Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Madrid's Never-Night City plan proves highly effective, shocking Europe.
• Germany becomes the first to act, aiming to build a Never-Night City to showcase national strength.
• The German government discusses the cost and feasibility of turning Berlin into a Never-Night City.
• The German government decides to cooperate with Spain, exchanging industrial technology for electrical technology.
• Parisian citizens protest, demanding their government build a Never-Night City.
• The Paris city government struggles with the cost and responsibility of building streetlights.
• Spanish nobles request electrical circuits and streetlights for their castles and estates.
• The German government becomes the electricity company's biggest client, requesting large-scale power stations and streetlights.
• Carlo agrees to exchange Spain's electrical technology for Germany's industrial technologies.

Character Developments

• Chancellor Bismarck shows decisive action and understanding of the electrical industry's importance.
• German Emperor Wilhelm I supports Bismarck's decision to cooperate with Spain.
• The Paris mayor demonstrates caution and awareness of the city government's financial limitations.
• Carlo shows interest in Germany's industrial technologies and willingness to upgrade Spain's electrical technology.

Significant Themes

• The impact of electricity on industry and society.
• The importance of technological advancements and exchange.
• The role of national power and prestige in technological development.
• The financial and political challenges of implementing new technologies.

Character Interactions

• Bismarck and Wilhelm I discuss and agree on Germany's response to Madrid's Never-Night City.
• The Paris mayor and city officials discuss and struggle with the cost and responsibility of building streetlights.
• Carlo and Gram discuss and agree to cooperate with the nobles and the German government.
• Carlo and the German ambassador discuss the exchange of electrical and industrial technologies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The American ambassador purchases Spain's electric technology, placing a larger order than Germany.
• The British Empire establishes the London Royal Electric Company to compete with Spain's technology.
• The French government cooperates with Spain to build power stations in Paris.
• The Spanish National Electricity Company sells patents to the US and France for over 20 million Pesetas.
• Carlo orders a two-pronged strategy to develop Madrid and Barcelona's electric industries.
• The Barcelona City Government announces plans to install 1,200 streetlights and build two power stations.
• Factories in Madrid and Barcelona show interest in connecting to the electric grid.
• Carlo's steel mills in Madrid and Barcelona adopt electricity.

Character Developments

• Carlo: Shows business acumen in dealing with the US ambassador and understanding the potential of the electric industry.
• Gram: Leads the Electric Company and continues research at the Electricity Laboratory.
• Tesla: Continues electrical research at the Electricity Laboratory.

Significant Themes

• Rapid industrialization and economic growth of the US.
• The spread of electricity and its impact on society and industry.
• The struggle for dominance in the electric industry among European powers.
• The role of patents and intellectual property in business dealings.

Character Interactions

• Carlo interacts with the American ambassador, negotiating a large order for Spain's electric technology.
• Carlo, Gram, and Tesla work together to develop and promote Spain's electric industry.
• Factory owners in Madrid and Barcelona interact with the electric companies to connect to the grid and purchase light bulbs.
• Carlo's steel mills in Madrid and Barcelona adopt electricity, demonstrating the nobility's understanding of the benefits of electric lights.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Spain's population surpasses 20 million by early 1880, with Andalusia leading in both total births and birth rate.
• Carlo's third child, Martin, is born, and he starts Prince Juan Fernando's elite aristocratic education.
• The Spanish government aims to increase the birth rate among urban and worker populations.

Character Developments

• Carlo continues to prioritize Spain's development and population growth, setting an example by having more children with Queen Sophie.
• Prince Juan Fernando begins his education as the heir to the throne, while Princess Sophia enjoys a more relaxed learning environment.
• Carlo and Queen Sophie's children, Juan Fernando, Sophia, and Martin, display sibling affection and closeness.

Significant Themes

• Population growth and the Encourage Childbirth policy as a driving force for Spain's development.
• The impact of urbanization and work hours on birth rates.
• The role of welfare incentives and subsidies in promoting childbirth.

Character Interactions

• Carlo and Queen Sophie's affection and commitment to each other and their children.
• Prince Juan Fernando and Princess Sophia's doting on their younger brother, Prince Martin.
• Carlo's high expectations for Prince Juan Fernando's education and future role as Spain's heir.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Spain implements Encourage Childbirth policies across regions to boost population growth.
• Conflict erupts between the Republic of Lanfang and local indigenous peoples backed by the Dutch.
• Lanfang New Army, trained by the Spanish Military Advisory Group, defeats the indigenous army.

