There is a kind of gain that can be called pushing one's luck; there is a kind of loss that can be called retreating again and again.
This phrase vividly described Europe's international relations before World War II. For a long time, Western Europe had been dominated by the three powers of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.
After World War I ended, Germany was defeated. Restricted by the Treaty of Versailles, it instantly lost the dignity and status it ought to have possessed on the soil of Western Europe, while also being saddled with enormous reparations, leaving the German people in deep misery.
After the economic crisis erupted in 1929, nearly seven million Germans were unemployed and faced the danger of starving to death; another six million were merely temporary workers, enduring days where they had food for one meal but none for the next.
Both the German government and its people were filled with bitter complaints. The government was at a loss, pinning its hopes on international aid, but regrettably, everyone else was too busy looking after themselves.
"Your Majesty, the Germans have once again submitted a loan application to us, promising that all borrowed funds will be used to purchase grain!
It appears the German government is about to reach the end of the road. Unable to resolve the domestic economic crisis, they have no choice but to distribute relief grain in the government's name to stabilize the situation!" Foreign Minister Metev analyzed.
"Due to the economic crisis, the Germans' total grain imports fell by nearly three million tons in the first half of this year. The crisis has already arrived!
If the German government cannot obtain more grain, civil unrest will erupt. This crisis will not spare only the central government—even the major kingdoms will be