The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 291

Chapter 291: England’s Fatal Weakness

In Spain, the Count of Florida Blanca held an important position not only as the Secretary of State but also as the chief executor of Carlos III’s reform plans.

As the last capable monarch of Spain, Carlos III had vigorously implemented enlightened absolutism, promoting the spread of Enlightenment ideas, encouraging industrial and commercial development, and pursuing economic liberalization. He also dealt heavy blows to the power of the Church, curtailed aristocratic privileges, and intensified colonial exploitation to improve the lives of people within Spain.

It could be said that if Carlos III had lived for a few more decades, Spain might have continued on an upward trajectory. However, after his death, Carlos IV proved incapable of maintaining order. The aristocracy began opposing the reforms, and under the manipulation of Manuel de Godoy, Spain swiftly declined.

Joseph pondered for a moment before looking at Carlos IV. “Have you heard about the recent events in Brabant?”

“Brabant? Oh, I’ve heard about it. The citizens there are in revolt.”

“Do you know the cause of the rebellion?”

“It seems to be related to Joseph II’s attempt to weaken the powers of the Southern Netherlands’ parliament.” Although Carlos IV was inept, as a king, he still kept up with important international news.

Joseph nodded. “It’s not just about the parliament. The rebellion also stems from the curtailment of aristocratic privileges. Overall, it’s Austria’s reforms that have triggered the unrest there.”

Carlos IV finally diverted his gaze from the play he had been watching. “My dear Joseph, what exactly are you trying to say?”

“Don’t you think the reforms Austria is implementing bear a striking resemblance to Spain’s? Strengthening royal authority, diminishing aristocratic privileges, and promoting industrial and commercial development.”

“It is indeed similar,” Carlos IV agreed. “And so?”

“You must consider the possibility of Spain facing a situation akin to that in Brabant,” Joseph said, deliberately exaggerating to alarm Carlos IV.

In truth, Spain’s reforms were not as radical as Austria’s. Additionally, with the substantial economic input from its colonies, domestic conflicts were unlikely to escalate sharply. Furthermore, the Southern Netherlands was a distant Austrian territory, with Brussels over 800 kilometers away from Vienna, separated by several German states, making governance significantly challenging. Spain, however, did not face these obstacles.

Nevertheless, Carlos IV, deeply trusting his close friend, grew visibly anxious. “Such a possibility does exist. Recently, some aristocrats have even been clamoring to abolish the reforms. What should be done?”

Joseph promptly replied, “The reforms of His Majesty Carlos III must not be halted. They are the cornerstone of Spain’s strength. However, the dissatisfaction of the aristocracy cannot be ignored.”

“At times like this, it’s crucial to provide them with a way to vent their frustrations.”

“You mean?”

“Regrettably, the nobles’ anger will likely be directed at the Secretary of State, the Count of Florida Blanca.”

Joseph let Carlos IV deliberate for a few seconds before continuing. “Sharp conflicts between the nobles and the Secretary of State could easily result in administrative paralysis.”

“So, you suggest replacing the Secretary of State?”

Sacrificing the Count of Florida Blanca to preserve the achievements of Carlos III’s reforms would be beneficial for Spain. Most importantly, it would ensure that Franco-Spanish friendship endured.

However, Joseph refrained from responding further. As a Frenchman, he deemed it inappropriate to meddle excessively in Spain’s appointments. It was best to leave it at that.

He tactfully shifted the conversation to the colonies in the Americas.

Carlos IV, evidently vexed by the colonial issues, soon began to complain. “Massive sums of money are being poured into New Spain, but the returns are dwindling. Meanwhile, the Creoles spend eleven months of the year protesting—except for the coldest month in winter.”

The term “Creoles” referred to individuals of European descent born in the Americas, a core colonial class.

Joseph had been waiting for this moment. He immediately expressed his indignation. “Spain’s abundant resources from the Americas cannot be converted into substantial profits due to the British meddling in transatlantic-Mediterranean trade!”

“If Gibraltar still belonged to Spain, goods from the Americas could flow seamlessly to the Mediterranean countries. Annual fiscal revenues could even double!”

Carlos IV nodded vigorously in agreement. “And the Portuguese! They sell Brazilian goods in Europe at low prices, significantly undercutting the profitability of American products!”

“Exactly,” Joseph concurred emphatically. “The British and the Portuguese—they are the blight of Europe!”

“They’ve been allies since the 14th century, like devils bound together by a curse.”

As they conversed, the play concluded, and the actors took their bows. Carlos IV then dragged Joseph toward the gaming room, declaring, “There’s some time before the ball. Let’s gamble a bit first. Ah, today’s stakes are on me!”

When they reached the palace corridor, with the servants bustling about, Joseph leaned close to Carlos IV and whispered, “If you wish to reclaim Gibraltar, I will support you wholeheartedly!”

Carlos IV was stunned. Reclaiming Gibraltar was a long-standing aspiration for all Spaniards. As Joseph pointed out, this small port could dramatically boost Spain’s fiscal revenues and secure control over the Mediterranean’s waterways.

It was no exaggeration to say that Spain with Gibraltar was an entirely different country from Spain without it.

Carlos IV widened his eyes at Joseph. “You’re not joking, are you?”

“Of course not.” Joseph patted his shoulder. “Not just Gibraltar. Together, we shall reclaim Portugal and pull out the poisonous tooth in Cádiz Bay!”

Portugal was a crucial naval base and supply point for Britain in Europe, as well as a vital link in Britain’s trade routes. This was why Britain had allied with Portugal under the Treaty of Windsor centuries ago.

If Portugal were to return to Spain, Britain’s influence on the continent would be halved!

Given Britain’s constant provocations against France, Joseph saw no reason to tolerate it. As someone privy to insights from the future, he understood Britain’s weaknesses better than the British themselves.

Carlos IV’s eyes grew even wider. Though reclaiming Portugal had been a long-standing obsession for Spain, successive defeats in previous wars had nearly extinguished the nation’s hopes.

Now, the French Crown Prince had presented this tantalizing prospect. How could he not feel a surge of excitement?

If Gibraltar and Portugal could be seized, Carlos IV would undoubtedly go down in history as one of Spain’s greatest monarchs, revered for generations to come!

Table of content - Next Chapter >>>