Chapter 305: The Birmingham Peace Agreement
As the Austro-Hungarian Empire launched offensives on multiple fronts, Italy could no longer hold out. By the end of 1870, Austro-Hungarian forces crossed through Venice and Lombardy, advancing into the territory of the former Kingdom of Sardinia.
Seeing that the Kingdom of Italy was on the verge of collapse, the British were forced to intervene diplomatically. After consulting with Russia, and with representatives from France, Prussia, and Britain in attendance, peace talks between Italy and Austria-Hungary were held in Birmingham on January 3, 1871.
Birmingham.
Italian diplomat Cavour:
"Austria-Hungary has blatantly launched a military invasion against the Kingdom of Italy, causing immense losses. Austria-Hungary must fully withdraw from all Italian territory and compensate the Kingdom of Italy for its damages."
"Pfft!" Austrian Foreign Minister Friedrich couldn't help but laugh. Anyone unaware might have thought Italy had already taken Vienna.
Friedrich:
"No one distorts the truth better than you. It's always been clear who's responsible for this war. Despite Austria-Hungary's repeated warnings, Italy insisted on attacking the sovereign Papal States. For any Catholic nation, this is intolerable. And the Kingdom of Italy—or rather, the Kingdom of Sardinia—has always been a warmonger. Therefore, Sardinia must pay the price for its actions."
Cavour:
"The Kingdom of Sardinia has always borne the mission of unifying the Italian regions. Our actions are supported by all Italians. This is the will of the people, not warmongering."
Friedrich:
"The will of the people? That's funny. From what I've seen, it's anything but. The people of the Papal States joined with Austria-Hungary to resist Sardinia's aggression. In Venice, citizens cooperated with Austrian forces to expel Sardinian troops from the city. And the restoration of the Kingdom of Naples proves that the creation of the Kingdom of Italy was a mistake. You merely used violence to forcibly piece together unwilling regions."
Cavour:
"All of this is due to Austrian interference. You collude with the enemies of the Italian people out of sheer self-interest, all to sabotage unification."
Friedrich:
"Careful with your words, Mr. Cavour. It was your own misconduct that turned the Papal States against you. They invited Austria-Hungary to intervene and protect them from Sardinia's aggression. Until then, we had shown restraint. But Sardinia ignored our warnings, and war became inevitable."
Cavour:
"Then how do you explain the sudden appearance of Austrian troops in Rome? The Papal States are separated from Austria by the Adriatic Sea and the Italian Kingdom. Their presence proves premeditation—you laid a trap and waited for us to fall in."
Friedrich laughed heartily:
"You called it a trap, and yet you were the ones so eager to fall into it. Austrian troops were invited by His Holiness the Pope, replacing the French as protectors of the Papal States. Legally and morally, we did nothing wrong."
The two sides fiercely debated who held the moral high ground in the war.
"Enough, both of you!"
British Foreign Secretary Lord Granville interrupted.
"You were invited here to solve a problem, not to argue endlessly. Italy's situation is now seriously destabilizing the region. So let's first lay out each side's demands. We're not discussing who's right or wrong, but how to reach peace."
Cavour:
"The Italian position remains unchanged. Austria-Hungary must withdraw unconditionally from all territories including Venice and Lombardy and stop interfering in Italian domestic affairs. This is our bottom line."
Friedrich:
"Hmph. The war has reached this stage, and you think you can just walk away? If every small country could provoke a great power and simply say 'sorry' afterward, what would become of the world?"
Lord Granville interjected:
"Baron Friedrich, let's table that discussion for now. Please present Austria-Hungary's terms."
Friedrich:
"As the aggressor, Italy must be punished. The Kingdom of Sardinia lacks the legitimacy to unify Italy. The Kingdom of Italy must revert to its original name, Kingdom of Sardinia, and recognize the independence of the Two Sicilies. It must promise never to invade the Papal States or Naples again. Lastly, Austria-Hungary will reclaim Venice and Lombardy."
Cavour:
"That's impossible! We, the Kingdom of Italy, absolutely will not accept that."
Lord Granville added:
"Your terms are far too harsh. Venice and Lombardy are Italian territories populated by Italians. Baron Friedrich, I suggest your side consider a more reasonable proposal."
As a Briton, Granville naturally did not want to see Austria-Hungary grow stronger, hence his comment.
Friedrich sneered:
"Venice and Lombardy were part of Austria-Hungary just ten years ago. If the Kingdom of Sardinia wants the Italians there so badly, they can have them. But if we redrew borders simply based on ethnic lines, then perhaps we should revisit Ireland and Scotland…"
He trailed off, but his meaning was clear—and not lost on Granville.
With some irritation, Lord Granville replied:
"Let's stay focused. We're here to discuss Italy, nothing else. Let's set aside the Venice and Lombardy question for now. Next topic—The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies."
Cavour:
"The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies no longer exists. The current Neapolitan government is illegitimate."
Friedrich:
"That's not your call. Naples and Sicily are historic kingdoms with rightful monarchs. The Two Sicilies should remain an independent state."
The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, composed of Naples and Sicily, was divided—Naples now aligned with Austria-Hungary, while Sicily remained under Italian control. Austria sought to strengthen Naples' position.
Lord Granville:
"Well, since this too is disputed, let's move on for now."
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