The War Court and Lap Pillow, Austria's Mandate of Heaven

Chapter 1254: Watching from All Sides (Part )

Unlike the excited Louis Napoleon, the French cabinet and parliament were in chaos.

At this time, France and Austria had signed an armistice agreement. If Austria really sent troops to Spain and supported pro-Austrian forces to come to power, France would probably never have peace.

Adding the Duke of Aumer in the south, France was surrounded on three sides by anti-French forces. This situation was unacceptable to the Republicans, the Napoleonics, and the Order Party.

The French were still very proud at this time, and they had not given up their fight for world hegemony. If the Austrians succeeded, it would be a problem whether they could dominate the world or even keep France.

"Damn it! We have to help Isabel II hold on to Spain!"

"Fools! What do we get from helping Spain? Isabel II is just as much of a bitch as her ungrateful mother!
Wasn't it because of its support for Spain that the July Monarchy was destroyed? "

This sentence resonated with everyone. The Orleans Dynasty at that time was many times more powerful than it is now, but it was stuck in the mud of Spain.

Countless funds, personnel, and materials were invested in the war, but a decisive victory was never achieved. Under such long-term consumption, the French army's spirit and France's national strength were exhausted.

What’s even more infuriating is that Isabelle II was not trustworthy. Not only did she not send troops to help the Orleans Dynasty overcome the difficulties, but she also broke off her engagement with the Orleans royal family.

Now the Spanish royal family has repeated their old tricks, and they deserve the Habsburg family's breaking off of the engagement.

"And not Napoleon?"

This sentence is even more sad. The Napoleonic Empire was so powerful and Napoleon I was so glorious. The First French Empire almost dominated Europe in fact.

It is still the quagmire of Spain that has turned France into a giant with feet of clay.

"Then shall we send out troops?"

"What? Let the Austrians wallow in the mud! Haha!"

"Ha ha!"

Louis Napoleon was evidently less optimistic, and he did not believe that the man who had almost stood alone against Europe in 1848 would fight a battle where he was not sure of victory.

However, he would never send troops to aid Spain, as he believed he was not as good as his uncle Napoleon I.

Moreover, the reputation of the Spanish mother and daughter is really notorious, not only for their court secrets, but also for their actions.

If they were a little more restrained, they would not cause a war because of their personal behavior. However, such people are also easy to exploit.

As long as someone explains the interests clearly to the Spanish court and then promises huge benefits, they will definitely fight the Austrians to a mutual defeat.

By then, France will be able to break out of the shackles of the Vienna system, regain lost territory, and once again join the ranks of those competing for world hegemony.

There were mainly two voices of opposition in Austria. The first argument was that the wars launched by Franz were too intensive, and such waste of money and manpower would inevitably damage the foundation of the country.

As the saying goes, those who love war will perish.

The second group thinks that Franz is too violent and not kind enough. Waging war is the behavior of a tyrant, and a benevolent and wise monarch should consider more peaceful means.

For example, in diplomatic negotiations, or by refuting the other party with references to classics, making the other party feel ashamed and then correct themselves.

Franz just laughed at both of these views. They made sense, but not much. Surprisingly, most people in the entire Austrian Empire supported the war, and due to the development of nationalism, the Austrians were actually very inflated.

But because Franz forcibly dissolved the National Assembly and sent a large number of so-called opinion leaders and nationalists to the colonies, the remaining people became obedient.

However, the excitement in their hearts could not be released and they felt uncomfortable all day long. When the Austrian Empire wanted to go to war, they naturally agreed with both hands.

On the other hand, since Franz attached great importance to publicity, those remarks attacking Franz as a tyrant had no market among the common people at all.

Under the guidance of the church and the media, the Austrian people believed that Franz was launching a great war to liberate Spain and restore order to the chaotic world.

The top leaders of the empire felt that Franz's strategy was extremely brilliant. At that time, Austria was in a truce period with Britain and France, and the armistice agreement between the two sides would not be reached until 1853 at the earliest.

Russia is Austria's ally. In fact, even if the Russians wanted to intervene, they might not have the energy to do so as they are in the midst of civil strife at the moment.

As for the Ottomans, Prussia, Sardinia and the like, they posed no threat at all, and they all had their own troubles.

If they take over Spain and support a puppet to come to power, it is not impossible for the Habsburg family to relive their old dreams.

Moreover, after conquering Spain, the Austrian Empire will definitely be more short of officials than it is now, especially officials who can speak Spanish.

Then these ancient families would have an advantage. After all, common people and minor nobles do not have so much money and energy to learn so many languages.

In addition, post-war Spain must be rebuilt, and there will be many opportunities to make a fortune. For businessmen, it will open up a market of nearly 20 million people and a large number of colonies.

The colonies in Spain's hands were highly developed and in key locations, which could solve many of Austria's overseas troubles.

For example, with Ceuta and the Canary Islands, the Austrian Empire no longer had to look to the British and Portuguese for help. It could connect its supply points and greatly reduce the risks and costs of ocean voyages.

But the happiest party was the church. In their view, this war needed to be labeled "holy" because it was about saving Christians.

It would be a great relief if Isabella II and her daughter, these two blasphemous creatures, could receive a fair trial.

Although both Isabella II and her daughter claimed to be devout Christians and employed many church members.

However, the church does not recognize Isabella II and her priests as devout believers, mainly because these people do too blasphemous things on a daily basis.

Even the Spanish Church, which is as rotten as ever, is ashamed to be associated with it.
Although there was strong support for the war at home, Franz did not choose to send troops rashly. His plan was to occupy Ceuta and the Canary Islands first.

This was nominally done to prevent Isabella II from escaping and to prevent the Spanish colonies from sending reinforcements to the mainland.

In fact, this was done because the Austrian Imperial Navy had limited manpower and could not launch an attack on Spain across the world.

If the attack area is too wide, it will lead to the dispersion of troops, and the most taboo in naval battles is to divide the troops.

Although Franz did not think that the Spanish fleet, which had not been updated for decades, could compete with the Austrian ironclad ships, it did not mean that other countries could not do it.

If he could conquer the city but not defend it, he would be making things easier for others. In this case, Franz would rather not fight.

Cutting off the connection between mainland Spain and overseas can reduce the fighting spirit of the Spanish colonies to the greatest extent, while also preventing Spain from receiving reinforcements from the colonies.