The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 286

Chapter 286: The Brabant Uprising

When Kampelen heard the word "Brabant," he immediately straightened in his seat and exchanged a glance with the Dutch diplomat beside him.

The latter quickly gestured for the servants to leave and shut the doors tightly.

Only then did Kampelen cautiously say, "Marquis, in truth, the Brabant rebellion has nothing to do with the Netherlands."

The British Foreign Minister nodded. "Indeed, it has no connection. Vandernoot has not received the support of the Dutch parliament."

Vandernoot was the leader of the Brabant Uprising.

Brabant, a central region of the Southern Netherlands—what would later become Belgium—was experiencing a large-scale rebellion at the time.

The Southern Netherlands was still under Austrian rule, but for years had enjoyed a relatively autonomous political system managed by the regional parliament.

A few years prior, Emperor Joseph II of Austria had introduced a series of reforms aimed at strengthening central authority and reducing noble privileges.

These reforms offended nearly all factions in the Southern Netherlands: the liberals opposed centralization and demanded the continuation of parliamentary rights, while the conservative nobility resented the erosion of their privileges.

Thus, the two sides joined forces, mobilizing the region's resources to drive out Austrian control and establish an independent nation.

Historically, this event came to be known as the Brabant Uprising.

The Netherlands, also known as the "Northern Netherlands," shared cultural and historical ties with the Southern Netherlands. Naturally, they hoped their "kin" could break free from Austrian rule and had secretly provided the rebels with significant support.

The Marquis of Wellesley glanced at the Dutch Speaker’s expression before continuing, "You needn't be nervous. I've come to inform you of the British Parliament's position.

"We believe the Southern Netherlands has every right to determine its own destiny.

"However, you must also understand that Vandernoot alone cannot stand against the might of Austria."

Kampelen fixed his gaze on the Briton. "Please, go on."

"They need their compatriots as a bulwark," the Marquis clasped his hands together, "to resist the Austrians under the banner of a 'Netherlandish Republic.'"

Kampelen's breathing quickened. "Are you saying Britain supports the unification of the Netherlands and the Southern Netherlands?"

The Marquis nodded. "We have always been the Netherlands' most loyal ally and naturally wish to see the Netherlands grow stronger. Unifying the Low Countries is the first step."

He made no mention of the Anglo-Dutch War from a few years prior, during which the British navy nearly annihilated the Dutch fleet.

In reality, Britain viewed both the Netherlands and Belgium as stepping stones for continental invasions of the British Isles. They pursued a policy of firm control over the region.

Previously, the French had supported the Dutch Patriot Party in deposing William V, after which the Netherlands became pro-French—a situation that left Britain in unease.

Now, with the Brabant Uprising, Britain seized the opportunity to draw the Netherlands closer.

"Unification?" Kampelen seemed hesitant. "Will the people of the Southern Netherlands agree?"

The Marquis smiled. "If they wish to rid themselves of Austria, they have no choice but to merge with the Netherlands.

"Vandernoot has been seeking assistance from Prussia. To be frank, without Prussian troops entering the Southern Netherlands, Austria could easily suppress the rebellion. And I have already spoken with King William II. He is very supportive of the unification of the Netherlands."

Kampelen immediately rose to his feet, placing a hand over his chest in excitement. "Thank you, and thank His Majesty William II! The people of the Netherlands will remember the steadfast friendship of our three nations!"

The Marquis suddenly changed the subject. "I’ve heard that the Dutch East India Company is planning to cooperate with the French to establish a joint East India Company?"

Kampelen quickly shook his head. "That is merely a French delusion. We have never agreed to such a thing."

The Marquis displayed a relieved expression. "That’s excellent. Otherwise, it might jeopardize the close alliance between Britain, the Netherlands, and Prussia."

"Alliance?" Kampelen hesitated for a moment before catching on. "Yes, the Triple Alliance! This is exactly what the Netherlands has long awaited!"

The Marquis's lips curled into a meaningful smile, certain that his strategy would succeed.

Uniting the Northern and Southern Netherlands had been the dream of all Dutch people for centuries. For this, they were willing to sacrifice everything!

As for Prussia, they would support any effort to weaken Austria. Whether the Southern Netherlands became independent or united with the Netherlands mattered little to them, as long as it didn't belong to Austria.

The Southern Netherlands controlled the mouth of the Rhine River, a vital trade route. Austria, being largely landlocked, relied on either the Mediterranean or the Rhine to access overseas trade.

Britain already controlled the entrance to the Mediterranean at Gibraltar. By enabling the Netherlands to control the Rhine's mouth, Britain could effectively block Austria's maritime trade routes.

This would leave Austria no choice but to bow to British demands.

...

Meanwhile, at the Schönbrunn Palace in Austria, Emperor Joseph II listened to a report from his State Chancellor, Kaunitz, before taking a deep breath. His voice was hoarse as he said, "The reforms cannot stop.

"Paris has enacted even more radical reforms than ours and encountered no problems. I am confident...

"As for Brabant, they only have a few thousand poorly trained militiamen. General Vermouzel will quickly suppress the rebellion."

Kaunitz frowned. "Your Majesty, the Prussians will surely seize this opportunity to strike at us. We will not be facing mere militia."

Joseph II leaned heavily against his chair. His frail health made it difficult for him to concentrate.

After a moment, he finally spoke. "Give General Vermouzel thirty thousand troops. If the Prussians dare intervene, we shall attack them."

Kaunitz hesitated for a few seconds before cautiously suggesting, "Your Majesty, perhaps we could seek help from your sister."

Joseph II’s sister was none other than Marie Antoinette, Queen of France.

Joseph II's lips curled in what seemed like a smile. "My dear brother-in-law has always had his eyes on the Walloon Region, and you suggest inviting French troops into the Southern Netherlands?

"This is a matter we must resolve ourselves. If Austria cannot handle a rebellion in Brabant, how can we speak of unifying Germany?"

The Walloon Region, located in the southern part of the Southern Netherlands, comprised nearly half its territory. The population there predominantly spoke French and leaned toward France.

Kaunitz sighed silently, thinking to himself: If not for His Majesty's overly aggressive reforms, the rebellion in the Southern Netherlands would never have arisen. With nobles stirring unrest everywhere, Austria was at its weakest. Hopefully, this crisis can be weathered.

He bowed deeply to Joseph II. "Yes, Your Majesty. I will consult with General Vermouzel about the deployment."

...

At the Palace of Versailles in France, the final round of the Star of France competition was underway. The grand square outside the palace was packed with tens of thousands of citizens, leaving no room to spare.

The crowd's enthusiastic cheers for their favorite contestants mingled with the cries of street vendors, creating a lively and jubilant atmosphere.

Table of content - Next Chapter >>>