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The hatred between France and Germany is really a subject that historians will never finish studying! These two nations have the same roots, but they are in conflict with each other. Why be so anxious? They are all branches of the Holy Roman Empire, and they are all branches of the Pan-Germanic nation, but the final outcome is that they will fight against each other for hundreds of years.
History is actually very wonderful. As long as you can stretch out the time axis, you can discover a lot of interesting things.
For example, take the Iron Triangle of Western Europe, the three countries of Britain, France and Germany. Historically, Britain and France had formed an alliance against Germany. Germany and Britain also formed a common alliance against France.
Only the two nations, Germany and France, have never formed an alliance and have never jointly dealt with any enemy.
War is definitely the main theme, and along with it are religious conflicts. You know, an important branch of Christianity, Protestantism, was born in Germany, but France is a group of devout Catholics.
The most representative one is the Thirty Years' War in Europe in the 17th century. This war was almost a preview of the World War. Since the colonies around the world were not fully covered at that time, and the geographical discovery was not yet over, this war in which all European countries participated can be called a World War. previewed.
The Thirty Years' War should be regarded as the origin of mutual hatred between Germany and France. Because the main battlefield of the war is on German territory. After the war, the entire Germany was completely divided into various small states. The country's comprehensive strength collapsed! It was originally one of the three major powers of the Holy Roman Empire, but in the end it fell into fragmentation.
Of course, Germany is not willing to accept such a tragic fate, and the seeds of revenge are deeply planted in the hearts of generations of Germans.
During the French Revolution, it was the army of the German Confederation that was most effective in suppressing the French Revolutionary Party.
After the Revolution, Napoleon also launched a counterattack against Prussia and eventually captured Berlin. In the subsequent anti-French alliance, Prussia and Germany will always be one of the main forces. At the Battle of Waterloo, it was the timely arrival of Prussian reinforcements that finally ended Napoleon's imperial dream.
It can be said that the war that has lasted for hundreds of years has deeply implanted hatred into the genes of the two nations. Alsace, Lorraine, Bavaria, Hesse, etc. are all territories that France and Germany compete for.
French-speaking people and German-speaking people are entangled with each other and live together, which naturally makes ethnic conflicts always serious.
Just before the Austro-Prussian War, Napoleon III once proposed that because France remained neutral in the war, Prussia should give up territory as a thank-you gift to France.
The west bank of the Rhine, Bavaria, Hesse, and Darmstadt were the delivery territories designated by Napoleon III.
This request was, of course, strongly opposed by Bismarck. But before the Franco-Prussian War, the gap in national power between France and Prussia was really too big. Bismarck could not directly fall out with France. He could only resort to coercion and delay on the negotiation table. The two countries engaged in a tug-of-war of negotiations that lasted for several years.
It is worth mentioning that the 18th century was a time when nationalism had just begun to rise. At this time, the concept of country was not fully rooted in the hearts of the people. Therefore, European countries have experienced territorial transfers in many wars and conflicts.
Europe's national borders are in a state of flux over a long period of time. Due to various conflicts such as war, diplomacy, economy and culture, the powerful countries reached agreements one after another, and completed certain territorial changes through these agreements.
This is a very common thing. Therefore, in the eyes of politicians and the people at the time, ceding land and territory and changing border lines was not an easy matter.
Therefore, Napoleon III believed that his request was very, very reasonable. We, France, have become neutral and helped you win the Austro-Prussian War, so you have to give us a thank you gift. Ceding the conflict areas is Prussia's best reward for France.
Napoleon III, who now thinks he is smart. Feeling that he could suppress his conditions, in order to deal with the Chinese, he decided to have peace talks with Prussia.
In the Hesse region and the Darmstadt region, Napoleon III decided to be generous and give up his claims to these lands. Even the Bavaria region could use some less land area.
In the eyes of Napoleon III, this was already a gift from France. Seeing such conditions, Bismarck should be grateful to the grateful mountain and shout long live!
Peace is almost inevitable. As long as a peace treaty is signed, the Chinese who want to fish in troubled waters will reap the consequences.
The Duke of Gramont, the French Foreign Minister, heard His Majesty the Emperor's request. He hesitated a little, but when he saw His Majesty the Emperor looking excited, he backed down. The moody Napoleon III was no longer what he was when he was young. He was absolutely Don't dare to offend him at this time.
The Foreign Minister respectfully saluted and left. He said carefully, "Dear Your Majesty, I will definitely bring this condition to the Prime Minister of Bismarck and the King of Prussia. However, I hope that Your Majesty will be prepared for both. He has experienced the Prussian-Danish War and the Prussian-Austrosian War. These lunatics who are victorious may... make some unwise moves!"
"Of course, I am not doubting your wise emperor's judgment, nor am I doubting the strong national power of France. I just hope that your majesty can make more preparations, at least be prepared with both hands."
"I know, I know, go ahead and do it. Our preparations for war in France have never stopped. Prussia will definitely not dare to start a war as long as it is not a fool."
Queen Eugenie watched the Minister of Foreign Affairs retreat cautiously. She was still relatively calm. "I think this matter should be discussed with the Chief of General Staff and the Marshal? Or talk to the Duke of Montauban. After all, in Among us in France, he is the one who knows the Chinese people best..."
But Queen Eugenie's reminder was not taken seriously by Napoleon III. At this moment, he was very tired. He rubbed his temples and the Emperor sat on the chair. "Let's talk about some things later. I'm too tired. I need to rest..."
The Queen left the Hall of Mirrors. She didn't know what happened, but an ominous premonition arose spontaneously. He turned to his attendant and said, "Go and ask the Duke of Montauban to see me. I always feel that the relationship between Prussia and these Chinese is not that simple!"
Putting aside Queen Eugenie's concerns for the moment, the French Foreign Minister came to Berlin in early 1870 with this latest proposal.
Contrary to his worries, when Bismarck saw the Emperor's request, he actually looked happy!
"Oh, my old friend! This is the first good news I got in the new year. I must bring it to our king personally. Please take a short rest in the mansion. I think you will get the good news."
When Bismarck saw off the French Foreign Minister, he immediately changed his face and said with a sneer, "Come here! Check immediately where the Chinese head of state is? Prepare a special train for me, I will go to Hamburg to meet you soon." he."
"Napoleon III, Napoleon III! You are really old. If I remember correctly, you are 62 years old this year. Poor you have lost the care and prudence that a politician should have. You only have arrogance in your belly. and prejudice.”
"Your era is over. Europe should turn to a new page. There will be no place for you in this page."
Note: This is the fourth update. I have been fighting for my life...I am exhausted, my blood pressure has reached 120-160, and veins are popping in my head...
I'm old...I really can't compare to young people. Sorry, I'll add it to the fourth update!
Finally, I would like to recommend Xinjing to all my book friends. A science fiction book I wrote before, "Interstellar Hunter Country", has also been updated in it. Book friends who are waiting for the update strongly recommend you to take a look.
Although it is science fiction and has nothing to do with history, the book is also very unique. The large-scale space war in it is as spectacular as the bloody battle in Hidden Dragon.
Maybe the sci-fi style at the beginning will make you a little uncomfortable with it, but don’t be impatient and read on. The pit is actually worth jumping into. The styles in it are very different. There should be no similar books, but it is still very interesting. Novel.
Although Xinjing's writing skills cannot be said to be outstanding, he is also very careful. I believe that old book friends should be able to accept it.
