It was too difficult for the Austrian Empire to blockade the entire Spanish coastline. Rather than impose a blockade, it would be better to concentrate its forces and attack.
Cadiz, Valencia, and Barcelona were Spain's three most important ports on the Mediterranean, as well as the navy's main bases.
Barcelona was the Austrian Empire's primary target. As the center of Catalonia, controlling it would cut off supplies to the eastern coast.
Besides, Catalonia was also the main area of activity for the Carlists.
The news that the Austrian Empire had declared war on Spain also sent shockwaves through Germany, and most courts fell into varying degrees of panic.
The Netherlands, Denmark, and Hanover were especially afraid that the Austrian Empire would force them to send troops. If they refused, they might offend Austria.
The Austrian Empire was the presiding state of the German Confederation, and even the Confederation's headquarters were in Vienna. If they refused Austria's request, would the Austrian Empire retaliate?
If they sent troops, would they even profit from Spain? And would doing so offend Britain and France?
The conflict between Austria and Britain and France was common knowledge throughout Europe. If they helped Austria fight Spain, wouldn't that mean taking Austria's side?
These coastal countries only wanted to remain neutral and avoid trouble. Even though the Netherlands had already become a thorn in Britain's side, the Dutch government was doing everything it could to avoid a conflict with Britain.
Yet William II, King of the Netherlands, was now torn. Austria was his strongest card against Britain, while the British were his greatest safeguard in keeping the Netherlands outside the German Confederation.
William II sat dejectedly in his armchair. There was no one in the entire government he trusted; he felt that all his subordinates were traitors.
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