Countries around the world were shocked by Germany annexation of Austria. Especially those countries that are causing trouble behind the scenes, there is a feeling that stealing the chicken will end up losing the rice. They originally wanted to use Austro-Hungarian Empire to weaken Germany, but they did not expect that not only did they not successfully weaken Germany's strength, but they also made Germany stronger.
A more powerful Germany is undoubtedly very threatening to them. This means that it will become more difficult for them to defeat Germany.
The people most affected by this are naturally Austria people. Nearly 20 million Austria people suddenly became at a loss. Especially those who are older, they have lived their whole lives as Austria people and Austro-Hungarian Empire citizens. They were about to see God, but now they had to change their identities, which made them feel a little conflicted.
But some young people are more accepting of it. They see nothing bad in it. After all, Germany is much more powerful and richer than Austro-Hungarian Empire. The citizens of the world's most powerful country naturally have more status than they do now. Perhaps, after being annexed by Germany, their lives will become a little better.
This is very similar to the Mexico people in another time and space. What they resented United States the most was that since United States annexed so much of Mexico's territory, why didn't they annex the entire Mexico? In that case, they are not Mexico people, but Americans people. Not only will your identity and status be greatly improved, but your living conditions will also be much better.
Of course, there are also some Austria people who oppose the merger of Austria into Germany. They are undoubtedly the powerful people of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, or those with vested interests. After joining Germany, they will no longer have the status and identity they had at the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and even their interests will be greatly affected. However, these people are relatively small in number and do not occupy the mainstream. Under the deterrence of Germany's powerful military power, even if they objected, they did not dare to come out openly. Because in that case, he would undoubtedly be seeking death.
Trieste, the naval base of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is also the only base of Austro-Hungarian Empire Navy. Because although Austro-Hungarian Empire is a big country, its coastline is not long. There are even fewer excellent ports, and Trieste can already be regarded as the most suitable port.
Almost all Austro-Hungarian Empire Navy's main battleships are anchored here.
In the naval base, Austro-Hungarian Navy Commander Admiral Anton House was talking respectfully to a young man. This young man is none other than Karl I who escaped from Vienna to Trieste.
"Your Majesty, Vienna fell, Archduke Friedrich, they all surrendered. The entire Austria can be considered fallen!" Admiral Anton House reported.
Karl I's eyes flashed with sadness, his country was basically finished. Even if he succeeds in exile United States, it is still very difficult to say whether he will ever regain the country. Now Karl I, after experiencing a failure, seems to have realized how powerful Germany is. On the way from Vienna to Trieste, the news was blocked, and Karl I couldn't help but ask himself whether everything he did was wrong. If he hadn't insisted on his own way, Austro-Hungarian Empire might not be where he is today. However, it is too late to say this now. Austro-Hungarian Empire no longer exists. He, the emperor, has become the king of a subjugated country. If you want to regain all of this, you must escape from the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
"Have Empress and Prince left already?" Karl I asked.
"Your Majesty, Empress and Prince left two days ago. They took a Swedish freighter. Everything is kept secret, Germany People don't know. Empress Your Majesty and Your Highness will definitely arrive at United States safely," Admiral Anton House said.
Karl I nodded. "How is the navy now? Has morale been affected?"
"Your Majesty, the morale of the navy has indeed been greatly affected. However, the navy officers are grateful for Your Majesty's kindness, and they will not betray Your Majesty. However, if the delay lasts longer, the morale of the soldiers may begin to be affected. If possible, it is better to leave as soon as possible," Admiral Anton House said.
"Well! How is the situation at Austria?" Karl I asked.
Although, Karl I also knows that it is best to leave as soon as possible. However, he was still somewhat uneasy. This is his country! I don't know if I will have the chance to come back in the future after leaving this time. Of course, Karl I certainly hopes that United States can defeat Germany in the future war. In that case, his restoration might have succeeded. If even United States fails, then Austro-Hungarian Empire will be impossible to restore.
"The Germany people have officially announced that they are annexation of Austria. In addition, Kingdom of Bohemia, Kingdom of Hungary, Kingdom of Dalmatia, Croatia, the Kingdom of Snowonia and other countries are already preparing for independence. However, it is said that after they become independent, they will also become the Protectorate of the Germany people." Admiral Anton House said. He knew that Karl I was not aware of the news.
"Damn! Those guys would rather be dogs for the Germany people than stay in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and be our country?" Karl I said through gritted teeth.
Karl I believes that the biggest reason why Austro-Hungarian Empire lost this war was the betrayal of these countries. If these countries did not betray, but fully supported them. There is absolutely no way they could lose so quickly and so miserably. Austro-Hungarian Empire, it is a big country after all! It is absolutely impossible for such a big country to be destroyed by Germany in just ten days. This has made the entire Austro-Hungarian Empire a laughing stock around the world.
If Austro-Hungarian Empire has a chance to be restored in the future, he will never let those states continue to exist, and will change them into provinces directly governed by the central government. Only in this way can the stability of the country be ensured.
On the evening of January 31st, Karl I boarded Austro-Hungarian Empire Navy's flagship 'Monarch of Austria-Hungary' number Battleship. Austro-Hungarian Empire Navy, which has completed its assembly, set off from Trieste, preparing to leave Adriatic Sea and go to United States.
Standing on the deck of the Battleship, Monarch of Austria-Hungary, Karl I looked at the land in the distance.
"I will definitely come back! God will bless me and Austro-Hungarian Empire!"