Leopold II was still seething with anger. "Austria needs to show its stance on this matter as well!"
Joseph II, feeling exhausted, waved his hand to cut him off. "General Würmser has just suffered a defeat at Rochefort. The German states are all watching our reaction. We must deliver a strong response to the Prussians."
Leopold II's gaze lowered imdiately.
He was well aware that, due to his brother's reforms, Austria's nobility was extrely discontented and unwilling to contribute to the state. Additionally, regions like Bohemia, Croatia, and Hungary were also resisting the royal family because the reforms had infringed upon their interests[1].
In this situation, Austria simply didn't have the strength to engage in a decisive battle with Prussia. But if they allowed the Southern Netherlands to gain independence, the German states would likely perceive Austria as weak and align themselves with Prussia.
This was an outco that could not be tolerated!
Joseph II paused for a few seconds before continuing, "Our only chance of defeating Prussia now lies in securing support from France. Since Clentine is not betrothed to the French Prince, let's let this matter go."
Leopold II understood the stakes and reluctantly nodded, but then sothing else occurred to him. He looked at his brother and said, "Your Majesty, although we are allied with France through marriage, according to the supplental agreent that Gravier signed with us, France is not obligated to provide us with military assistance."
The Gravier he referred to was Count Vergennes, Louis XV's Foreign Minister, who had arranged the marriage between Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI. However, as a shrewd politician, Vergennes had skillfully avoided committing France to any military obligations when Austria had sought their alliance.
In fact, despite their historic enmity, France and Austria had rarely supported each other since their marriage alliance, which had been driven by short-term interests.
"I know," Joseph II nodded. "That's why we need to do everything we can to persuade Antoinette—after all, she is our sister.
"Additionally, France seems very interested in the trade agreent with the Southern German states. We can offer them so concessions in this area in exchange for their military support."
Austria's original plan was to make it difficult for France to easily enter the Southern German market. They intended to include nurous restrictive clauses in the trade agreent between France and Germany and to build high tariff barriers for countries like Bavaria and Württemberg to ensure that Austria remained the dominant power in this market.
However, circumstances had changed, and Austria now had to make concessions in this area to secure France's military assistance.
Fortunately, the French were willing to accept high tariffs from the German states, as long as tariffs on certain goods like iron and machinery were lowered. This was sothing Austria could agree to.
Additionally, Austria could use this trade agreent to enter the French market.
No matter how the trade agreent was structured, as long as the French provided military support, it would ensure that Austria's reforms could continue.
And that was what Joseph II valued most!
His reforms could not be halted, or Austria would eventually lose its status as a leading European power.
...
In the spacious corridors of Schönbrunn Palace, Talleyrand followed a court official as they quickly made their way to Leopold II's reception room.
He had been summoned by Leopold II and had just returned from the negotiations in Munich.
As Talleyrand recalled Leopold II's letter, he couldn't help but marvel. Last month, when leaving Strasbourg, the Prince had told him that Austria was likely to suffer a defeat in the Southern Netherlands. And sure enough, Würmser had been crushed by Duke Brunswick.
Following the Prince's instructions, Talleyrand expected that Austria's leadership—likely the Emperor or the State Minister—would seek his counsel about France providing military assistance to Austria.
And so ca this summons from Leopold II, who was effectively Austria's Crown Prince.
Straightening his posture, Talleyrand prepared to implent the subsequent steps that the Prince had planned.
In the reception room, after so brief pleasantries, Leopold II steered the conversation toward the conflict in the Southern Netherlands: "As I ntioned earlier, General Würmser has withdrawn the main force to the forests near Luxembourg, preserving most of our troops.
"This ans we still maintain significant military pressure on the rebels."
Talleyrand knew that although Austrian casualties were not severe, the claim of "maintaining pressure" was diplomatic rhetoric—Brücher's 20,000-strong army and over 10,000 Dutch rebels were blocking the western side of Luxembourg. If they hadn't feared an ambush in the Black Forest, they would have already pushed the Austrian forces into Bavaria.
Of course, the French supplies were also a crucial reason why Würmser could hold his ground; otherwise, the Austrian army would have to compete with Luxembourg's farrs for potatoes to stave off hunger.
Talleyrand rely smiled at Leopold II without responding.
Leopold II, feeling a bit awkward, continued, "His Majesty the Emperor has decided to mobilize 80,000 troops to Luxembourg to show Wilhelm II how foolish it is to interfere in the Southern Netherlands.
"However, the Prussians may also reinforce their positions. Additionally, the Dutch have provided significant aid to the rebels.
"While His Majesty's army is confident in defeating any enemy, the campaign could drag on for a long ti, which would be financially burdenso."
He glanced at Talleyrand: "But if Austria's close ally, France, could provide so nearby military support, it would greatly accelerate the Prussians' defeat."
Leopold II paused and looked directly at the French Foreign Minister: "His Majesty also instructed to inform you that Austria will consider France's interests in the negotiations of the 'Seine-Rhine Trade Agreent.'"
The Seine-Rhine Trade Agreent was the new na that had erged from the recent discussions among the various nations' representatives. The Seine symbolized France, while the Rhine River ran through the Southern German states. The na also captured France's proposal to use inland waterways for trade.
Leopold II added, "I hope you will relay His Majesty's ssage to the King of France as soon as possible. I look forward to even closer cooperation between our two nations."
Talleyrand nodded, recalling the Prince's instructions, and smiled, saying, "Your Majesty, in fact, upon learning of the situation in the Southern Netherlands, His Majesty the King of France has already authorized to negotiate a military assistance agreent with you at any ti."
Leopold II was overjoyed at this, thinking that his sister still cared deeply about her holand. Even before he could ask, she had already prepared to send reinforcents to Austria.
Friends, if you want to read chapters in advance, subscribe to my patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon/johanssen10
User Comments
0 comments from readers