Chapter 54 Schonbrunn Palace Talk
Habsburg Schönbrunn Palace.
Ernst came to Franz for help.
To be honest, Franz has been very busy recently. In addition to the follow-up to the defeat, he also has to deal with the unreasonable troubles of the Hungarian Magyar nobles.
But Franz still found time to meet his future niece-in-law.
"Ernst, why do you have time to come to Austria!" Emperor Franz asked.
"Your Majesty, I am here this time hoping that Austria can support me in recruiting workers in Austria." Ernst said frankly.
“Don’t tell me such a trivial matter!” Franz said puzzled.
For such a trivial matter as recruiting workers, you still need to go to the palace to tell yourself in person. So many companies in Austria have to report to you every day. It is really an exaggeration.
"Actually, your Majesty, the number of people I am recruiting this time is a little too high. And I hope the Austrian government can endorse this recruitment."
"How many people do you want to recruit?" Franz asked curiously. After all, if there are few people, the government will not be needed.
"If possible, tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands." Ernst replied without changing his expression.
"Ernst, are you kidding! Are you planning to arm an army? So many people are outrageous!" Franz asked in disbelief.
Ernst explained in detail: "Your Majesty, this is actually the case. I think you should know that I have a colony in East Africa. The current economic benefits are pretty good, and I can barely break even. The factor that hinders the development of colonies is population. At first, because no one was willing to go to East Africa to develop, I started from Asia has recruited a lot of people. Just like the German population in the Austrian Empire, the number of white people in the colonies is very small. I think you know what this means!”
“So you want to recruit people from within the Austrian Empire. To balance the Asians in the colonies! But why don’t you recruit people from Prussia?” Franz asked curiously.
How do I answer the call? Ernst complained in his heart, could it be that the cultural level of the Austrian people is low and they are easy to fool!
“This is actually the case, Your Majesty.” Ernst said bravely: “Prussia’s military has solved Prussia’s employment problem very well in recent years, so there are fewer people who choose to go overseas for development. As we all know, Prussia The size of the army is ridiculous, so it has been difficult to recruit workers in recent years."
Of course Franz didn't believe a word of this nonsense, but he still decided to give Ernst a chance: "As long as you. If you can tell me the reasons that make me tempted, I may still support you."
Ernst said unhurriedly: "Your Majesty, is Austria now having a headache from the nationalists?"< br>
Franz nodded: "This is true, especially the Hungarians, who have been pushing their limits recently and are causing trouble with the central government of the empire!"
Ernst asked: "Then what does Your Majesty think the Hungarian Magyar nobles rely on to negotiate with the Austrian government?"
"It is naturally the strength of Hungary. Hungary has a vast area and a large population. If the Hungarians become independent, then Austria will It will also lose its position in Europe, and the empire cannot give up here!" Franz said.
"That's right! Your Majesty." Ernst agreed: "The rise of European nationalism is actually a conspiracy by Britain and France against your country. Germans do not account for 30% of your country."
“German talents account for more than 20%, but Hungary’s population accounts for 20%, and there are also 10% Poles, Czechoslovakia, Croatia and other Slavic nationalities in the empire, as well as a small amount of Romania. and the Italians. "
"Among them, the Hungarians alone have the ability to challenge the German nation, not to mention the Poles and other Slavic nations in Galicia. In the past, the empire could still challenge the entire German region. These peoples suppressed.”
"But now the international situation is becoming more and more turbulent, and Austria cannot be as powerful in Europe as it used to be. Clowns like Italy dare to pursue the territory of the empire. And once they incite rebellion against the Italians in the empire, then Trieste and The southern part of the empire is very dangerous.”
“The Poles have always been actively seeking support from European and American countries. Although Poland is only a country that has existed historically, what motivates the Poles is the cultural identity shaped by the glorious history of the Polish region.”
“But the Poles really just appeal to the Russians. The territory within its borders? They are now focusing on smearing Russia in Europe because they need support, but back then Prussia and Austria will not forget it.”
