The Rise of the Empire

"The bidding for the Navy has already started. This time the Bavarians brought their 12-inch artillery and 260MM artillery design proposals. In a week's time, these prototypes will also arrive at the Imperial Artillery Proving Ground." Major General von Pohl said to Said to a tall young man on the opposite side.

"That is to say, the new battleships of the Imperial Navy may use 12-inch main guns, while the new cruisers will use 260MM main guns. And our 11-inch main guns and 240MM guns will be eliminated? This action came too soon Right?" Gustav Krupp said worriedly.

"This is a conspiracy! Bavaria and the Austrians have lobbied very early. They persuaded the Imperial Navy to adopt a new firepower configuration. Before that, they had already started the development of new artillery. I remembered, Bavaria The deal with the Russians! They directly obtained the artillery from Russia, and then imitated it, it must be like this, otherwise their artillery can’t be produced so fast! It’s impossible to have the technical support of Skoda!” Gustav Krupp finally understood up.

"The royal family has reminded you a long time ago. Crown Prince William has said it at least once. He said that your artillery performance is a little behind, and expressed dissatisfaction. But you didn't take any action." Major General von Pohl told Ke Rupp's excuse was somewhat dissatisfied.

"We have started the development of new artillery, but they are imitations, we are starting from scratch. Behind them is the Kingdom of Bavaria, and they can even exchange for the sample artillery and technology they need through the kingdom's diplomatic channels, but what about us? Nothing ! This is unfair!" Gustav Krupp said angrily.

"These southerners are going too far. It's not enough for them to monopolize the navy's armor business. They have to extend their hands to the artillery. I will definitely make them pay the price. This game has not yet started." Gustav Krue Uncle Bo will naturally not sit still. If the new warships use 12-inch L40 artillery and 260MML40 artillery, then Krupp can only make a living in the middle and low-end small and medium-caliber naval guns. Most of the market share of naval artillery will be Get squeezed out!

The subsequent development of things is a bit surprising, but also reasonable. There are different voices in the discussion about artillery within the Ministry of the Navy. Some people think that the current German 280MM artillery is powerful enough, and there is no need to replace it with a larger artillery. If it is replaced now, a large number of shells and accessories in stock will be the problem. The new cruiser is very good with 240MM artillery. Although the weight of the 140KG shell is a bit smaller, the rate of fire of more than 3 rounds per minute is enough to make up for this problem.

"From the perspective of economy and availability, 280MM artillery and 240MM artillery are the most suitable main gun calibers for the future battleships and cruisers of the German Navy. They are very mature, have complete supporting equipment, and have a large inventory. There is no need to use new guns. The artillery system." At a naval report meeting, Rear Admiral Ball said this, and his words were recognized by many naval personnel.

Later, some German newspapers also began to publish various articles. They emphasized that while the German warships performed well in the Far East, they also emphasized the excellent performance of the Krupp artillery. If these are still normal, then some rumors make Ruprecht very vigilant.

"The barbarians of Bavaria want to take what belongs to us Prussia."

"They joined forces with the Austrians to infiltrate the German industrial and military system, and it would be treason to allow them in!"

"The Bavarians are coming out of the barren villages in the south step by step. Sooner or later they will threaten the interests of Prussia. They have taken away our profits and our jobs. The best way is for everyone to unite and take these guys Hurry back!"

The relationship between Prussia and Bavaria is not very close, although the high-level officials on both sides know that

If everyone agrees, both sides will benefit, and if they divide, it will be ruined. We should bear the principle of being able to bear as much as we can, and being harmonious. From the top to the bottom, from the army to religion, both sides are unhappy looking at each other.

During the German military exercises in history, Crown Prince William and the Bavarian government met, and they didn't even say hello to each other. Can this be tolerated? Bismarck was almost assassinated while recuperating in Bavaria. Ruprecht didn't really believe that he had no psychological shadow.

As for all kinds of messages saying that Bavaria is preparing to split, and it is going to be detrimental to Prussia, don’t say anything. It is estimated that the Kaiser’s ears are calloused. As for the historical conflicts between the two parties in the Imperial Parliament and the Federal Parliament There are more, for example, Bavaria in history was opposed to the construction of the navy, because there is no benefit, now... . You know.

Although Ruprecht is doing very well now, and has a good relationship with the German royal family, overall, the civil relations between the two parties are still average, and when Bavaria's military products flood into Germany, they spread to the whole world. At times, it is normal for the Prussians to have these ideas, especially those affected military enterprises will naturally make troubles.

So now the situation is obvious. Krupp has bought some relationships with the Ministry of the Navy, hindered Ruprecht’s entry in an official way, and at the same time mobilized public opinion to give Ruprecht a lot of money through the media and lobby groups. exert pressure. Both pros and cons, overtly and secretly have already begun to make moves!

Under this series of pressures, the top leaders of the German government are also hesitating. On the one hand, those with vested interests really don’t want to just throw it away. On the other hand, they also believe that the competition should be fair. If it is fair, Krupp really has no chance.

"Let's fight with them first. Don't provoke regional confrontation. We can emphasize from the performance of weapons that this is just a simple bidding activity. The side with better technology should naturally win. In addition, we can try to guide public opinion and make them become Contradictions between Prussia and non-Prussian regions, and religious contradictions. Don't forget that the Poles in East Prussia are Catholics and not Protestants like us. In short, we must muddy the water, and we must consume the territorial attacks of some people Disperse." Before going to Berlin, Ruprecht first gave the order for the first counterattack.

In fact, in Germany, there are not only various beliefs and historical conflicts between states, but also within a country, especially Prussia. Prussia is a Protestant country, and the Germans are the main body, but don’t forget that the land of Longxing in Prussia-East Prussia has many Poles. And the Bavarians are Catholics….

The second update is here~~~, there is another update tonight~~~, please collect~~~, please reward~~~.