Franz was also very interested in establishing colonies. But his view is different from others, and it is not purely for the purpose of plundering wealth from overseas.
The Habsburg dynasty has existed for too long, and the ancient empire means conservatism and solidification. Even after a reshuffle due to this rebellion, the ascending channel is still narrow.
As a member of vested interests, Franz certainly cannot choose to tear it down and start over. Then the only way to make the cake bigger is to make the plate bigger, and there will naturally be more opportunities.
It is too difficult to expand in Europe, and even if it succeeds, there will be no small consequences. Overseas colonization will be different. With Austria's strength, there is no problem at all.
At almost no cost, you can get a colony that is several times the size of the native land. Then immigrants from the German region slowly developed. It should be known that the main force of European immigrants is the German region, and there is no need to worry about manpower problems.
If the colonization plan was successful, Austria's internal problems were solved. A group of second-generation nobles also have a place to use, so they don't have to stay and eat and wait to die.
Don't think that the nobles are all rich people, in fact this is pure nonsense. If you look at the church, you can see that many of the missionaries and nuns in it are from nobles, and the reason is very cruel - poverty.
The destitute aristocrats could no longer afford the expenses of their second son's marriage, and could not afford the dowry for a woman's marriage. For the dignity of the poor nobles, they had to do this.
These people are not worry-free goods. They have all received good education. Many people are not willing to be arranged by fate. They are the main force of the colonial movement in European countries.
The missionaries who wandered overseas in the 19th century basically had another identity - colonizers.
It was too early to discuss the issue, and Franz decided to drag it out a little further.
"We will discuss this later. British Foreign Secretary Palmerston has entered Austria and will soon arrive in Vienna.
The purpose of Palmerston's visit this time is mostly related to the war in the Kingdom of Sardinia. What do you think we should do with the Kingdom of Sardinia? "
When it comes to the Sardinian kingdom, everyone is full of fire, and the powers are all dignified, and they must be severely punished for challenges.
Foreign Minister Metternich said: "Your Highness, I just received news that the workers' uprising broke out in Paris on June 23, it is said that the French workers opposed the government's support for us and the Russians to suppress the Polish revolution.
If the situation is true, at this time, in order to maintain domestic stability, the French government will probably give up dividing the kingdom of Sardinia with us. "
Hearing this news, everyone was stunned. Who would have thought that the main factor of the June Revolution in Paris was actually to support the Polish Revolution
This is all a joke, but Franz knows that the news is indeed true. The people of Paris in this era already possess the spirit of internationalism.
Of course their support for the Polish Revolution doesn't mean they will support the Italian Revolution as well, the French still spy on the Italian region.
It's just that after this uprising, France will be in chaos for a while. Don't think about them sending troops until their leadership stabilizes.
"This is an opportunity. Russia and Prussia will restrain each other because of the Pudan war, and will not cause us any obstacles. The French are too busy. As long as we can withstand the pressure of the British, we can annex the Kingdom of Sardinia!" Grand Duke Louis was excited. say
Austria has not expanded externally for a long time, and everyone is suffocated. Now the opportunity is brought to the door. This time, the Kingdom of Sardinia is courting death on its own, catching up with a good time.
Metternich shook his head and said: "I'm afraid it's not that simple. If the French and us act together, then most countries will recognize the established facts.
If we devoured the kingdom of Sardinia, even if the Russians did not object, we would not have their support, and Prussia was busy with the war with Denmark and probably ignored us.
We can really withstand the pressure of the British alone, but what about after the annexation of the Sardinian kingdom
When the French resolve their internal conflicts and the Russian-Prussian conflict comes to an end, what should we do when Britain and France jointly intervene, or even the four countries of Britain, France, Prussia, and Russia require us to withdraw from the Kingdom of Sardinia? "
Obviously, Metternich's diplomatic judgment was still very accurate, and he easily clarified the relationship between the powers.
Non-interference now does not mean non-intervention in the future. Austria's annexation of the Kingdom of Sardinia cannot be recognized by the foreign powers.
After everyone has freed up their hands, they can also settle accounts in the autumn. In history, Austria took advantage of the Crimean War to send troops to occupy the Danube River Basin, and finally vomited it out
Prime Minister Felix nodded and said: "Mr. Metternich is right, it is not difficult to eat the Kingdom of Sardinia, the key is the attitude of the countries.
If we make diplomatic efforts, it is not difficult to neutralize Prussia and Russia, but to gain their support, it must cost a lot, and it may even be worth the loss.
Everyone knows the attitude of the French. They absolutely cannot tolerate us swallowing the Sardinian kingdom. When they stabilize the country, they will join hands with the British to intervene.
This time is as long as two or three years, and as short as a few months. Can we be sure to eat the Kingdom of Sardinia and digest it in such a short period of time
If it can't be done, there will be strong enemies outside, and there will be no guerrillas plundering, and the Sardinian kingdom will not be able to defend at all. "
After a pause, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Karl proposed: "If the Kingdom of Sardinia cannot be annexed, how about extorting a war reparation or ceding part of the territory?"
Metternich said confidently: "It depends on the attitude of the British, whether it is asking for war reparations or ceding territory, the Kingdom of Sardinia must pay its due price.
If we can't make up for our war losses, then this war will not end, I believe the British will give us an account. "
This confidence comes from strength. There is also a set of rules of conduct among the great powers. Usually, everyone will not overturn the table.
The advantage of the British is that they are isolated overseas and have a navy that spans the world, which makes their position in Europe very detached.
This is also their weakness. As an island country, it focuses on developing sea power, and naturally gives up land power. To implement the strategy of European balance, it is necessary to cooperate with European powers.
Among the many powers in Europe, the most suitable ally for the British is undoubtedly Austria. To be precise, Austria in this era had the basis for an alliance with any European power.
It has a certain strength in itself and can cooperate with its allies to act, but it is also subject to internal problems and does not have the strength to dominate the world.
For Britain, France and Russia, the three countries aspiring to world hegemony, as long as Austria does not unify the German region, it is the most ideal ally.