Romanian Eagle

The time entered mid-June. After a defeat with the Romanians, the endurance of the Austro-Hungarian people seemed to have finally reached its limit. There have been more incidents of blatantly promoting anti-war rhetoric on the streets, and the attitude of the local government has become more subtle. They are not punishing these people, as if they hadn't discovered it. The waves lurking in the dark began to appear in the eyes of the world, which made the environment in Austria-Hungary worrying.

Now it seems that anyone can criticize the various measures of the government. The public is starving because of this war, while the officials are drinking and drinking. The government oppresses ethnic minorities to deprive each other of their right to live. These remarks, which were completely dared not to be said in the past, are now popping up all over the country.

In Prague, Bohemia (formerly known as the Czech Republic), a lot of people gathered in a manor outside the city. These are people of considerable renown in the region, and they are now gathered together to discuss a major event concerning the future of the nation. The surrounding windows were heavily curtained, and vigilant guards lined the perimeter. And the voices pierced from time to time in the hall made the guards look around more vigilantly.

"Everyone has seen the current war situation. The defeat of this war is inevitable. At this time, we must make our own prudent decision for the future of the Czechs. Please note that your decision will be recorded in the history books in the future, so that future generations will Appreciate the dedication of our nation for independence. In addition, I would like to tell you good news that President Masaryk has received a batch of military and economic aid from the United States, which will provide great assistance to our independence cause."

A tall and thin middle-aged man was speaking generously to the participants about the importance of this secret gathering. And what he called Masaryk was the leader of the Bohemian independence movement.

This Masaryk was born on March 7, 1850 in Khondonen, Moravia. Graduated from the University of Vienna with a Ph.D.

In 1882, he was a professor of philosophy at Charles University, and he founded publications such as "Athens Literature" and "Times", criticizing the autocracy and national oppression of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Elected to the Austrian Reichstag several times.

In 1900, the Czech People's Party was created (renamed the Czech Progressive Party in 1905), seeking to realize the autonomy of the Czechs within the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

After the outbreak of the war, Masaryk went into exile in December 1914 because his strong claim to autonomy was not in the interests of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. During this period, he used his prestige to unite the Czechs abroad to carry out propaganda against the Austro-Hungarian Empire, hoping to fight for national independence with the support of the Allies. And he also organized the Czechoslovak Corps in Russia, France, Italy and other countries to support the Entente. After his unremitting efforts, finally in 1916 in Paris, he established the Czech National Committee and served as its chairman.

As he calls Masaryk as chairman, it can be seen that he is not a member of the Czech Progressive Party, nor a member of the Czechoslovak National Council established in Paris.

"Mr. SStefanik,

You said that after our independence, what should we do with the industries belonging to the Austro-Hungarian Empire? "

A fat-headed man stood up and asked, and he did not sit down after he had finished, but waited for the answer from Mr. ŠStefanik.

This sentence caused quite a stir in the meeting hall, because in Bohemia, there were too many assets belonging to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. As a rare coal and iron area in the empire, the government has invested a lot of money to develop it over the years. After years of accumulation, these wealth can make many people jealous, and they can't wait to rush to eat a mouthful of oil.

The middle-aged man, known as ŠStefanik, glanced at the dead fat man, and took in the actions of many people present. At the same time, I despised the short-sighted and greedy actions of these people in my heart. If you haven't succeeded independently, you just want to take advantage. Sooner or later, these people will be eliminated. However, before the meeting, he had discussed with Chairman Masaryk that these industries could be distributed to some local influential people.

So he looked at everyone's actions and said: "We have already discussed the question of Mr. Krones. In the future, when the nation becomes independent, we will unconditionally nationalize these industries to compensate the Austro-Hungarian government for these years. The oppression of our nation. After taking it back, we will auction these properties and let the capable people continue to operate.”

Everyone who was present knew what SStefanik said, this was an intention to use these Austro-Hungarian industries as a reward. Nationalization, auctions and other actions are just to hide from the public.

ŠStefanik's answer did not let the fat-headed Mr. Krones sit down, but he asked again, "Mr. Benes, do you agree with Šstefanik's suggestion?"

With Krones' words, let those present turn their attention to a middle-aged man with baldness and glasses. This should be Mr. Benes.

In the face of Krones' inquiry, the Mr. Benes stood up and said: "I agree with Mr. ŠStefanik's suggestion. It has a huge impact on our national independence cause, and I have no reason to oppose it. This kind of advice that benefits the nation."

