I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 327

< Blood and Steel, and (3) >

-Prussia Supports Allied France

Prussia’s declaration that it would raise a large army to cross the Atlantic in support of France was telling.

Although Prussia and France were destined to be in opposition, that was a thing of the past.

From the optimistic view that Europe might become more peaceful if this war could be overcome, to the suspicion of what France had promised Prussia to get involved.

Prussia was promised support for German unification, a fact known only to a select few, including Wilhelm, who learned of the secret agreement from Bismarck. This incentive made participating in the war worthwhile.

Still, Wilhelm, having learned the full details of the secret agreement from Bismarck, successfully rallied support for a large army by framing the rationale appropriately.

In fact, the Junkers [Prussian landed nobility], the ruling class of Prussia, generally favored the South over the North.

The reason was simple.

The Junkers, with their aristocratic leanings, felt a kinship with the South, which maintained large agricultural estates and aspired to an aristocratic lifestyle.

Furthermore, the Junkers’ aversion to democracy also played a role.

“The people own the country? What nonsense. We are the owners of this country.”

“Isn’t it since those United States bastards started acting up that this ridiculous word democracy started coming out?”

“Anyway, if we want to import cotton in large quantities, we have to leave the South as it is. England is eating up all the Egyptian cotton.”

The grand ambition to establish a vast colony in South America, using the South as a base, was surprisingly well-received.

Wilhelm was somewhat taken aback by the enthusiastic support, but as long as the outcome was favorable, it mattered little.

Prussia, having even implemented its long-desired national defense reform plan, dispatched a substantial number of troops across the Atlantic as promised.

“Our Prussia must distinguish itself from France, which began its campaign with defeat.”

“Since the main battle line is between the South and France against the North, we will strike the enemy’s weak point. Our initial target is New Mexico, adjacent to Texas.”

“Please wait a moment, brave allies of Prussia. Rather than attacking a remote area like New Mexico, wouldn’t it be more effective to join our allies and overwhelm the enemy’s main force?”

“The more pressure we exert on the enemy, the more we stretch their front lines. We should leverage our coalition’s strength by applying pressure across a broad front, causing the enemy to collapse under its own weight. Trust us and follow our lead.”

The confident Prussian army commenced its advance.

“General! We have defeated the New Mexico Defense Forces.”

“Excellent. Let’s secure the West as Southern territory. We need not spill much blood in this American war.”

“However, His Majesty emphasized the need to accumulate achievements comparable to France’s in order to facilitate future expansion into South America.”

“Then we can gradually weaken the North from here. Our mere presence will exert significant pressure.”

Prussia’s strategy was clear: minimize losses and secure the spoils of victory.

Initially, this strategy proved effective.

It seemed only a matter of time before the North buckled under the combined pressure from the South, France and the Prussian army on its periphery. However, the war devolved into a stalemate when the North fully mobilized its resources, leveraging its rapidly expanded railway network.

“We’re holding the Northern army here, so what in hell are you doing?”

“What do you mean ‘holding them’! They’re constantly transporting troops using that railway network.”

“Then disable the railway first!”

As everyone grappled with the realities of total war for the first time, confusion reigned.

“If the Northern bastards keep recruiting troops like that, who will farm?”

“They claim women can manage the farms with machines, allowing them to enlist soldiers without worry.”

“I’m going crazy. How much longer must we fight before this war ends?”

France and Prussia were slowly realizing they were trapped in a quagmire, with no easy escape.

As the conflict escalated into an international war, the North and South engaged in a brutal war of attrition, pouring in troops and resources. France and Prussia were compelled to increase their investment against their will.

“We must protect our country!”

“Let’s defend ourselves from the North Yankees!”

“Black and white, all are citizens of the Union! Let’s unite to defeat the greedy European invaders!”

Battles raged across North America, with the constant roar of guns and cannons. The rebuilt Northern fleet bombarded the Southern coast, and naval battles erupted, making even the sea a battleground.

One year had passed since the war transformed into a global conflict.

“Let’s request additional support from the home country.”

“Didn’t we just do that? Again?”

“The South is organizing another 100,000 troops this time. If we coordinate our efforts, we can end this now.”

