Age of Discovery, Portugal, as Vanguard, also obtained extremely vast colonies, and Brazil of South America are all colonies of Portugal. In addition, Africa, Asia, and Portugal also have many colonies. Every year from these colonies, Portugal is able to obtain a large amount of income. It can be said that Portugal of that era was undoubtedly very wealthy.
However, the good times did not last long. After Brazil became independent, Portugal immediately lost its largest colony and began to decline. Now, it has become a dispensable small country.
In addition, the Portugal royal family imposed excessive taxes and levies, which aroused resistance from the people. In 1910, a revolution occurred in Portugal, the royal family was overthrown, and a republican government was established.
The president and prime minister of the current Portugal government are both held by Sidonio Pais, who has great power. But unfortunately, Portugal is just an insignificant small country. For the sake of national security, they can only express obedience and surrender to Germany when Germany dominates the world.
However, Portugal has always been on good terms with the British Empire. In addition, although Germany dominates the world, countries such as United States are also very powerful. It is very difficult to say whether Germany and Hegemonic Status can be maintained forever. Therefore, the Portugal government has always been good at hedging its bets, being a weakling and falling to whichever side is strong. In this case, it will undoubtedly be possible to ensure that Portugal's interests are not harmed.
Germany Foreign Minister Wachth visited Portugal, which is undoubtedly a big event for Portugal. Portugal President and Prime Minister Sidonio Pais convened senior government officials before Wachth arrived at Lisbon to discuss how to deal with German Foreign Minister's visit.
"Gentlemen, Arms Control Conference hosted by Germany two months ago ended without any resolution. Both United States and Island Nation strongly opposed Germany. It can be seen that, The situation in the world will continue to be tense in the future. But at this juncture, Germany sent Foreign Minister to visit our country. Obviously, this is definitely not that simple." Sidonio Pais looked solemn.
As the leader of a small country, although Sidonio Pais enjoys the feeling of holding power, at the same time, he also knows that the pressure on his shoulders is very high. Especially in front of a world overlord like Germany, a little carelessness may bring trouble to Kingdom of Portugal. With the strength of Germany, a little finger might be able to crush Portugal.
"Your Excellency, no matter what, Germany is the overlord. The entire Europe, or the entire eastern North Atlantic region, belongs to the sphere of influence that Germany absolutely controls. If we turn against Germany, the consequences will be very serious." Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chief Castro said.
Sidonio Pais nodded. Indeed, this was what he was worried about. In front of the powerful Germany, Portugal is too weak, so weak that he is not even qualified to resist.
"Your Excellency, Portugal is just a small country. With our strength, we cannot play any role in the game between big powers. Therefore, it is difficult to imagine what the intentions of the Germany people are." War Minister said.
"Your Excellency, it is really difficult for us to guess the intention of the Germany people in sending Foreign Minister to visit Portugal this time. What else is there for Portugal to make Is it something that Germany people value? No matter what, the answer will be revealed after German Foreign Minister arrives at Portugal. At that time, it will not be too late for us to discuss solutions." Secretary of the Treasury suggested.
Sidonio Pais vaguely thought of something. If the Portugal government has anything else that the Germany people can value, it might be the archipelago located on Atlantic Ocean. However, he did not say it immediately. He wished he had thought too much. After all, that is already considered the most important thing about Portugal.
When Germany Foreign Minister Wachth arrived at Lisbon, Sidonio Pais led the senior officials of the Portugal government and went to the pier to greet him in person, which could be regarded as giving Germany enough face.
Although Wachth is the Foreign Minister who is the world's hegemon, he behaves very humbly and peacefully, without the unruliness and arrogance of important ministers of great powers. This makes the senior officials of the Kingdom of Portugal government have a good impression of Germany.
On the same day, Sidonio Pais held a grand welcome dinner at the Presidential Palace to welcome the visit of Wachth.
At the dinner, both parties were enjoying themselves as guests and hosts. However, Wachth has never stated its intention for this trip, which has made Sidonio Pais and others worried.
The next day, Wachth went to the Presidential Palace and held talks with President Sidonio Pais. In this meeting, Wachth revealed Germany's intentions.
"Your Excellency, German Empire, as the world's hegemon, has made a lot of efforts to maintain world peace. To this end, we do not hesitate to limit our own arms development. But unfortunately, our efforts have still failed. United States and Island Nation Countries such as do not want to ease the current international tensions and rejected Empire's good intentions. For the sake of peace and security for Europe and the entire world, German Empire must make preparations in advance." Wachth said.
President Sidonio Pais highly praised Germany's contribution to world peace. However, his heart kept sinking, and he knew that his guess might come true. However, President Sidonio Pais has no good way to refuse the Germany people's request.
"Your Excellency, Americans is frantically building warships on the other side of the ocean to enhance their naval strength. This has already posed a serious threat to Europe. Portugal As a Europe country, German Empire hopes that Portugal can contribute its own strength," Wachth continued.
"Your Excellency Foreign Minister, I wonder what Kingdom of Portugal needs to do?" President Sidonio Pais asked with a wry smile. Obviously, he does not want Portugal to be involved in the game between United States and Germany.
"Your Excellency, German Empire hopes that Kingdom of Portugal can sell Azores to the Empire. Imperial Navy hopes to have a naval base on Atlantic Ocean. There is no place more suitable than Azores." Wachth continued.
President Sidonio Pais said that it was just as he expected, the Germany people really came for Azores. However, the importance of Azores to Portugal is self-evident, and they are unwilling to sell Azores to Germany people at all.