The first update

When the Russian Empire signaled an offensive against Ottoman Turkey, the most eagerness in Europe was that German Chancellor Bismarck also began to plan a war against France. Because of the previous obstruction by Britain and Russia, they missed an opportunity. And this time, Bismarck saw an opportunity when Russia openly promised that Serbia would not be included in its political power after independence.

But he had to convince King Wilhelm that without his support, Bismarck simply did not have the guts to launch a war to invade France.

In the past few days, Bismarck's footsteps in the palace have almost broken through the threshold. It also made William I feel torn. The Iron Emperor and the Prime Minister were the hardliners only when they faced foreign countries, and once the contradictions were transferred to the domestic country, they had to face the pressure of the Imperial Diet. Even if Wilhelm I seems to have one hand in his hands, his power also comes from the princes who supported him in the North German Confederation, and if he forcibly disobeys their will, then it is really a political struggle to the death.

"It's going to be war again."

King Wilhelm looked at Bismarck's report and felt a great headache. Although he was a constitutional monarch, he was aware of the emergence of a new political force in the country, eager not only for revenge on France, but also for the seizure of colonies from other countries. This kind of people, represented by Bismarck and Moltke's staff, is the main spiritual pillar of the rise of the New Military Conservative Party.

"My father."

Crown Prince Frederick stood beside him and said with some apprehension, "If we do nothing, at least Germany will lose nothing." But once the war had been waged, who would guarantee that Berlin would not be attacked by a joint attack by Britain and France? Although we are challenging the world order, the Second German Reich has only been established for a few years, and it is too risky for us to launch a rash expansion now. ”

"I know what you say."

"But the gang behind him couldn't see it, they just wanted to make Germany expand wildly, and even annex the whole of France, including the colonies they had run for hundreds of years, so that Berlin would have the strength to challenge the order of London." But here's the problem, if you want to challenge the order of Great Britain, you have to be prepared for a bloody battle. ”

William was now very troubled, and in terms of going it alone, France might not be Germany's opponent, but after Britain was involved, the situation became complicated, and he would rather gloat see Britain confined to the battlefield in Asia Minor than see them divide part of their fleet to blockade German ports.

"Germany's navy is just getting started, and there is still a long way to go. Austria-Hungary was so focused on the Balkans that it had no time to take care of every move here, so if we wanted to provoke a war, the risk would not be ordinary. ”

William thought about it, but he didn't think of any good idea. Therefore, Bismarck's letters are generally ignored.

"My son, I'm afraid I won't be able to see the moment when Germany becomes a continental empire, and this heavy responsibility will fall on your shoulders, but I hope that in the future I can see you lead the French people to counterattack and destroy our feuds, our enemies."

Crown Prince Frederick nodded very seriously and said, "I will, father." ”

He stood up and was about to take his leave. At this time, it was reported that Prime Minister Bismarck had asked for an audience.

William I waved his hand and said helplessly, "Let him in." ”

Crown Prince Frederick said in a firm tone, "Father, let me talk to him. ”

Bismarck walked into the conference room with his toes in high spirits, only to see that Crown Prince Frederick was also present. He frowned with some dissatisfaction, because the two sides had argued several times on the political field, so Bismarck did not want to see each other here.

"Prime Minister Bismarck, I would like to speak to you privately about the attack on France."

Bismarck replied in the same firm tone, "Crown Prince Frederick, there is no private or official statement on this kind of national politics, and your every move will affect King Wilhelm's verdict." ”

His subtext is very obvious, which means that you, as a crown prince who has not yet ascended the throne, are inconvenient to point fingers in front of the king on some political issues.

However, Crown Prince Frederick replied to him with great firmness, "But I know what you and the Conservative Party formed by the young officers behind you are trying to do, you just want to provoke a war against France, but you don't know what kind of danger this war will bring to Germany." You may even face opposition from half of Europe. ”

Bismarck sneered, questioning Crown Prince Fitréd's ignorance of the overall situation, and he said loudly, "Half of Europe? Where does half Europe mean? The alliance of the Three Emperors formed by Germany, Austria-Hungary and the Russian Empire was already able to represent the will of the whole of Europe, and I wonder who else can challenge the order we have established. ”

"But the French issue is different, and even within the Three Emperors Alliance, there are different voices. Tsar Alexander II, for example, did not want to see Germany dominate, after all, it would not be in their political interests. ”

Bismarck laughed out loud as if he had heard the funniest question. And this slightly impolite approach was interrupted by King Wilhelm, "If there is any problem, just say it, Chancellor Bismarck." I know you're here today, but if it's a question of attacking France, I need to think again. ”

"Don't think about it, I'm bringing the king the final answer today."

Bismarck said disdainfully, "Russia is nothing but a greedy guy, and when it comes to its own interests, its true nature is exposed." ”

He raised the telegram in his hand and said, "Tsar Alexander II has agreed that if Germany declares war on France, they will also send troops into the war, provided that Berlin will support all the treaties signed by Russia after the occupation of Ottoman Turkey, and they will also support any treaty signed after our occupation of France, that is, even if France draws the English in, we will also have Russian allies behind us." ”

Hearing this, King William and Crown Prince Frederick's faces changed at the same time.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, even if the French find the British, it will not be easy to do it!" 8)

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