Character Developments

• Carlo: Satisfied with the Andalusia region's policy and its governor's performance.
• Andrew Rosso: Demonstrates strategic thinking and responsibility in supporting Lanfang and training its army.
• Wu Yuansheng: Proves his capabilities and commitment to Lanfang by declining a position in the Spanish Army and leading the Lanfang New Army.

Significant Themes

• Population growth and its strategic importance.
• Colonialism and power dynamics in Southeast Asia.
• The value of education and training in developing a nation's capabilities.

Character Interactions

• Carlo and the regional governors: Carlo is pleased with the governors' implementation of the Encourage Childbirth policy.
• Andrew and Wu Yuansheng: Andrew supports Wu Yuansheng's leadership of the Lanfang New Army, demonstrating trust in his abilities.
• The Dutch and the indigenous peoples: The Dutch encourage indigenous peoples to invade Lanfang to test Spain's response and gain advantage in colonization.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Conflict erupts on Borneo Island between the Sultanate of Kutai and the Republic of Lanfang.
• Spain supports Lanfang's counterattack, seeing it as an opportunity to expand on Borneo.
• Lanfang's New Army, equipped and trained by Spain, begins a successful offensive against Kutai.
• The Sarawak Kingdom, a British-aligned state, seeks British help against Lanfang.
• The Dutch East Indies Colony Government faces a dilemma: support Kutai and risk a major confrontation with Lanfang, or back down and lose influence on Borneo.

Character Developments

• Carlo, the Spanish leader, welcomes the conflict as an opportunity for expansion and is confident in Lanfang's military capabilities.
• Andrew, Lanfang's leader, follows Carlo's orders to mobilize troops and advance eastward.
• The Sultan of Kutai desperately seeks Dutch assistance as Lanfang's offensive progresses.
• King William III of the Netherlands is furious at the East Indies Colony Government's actions and reluctant to offend Spain.

Significant Themes

• Colonial expansion and competition, particularly between Spain and the Netherlands.
• The impact of military technology and training on combat effectiveness.
• The strategic importance of Borneo Island in the Dutch East Indies colonies.
• The consequences of provoking a more powerful nation (Spain) for a smaller one (the Netherlands).

Character Interactions

• Carlo and Andrew work together to advance Lanfang's interests, with Carlo providing support and Andrew executing military strategies.
• The Sultan of Kutai and the Dutch East Indies Colony Government interact, with the Sultan seeking help and the Colony Government grappling with the consequences of its actions.
• King William III of the Netherlands and the Governor of the East Indies Colony have a tense interaction, with the King expressing his displeasure at the Governor's actions.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Dutch government quickly compromises and initiates negotiations with Spain to avoid further conflict.
• The Dutch ambassador offers the Sultanate of Kutai and compensation for Spanish losses as a settlement.
• Carlo, aware of Spain's growing power and influence, is unwilling to accept the Dutch terms.

Character Developments

• Carlo's popularity and influence have grown significantly, making Spain a formidable force in Europe and its colonies.
• Ambassador William represents the Dutch government's willingness to back down and make amends to avoid further conflict.

Significant Themes

• The balance of power between nations and the consequences of imperialistic expansion.
• The importance of population and military strength in maintaining a nation's influence and security.
• The role of diplomacy in resolving conflicts and maintaining peace.

Character Interactions

• Carlo and Ambassador William engage in diplomatic negotiations, with Carlo using his nation's growing power to pressure the Dutch into more favorable terms.
• The Dutch government, through Ambassador William, attempts to appease Spain and avoid further conflict by offering territorial concessions and compensation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Carlo and Ambassador William reach a peaceful agreement regarding the Borneo Island issue.
• Spain and the Republic of Lanfang will suppress the rebellion in the Sultanate of Kutai and divide its land, with no involvement from the Netherlands.
• The Netherlands must pay reparations to Spain and transfer immigrant outposts in New Guinea to Spain.
• Carlo decides to merge the Sultanate of Kutai into the Philippine Colony and put further colonial expansion in the Philippines on hold.
• Spain focuses on the electrification of Madrid and Barcelona, with the electric company facing overwhelming orders for bulbs and wires.
• Spain's metallurgical technology improves, reducing the production cost of electrical wires.
• Benz installs headlights on his car models, enabling night driving.

