Chapter 63: Chapter 63, Shifting the Strategic Center of Gravity

Translator: 549690339

Franz did not rush to make a statement. Integrating all the nationalities of the Austrian Empire was no simple feat. It was predicted that, apart from the lower-class civilians who knew nothing of nationality, the vast majority would find it difficult to accept.

If the Empire could not gain genuine acceptance from its people, and instead formed a nominal Austrian Ethnicity, the end result could be quite embarrassing.

Nationalism originated in the 18th century in Europe as a bourgeois movement to break the chains of theocracy and feudalism.

From 1789 to 1871, the success of the bourgeois revolution and the establishment of the national state system were driven by nationalism.

The Southeast Europe region was relatively conservative, where nationalism usually emerged under the intellectual influence of the great powers.

For instance, Hungarian nationalism was an export from the French; it was just beginning, and it would be some time before the Hungarian nationality truly took shape after the common folk had been assimilated.

In the mid-19th century, spurred by ambitions for war, the Tsarist Government stirred up “Pan-Slavism” nationalism that spread to the Balkan region, and this became the fuse for the World War.

“Mr. Carl, if we establish an Austrian Ethnicity, what happens to the existing nationalities?

Are we to withdraw from the Germany Region and establish a separate Austrian Empire?” Prime Minister Felix asked with furrowed brows.

The delicate topic was broached, and the atmosphere indoors became instantly oppressive.

“Back in 1806, when the Holy Roman Empire was dissolved, Austria became independent from the Germany Region. Do you think we could reestablish the Holy Roman Empire now?” Carl retorted.

“It’s impossible to unify the Germany Region. Austria can be independent of it, but we cannot give up on Germany, it’s a matter of principle.

It is clearly not advisable to try to replace all of the nationalities currently within Austria with one nationality, even we would not recognize it. However, we can diminish the concept of nationality and emphasize Austria, ” Metternich said solemnly.

Franz frowned; it appeared everyone was in opposition. In this era, the crisis of a multinational state was not yet recognized, and governments continued to use ethnic conflicts to overshadow class struggles for a long time.

At this point, Franz had to take a stand. With Finance Minister Carl struggling to support the cause alone, if he did not back the idea, the Austrian Ethnicity would vanish like a bubble.

“We can look at this issue separately. All nationalities of the Austrian Empire together form it, and the Austrian Ethnicity can also represent all Austrians.

Building a nationality that everyone identifies with will gradually replace the dozens of nationalities currently within Austria, significantly reducing our internal national conflicts.

Not to mention, at the very least, the current Hungarian rebellion could be avoided.”

“Your Highness, even without nationalism, careerists can easily rally under other banners. If they wish, they will never lack for excuses.

In doing so, we would lose our leadership in the Germany Region. Is it worth it?” Archduke Louis asked uneasily.

His words were polite; otherwise, he might have been labeled a fool, a coward, or a traitor.

The core of Austria’s foundation is the German people, at least until national integration is complete. This situation won’t change. To give up on Germany now would be to abandon its foundation for rule.

“No, Grand Duke Louis! Who says we are giving up our leadership in the Germany Region?” Franz countered.

Without waiting for an answer, Franz continued, “Although the Germany Region is fragmented, it lies at the heart of Europe, and whoever controls it dominates the European Continent.

Regrettably, we lack the strength to unify the Germany Region, and the countries of Europe would not tolerate its unification.

In this context, the leader of this German Confederation, Austria, is essentially just a nominal figurehead. Domestically, we face challenges from the

Prussians, and abroad, we must withstand pressures from other nations.

Our gains are merely nominal while Austria has not benefitted from the Germany Region. Considering our investments, we have been operating at a net loss in the Germany Region over the years, allowing the Prussians to reap substantial benefits.

Given this, why not temporarily cease investment in the Germany Region and turn towards regions with higher investment returns?

As for the Germany Region, we simply need to maintain Austrian influence, keeping the balance of power is not just our responsibility. Sharing some of this with our allies prevents them from idleness.”

Indeed, Franz sought to shift the strategic focus of Austria. If he continued the struggle in the Germany Region, hemmed in by Prussia internally and eyed covetously by France externally, what good would it do?

Do not be misled by Austria’s numerous followers in the Germany Region; one call to arms and they would rally. However, if Franz dared reveal ambitions to unify Germany, the plot would instantly take a 180 degree turn, leaving him opposed by the entire world.

This can be seen in the case of his forebear, Maximilian the Great, who hinted at ambitions to unify the Germany Region and then met a tragic end at the hands of French and domestic princes.

At that time, the Habsburg Family was The Empire on Which the Sun Never Sets, far more formidable than contemporary Austria, having annexed Spain in its zenith and occupied much of Italy while also ruling on Belgium and Netherlands.

As for being kicked out of the Germany Region because of advocating for an Austrian Ethnicity, Franz held no fear.

The German princes were not fools; their lives were better with Austria and Prussia in mutual check. If one power rose unopposed, it would spell their doom.

After years of mergers and reorganizations, all had learned the game of balance; North German State gravitated towards Prussia, and the South German princes leaned on Austria.

Franz’s insinuation was clear to everyone: he was ready to abandon the long-held continental policy, especially since the “Metternich System” had already collapsed. To rebuild it, Austria would pay too great a price.

“Your Highness, are you planning to shift Austria’s strategic focus to the Italian Area?” Metternich asked with concern.

“No, Austria’s strategic focus will be on the domestic front for the time being. As for the Italian Area, we will just punish the Kingdom of Sardinia as a lesson,” Franz stated, shaking his head.

Hearing Franz’s answer, everyone sighed in relief. The Italian Area was not so easily tampered with; it involved England and France.

But targeting the Kingdom of Sardinia was not an issue; they had brought it upon themselves, and Austria could not just stand by without retaliating..