Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace.
The old Empire ruler Franz Joseph I leaned on his emperor's throne and closed his eyes slightly, as if he had fallen asleep. Austro-Hungarian Empire's important ministers are reporting to him on the war situation and the current international situation.
Imperial Crown Prince Karl, stand aside respectfully and listen to the teachings of Franz Joseph I.
After the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, Charles immediately became Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary. After all, as a first-class power in Europe, the Austro-Hungarian Empire could not live without a crown prince. Karl is the grandson of Archduke Karl Ludwig, the younger brother of Franz Joseph I. Since Franz Joseph I has no heir to the throne, Karl can only choose to inherit the throne of the crown prince and become the emperor after the death of Franz Joseph I. Although Franz Joseph I was not satisfied with this, there was nothing he could do about it. Even though his son is long gone?
The current international situation is very unfavorable for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Franz Joseph I never thought that the battle would end like this. This was completely different from what he had originally expected. You know, the current Austro-Hungarian Empire can definitely be regarded as one of the top powers in the world.
Austro-Hungarian Empire was a traditional Europe power (Russia, Britain, Austria, France) and one of the eight major powers in the world at that time (Britain, France, Germany, the United States, Russia, Austria, Italy, and Japan). Austro-Hungarian Empire is the larger Empire of Eastern Europe. The vast land area ranked Europe third at the time, second only to Russia and Ottoman Empire; the total population was slightly inferior to Russia and Germany, and was located in Europe ranks third; the prosperity of the mechanical instrument manufacturing industry and the strength of the steel and arms industry rank fourth in the world, second only to Germany, Britain and United States; It is also Europe's fourth largest resource reserve and huge mobilization force, only less than Russia, Germany and France; and Agricultural Products's wide variety, and The rich production of crude oil surpasses France, which has sophisticated agriculture, and Russia, which is oriented towards grain exports, and ranks first in Europe; the advanced technology of heavy artillery weapons produced by Skoda Arsenal is far ahead, ranking first in the world.
With the Austro-Hungarian Empire's strong strength, its performance in this war should be far from this. However, the performance of the Austrian army on the battlefield made even the great emperor Franz Joseph I feel ashamed.
On the southern battlefield, to deal with a small Serbia, they had already dispatched two armies, but they still could not defeat Serbia. Even though Belgrade has been captured, Serbia's resistance still continues. As a result, Austro-Hungarian Empire had to continue to deploy heavy troops in Serbia, and the casualties were still increasing.
Needless to say, Eastern Front, if the deployment of German 8th Army Corps defeated Russian Northwestern Front Army, inflicted heavy losses on the Russian army and forced the Russian army to dispatch troops from Southwestern Front, the Austrian army might have been defeated. The ferocious and savage Russians has rushed into the Austro-Hungarian Empire's rich and wasteful territory and began to plunder.
Now, Italy has betrayed the covenant again and has become the enemy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It can be expected that the attack of Italy people will begin soon. At that time, Austro-Hungarian Empire's southern line will also face attacks from powerful enemies, which will make the situation facing Austro-Hungarian Empire even more critical.
"Your Majesty, Imperial Government have declared war on Kingdom of Italy. German Empire has declared war on Kingdom of Italy two hours before us." Austro-Hungarian Empire Prime Minister Mario Weber said.
"Well! Kingdom of Italy betrayed the alliance and became our enemy. It is right for the Empire to declare war on it. But, are our troops ready to fight against the Italy people?" Franz Joseph I asked.
"Your Majesty and 1st Army Corps have returned to defend from the eastern front. They will be deployed to the southern front to prevent the Italy people from attacking us. In addition, German Empire will send three Infantry Division to assist us in our defense against Italy people. We are confident that we can withstand the Italy people's attack with the help of Alps's terrain," said Austrian Army Minister and Austro-Hungarian Imperial Central Government War Minister Duke Kaspar.
Franz Joseph I nodded. "In this case, the Italy people are nothing to worry about. After we deal with Russians, we will turn around and deal with them."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Duke Kaspar was convinced. For the Austrian army, the brutal Russians is obviously more difficult to deal with. As for Italy people, they have never taken them seriously. The two countries have been competing in Balkan Peninsula for many years, but Austro-Hungarian Empire has almost always suppressed Kingdom of Italy.
"After 1st Army Corps is transferred, what should Eastern Front do?" Crown Prince Karl asked. Russians on the eastern front is not easy to deal with. The Austrian army has been struggling to support itself on the Eastern Front and has suffered heavy losses. If a main group army is deployed, wouldn't this make the Austrian army's situation even more difficult?
"Regarding Eastern Front, Germany proposed to join us to deal with the Russian Southwestern Front Army. German 8th Army Corps will go south and attack Russian Southwestern Front Army. With German 8th Army Corps's fighting power, plus us, it's definitely not difficult to defeat Russians's Southwestern Front." Duke Kaspar said with a smile on his face. Before, he was still worried about the situation of Eastern Front, but after learning that Germany allies would lend a helping hand, he was greatly relieved.
"Well, 8th Army Corps of Crown Prince Oskar has very strong fighting power. In less than two months, they have wiped out nearly a million Russian troops. With their support, we will definitely be able to defeat Russians's Southwestern Front." A smile appeared on Franz Joseph I's face full of age spots. For him, this was undoubtedly one of the few good news he had heard in the past few months.
"Yes, Your Majesty. The combat effectiveness of 8th Army Corps of Crown Prince Oskar is already the most powerful among the several legions of the German Army." Grand Duke Kasbah sighed.
"Crown Prince Oskar, what a genius. German Empire has his Crown Prince, it's completely God that is taking care of the German Empire!" Franz Joseph I sighed. If Austro-Hungarian Empire had such an heir, maybe it wouldn't be like this.
Crown Prince Karl couldn't help but curl his lips after hearing Joseph? I's praise. He was full of disdain for German Crown Prince, who was one year younger than him. In his opinion, Oscar is just good luck. If he is Crown Prince of the German Empire, he will definitely do better than Oscar.