Character Developments

• Carlo demonstrates strategic thinking in handling the Borneo Island issue and shows foresight in promoting electrical development.
• Gram, the general manager of the electric company, faces challenges in meeting the high demand for electricity-related products and seeks Carlo's help to expand production capacity.
• Benz innovates by installing headlights on his car models, improving their functionality.

Significant Themes

• Peaceful Resolution: Carlo and Ambassador William's agreement shows that diplomacy can resolve conflicts, even when military intervention is an option.
• Technological Progress: The spread of electricity and its applications, like Benz's headlights, highlight the potential of technological advancements to improve daily life.
• Colonialism: Carlo's decision regarding the Philippine Colony reflects the complex dynamics of colonial expansion and governance.

Character Interactions

• Carlo and Ambassador William negotiate and reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
• Carlo supports Gram's request to expand the electric company's production capacity.
• Benz, inspired by the spread of electricity, innovates by installing headlights on his car models.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Carlo encourages novel ideas and invests in the Royal Academy of Sciences to explore more applications of electricity.
• The Electricity Laboratory develops a variant of the electric locomotive, the tram, which is faster and more efficient than horse-drawn trams.
• Spain announces a Tram Exhibition in Madrid to attract foreign capital and showcase its electrical advancements.

Character Developments

• Carlo demonstrates his commitment to supporting scientific research and technological progress.
• Tesla, as part of the Electricity Laboratory, contributes to the development of the tram technology.

Significant Themes

• The importance of imagination and exploration in scientific research and technological progress.
• The potential of electricity to transform urban transportation and society.
• The strategic use of technology and media to attract foreign capital and advance Spain's interests.

Character Interactions

• Carlo interacts with Gram and Tesla, discussing energy storage methods and the development of the tram technology.
• The Spanish government, media, and public engage with each other and foreign entities during the Tram Exhibition, fostering national pride and international interest in Spain's electrical advancements.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Carlo's tram exhibition is a success, drawing international attention and interest.
• Germany, followed by Britain, France, Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Italy, express desire to acquire Spain's tram technology.
• Spain decides to cooperate with these countries, both through technical data exchange and direct purchases with funds.
• Spain plans to establish tram transit systems in Madrid and Barcelona, attracting domestic and foreign investors.
• Madrid and Barcelona's tram line plans are finalized, with Madrid having six lines and Barcelona four.
• Madrid Tram Company and Barcelona Tram Company are established, with significant investments from both domestic and foreign capital.
• Carlo plans to establish awards to recognize and reward scientific researchers in Spain.

Character Developments

• Carlo demonstrates strategic thinking and foresight in promoting Spain's technological advancements and economic growth through tram technology and cooperation with other countries.
• Carlo shows concern for public support and morale, aiming to improve the lives of Madrid and Barcelona residents through affordable public transportation.

Significant Themes

• Technological advancement and cooperation for mutual benefit.
• Economic growth and public welfare through infrastructure development.
• Attracting foreign capital and investment for national development.
• Encouraging scientific research and innovation.

Character Interactions

• Carlo interacts with various European governments, negotiating terms for cooperation and technology exchange.
• Carlo works with the Spanish Government, the Royal Family, and city governments to establish tram companies and secure investments.
• Carlo engages with domestic and foreign investors, encouraging them to participate in Spain's development.
• Carlo plans to recognize and reward scientific researchers, fostering a culture of innovation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The status of Cuba, Spain's most important colony, is set to change from 1869 to 1880.
• Spain, having improved its fiscal revenue and living conditions, considers swapping Cuba for strategically valuable lands.
• King Carlo and Prime Minister Canovas decide to swap Cuba, targeting African and Middle Eastern lands.
• Spain considers swapping with Britain, France, or Portugal, but Britain offers the most advantageous conditions, including West African colonies and Middle Eastern mining rights.
• Carlo convenes a Cabinet Meeting to lay the groundwork for the swap, ensuring a smooth exchange with the British.
• Spain plans to extract pro-Spanish residents from Cuba before the swap.

