Mediterranean Hegemony Road

Since the annexation of Serbia by Austria-Hungary in the late 19th century, the history of the Balkans has changed beyond recognition.

With the strong rise of Bulgaria, it is logical to become the new leader of the Yugoslav nation, but because he was afraid of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Ferdinand did not directly intervene, but secret actions are still indispensable.

Especially in the Bosnia and Herzegovina region, it is the area where the intelligence department mainly operates, followed by the Austrian Serbia region. Although Serbian nationalism has fallen into a low ebb under the suppression of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the residual resistance is still not small.

With the outbreak of the World War, the Slavic national independence movement in Austria-Hungary rose again, which created an opportunity for Ferdinand.

Don't look at the fact that there are seven or eight million Slavic peoples in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but many of them are loyal supporters of the Hardenberg family. It's better to expect them to rise up and build the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Except for a few radical organizations, most people are still very satisfied with the rule of the old emperor. It is not at all as serious as the Austro-Hungarian Empire has been passed down in later generations.

Living in this era, Ferdinand knew how high the prestige of the Hardenberg family was in the Austro-Hungarian Empire!

Even in the Kingdom of Hungary, which has the highest death attribute, before the outbreak of the World War, at most, politicians only talked about it verbally. If they really want to be independent, they must first ask the Hungarian people if they agree!

Therefore, even if the intelligence department had been in the Austro-Hungarian Empire for a long time, they did not plan a national uprising, and it was really impossible to make trouble.

Except for the ultra-nationalists, everyone else simply doesn't want independence. After the death of the old emperor, the newly succeeded Archduke Carl was too weak to convince the public, and a series of stupid tricks appeared frequently, coupled with the failure of the world war, and a series of unfavorable factors added up to promote the collapse of the empire. !

But the core reason for the split of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was the 14-point plan proposed by the Americans. All ethnic groups, for their own interests, were unwilling to pay high war indemnities, and only moved towards independence!

Of course, as the leader of the Yugoslav nation, Ferdinand was not worried about finding a leading party. The radical nationalists wanted to get rid of the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and establish an independent country. Naturally, they did not mind cooperating with Bulgaria.

In the eyes of these idealists, building a united empire of Slavic nations is the best choice!

Well, it can only be said that the layout of the Russians for nearly a hundred years has not been in vain, and they still have fans!

Of course, the Russians were too far away, and they couldn't reach the Balkans, so these people naturally came to Bulgaria.

This is also caused by the unique cultural background of Europe. Simply put, these people recognize that the Russians are the boss of the Slavic nation, and they also recognize that Bulgaria is the boss of the Yugoslav nation.

The Russians want to establish the Slavic Empire, they support, Ferdinand plans to form the Yugoslav Federation, they also welcome, but they themselves also want to establish their own kingdoms, principalities or dominions!

Anyway, different groups have different interests and demands. With the outbreak of the world war, the strength of these radical groups has grown like a snowball, and their ambitions have naturally begun to breed. With the help of intelligence organizations, there is this. A Yugoslav National Congress.

At the end of 1916, more than 100 representatives from more than 30 Slavic groups in the Austro-Hungarian Empire gathered together to "discuss state affairs".

What's even more bizarre is that there are also loyal supporters of the Hardenberg family. Although their political positions are different, it does not prevent them from participating in this Yugoslav national gathering.

It seems a little annoying now. If it was in the Middle Ages, everyone would not be surprised. A lord can be loyal to multiple countries at the same time, and can also obtain titles in multiple countries, even if these countries are at war!

Although they are not lords, they are using their behavior to show that they are a member of the Slavic nation, and there is nothing wrong with participating in the Slavic National Congress!

certainly,

If it is a rebellion against the Austro-Hungarian Empire, they must consider it in detail. If the interests are sufficient, it is not impossible!

Well, this unique traditional culture hurt Ferdinand very much. Don't look at the fact that there are many power groups participating, and most of them came to join in the fun.

This is also the reason why Yugoslavia was able to be established so quickly after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and it is also the reason that made Yugoslavia collapse!

Ferdinand did not have any expectations for what kind of results this conference could achieve. Of course, due to political considerations, this conference must be held beautifully.

As the host, Ferdinand will definitely come forward, but even if he presides over the meeting, these people are not qualified for him to receive in person.

"Prime Minister, you will preside over this Yugoslav National United Congress for me!"

"Yes!" Constantine replied confidently

He has always been enthusiastic about events like this that help provide Bulgaria with an international presence.

The reality tells Ferdinand that sometimes it is easier to buy people's hearts by maintaining a high attitude!

