On the morning of January 12, 1917, at the Vienna Imperial Palace, the newly enthroned Emperor Karl I of Austria-Hungary convened the military and political ministers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to discuss national policies.

After the other affairs were settled, Karl I glanced at the important ministers of the empire, and then said: "Your Excellency, the world war has been over for more than a year. I don't think it's necessary for our alliance with Germany to continue to exist. In the war, in order to confront Britain, France, Russia and other countries, we had to form an alliance with Germany to fight against a strong enemy. But now, the former great enemy no longer exists, so there is no need for the Allies to exist any longer. I decide, Austria-Hungary withdraws from the Central Powers! ”

This decision of Karl I immediately caused an uproar among the important ministers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Although many people knew that Karl I hated the German Empire, they did not expect that Karl I would be so bold and dare to make such a decision. You know, the German Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire are neighbors, and once they fight the German Empire, isn't it self-defeating? Although, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was also one of the great powers of the time. However, they did not believe that Austria-Hungary could confront Germany. As important ministers of the empire, they naturally know the real situation of the country now. It can be said that the current Austro-Hungarian Empire is a foreign power and a middle cadre. The name of a large country may be able to scare the average small country. However, in the face of real powers, they are completely at a disadvantage. Not to mention facing the world's number one power like the German Empire.

"Your Majesty, have you made this decision after careful consideration? If we withdraw from the Allies, then, what will happen to our relations with Germany? As soon as we and Germany become hostile countries, the consequences will be very serious. Archduke Friedrich reminded.

Originally, at the age of Archduke Friedrich, he had not attended the Imperial Council for a long time. This time I came to participate, completely to give Karl I, the emperor, a face. But I didn't expect that Karl I would make such a sensational decision.

"Yes, Your Majesty, we cannot withdraw from the Allies. By staying in the Allies, we will be able to maintain our alliance with the German Empire. Even if our relations with Germany get worse and worse, for the sake of our allies, the Germans will not use force against us. However, if he withdrew from the alliance, he dissolved his alliance with Germany. So, what should we do in the event that Germany attacks us? "The Chief of the General Staff of the Austrian Army, Marshal Baron Herzendorf, also openly objected.

Karl I's face suddenly became very ugly. As soon as he made his decision, the military giants immediately spoke out against it. This is undoubtedly a huge blow to his prestige.

"Bastard! How dare those guys all oppose my decision? When the emperor was still there, why didn't they dare to do this? One by one, in front of the former emperor, the well-behaved and obedient ones are like a dog! Karl I was furious.

"Even if we withdraw from the Allies, it doesn't mean that we will be at odds with Germany. After all, the Allies were formed in order to defeat Britain, France, Russia and other countries. Now, we've beaten them. The war is also over. Naturally, there is no need for the Allies to exist any longer! Karl I insisted.

"Your Majesty, our relations with the German Empire are getting worse and worse now, and if we withdraw from the Central Powers at this time, it will make our relations with Germany even worse!" Foreign Minister Baron Belhidald also reminded.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if we continue to stay in the Allies, will our relations with Germany not deteriorate? After the end of the last world war, in the negotiations with the defeated countries, the Germans deliberately suppressed us, so that we did not gain much at all. Aren't they doing that because they're afraid we'll become stronger? If we had remained in the Allies, the Germans would have suppressed us until we had no threat to them at all. Do you want to see the future Austro-Hungarian Empire become a mere one that can only grovel to Germany? Karl I asked.

Suddenly, the ministers were speechless. Germany was suppressing Austria-Hungary, they were not unaware. It's just that they don't want to face it. After all, Germany was too strong, and if Austria-Hungary were to confront it, they simply did not have much chance of winning. If Austria-Hungary and Germany go to war and Austria-Hungary is defeated again. This time, the Germans may not be as generous to Austria-Hungary as they were in the Austro-Prussian War. The mighty Austro-Hungarian Empire will fall apart because of this fiasco. So, the ministers are afraid to face all this.

"Since our relations with Germany are no longer doomed to be peaceful. So why can't we just give it a go? As long as we can withstand the pressure of the Germans this time. Then Austria-Hungary will be able to say no to the Germans! When the time comes, we will become even stronger. Karl I said bitterly.

"But your Majesty, it is too risky to do so. What if the Germans really launched an attack on us? Archduke Friedrich asked. Obviously, he did not think that Austria-Hungary was strong enough to withstand the German invasion.

"The Germans will not necessarily dare to attack us. After all, Austria-Hungary was a big country, not a small one. If we go to war, even if the Germans can defeat us, they will pay a heavy price for it! What's more, if there is a real war, other countries will certainly not sit idly by. Although the Germans are the first power in the world, the world hegemon. But not to the point of covering the sky with one hand. Karl I said.

Ministers are well aware that Karl I and US President Woodrow? Wilson even knew that they had made a secret agreement. Perhaps, this is where Karl I's confidence lies. If Germany had gone to war with Austria-Hungary, the United States would have sided with Austria-Hungary. However, ministers remain skeptical. After all, the United States is separated by an Atlantic Ocean from the European continent. Even if you have the heart to support Austria-Hungary, I am afraid that you will be powerless.

Although, the ministers did not quite agree with this decision of Karl I. However, they also did not explicitly oppose it. Karl I still had a group of ministers in check. With their support, the decision of Karl I was adopted.

On January 15, 1917, the Prime Minister of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Mario ? Weber, on behalf of Austria-Hungary, announced that Austria-Hungary had withdrawn from the Central Powers.