Start 1861: I Just Inherited the Dutch Throne

Seeing Alexandra nodding in agreement, William IV followed: "Perhaps the former King Frederick VII can still tolerate it, but after your father took over as the new king, he wanted to use this to increase the capital to consolidate the throne. We simply decided to annex Schleswig to Denmark and allow it to share all the rights of this country equally, thereby solving this problem once and for all and ending this never-ending dispute.

Although this measure may make everyone understand the purpose, it is very dangerous.”

"Why?" After hearing this, Alexandra asked nervously.

William IV took a breath, and then said: "Because, this means that Denmark will violate the 1852 London Protocol on the status of Schleswig and Holstein, which will expand the Danish government's authority to Loved much, and separated Schleswig and Holstein.”

“What happens if it is violated?”

William IV sighed: "Prussia can have an excuse to tell other countries that Denmark violated the law first. Prussia has the ultimate and legal advantage in launching a war against Denmark."

"War?" Alexandra exclaimed, "Isn't that very dangerous?"

"What do you think?" William IV then said soothingly: "Don't worry, your father will be fine. Prussia just wants a chance."

"What chance?" Listening to William IV's words, Alexandra asked again.

William IV said inexplicably: "The road to heaven"

"What is the road to heaven?" Alexandra became even more puzzled.

When William IV saw her standing nervously, he also stood up, put his arm around her slender waist, and said shockingly: "This is the road to the empire."

On June 30, 1864, after repeated appeals from the Germans in Schleswig, two armies from the Duchy of Saxony and the Duchy of Hannover within the German Confederation marched into Holstein in the name of the German Confederation.

With their arrival, they were given a warm welcome by the residents here.

At this time, other principalities of the German Confederation were envious, but because they were too far away from Denmark, they were disappointed.

Duke Augustenberg, who had previously been supported by Prussia, including Prussia, in competing with Christian IX for the Danish throne, now declared himself Frederic with the support of these two armies and the people of Holstein. Ke VIII.

This caused consternation among Germans from all countries including Austria and Prussia.

Because countries understand that it is one thing to drive away Denmark, but it is another thing to establish their own country. This may cause strong dissatisfaction in Denmark. After all, the place where this duke announced also includes Schleswig.

This dissatisfied all countries that were not prepared for war. Wei Kong was involved in a European war.

In fact, this is the case in Denmark. With the release of the Duke's announcement, many countries have sensed that the danger has increased. They all couldn't help but look towards the Baltic Sea.

There are dark clouds over there.

Downing Street, England.

Foreign Secretary Russell and Prime Minister Viscount Palmerston were smiling wryly.

"Denmark is seeking death by doing this."

Palmerston agreed with Russell's view, "Australia and Prussia signed the 1852 agreement, so the rules must be maintained. Now that Denmark violates the terms of the agreement, they can take action, which is legal and compliant."

Now even we, the rest of Europe, have no excuse to intervene.

Why didn't Christian IX think of this problem? Isn't this a reasonable reason to start a war? "

Russell said: "Then do we still have to stand up now?"

Viscount Palmerston naturally understood that there was something in his words, "Although the Queen's German bloodline makes it difficult for her to forget Germany,

However, as the current King of England, she should put the interests of Britain first.

Therefore, our approach can only be in line with the interests of the United Kingdom, and the Queen does not need to care too much."

"Besides, don't forget, Prussia has deep complaints against us. Even if we don't do anything, won't they be on guard against us?"

On July 3, 1864, the British Foreign Office held a press conference. At this meeting, British Foreign Secretary Russell clearly opposed the actions of the German Confederation and demanded that the Hanoverian and Saxon troops withdraw from Holstein. At the same time, he stated that Britain would not recognize Austria. Duke Gustenberg's so-called status as Frederick VIII.

The Tsarist Empire also expressed concern about the tense situation in Schleswig and Holstein, and expressed its hope that it would not affect the security of the Baltic Sea outlet.

However, the Prime Minister of Saxony and Count Beust, who had already dispatched troops, ignored it and instead suggested to the German Confederation Assembly that Bavaria, the Speaker of the Assembly, should propose a motion in the Confederation Assembly to recognize Duke Frederick's kingly power.

This made Austria dissatisfied, but just as Bavaria was a follower of Austria, Saxony was now a follower of the Kingdom of Prussia.

Although Hannover is not, it is not far behind.

However, William IV knew that this must be the result of Bismarck's secret manipulation. This was an action to help Bismarck in persuading Austria to take immediate action.

As for the reason? Let’s not express it for now.

On July 8, 1864, under the pressure of many principalities of the North German Confederation, Bavaria or Austria finally proposed a compromise, and proposed a version of the motion written by Bavaria and Austria at the German Confederation Assembly, demanding that the German Confederation occupy Schlesu. However, the purpose was to cause Denmark to continue to comply with the terms of the 1852 London Protocol.

It also stated that the German Confederation would continue to recognize the power of King Christian IX of Denmark as long as Denmark continued to abide by its terms.

But this time Bavaria and Austria were embarrassed, because in the German Confederation parliament, this motion was angrily rejected by the Confederation members.

Because all countries want to take punitive measures against Denmark instead of being conservative.

On July 10, 1864, Archduke Renner Ferdinand of Austria drafted a clause, but still maintained the 1852 agreement. However, Prussian Prime Minister Bismarck directly opposed it in the parliament and directly called for a joint agreement between Austria and Prussia. actions to determine the relationship between the two principalities.

Even Bismarck, with the support of many principalities in North Germany, stated that the status of the two principalities must be agreed by both Austria and Prussia, and that the issue of who will succeed cannot be decided alone.

Subsequently, Austria and Bavaria agreed to communicate directly with Prussia in order to maintain their leadership of the German Confederation.

After consultations between Austria and Prussia, Austria and Prussia informed the Confederation that they would act as separate countries.

Only a few people in the world know about Bismarck's great success in the next game.

One of them, Wilhelm IV, did not tell her about Bismarck's plans out of confidentiality.

After comforting Queen Alexandra, William IV thought to himself: "The Netherlands, maybe it should get some benefits from this Prudential War."

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