Chapter 324: Austria's Preparations
Because of the distance involved, news of the American Civil War did not reach Vienna until more than two months after it broke out.
Looking at the intelligence report in his hand, Prime Minister Felix remarked, "Looks like we backed a pig of a teammate!"
From an observer's perspective, the Southern government had undoubtedly brought trouble upon itself by taking the initiative to start the war. Whether or not it could ultimately force the Northern government into compromise, the cost would far outweigh the gain.
Foreign Minister Wessenberg sighed. "No, the Southern government is not stupid. They are acting with something to fall back on.
If things had followed the original script, the Southern government would have found it difficult to shake off the influence of other countries in the future. For the sake of future interests, they decided to take a gamble. After all, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and us would be there to cover their backs."
Finance Minister Karl questioned, "But the Southern government chose the wrong time to launch the war. The Northern states had not prepared for war at all. They could have dragged things out for another few months."
Foreign Minister Wessenberg explained, "If they dragged it out for a few months, the Northern government would compromise. Don't be fooled by the Lincoln government's cries for war; in truth, the Northern government barely has any troops in its hands.
The United States' political system differs from those of the European countries. Its states hold too much power, while the central government's authority has been severely curtailed.
Every state has its own army. Without the consent of the state governments, the Northern government has no authority whatsoever to command those forces.
Their control over the states is even weaker than our