The Russian offensive that made General Moltke so nervous was actually unnecessary.
Because the focus of the Russian attack this time was the Austro-Hungarian army, the Russians also bullied the weak and feared the strong. For the German eastern front, they only sent one army group with more than 100,000 people. As for the Austrian-Hungarian front line, Russia sent three armies, nearly four
The strength of more than 100,000 troops is quite generous.
As for why this is so, it is very simple, because the current German army on the Eastern Front, led by a few tough men, has explosive combat effectiveness. The Russians have demonstrated this in a series of battles such as the Battle of Tannenberg, the Battle of Masurian Lakes, and the Battle of Lodz.
Although Germany has few troops on the Eastern Front, it will still have no problem attacking the Russians.
In this case, continuing to hit the southern wall is not the style of the Russians who have repeatedly taught them lessons. So the soft persimmon Austria-Hungary suffered. When it was discovered that the Russians were coming for them again, the Austro-Hungarian front in Galicia was again
The Russians broke through.
At this time, the Austrians habitually asked for help from Germany, which completely frustrated their hopes of Austria-Hungary repelling the Russians on the Eastern Front and allowing Moltke to mobilize some Eastern Front troops to support the Battle of Paris.
Speaking of the poor combat effectiveness of the Austro-Hungarian army, there are several reasons. The first is that in the Battle of Galicia, Austria-Hungary lost too many veterans and junior officers, which led to a significant decline in the organizational capabilities of the Austro-Hungarian army.
On the other hand, there is the ethnic issue in Austria-Hungary. After all, not everyone can master eleven languages like the Austrian Emperor. With so many ethnic groups recruited into the army, it is a big problem just to make them understand the officers' words.
This is also an important factor why the Austro-Hungarian army had good combat effectiveness in small groups, but quickly collapsed after large-scale mobilization. And the Austro-Hungarian high-level officials used the large-scale mobilization army as a small-scale army mainly composed of Austrians. How could this happen?
Can not fail.
Another aspect is that Austria-Hungary is still involved in Serbia. It was defeated twice in succession before. When preparing for the third time, it directly encountered the Russian attack and ended without any problem, which left Vienna quite speechless. This can
Who is to blame? The Austro-Hungarians obviously overestimated their own abilities, which made them unable to do this or that.
After the meeting, Carlo called the crown prince over.
Austria-Hungary also has a big heart. Even when faced with a two-front battle, they are still able to take the initiative on their own. What's that if it's not a big heart?
"Father, can you ask why so I can explain it to Victoria?"
The Italian side is also well aware of this, and since the interests in other places are so attractive, it has no intention of competing with Russia and Austria for those interests in the Balkans, so it has always been very restrained.
I saw Foreign Minister Bacona speak. "If we do this, it will be a bit preferential. In the future, we will have to deal with Austria-Hungary. Isn't this not good?"
"Your Majesty's idea is great. It not only relieves us of pressure, but also appeases Vienna so that they cannot say anything wrong."
The sound of this sound immediately silenced the two ministers who were about to quarrel. This was the king's cough warning them. At this time, the tension in the air dissipated, as if nothing had happened as soon as the two ministers brushed against each other.
The quarrel shows the king's control over both the military and the government.
As the most helpful ally to Italy at present, it must help the German forces in Paris to share the pressure no matter what. Otherwise, without the Germans carrying most of the Allied forces, how would Italy complete its layout in the Mediterranean.
Now that the most controversial Austria-Hungary request has been resolved, it will be easier for Germany to talk about it.
It was obvious that Admiral Darkion did not agree with Bacona's words.
And now isn't the best time?
Therefore, it was decided at this meeting that Italy has two battles that need to be fought at the same time, and the time is tight and the tasks are heavy. However, the military believes that two battles at the same time will not be a problem for the Italian army.
"Father, I understand."
"you…………"
"But we cannot sacrifice our military for the sake of politics. Isn't the life of our soldiers not life if it is stumped?"
"Everyone, I think we need to look at Deo's request separately."
