Franz had been forced to flip the table. Although Austria wielded great influence in the German Federal Empire, the central government led by Hanover remained more pro-British.
From the standpoint of the German Federal Government, drawing close to the British and relying on British strength to preserve its independent status clearly better served the interests of the ruling class.
By comparison, the Vienna Government shouted slogans about unifying the German lands every day, making it truly difficult for them to feel close to it.
Such worries were limited to the major states. Most of the minor states had no such concerns; following Austria did them no harm anyway. They would be underlings either way.
Influenced by nationalism, most of the minor states in the German lands were more inclined to return to the Holy Roman Empire and realize their dream of becoming a great power.
In terms of strength, once the German lands were unified, a European hegemon would be born—and that hegemon would very likely become a world hegemon as well.
Hegemony was not merely a title; hidden interests lay behind it. Nationalism in the German lands had grown and flourished not only because of Austria's covert support, but also because many local capitalists and nobles had put in tremendous effort.
Besides patriotism, it was even more about profit. Hegemony could bring capitalists a larger market, while also bringing nobles glory and benefits.
Although Austria had many supporters, most of them lay beyond the reach of political power, or were scattered among the minor states and unable to influence the central government's decisions.
In a sense, these people supported the unification of the German lands in order to reshuffle the deck and use Austria's hand to reorganize power and interests.
In Franz's view, most of them were opportunists. It