Strategic Railway Plan

Humanity was adept at reflection, especially after experiencing pain that cut to the bone. The ever-intensifying revolutionary tide had made the rulers aware of the danger.

Austria's cultural traditions leaned conservative. It had suffered relatively little in the economic crisis, its social tensions were comparatively mild, and it had been less affected by the revolutionary tide.

Several disturbances had erupted within the country, all involving international forces. The public's desire for revolution was not particularly strong, and the Vienna Government's sense of crisis had not yet become too acute.

While Franz was still considering whether to convene an international conference, Napoleon IV had already issued a call to the nations of Europe.

There was no helping it—the revolutionary fervor of the French people was simply too high. The entire country was a powder keg; a single spark could set off a revolution.

According to incomplete statistics, from the first gunshot in Lyon until now, as many as 116 rebellions and riots had erupted across France, exceeding the total for all other regions of Europe combined.

Demonstrations and strikes went without saying. Strikes had occurred in nearly every French city. So long as the heavens showed a little favor, there would be people marching and protesting on the streets of Paris.

After gaining a deeper understanding of France's situation, Franz understood Napoleon IV's urgent desire to convene an international conference.

The holy land of revolution was no empty boast. Lately, the people of Paris seemed to have fallen in love with the meaningful activity called revolution, rioting two or three times almost every week.

Fortunately, on the question of suppressing rebellions, France's ruling class stood on the same side. Otherwise, the Palace of Versailles would have changed masters again.

Several financial syndicates in Paris had successively provided the French Government with