“Even if the Poles in the empire currently support the royal family, there is a saying that we can share blessings and not share hardships. Now they support your rule, so Russia. The suffering of the Polish people within the territory is highlighted. Once there is an economic problem in the Austrian Empire one day, they will The blame will be placed on Austria."
"In addition, there are other Slavic peoples in the empire. Now the Russians hate your country because of the Crimean War, and Russia is among the Slavs. The influence here is obvious to all, and the Ottoman Empire has suffered a lot in the past two years. "...
Franz frowned and listened to Ernst's tirade, and interrupted: "That's enough, of course I understand what you mean."
Franz stood up and put his hands behind his back Behind him, looking at the territory map of the Austrian Empire, he said in a depressed mood: "I don't know the many shortcomings of the empire, but politics is not as easy as you think, Ernst."
He slowed down and said: "Maybe you are still young, and young people always have the courage to face difficulties, but Austria is so old that a small change may cause a catastrophe and kill the Austrian Empire."
"For example, that guy Maximino was very radical, and he ended up in trouble in Mexico. He was also very aggressive and unwilling to ask me for help, and he didn't know how he was doing now!"
He walked up to Ernst and said with firm eyes: "The Austrian Empire was once the hegemon of Europe. Although it is facing unimaginable difficulties now, I don't think my ability can solve Austria's problems, but I still have the ability. Help this great country continue to move forward Go."
He turned his back to Ernst and said: "When I get old, the future belongs to you young people. I believe that you and the younger generations of Austria will use your wisdom to make Austria great again. . ”
“Austria is indeed because of its nationality. The Austrian government itself wants to change this situation."
"But the pressure we face is unimaginable. The nobles of various nationalities in the country have far more control over the local areas than the central government. Now the Austrian central government’s own problems are also It’s very difficult, and finances have always troubled the government to promote Austria’s reforms.”
Speaking of this, Franz felt a little lonely and said to himself: “I also tried to learn from my ancestors to promote centralization, and. Strengthen German language education for the people.”
"However, whenever the government puts forward these suggestions, the local dignitaries try their best to stop them. At the same time, the economic situation of the empire has become worse and worse in the past two years, and the government does not have the extra financial resources to support reforms."
Well. Of course Sturt is aware of these difficulties. Austria is indeed facing a difficult transition problem, and there is no figure in contemporary Austria who can turn the tide.
For example, Franz, although he is an emperor, he cannot be a radical reformer. His identity determines that he must put the interests of the Habsburg family first.
If he implements reforms, it may shake the Habsburg rule, so the royal family will not take the initiative to lead reforms.
And the current Austrian government does not have the kind of politicians with outstanding abilities and unparalleled influence in the entire empire.
Prussia next door produced Bismarck, and William I and the previous Prussian monarchs were relatively wise, which laid a good foundation for Prussia. Bismarck also established his personal prestige with the help of war victories and diplomatic achievements.
If Austria can produce a Bismarck-like figure at this time, then Austria still has a chance. Unfortunately, Austria is not a gambler like Prussia and has no spirit of self-innovation.
Of course the purpose of Ernst's coming here was not to help Austria solve political problems, but to gain population for the colony.
"Your Majesty, the problem in Austria is indeed more difficult, but we can choose to reduce the difficulty of the matter."
Ernst continued: "For example, when I recruit workers within the empire, I actually Absorbing the unemployed peasants of the Austrian Empire, they have just entered the city from rural areas across the country. The problem is that Austria’s jobs obviously cannot absorb so many people.”
"Once these people are unable to find jobs, Austria's social crisis will be aggravated and reform will be more difficult. What's more, they will be exploited by radical capitalists. After all, they have criminal records."
Franz sighed. He took a breath and said: "Okay, I know your little thoughts."
"You can recruit workers in the Austrian Empire. As long as you have the ability, you can recruit as many people as you want, but I have to first I’m warning you, don’t pay attention to the Germans. As for other ethnic groups, if you can charge more, we will not only not object, but also support it.”
In this way, the two people reached a tacit verbal agreement. Through Ernst, Austria reduced the number of other ethnic groups, and Ernst gained the white labor force to develop Africa.
We all have a bright future...
(End of this chapter)