When most people were still sleeping soundly in their dreams, a rising sun jumped out of the distant horizon, coating the city with a golden glow. It was another sunny day.
As usual, when Zhuge Jun, the ambassador to Paris, woke up from his sleep, he opened the curtains and looked at Paris outside the window, and couldn't help but let out a sigh.
"War will break out eventually!"
War will always come unexpectedly. According to Nan Hua's instructions, Zhuge Jun has been paying attention to the dispute between France and Prussia in the past few months.
In fact, there is no need to pay attention. As long as you read the newspapers a little, you can notice that war is inevitable.
Just a matter of time.
Not only because of the Spanish succession, but also the unification of Germany.
In 1812, Napoleon failed in his expedition to Moscow and fled back to Paris. After the countries that had surrendered to him learned the news of the defeat of the French army, they rebelled one after another. In March 1814, the allied forces invaded Paris and captured Paris in May.
Napoleon abdicated and was exiled to Elba.
In order to rectify post-war Europe, Austrian Prime Minister Metternich proposed convening the Congress of Vienna. Due to the conflict of interests of various countries, the conclusion was delayed. At the end of February 1815, Napoleon escaped from Elba Island and landed near Cannes.
In June, he sneaked back to Paris and ascended the throne again, but was defeated again at the Battle of Waterloo in June, ending his hundred-day regime.
During this period, the countries that were flustered by Napoleon's resurgence finally reached an agreement and signed the final agreement of the Congress of Vienna on June 8, 1815. At this time, Germany was drawn and divided under Metternich's plan.
into thirty-nine countries.
From that day on, Germany was divided.
It was also from that day that the will was destined to be unified. In the following years, Prussia, whose national power grew significantly, became the leader of the North German Customs Union in 1819, and then gradually took the leadership of a unified Germany.
Status. In 1861, William I came to the throne and promoted Bismarck as prime minister and Moltke as chief of staff. Under the "iron-blood policy" of these two men, they successively won the Prussian and Prussian wars.
The rise of Prussia and the establishment of the North German Confederation made the unification of Germany inevitable. This was exactly what France was not happy to see. The so-called "succession to the Spanish throne" was just an excuse.
"If Germany wants to unify, it must defeat France. If France wants to maintain continental hegemony, it must prevent the unification of Germany!"
When Zhuge Jun was looking out the window and talking to himself, there was a knock on the door. The sound was a bit urgent. Before he could speak, the door was pushed open. Counselor Niu Tianlu walked in. He was a little anxious as soon as he entered.
said.
"Ambassador, this is today's newspaper. The newspaper contains the full text of Prussia's reply to the French government's telegram on the Spanish throne. The letter is full of sarcastic and humiliating words. Almost all newspapers have published this news, and many editorials have
They are filled with righteous indignation and demand that the government respond to Prussia’s arrogance with war!”
"Did you mean all the newspapers?"
"This news was published in all the newspapers we subscribed to."
"We had no news before?"
"Yesterday we just received news that Prussia responded to the French government."
"Haha, that's right!"
Zhuge Jun grinned widely.
"It seems that war is about to break out. Now, it's just the French who are mobilizing!"
"What?"
Niu Tianlu looked at the ambassador in confusion. He didn't seem to understand why the ambassador said that.
"Actually, France needs this war more than Germany. Get ready, I have to meet with the Prime Minister today to express our support to France."
Just as Zhuge Jun guessed, France really needs this war.
Emperor Napoleon III needed an opportunity to revitalize his reputation and restore the domestic political situation, and war with Germany was the only issue that could satisfy the left, center, and right factions. It seemed that this was exactly what he needed.
"Your Majesty, only war can get rid of the current war crisis!"
When the "Emes Secret Telegram" was sent yesterday, Olivier, who was despised by the right, alienated by the liberals, and whose position was in jeopardy, immediately accepted the telegram happily and confidently.
In his opinion, Prussia's humiliation was the best excuse to end the war.
"Only war can unite the whole of France under your Majesty's rule. Your Majesty, now is the best time to get rid of the domestic political crisis. We need a victory! The Second Empire needs a victory to encourage the morale of the people. Only victory can consolidate your Majesty.
status!"
Facing the Prime Minister's advice, Napoleon III fell silent. From the day he was crowned emperor, he was cautious about wars with neighboring countries because he knew very well that
He came to power because of the great name of his uncle Napoleon, so the legitimacy of his throne lies in his ability to perform the same glorious deeds as Napoleon. Therefore, after he came to power, every action and every thought of his must be centered around
Considering the legitimacy of the throne, he must bring France back to the glory of the Napoleonic era.
Because he came to power wearing the hat of Napoleon, the French recognized his throne because they thought he was another Napoleon. If he suffered a defeat, what would the French think? How could Napoleon lose the battle?
His throne could not withstand any failure. Therefore, Prussia became bigger and stronger under his nose. Whether it was Prussia's war with Denmark or the war with Austria, Napoleon III never intervened and just sat back and watched.
The opponent became stronger and became a serious problem for France.
What now?
Although this war had threatened France's hegemony, as the emperor, he still seemed hesitant. Despite his hesitation, Napoleon III also understood that war had become an inevitable option.
Just last night, Queen Eugenie also persuaded him - "If there is no more war, our son will not be able to become emperor."
The turbulent situation in the country has affected his rule and throne. This is why he agreed to disclose the telegram to the press last night.
Compared to the Prussians, he needed a war to consolidate his position.
"marshal!"
Suddenly, Napoleon III turned his attention to Marshal MacMahon and asked.
"Can we win this war?"
"Your Majesty, in two months at most, the French army will have a military parade in Berlin!"
When Marshal McMahon finished speaking, Olivier echoed.
"Your Majesty, once the war breaks out, the vengeful Denmark and Austria-Hungary will attack Prussia from behind, and Italy, which received France's favor in 1859, will reciprocate. Just as the marshal said, it only takes a few days.
In a few months, the French army will arrive in Berlin again!"
After a moment of silence, Napoleon III hesitated.
"Not everyone seems to agree with the declaration of war."
"Your Majesty, patriotism...please believe that patriotic people will make those who oppose the war give up their opinions. After all, in this world, no one can oppose patriotism for any reason."
The Prime Minister's words are of course irrefutable. This war was doomed to be inevitable from the day they released the telegram to the world...