A new strategy

George III immediately replied, "But the Prussia army is still no match for the France."

Pitt the Younger nodded. "Indeed, Your Majesty. Therefore, we must adopt a new strategy. We can no longer aim to quickly defeat France as before, but rather to wear down France's national strength over a long period of time through numerous small-scale battles."

"The war could last seven or even ten years."

"In this process, our country provided the military expenses, Prussia was responsible for producing military supplies, and Austria conscripted as many soldiers as possible to fight."

"We won't even directly attack France territory, but will focus on Saxony, Oldenburg, Osnabrück, and other countries. Prussia would be very happy to occupy these places. This is in line with their consistent strategic position."

"If France intervenes, it will have to spend its military funds on a long supply line, while Prussia is only a few dozen kilometers away from the front line."

"If France stands idly by, its influence in North German Confederation will be severely damaged. The Trade Alliance will also crumble."

George III pondered for a moment, then asked, "If the France hadn't stopped after repelling the Prussian Army's attack on Saxony, but instead continued northward, Pozztan and Berlin would likely have been difficult to hold."

"That is possible, Your Majesty. The war will not start immediately. Prussia will rely on the lakes and marshes formed by the Havel River from Pozztan to Berlin, as well as the dense pine forests, to build a large number of bastions for defense."

"As you know, Pozztan itself is a peninsula surrounded by lakes and rivers, which is very suitable for bastion defense."

"Based on our experience defending Porto, the dense bastions of the Torres Vedras Lines held off nearly 100,000 Franco-Spanish Allied Forces for several years."

"Prussia has carried out large-scale Military Reform in recent years, and its army's combat effectiveness is far superior to that of the Portuguese."

"While the French Army was entangled with the Pozztan bastions, Austria could open a new front in the South. For example, it could attack Salzburg or suppress the rebels in Innsbruck, who were mostly supported by France."

"France forces will be severely dispersed and bogged down in a protracted war of attrition far from their homeland."

"A war of attrition?" George III's expression finally softened, revealing neither a smile nor worry. "Two questions. First, why are Prussia and Austria cooperating with our strategy?"

"Secondly, even if your plan is successfully implemented, how can you ensure that we won't be the first to be dragged down?"

"Not only Prussia and Austria, but perhaps Russia as well, they must respond to our strategy," said Pitt the Younger. with great confidence.

"Because this will be their last chance." The France Trade Alliance will control trade throughout the German Territories, while Austria and Prussia will be shut out by Tariff.

"With the loss of the Germany market, their Finance can only sustain them for a maximum of two years."

"Of course, we will also offer them some bait." For example, supporting Prussia in gaining control of northern German Territories, helping Austria control Bavaria, and Italy. If Russia is willing to join the war, our Congress tacitly allow them to gain control of Northern Europe and Poland.

These things may seem like they concern other countries, but for the United Kingdom, they represent a huge concession.

It's important to understand that once Austria and Prussia gained control of southern and northern German Territories, they would become two very powerful nations, potentially breaking away from the United Kingdom control—and perhaps becoming the next France.

Therefore, United Kingdom had been secretly hindering the expansion of both countries, but this became less unacceptable as France's influence in Germany grew.

"As for consumption capacity," Pitt the Younger continued, "Our country has a clear advantage over France."

"The German Territories will soon become a battlefield, and even Italy will be drawn in. These are markets that the France rely heavily on."

"Although our country will also be affected, our economic situation will be much better than that of the France, thanks to the income from our overseas Colony."

"I have roughly calculated that if the war continues for five years, the France economy will suffer irreversible damage. The railways they have invested hundreds of millions of Franc in building across the country will face the prospect of not being able to recoup their costs."

"With the war entering its seventh year, France's Finance could collapse at any moment."

"By raising tax rates in our India and North America Colony and increasing merchant shipping in the Persian Gulf, we can guarantee our military expenses for about nine years. In extreme cases, we can even use loans secured by Colony profits to sustain us for another five years."

Actually, he was being very modest. Historically, United Kingdom invested heavily in the Napoleonic Wars for 22 years, yet it wasn't completely drained.

George III leaned forward slightly and said in a low voice, "You have staked the future of the Empire."

Without hesitation, Pitt the Younger said, "Your Majesty, if France successfully controls Germany, it will soon become the hegemon of the European Continent. At that time, our country will inevitably become a small, peripheral nation."

"That's worse than losing a bet."

George III remained silent.

He was well aware that the Continental Balance Policy was United Kingdom's best strategy and the only way to maintain its status as a great power.

After a full two minutes, he spoke again, "I am still not entirely reassured about Prussia's and Austria's determination to go to war."

Pitt the Younger nodded. "Besides what I just mentioned, I actually have more backup plans."

"For example, we will also form a Free Trade Alliance against the Trade Alliance with France," with key members including all Protestantism countries and Austria. If possible, Russia will also be included.

"Our country can lift price controls on Grain and even open up some markets in our overseas Colony. This would be enough to attract Prussia and Austria."

It would also create a powerful trade system to counter France.

George III's gaze toward the Prime Minister changed once again.

Removing Grain price controls could bankrupt many United Kingdom farmers, and overseas Colony were an absolute no-go zone for the United Kingdom.

Pitt the Younger. said firmly, "Your Majesty, for victory, we must stake everything."

"Actually, this isn't without its advantages."

"The large-scale importation of cheap Grain will displease landowners, but the impact on the Irish will be far more devastating."