On September 25, 1890, France and Belgium began war mobilization at nearly the same time. Everyone knew this was the real thing.
Europe's eyes turned toward Vienna. As the leader of the Anti-French Alliance, the Austrian Government's stance at this moment would directly shape the coming upheavals across the European Continent.
Vienna Palace
Franz asked, "Has the German Confederation still not argued its way to a conclusion?"
Belgium alone could not hold back the French. If they wanted to wait for Austrian reinforcements to arrive, North Germany's cooperation was especially crucial at this time.
Everyone understood the principle that when the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold. Once the French army occupied Belgium, North Germany would become a battlefield and could not possibly remain aloof.
Under such circumstances, North Germany sending troops to support Belgium was an inevitable outcome. That was only in theory, however.
More people did not necessarily mean greater strength. The German Confederation contained too many states, each with different core interests. Not everyone was willing to fight the French to the death.
There was never any shortage of fools in the world, and the German Confederation had its share as well. Even now, some still dreamed of selling out Belgium in exchange for peace.
Once a conflict arose, they argued. After all, the Imperial Parliament existed precisely to provide everyone with a place to argue.
Foreign Minister Wessenberg said, "On the matter of dispatching troops to reinforce Belgium, the North German states have reached a preliminary consensus.
"However, new disagreements have emerged over troop allocation and command authority.
"George I has been extremely passive. He has not rushed to urge everyone to send troops. It seems he wants to preserve his strength."
Everyone had selfish motives. Franz was certain that both Belgium and Germany hoped