Though it did not believe the Austrian Empire could succeed, and though it saw the Austrian Empire's actions as nothing more than courting death, the British Government still decided to kick it while it was down and hasten the collapse of its colonial plans.
This time, opinion within Britain was remarkably united. They already had a fairly mature set of procedures—though they had previously been used against the French.
The first move was to expose matters through newspapers, stirring up international public pressure and isolating Austria.
The specifics were simple enough: the evil, autocratic Austrian Empire was cruelly persecuting kind, upright, peace-loving black people.
Then they would call upon all nations to isolate Austria. This was also much like the exposure tactic in The Three-Body Problem: it could encourage capable and ambitious countries to compete with Austria.
The second move was to spread rumors, inflame the anger of the local natives, and then provide them with appropriate funding.
This was a new technique The British had learned from the Balkans. It suited their current needs perfectly: cheap and efficient.
The third move was to exploit Britain's maritime superiority. Under the banner of opposing the slave trade, they could intercept Austrian ships, inspect Austrian cargo, and, when necessary, seize it.
However, given the current situation, the British Government would certainly not use this move recklessly. After all, they only wanted to make trouble, not bring disaster upon themselves.
Meanwhile, events were also unfolding in India on the other side of the world. The East India Company's reputation in Britain had been steadily declining, while its profits had fallen far short of what they once were.
As a staunch supporter of the company faction, Lord Dalhousie, the Viceroy of India, desperately wanted to achieve something that could reverse the current situation.
In