Chapter 13
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Chapter 13: Prelude to Crimea
At the end of 1840, the Prince Regent held a meeting to review the year’s work and plan the next year’s strategies.
In the year 1835, Leader One came to power. During his five-year rule, Prussia underwent an industrial revolution, freed the serfs, reformed the military, improved healthcare and education, established state-owned enterprises and farms, promoted universal education, limited the privileges of the nobility, enacted the first Prussian constitution, protected workers’ rights, and set up modern social security and welfare systems. He elevated the status of researchers and promoted scientific enthusiasm.
Starting from 1838 onwards, Prussia’s economy grew by more than 20%, and its overall strength skyrocketed.
From the beginning, the Prince Regent had clear plans for reforms. Due to the limitations of the time and various obstacles, his reform measures were implemented gradually and mildly. For example, the land reform was not very effective, and the serfs only turned into workers.
Many ideas couldn’t be realized, like women’s rights, universal suffrage, and religious reforms. Adults already had their beliefs set, so Leader One hoped to instill ideas of liberation and equality in children’s education for future changes.
There were problems with building the railways and telegraph networks in the story. It was slow because the construction machines were old-fashioned and needed a lot of cheap labor. Local people didn’t want to do the hard and dangerous work. Prussia had to get workers from Poland or America.
Another big problem was that Germany was not united. Prussia’s land was not connected, and the Rhine District was a disconnected territory. Various political factors made it difficult to carry out construction projects.
Even though the ruler, Your Highness the Regent, had to compromise on many policies, he dealt with Prussia’s main problem, the Junker issue. Under his gentle but firm strategy, the power of the Junker landlords to interfere in politics decreased, but Leader One had to pay a high price each year to keep them quiet.
In summary, Prussia’s economy doubled in five years, and its overall national strength increased by about 300%. People’s lives improved, with a 40% increase in average income compared to 1833. Entertainment demand increased significantly, and the quality and choice of daily necessities also improved.
Redel
Domestic Affairs: 10
Foreign Relations: 8
Military: 8
Royal Traits
Respect the wise and treat the lower-ranking with kindness", "stay calm", "be cautious", "show kindness", "listen to different opinions to gain clarity", "lawmaker", "someone who can turn things into gold", "scholar", "industrialist", "strategist
What does "divine ruler" mean, ah, what does "divine ruler" mean~ (tactical retreat)
Of course, besides the wise monarch, Your Highness the Regent also has a group of talented officials and brilliant generals, a group of outstanding men who together have built the current prosperous era. The reign of Redel was not accomplished by him alone.
After summarizing the year of 1840, Anna first presented the financial budget allocation for the year 1841.
"Military expenses account for 26% of the government’s total expenditure, if including various hidden military costs, it actually amounts to 31%."
Ron and Moltke nodded in satisfaction, Catherine was still fighting in the Apennine Peninsula, not participating in the council, and Hans was on his way back home.
Anna, "Education and science expenses account for 20%, Ministry of Industry expenses for 18%, repayment of debt principal and interests costs 11%, Ministry of Agriculture 10%, the remaining for health, culture, sports, propaganda, public safety, social welfare, and so on."
"Currently, the government’s debt is 15.9 million pounds, there is still a large borrowing capacity. In 1841, another 3 million pounds will be borrowed, and 2 million will be reserved for emergencies."
After discussing finances, Anna briefly talked about diplomatic and international political situation, noting little change compared to the previous year, just to pay attention to the ambitions of Napoleon III and France, and Prussia to continue its stable development.
Moltke and Ron worked together on military reports. The military reform is going well with the transformation of the troops, including the Guards Cavalry Corps and the First Army of National Defense. Other troops are also undergoing reform.
However, the military reform faced some resistance. Prussia originally had a two-year compulsory military service, which the prince regent changed to two and a half years with little effect. The Ron Army Reform then introduced a three-year compulsory service, which faced strong opposition from all levels of society.
A three-year compulsory service is beneficial for the army, as it can effortlessly increase the number of regular soldiers by 150%.
