The War Court and Lap Pillow, Austria's Mandate of Heaven

Chapter 948 New Mediterranean Fleet

Intelligence, troops, equipment, military technology, military concepts, as well as people's hearts and geographical advantages are all on Austria's side.

It's just that it's still too early, otherwise we can really try the Greater Germany plan.

Although the French had drawn up a battle plan early in the morning, they still sent people to the Vienna and Frankfurt parliaments to issue ultimatums.

On the surface, it was a courtesy first and then troops. In fact, it was to mobilize troops and to wait for the British fleet.

The senior officials of the Great Eastern Fleet were opposed to war with Austria, and even more opposed to joining forces with the British.

But the top leaders of the Second French Republic believed that as long as the British fleet entered the Mediterranean, everything would be fine.

The commander of the new Mediterranean fleet was Edward Hobart Seymour Sr. This veteran was known for his shrewdness and sophistication, and like many famous British generals of this period, he had never lost a battle in his life.

In fact, it was also difficult for the British government. After all, it was quite difficult to select a suitable candidate from a group of undefeated generals.

Edward Hobart Seymour Sr. is not well-known, but his grandson Edward Hobart Seymour is very famous as the commander-in-chief of the British army during the Eight-Power Allied Forces' war of aggression against China.

The latter was brutally beaten by the Boxers in the East, but he still continued to enjoy great honors in the UK. This was thanks to his having a good uncle (Sir Michael Seymour, former commander of the British Eastern Fleet) and a good cousin (a senior British naval officer). ).

The newly formed Mediterranean fleet was extremely large, consisting of a total of thirty-eight battleships, eight of which were the latest battleships equipped with paddle steam power.

Including the various supporting auxiliary ships, the total tonnage is nearly twice that of the French Grand Eastern Fleet, and the total number of officers and soldiers is as high as 40,000. It is the most powerful fleet ever sent by the British.

John Russell had high hopes for it, but the purpose of this fleet was not just to block the Adriatic Sea.

John Russell also wanted to use this to completely dismantle Austria's sea lanes and overseas trade, and seize the overseas colonies of the Austrian Empire, so as to alleviate Britain's economic crisis and his own crisis of confidence.

At the same time, this fleet will return to Greece to let Otto I lease Crete to Britain again. He will get back everything Britain has lost.

But Franz didn't care, after all, his plan also needed time to deploy.

The British New Mediterranean Fleet was very large, but it was just a piece of meat on the chopping board. Unless the piece of meat could be so big that it could choke a person to death, Franz did not intend to pay too much attention to it.

Austrian Empire, Vienna.

The British and French ambassadors arrived in Vienna almost at the same time, but their moods were completely different.

The British ambassador, Viscount Stratford, came to Vienna and was relieved to see the depressed streets and the restless crowds.

Although the Vienna Rebellion has been put down, the mottled traces are not so easy to erase. Roads and houses can be repaired, but the haze cannot be dispelled in a short time.

This time Viscount Stratford knew very well that what he brought was not a peace initiative, but a declaration of war.

In fact, even if Austria promises to forever give up the title of German Emperor, it can still hold on to this matter and demand the dissolution of the German Confederation, and then dissolve the German Customs Union, the economy that poses the greatest threat to Britain.

Historically, Britain did not regard the German Customs Union as an opponent, because even after its establishment, British goods were still selling well in the German region.

But it was different at this time. Due to the addition of the Austrian Empire, the size of this alliance had become too large, and Franz's economic reforms were actually to seize the original share of the British.

And this contradiction will become more and more acute with the rise of the Austrian Empire, so the British can always find reasons

Viscount Stratford was naturally not that high. The reason why he felt happy was because his great revenge was avenged. Although he didn't know whether it was true or not, he was very happy.

This time the ambassador of the Second French Republic was Maratin. As the leader of the National News and Minister of Foreign Affairs, he should be the head of the French government at this time.

But the Romantic poet did not want to use his authority, so Dan Gilat became the de facto talker of the Second French Republic.

In order to completely eliminate the influence of the former, the latter naturally transferred him away from Paris, and the unfortunate task of going to Vienna naturally fell on Maladin.

The reason why it is said to be an unlucky job is because no matter what kind of genius diplomat he is, it is impossible to change anything, let alone gain anything.

Maratin didn't care much about this, but the actions of the Second French Republic at this time had gone against his original intentions.

The "Declaration to Europe" has become a joke, and peaceful diplomacy has become part of the conspiracy. Even Maradin himself is said to be a conspirator.

At the same time, as a romantic poet, the bleak scene in Vienna at this time triggered his emotions even more.

In search of more inspiration, Maladin decided to walk around Vienna first.

However, while wandering around, he discovered something that Viscount Stratford could not see.

The desolate streets and the fiery recruitment office are in sharp contrast. There is no doubt that this war is not as simple as the British said.

"The Austrians are ready to fill the entire battlefield with blood. Is France really ready?"

(End of this chapter)