Chapter 3 Father and Son
"Father, this is a new test report from the Navy. According to this report, the successful armor of our new experiment has formed an overwhelming advantage over all current armors. Whether it is steel-surfaced iron armor or the newly created nickel-steel armor of the French, we have been far behind. If we only look at it from a technical perspective, we can completely monopolize all naval warship armor in this world. The huge economic benefits it brings can completely solve the various difficulties faced by the kingdom." Ruprecht sent a report to his father, Ludwig III.
The middle-aged **** gently turned over a few pages and did not answer, but looked at the court chief Count Schelling standing next to him. The latter was responsible for the main daily work of the Bavarian royal family, not only internally but externally.
"The Navy is very satisfied with the new armor and expressed its willingness to order it. From the current perspective, the old Marquis also supports overseas expansion, and the construction of the Navy has been put on the agenda. At present, we are the only ones in the empire that can produce this kind of armor, and we have no possibility of losing money." Earl Schelling's few words briefly explained the current situation.
Although Bavaria generally does not have an impact on the empire's major policies, he is still aware of every move within the empire. When the 1890s were approaching, when the domestic industry in Germany was becoming increasingly saturated, it was a historical necessity to expand outward. Don't just think that the naughty child William II was a German leader who wanted to "fight for the map of the sun". Iron-blooded Prime Minister Bismarck is also such a person, and he got more but suffered very few counterattacks. This is a problem of means and technical. From this perspective, William II was a naughty child, and he didn't get much benefits at all, and his enemies had accumulated a lot of enemies! You know, almost all the colonies in Africa were obtained by the Bismarck era. William II screamed for a long time, what benefits did he get?
Since there is a colony and there are disputes with certain countries (such as the dispute with the United States in Samoa), and the original warships are unusable, building a new ship is inevitable! Unlike some shipbuilders, the current situation is profitable for Ruprecht. After all, the Admiralty may be invisible, but no matter what ship you build, you need armored steel! Without a semicolon, tell me, what can you choose?
"Very good. Just communicate with Earl Schelling for specific matters. When it comes to funding, you can contact Earl Hohenstein, the chief lord of the royal vault. I will ask someone to say hello to you." Their remarks dispelled His Highness ****'s last concern. This matter was decided. In principle, agree. As for what to do, you can do it yourself.
"You did a good job, but I hope you can still look at this country from the perspective of a ruler rather than a capitalist. We need to look at how to change this country from a global perspective. I have already seen your other plan, but I am not professional and need professionals to discuss it with you. Another issue I want to talk to you today is the status of Bavaria in the future empire and even the entire Central and European Union. I want to hear your opinions." **** asked after closing the document at hand.
"The bridge between Central and Europe, the bond between the German Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire." Ruprecht's answer was very simple and very realistic! This is the decision that is most in line with the national conditions of Bavaria. First, improve the economy and transportation, and then talk about the others later. Politics and diplomacy cannot be expressed casually, or in other words, facing Prussia, which is too strong than him, Bavaria can survive until now, which is completely the result of changing with the wind. On this point, Ruprecht also had to give his former kings a thumbs up!
You should know that before Germany was reunified, the kingdoms and principalities were not just the current ones. After the outbreak of the Prussia-Austria War, Prussia not only squeezed out Austro-Hungary, but also ate all the small princes such as the Kingdom of Hanover and the Principal of Hesse. Why was Bavaria spared? Because they did not fulfill their obligations with Austria and did not provide much help. Therefore, after the war, they were not settled by the old William and the Prime Minister after the fall. Moreover, because Bavaria did have some strength, it maintained a relatively independent position, plus a considerable amount of government funding in exchange for Bavaria's support.
Now, the Austro-Hungarian Empire needs to rely on Germany's power to compete with Russia for the Balkans, and can almost be called Germany's younger brother. Isn't it boring for Bavaria to jump at this time? And judging from the current situation, the treatment is pretty good, so why bother with nothing to do?
"Although Bavaria is very poor in mineral resources, it is located in the center of Germany and Austria! There are also a large number of rivers passing through the territory. If inland shipping is developed, it will be of great help to improve Bavaria's economy and status. While ensuring good relations with Prussia, we should also appropriately strengthen our ties with the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After all, both sides are very close in terms of historical heritage and blood ties, and we need to maintain it." Ruprecht said.
This is based on evidence. When the Habsburgs were strong in history, Bavaria was Austria's younger brother. The relationship between the two sides was very good. As for blood relationship, the relationship was closer. Know Princess Sissi, she was a side branch of the Bavarian royal family of Vettelsbach, and his father also served in the Bavarian court. In terms of seniority, she was still Ruprecht's aunt! Consider her husband, Bavarian bloodline of the Ox Fritz, so the relationship between the two sides is closer!
No matter what, the two sides have traditional friendship and blood relationships! In addition, Bohemia, the most important industrial area in Austria, relies on Bavaria, which is later called the Czech Republic. There is also a world-renowned arms manufacturer in the local area - Skoda! Ruprecht wants to do something in the future and can find technical support from his aunt's house. Therefore, it is both historical significance and practical benefits to establish a good relationship with Austro-Hungary!
"At the same time, we also need to develop agriculture and improve arable land. The German Empire's grain cannot be self-sufficient, and domestic grain output can only meet about 70% of the demand. The land in Bavaria is relatively barren, and we need to import more food than other regions. If we can achieve self-sufficient as much as possible, then our government's finances will be much more abundant. Self-sufficient food is also the cornerstone of the stability of the kingdom!" As the saying goes, there is no panic in having food in hand. In the end, Germany is half the reason for the failure of 1 war.
Although self-sufficiency is unlikely now, it is still good to save some money for importing food. If Ruprecht remembers correctly, Germany's food tariffs may have risen, and Bavaria will take out more money from its wallet every year.
"Well, it's very good, it's very realistic." In short, **** was very satisfied with Wang Changsun's plan to do a good job in logistics and transportation, develop agriculture, and strongly support high-end manufacturing. He also said a few more words: "Your uncle is coming tomorrow afternoon. He is a strict person and a real soldier. You should pay more attention to your words!"
"Well. My father will." Ruprecht nodded seriously. Compared to his father, the master I have to face in the afternoon is much more difficult to deal with!
Chapter completed!