Romanian Eagle

When Eder and Pressan were discussing how to continue to deal with his brother-in-law, in the palace in Vienna, Karl I, the emperor of Austria-Hungary, also had his own troubles. And his distress comes from the failure of the war against Italy.

In this war planned by him, the Austro-Hungarian army also suffered a lot, and the number of casualties and missing reached more than 100,000. This greatly reduced his prestige in the army, especially the officers who supported him. Funny to say, Karl I's main source of support in the army was the armies of all ethnic groups. On the contrary, the Germans and Hungarians, who have always been the main body of the army, have not had a high approval rate.

There are also some unavoidable reasons for this, among which Carl was established as the crown prince for too short a time to play a major role. It took only two short years from the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand to the death of Franz Joseph I, which was not enough for Karl to grow from an ordinary prince to the helm of a country.

And it's Austria-Hungary, the leaking ship.

In fact, this dualistic empire, founded by Franz Joseph I, with a unique style, is inherently flawed.

The dominant German and Hungarian ethnic groups account for less than half of the country's total population. And there is a huge gap between the two ruling nations. This makes Austria-Hungary often fall into internal quarrels on major issues, which is very unfavorable for its development (Austro-Hungarian bills need the approval of the Austrian and Hungarian parliaments, and if they are inconsistent, it will be a quarrel or compromise).

And its army structure is also problematic, in addition to the Imperial Defence Force, there is also the Kingdom Defence Force. This structure allowed the Austro-Hungarian Empire to have no problems in the face of small-scale wars, but it was greatly flawed in a world war such as World War I.

The fact that it recruits soldiers from all ethnic groups to convey orders because of different languages ​​can cause headaches. And Austria-Hungary's handling method is also simple and rude. Since the language is not fluent, then you should form an army alone. In this way, a separate army composed of soldiers of all ethnic groups was 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 is to bring hope to various regions of different ethnic groups. Of course, if the Allies win this war, Austria-Hungary can slowly suppress this trend. But unfortunately, the last desperate fight between Germany and Austria has failed, which makes many people see the opportunity to split and form their own country to be the master of the country.

Facing the undercurrents surging everywhere, Karl was a little overwhelmed. It was all because Carl ascended the throne too hastily, so that he failed to cultivate enough power, and the old military forces did not respect him enough, so he had to rely on the armies of various ethnic groups.

These are all manifestations of incompetence. After Karl General Conrad was relieved of his position as chief of the general staff, his relationship with the Austrian and Hungarian officers in the army was not too harmonious.

It's just that things have been done and there is no turning back.

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 cede any part of the Habsburgs to Italy, the behind-the-scenes activities completely failed. On the other hand, because he supported French demands on Alsace and Lorraine, he offended his ally Germany.

This is a manifestation of the ability gap. In the face of the possibility of defeat, how could this be possible if one wanted to negotiate secretly to withdraw from the war, but did not want to suffer losses. Moreover, he was not careful in his words and deeds, which made his domestic and allies greatly dissatisfied with him, which in turn damaged his prestige. From the above, it can be seen that Carl 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 caused many people to 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 can see that this is to destroy the morale of the Allies. However, many people pretend to be confused for their own interests or the National Party. with this remark. At present, this kind of remarks has affected the Austro-Hungarian army, and many officers who are still loyal to the empire have responded upwards.

Article 10, in particular, allowed all ethnic groups in the Austro-Hungarian Empire to be autonomous. For other nations that have been oppressed for a long time, this is simply a great gospel.

In the face of this situation, the high-level army did not dare to force it, so Karl I could only find Archduke Friedrich, who had a high reputation in the army. I hope that the Grand Duke can use his reputation in the army to appease these soldiers who have become different in their minds.

"Marshal, the military's heart has become a little impetuous at present. Do you think anyone has a good solution?"

Karl I, who was depressed by this question, cheered up and asked sincerely after Archduke Friedrich came to him.

Archduke Friedrich has rarely asked about the specifics of the army, especially after Admiral Conrad was relieved of his position as chief of the general staff. However, looking at Carl I, who was asking for advice in a sincere tone, His Excellency the Marshal was naturally willing to help His Majesty the Emperor find a way. This is his loyalty to the Habsburg family for many years, and it is also the reason why Karl I looked for 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, and it is not suitable for forcible suppression during the current war. This can only be solved by propagating patriotism and organizing personnel to condolence to the army. Question. Of course, as a symbol of the empire, His Majesty will go to comfort them in person, I think the effect will be better."

Archduke Friedrich stopped here, and Karl I felt that the Archduke had not finished speaking and couldn't help but ask, "Anything else?"

In the face of the young emperor's inquiry, Archduke Friedrich thought about it and continued: "In addition to this, sufficient material guarantees and necessary repairs can also alleviate this impetuous mood. Of course, it needs to cooperate with the above methods. Okay. Also…”

Archduke Friedrich paused again at this point, with a hesitant look on his face. When Carl I saw the Grand Duke's expression, he asked curiously, "Is there anything I can say?"

The question of Carl I made His Excellency the Marshal unable to help. "It's not, but this method can cure the situation of the army, but it is very difficult to implement."

"Come on, just the two of us, I won't spread it out."

In the face of the emperor's assurance, Archduke Friedrich put down his entanglement and said: "This method is the government's promise that after the war, all ethnic groups can obtain the right to self-government."

The last suggestion of Archduke Friedrich made Karl I frown directly.

What Archduke Friedrich said about the right to self-government is not finished. But Karl I knew he was talking about equal rights comparable to the Kingdom of Hungary. This is a major event that will shake the foundation of imperial power. Even if Karl I had only been in power for more than a year, he knew how difficult it was to implement. It can be said that Franz Joseph I, who founded the Austro-Hungarian Empire and had great prestige, would feel numb to the scalp about this issue. It was a decision to deny Austrian and Hungarian dominance, and whoever implemented it would be horrified.

It was clear that Karl I was afraid of the last suggestion. Because if the Archduke's last proposal is implemented, it is very likely that the people of Austria and Hungary will cause a fierce resistance. No one will give up the rights they have acquired, even from other peoples. And Karl I still had some illusions. Even if the Austrian Empire was defeated, it would not be a problem to keep Austria and Hungary. If you implement this proposal yourself, it will shake the foundations of Habsburg rule.

Therefore, after considering everything, he said to Archduke Friedrich: "The other items will be done as you said. As for the last item, let me think about it."

Archduke Friedrich heard the Emperor's words and knew that this last rule had been abandoned. But the decision has been made, and he can only obey.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Archduke Friedrich's lofty prestige came from his infrequent involvement in the specifics of the army, which made him less involved. Now that the Archduke himself went off the court, only God knows how many soldiers will be convinced by the prestige of the Archduke when their own interests are at stake.

But they don't have much time left.

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