The current diplomatic environment is very unfavorable for Prussia. Due to the rapid military breakthrough and the war going too smoothly, the whole of Europe is worried about Prussia.
This nation evolved from the Teutonic Knights, and their martial spirit has always been rooted in their blood. Historically, the Prussians are actually more militant than the French nation.
It's just that the geographical environment of ancient Prussia was far inferior to that of France, so most of the time France suppressed Prussia.
Moreover, Prussia is located at the intersection of Eastern and Western Europe. It has been a place of war since ancient times. The Slavs, Germans, British, and French all have intricate conflicts of interest here.
Hundreds of years of chaotic conquests have also weakened the total national strength of the entire German nation. Even the most basic population data is lower than the European average.
Before the war, most Europeans were not optimistic about Prussia. Many optimistic analysts believed that even if Prussia won, it would be a disastrous victory. Everyone was waiting to see a scenario in which both sides would suffer losses.
But reality gave all military experts a resounding slap in the face. Prussia, which had won consecutive battles, abused France like a noob. Within a month of the war, France lost two provinces, Alsace and Lorraine, and even the French Emperor was defeated. The city of Metz is surrounded.
Such achievements shocked the monarchs all over Europe, and then they were filled with deep fear. No one expected that the Prussian tanks modified by Bismarck would have such violent combat effectiveness.
Who in Europe can resist such an army? France has the strongest army in the world, and it was wiped out so neatly. This shows that Prussia’s army is already the strongest in the world!
Those countries that had historical grievances with Prussia all felt chills on the backs of their necks. They knew that their armies were far inferior to those of France. If they were to confront Prussia directly, they would not be able to resist at all.
Britain also felt threatened. The rise of Prussia was so fast that Britain was overwhelmed. The army was originally the weakness of the British Empire. In order to make up for this weakness of the British Empire, they could only desperately develop their navy and use diplomatic intrigues to fight against it!
Now that Prussia is about to replace France as the world's second largest military power, Britain's overall national strategy needs to be adjusted. They instinctively have the urge to contain the emergence of a European hegemon.
Suddenly, Bismarck and William I encountered unprecedentedly strong diplomatic pressure. Everyone hoped that Prussia could sit at the negotiating table and that both parties could negotiate amicably.
Even the kings of the Netherlands and Belgium directly abandoned diplomatic rhetoric and persuaded William I as royal relatives.
"Napoleon III impulsively declared war on Prussia. What he did was indeed unethical. We will also scold him, but killing people is nothing more than a nod. You have already gained the upper hand on the battlefield, so you might as well just take the bait and save the best." good!"
"The war is fierce and dangerous. God knows whether you can maintain the advantage in the future. It is the best choice to swallow the immediate benefits first!"
"Be a human being and keep a secret so that we can meet again in the future! All you want is actual benefits. Let France cede its colonies to you, and then get more war reparations. Then we will recognize your Prussian right to unify other German states!"
"Look, what a great result this is! Don't you just want reunification and the dividends of war? We can give it to you at these negotiation tables, so why bother to fight anymore?"
"We have said all the good things. You should think about it carefully. If you don't listen to the advice again, then you will turn from the sufferers into the perpetrators. The change of status will not bring you any good fruits!"
At this time, the original words that Xiao Letian later wrote in his memoirs, of course, the kings of the Netherlands and Belgium would not speak such rough and scummy vernacular, but the meaning behind the words is correct, it is a threat that is soft yet hard. Prussia.
The direct driving force behind this threat is naturally British Prime Minister Gladstone!
War, in the final analysis, is nothing more than organized plunder by humans. All wars will eventually turn into plunder and profit. This has not changed since ancient times.
But people are still people after all, and war must be divided into a righteous name. Everyone will pretend to be the party who has been wronged and has no choice but to fight. This can win the sympathy of the world and also dissolve domestic anti-war sentiments.
Bismarck was the best at this trick. Through a series of provocations, he made the French Emperor lose his mind and thus took the initiative to declare war.
It was precisely because the French took the initiative to declare war and Prussia responded passively that countless conflicting states in the German Federation suddenly united.
Just look at the recruitment efficiency of the Kingdom of Bavaria. These soldiers who had war hatred with the Prussians are now coming together to fight side by side for the common banner of the German nation.
This is the benefit of having a righteous name, and with such a passive response and such a banner of justice, the international community can also say nothing.
Since the beginning of the war, all countries in Europe, except for the small countries controlled by France, have expressed sympathy for Prussia and agreed with Prussia's war against the French.
Who asked you, the French Emperor, to declare war first? Prussia did not invade you. It was you who started the war!
This kind of righteousness allowed Prussia to win a very good diplomatic environment and encountered very little pressure.
But now, the benefits of this righteous title are about to be exhausted!
European countries have begun to intervene diplomatically. They want to force Prussia to cease fire immediately and choose negotiations. If you don't agree, it means that all your painful performances are fake. You are a conspirator. In fact, you Prussians want to invade France.
At that time, the public sentiment will be reversed, and the morale of the German soldiers who fought passionately to defend their homeland will immediately be shaken.
Moreover, once Prussia rejected the diplomatic mediation of various countries, it would give other countries an excuse to intervene, especially Britain, who would definitely not hesitate to use their navy!
Can Bismarck withstand such unprecedented pressure? You must know that Bismarck's national strategy for Prussia is very clear, that is, it will never challenge Britain's international status.
Because he knows that Britain is too powerful and Prussia will not be able to fight it for a hundred years!
Although the Prime Minister is iron-blooded, he is still rational. He will not do stupid things that hit the wall!
But do we really want to give up the war? Let Napoleon III go so easily? It is obvious that France's armor has been torn open and its fragile belly has been exposed. If this opportunity is given up, I am afraid it will not happen again in a hundred years.
The whole of Europe was waiting for Bismarck's answer, but to their surprise, Bismarck did not respond at all. Instead, it took a different approach and came up with something that shocked the whole of Europe.
