Chapter 248

Chapter 248: Heinrich

On the parade field, a clear distinction could be seen between the Prussian army and the somewhat less disciplined Baden and Württemberg armies. The Prussian army exuded not only strict discipline but also a formidable sense of purpose and determination. Decades of military reforms had played a significant role in transforming the Prussian military.

Germany's leaders, including those from Prussia, had evolved from a sense of national shame to embracing bravery. Continuous military reforms had gradually removed nobles from the army's top ranks. This, coupled with the experiences gained in various wars, had elevated the tactical prowess of the Prussian army.

Despite France's larger population, the number of troops in the Franco-Prussian War was almost double that of Prussia. Nevertheless, victory or defeat was not determined solely by the size of an army. The world remembered the victors, and Prussia had worked diligently to earn that distinction.

In the Baden Division, discussions revolved around the seriousness of the Prussian army and the distinction in discipline and appearance between it and the armies of Baden and Württemberg. A sense of militarism was mentioned, highlighting the militaristic nature of the Prussian forces.

Blair, head of the Sixth Regiment, recognized the Prussian army's display but also highlighted the advantages that Baden brought to the table. Baden and the other South German states might have smaller armies, but their flexibility and mobility could be assets on the battlefield, particularly against France.

The conversation shifted to the Hexingen Brigade, and Blair revealed some interesting details. He explained that Hexingen was not merely a place name in Prussia. The Hexingen Brigade, while small in scale, was not actually part of the German region's military. Instead, it belonged to the Kingdom of East Africa or the Hechingen Consortium and was not under Prussian control.

The connection between the Hechingen Brigade and the Hechingen Consortium became clearer. Blair explained that Prince Ernst of Hechingen, a member of the Hohenzollern family, played a pivotal role in both the consortium and the East African Kingdom. Ernst's son, Prince Leopold, led the Hechingen Brigade. The Hohenzollern family had seen significant success recently, including family members ascending to thrones in various European countries.

Prince Ernst had chosen to focus on business and overseas colonization, particularly in East Africa. The Hechingen Consortium, which he headed, was heavily invested in Baden and Württemberg.

Blair revealed that the Hexingen Brigade was essentially the private army of the Hechingen royal family. It was also considered a military talent training institute sponsored by the Kingdom of East Africa. In essence, the Hechingen Royal Family had rebuilt their army under the guise of a Military Academy.

Back on the parade field, Frederick III approached Leopold, surprised to see Ernst, the principal of the Hechingen Military Academy, at the front lines. Ernst explained that he needed to be present since his graduating students were about to join a war of historical significance. He had also brought a promising young talent, Heinrich, to assist Leopold.

Heinrich was a high-achieving student at the Berlin Military Academy, consistently ranked in the top 30. He was selected due to his potential and would serve as Leopold's deputy, a significant starting point in the Prussian army.

Ernst saw potential in Heinrich and Adenauer, the other student he sent to the Berlin Military Academy. He aimed to have them play influential roles in the Prussian army and the German region, given their unique backgrounds and experiences in East Africa. This was part of his strategy to showcase the capabilities of the East African immigrants to the German public.

Ernst's approach unexpectedly had an impact on France. In their efforts to suppress the black population in their African colonies, France formed the French Alliance Army, which included many Southeast Asian soldiers—a development influenced by the presence and actions of East African immigrants in Germany.