Chapter 8

Chapter 8: PuAo Linkage

With Prussian leaders, including King William I and Prime Minister Bismarck, actively coordinating their efforts, the Prussian army was ready for action, and the Austrian Empire's forces were en route.

Austria was well aware of Prussia's ambitions to unify the German region. Prussia's rapid development had become an open secret, with the establishment of the customs union, industrial growth, and an expanding railway network elevating Prussia's influence.

Austria couldn't afford to let Prussia win the hearts of the Germans, as their own ambitions for unification were just as strong. However, past interference from countries like Britain and France had made Austria cautious about acting alone. Bismarck's ploy to involve Austria in jointly asserting control over the northern principalities was a clever move.

Austria had taken the bait, understanding that acting independently would be a losing proposition. Schleswig and Holstein were geographically distant from Austria, and even if Austria controlled one of the regions, it would be an isolated enclave, while Prussia could easily digest its gains.

However, Austria had a long history of managing enclaves throughout Europe and beyond, including in the Shinra region. Bismarck's clever maneuver involved Austria, spreading the international pressure more evenly.

Austria, as a major world power, held a higher standing than Prussia in the eyes of other nations. The Habsburg dynasty, once a dominant force in Europe, still possessed considerable strength. Although their glory days had passed, they could stabilize the morale of the Austrian army with their presence.

As the Austrian army moved northward, a vast military assembly took place in North Germany. Bavaria, Württemberg, and other states mobilized their armies to join the cause.

Prussia had the advantage in terms of mobilization capabilities due to its geographic location. The Prussian army was well-coordinated, with railways, ports, and logistics working in harmony. This allowed the entire country to operate like a large military station, with all components of the state machinery effectively supporting the army.

The Prussian army's unified appearance, consistent uniforms, and strict regulations created a well-disciplined force.

In contrast, the Austrian army appeared more diverse, led by nobles from different regions. The language and culture differences made it less homogeneous. Despite these challenges, the Austrian army received support from the northern states and had relatively favorable conditions for rest and reorganization.

Various capable states contributed their armies to the effort. Most logistics were procured from Prussia and the northern states. Ernst, who had prepared for this situation, supported the military effort by delivering the first batch of industrial products directly from his factory and warehouse to the military camps.

The soldiers, many of whom had not used products from the Hechingen Development Company, found the items novel and appealing. Cigarettes and lighters, in particular, gained immense popularity, especially among the Austrian soldiers. Ernst used this opportunity to introduce his products to the Austrian army, and by the end of the war, he had established a tobacco factory in Austria.

While the Prussian army had centralized procurement and distribution of soldiers' living supplies, Austria had a mixed army with varying officer quality and military discipline. This resulted in increased sales of Ernst's products to Austrian soldiers, especially to officers.

These soldiers, once dependent on tobacco, would find it challenging to quit, ensuring ongoing business for Ernst's tobacco company. Convenient and affordable paper cigarettes would spread throughout Germany as these soldiers returned to civilian life.

On January 16, 1864, representatives from both countries formally signed an agreement. Austria had sought to continue the 1852 agreement, but Bismarck rejected it. The new agreement stipulated that both Austria and Prussia must jointly decide the fate of the two principalities and that neither country could determine succession without the other's consent.

This arrangement allowed both countries to share the international pressure, emphasizing that problems in the German region should be resolved by the Germans themselves.

(End of Chapter 8)