Chapter 461: The Death of the Holy Roman Emperor
Immediately, nearly half of the British parliamentarians voiced their agreement:
"The Franco-Austrian alliance has gained the upper hand on the battlefield; we must respond!"
"If Austria regains Silesia, the strategic balance in the German region will be shattered."
"It's not just about Silesia; the Franco-Austrian alliance could even dictate the political landscape of the entire continent..."
As a traditional disruptor of European affairs, Britain could never allow a dominant power to emerge on the continent. However, some more cautious parliamentarians shook their heads and murmured amongst themselves. One of them stood up and said:
"Lord Fox, we are not at all prepared for war; we haven't even started mobilizing the army."
Most of Britain's available forces had been deployed to India the previous year. At most, Britain could send just over 30,000 troops to Silesia, and without proper logistical support, even entering the war might have little impact on the situation.
Fox immediately slammed the proposal for war down on the table and shouted:
"That's why we must start preparing for war right now."
He pointed eastward, jabbing the air with his finger:
"If the French help Austria defeat our allies, it will be too late to act!
"Holland is too weak to rely on. Prussia is our only stronghold on the continent. If Prussia is defeated and sides with France and Austria, it will be a nightmare for Britain!"
The calls of support for him grew louder in the parliamentary hall. Although Tory members didn't want to support his proposal, they couldn't find a solid reason to oppose it at that moment.
In just over an hour, the British Senate passed the proposal to immediately start preparing for war, planning to send at least 60,000 troops to Silesia within three months. They also decided to significantly increase the Hanoverian forces in Silesia and urged their allies—Holland, Lower Hesse, and Poland—to deploy troops as well.
The proposal was quickly sent to 10 Downing Street for Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger's signature.
All of Europe seemed poised to erupt, with Silesia at the center.
…
Silesia.
South of the city of Liegnitz.
"Please, you must accept this small token of gratitude," General Leo said, smiling broadly as he gestured toward a carriage parked by the roadside. "I've heard that even Marshal Laessig opposed sending reinforcements to Ratibor, but you insisted that General Kellermann lead 30,000 troops to help me."
Joseph cleared his throat and patted Leo's shoulder with a smile:
"We're old friends; I couldn't just leave you in danger."
Leo continued to express his gratitude profusely. He had always believed that his poor combat skills led to his being surrounded at Ratibor and that it was the French Prince who ultimately saved him.
Joseph was happy to maintain good relations with him—after all, it was always helpful to have connections in Vienna.
As they chatted and entered the tent, a staff officer approached Joseph and whispered, "Your Highness, the gifts are all jewels and luxury items, worth at least 500,000 francs."
Joseph's smile grew even brighter. It seemed Leo had sent over all the rewards he had received from Vienna. Since Austria had won a major victory, Leo's actions at Ratibor had been reinterpreted as "heroically fighting to pin down large enemy forces," earning him rewards and almost certainly a promotion to marshal.
Soon, the conversation turned to the ongoing war.
Leo produced a handwritten letter from Marshal Laessig and said to Joseph:
"Your Highness, the Allied forces are making significant progress at the Breslau fortress.
"The command has developed the 'March Offensive' plan, and once your troops arrive, we'll quickly break through the fortress."
Joseph couldn't help but sigh inwardly. General Wilz had pressed him earlier, and now Leo was doing the same.
The Imperial Guard had been "resting" here for more than half a month, and it seemed that there was no more room to delay.
Reluctantly, he turned to Berthier, about to give the order to march when the sound of approaching hoofbeats caught his attention. A moment later, an officer entered the tent, holding a black-edged notice and speaking in a somber tone:
"Your Highness, generals, the Holy Roman Emperor has been called to heaven by God..."
Though Joseph was saddened by the death of his uncle, he also felt a sense of relief.
Joseph II had passed away at the end of February 1790, as history had foretold.
This would provide France with the perfect opportunity to withdraw from the quagmire of the Silesian War.
Joseph looked at the stunned General Leo and, with a mournful expression, said:
"Oh! God! My dear uncle has passed away; I must return to Vienna for the funeral."
Leo quickly came to his senses and pounded his chest in grief:
"May His Majesty rest in peace in heaven..."
With that, the topic of war was dropped. Marshal Laessig urgently revised his battle plans, switching to a strategy of holding the line. Fortunately, Austria had gained some ground previously, and Prussia was in no position to launch a full-scale counterattack.
…
A week later.
Vienna was far from a place of mourning; indeed, some were even excited by the death of Joseph II.
In Schönbrunn Palace, several ministers were advising Leopold II:
"Your Majesty, if the nobility continues to resist, the national treasury will be depleted within a few months."
"Your Majesty, we've made strides in Silesia, but we've also burned through a lot of resources."
"Separatist movements in Hungary are becoming more aggressive. I suggest pulling some troops back to Pest to deter them..."
Leopold II frowned, fully aware that these nobles were essentially saying, "Please quickly undo Joseph II's reforms."
While Leopold had always favored halting his brother's reforms, the reformist faction was also powerful, and he had yet to be officially crowned emperor.
Given the political structure of the German states, the electors would have no choice but to vote for him, but until then, he wanted to avoid any major political upheaval.
Just then, a voice announced from the doorway:
"Count Kaunitz has arrived!"
Leopold II turned to see the State Chancellor, Count Kaunitz, stride in, bowing before him and declaring loudly:
"Your Majesty, the suspension of reforms is urgently needed. As for those idealistic reformers, I believe they should be arrested for inciting rebellion!"
Though Kaunitz had fallen out of favor with Leopold II and was gradually losing his grip on power, his influence in Vienna's political circles was still considerable.
Seeing Kaunitz's firm support for ending the reforms, Leopold II hesitated no longer and instructed the Minister of the Interior:
"Please draft a decree to suspend the reforms immediately, and we'll discuss it in the Privy Council tomorrow morning."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
…
The coffin of Joseph II was carried slowly through the streets of Vienna, borne on the shoulders of strong palace guards. A cardinal sent by the Pope led a procession of clergy, holding various ritual items, walking solemnly beside it.
(End of Chapter)
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