Chapter 446: Declaration of War! In the Name of France (First Update, Please Subscribe)
The morning in Paris is always the same.
When most people were still sleeping soundly, a rising sun jumped out of the distant horizon, casting a golden glow on the city. It was another sunny day.
As usual, Zhuge Jun, the ambassador to Paris, woke up from his sleep, opened the curtains, looked at Paris outside the window, and couldn't help but sigh.
"War will break out eventually!"
War always comes unexpectedly. Following Nanhua'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 to it. Just take a quick look at the newspaper and you will notice that war is inevitable.
It's just a matter of time.
It's not just about the Spanish succession, but also about the unification of Germany.
In 1812, Napoleon's expedition to Moscow failed and he fled back to Paris. After hearing the news of the French army's defeat, the countries that had previously submitted to him revolted one after another. In March 1814, the coalition forces attacked Paris and in May exiled the abdicated Napoleon to the island of Elba.
In order to rectify post-war Europe, Austrian Chancellor Metternich proposed to convene the Vienna Conference. Due to the conflict of interests among countries, the conclusion was delayed. At the end of February 1815, Napoleon escaped from Elba Island and landed near Cannes. In March, he sneaked back to Paris and ascended the throne again, but was defeated again in the Battle of Waterloo in June, ending his Hundred Days' regime.
During this period, the countries that were in a panic due to the resurgence of Napoleon finally reached an agreement and signed the final agreement of the Vienna Conference on June 8, 1815. At this time, Germany drew a bad lot and was divided into 39 countries under the conspiracy of Metternich.
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 strength grew significantly, became the leader of the North German Customs Union in 1819, and then gradually took the lead in the unification of Germany. In 1861, William I ascended the throne and promoted Bismarck as chancellor and Moltke as chief of staff. Under the "iron and blood policy" of these two people, they won the Prussian-Danish and Prussian-Austrian wars in succession.
The rise of Prussia and the establishment of the North German Confederation made the unification of Germany inevitable. This was exactly what France did not want to see. The so-called "right to the Spanish throne" was just an excuse.
"If Germany wants to unify, it must defeat France. If France wants to maintain its hegemony over the continent, it must prevent the unification of Germany!"
While Zhuge Jun was looking out the window and talking to himself, there was a knock on the door. The sound seemed a little hurried. Before he could speak, the door was pushed open and the person who walked in was Counselor Niu Tianlu. He spoke anxiously as soon as he entered the door.
"Ambassador, this is today's newspaper. It contains the full text of Prussia's reply to the French government's telegram regarding the Spanish throne. The letter is full of sarcasm and humiliation. Almost all newspapers have published this news. Many editorials are filled with indignation and demand that the government use war to fight back against Prussia's arrogance!"
"You mean all the newspapers?"
"This news is published in all the newspapers we subscribe to."
"We had no news before?"
"We only received news yesterday that Prussia replied to the French government."
"Haha, that's right!"
Zhuge Jun grinned.
"It looks like war is about to break out. Now, it's just the French mobilizing!"
"What?"
Niu Tianlu looked at the ambassador in confusion. He didn't seem to understand why the ambassador said that.
"In fact, France needs this war more than Germany. Get ready. I must meet with the Prime Minister today to show him our support for France."
Just as Zhuge Jun guessed, France really needed this war.
Emperor Napoleon III needed an opportunity to restore his reputation and save the domestic political situation, and declaring war on Germany was the only issue that could satisfy the left, center and right factions, and it seemed that this was exactly what he needed.
"Your Majesty, only war can get rid of the current war crisis!"
When the "Ems Secret Telegram" was sent yesterday, Olivier, who was despised by the right wing, alienated by the liberals and whose position was precarious, immediately accepted the telegram with joy and confidence.
In his view, the humiliation of Prussia 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's position!"
Faced with the Prime Minister's advice, Napoleon III fell silent. From the day he was crowned emperor, he was very cautious about wars with neighboring countries, because he knew very well that
He was able to come to power because of his uncle Napoleon's fame, so the legitimacy of his throne lies in his ability to achieve brilliant achievements like Napoleon. Therefore, after he came to power, every action and every thought of his must be considered around the legitimacy of the throne, so he must bring France back to the glory of the Napoleonic era.
Because he came to power wearing Napoleon's hat, the French recognized his throne because they thought he was another Napoleon. If he was defeated, how would the French see it? How could Napoleon lose the battle?
His throne could not withstand any failure. Therefore, Prussia grew bigger and stronger under his nose. Whether it was the war between Prussia and Denmark or the war with Austria, Napoleon III never intervened, and watched an opponent grow stronger and become a major threat to France.
Now what?
Although this war has threatened France's hegemony, as an emperor, he still seems a little hesitant. Despite his hesitation, Napoleon III also understands that war has become an inevitable option.
Just last night, Queen Eugenie had advised him, "Without another war, our son will not be able to become emperor."
The turbulent situation in the country has affected his rule and the throne. This is why he agreed to disclose the telegram to the press last night.
He needed a war to consolidate his position more than the Prussians did.
"marshal!"
Suddenly, Napoleon III turned his gaze to Marshal McMahon and asked.
"Can we win this war?"
"Your Majesty, in two months at most, the French army will be parading in Berlin!"
When Marshal McMahon finished speaking, Olivier echoed.
"Your Majesty, once the war begins, Denmark and Austria-Hungary, eager for revenge, will attack Prussia from behind, and Italy, which received France's favor in 1859, will also repay France. Just as the marshal said, it will only take a few months for the French army to reach Berlin again!"
There was a moment of silence, and Napoleon III hesitated.
"It seems that not everyone agrees with declaring war."
"Your Majesty, patriotism... Please believe that patriotic people will make those who oppose the war give up their opinions. After all, no one in this world can oppose patriotism for any reason."
Of course, the Prime Minister's words were irrefutable. This war was inevitable from the day they made the telegram public...
(End of this chapter)
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