Character Developments

• King Carlo shows strategic thinking and willingness to let go of Cuba for better gains.
• Prime Minister Canovas supports the King's decision and works to push the swap forward.

Significant Themes

• Colonialism and Imperialism: The chapter explores the motivations and consequences of colonial expansion, with Spain seeking to swap Cuba for more valuable lands.
• Power Dynamics: It highlights the power dynamics between Spain, Britain, France, and other colonial powers, as well as the potential conflict with the United States.
• Race and Discrimination: It touches on racial discrimination and the treatment of Black people in the United States.

Character Interactions

• King Carlo and Prime Minister Canovas work together to push the colony swap, with other cabinet officials largely supportive.
• The chapter does not delve into personal interactions among characters, focusing more on political and strategic discussions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Britain, under Disraeli, engaged in multiple wars (Russo-Turkish War, Anglo-Afghan War, Zulu War) leading to financial strain and loss of bourgeoisie support.
• Gladstone, opposing Disraeli's aggressive policies, wins the election and becomes Prime Minister in 1880.
• Britain ends the Anglo-Afghan War and declares a period of peace.
• News of the Cuban colonial rebellion and potential Spanish abandonment of the colony reaches the British government.

Character Developments

• Disraeli loses power due to his aggressive foreign policy and financial mismanagement.
• Gladstone, positioning himself as a peace advocate, gains power and aims to maintain it by balancing British interests and public sentiment.

Significant Themes

• Imperialism and colonial expansion: Britain's desire for colonies and resources, balanced with fiscal responsibility and public opinion.
• War and peace: The consequences of war on Britain's finances and public support.
• International relations: Britain's interactions with Spain, Europe, and the United States, influenced by colonial ambitions and strategic interests.

Character Interactions

• Gladstone and the Cabinet Ministers discuss the potential Spanish abandonment of the Cuban colony and Britain's response.
• Gladstone's trusted confidant, the British Foreign Secretary, advocates for acquiring the Cuban colony, while another Minister argues against it due to its high value and strategic importance.
• Gladstone remains neutral, considering both views and the potential diplomatic and economic consequences of each course of action.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Spain closely monitors the British government's response to their implied colony swap proposal.
• British Prime Minister Gladstone proposes a swap involving the Cuban colony in a cabinet meeting.
• The Spanish and British governments agree to a diplomatic visit and negotiations in early September.

Character Developments

• Carlo shows strategic thinking and confidence in his plan to swap the Cuban colony.
• Prime Minister Cánovas demonstrates diplomatic skill and patience in dealing with the British Ambassador.

Significant Themes

• The value of colonies and their strategic importance.
• The balance of power in Europe and the impact of Spain's actions on the continent.
• The delicate dance of diplomacy between Spain and Britain.

Character Interactions

• Carlo and Prime Minister Cánovas work together to achieve the colony swap, with Carlo providing the initiative and Cánovas handling the negotiations.
• The Spanish and British governments engage in a step-by-step probe and yield process, with both sides aiming to maximize their gains.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Spain and Britain engage in secret negotiations for a colony swap, with Spain aiming to acquire Britain's West African colonies.
• The British government visits Spain for diplomatic talks, led by Prime Minister Gladstone.
• Negotiations stall due to Britain's unwillingness to part with valuable colonies like Western Australia and the Straits Settlements.
• Britain proposes exchanging Cuba for the Gold Coast, Brunei's colonial rights, and £5 million, which Spain finds unsatisfactory.
• Spain threatens to engage with Germany, prompting Britain to improve its offer, adding the Gambia Colony, Sierra Leone Colony, and financial compensation.
• Spain and Britain agree to swap Cuba for the Gambia Colony, Sierra Leone Colony, Gold Coast, and British approval for Spain's colonial campaign in Oman, with a £5 million payment. The swap will be completed within three months and announced publicly afterward.

Character Developments

• Carlo, the King of Spain, remains removed from the negotiations to avoid blame for the outcome.
• Prime Minister Canovas reports daily to Carlo on the negotiation progress.
• Prime Minister Gladstone shows respect for Carlo and Spain's status, understanding the need for diplomatic negotiations due to Spain's strength.

