Smaller pie, firmer grip
WHEN railways and factories began transforming 19th-century Europe, the rulers of the Habsburg Empire understood their economic potential. Yet they resisted industrialisation. Friedrich von Gentz, Metternich’s adviser, explained why: “We do not desire at all that the great masses shall become well-off and independent.” His reasoning ended with a revealing question: “How could we otherwise rule…
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Smaller pie, firmer grip (opens Dawn in a new tab)
WHEN railways and factories began transforming 19th-century Europe, the rulers of the Habsburg Empire understood their economic potential. Yet they resisted industrialisation. Friedrich von Gentz, Metternich’s adviser, explained why: “We do not desire at all…
