Chapter 0944: Never Surrender
"Intolerable! This is utterly intolerable!" Karl I raged. "The Germans are brazenly demanding that the Empire rescind its decision, showing complete disregard for Austria-Hungary's dignity! We have never been a protectorate of the German Empire, nor are we their subordinates. They have no right to dictate our actions!"
The moment Baron Berchtold's telegram reached Vienna, it sent shockwaves through the Austro-Hungarian court.
Though they had anticipated German discontent upon their decision to withdraw from the alliance, they had clearly underestimated the extent of Berlin's outrage. Now, with the Kaiser himself delivering a stern warning—one that verged on an ultimatum—the gravity of the situation had become undeniable. Should Austria-Hungary refuse to comply with Germany's demands, the rift between the two nations would become irreparable, and the likely consequence would be war.
Baron Berchtold's own analysis, included in his report, further stoked the anxiety in Vienna. Some ministers dismissed his fears as overly alarmist, yet many others believed his concerns were well-founded. Given Germany's current strength, should war break out, Austria-Hungary would find itself utterly powerless. The gravity of the situation was particularly evident to the military leadership, who sensed an impending crisis.
"Your Majesty, Baron Berchtold is not mistaken," Prime Minister Mario Weber said gravely. "I fear the Germans are deliberately seeking a pretext for war. As long as we were their allies, they had no justification to attack us without risking a moral backlash. But now that we have left the alliance, they waste no time branding us as traitors. If they declare war under this pretense, they will undoubtedly rally their people behind them. This would grant Germany the perfect excuse to launch an unrestrained assault upon us."
"Your Majesty, we must make a decision," Duke Andrássy, the Finance Minister, interjected. "Germany has issued what is effectively an ultimatum. Should we refuse, war is inevitable."
The ministers of Austria-Hungary sat in uneasy silence, their expressions heavy with concern. None of them wished for hostilities with Germany, for they harbored no illusions about the Empire's chances in such a conflict. Austria-Hungary was akin to a lumbering giant weakened by age, while Germany stood in the prime of its power. With its army armed to the teeth, Germany could crush Austria-Hungary's forces with ease.
"Then let there be war!" Karl I declared through clenched teeth. "Austria-Hungary will never bow to Germany!"
He had only just ascended the throne, and already Germany sought to coerce him into submission, humiliating him in the process. If he yielded now and rescinded his decision, he would be ridiculed as a weak and feeble monarch, a laughingstock in the eyes of the world. To be branded a cowardly and impotent emperor was a fate worse than death.
"Your Majesty, if war breaks out, our chances of victory are slim," Grand Duke Friedrich warned.
"No!" Karl I countered with steely resolve. "Even if we cannot defeat them outright, we can withstand their assault. Our army and navy are second only to Germany's. I am confident that, should we endure, the United States and other nations will seize the opportunity to turn against Germany. No matter how powerful they are, Germany cannot stand against the combined might of the great powers. In the end, victory will be ours!"
Even in the face of such adversity, Karl I refused to abandon hope. His confidence stemmed from his belief in American intervention, coupled with Austria-Hungary's own military strength, which he deemed sufficient to counter Germany.
"Chief of Staff, if war does come, how long can our forces hold out?" Karl I turned to Field Marshal Baron von Hötzendorf.
"Your Majesty, should the Germans invade, we will resist with all our might," Hötzendorf responded. "However, I cannot say with certainty how long we can endure."
Karl I frowned, displeased with the response.
"General Anton Haus, what about the navy?" he inquired. The navy had been a personal project of his, and under his patronage, Austria-Hungary had built a fleet second only to Germany's—at least in terms of capital ship numbers.
"Your Majesty, should war break out, the Imperial Navy will defend our coasts at all costs!" Admiral Haus declared.
Though Germany's Mediterranean Fleet consisted of only seven capital ships, Haus held no illusions about gaining the upper hand. Germany could easily dispatch reinforcements from its other naval squadrons. If the full force of the German Navy were to be turned against them, Austria-Hungary's fleet would stand little chance.
Fortunately, the Adriatic's narrow waters allowed for the strategic use of naval mines to fortify defenses. By concentrating their fleet within protected bays, Austria-Hungary could still mount a formidable resistance.
Karl I nodded in satisfaction.
"Gentlemen, Germany has delivered an ultimatum, a thinly veiled threat of war. If we capitulate, Austria-Hungary will become a global laughingstock, forever disgraced. We must not yield, we must not compromise, and above all, we must never surrender to Germany's demands! The world must see that Austria-Hungary is a great nation, one that does not cower before its adversaries. Even the mightiest power on earth cannot force us to bow! I have no doubt—victory will be ours!"
His unwavering determination was evident, yet his ministers did not share his fervor. To them, Germany's strength was overwhelming, and any war against such a colossus seemed doomed from the outset.
"Do not be so anxious, gentlemen," Karl I said, offering a confident smile. "This may be nothing more than German posturing, an attempt at intimidation. If we refuse to yield, they may well find themselves powerless to act against us."
Though displeased with the ministers' evident lack of spirit, he knew he had to instill confidence in them. Without their support, the Empire would crumble before the first shot was even fired."