Start 1861: I Just Inherited the Dutch Throne

The Kingdom of Prussia is one of the largest countries in Europe, but what is ridiculous is that it does not have an outlet in the Atlantic Ocean. How ridiculous this is.

It was actually trapped in the Baltic Sea, which is like a pond. Moreover, a man-eating polar bear, Tsarist Russia, who could swim and eat fish, had been placed in the pond. For the Kingdom of Prussia, the navy was useless. After all, this pond There is also Ruidian, a big fish that can enter and leave the pond, which makes Prussia very envious.

Therefore, owning a Prussian port on the Atlantic Ocean and seizing a piece of land connecting Prussia to the mainland has been the dream of several of them for many years. Especially for William I, he was eager to try it. He was obviously moved.

At the same time, he took a deep look at Bismarck, who nodded and said: "The Netherlands not only supports us on the Danish issue, but also expressed that the Netherlands is willing to give Prussia its full support in its efforts to annex Hanover."

What!

"How dare the Netherlands be so bold to publicize this topic, and even say so to the Kingdom of Prussia? They are not afraid that Prussia will publicize this conversation in the German Confederation, expose the Netherlands' inappropriate remarks, and trigger a group attack from the German Confederation?"

Mao Qi obviously couldn't bear it anymore and asked loudly.

William I also seemed to be stimulated and looked at Bismarck in confusion.

Bismarck also wanted to ask this question, but who knew what William IV of the Netherlands was thinking, so he guessed: "This is what I don't understand. Our plans are basically communicated in private between a few of us. But from the whole conversation with that Pearson just now, I noticed that the Netherlands seems to be very aware of our plan."

Ignoring the surprise of William I and the other two, Bismarck continued:

"I naturally believe that the three of us have no possibility of leaking. Then there is only one result, and that is that the new king of the Netherlands is indeed a king with strategic vision. Therefore, I suggest that we in Prussia might as well form an alliance with him in order to Increase our capabilities, especially understanding maritime operations.

After all, the Netherlands can be said to be a more familiar presence than the UK in Atlantic navigation. If we can cooperate, our navy can learn from the Dutch navy’s long-standing battlefield experience, especially the valuable experience of two wins and two losses in four naval battles with the UK. Experience is already more precious to us than anything else.

This is why we specially added a clause in the secret alliance with Pearson requiring the Dutch Navy to conduct systematic training for the King of Prussia's Navy and increase the assistance of the two navies. "

Both William I and Moltke agreed on this, but the Navy of the Kingdom of Prussia was too lacking in communication with major naval powers.

Britain would not pay attention to Prussia's request, because for a country that has always been a naval hegemon, it is just asking for trouble. It is equivalent to kicking itself in the foot and making itself uncomfortable.

And France is now eager for Prussia and Austria to fight each other.

On land, it is natural that Prussia does not want to put its energy on the sea. Such energetic Prussia will make it difficult for France to see this scene happen, especially since Napoleon III is still operating secretly.

In the slow evolution of the feud between Prussia and Austria, if the navy is involved, it will inevitably reduce the level. Bismarck and others are aware of France's little tricks, but few of them take Napoleon III seriously. He is just a clown. It's just a performance, sooner or later he will suffer.

Although they don't want to admit it, the relationship between Austria and Prussia this year, with Prussia developing rapidly, has threatened Austria's leadership position in the German Confederation. The two countries have faced leadership struggles in all aspects. This is a fact before them.

Others understood this, and William I understood it even more. In fact, many people, including many experts and professors in later generations, were discussing Bismarck's iron-blooded intelligence.

However, few people really make the most fair evaluation of William I. They all underestimated this man, who was in his 60s last year and had just taken over the throne of Prussia from his brother William IV who had no descendants. William I began to make bold moves. Open Ax, reused capable generals such as Bismarck and Moltke, and began to lay out various projects currently planned.

William I's old eyes flashed with wisdom, becoming stronger with age, and he said wisely: "That's why we made the plan."

The camera returns to the Netherlands, Amsterdam.

"Beginning last year, Prussia provoked the issue of the status of the two principalities of Holstein and Schleswig, and put pressure on Denmark step by step. The purpose was to create an atmosphere for Prussia to launch follow-up actions and gain public support and support. External support and understanding.

In fact, Prussia's plan was successful, and now the German Confederate residents of Holstein are very welcoming to integrating into Prussia.

At the same time, the smoke bomb of Schleswig also caused the locals to strongly reject Holstein. The latter's continued stay in Denmark attracted possible aggression from Prussia and even the German Confederation.

