Chapter 16: Water City Venice
In the chilly December weather of Venice, mist shrouded the city's canals in the early morning, creating an enchanting and dreamlike atmosphere. The Gothic architecture along the riverbanks, with its occasional arch bridges connecting the two sides, reminded Ernst of the small bridges and flowing waters of the Jiangnan region he had read about in literary works. Venice's arch bridges had a unique charm, yet they held similarities that resonated with him.
Seated in a gondola, Ernst marveled at the medieval charm of this ancient city. As the gondola glided through the waterways, the closely packed, orderly arranged houses, elegant churches, towering bell towers, and magnificent palaces all spoke of the city's former grandeur.
During the Middle Ages, Venice had a rich and illustrious history in Europe. Its strategic location and natural harbor made it a commercial powerhouse. By monopolizing east-west maritime trade routes along the Adriatic Sea, Venetian merchants had established a thriving commercial republic. Wealth flowed into the city, leading to the construction of opulent churches and palaces that still stood today.
This economic prosperity had not only enriched the city but also nurtured a flourishing culture. Writers and artists flocked to Venice, making it one of Europe's cultural hubs. Renowned works like Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" were set against this backdrop.
However, as Europe's exploration and new trade routes expanded, Venice, like many other Mediterranean port cities, faced a decline. It fell under the control of France and the Austrian Empire in succession, with its role diminishing over time.
Under the Austrian Empire's rule, Venice did not receive the attention it deserved. The empire focused on continental hegemony, using Venice as a buffer zone for trade rather than fully harnessing its potential.
Ernst couldn't help but feel some sympathy for the Austrian Empire. Despite its many heroes and contributions to European culture and arts, the empire had difficulty adapting to the changing times. When the wave of nationalism swept through Europe, the empire struggled to adjust its course, leading to its eventual dissolution.
Ernst believed that Austria had paid a high price for European hegemony. Sandwiched between the major powers of Britain, France, and Russia, Austria faced many challenges. Furthermore, the reunification of Germany by Austria would have created a massive, centralized European nation that could have altered the continent's balance of power.
Hence, the other great powers preferred to see Prussia realize its "Little Germany" plan rather than allow Austria to gain dominance. If Austria had shifted its focus to maintaining the balance of power on the continent and participating in colonial efforts, it might have enjoyed a more comfortable position.
Ernst recognized that Austria's historical choices had limited its potential. If the Suez Canal had opened earlier, Venice, with its strategic location and the support of Austria, could have developed into a major port city, potentially restoring its former glory.
However, history had its own course. In the future, Venice would return to Italy, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire would rise and eventually fall.
Ernst also acknowledged that Venice's return to Italy was not necessarily the best outcome. Italy had abundant ports along its coast, while the Austro-Hungarian Empire only had access to the Adriatic Sea. The opening of the Suez Canal would once again make the Mediterranean Sea a crucial route, and Venice's position would be advantageous.
In Venice, Ernst took over the Martin Shipyard, a family-owned business with a long history. Recent years had seen the shipyard struggling and operating at a loss. The heir, Fortes Martin, had decided to sell the shipyard and invest in the textile industry.
Ernst acquired the shipyard with plans to upgrade it, expand the docks, and establish his own ocean-going caravan in preparation for the opening of the Suez Canal.
The shipyard's advantage lay in its experienced shipbuilders and a relatively large land area, making it suitable for upgrading. Ernst intended to recruit both Austrian and German workers to ensure a smooth transition.
As the new owner, Ernst named the shipyard the Hexingen Shipyard, following his practice of using place names rather than personal names for his factories and companies.
Ernst's vision of Hexingen as a self-sufficient entity deep in the heart of Europe, encompassing a bank, companies, research and development centers in Berlin, and now a shipyard in Venice, solidified his commitment to his vision for the future.
(End of Chapter 16)