Bulgarian Empire

Chapter 114, Yugoslav National Assembly

Since the annexation of Serbia by the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the late 19th century, the history of the Balkans has changed beyond recognition.

With the strong rise of Bulgaria, it is logical to become the new leader of the Yugoslav nation. However, because of fear of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Ferdinand did not directly intervene, but secretly small actions are still indispensable.

Especially Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is the focus of the intelligence agencies; followed by the Austrian Serbia region. Although Serbian nationalism has fallen into a low ebb under the suppression of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the remaining resistance is still not small.

With the outbreak of the World War, the Slavic national independence movement in the Austro-Hungarian Empire rose again, which created an opportunity for Ferdinand.

Don't look at the seven or eight million Slavs in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but many of them are loyal supporters of the Hardenberg family. Let's just forget about them rising up to rebel against the Austro-Hungarian Empire!

Except for a few radical organizations, most people are still very satisfied with the rule of the old emperor. It is not at all how serious the ethnic conflicts in the Austro-Hungarian Empire are like what was passed down in later generations. Every minority wants to be independent!

Living in this era, Ferdinand only knew the prestige of the Hardenberg family in the Austro-Hungarian Empire!

Even the Hungarian Kingdom, which has the highest attribute of death, before the outbreak of the world war, was mostly just words from politicians. If they are really allowed to be independent, they must first ask the Hungarian people whether they agree!

Therefore, even though the intelligence agencies had been deployed in the Austro-Hungarian Empire for a long time, they did not plan a national uprising, and it was really impossible to cause trouble.

Other than extreme nationalists, no one wants independence at all. After the death of the old emperor, the newly succeeded Archduke Karl was too incompetent to convince the public. It was a series of stupid tricks, coupled with the failure of the world war, and a series of unfavorable factors contributed to the collapse of the empire. !

But the real core reason for the split of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was the 14-point plan proposed by the Americans. For their own benefit, all ethnic groups were unwilling to pay high war reparations, so they moved towards independence!

Of course, as the leader of the Yugoslav nation, Ferdinand did not have to worry about finding a leading party. Radical nationalists who wanted to get rid of the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and establish an independent country naturally did not mind cooperating with Bulgaria.

In the eyes of these idealists, the establishment of a united empire of Slavic nations is the best choice!

Well, it can only be said that the layout of the Russians for nearly a century has not been in vain, they still have fans!

Of course, the Russians were too far away, and they couldn't reach the Balkans, so these people naturally came to Bulgaria.

This is also caused by the unique cultural background of Europe. Simply put, these people recognize that the Russians are the leader of the Slavic nation, and they also recognize that Bulgaria is the leader of the Yugoslav nation.

The Russians supported the establishment of the Slavic Empire, and they also welcomed Ferdinand's plan to form the Yugoslav Federation, but they also wanted to establish their own kingdom, principality, or autonomous dominion!

Anyway, different groups have different interests and demands. With the outbreak of the world war, the strength of these radical groups snowballed, and their ambitions naturally began to grow. With the help of intelligence organizations, there was this A Yugoslav National Congress.

At the end of 1916, more than 30 groups and more than 100 representatives from the Slavic ethnic groups in the Austro-Hungarian Empire gathered together to "discuss state affairs".

What's even more bizarre is that there are also loyal supporters of the Hardenberg family. Although their political stances are different, it does not prevent them from participating in this Yugoslav gathering.

It seems a little annoying now. If it was in the Middle Ages, everyone would not be so surprised. A lord can be loyal to multiple countries at the same time, and can also obtain titles in multiple countries, even if these countries are at war!

Although they are not lords, they are using their actions to show that they are members of the Slavic nation, and there is nothing wrong with participating in the Slavic National Assembly!

certainly,

If it is to let them rebel against the Austro-Hungarian Empire, then you have to think about it in detail. If the benefits are sufficient, it is not impossible!

Well, this unique traditional culture hurt Ferdinand very much. Don't think that there are many faction groups involved, and most of them come to join in the fun.

This is also the reason why Yugoslavia was able to be established so quickly after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and it is also the reason why Yugoslavia is heading for collapse!

...

Ferdinand did not have any expectations for what kind of results this meeting could achieve. Of course, out of political considerations, this meeting must be held beautifully.

As the host, Ferdinand will definitely come forward, but it's fine to preside over the meeting, these people are not qualified enough for him to receive in person.

"President, this Yugoslav National Assembly will be chaired by you for me!"

"Yes!" Constantine replied confidently

He has always been enthusiastic about such activities that help to provide Bulgaria with an international presence.

The reality told Ferdinand that sometimes it is easier to buy people's hearts by maintaining a superior posture!

