I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 199

It took less than a year for the Vienna System, which had taken root in Europe for decades after the Napoleonic Wars, to face a crisis.

In fact, the Vienna System was never a very solid system from the start.

Now that nationalism and liberalism had swept through Europe, it was impossible to completely suppress them.

The wheels of history, no matter how hard you try to turn them backward, eventually move forward.

From the moment Greece succeeded in gaining independence during the Greek War of Independence, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the Vienna System lost its foundation.

Above all, the fact that Britain, the strongest power in Europe, was not very cooperative with the Vienna System was decisive.

From the perspective of Britain, which had already established a constitutional monarchy and embraced a capitalist system, the fate of the Vienna System was of little concern.

In fact, many British figures criticized the Vienna System as an anachronistic [outdated] measure that failed to recognize the inevitable progress of history.

And in reality…

While many European countries adhering to the Vienna System were struggling with independence movements, rebellions, and riots, the British Empire was leisurely profiting from the chaos.

“Hahahaha! That French minister who visited recently, I heard he’s become the prime minister now? He was practically groveling before the Prime Minister to secure food exports, so I suppose his efforts paid off.”

“It’s more than just paying off; France is now the first country in Europe to regain stability.”

“Isn’t that all thanks to the British Empire’s benevolence? While they’re making such a fuss, we’re elegantly drinking tea and reaping the rewards. What could be more comfortable? You’re the best, Prime Minister.”

“That’s right! How often do those French blighters, who always think they’re superior, find themselves so desperate and begging for help? We should have witnessed that French prime minister bowing to you, Prime Minister, but it’s a pity we missed it. Hahaha!”

Welzl took a sip of his coffee, smiling awkwardly at the barrage of flattery.

“It seems that introducing the Factory Act [legislation regulating working conditions] in advance was also a great help in suppressing unrest among the workers and Chartists [supporters of working-class political reforms].”

“Indeed. If we hadn’t promised to gradually ease the restrictions, we would have faced significant unrest from those demanding voting rights and shorter working hours.”

“I heard that France seems to be calming down, but Germany and Italy are in terrible shape?”

“Yes. In Italy, they’ve risen up demanding independence, and in Germany, both Prussia and Austria are facing difficult situations.”

“So, everything is proceeding according to the Prime Minister’s plan.”

“As expected!” Reactions erupted from all directions, and the voices praising Welzl grew louder.

The great prime minister, who understands the trends of the times better than anyone else, predicted this situation and had already taken measures in Germany.

Once this period of revolution concludes, the European countries that owe a great debt to the British Empire will be diplomatically obligated to fulfill its requests.

Furthermore, the British Empire’s system has proven to be incomparably more stable and advanced than other countries.

Articles filled with nationalistic pride were being published daily.

“Kya! This is what the Conservative Party is all about!”

“Prime Minister Welzl, please stay in office for life!”

The more other countries suffer, the more the value of the British Empire, which is leisurely enjoying the benefits of this situation, increases.

Welzl, who is ostensibly leading this situation, enjoys the praise of his fellow lawmakers and the public, solidifying his popularity.

While everyone’s attention is focused on him, he happily waits to see what the real mastermind behind this is doing behind the scenes.

* * *

While Welzl was being hailed as a political genius at home and France was preoccupied with managing the tensions between workers and capitalists,

the most significant unrest in Europe was unfolding in Germany.

As news spread that the French government had decided to concede to some of the citizens’ demands, large-scale demonstrations demanding a liberal system also erupted in Vienna, the capital of the Austrian Empire.

Emperor Ferdinand I and Metternich, the architect of the Metternich system (another name for the Vienna system), were on the verge of ordering a forceful suppression.

However, an envoy from the British Empire requested an audience with Prime Minister Metternich, and the suppression order was temporarily postponed.

“The British Empire said they would send an envoy, but I didn’t expect it to be Minister Disraeli. I regret that I cannot offer you a grand welcome due to the unstable situation.”

“No matter. I came here to see if I could assist with this situation, so please don’t worry too much.”

Disraeli casually looked around the conference room, assessing the complexion of Klemens von Metternich, now an elderly man.

Even the world’s most skilled diplomat was now in his seventies.

When I was younger, studying diplomatic history or international politics, the name Metternich was unavoidable.

Now that I am in a position to look down on such a figure, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions.

There’s no reason why I shouldn’t be the one inspiring such feelings in someone else thirty years from now.

I can understand why Killian keeps emphasizing the British Empire’s potential for a century or two of dominance.

Of course, the British Empire was much stronger than Austria thirty years ago, but now the difference is even more pronounced.

Someday, the British Empire may be overtaken by other emerging countries and relinquish its position as a hegemonic power.

Killian’s theory was that we should lay a solid foundation now to prevent such a scenario, and Disraeli wholeheartedly agreed.

“The atmosphere in Vienna is tense, to say the least.”

