Empire Rising: Spain

Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Prussia–Austria Conflict

Garibaldi ultimately accepted Carlo’s invitation to become a collaborator for the Italian 24-hour Sun newspaper, publishing his own stories in the newspaper.

Although Garibaldi initially hesitated somewhat, once Carlo obtained permission from his father, Vittorio Emanuele II, all obstacles vanished.

The reason Vittorio Emanuele II agreed to Garibaldi publishing his articles was simple: after all, the Sun newspaper is owned by Carlo, and Garibaldi’s articles would still be subjected to review. Not just any article could be published.

As for whether Carlo would be misled by Garibaldi into allowing the publication of articles advocating republicanism, Vittorio Emanuele II had no concerns at all.

Loren was personally selected by him, trusted for loyalty to the royal family and support for the monarchy.

Of course, Carlo was very excited. At this moment, Italians’ attitude towards Garibaldi was equivalent to the blind fanatics’ attitude towards their beloved stars, passionate doesn’t even suffice.

Once Garibaldi’s articles were published in the Sun newspaper, the 24-hour Sun newspaper would promptly become one of the most renowned newspapers in Italy and achieve rapid expansion.

Perhaps the tasks Carlo assigned to Loren could be completed in less than two years, allowing Carlo more time to focus on other matters.

Time quickly passed, and three and a half months went by.

Thanks to Garibaldi’s tremendous influence, even with only two articles published in three and a half months, the Italian 24-hour Sun newspaper became one of the most famous newspapers in the entire Kingdom of Italy, easily achieving a daily sale milestone of 10,000 copies.

Currently, the Sun newspaper has already achieved profitability and is leveraging Garibaldi’s fame for rapid expansion.

Also, because it’s situated in Italy’s northern industrial area, there’s no obstacle to the newspaper’s expansion, and it’s projected to break 20,000 copies daily sales within this year, becoming a truly major newspaper.

This era differs from later generations; newspapers were the most effective way for people of this time to learn about external news.

Though only 10,000 newspapers were sold, the readership was much larger than 10,000 people. By estimating 3 to 5 people per household, the Italian Sun could already influence close to 50,000 people.

Through word of mouth among these 50,000 people, the news published in the newspaper quickly reaches the ears of hundreds of thousands of Italians.

This is the power of public opinion that can be demonstrated; with leisure activities undeveloped among citizens now, the newspaper’s ability to influence public opinion is tremendous.

Both times, Garibaldi’s second son Giotto was responsible for delivering the manuscript. Carlo fostered a good relationship with him through their two meetings.

A saying goes, “A tiger father will not beget dogs as sons,” applying well to Garibaldi’s sons.

Throughout Garibaldi’s numerous military actions, both sons played rather important roles, acting as Garibaldi’s assistants.

Moreover, compared to the aging Garibaldi, his two sons were in their prime, at the pinnacle age of their lives.

Frankly speaking, Carlo was rather envious of Garibaldi’s two sons.

Though they may not compare to Garibaldi in military talent, their competence was certainly more than adequate, groomed by Garibaldi over time, their personalities were not rigid.

Unfortunately, Carlo is still too young. Otherwise, he would have considered inviting Giotto to serve as his Palace Guard.

As time moved into June 1866, Carlo’s previously calm demeanor started to get slightly anxious.

The good news was that the Austro-Prussian War likely would unfold like historical events, as border conflicts between Prussia and Austria erupted by the end of May.

It was indeed an unavoidable war. Driven by the grand trend of German unification, the two major powers within the German region, Prussia and Austria, were destined to determine a victor.

Fortunately, Italy was on the victorious side of the history with Prussia. Moreover, Italy could achieve victory effortlessly, reclaiming the Venice Region while Austrians focused on defending against Prussia.

But the bad news was that the Italian army displayed an exceptionally poor performance in this war, laying a good but weak foundation for Italy in World War I and II.

If Prussia wasn’t so strong at this time, perhaps the newly formed Kingdom of Italy would have quickly faded like a shooting star across the Apennine Peninsula.

For Carlo now, the most challenging issue was how to influence his father Vittorio Emanuele II.

Because the Italian army swiftly defeated was led by his father Vittorio Emanuele II, soon conceding losses.

If not for the southern frontline’s insignificance to Prussia lingering in the north, world affairs might have witnessed a different scenario.

Carlo understood that based on his abilities and position, it was impossible to influence the development of the Austro-Prussian War.

Changing Italy’s poor performance in the Austro-Prussian War would require bringing in Italy’s real war deity, Garibaldi, to command the Italian army.

But this was the most vexing issue. Under the current circumstances, Vittorio Emanuele II was unlikely to agree to let Garibaldi command the Italian army.

Unable to act directly, Carlo could only employ indirect measures, using a different method to facilitate Garibaldi’s early involvement in the war.

As June arrived, the border conflicts between Prussia and Austria intensified. The northern and southern powers in the German region were certain not to coexist peacefully in the long term, whoever wins this conflict would unify the German region and realize strategic dominance in Central Europe.

The tense situation not only affected the entire German region but also impacted Prussia’s ally, Italy.

Vittorio Emanuele II had already convened two cabinet meetings about the tense situation in Germany, ensuring the Italian army to be ready at any time.

In such intense circumstances, Carlo began his own attempts.

“My god, Carlo, do you understand what you’re saying?”

In the small luxurious dining room of the Royal Palace, originally enjoying breakfast with an easy manner, Vittorio Emanuele II was now staring in shock at his dearest son across the table, incredulously questioning.

“I certainly understand, Father.” Carlo nodded, took a deep breath before speaking: “That’s why I understand the importance of this matter.”

“I hope you can give me a reasonable explanation, otherwise I’ll consider the risk associated with your closeness to Garibaldi.” At this moment, Vittorio Emanuele II was more an Italian King rather than an ordinary father, looking deeply and seriously at Carlo, speaking one word at a time.