“I heard that six months ago! When we brought 200,000, those Northern bastards brought 300,000 more. This is insane!”

“We have to persevere, even if it’s madness! If we withdraw now, we’ll gain nothing. The only option is to win this war and seize everything from the losers to recoup our losses! Isn’t that right, General Lee?”

General Robert Edward Lee, who had risen to commander-in-chief of the Confederate Army through a series of victories, surveyed the French and Prussian representatives with a thoughtful expression.

In truth, the South had maintained a slightly favorable position against the North largely due to the support of France and Prussia.

Spain’s contribution was limited to supplying weapons; they offered little direct combat assistance.

The continued cooperation between France and Prussia was primarily due to Lee’s personality and diplomatic skills.

Had another general been in command, the fragile alliance between France and Prussia might have collapsed long ago.

“Now, everyone, please calm down. Our losses are significant, but the North’s losses are even greater. Thanks to Prussia’s efforts, New Mexico and the Sea of Cortez are firmly under our control.”

“What’s the point? We haven’t captured any major Northern strongholds and are merely trading territory.”

“That’s not insurmountable. Their current resilience stems from their larger population. However, as losses mount, they won’t be able to sustain their resistance unless they commit their entire population to the battlefield.”

While the Northern army possessed a numerical advantage, their troops were generally less skilled than those of Prussia or France.

They compensated with sheer numbers.

“General Grant’s Northern army has consistently suffered twice as many casualties as we have in major battles. Furthermore, their attempts to control the sea are failing, thanks to our reliable allies. Victory is slowly but surely tilting in our favor.”

“The problem is that at this rate, the war will drag on for more than two years. France cannot sustain the accumulated losses for that long.”

“Didn’t France confidently assert that the war would be over quickly, and then drag us into it? What are we supposed to do if you suddenly back out?”

“Don’t worry. This war won’t last that long.”

The French army, stretched to its limit, and the Prussian army, frustrated by the endless drain on resources, were growing restless.

To keep them engaged, Robert Lee requested President Jefferson to implement a decisive strategy that would guarantee victory.

The strongest move that will bring a sure victory to this war.

* * *

“…According to the report, the war situation is slightly favorable to us.”

Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America, listened intently to General Thomas Jackson’s report and sighed deeply.

“Are you saying it’s only slightly favorable, despite our massive offensive?”

“Yes. The North’s resistance is stronger than anticipated.”

“Prussia and France have joined, yet this is all we’ve achieved…”

Despite the challenges of a long-distance expedition, the support from those two countries was more substantial than the Confederate States had ever imagined.

Without their assistance, the South would have been decisively defeated by the North.

Looking back, it was a chilling realization.

“Your Excellency, protests are arriving daily from France and Prussia. They are threatening to withdraw their support unless we commit more troops.”

“Tsk, they’re acting like our masters simply because they sent reinforcements. I don’t know how many more troops they expect us to recruit.”

The South had already mobilized close to a million soldiers.

This was a formidable army that would impress even the great powers of Europe.

However, the North had mobilized over two million.

While these forces weren’t deployed simultaneously, the cumulative total was staggering.

This display of strength shocked Europe.

Despite the individual soldiers’ lack of training, their rapid railway construction and efficient troop transport rivaled the British Empire, and their mobilization scale surpassed any European nation.

Jefferson understood the true intentions of France and Prussia.

They sought to weaken both the North and South, recognizing the United States’ unexpected strength.

Specifically, they aimed to cripple the North, using the South as a means to that end.

He understood their perspective. Had he been the leader of France or Prussia, he might have made a similar choice.

Europe had long considered itself the center of the world, but the sudden rise of the United States posed a threat.

The resulting sense of crisis was palpable.

Their determination to prevent the North from surpassing them was so blatant that it was impossible to ignore.

“Secretary of State, inform France and Prussia that a decisive opportunity is approaching.”

“…Your Excellency, are you proceeding with that plan?”

“Commander Lee has approved its implementation. We’ve already consulted with the British.”

With both sides suffering heavy losses and the war stalemated, a shift in strategy was inevitable.

Tensions were high, making it difficult to maintain control and anticipate unforeseen consequences.