For example, now, Ferdinand only showed up at the beginning of the meeting, and did not participate in the discussion at the meeting at all. These people will definitely promote his greatness when they go back.

Because he is a successful man, he led Bulgaria to become strong, and his high profile should be seen by these people, and the king should be high.

If he really gets involved, it is obvious that there will definitely be disputes in the meeting. Even if a nation comes to several delegations, the conflict of interest between them will be referred to Ferdinand for arbitration. No matter how he handles it, some people will feel dissatisfied satisfy!

And close contact will turn "god" into "human"! Since it is a "person", it is naturally impossible to get the support of everyone!

Constantine thought for a while and said, "Your Majesty, what should we do with the interests of the various ethnic groups in Yugoslavia this time? If they ask for an independent state, how should we respond?"

The National Congress of Yugoslavia came very suddenly. At first, it was just a few radical groups hoping to get Bulgaria's support for their independence. Naturally, Ferdinand did not pay attention to it.

However, the news later leaked that the larger power groups among the various ethnic groups in Yugoslavia basically sent representatives, and the specifications were naturally different.

It has to be said that they still have foresight, knowing that the wrecked ship of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is a bit unreliable, and they want to prepare in advance.

Everyone carried the sedan chair, and since everyone gave face, Ferdinand naturally had to cooperate, so it evolved into the Yugoslav National Assembly.

"This is indeed a problem, but the core of our current strategy is not in the European continent, and we don't have the strength to take care of Europe and Asia at the same time!

You can tell them directly that the purpose of Bulgaria is to unify the Balkans. If they want to be independent, we can support them to establish a country outside the Balkans! "

Although Ferdinand also hoped to annex them and assimilate them, considering the complexity of the various ethnic groups, he dismissed this tempting idea.

There were seven or eight million Slavic peoples in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the beliefs in them were messy. If they were all annexed, it would be disastrous to deal with ethnic issues later.

Moreover, Bulgaria is not Yugoslavia. If they are really unified, this sphere of influence will penetrate into Central Europe, and it is bound to have a fierce collision with French life!

This has gone against Ferdinand's pre-planned strategy - trying to avoid conflicts with the core interests of European powers. It is impossible for Bulgaria to change its national policy of expanding to the Asia Minor Peninsula for this benefit!

Constantine said with regret on his face: "It's a pity that this great opportunity, if we want now, we can establish a Kingdom of Yugoslavia!"

Ferdinand smiled slightly, but said nothing. According to the concept of Europeans, the land on the European continent is much more valuable than overseas colonies.

If a kingdom of Yugoslavia is established, Bulgaria will naturally annex Croatia and Slovenia, and even cut a piece of Italy's mainland, such as Venice is very good!

Of course, as a price, Bulgaria has become the biggest obstacle for the French to dominate the European continent!

Even Bulgaria had to give up a large number of colonies due to the fact that it had seized a large amount of benefits in the European continent!

Obviously, these were very normal things in the eyes of people at the time! This point is known from the conflict between Germany and Germany. For the sake of Alsace and Lorraine, the two countries have been hostile to each other for a hundred years, which triggered two world wars and finally destroyed the two empires!

In Ferdinand's view, this is very uneconomical. No matter how rich Alsace-Lorraine's resources are, it is not worth dying for this little place!

Now Bulgaria continues to expand in the continent of Europe. At worst, it will add more than 100,000 square kilometers of land, and it will reach its limit. How can it compare with the Asia Minor peninsula in terms of actual value?

Although in name, the Asia Minor peninsula is a colony, but there is no one who stipulates that the colony cannot be managed as a native land, as long as I want, no one can control it!

Of course, it is impossible for Ferdinand in the Balkans to give up. This is related to Bulgaria's strategic security and must be controlled in his own hands.

Open the map, and now only the Bosnia and Herzegovina area is missing, and Bulgaria has completed the great cause of the unification of the Balkan Peninsula.

No, there is also Belgrade, the gateway to the Balkans. Only when Bulgaria is taken down can the Balkans be truly unified!

However, this problem is not a big one. The population of Bosnia and Herzegovina in this era is only 18.9 million, and Ferdinand has no intention of completely annexing it. The most fertile and densely populated Pannonia Plain can make them independent go out.

(Remarks: The area of ​​Bosnia and Herzegovina in this era is somewhat different from the current Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the Slavonia area.)

To put it simply, Bulgaria only needs to accept hundreds of thousands of mountain people, and the remaining areas can be determined entirely by national self-determination. Those who are willing to join Bulgaria are welcome, and those who do not want to join are not forced to. This solves the ethnic problem to the greatest extent.

As for the Dalmatian Islands along the coast, Ferdinand didn't mention it directly. Without Italy, he didn't think any ignorant would dare to compete with Bulgaria for this territory!

...

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