Chapter 204: Don't say I didn't give you a chance!
By mid-July, the comprehensive reform of both the army and government in East Africa had concluded. This overhaul had transformed East Africa into what closely resembled a nation.
The new government structure bore a striking resemblance to the "Country of Hexingen." The full title of the East African colony was the "Royal Domain of Hexingen East Africa," and its monarch remained the original ruler of the Earldom of Hechingen.
Some of Prince Constantine's former subordinates had been reorganized and re-employed, primarily in less critical newly established departments. The reorganization also extended to the Hexingen royal guard, which now played a significant role in the defense of the first town.
The new East African government blended elements of Hechingen, Prussia, Austria, and colonial influences, giving it a unique identity. Notably, the term "Country of Hechingen" was emphasized over "Principality of Hechingen," signaling that the principality would forever remain part of Prussia, while the Count of Hechingen's legacy as an independent European country was maintained.
While it may seem like a joke, neither Constantine nor Ernst had any intention of meddling with "Rome" in East Africa. They preferred to adopt a low-profile strategy and focus on consolidating their influence within Germany.
The reform had introduced numerous new institutions, with the navy being one of the most prominent. Leading the East African Navy was Maximilian I, who held the titles of the former Mexican emperor and Austrian Grand Duke. His appointment as commander-in-chief was not due solely to his titles but because of the unique challenges facing the East African Navy.
Excluding the 800 newly assembled sailors and two aging Zanzibar ships nearly half a century old, Maximilian I was the sole commander in the East African Navy. While he had served as the commander-in-chief of the Austrian Navy in 1854 and possessed the political skills, his greatest challenge was the complete lack of a naval foundation in East Africa.
Maximilian I expressed his doubts about his ability to overcome these challenges, citing the weak foundation and the meager resources of the East African Navy. He considered the task formidable and believed that even any merchant ship from the Hexingen Consortium could easily overpower the so-called "East African Navy."
However, Prince Constantine and Ernst encouraged Maximilian I to see this as an opportunity. They emphasized that the East African Navy's current limitations should be viewed as a chance to make history. They argued that despite the initial difficulties, his accomplishments in East Africa would secure his legacy as the "Father of the East African Navy."
Constantine and Ernst pledged their support, both morally and with the promise of future development. They assured Maximilian I that as East Africa continued to grow, his influence would expand, and the challenges he faced would gradually diminish.
Maximilian I reluctantly accepted the challenge, acknowledging that he had no other viable option. He agreed to focus on personnel training and collaborate with Ernst to select promising individuals for education at the Royal Austrian Naval Academy. The acquisition of gunboats would be planned for the following year.
Prince Constantine assured Maximilian I that he and Ernst would fully support him in this endeavor. They recognized the value of Maximilian I's status and connections in Austria, and they would leverage these to benefit the East African Navy. Maximilian I's expertise in the Austrian Navy and his relationships within it made him the ideal candidate to secure resources and support for the fledgling East African Navy.
In this way, they believed that Maximilian I could rise from what some might consider an "idiot" to a figure of significance in naval history, with the potential to transform the East African Navy into a formidable force, elevating his status and legacy in the process.