Franz had always considered a telegraph line between Russia and Austria extremely important. After all, Russia had pulled far too many bizarre stunts in history.
Franz had no desire to be dragged into some inexplicable war without even realizing it. But Nicholas I had previously shown little interest in establishing a telegraph line.
First, Russia's upper ranks were not particularly sensitive to technological progress. Second, and most crucially, Russia had no money; they spent it all on military expenditures.
The Austrian Empire, meanwhile, had long since laid railroads to Lviv on the Austro-Russian border. This time, taking advantage of domestic reforms involving new technology, it could sell the lines and equipment the Austrian Empire had phased out to the Russians at low prices.
Though they were old equipment and outdated technology, Russia would not be getting a bad deal. It would save them the effort of foundational research and allow them to acquire practical technology directly.
And if Russia did not buy from the Austrian Empire, Britain, France, Prussia, and the United States would not only refuse to sell Russia advanced technology and equipment, but would also do their utmost to put a knife to the Russians' throats over pricing.
In truth, Russians had never been particularly welcome anywhere. Even though they were called the Gendarme of Europe, fear outweighed respect in that title.
Yet Franz still did not accept the Tsar's proposal. The so-called principle of striking first did not apply to this war.
The Holy Alliance could neither blockade the Mediterranean Sea in advance nor strike at Britain and France. The battlefield could only be the Near East. Launching an offensive early held little value and might even put them on the back foot in public opinion.
Historically, only Britain, France, and the Kingdom of Sardinia had entered