Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Imperial Army General Staff Headquarters. Karl I rushed here personally to understand the development of the war situation. After all, this battle is directly related to the Austro-Hungarian Empire's life and death, and it is also related to his own destiny. Therefore, he is very concerned about the development of the battle situation.
"Your Excellency Grand Duke, Chief of Staff. I have contacted Americans. Americans said that their navy will set off to Atlantic East in the near future to cooperate with us in fighting German Navy. As long as our army can persist for a month, US Army will Appear on the battlefield. You know, the total strength of the US Army is now more than two million. If mobilization is carried out, the strength of the US Army can be further increased. By then, we are very likely to defeat the Germany people!" Karl I still looks very optimistic.
In Karl I's opinion, even if Austro-Hungarian Empire cannot beat Germany, if he persists for a month, there will be no problem no matter what. After all, in European continent and even the world, Austro-Hungarian Empire is the second most powerful military country after Germany!
However, the expressions of Archduke Friedrich and Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf were very solemn. They are obviously not very optimistic about this battle. Although, it seems a bit shameful to admit that the Austrian army is not even sure of stopping the German military attack for a month. However, facts are facts and must be acknowledged. What's more, this is related to the life and death of the entire Austro-Hungarian Empire!
They didn't know why Karl I agreed to Americans's request without consulting them. If they had not agreed in advance, they would definitely not have agreed to the conditions agreed by Karl I.
"Your Majesty, we will try our best to stop the Germany people's attack." Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf said.
In such an extremely unfavorable situation, he did not dare to make a guarantee. After all, this time the enemy is the world hegemon!
Karl I couldn't help but frown, how he hoped to hear an affirmative answer. However, Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf's answer was still very conservative, which made Karl I feel a little dissatisfied. He even made up his mind that after this crisis is over, he must find an opportunity to replace Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf and replace him with someone who can be obedient. In this way, he can better control Austro-Hungarian Empire's army. If you can't even control the army, how can you be called an emperor?
"Report, German military has crossed the border and entered our country." A staff officer reported.
"What? Bastard, damn Germany people, they actually invaded Austro-Hungarian Empire. We absolutely can't let them go so easily!" Karl I roared angrily.
"What's the specific situation?" Archduke Friedrich asked.
"Your Excellency Grand Duke and German military dispatched two armies and divided into two routes to enter our country from Bavaria. Currently, German military is marching towards Vienna. In addition, there are two armies of German military that entered Kingdom of Bohemia." the staff officer reported.
"Four armies, 800,000 people. The Germany people actually used so many troops at once!" The faces of Archduke Friedrich and Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf became very ugly.
Although, the total strength of the German Army is undoubtedly more than two million. However, excluding the two armies currently fighting in Australia, the troops already stationed on India and France, as well as Eastern European Plain. Germany The troops that can be used are not many. Now, Germany has used four armies in one move, obviously trying its best.
If Austro-Hungarian Imperial Army wants to defeat these 800,000 German military, it may not be that difficult!
However, Karl I seemed to be relieved.
"Your Excellency Grand Duke, Your Excellency, Chief of Staff. The Germany people only dispatched 800,000 people, and we have an army of two million. We will definitely defeat the Germany people this time!" Karl I said excitedly. His heart, which had been hanging on, finally returned to his stomach at this moment.
"Your Majesty, although we have two million troops, excluding the troops stationed across the country, the troops we can use are actually not many, only 1.5 million at most. Even with twice the strength of the German Army, it may be very difficult to defeat the Germany people." Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf explained.
After all, German military is much more powerful than Austro-Hungarian Imperial Army. Even with nearly twice the strength advantage, victory may not be possible.
Karl I suddenly frowned, seeming to be a little dissatisfied with the Austro-Hungarian Imperial Army's combat effectiveness.
"In this case, let's mobilize further. We need more troops to defeat the Germany people! Within three months, we will be enough to expand the army from two million to four million!" Karl I said.
With a population of the Austro-Hungarian Empire of 40 to 50 million, if mobilization is carried out, there will not be much problem in arming an army of 4 million. However, this also takes time. Whether Austro-Hungarian Imperial Army can persist for such a long time is undoubtedly very difficult to say.
At this moment, bad news came.
"Report, Kingdom of Bohemia's army took the initiative to open the border and surrendered to the Germany people. Now, the Germany people are marching straight into Kingdom of Bohemia!"
"What? How could this happen?" Everyone, including Karl I, was stunned. They never expected that such a thing would happen just after the battle began.
"Damn, Bohemian Archduke, what does he want to do? Is he going to betray Empire? Isn't he afraid that Empire will send him to the gallows?" Karl I was very angry. For the first time, he felt that the situation seemed to be beyond his control. In other words, it is no longer beyond his control.
The faces of Archduke Friedrich and Baron Marshal von Heitzenforf were also very ugly. Kingdom of Bohemia's betrayal undoubtedly caused Austro-Hungarian Empire to lose almost one-fifth of its strength. The battle has just begun and so much power has been lost. This makes it difficult for them to fight against the Germany people next!
The bad news goes far beyond that.
"Report, Hungary Army Chief of Staff Baron Tobres issued an order requiring all Hungary troops to stay in the military camp and not go out."
"What?"
Everyone was shocked by the news. Hungary is one of the strongest countries among the Austro-Hungarian Empire's many countries. If Kingdom of Hungary remains neutral, they will directly lose more than one-third of their strength!