Chapter 321: Chapter 8, Austria’s Preparation
Due to the distance, it took over two months for news of the outbreak of the American Civil War to reach Vienna.

Looking at the intelligence in his hands, Prime Minister Felix complained, “It seems we’ve supported a pig-headed ally!”

From the perspective of a bystander, the Southern Government’s initiation of the war was undoubtedly self-inflicted hardship. Regardless of whether they could ultimately force the Northern government to compromise, it was a loss they could not afford.

Foreign Minister Weisenberg sighed and said, “No, the Southern Government is not foolish; they have their reasons for being so bold.

If things had continued as they were, the Southern Government would have found it challenging to escape the influence of foreign countries. For the sake of their future interests, they decided to take a risk—after all, they have England, France, Spain, and us to fall back on.”

Finance Minister Karl questioned, “But the timing of the Southern Government’s initiation of war is off. The Northern States weren’t even prepared for war. They could have postponed the war for a few more months.”

Foreign Minister Weisenberg explained, “If we had waited a few more months, the Northern Government would have compromised. Don’t be fooled by the Lincoln administration’s war cries; the Northern Government hardly has a few soldiers in its hands.

The political structure of the United States is different from that of European countries; their states have too much power, and the power of the Central Government has been diminished.

Each state has its own military, and if they don’t get the state governments’ permission, the Northern Government has no right to command these troops.

Their control over the states is even less than our control over a few sub-states. After the departure of the Southern officers, the military strength of the Central Government is not even comparable to some of the more powerful Federal States.

Before the South made its move, most of the American public was against civil war. The capitalists indeed support the Northern Government, but they are not going to carry guns onto the battlefield.

Under the interference of other countries, many Federal States have already said ‘no’ to the Federal Government. The number of Union States willing to send troops will not exceed ten; the Lincoln government does not have the military strength to resolve the Southern Government by force.

Without fighting a battle to showcase their strength, how can the Southern Government be autonomous? European countries support them, but it’s not without a cost!”

Interest blinds people; even knowing the dangers, they still take risks.

Franz interjected, “Well, no matter what the Southern Government thinks, the war has already broken out. The life and death of the Americans have nothing to do with us.

For us, the primary goal is to split the United States. Although the situation has gotten out of control, it has not reached the worst-case scenario.

The United States is geographically blessed, having never experienced brutal warfare, and now is the time for them to get a taste of it.”

Franz can’t help but be vigilant. Even if it’s split in two, both of these Americas have the foundation of a hegemon; division merely delays their growth.

The Southern Government is easy to handle; since they like plantation economics, let them continue with it. An agricultural nation won’t become a threat, and Franz doesn’t mind helping them solve their labor problems.

The Northern Government is different; once they complete industrialization, they will undergo a qualitative change. Driven by interest, they’ve started to expand—who can stop them?

Even if Franz is determined to intervene again, with Spain in decline, would England and France be willing to exert themselves to the limit?

Using political means to split the United States still hides a killer move. Once America is divided, the Federal Government’s dignity is inevitably undermined, further weakening its influence over the Federal States.

If Southern States can leave the United States of America for their interests, the other States can also break away.

Once the seeds of division are sown, the Northern Government will have their hands full in the future. Just think—a Federal State threatens independence if there’s disagreement, and that’s enough to make any government collapse.

For example: if a state finds itself at a disadvantage in the Federal Government, it could step out and negotiate with the Central Government. If their interests are not met, they may seek independence.

Or, for instance: if there’s a conflict of interest between Federal States, which side does the Federal Government take? By supporting one side, the other may stir up independence. If it’s not well-handled, several States might declare independence together.

In sowing discord, the British are the best; Austria doesn’t even need to enter the fray personally. In no more than twenty years, the American Continent will be like the European Continent, filled with small countries.

Unfortunately, Franz’s grand plan was cut short just as it began. The civil war erupted, and the Federal government certainly gained command over the various state armies. With military power in hand, the Central Government’s control over the states naturally moved up a notch.

It won’t be long before President Lincoln amends the constitution to patch it up, eliminating the legal basis for states to freely secede from the Federation.

Minister of Internal Affairs, Prince Windischgrätz, suggested, “Your Majesty, why not order the Ocean-going Fleet to the Americas as soon as possible, to first establish a foothold in the Central American region, laying the foundation for armed intervention.”

This foothold is certainly not just a port. It must be able to station tens of thousands of troops and ensure the supply of basic materials, a small area simply won’t do.

Franz shook his head, “There’s no need to hurry, we can proceed at the normal pace. First, let’s discuss where we should establish this foothold.”

Colonial Minister József Jellacic responded, “Your Majesty, in terms of resources, Nicaragua is the most suitable. We could borrow a piece of land there.

If we were to intervene by force in the future, we could also choose to strike from the Western Pacific, attacking the American West Coast and forcing the Northern government to recognize the independence of the Southern Government.”

Looking at the map, Franz’s eyes lit up. In this era, the Panama Canal had not yet been opened, and the favorable geographical location of the Americans had not been fully realized.

With the main force of the American Navy currently on the East Coast, the defense of the West Coast was relatively weak. Once threatened with war, regardless of whether the Northern government would compromise, the West Coast states would definitely withdraw from the conflict.

Without these states, the population advantage of the North American government would no longer be prominent. Without enough military superiority, winning the war would be nearly impossible.

England, France, and Spain were not pushovers either. With their navies blockading the East Coast, or even bombarding it, the Northern government would have no choice but to compromise.

At least the Eastern financiers couldn’t endure it. They couldn’t bear the cost of their foundations being destroyed and continue to support the Northern government in the fight.

Franz hesitated a bit, “The plan is good, but this way we have to station another naval fleet on the West Coast and coordinate with the British to ensure we can receive supplies from Canada.”

Foreign Minister Weisenberg responded, “Your Majesty, there are no diplomatic issues. We have already signed a secret agreement with England, France, and Spain to jointly intervene in the American civil war.

Once the United States splits, the British will be the biggest winners, so they have no reason to refuse.”

After examining the map, Franz made a decision: “Reallocate five divisions from domestic forces, two of which will be sent to the Southeast Asia region in batches, and send our reliable Vienna Armored Ship to the Southeast Asia region as well.

For the short term, we will expand those two large islands in the Southeast Asia region, along with the surrounding subsidiary islands. At the same time, prepare for an expedition to America.

The remaining three divisions, one sent to the Central American region, and two to the African Continent, to give the impression that we are accelerating our colonial process overseas.”

The Ocean-going Fleet will be divided, leaving two ironclad ships and a portion of the supporting fleet in Nicaragua, while the rest continue visiting countries in America.

Don’t rush, the American civil war is not something that can be resolved in a day or two. It’s sufficient for the army to be in place within two years, and for the navy to proceed at a normal rhythm.”

In times of deception, what’s fake can appear true.

Franz’s plan wasn’t haphazard—the history had already changed, and no one knew what the outcome of the American Civil War would be.

Whether armed intervention was necessary, and when to intervene, were all unknowns. Austria’s strategic plan couldn’t possibly revolve around the American Civil War.

Otherwise, if the American Civil War dragged on without resolution, and the opportunity for intervention did not arise, could the Austrian army keep waiting indefinitely?

Intervention also had to consider the costs. Therefore, Franz decided to colonize and prepare for military intervention simultaneously.

As for the Ocean-going Fleet, when it came time to visit the Southern Government, they might as well be sold to them. By this time next year, the Northern navy would likely be blockading the South.

To take advantage of a crisis, and try to sell them at a sky-high price. Franz felt no pressure—the money of the slave owners was too good not to earn.