Chapter 6
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Chapter 6: The End of the Great Revolution
1840 marked a turning point for Great Britain.
The era of Queen Victoria officially began. England completed colonization of New Zealand, marking the peak of British imperialism. They strengthened their position in Africa, started competing with the French in Egypt, continued to divide and rule the various states in India, engaged in war with the Ming Empire, and tried to open new markets.
England was rightfully the world’s number one superpower, with an unbeatable Royal Navy and infantry. However, England had not yet reached its peak, as its global dominance was just beginning.
There were so many things going on, the troops were spread out everywhere, making it difficult to completely overwhelm the local area.
New problems arose in America at this time, with the United States starting to expand southward in a big way. The United States, The Republic of Texas, and Mexico became the new battleground, with European countries wanting to get involved in American affairs.
England, France, Portugal, Spain.
Currently, England’s attention is focused on the East Asia region. Dealing with India and the Ming Empire has taken up a lot of military and financial resources. If they want to intervene in America, they will need to find a good ally.
Queen Victoria gave a speech in Parliament that lasted for over two hours, with two main points.
First: England must always intervene in American affairs, it’s necessary.
Second: Sometimes you need to use a firm hand to deal with troublemakers.
Prussia responded actively to the call of its allies, with the help of the Royal Navy, they took turns to fight in The Republic of Texas – sometimes against Americans, sometimes against Mexicans, and sometimes against France, Portugal, and Spain.
Prince Regent Redel was pleased that Prussia could enter the era of global military deployment. The English paid for the expenses, provided naval escorts, and Prussia trained troops all around the world.
From America to the Apennine Peninsula, to the Far East, there are Prussian army everywhere, and their military experience is increasing rapidly.
International affairs are developing rapidly, and Leader One has not stopped controlling domestic and German affairs. By the second half of 1840, the Liberal Revolution was coming to an end.
It’s time to end it.
"There’s a federation meeting coming up, Anna, you should go, and while you’re at it, take care of the National Congress," ordered the prince regent.
By now, Anna von Bismarck had become the Prussian Foreign Minister, she could now represent the country openly. She attended the conference in Frankfurt as the head of the delegation, and this year’s German Confederation Congress was discussing agricultural trade tariffs.
The Frankfurt National Congress, where clowns gathered like a circus, should cease to exist now. The National Congress had been running for a year with no progress made, and with the end of the Liberal Revolution, this illegal parliament was to be disbanded.
October 3, 1840.
The Second Division of the Prussian Defense Army surrounded the Frankfurt National Congress. Anna demanded that the people inside surrender immediately.
The representatives of the nobles also watched from the sidelines. During the Liberal Revolution, these troublemakers had criticized and interfered with the nobles. Now, it was time for revenge, go Prussia! Prussia show them!
The members of National Congress were still talking, when suddenly gunfire erupted outside. Nobody had expected Prussia to do such a thing. The ruthless Bismarck dared to attack the Frankfurt Parliament that represented the will of the people!
Frankfurt Free City belonged to no one, a place of political neutrality in the German region, a peaceful area. Bismarck marched in with Prussian troops and bombarded the congress, a shocking act indeed.
The local citizens were particularly surprised. This was supposed to be a safe zone. No one had fired a gun here in decades. What was Prussia thinking?
Anna, "What are they doing? Eradicating traitors!"
As Prussia’s army bombarded the Frankfurt National Congress, all the princes of the German region expressed their support. Although Austria did not approve, they did not oppose either.
Influenced by the Liberal Revolution, the German princes generally appointed liberal factions to form cabinets, weakening the monarch’s power and implementing democratic republicanism.
As the major revolution neared its end, Prussia raised the banner of feudal restoration first, calling on the princes to suppress the liberals and reinstate monarchial rule. The princes naturally supported the call.
With the symbols of the great revolution fading, the Frankfurt National Congress was dissolved, all members were arrested and imprisoned, and the princes began counterattacks, settling scores with the liberals.
With the restoration of monarchial rule, the princes sighed in relief, saying "the good times have returned!"
The Liberal Revolution started with good intentions, but got twisted along the way and ended in failure. It began with people wanting a better life, freedom, equality, and happiness. However, it was interfered with by many people with ulterior motives, which changed the revolution’s course. Additionally, immaturity in various aspects led to its failure.
Despite this, the revolution left behind many legacies. Feudal forces were severely weakened, people gained more rights, and the lives of the common folk improved. The idea of a united Germany was also greatly inspired.
In Prussia, the number of nobles and Junkers decreased by a third compared to before the revolution. The privileges of the nobles and Junkers were significantly reduced. Around 70% of serfs were liberated, and state-owned farms and new land laws ensured that farmers would not face forced land seizures anymore.
Universal compulsory education was successfully promoted. Any child from any family could receive free primary education. Knowledge was no longer a privilege of the nobility. The establishment of many new universities and vocational schools provided ordinary families with the opportunity to change their fate through learning.
Factory owners were required to purchase health insurance for each worker. While this reduced the workers’ wages, the existence of health insurance provided security for the working class, relieving them from the fear of falling ill. Prussia was the first country in the world to enact laws protecting workers, child labor, and mandatory workers’ compensation insurance.
Workers generally worked a 13-hour workday and had one afternoon off every two weeks. Major industrial cities nationwide built football fields to provide entertainment for resting workers. Prussian workers enjoyed the best treatment in the world, with wages above the average level.
Prussia underwent reforms at various levels of parliament: village councils, city councils, and the lower house of the national parliament. Prussian nationals, males, and those with tax certificates gained the right to stand for election and vote. The people gained certain political rights.
Although they didn’t succeed in establishing a democratic republic, the quality of life for the people improved. Their strong desire for German unification was heard by the prince regent, who promised to actively promote the unity of Germany.
The people kept urging for German unification every day, unaware of the significant obstacles Prussia faced.
Mrs. Bismarck, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, was upset by the Austrians at the German Confederation Congress.
The seating arrangement at the meeting organized by the Austrians was very unfair. Austria sat high above, while the other princes were below. Also, Prussia’s seat was even lower than the other princes.
However, the usually hot-tempered Anna did not lose her temper this time; she chose to be patient.
The Austrian representative was very pleased with being able to dominate over Prussia. It was such a delight. "Prussia, you better recognize who the top dog in Germany is. Don’t act too arrogant in the future."
The other princes looked at Anna, wondering why Mrs. Bismarck was in a better mood today. Normally, they thought she would have confronted Austria for humiliating them.
In the morning, Anna led the Prussian army to bombard the Frankfurt Parliament, and in the afternoon, she attended the German Confederation Congress. She silently endured Austria’s dominance over Prussia, acknowledging Austria’s leadership position in German affairs.
It is widely known that whenever she is not arrogant, something big is about to happen.
