Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 307 Italy's Collaboration
Maximilian had already begun his journey to the throne with 4000 Austrian soldiers, landing at Cupelo and quickly conquering large swathes of the surrounding area. Garibaldi, after conquering Sicily, was also advancing towards Naples; whoever entered the capital first would gain the upper hand.

The royalists in Naples jointly issued a proclamation recognizing Maximilian as king. The people, meanwhile, were divided between the royalists and the revolutionaries, seeing who could offer them the most benefits.

The people of Naples were caught in a dilemma. Some supported Maximilian, believing his reforms would bring stability and prosperity; others supported Garibaldi, convinced that only revolution could fundamentally change their fate. Clashes frequently broke out between supporters of the two factions in the streets, sometimes even escalating into small-scale brawls.

Maximilian was well aware of this, and upon landing, he personally drafted his own policy platform. He announced plans to simplify the tax system, encourage industry, and bring benefits to farmers.

Maximilian's policy platform caused a huge uproar in Naples. His promises, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, stirred up ripples. Farmers began to whisper among themselves, and workers discussed this "savior" from Austria in the streets and alleys. Even the middle class, who had previously been skeptical of the royalists, began to waver.

The landowners and nobles were also prepared to make some sacrifices. Even Russia had reformed; if they didn't change, they might end up like Louis XVI.

Meanwhile, Garibaldi's Redshirts were advancing north. Their ranks swept through villages and towns like a red torrent. Garibaldi, standing on his wagon, waved his flag and shouted, "For the unity of Italy! For the freedom of the people!"

His voice was like a fire, igniting the passion of countless people. Farmers flocked to join his ranks, and workers laid down their tools and took up arms. The Red Shirts grew rapidly, but their supplies became increasingly strained.

Not only here, but internationally, Austria and France, two long-time rivals, clashed again over this war. Both countries attempted to expand their spheres of influence and weaken the other through war, alliances, and diplomacy. Napoleon III, in particular, became a formidable opponent for Austria.

Franz is determined to put his brother on the throne this time, and has therefore amassed an army of over 30,000 in Venice, most of whom were recruited in Bohemia. It seems that loyalty there has been significantly improved.

Franz also planned a violent dismantling of Hungary. He indicated he might secede the Duchy of Transylvania from Hungary, which enraged the Hungarians, causing nationalist sentiment to rise rapidly. Some radicals even began organizing an armed uprising, attempting to overthrow Austrian rule.

Franz also attempted to isolate France through diplomatic means and to win over Britain and Prussia. He sent envoys to London and Berlin, promising cooperation on economic and German issues in exchange for their support.

Although Napoleon III maintained a facade of neutrality, he secretly provided Garibaldi with weapons and financial support. He hoped that Garibaldi could hold off Austria and buy time for French interests in Italy.

While outwardly supporting Austria, Prussia secretly awaited an opportunity. They believed Austria's military actions in Italy would deplete its national strength, creating a chance for Prussia. Maximilian's struggle for the throne not only ignited war in Italy but also sparked fierce competition among the European powers. The conflict between Austria and France escalated again; France sought support from Spain, while Austria turned to members of the German Confederation for sympathy. No one wanted the other to benefit, especially not their adversaries.

The Apennine Peninsula has historically been a contested sphere of influence between France and Austria, a situation that has remained unchanged since the Italian Wars of the 16th century. Since the 19th century, there have been three Alpine Wars, occurring in 1805, 1809, and 1859. These wars, to some extent, altered the political landscape of continental Europe and had a profound impact on France, the Austrian Empire, and Italy.

France used this war to further solidify its dominant position in continental Europe. During Napoleon's era, France's expansionist ambitions intensified, and it acquired more territory and expanded its sphere of influence through war. Austria's defeat in the Alpine Wars weakened its position and influence in Europe. Under such circumstances, restoring its prestige would be a difficult task. But with support, Franz was no longer afraid. As long as his friend's support remained, coupled with his advice, Austria would surely be able to turn the tide.

"Your Majesty, since we announced the re-establishment of the Duchy of Transylvania, there have been more uprisings in Hungary."

Count Rothenloven explained the situation in Hungary to Franz, assuring him that the Hungarians would certainly not relinquish the land they had acquired. However, the local Romanians welcomed this development, as Romanians had become the majority in Transylvania since its establishment, and they could use their numerical advantage to suppress the Hungarians.

Franz tapped his fingertips on the edge of the table, the rhythm as oppressive as a war drum. He remembered Naserdin's advice: "The mob needs the gallows, while others need sweets." He stopped abruptly. "Tell Count Andraci that if he cooperates with Transylvania's autonomy, his family can receive the estates west of the Tisza River."

Franz secretly authorized Transylvania to form a Romanian rifle regiment, trained by Austrian officers. He also decided to decouple the Hungarian forint from the Austrian telomere and allow Transylvania to use the silver guilder for settlement. Krakow bankers, like sharks smelling blood, dumped all their Hungarian government bonds overnight.

Although the Hungarians sacrificed much for Austria, what Austria needed was a Hungarian willing to give to the empire, not one that only knew how to take. If war hadn't taught them a lesson, then let's try again.

Not only Bohemia and Romania, but Croatia was also on the agenda. Granting them some rights would ensure their unwavering loyalty. This was the only way the Habsburgs could secure their position in the empire.

"Furthermore, no matter what newspaper it is, write to me that the Hungarians plan to collude with Sardinia to destroy Austria. Write to me day and night, without stopping for a moment."

Franz also recognized the power of public opinion, and in order to control it, the government founded the Austrian Daily News and began distributing it nationwide.

(End of this chapter)