For example, now, Ferdinand only appeared once at the beginning of the meeting, and did not participate in the discussion at the meeting at all. These people will definitely still preach his greatness when they go back.

Because he is a successful person, he led Bulgaria to become strong, and his high profile should be considered by these people, and the king should be high above.

If he really participates, it is obvious that there will be disputes in the meeting. Even if a nation comes to several delegations, the conflict of interest between them will be arbitrated by Ferdinand. No matter how he handles it, some people will feel uncomfortable. satisfy!

And close contact will turn "God" into "Human"! Since it is "human", it is naturally impossible to get everyone's support!

Constantine thought for a while and said, "Your Majesty, what about the interests of the various ethnic groups in Yugoslavia this time? If they demand independence and the establishment of a state, how should we respond?"

The Yugoslav National Congress came very suddenly. At first, it was just a few radical groups hoping to gain Bulgaria's support for their independence. Naturally, Ferdinand didn't pay attention.

However, it was leaked later that the larger power groups among the various ethnic groups in Yugoslavia basically sent representatives, and the specifications were naturally different.

It has to be said that they still have vision, knowing that the broken ship of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is somewhat unreliable, and they want to prepare for the future in advance.

The sedan chairs were carried by everyone, and since everyone gave them face, Ferdinand naturally wanted to cooperate, so it evolved into the Yugoslav National Assembly.

"This is indeed a problem, but our current strategic core is not on the European continent, and we do not have the strength to take into account both Europe and Asia!

You can tell them directly that Bulgaria's purpose is to unify the Balkans, and if they want independence, we can support them in establishing a state outside the Balkans! "

Although Ferdinand also hoped to annex them and assimilate them, considering the complexity of the various ethnic groups here, he still dismissed this tempting idea.

There are as many as seven or eight million Slavic peoples in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and their beliefs are in a mess.

Moreover, Bulgaria is not Yugoslavia. If they are really unified, this sphere of influence will penetrate into the Central European region, and it is bound to have a fierce collision with the French!

This has gone against Ferdinand's pre-planned strategy and tried his best to avoid conflicts with major European powers over core interests. It is impossible for Bulgaria to change its national policy of expanding to the Asia Minor peninsula for this benefit!

Constantine said with regret: "It's a pity that this is a good opportunity. If we want to now, we can build a Yugoslav kingdom!"

Ferdinand smiled slightly and didn't say anything. According to Europeans, the land on the European continent is more valuable than overseas colonies.

If a Yugoslav kingdom is established, Bulgaria will naturally annex Croatia and Slovenia, and even cut a piece from the mainland of Italy, such as Venice!

Of course, as a price, Bulgaria has become the biggest stumbling block for the French to dominate the European continent!

Even Bulgaria had to give up a large number of colonies due to the large amount of interests it had seized on the European continent!

Obviously, these were very normal things in the eyes of people at the time! This is known from the conflict between Germany and Germany. For Alsace and Lorraine, the two countries have been hostile to each other for a hundred years, causing two world wars, and finally destroying the two empires!

In Ferdinand's view, this is very uneconomical, even if Alsace Lorraine's resources are rich, it is not worth dying for this little place!

Now Bulgaria continues to expand on the European continent, and at worst, it will add more than 100,000 square kilometers of land, and it will reach its limit. How can it be compared with the Asia Minor Peninsula in terms of actual value?

Although in name, the Asia Minor Peninsula is a colony, but there is no rule that the colony cannot be operated as a homeland, as long as I am willing, no one can control it!

Of course, it is impossible for Ferdinand in the Balkans to give up. This is related to Bulgaria's strategic security and must be controlled in his own hands.

Open the map, and now the Bosnia and Herzegovina area is just short of it, and Bulgaria has completed the great cause of the unification of the Balkans.

No, there is Belgrade, the gateway to the Balkans, and it is only after Bulgaria is taken down that the Balkans are truly unified!

However, this problem is not a big problem. The population of Bosnia and Herzegovina in this era is only one million, and Ferdinand does not intend to complete the annexation. The Pannonia Plain, the most fertile and densely populated area, can allow them to become independent.

Note: The area of ​​Bosnia and Herzegovina in this era is somewhat different in size from what is now Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the Slavonia area.

To put it simply, Bulgaria only needs to accept hundreds of thousands of mountain people, and the rest of the region can rely on national self-determination. People who are willing to join Bulgaria are welcome, and those who are unwilling to join are not reluctant to solve the national problem to the greatest extent.

As for the Dalmatian Islands along the coast, Ferdinand didn't mention it directly. Without Italy, he didn't think any ignorant dare to come and compete with Bulgaria for this territory!

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