Chapter 148: Chapter 144: Methods to Win Over the Tsardom of Russia_2

William II did not nod, but instead fixed his gaze intently on Minister Andrew. What Minister Andrew proposed was precisely what the German Empire was currently implementing, a method that had not been successful so far.

Although Germany had earnestly endeavored to form alliances with the British Empire and the Russian Empire, each of these nations had its own interests. One had always adhered to an isolationist policy, while the other maintained an exceptionally favorable and close economic and political relationship with France. Consequently, Germany’s attempts at alliance had consistently failed. Regardless of success or failure, though, this was a strategy that the German Empire had previously proposed and attempted.

Unless Minister Andrew can provide a satisfactory explanation, even if William II has a fondness for Australia, and even if the relationship between Germany and Australia is currently cordial, it will not tolerate such arbitrary dismissal. “Your Majesty, the current situation differs from the past. Based on our analysis of the island nation’s current situation, your Highness believes that the conflict between the island nation and the Russian Empire will intensify, and may even lead to a war within a few years,” Minister Andrew stopped beating around the bush and explained with a smile, “The island nation has imported a large amount of army weapons and warships from the British Empire and Australia, and also signed a treaty with us for the import of mineral resources. These signs indicate that their target is no longer domestic, but rather, they are attempting to gain supremacy in the East Asian region.” “Internationally, the island nation has already secured the support of two major powers, including the British Empire and the United States, and since its main camp is located in East Asia, there’s not much pressure on its logistics. In contrast, the Russian Empire’s ally, France, doesn’t support their activities in East Asia and neither does any other power except them. With most of the Russian Empire’s strength concentrated in Eastern Europe, I don’t think that a small portion of the Russian Army and fleet would be a match for the island nation. This represents a serious crisis for the Russian Empire.”

“But it also presents an opportunity for the German Empire. As far as the British Empire and the Russian Empire are concerned, your Highness believes that the Russian Empire is more likely to lean towards and even ally with the German Empire. The British Empire, like France, is an old power with a large number of colonies. Germany’s desire to vie for more overseas colonies has also been a blow to the British Empire. Moreover, Germany’s rapid recent development and impact on the British navy is unacceptable to the British Empire’s pride in its marine power. Thus, the possibility of collaboration between Germany and Britain under conflict is minimal and may even lead to hostility.”

William II nodded. What Minister Andrew said about Arthur’s thoughts was also consistent with the current thinking of William II and most German officials.

Australia’s export of weapons and warships to the island nation may seem like supporting a potential enemy of the German Empire, but in fact, it is also helping the German Empire create opportunities to win over the Russian Empire.

If the German Empire could win over the Russian Empire, what does it matter if the island nation rises in the Far East?

Even if the island nation was given several decades more to develop, it would not possibly catch up with the development of the German Empire.

It reflects the confidence of William II, all German officials, and all Germans in the German Empire.

“As for how to win over the Russian Empire, the Duke has the following suggestions. Firstly, Reruce economic ties between France and the Russian Empire as much as possible. After France provided the Russian Empire with a large number of loans, the Russian Empire’s economy was fundamentally tied to France, which was the reason the two countries could come together. If France’s economic influence on the Russian Empire could be diminished, then the plan to ally with the Russian Empire would have completed its first step,” Minister Andrew said, smiling

“Oh? Then what?” Seeing that Minister Andrew had finally entered the main topic, William II asked with slight interest.

“The way for the German Empire to win over the Russian Empire is to help it maintain its advantage in East Asia and uphold its supremacy. The Russian Empire’s army in East Asia is poorly equipped and the quality of training of its soldiers is low. Such an army, if a war broke out, would be lucky to hold its territory, let alone win the war. The German Empire could offer large Ioans to the Russian Empire under various pretexts, and encourage and support its expansion of military forces and weapon replacement in East Asia. As long as the Russian Empire’s supremacy in East Asia could be maintained, it would naturally have a favourable view of the German Empire, which extended a helping hand in this crisis,” Minister Andrew said, “Of course, this is just the overt plan. Behind the scenes, your country also needs to control some of the public opinion institutions in the Russian Empire, that is, various newspapers and printing plants. On the basis of the German Empire helping the Russian Empire guard its supremacy in East Asia, a large amount of propaganda should be carried out within the Russian Empire to strengthen the friendliness and closeness of the relationship between the German Empire and the Russian Empire in the public, which will also influence the thoughts of the upper echelons of the Russian Empire.”

Arthur’s proposal to William II is simple; once Germany successfully aids Russia, it should utilize public opinion within the Russian Empire to extensively propagandize and gain public favor, thereby influencing the strategic thought of the Russian elite.

Public opinion greatly impacts a country, especially the opinions of its people. If one can control the public opinion of a nation, they can even influence the strategic choices of that nation.

Imagine this, the Russian Empire, in which all the people have favorable impressions of the German Empire. Even if they have to engage in war with the German Empire due to the treaty obligations, would the common people have high enthusiasm for such a war?

Even if they were forced to raise their guns against the enemy due to orders from above, they would not be so ruthless due to various sentiments.

Such wars often develop into sham wars, where neither side deploys too many troops, and the actual area of conflict is quite small.

After all, as the proverb goes, there might be insubordination in the military. Especially on the battlefield, a qualified commander should always consider the feelings of his soldiers.

If one disregards the feelings of the soldiers and acts recklessly, they must worry about whether their army will mutiny.

“Oh? Create public opinion? Really, that’s a good suggestion, hahaha. Start from the grassroots in Russia and influence the upper echelons, not a bad plan.” William II nodded, quite pleased.

Although it’s only the early 20th century, public sentiment already has a significant impact on a nation.

Particularly in European countries like Britain, France, and Germany, while exploitation of the people by domestic capitalists still exists and is even quite fierce.

However, the power of the people when they band together has already become quite formidable, capable of shaking the foundations of a nation’s government.

If a majority of the Russian people were to unite, even the powerful imperial government of the Russian Empire would have to consider the opinions of its people.

“But there’s still a problem, Minister Andrew. France won’t sit idle as we try to win over the Russian Empire by offering loans and selling weapons. I fear France will offer even more loans and donate a batch of weapons to the Russian Empire as soon as we make our offer.” After the initial moment of satisfaction, William II voiced his queries.

At present, France and the Russian Empire are still treaty allies. Even though France does not support the Russian Empire’s actions in the Far East, it does not mean France will abandon the Russian Empire.

On the contrary, France places great importance on the Russian Empire as an ally and definitely won’t let the German Empire easily win over the Russian Empire.

Although France gradually can’t keep up with the German Empire in industry and economy, France can still provide the Russian Empire with the same things that the German Empire does.

Moreover, at present, France has even better relations with the Russian Empire compared to the German Empire. If the German Empire blatantly tries to win over the Russian Empire in this manner, France is sure to impede them as before.

“Yes, Your Highness. As fellow European nations and with Germany and France being neighboring countries, Germany’s actions to win over the Russian Empire would certainly be noticed by France and definitely be obstructed.” Minister Andrew nodded and said, “Therefore this time in enticing the Russian Empire, Germany cannot directly intervene. It needs another country that can provide a large amount of weapons and equipment but does not have any connection with France to do so..”