However, people from all social classes dislike it. Adult males aged 20-40 who used to serve for 2 years now have to serve for 3 years, making the period of hardship longer. This leads to a decrease in the industrial and agricultural workforce…
"Let’s take it slow. Resistance brings problems, but we will solve them step by step. Let’s not implement things too vigorously." instructed the prince regent. The military reform should be preliminary completed by 1845 and fully completed by 1850.
In the morning, he held a small meeting with his close advisors, and in the afternoon, a meeting was convened with all the ministers and the Chief Secretary to discuss national strategies and plans for the new year.
Your Highness the regent leaned back comfortably on the sofa, listening to the ministers talking. Even though there was a lot of information to process, giving him a bit of a headache, it wasn’t too difficult.
Freeman, the head of the Royal Affairs Office, had a tough time. He tried to take notes frantically but then gave up. There were too many people at the royal meeting for him to keep track of by himself. He had to delegate the task to the secretaries of the Royal Affairs Office, and they all worked together to take notes.
After the afternoon meeting, Your Highness the regent invited Minister of Foreign Affairs Anna to dine at the palace.
Official matters are for official purposes.
The prince regent had the royal chef prepare a table full of Anna’s favorite Prussian traditional dishes, including pig’s trotter, potatoes, sauerkraut, and some Frankfurt sausages. The best red wine was served as well, and the two shared a candlelit dinner in the Lapis Hall of the Redel-Catherine Palace.
Normally, couples have romantic conversations during candlelit dinners, but Leader One and Anna, as soon as they sat down, began discussing national affairs.
Leader One stood up slightly to pour red wine for both Anna and himself, asking, "During today’s meeting, you reminded me to keep an eye on France and Napoleon III. What’s wrong? Is there something unusual?"
"Hmm, I’ve noticed some issues."
Anna ignored the red wine, and instead grabbed a pig’s trotter to gnaw on. At first, she tried to remain elegant and dignified, but later she just enjoyed her meal without worrying about her image. It was clear she was really hungry because she hadn’t eaten much all day, focusing on discussing government affairs with the ministers during lunchtime.
"Baron Schultz told me that the French people are bribing the English Cabinet," Anna said as she chewed on the pig’s trotter.
The French bribing the English Cabinet? How did Schultz find out? Because as the Prussian Cabinet Secretary, Schultz has also been bribing the English Cabinet for a long time. It was only recently that he noticed an increase in the amount of bribes being accepted by the English side. The previous gifts were not appreciated, and after some probing, it was discovered that it was the work of the French people.
Anna added that there were various clues indicating that the French were increasing their efforts to cozy up to the English, such as their concessions on the Brazil issue in the Americas and their submissive behavior at the London conference after the Schleswig War.
In the past, Napoleon III did not want to directly conflict with England like his uncle did, but recently he has been showing more aggression towards them, which is something to pay attention to.
They say if someone is overly nice without reason, they might have hidden motives.
Leader One said, "I have noticed that nationalism in France is becoming more intense, the influence of the revolution in the German region is fading, and France is tangled up in expansionist imperialism. This may affect Napoleon III’s intentions."
In recent years, France has had issues with South Germany. Prussia backed down during the Silesian Crisis, allowing France to gain control over a puppet state in South Germany.
In the Apennine Peninsula, there is a dispute with Austria over control of Italian princedoms. Prussian mercenary troops, led by Lieutenant General Catherine, sometimes assist the French and sometimes the Austrians, but mostly favor the French, giving them an advantage in the Apennine Peninsula.
In the Americas, France hopes to gain control over the former South American colonies of Portugal and Spain. They also wish to interfere in North American affairs, leading to a fierce competition with England. However, it seems that the French are backing down recently.
Regarding Africa, France has long been in conflict with England.
In the Middle East, or specifically Egypt, there has been ongoing conflict for years over the Suez Canal, with England and France competing for control over Egypt and the rights to dig the canal.
While England is causing trouble globally, France is also expanding its territories worldwide. When France makes concessions to England in certain regions, it means they have reached a mutual agreement on other issues.
Anna asked, "What does Your Highness the regent think the people of France are up to?"
Leader One pondered the question, picturing a world map in his mind and considering the major global issues.
