Chapter 1129 Dancing on a Powder Keg
It can be said that East African industry and commerce encountered a rather unfavorable time in finding a way out overseas, because at this time Europe was facing a new round of economic crisis.
In 1912, the economic crisis first broke out in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which then triggered a wave of industrial and commercial bankruptcies in Near Eastern countries, and international trade and financial markets shrank. In August 1913, the heavy industry and financial industry of Britain and Germany began to be in trouble, the number of unemployed people surged, and the industrial production of France, Italy, Japan, and other countries also began to decline.
At this time, East Africa's domestic industries were exporting a large amount of goods, further exacerbating the crisis in European society. The market was flooded with cheap products, but no one cared about them. On the one hand, capital produced goods without restrictions, but on the other hand, it was unwilling to increase wages for workers. Society Consumption is weak. Under this contradiction, Europe has become a big explosive keg, and social revolution may break out at any time.
If Europe is the world's dynamite barrel, then the Balkans are the European dynamite barrel. The Balkan countries that experienced two Balkan wars are generally poor, and they suffered from the impact of the economic crisis after the war.
At this time, if these troubles cannot be solved and the people's attention cannot be diverted, the current Serbian regime may collapse at any time, so they have turned their attention to their "enemy" - the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The conflict between Serbia and the Austro-Hungarian Empire has been going on for a long time. As early as after the "Bosnian Crisis", Serbian nationalists were making various efforts to achieve "national independence and reunification".
However, as time went by, Serbian nationalism began to evolve towards extremes. Out of political needs, some politicians also publicly issued tough words, intensifying domestic emotions. This made Bosnia and Herzegovina the focus of conflicts between Austria and Serbia. .
There are more than 200 national self-defense organizations established in Serbia and related committees. They recruit and train soldiers, organize guerrillas and volunteers, establish espionage systems in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and prepare for war in full swing.
In Ernst's view, the Austro-Hungarian Empire suffered an unreasonable disaster. After all, when the Austro-Hungarian Empire annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina, it was snatched from the hands of the Ottoman Empire. Now it is really unreasonable for Serbia to blame the Austria-Hungarian Empire entirely. reason.
Even Ernst, an outsider, thought so. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was naturally even more dissatisfied with the "unreasonable" behavior of the Serbs.
As one of the great powers, the Austro-Hungarian Empire never believed that Serbia could pose a major threat to itself, so it began to deploy troops on the border between the two countries and organize frequent military exercises.
The actions of Austria-Hungary and Serbia were clearly dancing on a powder keg that could explode across Europe at any time.
…
June 28, 1914.
Sarajevo.
Kalamen Beer Hall, this is one of the gathering places of Serbian “Black Hand” organizations.
“Graves, did you hear that? The Austro-Hungarian Empire held a military exercise in Bosnia.”
"Of course, these **** Austro-Hungarians, who do they think they are? According to what the newspapers said, they not only provoked us Serbia in Bosnia, but also regarded Serbia as an imaginary enemy. The Austria-Hungarian Empire's wolf ambitions towards our Serbia are obvious. Expose." The young man said indignantly.
With their personal unfavorable fate and the instigation of national public opinion, the Serbians hated the Austro-Hungarian Empire as naturally as they drank water.
"Graves is so right! The Austro-Hungarian Empire not only occupies our Bosnia, but also exploits our compatriots in various ways. Only by overthrowing this evil empire can permanent peace be achieved on the Balkan Peninsula." An alcoholic echoed. "Damn it, although I agree with what you said, the gap between us and the Austro-Hungarian Empire is too big. The Austro-Hungarian Empire has always been a well-known European power and a powerful country in Europe, but we in Serbia did not have much independence and freedom. For a long time, we spent a lot of national power to defeat the Ottomans, so what can we do in front of the Austro-Hungarian Empire?" someone said pessimistically.
"Gavrilo, don't be too pessimistic. Although the Austro-Hungarian Empire is much more powerful than our Serbia, the Austro-Hungarian Empire is not terrible. We can completely use the Russians to deal with the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Russia will not watch the Austro-Hungarian Empire annex Serbia is indifferent, so for us, Austria-Hungary is not invincible, and we also have top supporters behind us.”
The young man known as Garilov continued: "It is true that the Russians support us, but can the Russians support us in regaining Bosnia? Moreover, this Austro-Hungarian military exercise is a complete humiliation to us Serbia. This is what I Unacceptable.”
"For such a humiliation, if it were directed at me personally, I would not be so indignant, but the Austro-Hungarian Empire was obviously a humiliation to the entire kingdom and our Serbian nation. It would be difficult to convince yourself if you were indifferent and did nothing."
Graves came over, patted Garilov on the shoulder and said: "Garilov, I understand your mood very well, and I also appreciate your correct attitude towards the country and the nation. We really cannot remain indifferent and wait for death. We must Fight back against Austria-Hungary and let them know that we Serbs are not to be trifled with.”
Garylov said: "Graves, is there anything you can do?"
Graves nodded and said: "It's just some immature ideas, but once this idea is realized, it will definitely deter the Austro-Hungarian Empire."
Graves' statement naturally aroused Garilov's interest, and he asked: "Then what should we do? If your method is feasible, even if it means losing my own life, I am willing to devote myself to the Serbian national cause."
Looking at this enthusiastic young man who had just joined the organization, Graves' mouth moved imperceptibly. Young people nowadays are very encouraging.
Of course, Graves still pretended to be serious and said to Garilov: "It is said that today the Archduke Ferdinand of Habsburg will go to Sarajevo to conduct a troop review. I think this is our opportunity. Since the Austro-Hungarian Empire If people dare to show off their power on our land, we will make them pay with blood.”
Assassinating a European Grand Duke is no small matter, and he is also a member of Europe's top royal family like Habsburg.
But Garilov's eyes lit up, and he responded fiercely: "Yes, only with blood can the Austro-Hungarians see the courage of our Serbs. Only when they are taught a lesson can they understand that no one can Show off your power and dominate the land of Serbia.”
At this time, Sarajevo actually belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. As the capital of Bosnia, it was not out of the ordinary for Archduke Ferdinand to come here to review the Austro-Hungarian army.
Sarajevo was originally a mixed place of three ethnic groups, inhabited by Ottomans, Serbs and Croats. However, because it is close to the Kingdom of Serbia, Serbia has a great influence on Sarajevo. Many Serbs, including Garilov, refer to the Kingdom of Serbia as They regard Sarajevo as the inherent territory of the Serbian nation.
This is unreasonable. After all, not only Serbs but also Ottomans and Croats live here. In addition to the three major ethnic groups, there are also ethnic groups such as Germans and Albanians.
However, when encountering such ultra-nationalists, it is impossible to reason clearly. Garilov is bound to expel the "invader", the Austro-Hungarian Empire, from "Serbian soil."
Graves, a senior in the organization, is also willing to provide opportunities to young people, and he is ready to help Garilov achieve an operation that will shock the world.
(End of this chapter)