Chapter 290 Britain's Fatal Weakness

Chapter 291 Britain's fatal weakness

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 the reform of enlightened despotism, 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 strong measures to weaken the power of the church, reduce the privileges of the nobles, and increase the exploitation of colonies to improve the people's livelihood in Spain.

It can be said that if Carlos III could live a few more decades, Spain might 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 reform, and Godoy's power led to the rapid decline of Spain.

Joseph thought for a moment and looked at Carlos IV: "Have you heard about what happened in Brabant recently?"

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

"Then do you know the reason for the rebellion?"

"It seems that Joseph II wants to weaken the power of the Southern Netherlands Parliament." Although Carlos IV is not good, as a king, he basically knows important international news.

Joseph nodded: "It's not just the problem of parliament, but also the reduction of noble privileges. In general, it is the reform of Austria that led to the rebellion there."

Carlos IV finally moved his eyes away from the drama: "Dear Joseph, what do you want to say?"

"Don't you think that the reforms being carried out in Austria are very similar to those in Spain? Strengthen the king's authority, weaken the privileges of the nobility, and encourage the development of industry and commerce."

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

"You have to consider that something like Brabant may happen in Spain." Joseph was actually trying to scare Carlos IV.

Spain's reforms were not as strong as Austria's, and with a large number of colonies transfusing blood, domestic conflicts would not be too sharp. In addition, the Southern Netherlands is an Austrian enclave. Brussels is more than 800 kilometers away from Vienna, and there are several German states in between, which makes it very difficult to rule. Spain does not have these problems.

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

Joseph immediately said: "The reform of His Majesty Carlos III must not be stopped. It is the cornerstone of Spain's prosperity, but the dissatisfaction of the nobles cannot be ignored.

"At this time, they must have an outlet for their dissatisfaction."

"What do you mean?"

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

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

"You mean, change a Minister of State? "

Sacrificing the Count of Florida Blanca and preserving the results of Carlos III's reforms as much as possible is beneficial to Spain. Most importantly, this will ensure the long-term friendship between France and Spain.

However, Joseph did not respond. As a Frenchman, he should not say too much about the appointment and dismissal of Spanish officials. It is best to stop at the right time.

So he changed the subject and talked about the two countries' colonies in the Americas.

Carlos IV was obviously annoyed by the colonial issue and soon complained: "A large amount of finances have been invested in New Spain [Note 1], but the income is getting less and less, and the Creoles protest for 11 months every year-except the coldest month in winter."

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

Joseph was waiting for him to say this, and immediately said indignantly: "The rich products obtained by Spain in the Americas cannot be converted into real benefits. This is all because the American-Mediterranean trade was interrupted by the British!

"If Gibraltar still belongs to Spain, then American goods can be sold continuously to Mediterranean coastal countries, and annual fiscal revenue can even double!"

Carlos IV nodded vigorously in deep 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 even more vigorously, "The British and Portuguese, they are simply the cancer of Europe!"

"So they have been allied since the 14th century, just like the devil and the curse are always mixed together."

As he was talking, the drama was over, and the actors took the stage to bow. Carlos IV pulled Joseph to the game room as if he was in a hurry: "There is still some time before the ball, let's go and gamble a few times first. Ah, today's gambling capital is all mine!"

Joseph followed him to the corridor of the palace, and seeing that the servants were busy, he leaned close to Carlos IV and whispered: "If you want to take back Gibraltar, I will definitely support you with all my strength!"

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

It can be said that Spain with Gibraltar and Spain without Gibraltar are almost two different countries!

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

"Of course not." Joseph patted his shoulder, "Not only Gibraltar, we will also work together to seize Portugal and pull out this poisonous tooth in the Bay of Cadiz!"

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

If Portugal returns to Spain, then Britain's influence on the European continent will be directly cut in half!

Since the British are making trouble everywhere and disgusting France, Joseph will naturally not indulge him. As for Britain's weaknesses, he, who came from the future, knows it better than Britain itself.

Carlos IV's eyes widened. Although Portugal has been Spain's obsession for more than a hundred years, after the defeat of several previous wars, Spain has almost given up the idea of ​​​​this hard bone to chew.

And now the French crown prince has mentioned this tempting prospect, how can he not be excited?

If he can really take Gibraltar and Portugal, he will surely become the greatest saint 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 in present-day Mexico and the southwestern United States. In addition, Spain also owned New Grenada, which is today's Colombia and Panama. At this time, almost all of South America, except Brazil, was a Spanish colony.