Being neighbors with the French is quite a challenge these days, and one must always remain vigilant.
The Rhineland region is an exclave with another good neighbor. The Prussian Government had long been mentally prepared to lose this region, but they hadn't expected to lose it in this way.
Unable to acknowledge the diplomatic pressure exerted by the Anglo-Austrian two countries, the Prussian Government had no choice but to compromise. In the short term, giving up the Rhineland region was actually a good thing for the Kingdom of Prussia.
By selling off the Rhineland region, not only could they escape the financial crisis, but they also rid themselves of the French threat, allowing them to focus on resisting the Russians.
If they stubbornly refused to sell, it was quite possible that during the next Prusso-Russian war, the French would take direct action. After the annexation of the Italian Area, the Prussian Government lost all trust in French integrity.
