Chapter 290 Britain’s Achilles’ Heel

Chapter 291 Britain’s Achilles’ Heel

In addition to being the Minister of State in Spain, the Count of Florida Blanca also has a very important identity, that is, the executor of Carlos III's reform plan.

As the last capable king of Spain, Carlos III vigorously promoted enlightened autocratic reforms, allowed the spread of Enlightenment ideas in the country, encouraged the development of industry and commerce, and promoted economic liberalization. At the same time, he also took heavy measures to weaken the power of the church, reduce the privileges of the nobility, and increase the oppression of the colonies to improve people's livelihood in Spain.

It can be said that if Carlos III can live for a few more decades, Spain may still be able to go uphill. But after his death, Carlos IV could not control the situation at all. The nobles began to oppose the reforms, and Godoy's manipulation of power led to the rapid decline of Spain.

Joseph thought for a while and looked at Carlos IV: "Have you heard about the recent events in Brabant?"

"Brabant? Oh, I heard that the citizens there are in rebellion."

"Then do you know why the rebellion broke out?"

"It seems that Joseph II wants to weaken the power of the Parliament of the Southern Netherlands." Although Carlos IV was a novice, as a king, he basically knew important international news.

Joseph nodded: "It's not just the issue of parliament, but also the reduction of noble privileges. Generally speaking, it is the reforms in Austria that led to the rebellion there."

Carlos IV finally looked away from the drama: "Dear Joseph, what exactly do you want to say?"

"Don't you think the reforms being carried out in Austria are very similar to those in Spain? Strengthening the authority of the king, weakening the privileges of the nobility, and encouraging the development of industry and commerce."

"It's very similar." Carlos IV nodded, "So?"

"You have to consider that something like Brabant might happen in Spain." Joseph was actually scaring Carlos IV.

Spain's reform efforts are not as strong as Austria's, and there are a lot of colonial blood transfusions, so domestic conflicts will not be too acute. In addition, the Southern Netherlands is an enclave of Austria. Brussels is more than 800 kilometers away from Vienna, separated by several German states, making it very difficult to rule. Spain does not have these problems.

Carlos was very convinced of his good brother and immediately became nervous: "It is indeed possible. Recently, there are nobles clamoring to abolish the reform. What should we do?"

Joseph immediately said: "His Majesty Carlos III's reforms must not be suspended. They are the cornerstone of Spain's strength, but the dissatisfaction of the nobles must not be ignored.

"At this time, we need to give them an outlet to vent their dissatisfaction."

"You mean?"

"Unfortunately, the anger of the nobles will probably be focused on the Secretary of State, Count Florida Blanca, who is pushing for reform."

Joseph let Carlos IV think for a few seconds before continuing: "And sharp conflicts between the nobles and the minister of state can easily lead to the inability to implement the decree."

"What do you mean, a different minister of state?"

It would be beneficial to Spain to preserve as much as possible the fruits of Carlos III's reforms at the expense of the Count of Florida Blanca. The most important thing is that this can ensure the lasting friendship between France and Spain.

However, Joseph did not answer. As a Frenchman, he should not say too much about the appointment and dismissal of Spanish officials. It was most appropriate to stop talking.

So he changed the topic and talked about the two countries' American colonies.

Carlos IV was obviously troubled by colonial issues and soon complained: "A lot of money has been invested in New Spain [Note 1], but the returns are getting less and less, and the Creoles Protests take place 11 months of the year - except for the coldest month of winter."

The Creoles he mentioned were Europeans whose parents were in the Americas and who were born there themselves. They belonged to the core class of the colonies.

Joseph was waiting for his words, and immediately said with righteous indignation: "The rich products that Spain obtained in the Americas cannot be converted into real profits. This is all because the America-Mediterranean trade was cut by the British!

"If Gibraltar still belongs to Spain, then American goods will continue to be sold to countries along the Mediterranean Sea, and the annual fiscal revenue can even double!"

Carlos IV nodded vigorously in agreement: "And the Portuguese! They sell Brazilian goods to Europe at low prices, which seriously reduces the profits of American goods!"

"That's right," Joseph nodded more vigorously, "The British and Portuguese, they are simply the cancer of Europe!"

"So they've been in alliance since the 14th century, and it's like the devil has always been involved with the curse."

As he spoke, the play was over, and the actors came on stage to take their bows. Carlos IV took Joseph and headed to the game room as if rushing to the scene: "There is still some time before the dance, let's go make some bets first. Ah, today's bets are all mine. of!"

Joseph followed him to the palace corridor and saw the servants busy. He whispered in Carlos IV's ear: "If you want to take back Gibraltar, I will give you my full support!"

The latter was suddenly startled. You know, regaining Gibraltar is the long-cherished wish of all Spaniards! As Joseph said, this small port can significantly increase Spain's fiscal revenue and has strategic significance in controlling the Mediterranean waterways.

It can be said that Spain with Gibraltar is almost the same country as Spain without Gibraltar!

He looked at Joseph with wide eyes: "Are you kidding?"

"Of course not." Joseph patted him on the shoulder, "Not just Gibraltar, in the future we will work together to capture Portugal and pull out this poisonous fang in Cadiz Bay!"

Portugal is an important British naval base and supply point on the European continent, and is also one of the core nodes on the British trade route. This is why the United Kingdom signed the Treaty of Windsor with Portugal hundreds of years ago to form an alliance.

If Portugal returns to Spain, Britain's influence in Europe will be directly reduced by half!

Since the British are making trouble and disgusting France everywhere, Joseph will naturally not tolerate him. Coming from a later generation, he knew Britain's weaknesses even better than Britain itself.

Carlos IV's eyes widened even more. Although Portugal has been Spain's obsession for more than a hundred years, after losing several previous wars, Spain has almost given up on this hard nut to crack.

But now the French Crown Prince mentioned this tempting prospect, how could he not feel excited?

If he can really win Gibraltar and Portugal, he will definitely become the greatest Holy Lord in Spain for hundreds of years and will be praised by the Spaniards forever!

[Note 1] New Spain refers to the Spanish colonies in North America between the late 18th and 19th centuries, mainly today's Mexico and the southwestern United States. In addition, Spain also owns New Grenada, which is today's Colombia and Panama. At this time, almost all of South America, with the exception of Brazil, was a Spanish colony.