Chapter 286: The Brabant Uprising
Kemperen sat up sharply when he heard the word "Brabant," shooting a glance at the Dutch diplomat beside him.
The diplomat immediately gestured for the servants to leave, then had the doors closed tightly.
Only then did Kemperen cautiously say, "Marquis, in truth, the Brabant uprising has no connection to the Netherlands whatsoever."
Marquis Wellesley nodded. "Indeed, no connection. Vander Noot has not received the support of the Dutch Parliament."
The Vander Noot he spoke of was the leader of the Brabant Uprising.
Brabant is a core region of the Southern Netherlands, which would later become Belgium, and was currently experiencing a massive rebellion.
At that time, the Southern Netherlands was still Austrian territory, though it had previously maintained a relatively autonomous political system, with its daily affairs managed by the Southern Netherlands Parliament.
However, a few years prior, the Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II began implementing a series of reforms, which included strengthening central authority and curtailing noble privileges.
This alienated nearly all factions in the Southern Netherlands—the Liberals opposed centralization, demanding the continued preservation of parliamentary rights. Meanwhile, the Conservative nobles were highly discontent with the reduction of their privileges.
Historically, this event came to be known as the Brabant Uprising.
Another name for the Netherlands was "Northern Netherlands." As a nation with a shared lineage and origin with the Southern Netherlands, the Netherlands naturally hoped its kin could break free from Austrian rule, and thus secretly provided considerable support to the rebels.
Marquis Wellesley glanced at the Dutch Parliament President's expression and continued, "You needn't be nervous. I am here simply to inform you of the British Parliament's stance.
"We believe the Southern Netherlands has every right to choose its own allegiance.
"However, as you know, Vander Noot alone is utterly incapable of confronting mighty Austria."
Kemperen fixed his gaze on the Briton. "Please, continue."
"They need their fellow countrymen as a backing," Marquis Wellesley stated, clasping his hands together, "to resist the Austrians as the 'Republic of the Netherlands.'"
Kemperen's breathing quickened. "Are you saying Britain supports a unification between the Netherlands and the Southern Netherlands?"
Marquis Wellesley nodded. "We have always been the Netherlands' most loyal ally and naturally hope for the Netherlands to grow stronger. Therefore, the unification of the Low Countries is the first step."
He made no mention whatsoever of the Anglo-Dutch War that had occurred just a few years prior, where the British Navy had virtually annihilated the Dutch fleet.
In truth, Britain had always viewed the Netherlands and Belgium as a springboard for continental European attacks on Britain and thus pursued a policy of tight control over the region.
Previously, the French had supported the Dutch Patriot Party in ousting William V, and thereafter the Netherlands had grown pro-French, making the British extremely uneasy.
Now, with the Brabant Uprising, Britain immediately seized this opportunity to court the Netherlands.
"Unification?" Kemperen, however, seemed hesitant. "Would the Southern Netherlanders agree?"
Marquis Wellesley chuckled. "If they wish to break free from Austria, their only choice is to merge with the Netherlands.
"Vander Noot has been seeking Prussia's help—to be precise, without Prussian troops entering the Southern Netherlands, Austria could easily crush the rebellion. I have already discussed this matter with His Majesty William II, and he is very supportive of Dutch unification."
Kemperen immediately rose to his feet and, agitated, placed a hand on his chest. "My thanks to you and His Majesty William II! The people of the Netherlands will forever remember the firm friendship between our three nations!"
Marquis Wellesley suddenly changed the topic. "I hear the Dutch East India Company is preparing to cooperate with the French to form a joint East India Company?"
Kemperen immediately shook his head. "That is merely French wishful thinking. We have never expressed agreement."
Marquis Wellesley wore a relieved expression. "That is excellent. Otherwise, this would impact the close alliance between Britain, the Netherlands, and Prussia."
"Alliance?" Kemperen paused, taken aback, then immediately understood. "Yes, a tripartite alliance! This is precisely what the Netherlands has always hoped for!"
A knowing smile flickered at the corner of Marquis Wellesley's lips; he knew his strategy was bound to succeed.
Unifying the Northern and Southern Netherlands was a centuries-old dream for all Netherlanders; for this, they would abandon everything!
As for Prussia, they would proceed without hesitation to do anything that could weaken Austria. As long as the Southern Netherlands did not belong to Austria, they cared little whether it was independent or unified with the Netherlands.
The Southern Netherlands controlled the mouth of the Rhine River, while the vast majority of Austria's territory was inland. To engage in overseas trade, their options were either to travel south through the Mediterranean Sea or to utilize Rhine River shipping and exit westward to the Atlantic Ocean.
Currently, Britain controlled the gateway to and from the Mediterranean—the Strait of Gibraltar. If they also controlled the Rhine River mouth through the Netherlands, it would be tantamount to completely choking Austria's maritime trade routes.
At that point, Austria would have no choice but to bow to Britain.
...
Meanwhile, in Schönbrunn Palace in Austria, Joseph II, having just heard the report from Minister of State Kaunitz, took a deep breath and said hoarsely, "Reforms absolutely cannot stop.
"Paris has undergone even more radical reforms than us and has encountered no issues. I am confident...
"As for Brabant, they only have a few thousand poorly trained militiamen. General Wurmser just needs to quell the uprising as quickly as possible."
Kaunitz frowned. "Your Majesty, the Prussians will surely not miss this opportunity to strike at us. Therefore, we face far more than just a few thousand militiamen."
Joseph II leaned back against his chair, his poor health making it difficult to concentrate and think.
After a moment, he finally spoke. "Give General Wurmser 30,000 troops. If the Prussians dare to interfere, launch an attack against them."
Kaunitz remained silent for a few seconds, then tentatively suggested, "Your Majesty, perhaps we could seek assistance from your sister."
Joseph II's sister was the current Queen of France—Marie Antoinette.
Joseph II's lips twitched, almost a smile. "My dear brother-in-law has always coveted Wallonia. Are you actually suggesting French troops set foot in the Southern Netherlands?
"This matter must be resolved by us alone. If Austria cannot even handle a Brabant rebellion, then what hope is there of unifying Germany?"
The Wallonia he spoke of was the southern region of the Southern Netherlands, making up nearly half its area. Its residents primarily spoke French and were generally very pro-French.
Kaunitz let out a helpless sigh and thought to himself, 'If His Majesty hadn't aggressively pushed radical reforms, the Southern Netherlands wouldn't have rebelled in the first place. Now, with the reforms stirring up resentment among the nobility and the populace everywhere, Austria was at its weakest point. Hopefully, they would overcome this crisis smoothly.'
He bowed to Joseph II. "Yes, Your Majesty. I will go and discuss the deployment of troops with General Wurmser immediately."
...
Versailles.
The finals of "Star of France" officially began, and the entire Versailles Palace square was packed with tens of thousands of people.. ʀäνö => BeŠ
People continuously cheered for their favored contestants, and coupled with the cries of vendors, the entire square buzzed with immense activity.
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