The Austro-Hungarian Empire's Concerns

In Vienna, the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, at Schönbrunn Palace, Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I lay in bed, listening to his ministers report on state affairs.

Franz Joseph I was now eighty-five years old, undoubtedly the longest-lived Monarch among Europe's rulers. Of course, his advanced age and failing health meant he no longer had the energy to handle state affairs. Most of those affairs had been entrusted to Crown Prince Karl. This was also meant to temper Crown Prince Karl, so that after Franz Joseph's passing, he could better inherit the throne.

Crown Prince Karl was young as well, only twenty-eight. Taking charge of a great power such as the Austro-Hungarian Empire at that age was undoubtedly difficult. Of course, German Emperor Wilhelm III was only twenty-seven this year. That made any comparison all the more impossible.

However, though he and Wilhelm III were close in age, Crown Prince Karl was far inferior in personal ability. At the same time, Crown Prince Karl was obstinate and arrogant, and hostile toward Wilhelm III and the German Empire. This was also what worried Franz Joseph I. Had he been a few years younger, he might even have selected a more suitable Crown Prince anew. But he no longer had that much time, and could only hope that God would bless the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

"Your Majesty, the German Navy has once again won a complete victory in a decisive battle. The Combined Fleet formed by Britain, France, and Italy was defeated by the German Navy at a negligible cost. The German Navy has consolidated its position as overlord of the seas. Even if all other nations joined together, they would not be as powerful as the German Navy. Before long, the world's oceans will fall under German rule," said Admiral Anton Haus,