Benez's words finally pushed the Mr. Krones back into his seat. As for this nit-picking Krones, everyone present knew that he was a factory owner who made his fortune by purchasing grain and then worked in the textile industry. It wasn't his wealth that made him famous, it was his greed. Working in his factory is generally 10-15% lower than other factories. However, thanks to the fact that he knows many big people and the price is relatively low, the products of his factory have never been short of sales, which can actually make more wealth.

He had always supported the Vienna government before, but now that he saw that Austria-Hungary was on the verge of going, he immediately threw himself into the cause of supporting independence. It can be regarded as a standard wall grass, and it is also a greedy wall grass. In fact, people like Krones are not few in today's secret gatherings. However, in order to take care of the overall situation, and these people also have a lot of power in the local area, they still have to be pulled in.

As for why he asked Benes for his opinion? Quite simply, because Benes is the leader of the Czech National Party. This was very influential among Czech intellectuals, businessmen, and landowners. They advocated the right to self-government through the Austro-Hungarian government, so they formed radical and moderate factions with Masaryk's National Progressive Party. And now Benez's words represent the same interests of the two factions, so this can convince Krones.

Now that the representative two parties have agreed, this has also strengthened the confidence of many people who have a wait-and-see mood.

Seeing this situation, Šstefanik immediately said, "Now let's vote by show of hands on whether to mobilize people to take to the streets to protest against the war."

After speaking, he raised his right hand, and the crowd of people in the hall basically raised their hands, even those who were still hesitant, immediately raised their hands when they saw such a situation, and some people were even about to stand up.

Seeing that everyone agreed, Šstefanik said: "Then we decided to launch a public demonstration against the war in three days. This time we must show Vienna our determination. I hope everyone will do their best. Come to mobilize the people, and future history will remember this day."

ŠStefanik's words made many people feel that they were making history, and many people showed a sacred expression, as if they had been sublimated.

This secret meeting was a complete success.

After most of the people were gone, Benes found ŠStefanik alone.

When there were only two of them, Benes couldn't help asking: "This time Britain and France really agree to let us occupy Slovakia and other places in the future?"

Facing Benes' question, ŠStefanik nodded and replied: "Yes, this is what British Prime Minister George and French Prime Minister Clemenceau told us personally. As long as we can keep Vienna busy, they will take Slovakia. The region is allocated to us to establish a new country. Think about it, how much help it will be to our new country in the future, and Masaryk has talked with the United States, and the United States agrees with the attitude of the United States. This is our opportunity. , never give up.”

ŠStefanik said at the end, with a determined look on his face, it seems that he has been obsessed with Slovakia.

It is true that the Czech region has developed industry, but the population is less than five million. If the Slovak region is added, then the pressure of the underpopulation can be alleviated to some extent. Moreover, the agriculture in Slovakia can also fill the gaps in the Czech region, which will be of great benefit to the new country in the future.

"I just don't know how the people in the Slovak region will react. There are also the most autonomous parties in the region, especially the Slovak Democratic Party."

Facing Benez's concerns, ShStefanik said nonchalantly: "This is the decision of the Allied Powers. Do these Slovaks dare to oppose it?"

Stefanik's words, Benes said after thinking for a while. "That's true."

"Let's prepare for the parade now. If something goes wrong this time, it will be a disaster."

After three days of preparation, on June 23. Brno, Ostrava, Pilsen, Karlovy Vary and other places in the Czech region. A large number of people gathered and launched a massive anti-war game. Under the slogan "Bread, not war," they gathered to denounce the government's inaction. And the most powerful is of course in Prague, where nearly 200,000 people gathered for anti-war demonstrations. The number of anti-war demonstrations in the entire Czech region exceeded the one million mark, and such a scale left the government helpless. And the appeasement order from Vienna was not recognized by the people.

Anti-war games in the Czech region stimulated other regions. After seeing the government's incompetent response, demonstrations broke out one after another in Croatia, Bohemia, the Kingdom of Hungary and other regions. These demonstrations affected all classes in Austria-Hungary. Even in Austria, where the Habsburg family made their fortune, large-scale demonstrations broke out. This made the already crumbling Austro-Hungarian Empire even worse.

Now that Franz I is resurrected, there is no way to quell the anger of the people. The Austro-Hungarian regime became dangerous.