Therefore, many people in Schleswig hope that Denmark will agree to their idea of ​​adding Holstein to the German Confederation in order to avoid war.

However, Denmark's Frederic VII was hesitant. Perhaps Bismarck was too accurate in calculating even this detail. This was even more powerful for Bismarck's plan, and it actually allowed Prussia to reach the highest level of atmosphere it needed to create. Spend"

Foreign Minister Hesbert von was talking eloquently, and everyone else was listening attentively.

"In short, Prussia, which started in 1861, under the iron triangle framework of William I, Bismarck and Moltke Sr., has completed a sharp change in Prussia, which will make Prussia's future prospects promising."

"No, there is another Albrecht, von Ron." Prime Minister Tolbeck stood up at this time and said, "This person is the real right-hand man of William I, and he is the kind who hides behind the scenes."

William IV ignored the doubts of the others and said to himself: Sure enough, old ginger is still hotter!

Feng Ronan was William I's most loyal minister and the person William I trusted the most.

Because in Prussia and even the future German Empire, the top training officer, top logistics officer, and most respected instructor by officers and soldiers in all armies was von Rowan.

He firmly controlled William I's influence and loyalty in the military. This was why William I dared to let Bismarck and Moltke do whatever they wanted. The death was mine, and the victory and honor were shared by everyone. The reason for the bold strategy.

In addition to these, von Rowan's greatest achievement was to successfully reform the Prussian military system during the years of William I's regency and forge the sword of Prussian unification.

As he trained over the years, he had abandoned the old purely defensive reserve army system of the Napoleonic Wars that he had used when he first became Minister of War, and instead used a completely new armament plan designed to meet the needs of unifying the German Confederation.

In 1860, the Prussian army had only 140,000 people, while other major powers Austria and France had 310,000, 420,000, and Tsarist Russia had a terrifying 990,000. Therefore, the Prussian reform at that time became an urgent matter to fulfill the ambition of William I. .

In July last year, just half a year after William I succeeded to the throne, the Minister of War (Military Affairs Minister) Rowan proposed a military reform plan at the opening ceremony of the House of Representatives, calling for extending the service life of the army from 2 years to 3 years, abolishing the National Reserve Army, and replacing To equip the standing army, and use 9.5 million thalers as military expenditure per year. These measures meant that conscription increased from 40,000 to more than 60,000, the army also increased from 92 regiments to 147 regiments, and the peacetime troop strength increased from 140,000 to 210,000.

In order to support von Rowan, William I made a strong statement, believing that command and management power were his prerogatives. He firmly stated that he would rather follow the example of William III of the Netherlands and give up the throne than have the royal power be so restricted. At the same time, he would not I am willing to abandon the principle of three years of military service.

But it did not impress the House of Representatives. For this reason, William I secretly directed von Rowan to use the military group to dissolve the Parliament, implement the king's direct rule, and maintain legitimacy and monarchy unity.

However, what is surprising is that in the September election, the progressives once again gained the support of voters, regaining more than half of the support of 250 votes, and rejected the military reform bill.

So at this time, von Roon recommended his friend Otto von Bismarck, the ambassador to the Second French Empire. Bismarck cooperated and finally passed the military reform in seven rounds and eight rounds. This was also the first time that von Roon showed his face in front of everyone. And he still appeared with such a shocking iron-blooded image, which can be said to have attracted the attention of not only Prussia and the German Confederation, but also the entire Europe.

Therefore, after Tolbeck said this name, others were confused and recalled everything he had done. He was indeed worthy of this name. After all, just recommending Bismarck was enough to make him different.

"Yes, Haysbet, in fact, the iron triangle is indeed a good idea, but this iron triangle is actually Bismarck, Moltke Sr., von Rowan, and William I. It is hidden behind the scenes and controlling everything."

He secretly said: King, don’t we all need this?

A king who writes about himself in newspapers every morning to grab headlines. That can only be said to be a star, just like the president of the United States in his previous life.

This is also the reason why he has rarely reported in recent times. However, occasionally, increasing exposure is nothing. After all, you still need to brush up your presence.

For example, he is currently preparing for his lifelong event, and he is preparing to launch it in a way that will cause a sensation in Europe.

However, it is still under preparation, so there is no rush. The main reason is that there are many suitable candidates for the target, such as Princess Alexandra, the eldest daughter of Christian IX of Denmark, Princess Alice of Queen Victoria of the British Empire, and Helen. Princess Alexandra of Alexander II of Tsarist Russia, Princess Louise of William I of the Kingdom of Prussia.

Today’s second chapter, there will be another chapter to supplement yesterday’s second chapter.