Significant Themes

• The era's power dynamics and survival of the fittest in colonial competition.
• The importance of diplomatic negotiations and maintaining diplomatic relations.
• The role of cabinets in taking blame for monarchs and the understanding between European nations on this matter.

Character Interactions

• Carlo and Prime Minister Canovas: Carlo is kept informed of the negotiations, and Canovas reports to him daily.
• Prime Minister Gladstone and Carlo: Gladstone shows respect for Carlo and Spain, understanding the need for negotiations due to Spain's strength.
• Spain and Britain: Both nations engage in negotiations, with Spain threatening to engage with Germany to pressure Britain into better terms.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Spain receives 5 million pounds from Britain as compensation for ceding colonies.
• Carlo allocates the entire amount to develop the Spanish Navy, aiming to keep it at the forefront of naval technology.
• Spain begins preparations to relinquish the colony of Cuba, offering its population the option to relocate to mainland Spain or other colonies.
• Spain acquires three British colonies in West Africa, potentially doubling its African colonial territory.

Character Developments

• Carlo, the Spanish king, demonstrates strategic thinking and long-term planning by investing in naval development and colonial expansion.

Significant Themes

• Naval power and its importance for Spain's global standing.
• Colonial competition among European powers in Africa.
• The impact of Britain's withdrawal from West Africa on colonial dynamics.

Character Interactions

• The British and Spanish governments engage in diplomatic negotiations, with Britain aiming to manipulate Spain and France's colonial rivalry in West Africa.
• Carlo makes decisions regarding naval development and colonial affairs, demonstrating his leadership and vision.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Colony swap between Spain and Britain: Spain gains Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Gold Coast colonies; Britain gains Cuba.
• U.S. becomes concerned about Britain's growing influence in the Americas.
• Spain starts military rule in the newly acquired colonies.
• Spain plans the Central-West Africa Railway, which would connect its colonies but passes through French and Portuguese territories.
• Carlo modifies the plan to avoid conflict with France and considers acquiring the Portuguese colony between Sierra Leone and Gambia.

Character Developments

• Carlo, the Spanish king, shows strategic thinking and long-term planning, aiming to expand Spain's influence and prepare for future wars in Europe.
• The Spanish government demonstrates commitment to the development of the West African colonies, allocating significant resources.

Significant Themes

• Colonial expansion and competition among European powers.
• Racial dynamics and discrimination, particularly towards Black people.
• Long-term planning and strategic thinking in governance.
• The impact of colonial development on native populations.

Character Interactions

• Carlo interacts with the Spanish government, particularly the Ministry of Transport, to discuss and approve the colonial development plan.
• Carlo considers the interests of other European powers, such as Britain, France, and Portugal, in his strategic planning.
• Carlo's plans for the native populations suggest a lack of concern for their well-being, focusing more on their use as a means to improve the Spanish Army's combat effectiveness.

Plot Points and Events

• Spain's West Africa Development Plan progresses rapidly with massive immigration (50,000 immigrants in less than 3 months).
• Spain aims to acquire Portuguese colonies in West Africa (Portuguese Guinea, Portuguese Guinea-Bissau, Portuguese Ouidah, and Portuguese São Tomé and Príncipe) to expand its influence and protect its colonies.
• Spain proposes a colony swap with Portugal, offering support for Portuguese colonization south of the Congo territory in exchange for Portugal's West African colonies.

Character Developments

• Carlo, the Spanish King, is portrayed as strategic and ambitious, aiming to expand Spain's colonial influence in Africa.
• Prime Minister Canovas is shown as diplomatic and assertive in negotiations with the Portuguese envoy.

Significant Themes

• Colonial expansion and competition among European powers.
• The value of colonies and the willingness to trade or give them up based on strategic interests.
• The power dynamics between Spain and Portugal, with Spain holding the upper hand.

Character Interactions

• Canovas meets with the Portuguese diplomatic envoy to discuss joint development of colonies and propose the colony swap agreement.
• The Portuguese envoy shows surprise, regret, and remorse upon learning about Spain's trade with Britain, but ultimately agrees to Canovas's proposal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Portugal proposes the 'Pink Map Plan' to merge its West African colonies and the Mozambique colony, but Spain's prior claim of the Congo territory hinders this.
• Spain's Prime Minister Canovas proposes a colony swap to Portugal: Spain would allow Portugal to colonize the land south of the Congo territory in exchange for Portugal's West African colonies.
• Portugal expresses interest in the swap, sending its Minister of Colonies for negotiations.
• The main topic of discussion is the respective conditions for the swap, with Portugal wanting to fully colonize the land first before handing over sovereignty, and Spain unwilling to accept such terms.

