African Business Chronicles

Chapter 34 – Mobilization

May, 1866.

Today, Ernst was attending a class reunion. He felt a bit embarrassed—after all, he'd gotten into university in Berlin through connections, but had dropped out halfway.

The gathering was held at a grand hotel 960 meters south of Berlin University, a place often frequented by officials and aristocrats visiting the capital.

Inside the glittering lobby...

"Sir, welcome!" A well-dressed Ernst had barely arrived at the entrance when he was warmly greeted by staff.

On the second floor—

"Sir, may I see your invitation?"

Ernst handed it over. After checking it carefully, the staff member bowed respectfully. "Your Highness Ernst, please come in. We hope you have a wonderful evening."

…

In the ballroom, a massive crystal chandelier lit the room brilliantly. Many guests had already arrived.

"Ernst, over here!"

It was Gallert, wearing a military officer's uniform.

"Gallert, you joined the army?" Ernst asked, surprised.

Gallert beamed. "Yeah! My old man said my grades were too poor, so he found me a post in the military."

"Which unit?"

"Well, the Empire's expanding its forces, right? So my father said it's the perfect time to build up credentials. A bit of time on the battlefield and I'll have experience. I'm currently a staff officer in the 3rd Company of the 23rd Infantry Regiment."

Ernst clapped him on the shoulder. "Not bad. Looks like your time is coming soon."

"Hey, Ernst… you've got some insider info, don't you? Come on, share a little!" Gallert winked.

"Don't get me wrong," Ernst smiled. "I'm just a businessman now. I don't get military intelligence. If it were about procurement, though, maybe I'd know something. But that won't help you much."

"Oh well. Doesn't your father, Prince Constantin, still serve in the General Staff? He never mentioned anything about the army?"

"I've never been interested in military stuff," Ernst replied. "We don't talk about it. Besides, the kingdom wants young people like you to thrive. You're a Berlin university student—don't you think you'll shine in the military?"

"Haha… you're right. I was just being nosy. Everyone wants a peek at the exam answers before the test, right?"

"I get it," Ernst nodded. "Totally normal."

"You know, Ernst, you've already made something of yourself. We were both slackers in school, but you 'took off' and left me behind! Since you left, I've been the worst-performing student." Gallert laughed. "Business going well these days? Our regiment's bought quite a few of your company's products."

"Just a small operation," Ernst said modestly. "But if you hit it big in the army, don't forget your old classmates, all right?"

"Oh come on!" Gallert rolled his eyes. "Everyone knows the royal family supports you. Filthy rich nobles like you should be helping me climb the ladder!"

Ernst teased, "Hey, who knows? Maybe you're the next Moltke—a military genius! Someday you might be sitting high up in the kingdom's leadership." He originally wanted to say "Napoleon," but remembered how unpopular that name was in Germany.

"Alright, enough talk. Let's go drink. Tonight I swear, I'm getting you drunk!" Gallert grinned.

…

Meanwhile, in the Prussian royal palace—

King Wilhelm I was deep in discussion with Prime Minister Bismarck and Chief of the General Staff Moltke, reviewing the kingdom's war preparations.

Wilhelm I: "Prime Minister, how are things progressing?"

Bismarck: "Your Majesty, the war budget has been secured. We've also brought the Italians in as allies. Russia currently lacks the capacity to interfere in European affairs, and they've clashed with Austria before. If war breaks out, they'll likely lean our way. Britain and France have no plans to intervene—they'd prefer we and Austria wear each other out. That's why we must win quickly, before the other powers step in. The military, of course, is key."

Moltke: "We're fully prepared. Three new army corps have been formed. The railway network is connected to the barracks, allowing us to rapidly deploy 200,000 troops to the front. We already have 50,000 on the border. Thanks to past reforms, we can quickly mobilize hundreds of thousands of reserves using the railways. With Italy pinning Austria down, we'll have the upper hand in manpower."

He pointed to the map: "We'll start by dealing with the North German principalities—many support Austria and are right in the heart of our territory. They could be a major problem. As for the southern states like Bavaria, they're hesitant. Diplomatically, we'll aim to keep them neutral."

Bismarck added, "Don't worry—we'll focus on Austria. In southern Germany, we'll stick to defense. Austria's allies won't commit fully. Once we crush the Austrian army, all others will submit to Prussia's power."

Both agreed: Austria had to be defeated first. With Austria gone, everything else would fall into place.

Wilhelm I paced in thought, hands behind his back. "Even when a lion hunts a rabbit, it must use full force. Austria's reputation in Europe is still formidable. Though they've lagged in recent years, a 'dying camel is still bigger than a horse.' Their army remains strong. We must strike with all we've got."

He sat at his desk and crossed out the original plan.

"This is Prussia's war of destiny. We're going all in. The previous strategy was too cautious. General Moltke, from now on, I officially appoint you Supreme Commander of the Prussian Army. Prussia is entering wartime. All reserves are to report for training early. Increase train schedules. Speed up weapons upgrades…"

He turned to Bismarck: "The government must fully support military needs. The Foreign Ministry must closely monitor Europe's political climate. No surprises."

With Wilhelm's orders, Prussia launched its final pre-war mobilization. The three new army corps were dispatched to the western frontier.

Every day, more military trains ran across the country, loaded with troops, artillery, and supplies. Reservists were called up early. Camps overflowed. The government began building new training grounds. Empty plots were converted into barracks.

The rail network was reorganized. Railroad workers worked overtime to repair and prepare for the surge in train traffic.

Prussia also began building telegraph lines from the border to Berlin, rapidly equipping the army with communication gear.

While Prussia mobilized, Austria and Italy also prepared—but they couldn't match Prussia's militaristic efficiency.

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