The Rise of the Empire

"Then there is the transformation of the Czech Legion! The Czech-dominated army is the second largest army in the entire Austrian Legion. It is difficult for a purely German army to meet the needs of future battles, and the Czechs are an indispensable force. Their There is no doubt about the level of combat effectiveness and equipment, the most important thing is loyalty, their nobles still have some loyalty to Austria-Hungary, but as the battle continues, the loss of officers, the newly promoted people can be said to be men." Prince After thinking about it, he said.

The Czechs have been loyal subjects of the Habsburg royal family for hundreds of years. After the beginning of the First World War, the loyalty of the Czech Legion was still acceptable. But as the officers died and changed, the new civilian class had no affection for this decaying empire, so their combat effectiveness and willpower continued to decline. What the prince needs to do is to delay this process.

"Support a new class! As a supplement to the noble class, and then establish a Czech army composed of this class." The prince said his plan.

"This seems to be a political issue, not a military issue." The Kaiser said with a slight frown.

"Military and politics are inseparable. We must suppress the independence of the Czechs and establish a class whose interests depend on Germany. I call this class the comprador class. Fight against the trend of independence with the old nobles and stabilize the situation in Austria. , the Bohemia region is the most important industrial base in the entire Austro-Hungarian Empire, and its stability is crucial to the future war situation.”

"We can let this class act as the agent of the German Empire in Austria, let them participate in some German investments, and give them some commercial and political benefits. As a price, they must support Habs politically and militarily Fort royal family, maintain the military alliance between Germany and Austria, and take up arms against those independent factions when necessary!"

"The Germans plus some Czechs can almost guarantee the stability of Austria. What about Hungary? What are your plans? The Hungarian army may not welcome the Germans." The Kaiser thought for a while and said.

"This issue is more difficult to deal with. Since the Austro-Hungarian Empire became a dual empire, Austria has been emphasizing its independence all the time. When they consider many issues, they are self-centered, but it does not mean that we have no chance to influence They. Don’t forget that there are also many ethnic minorities in Hungary, and the rule of the Hungarians is not stable.”

"The Hungarian military and the prime minister also need an army that can suppress other ethnic groups. They need advanced equipment, training, and all kinds of help, and we can provide them, as long as I can control their supplies. .We forge for them this long sword, which needs to maintain the entire Austro-Hungarian Empire, and if there is a disagreement, we can also destroy it."

"That's hard to do," said the Kaiser.

"A shrewd Hungarian government should understand that the existence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire does require the support of Hungary, but the territorial integrity of Hungary can only be achieved under the premise of the existence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Otherwise, without the support of Austria, Hungary may not be able to cope with it." Poles, Slovaks, Slavs and Magyars in the country. What we need is to find such a person and support him."

"Are you interfering in the politics of the Austro-Hungarian Empire under the guise of military affairs? Is it really good to calculate your future father-in-law like this?" The Kaiser said with a smile.

"Only in this way can Austria-Hungary survive,

Otherwise, as long as there is a little pressure from the outside, the internal separatist forces can dismember the empire. After the end of the Austro-Prussian War, the Austro-Hungarian Empire relied largely on the political wisdom of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but this situation did not allow it to survive the war, and the help from allies was essential. "

"What about military equipment?" The Kaiser remembered the original question again.

"This can only be increased within the scope allowed by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. There should not be too many troops in peacetime, but it is necessary to strengthen the accumulation of military reserves and personnel, and a large number of personnel who have received a certain degree of reserve training are needed. In order to expand the army in wartime."

"Equipment can be appropriately improved. The cost of a large number of equipment is relatively cheap, and it is convenient for mass production. Mortars and various short-barreled howitzers for defensive operations are enough. The number of large-caliber heavy artillery and cannons can be appropriately reduced. After all In short-to-medium-range combat, howitzers are no less effective than cannons, while Russia, the enemy that Austria-Hungary has to face, does not have so many heavy artillery."

"The most critical thing is the allocation of firepower. The firepower of the German Army is distributed to the division level. Our firepower can almost overwhelm all opponents at the division level. But the Austro-Hungarian Empire cannot arrange this way. Their limited heavy artillery and heavy artillery Weapons must be concentrated to be effective, so I would suggest that the Austrian Emperor weaken the battalion, regiment and even division-level firepower so that they can be concentrated and have stronger firepower at the army level."

"And I will design a tactical campaign system for the Austro-Hungarian Empire based on this characteristic of firepower distribution."

"The navy is a bit of a luxury for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. If possible, the Austro-Hungarian Empire can maintain an inshore fleet. If it can maintain the situation in the Adriatic Sea with mines and a limited fleet, it will complete the task."

"Of course, there is also the chaotic military system within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The command troubles caused by the multi-ethnic issue must also be resolved. But this requires the support of the Austrian Emperor. As I said at the beginning, the initial work was composed of Germans. troops, then the Czechs, and finally the Hungarians."

"It seems to make sense." The Kaiser nodded to express his agreement with what the prince said. To be honest, he did not agree with the strength of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After all, it was several times more complicated than Germany's political and ethnic issues. The fighting power of a country that is not as good as France is really not worth looking forward to.

"So what do you think of the Italians?" The Kaiser changed the subject.

"Italians? They have never been credible. They take advantage of the contradictions between powerful countries. Then they gain benefits. The unification of Italy is not so much a military victory as a political and diplomatic victory. The relationship between us and Italy The covenant will have no effect at all, as long as our opponent is willing to offer more benefits, then Italy will turn its back on us every minute." The prince's words were full of disdain.

"Hehe, I hope you have worried too much." The Kaiser frowned and said.

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