones's words drew the attention of those present to a somewhat balding middle-aged man with glasses, who was supposed to be Mr. Benes.

In response to Krones' inquiry, the Benes stood up and said: "I agree with Mr. Šstefanik's suggestion. This will have a very great effect on the cause of our national independence, and I have no reason to oppose such a proposal that is beneficial to the nation. ”

Benes's words finally pushed the Mr. Krones back into his seat. As for the picky Krones, everyone in the room knew that this was a factory owner who made his fortune buying grain and then worked in the textile industry. It wasn't his wealth that made him famous, it was his greed. Working in his factory, the salary package is generally 10-15% lower than that of other factories. However, thanks to the fact that he knows many big people and the prices are relatively low, the products of his factory have always been marketable, which can make more money.

Until then he had always supported the Viennese government, but now that Austria-Hungary was on the verge of leaving, he immediately threw himself into the cause of supporting independence. It's a standard wallhead, and it's also a greedy wallhead. In fact, there are many people like Krones in today's secret gatherings. However, in order to take into account the overall situation, and these people also have a lot of power in the local area, they still have to be pulled in.

As for why he asked Benes' opinion? Quite simply, because Benes was the leader of the Czech National Party. This was very influential among Czech intellectuals, merchants, and landowners. They advocated autonomy through the Austro-Hungarian government, so they formed radical and moderate factions with Masaryk's National Progressive Party. And now Benes's words represent the same interests of the two factions, so this is what convinces Krones.

And now that the representative two parties are unanimous, this has also strengthened the confidence of many people who are in a wait-and-see mood.

When Shstefanik saw this, he immediately struck with a hot iron and said: "Now let us vote by show of hands on whether or not to launch a demonstration of the people in the streets against the war." ”

After finishing speaking, he raised his right hand, and the dense crowd of people in the hall basically raised their hands, even those who were still a little hesitant, when they saw such a situation, they immediately raised their hands, and some people were even about to stand up.

Seeing that everyone agreed, Štfanik said: "Then we have decided to march in the streets in three days against the war, and this time we must show Vienna our determination." I hope that you will do your best to mobilize the people, and this day will be remembered in future history. ”

Shstefanik's words made many people feel that they were making history, and many people showed sacred expressions, as if they had been sublimated.

The secret meeting was a complete success.

After most of them were gone, Benes found Shstefanik alone.

When there were only two of them, Benes couldn't help but ask: "This time Britain and France really agreed to let us occupy Slovakia and other places in the future?"

In the face of Benes's inquiry, Shstefanik nodded and replied: "Yes, this is what Prime Minister George of the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Clemenceau of France told us personally. As soon as we can keep Vienna busy, they will give us the Slovak region to form a new state. If you think about it, how much this will help us in our new country in the future, and Masaryk has talked to the United States, and the United States agrees with this in its attitude. This is our opportunity and we must not give it up. ”

Štfanik said to the end, with a resolute look on his face, as if he had lost his mind to Slovakia.

It is true that the Czech Republic has a well-developed industry, but its population is less than five million. If we add the Slovak region, then the pressure of the underpopulation can be relieved to some extent. Moreover, the agriculture of the Slovak region can also make up for the shortcomings of the Czech region, which in every way will be of great benefit to the new country in the future.

"I just don't know how the people in the Slovak region will react. The region also has the most self-governing parties, especially the Slovak Democratic Party. ”

In the face of Benes's concern, Šstepanik said nonchalantly: "This is the decision of the Entente, do these Slovaks dare to oppose it?" ”

Shstefanik's words, Benes said after a little thought. "That's just as well."

"Now let's prepare for the big parade, if something goes wrong this time, it will be a disaster."

After three days of preparation, on June 23rd. Czech regions of Brno, Ostrava, Plzeň, Karlovy Vary, etc. A large number of people gathered together and launched a huge anti-war game. Under the slogan "Bread, not war", they gathered to denounce the government's inaction. The loudest was in Prague, where nearly 200,000 people marched against the war. The number of anti-war demonstrations across the Czech Republic exceeded the million mark, a scale that left the government helpless. And the pacification order from Vienna was not recognized by the population.

The anti-war game in the Czech Republic has stimulated other regions. After seeing the government's incompetent response, demonstrations broke out one after another in Croatia, Polymia, the Kingdom of Hungary and other regions. These demonstrations affected all walks of life in Austria-Hungary, and even in Austria, where the Habsburgs were founded, large-scale demonstrations broke out. This made the already shaky Austro-Hungarian Empire even worse.

Now that Franz I is resurrected, there is no way to calm the anger of the people. The Austro-Hungarian regime became dangerous.