Chapter 309 Francis II Decision
June 18th, 1804.
In the heart of Vienna, within the walls of the Hofburg Palace, Emperor Francis II sat at his desk, reading the reports of the Battle of Ulm. His expression shifted from surprise to anger as he absorbed the grim numbers.
"One thousand six hundred thirty-three dead or wounded, and sixty thousand prisoners," he muttered, his voice filled with frustration. His nostrils flared, and he slammed a fist on the desk.
"What in God's name happened in that region?" he exclaimed, his agitation evident.
His advisors and courtiers in the room exchanged nervous glances. The emperor, known for his usually composed demeanor, was clearly shaken by the news.
Emperor Francis II stood up, his agitation causing him to pace back and forth. He was acutely aware that the defeat at Ulm was not just a military setback; it was a major blow to the Austrian Empire. Not to mention, that the army was equipped with the latest weaponry which was expensive to build and manufacture, their defeat meant those were captured by the French.
"Why is it that whenever we fight Napoleon, our army always loses?!"
One of his closest advisors cautiously stepped forward. "Your Majesty, it appears that the French army tactics with the technology they invented caught us off guard. General Mack's troops don't have sufficient training to operate the bolt-action rifle."
"So you're telling me, that I have spent thousands of florins on these advanced weapons, and yet our soldiers cannot even use them effectively?"
"Unfortunately, Your Majesty, it seems we rushed to adopt these technologies without providing our troops with the proper training and preparation. This oversight has cost us dearly."
Emperor Francis II clenched his fists, his frustration mounting. "And what of our allies? The Russians?"
"The Russians are already facing Napoleon's whole army and are being pushed back as we speak," his advisor replied grimly.
"What of the Prussians?"
"As for the Prussians, General Blucher and Duke of Brunswick will arrive in Vienna next week."
"That is good news to hear," Francis's anger subsided somewhat as he considered the forthcoming Prussian assistance. He knew that unity among the European powers was essential in countering Napoleon's rapid expansion.
But—the advisor's grim expression remained grim as he still had news to deliver.
"Your Majesty,"
"What?"
The advisor hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Your Majesty, there is more news. Disturbing news."
Emperor Francis II turned to him, his eyes narrowing with concern. "What is it?"
The advisor took a deep breath. "It pains me to say this, but the situation with the Russians is dire. Our intelligence reports indicate that they won't be able to hold out for much longer. Napoleon's forces are advancing swiftly, and it is only a matter of days before Vienna falls into the hands of the French."
The emperor's heart sank at the revelation. The news was worse than he had feared. Vienna, the heart of his empire, was on the brink of capture by the enemy.
"In two days' time, if nothing changes, Vienna will be under French control," the advisor added.
Emperor Francis II clenched his fists once more. "Where the hell is our army?!"
"Our army is currently engaged on the Italian front," the advisor replied, his voice heavy with concern. "They are facing strong resistance from Napoleon's forces there, and if we divert more troops to General Kutuzov, it could jeopardize our defense in the south."
"There's no option but to evacuate Vienna, Your Majesty," another one of his advisors added.
Emperor Francis II's jaw clenched at the dire suggestion. Evacuating Vienna, the heart of his empire, was a bitter pill to swallow, but he understood the extreme circumstances they were facing... The city's defenses were not prepared to withstand a full-scale assault from Napoleon's forces. He read that the French are in possession of an artillery that can fire high explosive shells from fourteen kilometers away.
He doesn't want Vienna to be reduced to rubble. Evacuating the capital city doesn't necessarily mean surrendering to the enemy forces. It just means that you will fight them on another front. But it was still a painful decision, and he knew the repercussions it carried.
"If I were to evacuate Vienna, where would we go?" Francis II asked.
"To Olmütz," the advisor replied.? "It is a well-fortified city in Moravia. We will reorganize what's left of our forces there with the Prussians and the Russians."
"Does the Russian General, Kutuzov, know about this?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Hearing that, Francis II sighed defeatedly. He knew that it was going to be a strategic retreat but the idea of surrendering Vienna to France was just too much for him to bear. But he had no choice. He has to follow the advice of his advisors who knew the dire state of their military situation better than anyone. Surrendering Vienna was a painful necessity to preserve the Austrian Empire and regroup for a future counteroffensive.
"Fine."
***
June 19th, 1804. Near the capital city of the Austrian Empire. General Kutuzov was taking notes of the French tactics in his command tents.
"Cavalry is useless in the face of machine guns. Artillery and infantry worked together as they pushed into defensive lines. They don't fire on lines and march on columns as they know they'll become an easy target for the enemy artillery. They spread their army apart yet too close to support one another…"
General Kutuzov continued noting the intricacies of the French tactics, well aware that they were dealing with a formidable adversary. His brow furrowed as he considered how best to counter these new methods of warfare.
"General—the French are moving in on us! We have to move."
General Kutuzov set down his quill and closed the ledger. "If we are to leave here, the French are going to capture Vienna."
He clicked his tongue. "Napoleon Bonaparte…such a young man yet possessed of a brilliant mind for warfare. He was able to integrate and develop the use of modern technology seamlessly into his army. What's more, he is a scientist who invented those weapons and communication devices. What an extraordinary individual. It's unfair for a man like him to exist in this world."
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