The German Federation's new army boasted 700,000 men, but in reality it had only 250,000. Although the Austrian Empire's garrison in Salzburg numbered just 80,000, not a trace of the tension of an impending battle could be felt throughout the fortress.
The surrounding population had been evacuated into the city at once. The line at the temporary conscription office was even longer than the one at the relief center.
Salzburg was a military stronghold on the Austrian Empire's frontier. Its people had a long martial tradition, and nationalism had only magnified that tradition without limit.
From fifteen-year-old boys who had just come of age to men in their fifties and sixties, all waited with determined looks for the recruiting officers to select them. The sight of everyone standing as one against a common foe was enough to make anyone think twice before underestimating them.
At a moment of life and death, national sentiment was the easiest emotion to stir. Lost and frightened, people desperately needed a righteous cause. With just a little guidance, they would become an irresistible flood.
Defending one's home and country was plainly righteous, while the invaders were, beyond all doubt, unforgivable enemies.
It had to be admitted that nationalism had an incomparable advantage in mobilizing armies and raising morale. It could make people go mad with ease.
This was especially true of the common people. They were willing not only to sacrifice themselves, but even to force their families to fight alongside them.
Fathers went to war with their sons, while the mothers who stayed behind would say at parting, "If you can't win, don't come back."
Just as the ancient Spartans said: "With it or on it!" ("Come home carrying your shield, or be carried home upon it!")
Moreover, under the Austrian Empire's new code,