Chapter 871: must win

   The importance of the Gibraltar Fortress is self-evident. Guarding the passages of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean there has always been a battleground for military strategists. If Germany can take the fortress of Gibraltar, it is tantamount to putting a nail in the passage between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Even, if Germany can deploy the most advanced large-caliber fortress guns in the Gibraltar fortress, it will be able to block the entire strait.

   After all, the straight-line distance from the fortress of Gibraltar to Africa across the strait is only a dozen kilometers. The most advanced fortress artillery can easily hit the shells to the opposite bank.

   Coupled with the Suez Canal that is about to be controlled by Germany, the entire Mediterranean Sea will be in the hands of Germany.

   "The fortress of Gibraltar is very important to the empire's strategy in the Mediterranean. The empire must do its best to take it down!" Qin Tian set the tone.

  Since the Gibraltar Fortress is very important to Germany, of course the Empire cannot let it go.

   "Yes, Your Majesty!" Marshal Reinhard Scheer nodded.

  Although the British had garrisons in the fortress, there were not many. Taking down the garrison is more like abandoning a child. The German navy can take it there without much effort.

   "Your Majesty, if we take action to **** Gibraltar, I am afraid it will arouse the dissatisfaction of the Spaniards. The Spaniards have always claimed sovereignty over Gibraltar." Foreign Minister Wahit reminded.

  Qin Tian couldn't help but frowned. Indeed, Gibraltar has always been a thorn in the hearts of the Spaniards. The successive kings of Spain wanted to regain Gibraltar. However, because the British were too strong, the Spaniards were unable to do it. But they have always claimed sovereignty over Gibraltar. If Germany snatches Gibraltar from the British, the relationship between Spain and Germany will inevitably deteriorate sharply.

  In 1410, Gibraltar was recovered by the Spaniards, and in 1501, it was officially included in the territory of Spain. After Spain became stronger, Spain adopted a policy of expelling or forcibly converting the Moors who believed in Islam in the Gibraltar area, and many people were forced to move to Morocco in North Africa even after converting.

  Spanish King Carlos II has no heirs, and the French Bourbon royal family will inherit the western throne. After the death of Carlos II in 1700, Philip, grandson of King Louis XIV of France, was proclaimed King of the West. But Carlos II's nephew, Archduke Charles of Austria, also claimed to inherit the throne according to the blood relationship of the Habsburg royal family. This triggered the War of Spanish Succession in 1701. Britain and the Netherlands supported Archduke Charles, whose coalition forces captured Gibraltar in 1704 and established a military fortress. In 1713, the two warring parties signed the Utrecht Peace Treaty, recognizing Philip's status as King of Spain, but in exchange, Gibraltar was ceded to Britain.

  After the British occupation of Gibraltar, the original Spanish residents were expelled, and a large number of immigrants from other places, many Italians and British people also began to move in, and some Moroccans also returned to enrich the local population.

  In 1830, Gibraltar officially became a British colony and main naval base. Since then, all military and political affairs of Gibraltar have been administered by the governor appointed by the British royal family.

  In 1909, the British built military bases, airports and fences in the neutral zone between Gibraltar and the West Mainland, forming the border.

  In this world war, Britain was defeated and even the mainland fell. It stands to reason that this should be a good opportunity for Spain to regain Gibraltar. However, the king of Spain, Alfonso XIII, had many concerns, fearing that he would offend Germany. After all, at that time, Germany announced that it would take over all of Britain's overseas colonies. Gibraltar is also an overseas colony of the British. If Gibraltar is forcibly taken back, maybe it will tear face with Germany because of this. All, Alfonso XIII hesitated very much.

  However, in his heart, Alfonso XIII is very much looking forward to recovering Gibraltar. This is the wish of successive Spanish kings. If he can successfully regain Gibraltar, then his prestige in the country will be improved a few words. This will be very helpful to consolidate his rule.

  The current Alfonso XIII is completely caught in a dilemma.

   Of course, Germany did not know about this. Even if he knew, Qin Tian probably wouldn't care. Spain has been in decline for hundreds of years except after becoming the super overlord in the age of great voyages. Especially after being beaten by the Americans during the Spanish-American War, they lost their overseas colonies, leaving only the native land to survive.

  The declining Kingdom of Spain does not pose any threat to the German Empire. Therefore, Qin Tian naturally didn't care how the Spaniards would feel after Germany took down the Gibraltar Fortress.

"The Spaniards can ignore it. Although they have always claimed sovereignty over Gibraltar. However, they have never recovered Gibraltar. Even in this world war, the British were lost by us. This is what they regained Gibraltar has a good opportunity, but they still haven't taken any action so far. Therefore, even if the empire takes Gibraltar, they will have to endure it!" Qin Tian said.

  Weak countries have no diplomacy, which is true in any era and anywhere. Germany is so powerful that it can completely ignore the interests of the Kingdom of Spain.

   "Yes, Your Majesty!" Vashite nodded and said no more.

   "Marshal Scheer, does the Navy have any plans to take Gibraltar?" Qin Tian asked.

"Your Majesty, we have already made a plan for you. The Mediterranean Fleet will dispatch warships to bombard Gibraltar to cover the landing of a regiment of marines. With the strength of a regiment, it is enough to capture the entire Gibraltar. According to the analysis of the staff officers, The attack on Gibraltar this time will be very easy," said Marshal Reinhard Scheer.

   "Taking Gibraltar will certainly be easy. But what if the Spaniards intervene?" Qin Tian asked.

   "Your Majesty, the Spaniards wouldn't have the guts, would they?" Marshal Reinhard Scheer was taken aback.

   "Who knows! If there are other people's instigation, there may be some accidents. Therefore, it is best to prepare in advance!" Qin Tian reminded.

  Qin Tian knew that the British would never give up the Gibraltar fortress so easily. The British will never tire of being able to make trouble for the German Empire.

   Marshal Reinhard Scheer nodded. He is also a smart person, so he naturally knew what Qin Tian was worried about.