At this time, the senior military and political officials present all praised Carlo's method.
Even after the war broke out, even if Austria-Hungary did not give any benefits to the Italian army to cooperate with the attack, Rome did not have any dissatisfaction. Of course, there would certainly not be many troops to cooperate with the attack.
While the military only considers military needs, the government obviously considers more.
Hearing this, Carlo felt a burst of anger in his heart.
"Because the Tunisian campaign is about to begin, how can you, the nominal commander, not be on the battlefield? Vittorio, you are the crown prince, please pay more attention to the kingdom and don't give all your attention to your wife."
"Vittorio, please prepare yourself and go to Libya Province in three days."
Needless to say, the Battle of Tunisia has been prepared by Italy for many years. The Battle of Nice-Corsica was only planned in the past few years. This is also the battle plan formulated by the military after Italy's national strength gradually caught up.
As for why Italy is unwilling to cooperate with Austria-Hungary, it is also because there is no interest. As Austria-Hungary regards the Balkans as its core interest, Italy's intervention in Albania is already the limit of tolerance.
"How can I be considered as sacrificing the lives of soldiers? There is no war without death. And it's not like our government doesn't care about soldiers. Don't you see that our government is fully serving you now?"
The first person to speak was Chief of Staff General Darkiang, and he continued. "At present, our Italian troops are limited. We can implement Germany's request through the Tunisian campaign, but we should just reject Austria-Hungary's request directly.
We allocate troops to help Austria-Hungary fight Serbia, and we are angry that I, the chief of general staff, cannot issue this order."
As he spoke, Carlo pointed to the location of Bulgaria on the map. Although he didn't say anything, everyone present immediately understood what Carlo meant. This was to win over Bulgaria and let it replace Italy and Austria-Hungary in the attack on Serbia.
.
At this time, Austria-Hungary could only dispatch the troops used in the Serbian campaign to Galicia. However, Vienna was unwilling to do so, so it also focused on its allies in the south.
However, some people have different opinions on Admiral Darkiang's words.
At this time, faced with requests for help from Germany and Austria, Carlo immediately held a military meeting to discuss the issue of assistance to Germany and Austria.
As the second-in-command of the army, General Darkiang obviously came from a military perspective and believed that doing so was more in line with military needs.
Of course, as for when to implement it, it needs to be arranged according to the war situation.
Although the number of armies has increased, their combat effectiveness is different. Currently, the combat-effective units of the Italian army are composed of pre-war and first-wave recruits, and these units have basically been assigned to various fronts and serve as general reserves.
There are not many roots in the Kosovo region. Therefore, Carlo's proposal is very suitable for the current situation.
Facing the accusations made by Admiral Darchion, Bacona certainly did not agree. This was all for the sake of the Kingdom of Italy. How could he accuse himself like this?
"uh-huh."
As for Austria-Hungary, which wants Italy to work in vain and send more troops to help it conquer Serbia. Sorry for overthinking, the Italian army will definitely cause trouble.
If Italy is allowed to expand its influence in the Balkans, Vienna will have to jump in. Whether this alliance can continue by then will be a big question.
"I think what both of you said is reasonable. Why don't we work it out so that we can resolve the situation with Vienna without sending troops."
So what is not mentioned is that the Tunisian campaign must be started, and the Nice-Corsica campaign also needs to be carried out at the same time.
The reason why Bulgaria was chosen is very simple, that is because as long as the Macedonian region is offered as a reward, the Bulgarians simply cannot refuse this temptation.
"Just do it when you know it, instead of talking to me here."
After driving his son out, Carlo pressed the idea of practicing trumpet again.
Even though he is a good-looking son, he still has a tendency to only listen to his wife. How can he take the position of king well? Although Carlo did not have high expectations for his son, and he was waiting for him to ascend the throne.
It must be a constitutional monarchy. But in its current state, Carlo is worried about the constitutional monarchy.
If his troubled son continues like this, then Carlo really needs to consider other monarchs. Even if he bears the witness of the alliance between Italy and Germany, sometimes he can't care anymore.
