The importance of Gibraltar Fortress is self-evident. The passages guarding Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean there have always been a battleground for military strategists. If Germany can win Gibraltar Fortress, it will be like placing a nail in the channel between the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Even if Germany can deploy the most advanced large-caliber fortress cannon in Gibraltar Fortress, it will be able to block the entire strait.
After all, the straight-line distance from Gibraltar Fortress to Africa on the other side of the strait is only a dozen kilometers. The most advanced fortress cannon can easily hit the shells to the other side.
Coupled with Suez Canal who is about to be controlled by Germany, the entire Mediterranean Sea will be in the hands of Germany.
"Gibraltar Fortress vs. Empire is very important in the Mediterranean Sea's strategy. Empire must go all out to win there!" Oscar set the tone.
Since Gibraltar Fortress is very important to Germany, then of course Empire cannot be let go.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Reinhard? Admiral Scheer nodded.
Although the Britain people left a garrison in the fortress, there were not many. Taking down the garrison is more like abandoning a son. German Navy You can take it down without much effort.
"Your Majesty, if we take Gibraltar, we may cause dissatisfaction among the Spain people. All along, the Spain people have claimed sovereignty over Gibraltar." Foreign Minister Wachth reminded.
Oscar couldn't help but frown. Indeed, Gibraltar has always been a thorn in Spain's heart. Spain's successive Königs all wanted to regain Gibraltar. However, because Britain people are too strong, Spain people are not able to do it. But they have always claimed sovereignty over Gibraltar. If Germany snatches Gibraltar from Britain, the relationship between Spain and Germany will inevitably deteriorate sharply.
In 1410, Gibraltar was recovered by the Spain people, and in 1501, it was officially included in the Spain territory. After the Spain country became strong, Spain adopted a policy of expelling or forcibly converting the Moors who believed in Islam in the Gibraltar area, and many people were still forced to move to Morocco in North Africa even after converting.
King of Spain Charles II had no heirs and ordered the French Bourbon royal family to inherit the Western throne. After Charles II died in 1700, Philip, the grandson of König Louis XIV, was declared the Western König. However, Charles II's nephew, Austria Archduke Charles, also claimed to inherit the throne based on his blood relationship with the Habsburg royal family. This caused the earthquake 1701 War of the Spanish Succession. Britain and the Netherlands supported Archduke Charles. Their coalition forces captured Gibraltar in 1704 and established a military fortress. In 1713, the warring parties signed the Treaty of Utrecht, recognizing the King of Spain status of Philip, but in exchange, Gibraltar was ceded to Britain.
After the British occupied Gibraltar, they expelled the original Spain residents and immigrated in large numbers from other places. Many Italy and Britain people also began to move in, and some Moroccans also returned to enrich the local population.
In 1830, Gibraltar officially became Britain's colony and main naval base. Thereafter, all military and political affairs of Gibraltar were under the control of the governor appointed by the British Royal Family.
In 1909, Britain built military bases and airports and set up fences in the neutral zone between Gibraltar and Western China, forming a border.
In this World War, Britain was defeated and even the homeland fell. Logically speaking, this should be a good opportunity for Spain to regain Gibraltar. However, King of Spain Alfonso XIII monarchs and ministers were very worried and were afraid of offending Germany. After all, at that time Germany announced that it would take over all the overseas colonies of Britain. Gibraltar also belongs to the overseas colonies of the Britain people. If Gibraltar is forcibly taken back, they might end up at odds with Germany. All, Alfonso XIII is very hesitant.
However, in his heart, Alfonso XIII very much hopes to regain Gibraltar. This is the wish of King of Spain throughout the ages. If he can successfully regain Gibraltar, then his domestic prestige will be greatly improved. This will be very helpful in consolidating his rule.
Now Alfonso XIII is completely in a dilemma.
Of course, Germany didn't know about this. Even if he knew, Oscar probably wouldn't care. Spain has been in decline for hundreds of years except after Age of Discovery became the super overlord at that time. Especially after being beaten hard by Americans among Spanish-American War, they even lost their overseas colonies, leaving only the mainland to survive.
The declining Kingdom of Spain does not pose any threat to the German Empire. Therefore, Oscar naturally doesn't care how Spain people will feel after Germany wins Gibraltar Fortress.
"The Spain people can ignore it. Although they have always claimed sovereignty over Gibraltar. However, they have never recovered Gibraltar. Even this time among World War, the Britain people were killed by me They lost all the territory they fought. This is a good opportunity for them to regain Gibraltar, but they still haven't taken any action. So, even if Empire wins Gibraltar, they can only endure it!" Oscar said.
Weak countries have no diplomacy. This is true at any time and anywhere. Germany is powerful, so it can completely ignore the interests of Kingdom of Spain.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Wachth nodded and said nothing more.
"Admiral Scheer, does the Navy have a plan to capture Gibraltar?" Oscar asked.
"Your Majesty, we have made relevant plans for you. Mediterranean Fleet will dispatch warships to bombard Gibraltar and cover the landing of a regiment of Marine Corps. With one The strength of the regiment is enough to capture the entire Gibraltar. According to the analysis of the staff, this attack on Gibraltar will be very easy," Reinhard? Admiral Scheer said.
"It will be very simple to take down Gibraltar. But what if someone from Spain intervenes?" Oscar asked.
"Your Majesty, Spain people wouldn't have the courage, would they?" Reinhard? Admiral Scheer was stunned.
"Who knows! If someone else is provoking, something unexpected might happen. So, it's best to be prepared in advance!" Oscar reminded.
Oscar knows that Britain people will never give up Gibraltar Fortress so easily. Britain people will definitely enjoy it if they can cause trouble for the German Empire.
Reinhard? Admiral Scheer nodded. He was also a smart man, so he naturally knew what Oscar was worried about.