Chapter 146: Whitewashed (Please Subscribe)
It had to be said that the Russians had chosen their timing well. The moment the ultimatum expired happened to be December 24; the next day was Christmas.
Whether they chose to hold out to the bitter end or compromise, the Prussians would not be celebrating Christmas this year. Delaying several days before delivering the ultimatum to the Prussian Government also carried no small measure of deliberate intent to disgust Frederick William IV.
Berlin
After receiving the Russian ultimatum, the Kingdom of Prussia erupted into turmoil. The war faction and peace faction argued without end, and the plan to foment Polish independence was raised once more.
Prime Minister Joseph von Radowitz said excitedly, "No. Poland will never amount to anything. Even if we abandon Prussian Poland and let them establish an independent state, they still will not be able to stop the Russian advance.
"On the contrary, doing so will only enrage the Russians. They will join forces with Austria and France to attack us. There is no way the Kingdom of Prussia can win this war!"
The newly appointed Foreign Minister Alpha said disdainfully, "Prime Minister, don't be so alarmist. At most, we will be fighting the Russians.
"The French are locked in fierce internal conflict. The parliament opposed by the president is supported by him, and the bills passed by parliament are vetoed by the president. How could they possibly involve themselves in this war?
"This time, Austria supports us. Even if the Austrian Government harbors ulterior motives, the Austrian people are still our steadfast allies.
"If the Austrian Government dares join hands with the Russians to attack us, a revolution will erupt within their country before they can even act. They would never dare take such a risk."
After a pause, he