While Edel and Preshan were discussing how to continue dealing with their brother-in-law, in the palace in Vienna, Karl I, the Emperor of Austria-Hungary, also had his own troubles. And his troubles came from the failure of the war in Italy.
In this war planned by him, the Austro-Hungarian army also suffered heavy losses, with more than 100,000 casualties and missing persons. This greatly reduced his prestige in the army, especially the officers who supported him. It's funny to say
, the main source of support for Karl I in the army was the armies of various ethnic groups. On the contrary, the Germans and Hungarians, who had always been the main body of the army, did not have a high support rate.
There are also some unavoidable reasons, among which the short time that Karl was appointed crown prince played a major role. From the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand to the death of Franz Joseph I, it was only two years, which was not enough for Karl to transform from an ordinary person to an ordinary person.
The prince grew up to be the leader of a country.
And it’s still the broken ship of Austria-Hungary that leaks everywhere.
In fact, this unique dualist empire founded by Franz Joseph I was inherently flawed.
The two dominant ethnic groups, Germany and Hungary, account for less than half of the country's total population. Moreover, there is a huge gap between the two dominant ethnic groups. This often causes Austria-Hungary to fall into internal quarrels when encountering major issues, which is very detrimental to the country's population.
Its development (the Austro-Hungarian Act requires the approval of both the Austrian and Hungarian parliaments. If it is inconsistent, it will be a quarrel or compromise).
Moreover, there are also problems with its military structure. In addition to the Imperial Defense Force, there is also the Kingdom Defense Force. This structure allowed the Austro-Hungarian Empire to have no problems when facing small-scale wars, but it had huge problems in world wars such as World War I.
defect.
Recruiting soldiers of various ethnic groups would be a headache just because of the different languages to convey orders. And the Austro-Hungarian method of handling it is also simple and crude. Since the language is not clear, then you can form a separate army. In this way, a separate army composed of soldiers of various ethnic groups
It was conceived and born, which also brought huge hidden dangers to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
As we all know, regional independence requires its own armed forces, and Austria-Hungary's approach brings hope to various regions of different ethnic groups. Of course, if the Allies win this war, Austria-Hungary can slowly suppress this trend. However,
Unfortunately, the last desperate fight between Germany and Austria has failed, which has allowed many people to see the opportunity to split and form their own country to take charge.
Faced with the surging undercurrents in various places, Karl was a little overwhelmed. It was all because Karl ascended to the throne too hastily, which prevented him from cultivating enough power, and the established military forces did not respect him enough, so
They had to rely heavily on the armies of all ethnic groups.
This is all a sign of lack of ability. Ever since Karl dismissed General Konrad from the post of Chief of General Staff, his relationship with the Austrian and Hungarian officers in the army has not been very harmonious.
It's just that there is no turning back after what has been done. Another incident that showed his incompetence was that he negotiated peace with France through his brother-in-law, Prince Sixtus of Parma, but because he refused to bring any of the Habsburgs to
A piece of territory was ceded to Italy, and the behind-the-scenes activities completely failed. On the other hand, because he supported France's claim to Alsace and Lorraine, he offended his ally Germany.
These are all manifestations of the gap in capabilities. Facing the possibility of defeat, I want to secretly negotiate to withdraw from the war, but I don’t want to suffer losses. How is this possible? Moreover, my words and deeds are not careful, which makes the country and allies very dissatisfied with me, which in turn damages the country.
His own prestige. From the above, it can be seen that Karl is completely unqualified as the helm of an empire.
Now the situation has become quite unfavorable for the Allies, and the remarks of US President Johnson who participated in the war have made many people have different thoughts.
At the beginning of this year, the President of the United States announced his fourteen-point peace plan to the world. Anyone with a discerning eye could see that it was intended to demoralize the Allied Powers. However, many people pretended to be ignorant and propagated it in private for the benefit of themselves or the National Party.
