On July 16, 1880, after a grueling ten-month fight and the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives, the Russian Army finally captured Smolensk, causing an uproar in the European world.
That night, European politicians collectively suffered from insomnia, including Franz. Had it not been for years of experience as Emperor, he almost could not resist calling an immediate meeting.
The geographic location of Smolensk determined the extraordinary nature of this battle. With the capture of this fortress, Russia had gained strategic initiative.
The balance of the war began to tilt, and the Russians, who already had an advantage in national power, further extended their advantage.
Allowing one night's respite, the next day, Franz convened a high-level government meeting at the Vienna Palace.
To make the right decision, one must first understand the true situation on the Prusso-Russian battlefield.
