The Deal

January 1, 1845, Rhineland, Essen.

Krupp Steel had yet to become the arms tycoon of later generations. At this point, it was called the Krupp Steelworks.

A sign on the shop wall read: "We specialize in high-quality farm tools, cookware, precision parts, and machine tools. Discounts for bulk orders. All are welcome to browse."

Below it was a small line of text: Siemens & Halske Telegraph Company.

These two giants had been forcibly brought together by Bismarck. But at this point, neither Krupp Steel nor Siemens could compete with the mighty industrial power of the Austrian Empire.

Yet they had not been crushed. Besides Bismarck's support, the Kingdom of Prussia had heavily subsidized its domestic industries.

As a result, they remained highly competitive in the Prussian market—more so, in fact, than they had been in history.

In the German Confederation market, however, they seemed rather weak, mainly because Austria's steel industry was simply too vast by comparison.

In truth, Franz could have used the power of capital to crush Krupp Steel outright, or even prevented Siemens's telegraph company from ever getting off the ground.

But that would have been rather underhanded, and might have hindered technological progress and made the world a far less interesting place.

So, instead, Franz planned to give them a hand.

A lavish carriage stood outside the Krupp Steelworks and Siemens's telegraph company. Behind it were several carriages rented for the occasion, along with dozens of tall guards.

Among those who came to discuss business were plenty of dignitaries and wealthy merchants. But they usually had only a handful of guards—one or two at most, perhaps three or four—and their presence inspired nothing more than a sense of nervousness.

These men, by contrast, had left their weapons out of sight, but there was no mistaking the