Chapter 997: Chapter 905: Resources are the Future
Theodore secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
After all, there were no available troops throughout Bavaria at the mont. Even if the French wanted to take over his coal mine, he had no choice but to accept it.
Fortunately, the French still left him the majority of the coal mine, which was barely acceptable.
Theodore nodded and said, “Thank you for your kindness. How much capital does our country need to contribute?”
Saigul raised his glass to him: “The funds and equipnt will be provided by the French Industrial Developnt Fund. You just need to invest with the land deeds of those mines, oh, and have the local officer in Iphoven help recruit so miners.”
Theodore’s eyes lit up at these words.
He had thought the French would ask him for money in return for shares in the coal mine.
Unexpectedly, the French were providing all the funds!
Although Iphoven had coal, only a small amount of coal exposed on the surface had been mined over the centuries; it had never been mined on a large scale.
If the French provided the funds, he would essentially gain a major coal mine for free.
For a mont, he even thought the French taking only 45% of the shares was too little.
He hurriedly clinked glasses with Saigul: “To Bavarian-French friendship! I will certainly have them recruit the best workers.”
Of course, Joseph’s investnt in Bavarian coal mines was not just an act of folly.
Building a large coal mine was only the first step.
Only with an abundant supply of cheap coal would Bavarians be willing to purchase steam engines.
Bavaria’s iron slting industry, building material processing, and salt mining were all very developed, which were industries that could fully utilize steam engines.
Once the Iphoven coal mine is built, France’s steam engines could be continuously sold to Bavaria.
As for the Bavarian factory owners’ reluctance to try new things?
France would choose so large factories to invest in and send technicians to help them implent technological improvents using steam engines.
When other factories find themselves unable to compete, they would have to choose either to adopt steam engines or face closure and acquisition.
And Bavaria, the second largest in the German states after Austria and Prussia, would bring considerable sales to the French Steam Engine Company.
Moreover, the most important managent decision-making power of the coal mine remained in French hands.
This ant that the decision on how to mine, who to sell the coal to, and at what price was made by France.
When most European countries begin their industrial revolution, the value of coal will beco evident. By then, the Iphoven coal mine could sell coal to French companies at cost price.
Compared to the control of core resources, this initial investnt was just a drop in the bucket.
Moreover, even this “drop” would not benefit outsiders—the equipnt needed for the coal mine would all be purchased from France, and the managent and technicians would also be French.
It was as if the Industrial Developnt Fund’s money had gone in a circle and returned to France’s pocket.
In fact, the money used to invest in Bavaria ca from the British disrupting France’s gold reserves last ti.
As for why Bavaria got the majority of the coal mine shares?
That was, of course, to let them see the benefits.
In the future, for iron mines in Sulzbach, lead and zinc mines in Schwazenfeld, and copper mines in Fichtel Mountain, cooperation with France for mining could be possible.
Indeed, Bavaria had a wealth of valuable resources.
This is also why Germany’s industrial revolution started late but developed so rapidly—the coal and iron resources in Germany were too abundant.
Joseph’s task was to lay the groundwork early, to make as many of these resources as possible available for France.
…
Northern Italy.
Eight kiloters north of Trento, tens of thousands of Austrian troops were advancing in a highly disciplined formation, gradually approaching this strategic stronghold east-west.
Once captured, it would coordinate with the Mantua Fortress to the south, greatly easing the defensive pressure on the fortress.
Indeed, from Kles Town to here, a journey of less than 40 kiloters, Alvinczy took a full 11 days to ensure a steady concentration of forces.
At this mont, Napoleon led 20,000 soldiers to maneuver to Alvinczy’s flank from the west.
Oreal Marmon’s right-wing troops also reached the left bank of the Avisio River, only 8 kiloters from the Austrian Army’s left wing.
Despite covering nearly 70 kiloters more than Alvinczy’s forces, they managed to complete the encirclent before the Austrian Army’s attack on Trento.
Outside Morvino Town, Napoleon personally counted the number of cannonballs and marked it in his logbook.
He didn’t need to do this, as he was accompanied by the Royal Second Cavalry Artillery Battalion. Their excellent military skills ensured there would be no shortage of ammunition before the battle.
Napoleon reviewed his logbook once more and said to Lucien beside him:
“Tell the soldiers to rest well tonight; we’ll launch a full assault on the enemy at dawn.”
“Yes, General.”
Lucien turned and left, while Grouchy hesitated and said, “Commander, but we haven’t made contact with the Oreluo Army Corps yet…”
With the communication capabilities of this era, it wasn’t uncommon for two units just over ten kiloters apart to lose contact.
Napoleon raised a hand to cut him off: “I trust they will arrive at the designated position on ti.”
His troops were too close to the Austrians; lingering there risked being discovered by enemy hussars.
In that case, the ambush could very well turn into a pitched battle.
But what Napoleon wanted was a quick and thorough annihilation of the Alvinczy Corps.
The next day.
The weather was very clear, and Alvinczy could already see the buildings of Trento through his telescope.
He couldn’t help but take a deep breath.
The troops he held were the last forces of the Empire, so there must be no mistakes; otherwise, the entire Empire would be exposed to French cannons.
He glanced at his order officer and said firmly, “Order General Cosdanovic to accelerate the advance and, with the cavalry, cut off the French retreat to the south.
“The Bajahaza Corps will launch a coordinated attack on Trento at noon tomorrow with the central army…”
His words were cut off when he heard the faint sounds of cannon fire from the northwest, and he frowned and turned to look: “Send the hussars to see what’s going on?”
“Yes, Marshal!”
Monts later, Cosdanovic of the right-wing Austrian Army sent a courier to report: “Marshal, a large number of French troops have appeared on our flank and rear. At least ten thousand.”
Alvinczy’s face imdiately stiffened at the news. Despite being so cautious, how was he ambushed by the French?
He couldn’t have known that his excessive caution and slow advance provided Napoleon the opportunity to outmaneuver and envelop him.
Reviews
All reviews (0)