“Don’t worry. I will order a forceful suppression immediately, even today. So, Minister, you can remain in Vienna without any concerns.”

I couldn’t believe they were seriously considering a forceful suppression.

Even from a distance, I could clearly perceive the public’s anger, and they intended to suppress it with force?

Killian was right when he said that Metternich would eventually be ousted if left unchecked.

I doubt that the diplomatic genius who once achieved a delicate balance of power between the great powers with his almost divine sense of equilibrium is the same person as the one before me.

As the saying goes, an old unicorn is no better than a mule, and time has eroded that once-brilliant mind.

If that’s the case, it’s somewhat disheartening.

“Prime Minister, our concern is that the government’s attempt to suppress the protesters with force will inevitably lead to a large-scale riot, posing a serious threat to the safety of our country’s ambassadors.”

“If there are signs of a riot, we will deploy troops.”

“That would only exacerbate the situation. Besides, I heard that the situation in Hungary is also unstable. How will you manage Hungary if you deploy troops here? Of course, I don’t wish to interfere in other countries’ affairs, but this concerns the safety of our diplomats, so I must make this presumptuous intervention.”

“…Hungary. I hadn’t considered that.”

Not only Hungary, but also Saxony, Baden, Bavaria, and other minor federal states are exhibiting signs of unrest. To think that this can be suppressed with guns and swords is a sign of losing touch with reality.

I’m afraid I’ll sigh involuntarily if I don’t consciously suppress it.

“We have no choice but to at least feign liberal reforms that the citizens are demanding.”

“But what they want is my resignation, so you’re not suggesting that I accept that, are you?”

“No. Of course, you are a symbolic figure of the Vienna System, so those who pursue liberalism will try to overthrow you unconditionally. But you don’t have to step down. Simply announce that you will grant them a considerable portion of their demands and strategically encourage internal division.”

“Do you believe internal division will be that easy to achieve?”

“Haven’t you observed how France stabilized its situation?”

Even the liberal reform forces are not united with a single purpose.

Various factions, from moderates to extremists, are mixed together, which is why such a large crowd can be assembled.

Killian wants European countries to support the moderate factions among them.

In fact, the British Empire is already doing so, and France has pledged to move in that direction as well.

Defending the old system is impossible.

However, if society is swayed by extremists, there is a risk of losing its center and spiraling out of control.

Therefore, Killian and Welzl concluded that it was necessary to create a stable state so that Europe could gradually transition towards a new system.

In other words, the idea is not to destroy the Vienna System all at once, but to slowly euthanize it [gradually dismantle it].

Of course, from the perspective of the parties involved, they have managed to prolong their political lives without any major damage, so they are not fully aware that they are being euthanized.

“France…I am aware that they have promised to implement reforms following a similar approach to the British Empire.”

“Since the citizens’ demands are stronger in Austria, it would be wise to demonstrate a generous attitude by making significant concessions initially. On the other hand, you can highlight the opinions of radical socialists and draw a line, indicating that certain demands are unacceptable.”

“I see. So you’re suggesting that we incite internal conflict in that manner and embrace the moderates…then, ultimately, we have no choice but to implement liberal reforms to some extent, correct?”

“There’s no alternative. As times change, the system must also evolve.”

“I am truly grateful for your well-intentioned advice. However, I don’t believe you have traveled all the way here from London solely for this purpose, have you?”

Still, I suppose the sense of walking a tightrope against the entire world hasn’t completely vanished.

It’s the first time I’ve felt pleased to see the other person displaying a sharp edge.

“Indeed. I would like to present a proposal to you on behalf of my country. To be frank, assisting you in maintaining your position is also related to this proposal.”

“If I were to step down, you would have to work with the next prime minister, so you wish to avoid doing the work twice. I understand.”

“Yes. First of all, based on our country’s assessment, the insurgency in Hungary is unusual. And you may not appreciate this, but I don’t believe Austria alone can suppress Hungary without incurring significant losses.”

“So, you’re suggesting that the British Empire will send allied forces?”

“Precisely.”

Metternich’s eyes widened as if he hadn’t expected such an immediate response.

In reality, it is France that is sending the support troops, but since we are instructing them to do so, it is effectively the same as the British Empire providing support.

“…Huh. If you send support troops, we can only be grateful. We cannot relinquish Hungary under any circumstances. So, what is it that you desire?”

The reason why France is helping to prevent France from collapsing and the Austrian Empire is showing generosity in maintaining its form is only one.

“Russia.”

“…Russia?”

Facing the puzzled Metternich, Disraeli clarified why he, the Minister of the British Empire, had traveled all the way here.

“Sever your alliance with Russia and align yourself with the British Empire. Of course, I am not suggesting that you do so immediately.”

France does the work, and the British Empire reaps the benefits.

The British Empire’s strategy of encircling Russia was already slowly but surely taking shape.