The Polish Restorationists themselves weren't sure whether this tactic would work. Russian-controlled Poland was their first test case.
As it turned out, there really was strength in numbers. The Russians had been dealt a serious blow by the Polish rebels and Russian serfs who had risen up against them.
The Poles decided to repeat their successful strategy against Prussia and Austria.
The already unstable situation in Prussian-controlled Poland grew even more turbulent, but the tactic had little effect in Galicia.
For one thing, Franz's public trials had already ruined the Polish Restoration Army's reputation, while the aftereffects of Austria's bloody crackdown still lingered.
For another, many former Polish serfs had by then become beneficiaries of the existing order. They had no reason to risk their lives for others.
And, out of a desire to protect their own interests, they were unwilling to keep wading into the murky waters of Polish restorationism.
What's more, they would spontaneously begin developing theories to justify Austria's rule over Galicia—the very sort of conscious defense of national interests that rulers longed for.
Tsar Nicholas I patted Andrei Uvarov on the shoulder.
"I'll leave the matter of Schleswig to you. But..."
The moment the Tsar's voice grew weighty, Andrei Uvarov picked up where he left off.
"Don't let the Danes annex Schleswig. The British and Swedes can't have it either. It belongs to Russia!"
Nicholas I burst out laughing.
"Good! Well said! Go ahead and do it, my boy! I'll appoint you as my plenipotentiary."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. However, while I'm away, I hope you'll listen more closely to the prime minister's advice.
"He is one of the few statesmen Russia has. He may be able to help you reconcile our domestic factions.
"Our army fears no enemy, but if we can reduce the number