Austria Threat Theory

After William I's trip to London, the international situation became increasingly clear. Anglo-Prussian relations had warmed, while Russia and Austria, having just ended their alliance, drew close once more. The choice that would determine the future course of Europe had once again fallen into French hands.

If the Paris Government supported the Russians, the outcome of this war would already be decided. Conversely, if it supported the Prusso-Polish Federation, then the war would have to be fought before anyone knew the result.

At the Palace of Versailles, Napoleon IV was immensely satisfied with the current situation. Both Prussia and Russia were scrambling to court France; the feeling of holding Europe's future in his hands was simply exquisite.

Foreign Minister Dumbledore said, "Your Majesty, the Russian delegation has suddenly altered its itinerary and canceled its visit to London. They are expected to arrive in Paris in three days."

Napoleon IV smiled faintly. He knew that the Tsarist Government was anxious. The Russian Empire surpassed the Prusso-Polish Federation in overall national strength, but war was not a contest of national strength alone; external support mattered as well.

The Prusso-Polish Federation had already won British support. If it also gained French backing, then even if Russia secured Austria's support, it would still be at a disadvantage.

Cruel reality had taught the Russians that without money, nothing could be done. The combined financial resources of the two great patrons, Britain and France, would certainly provide more funds than Austria could offer.

To put it bluntly, this was the Russians' war, not Austria's. The Vienna Government could support them, but it could not invest without limit.

Unless the war could be ended in a short time, the final contest would come down to financial strength. Having learned the lesson of the previous war, the Tsarist