Chapter 54

Chapter 54: Schönbrunn Palace Conversation

Ernst had come to the Habsburg Schönbrunn Palace in Austria to seek Emperor Franz's support for his recruitment efforts in Austria. Franz, though busy with various matters, took time to meet with his future son-in-law.

"Ernst, why have you come to Austria?" Emperor Franz inquired.

Ernst explained, "Your Majesty, I've come to seek Austria's support for recruiting workers in Austria."

Franz was puzzled, thinking such matters were trivial and didn't require a visit to the palace. However, Ernst clarified, "Your Majesty, I've recruited a significant number of people, possibly tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands, and I seek the Austrian government's endorsement for this recruitment."

Franz, intrigued, asked, "Why do you need to recruit such a large number of people?"

Ernst replied calmly, "Your Majesty, as you may know, I have a colony in East Africa, and one of the obstacles to its development is a lack of population. Similar to the German population in the Austrian Empire, the number of white settlers in the colonies is quite small."

Franz couldn't believe the scale of the recruitment and asked if Ernst was planning to raise an army. Ernst clarified that it was to balance the Asian population in the colonies.

"Why not recruit from Prussia?" Franz asked, curious about the choice of Austria.

Ernst replied, "The Prussian army has effectively solved employment issues, making fewer people choose overseas development. Prussia's large army size also makes it hard to recruit workers lately."

Though skeptical, Franz decided to give Ernst a chance and asked for more compelling reasons. Ernst continued, "Your Majesty, Austria is currently dealing with nationalist movements, particularly among the Hungarians. They are using Hungary's population and size as leverage in negotiations with the Austrian government."

Franz nodded, acknowledging the challenge. Ernst went on, "The rise of European nationalism, instigated by Britain and France, aims to weaken your country. Only about 30% of the population in the Austrian Empire is German."

Ernst pointed out the diversity within the empire, from Hungarians to Poles and various Slavic peoples. He argued that these groups could challenge the German population. He further emphasized the economic and international challenges facing Austria.

Franz interrupted, saying he understood the situation. He then elaborated on Austria's challenges, mentioning the resistance to reforms from local nobles and economic difficulties.

Ernst acknowledged these difficulties but stressed the need for a solution, given the rising nationalism and potential threats. He suggested that by recruiting unemployed peasants, Austria could mitigate social crises and prevent radicalization.

Franz sighed, conceding, "Okay, I understand your thoughts." He agreed to let Ernst recruit workers in Austria, with the condition that he doesn't attract attention from the Germans, and even supported recruitment from other nationalities.

In this way, Ernst and Franz reached a tacit verbal agreement. Austria would reduce the number of other ethnic groups through Ernst's recruitment efforts, while Ernst gained the white labor force needed for his African development plans.

The future appeared promising for both sides.

(End of Chapter 54)