"Maybe the Nordic countries or the Near East," the prince regent said.
Anna also thought it could be the Nordic countries or the Near East.
The Nordic countries refer to Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, excluding Finland as it was not part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1840. Norway and Sweden were united at that time.
In 1809, Finland was taken over by the Russians, and Denmark also had unclear relations with the Russians. The Russians kept expanding into Northern Europe, making it difficult for the Kingdom of Sweden-Norway to resist.
Sweden used to be very powerful, ranking just below England and France in the world. After several defeats, it lost its ability to compete for world dominance. Now, it can’t even stop a weak country like Russia.
Anna suspected that due to Russia’s strong influence, England and France may have reached a certain agreement to redistribute their interests in Northern Europe.
England needs to contain Russia, while France needs Sweden’s high-quality iron ore.
The Near East refers to the southwest part of Asia, along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. In this era, it can also specifically refer to the area where the Ottoman Empire is located.
The issue of the Near East is quite complicated, but ultimately it boils down to the desire of England and France to contain the expansion of Russia. Recently, these two countries seem to be getting closer, and Anna warns Leader One to be cautious.
If a war breaks out, Prussia’s geographical location is always the one that suffers, the battlefield of nations…
Leader One, feeling full from food and drink, not thinking clearly, said to Anna, "When the Crimean War breaks out, we…"
Anna asked, "The Crimean War? Do you think England and France will directly attack Russia’s mainland?"
Leader One slipped up… but managed to cover it up, providing a rational explanation. It is well known that Russia’s attitude towards the Ottoman Empire has led to numerous Russo-Turkish Wars and conflicts over Constantinople.
In order to deter Russia’s expansion, England and France must deal with the Black Sea Fleet, a powerful force. Hence, there is a high possibility that the English and French coalition will directly attack Crimea.
After listening to the Prince Regent’s description, Anna found it interesting. Anna speculated that they might engage in battles on Ottoman lands or in the Balkan region. If they directly attack Russia’s mainland, the conflict could escalate into a full-scale war.
Normally, countries do not wish for a full-scale war, but who can say for certain? These are turbulent times.
Perhaps England and France feel that Russia’s expansion is too aggressive and must be contained. They are willing to face Russia’s large army and even engage in full-scale warfare. All of this is possible.
"In any case, if a war breaks out among England, France, Russia, and Turkey, it’s likely still in the early stages. I estimate it will take another two or three years before it starts. You, Mrs. Bismarck, are fully responsible for all diplomatic tasks in this regard."
The prince regent demands that Prussia not get involved in this mess and continue its stable rapid development. They should focus on farming at home and try to benefit from wars that don’t concern them, ideally getting something out of England, France, Russia, and Turkey. This will require diplomatic efforts, which Anna will handle.
Initially, this war may not seem related to Prussia, but in fact, it’s quite significant. The Crimean War is a crucial prerequisite for the unification of Germany. Russia must lose, and lose badly.
Leader One wants Anna to cause trouble at diplomatic events by stirring up tensions between Russia and Austria, Russia and Denmark, making Russia enemies with England and France, while also ensuring that Prussia gains Russia’s favor, as well as the favor of England, France, and the Ottoman Empire.
Leader One believes that Anna can handle this contradictory task of creating discord while trying to win people’s favor. Anna is skilled at betraying others while smiling and shaking hands with them.
Anna still has a lot to learn and Baron Schultz is needed to help her. Schultz is an expert at understanding various needs and profiting from them. He needs to teach Anna how to juggle multiple interests like throwing a bunch of eggs at once.
"I need to inform the military," Leader One suddenly remembered. The Crimean War is a perfect training ground for the military, as it marks a turning point in warfare. Many countries will develop new tactics and strategies, and the Minie ball rifle is a significant factor in this evolution.
Prussia must send a team to observe the military situation or hire military advisors or mercenaries to assist both sides in the war and gain more military experience.
Leader One’s stories had a big impact on the world. Many technologies were inspired by them, but some also went in the wrong direction. Perhaps the French people will use their steampunk water tanks in the Crimea battlefield.
