During the Age of Discovery, Portugal, as a vanguard, had likewise acquired vast colonies. Brazil in South America was entirely a Portuguese colony. Portugal also possessed quite a few colonies in Africa and Asia. Every year, Portugal reaped enormous profits from those colonies. It could be said that Portugal in that era had undoubtedly been exceedingly wealthy.
But good times did not last. After Brazil gained independence, Portugal immediately lost its largest colony and began to decline without cease. Now, it had become an insignificant small country, one that could be taken or left.
Moreover, the Portuguese royal family had imposed harsh taxes and levies, provoking popular resistance. In 1910, a revolution broke out in Portugal. The royal family was overthrown, and a republican government was established.
The current President and Prime Minister of Portugal were both Sidonio Pais, who held immense power in his hands. Unfortunately, Portugal was merely an insignificant small country. For the sake of national security, with Germany dominating the world, they could only show obedience and submission to Germany.
However, Portugal had always maintained close ties with the British Empire. Furthermore, although Germany dominated the world, countries such as the United States were also extremely powerful. Whether Germany's Hegemonic Status could truly be maintained indefinitely was still very difficult to say. Thus, the Portuguese government had always been skilled at placing bets on both sides and swaying like grass on a wall, leaning whichever way the wind blew hardest. Only in this way could Portugal's interests be ensured against harm.
German Foreign Minister Wachth's visit to Portugal was undoubtedly a major event for Portugal. Before Wachth arrived in Lisbon, President and Prime Minister Sidonio Pais had summoned high-ranking government officials to discuss how they should respond to the German Foreign Minister's visit.
"Gentlemen, the Arms