Chapter 942: Imperial Ambition

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Historians of German nationalism have gone so far as to declare that Germany, without colonies, was "destined to become a second-class power." The importance of colonial expansion was even emphasized from the point of view of spreading German culture: "The Germans made many inventions and discoveries over the decades, but in the eyes of many they became the products of the British and French, thus obliterating the prestige and culture of the Germans." ”

Some prominent members of the German government also advocated the seizure of the colonies. "For a growing nation, there is no life without expansion." Only the seizure of the colonies could "provide an arena for enterprising and energetic Germans, helping to create a new, less mediocre German." This desire for outward expansion was the "national impetus" necessary for the German Empire to pursue its colonial policy.

The implementation of a policy of colonial expansion was also a bargaining chip for the Bismarck government to gain political initiative at home. After 9078, the Catholic Center Party became the largest party in the German Imperial Diet. The Centre Party made no secret of its advocacy of outward expansion on the colonial question in order to seize overseas markets and raw material production areas for the German bourgeoisie and to disseminate "German culture". The leader of the Centre Party, Winterhorst, made it clear that "we now support and will continue to uphold a sensible colonial policy." "In order to gain support in parliament, Bismarck's government could not fail to take into account the attitude of the Centre Party on the colonial question.

During this period, various social groups advocating colonial expansion also emerged in Germany. In October 9078, the Central Association for Commercial Geography and the Promotion of German Overseas Interests was founded, and in the summer of 9081, the West German Colonial and Export Association was founded with the support of Buik, secretary general of the Central Federation of German Industrialists, and Krupp, an arms magnate, and others. In 9082, in the National Liberal Party politician Johannes? Under the planning of Mikel and others, the German Colonial Federation came into being in Frankfurt am Main.

Faced with such a situation, Bismarck naturally wanted to play the card of colonial policy in order to gain "political capital." He once noted in a private conversation: "All colonial affairs are a hoax, but we need it to help with elections." ”

After the establishment of the German Empire, Bismarck was constrained by the international situation and had always been very cautious on the issue of colonial expansion, he believed that Germany was located in Central Europe, surrounded by France and Russia and other powerful countries on the east and west, especially the old enemy France, which had always had a desire for revenge against Germany, so Germany must concentrate on the European continent, win over Russia and Austria and other countries that may become France's allies, isolate France, and prevent its revenge. Therefore, when talking about colonial expansion, Bismarck always appeared as an opponent: "As long as I am the prime minister, we will not pursue any colonial policy." "But times have changed. Bismarck's colonial ambitions were stirred up by the favorable international situation of the early 80s, which prompted him to change his policy of inaction on the issue.

At this time, the focus of the French government's foreign policy shifted, and Franco-German relations tended to ease, which reduced the pressure on Germany's western border. Just this year, the "greatest colonial pioneer" of the Second French Empire, Jouferi, formed a cabinet. Contrary to his vengeful attitude, he adopted a friendly policy toward Germany and concentrated his main efforts on the expansion of his overseas colonies. Bismarck's government naturally applauded Jouferi's policy. In order to divert France's attention from continental Europe, he strongly encouraged the French government to expand overseas. Bismarck ordered the ambassador to France to convey to the French prime minister that as long as France did not turn its attention to Germany, Germany would support France's annexation of North, West and East Africa.

At the same time, Britain's international predicament was also an important reason why Germany was able to successfully seize a large number of overseas colonies. Britain was the world's number one maritime and colonial power at the time, and Germany wanted to seize all the land that Britain wanted to occupy in the future. Therefore, without the consent of Britain, it was difficult for Germany to gain a foothold in the market for the colonies. But Britain's international predicament in the first half of the 80s forced it to concede to Germany in the struggle for colonies.

The British occupation of Egypt in 9082 exacerbated the tension between Britain and France over colonial expansion. When the Suez Canal opened, it became the shortest route from Europe to the East, and it became a vital link in Britain's global commercial, financial, and naval strategic system. At that time, 80% of British maritime traffic passed through the Suez Canal. For this reason, the British government is deliberately trying to control this strategic location. But then a national uprising broke out in Egypt. Because France, which had great power in Egypt at that time, was afraid of the German threat and did not dare to be too distracted from overseas, the outbreak of the Egyptian national uprising became an excellent opportunity for Britain to monopolize Egypt. Despite the opposition of France and other powers, Britain launched an armed intervention and occupied all of Egypt. France, of course, could not tolerate Britain monopolizing Egypt, which it had been watching for a long time, and the contradictions between the two countries were sharpened. From 9084 onwards, the two sides were locked in an escalating naval race, and the colonies were constantly in conflict. In this way, the desire of the Germans to expand the colonies was further stimulated. As the most famous military commander of the German Empire, the elderly Moltke was naturally deeply affected by this fanatical desire of the whole people to establish a colonial empire. So it's no surprise that this kind of "daydreaming" happens.

As for saying that this battle could take place in Abyssinia or East Africa, it is completely Lin Yiqing's nonsense.

After listening to Lin Yiqing's explanation, old Moltke seemed very happy, this matter can be said to have puzzled him for a long time, and Lin Yiqing untied his heart knot in a timely manner.

Little Moltke didn't expect such a strange thing to happen to his uncle, and Lin Yiqing could give a reasonable explanation, and the story of the ancestor Yingling meeting his descendants also deeply infected him, making him proud of the great achievements of his ancestors and uncle.

At this time, Moltke had already made up his mind that he would also establish a meritorious service that was not inferior to his uncle.

It's just that he still can't imagine what kind of scene it will be like when that day really comes.

Koukou

Koukou )

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