John Bull's influence in this era was still anything but ordinary. Though it could not compare to the same period in history, a single call from him could still draw a host of responses.
The Italian Revolutionary Party, the French Revolutionary Party—every organization with even a recognizable name sent representatives to London.
Looking at the intelligence in his hands, Franz's first reaction was: The British really are rich!
With any other country, never mind whether these revolutionary organizations would show them respect—even finding them would be difficult.
Revolution was a business that could cost one's head. If they had not acted with extreme caution, Napoleon III would have wiped them out long ago. For the British to find all of them in such a short time, the two sides must have maintained contact all along.
Other than the "power of money," what else could make this bunch of revolutionaries cooperate? The Italian Revolutionary Party was one thing, but Britain and France were hereditary enemies. Why would the French Revolutionary Party dance to Britain's tune?
In any case, Franz could not afford such a bill. Rather than use the money to support this rabble, it would be better spent on domestic economic development and strengthening Austria itself.
It was not that he looked down on revolutionaries. In this era, the French Revolutionary Party was merely the bourgeoisie's white glove, existing solely to seek profits for the bourgeoisie.
Aside from a handful of exceptions, most of them were losers in struggles for power, fighting for their own interests. Other than flying the banner of revolutionaries, they were not true revolutionaries at all.
The Italian Revolutionary Party was relatively better. At least they were fighting for national independence. Though their internal organization was chaotic and a mixed bag of fish and dragons, they