With this statement. At present, this statement has affected the Austro-Hungarian army. Many officers who are still loyal to the empire have reacted upward. The soldiers have stopped training and have gathered to discuss the issue of national consciousness.
Especially Article 10, which allows all ethnic groups in the Austro-Hungarian Empire to have autonomy. This is great news for other ethnic groups that have been oppressed.
Faced with this situation, the top military officials did not dare to exert force, so Karl I could only find Archduke Friedrich, who had a high reputation in the army. He hoped that the archduke could use his reputation in the army to appease these people who had become unstable.
Strange soldiers.
"Marshal, the morale of the army has become a bit impetuous at present. Do you think anyone can do anything about it?"
Karl I, who was depressed by this question, cheered up and asked sincerely after Archduke Friedrich came to him.
Archduke Friedrich has always rarely asked about the specific situation of the army, especially after General Konrad was dismissed from his post as Chief of the General Staff. However, looking at Karl I who asked for advice in a sincere tone, the Marshal was naturally willing to help the emperor.
His Majesty thought of a way. This was because he had been loyal to the Habsburg family for many years, and it was also the reason why Karl I came to him in the first place.
"His Majesty."
After sorting out his thoughts and language, Archduke Friedrich said: "I also understand the current situation in the army. It is not suitable to suppress forcefully during the current war. This can only be solved by promoting patriotism and organizing personnel to express condolences to the army.
Question. Of course, as a symbol of the empire, I think the effect will be better if His Majesty goes to express condolences to them in person."
Archduke Friedrich stopped here. Karl I felt that the archduke had not finished his words and couldn't help but asked: "Is there anything else?"
Facing the young emperor's inquiry, Archduke Friedrich thought for a while and continued: "In addition, sufficient material guarantees and necessary repairs can also alleviate this impetuous mood. Of course, it needs to be coordinated with the above methods.
Okay. Also..."
Archduke Friedrich stopped here again, with a hesitant expression on his face. When Karl I saw the archduke's expression, he asked curiously: "Is it inconvenient to say something?"
Karl I's inquiry made the Marshal couldn't help but say, "That's not true. It's that this method can cure the situation in the army, but it is very difficult to implement."
"Let's talk, it's just the two of us, I won't spread the word."
Faced with the emperor's guarantee, Archduke Friedrich put aside his entanglements and said: "This method is the government's promise that after the war, all ethnic groups can obtain the right to autonomy."
Archduke Friedrich's last suggestion made King Karl I frown.
Archduke Friedrich actually did not finish the autonomy rights he mentioned. However, Karl I knew that he was talking about equal rights comparable to those of the Kingdom of Hungary. This was a major event that would shake the foundation of the empire's rights. Even during Karl I's reign, only
For more than a year, he also knew how difficult it was to implement it. It can be said that Franz Joseph I, who founded the Austro-Hungarian Empire and had great prestige, would also feel numb about this issue. This is to deny the Austrians and Hungarians
As a ruling decision, whoever implements it will feel fear.
It was obvious that Karl I was afraid of the last suggestion. If the Archduke's last suggestion was implemented, it would very likely cause fierce resistance among the people of Austria and Hungary. No one would give up the rights and interests they had obtained, even from other ethnic groups.
What was deprived of him. Moreover, Karl I still had some illusions. Even if the Austrian Empire was defeated, it would not be a problem to save Austria and Hungary. If he implemented this suggestion, it would shake the foundation of the Habsburg family's rule.
So after considering everything, he said to Archduke Friedrich: "I will do as you said for the other several items. As for the last one, let me think about it again."
When Archduke Friedrich heard the emperor's words, he knew that this last point had been abandoned. However, the decision had been made, and he could only obey.
"As you command, Your Majesty."
Archduke Friedrich's lofty prestige comes from the fact that he seldom interferes with the specific affairs of the army, which makes him less involved. But now that the archduke is personally involved, how many of the soldiers will stand up for the archduke when their own interests are at stake?