Character Developments

• The Portuguese Diplomatic Envoy initially rejects Spain's proposal but later reports it enthusiastically to his government.
• Portugal's King Louis and its cabinet, including the Minister of Colonies, show great interest in the colony swap opportunity.

Significant Themes

• Colonial expansion and competition among European powers in Africa.
• The importance of colonies for national power and prestige.
• The struggle between short-term gains and long-term strategic interests in diplomatic negotiations.

Character Interactions

• The Portuguese Diplomatic Envoy and Spanish Prime Minister Canovas discuss the colony swap proposal, with the envoy initially rejecting it but later reporting it favorably to his government.
• The Portuguese Minister of Colonies and the Spanish government engage in negotiations regarding the swap's conditions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Spain and Portugal agree to a colony swap, with Spain gaining Portuguese West African colonies in exchange for lands south of the Congo Basin.
• Spain requests secrecy to avoid unwanted attention from other European powers.
• Tsar Alexander II of Russia is assassinated, drawing international attention.
• Spain sends its Foreign Secretary to attend Alexander II's funeral and reaffirm immigration cooperation with Russia.

Character Developments

• King Louis of Portugal shows ambition and willingness to expand territory.
• Tsar Alexander II's death leads to uncertainty about Russia's diplomatic stance and the future of the Three Emperors' Alliance.
• Carlo, King of Spain, demonstrates strategic thinking and a long-term vision for Spain's colonial expansion.

Significant Themes

• Colonial expansion and the pursuit of wealth as a driving force for European nations.
• The impact of political instability and leadership changes on international relations.
• The role of immigration in colonial development and the exploitation of colonial resources.

Character Interactions

• Spain and Portugal engage in negotiations and agree to a secret colony swap.
• Spain and Russia maintain cooperation on immigration despite the change in Russia's leadership.
• European powers monitor each other's actions, particularly regarding the Three Emperors' Alliance, reflecting the delicate balance of power in Europe.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author announces the release of the latest colony map for the web novel.
• The map can be found in the review sections of Qidian, QQ Reading, and the Fellow Readers group.

2. Character Developments: (No character developments in this chapter as it's an author's note)

Significant Themes

• Gratitude towards readers for their support.
• Encouragement for readers to provide feedback and engage with the story.

4. Character Interactions: (No character interactions in this chapter as it's an author's note)

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tsar Alexander II's death leads to strict censorship and an oppressive atmosphere in Russia.
• Spain sees an influx of Russian immigrants, planning to send them to their West African colonies, particularly Gambia, for agricultural development.
• France, under Prime Minister Jules Ferry, plans to colonize Tunisia to restore national pride after the Franco-Prussian War and to counter British influence in the Suez Canal.
• Ferry consults with the Foreign Minister and Minister of War, gaining their support, and proposes the invasion at a cabinet meeting, where it's unanimously approved.

Character Developments

• Jules Ferry: He emerges as a decisive and ambitious leader, seeking to restore French pride and power through colonial expansion.
• French People: They are shown to be eager for war and victory to wash away the humiliation of the Franco-Prussian War.

Significant Themes

• Nationalism: Both France and Italy exhibit strong nationalist sentiments, with each seeking to expand its influence and territory.
• Colonialism: The scramble for colonies is depicted as a means to restore national pride and power, as well as to counter other European powers' influence.
• Imperialism: The actions of France and Spain reflect the broader trend of European imperialism, with each seeking to expand its influence and control over other regions of the world.

Character Interactions

• Ferry and Gambetta: As members of the same party, they share a political alignment and agree on the necessity of invading Tunisia.
• Ferry and the Minister of War: The Minister of War supports Ferry's proposal without reservation, as it promises military merits and cannot be lost.
• Ferry and the Cabinet: Ferry employs clever tactics to gain support from the cabinet, ensuring his proposal is approved despite potential Italian interference.