Chapter 291: Britain's Fatal Flaw
Aside from being Spain's Secretary of State, Count Floridablanca held another crucial position: he was the executor of King Charles III's reform plans.
As Spain's last truly capable king, Charles III vigorously promoted enlightened absolutist reforms, allowing Enlightenment ideas to spread, encouraging the development of industry and commerce, and implementing economic liberalization. He also severely weakened the Church's power, reduced noble privileges, and increased the exploitation of the colonies to improve the livelihoods of the Spanish people.
One could say that had Charles III lived a few more decades, Spain might have continued on an upward trajectory. However, after his death, Carlos IV completely lost control. The nobility began to oppose the reforms, and Godoy's abuse of power led to Spain's rapid decline.
Joseph mused for a moment, then looked at Carlos IV. "You've heard about the recent events in Brabant, haven't you?"
"Brabant? Oh, I've heard. The citizens there are rebelling."
"And do you know the reason for the rebellion?"
"It's something about Joseph II wanting to weaken the Southern Netherlands' parliamentary powers." Although Carlos IV wasn't particularly competent, as king, he generally kept abreast of important international news.
Joseph nodded. "It's not just about the parliament; it's also about cutting noble privileges. Overall, Austria's reforms led to the rebellion there."
Carlos IV's gaze finally shifted away from the play. "My dear Joseph, what exactly are you trying to say?"
"They are quite similar," Carlos IV nodded. "So?"
"You must consider that something similar to what happened in Brabant could occur in Spain." Joseph was, in fact, trying to intimidate Carlos IV.
Spain's reforms weren't as drastic as Austria's, and with copious resources flowing in from its colonies, domestic conflicts weren't overly acute. Furthermore, the Southern Netherlands was an Austrian exclave; Brussels was over 800 kilometers from Vienna, separated by several German states, making governance extremely difficult. Spain, however, did not face these particular problems.
Carlos, however, trusted his good brother implicitly and immediately grew anxious. "There certainly is that possibility. Recently, some nobles have been clamoring for the reforms to be abolished. What can be done?"
Joseph immediately replied, "His Majesty Charles III's reforms absolutely cannot be halted; they are the cornerstone of Spain's prosperity. However, we also cannot ignore the dissatisfaction of the nobility.
"At this point, they need an outlet for their discontent."
"Are you implying...?"
"Regrettably, the nobles' anger will likely converge upon Count Floridablanca, the Secretary of State who is pushing these reforms."
Joseph allowed Carlos IV to ponder for a few seconds before continuing, "When there's sharp conflict between the nobility and the Secretary of State, it can easily prevent decrees from being implemented."
"Are you suggesting replacing the Secretary of State?"
Sacrificing Count Floridablanca to preserve the fruits of Charles III's reforms as much as possible would benefit Spain. Most importantly, it would ensure the lasting friendship between France and Spain.
Joseph didn't respond directly. As a Frenchman, it wasn't appropriate for him to say too much about Spanish official appointments; hinting at it was sufficient.
So he changed the subject and began discussing the two nations' colonial affairs in America.
Carlos IV was clearly exasperated by the colonial issues and quickly complained, "Huge sums of money have been poured into New Spain, but the returns are diminishing, and the Creoles protest eleven months out of the year—every month except the coldest one in winter."
The Creoles he referred to were Europeans whose parents were both born in the Americas and who were born there themselves, forming the core class of the colonies.
Joseph had been waiting for this. He immediately declared, indignant, "Spain obtains rich products from America, yet they cannot be transformed into true profit! This is all because the America-Mediterranean trade has been severely disrupted by the British!"
"If Gibraltar still belonged to Spain, then goods from America could flow continuously to the Mediterranean coastal nations, and annual financial revenue could even double!"
Carlos IV nodded vigorously in profound agreement. "And the Portuguese! They sell Brazilian goods cheaply to Europe, severely dragging down the profits of American goods!"
"Precisely," Joseph nodded even more emphatically. "The British and the Portuguese—they are simply the scourges of Europe!"
"That's why they've been allied since the 14th century, like a devil forever entwined with a curse."
As they spoke, the play concluded and the actors came forward to take their bows. Carlos IV, pulling Joseph along as if hurrying to another engagement, headed for the game room. "There's still some time before the ball, so let's have a few rounds of gambling first. Ah, today's stakes are all on me!"
Joseph followed him to the palace corridor, and seeing that the servants were all busy, he leaned in close to Carlos IV's ear and whispered, "If you wish to reclaim Gibraltar, I will fully support you!"
The latter was instantly startled. After all, recovering Gibraltar was the long-cherished dream of all Spaniards! Just as Joseph had said, this small port could significantly increase Spain's financial revenue and held strategic importance for controlling the Mediterranean waterways.
One could say that Spain with Gibraltar and Spain without it were almost two different nations!
He widened his eyes, looking at Joseph. "You're not joking, are you?"
"Of course not." Joseph clapped him on the shoulder. "It's not just Gibraltar; moving forward, we must also work together to seize Portugal and remove this thorn in our side in the Bay of Cádiz!"
Portugal was an important naval base and supply point for Britain on the European continent and one of the core nodes in British trade routes. This was also why Britain signed the Treaty of Windsor and allied with Portugal centuries ago.
If Portugal returned to Spanish control, Britain's influence on the European continent would be directly halved!
Since the British were stirring up trouble everywhere to spite France, Joseph naturally wouldn't indulge them. As someone from a later era, he knew Britain's weaknesses even better than Britain itself did.
Carlos IV's eyes widened even further. Although Portugal had been Spain's obsession for over a hundred years, after several failed wars, almost everyone in Spain had given up on the idea of conquering this tough nut to crack.
But now the French Crown Prince was bringing up such an enticing prospect—how could his heart not swell with excitement?
If he could truly seize Gibraltar and Portugal, he would undoubtedly become the greatest, most sacred ruler Spain had seen in centuries, and be lauded by Spaniards for eternity!
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