The Rise of the Empire

"Father, this is a new test report from the navy. According to this report, the armor that we successfully experimented with has an overwhelming advantage over all current armors, whether it's steel-faced armor or a new one made by the French. The nickel-steel armor of the world has been thrown far away by us. From a technical point of view, we can completely monopolize the armor of all naval warships in the world. The huge economic benefits it brings can completely solve the various difficulties the kingdom is currently facing. ." Ruprecht sent a report to his father, Crown Prince Ludwig III.

The middle-aged crown prince turned a few pages lightly and did not answer, but looked at Earl Schelling, the palace administrator standing beside him. The latter is responsible for the main daily work of the Bavarian royal family, not only internally, but also externally.

"The navy is very satisfied with the new armor and expressed its willingness to order. From the current point of view, the old marquis also supports overseas expansion, and the construction of the navy has been mentioned on the agenda. At present, only we can produce within the empire. With this kind of armor, we have no chance of losing money." Earl Schelling's few words succinctly explained the current situation.

Although Bavaria generally does not have an influence on the general policies of the empire, it is still aware of every move within the empire. When the 1890s approached, when the domestic industry in Germany was becoming more and more saturated and needed more markets and raw material origins, outward expansion became a historical necessity. A German leader who wants to "fight for the map under the sun". The Jagged Prime Minister Bismarck was also such a person, and he got more and received few counterattacks. This is a problem of means and technology. From this point of view, it is not bad to say that William II was a bear boy, and the benefits are not profitable. How many, the enemy has a bunch of baskets! You must know that almost all of Germany's colonies in Africa were obtained during the Bismarck era. Wilhelm II shouted for a long time, what benefits did he get?

And now that there are colonies, and there are disputes with certain countries (for example, the dispute with the United States in Samoa), and the original warships are unusable, then building new ships has become inevitable! Unlike some shipbuilding traversers, the current situation is profitable for Ruprecht anyway. After all, the Admiralty may be blind to Tarzan, but no matter what ship you build, you need it. Armor steel! Without the semicolon, tell me, what can you choose?

"Very well, your subordinates can communicate with Earl Schelling about the specific matters. When it comes to funds, you can contact Earl Hohenstein, the head of the royal treasury. I will find someone to say hello to the Navy." People's words dispelled the last trace of His Highness the Crown Prince's concerns. This matter is settled as it is, and we agree in principle. As for how to do it, you can decide for yourself.

"You have done a good job of this, but I hope you can still look at the country from the eyes of a ruler rather than a capitalist. We need to see how to change this country from a global perspective. I have already made another plan of yours. I've read it, but I'm not a professional, and I need a professional person to discuss it with you. Another question I want to talk to you today is the status of Bavaria in the future empire and even the whole of Central Europe. I want to hear your opinion ." The crown prince asked, closing the document at hand.

"The bridge between Central Europe, the link between the German Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire." Ruprecht's answer is very simple and very realistic! This is the decision most in line with Bavaria's national conditions at present. Do a good job of economy and transportation first, and talk about other things later. Politics and diplomacy cannot be casually expressed, or in other words, in the face of Prussia, which is far stronger than itself, Bavaria can survive until now, which is completely the result of seeing the wind. At this point, Ruprecht also had to give a thumbs up to his ancestors!

You must know that before the unification of Germany, the kingdoms and duchies were not just the current ones. After the outbreak of the Austro-Prussian War,

Prussia not only squeezed out Austria-Hungary, but also ate up a group of small princes such as the Kingdom of Hanover and the Principality of Hesse, and why was Bavaria spared? Because they did not fulfill their obligations with Austria at the time, they did not provide much help. Therefore, after the war, it was not settled by the old William and the Prime Minister Qiuhou, and because Bavaria did have some power, it maintained a relatively independent status, plus a considerable amount of government funding in exchange for Bavaria's support.

And now, Austria-Hungary needs to rely on Germany's strength to compete with Russia for the Balkans, and it can almost be called Germany's little brother. Isn't Bavaria asking for fun if it jumps at this time? And from the current situation, the treatment is not bad, there is nothing to make a fuss about

"Although Bavaria is very barren in terms of mineral resources, it is located in the center of Germany and Austria! At the same time, a large number of rivers pass through the territory. If the development of inland shipping, it will greatly help Bavaria's economy and status. At the same time as the relationship, we should also strengthen the relationship with the Austro-Hungarian Empire appropriately, after all, the two sides are very close in terms of historical heritage and blood, and it is necessary for us to maintain it." Ruprecht said.

There is a basis for saying this. In history, when the Habsburg dynasty was strong, Bavaria was Austria's younger brother. The relationship between the two parties is very good. As for the blood relationship, the relationship is even closer. Know Princess Sissi, she is a side branch of the Bavarian royal family Wittelsbach family, and his father also served in the Bavarian court. In terms of seniority, she is still Ruprecht's aunt! Considering her husband, the Bavarian ancestry of Austrian Emperor Fritz, the relationship between the two parties in blood relationship is even closer!

In any case, the two sides still have a traditional friendship and a blood relationship! In addition, Bohemia, the most important industrial area in Austria, is based on Bavaria, and this place is later called the Czech Republic, and there is also a world-renowned famous arms manufacturer - Skoda! If Ruprecht wants to do something in the future, he can find technical support from his aunt's house. Therefore, a good relationship with Austria-Hungary has both historical significance and practical benefits!

"At the same time, we also need to develop agriculture and improve arable land. The German Empire is not self-sufficient in food, and domestic food production can only meet about 70% of the demand, while the land in Bavaria is relatively poor, and we need to import more food than other regions. , and if we can achieve food self-sufficiency as much as possible, then our government's finances will be much better. Food self-sufficiency is also the cornerstone of the stability of the kingdom!" As the saying goes, if you have food in your hands, don't panic. The reason for Germany's final end in World War 1 is that No food.

Although self-sufficiency is now impossible under Bavarian conditions, it is still good to save some money on imported food, and if Ruprecht remembers correctly, German food tariffs may rise, and every year Bavaria is getting more money out of its wallet again.

"Well, very good, very realistic." In short, the crown prince is still very satisfied with Wang Changsun's plan to improve logistics and transportation, develop agriculture, and vigorously support high-end manufacturing. He said two more words: "Your uncle will come over tomorrow afternoon. He is a stern person and a real soldier. You have to pay more attention to your words!"

"Yes. My father." Ruprecht nodded earnestly. Compared with his father, this afternoon was much more difficult to deal with!

Thanks to book friend JhonnyRidden for the reward~~~, by the way, new and old book friends, can you please click on the collection and vote for the recommendation? ? The new book has just been uploaded, and it's not easy to mix sideways~~~.