Chapter 214: The Snipe and the Clam Lock Horns
Austria and Bavaria had gone to war. The moment the news spread, the entire European Continent was shaken.
Though everyone knew the two countries' relationship had broken down, their accumulated conflicts had not been enough to spark a war. That left only one explanation—Austria intended to unite Germany by force.
The pretext for the war made it plain enough. Many people filled in the blanks themselves, believing that Bavaria had bankrupted Austria's strategy of rebuilding the Holy Roman Empire, so Austria had simply torn off all pretenses and gone in hard.
London
Upon receiving the Bavarian Government's plea for aid, the United Kingdom Government was first stunned, then decided—they had to intervene—and then developed a headache.
"Austria is attempting to unite the German region by force. They have now taken their first step; we must stop them. The balance on the European Continent cannot be allowed to shatter!" Prime Minister George Hamilton Gordon said sternly.
Foreign Secretary Thomas analyzed, "Prime Minister, the situation is very troublesome. It must be said that Austria chose an excellent time. The Russians have tied up both the French and most of our attention.
"Even if we wish to intervene, for a long time to come we can only do so verbally.
"Since Austria dares to move against Bavaria now, they have most likely reached an understanding with the Russians. Diplomatic pressure alone will find it difficult to make them let go."
Would the United Kingdom, France, and Russia cease hostilities? The possibility did exist, but it was predicated on Austria unifying the German region. An attack on Bavaria alone was not enough to make the three sides immediately reach a compromise.
Home Secretary Henry John Temple proposed, "There are many German states. Should these small