The United Kingdom's fatal weakness

Besides serving as State Minister in Spain, the Count of Floridablanca also held a very important position: the executor of Carlos III's reform plan.

Carlos III, as the last capable King of Spain, vigorously promoted enlightened absolutist reforms, allowing Enlightenment thought to spread domestically, encouraging the development of industry and commerce, and promoting economic liberalization. At the same time, he also took drastic measures to weaken the power of the Church, reduce the privileges of the Nobility, and increase the exploitation of the Colony in order to improve the livelihood of the Spain people.

It could be argued that if Carlos III had lived a few decades longer, Spain might have continued its upward trajectory. However, after his death, Carlos IV was unable to control the situation. The Nobility began to oppose the reforms, and Godoy's abuse of power led to Spain's rapid decline.

Joseph thought for a moment, then looked at Carlos IV: "Have you heard about what's been happening in Brabant lately?"

"Brabant? Oh, I've heard. The citizens there are in Rebellion."

Do you know the reason for the Rebellion?

"It seems that Joseph II intends to weaken the power of the Southern Netherlands Parliament." Although Carlos IV was incompetent, as King, he was generally aware of important international news.

Joseph nodded. "It's not just a problem with the Parliament, but also with the reduction of Nobility privileges. In short, it was the reforms in Austria that led to the Rebellion there."

Carlos IV finally looked away from the Drama: "My dear Joseph, what exactly are you trying to say?"

"Don't you think the reforms Austria is currently undertaking are very similar to those in Spain? Strengthening the authority of the King, weakening the privileges of the Nobility, and encouraging the development of industry and commerce."

"It is very similar." Carlos IV nodded. "So?"

"You should consider that something like what happened to Brabant might happen in Spain." Joseph was actually trying to scare Carlos IV.

Spain's reforms were not as extensive as Austria's, and with its numerous Colony providing financial support, internal conflicts were not as acute. Furthermore, the Southern Netherlands was an Austria exclave, and Brussels was more than 800 kilometers from Vienna, separated by several German States, making governance very difficult. Spain, on the other hand, did not have these problems.

Carlos, however, trusted his good brother implicitly and immediately became anxious. "That's certainly possible. Recently, some Nobility have been clamoring to abolish the reforms. What should we do?"

Joseph immediately said, "His Majesty Carlos III's reforms must not be stopped, as they are the cornerstone of Spain's strength, but the discontent of the Nobility cannot be ignored."

"At this point, they need an outlet for their frustrations."

"What do you mean?"

"Unfortunately, the Nobility ' anger will likely be directed at the State Minister Count of Floridablanca is pushing forward with the reforms."

Joseph gave Carlos IV a few seconds to think before continuing, "And sharp conflicts between the Nobility and the State Minister can easily lead to the failure to implement government decrees."

"You mean, replace the State Minister?"

Sacrificing the Count of Floridablanca, in order to preserve as much of the achievements of Carlos III's reforms as possible, would be beneficial to Spain. Most importantly, it would ensure the long-lasting friendship between France and Spain.

However, Joseph did not respond. As a France, it was not appropriate for him to say too much about the appointment and removal of Spain officials; it was best to leave it at that.

So he changed the subject and talked about the two countries' Colony in the Americas.

Carlos IV was clearly fed up with the Colony problems, and soon complained, "Large Finance have been invested in New Spain [Note 1], but the returns are getting smaller and smaller, and the Creoles are protesting for 11 months of the year—except for the coldest month of winter."

The Creoles he referred to were European whose parents were both in the Americas and who were born there themselves; they belonged to the core class of the Colony.

Joseph had been waiting for him to say this, and immediately retorted indignantly, "The abundant resources that Spain has acquired in the Americas cannot be converted into real profits, all because the United Kingdom have stabbed us in the back in the Americas - Mediterranean Sea trade!"

"If Gibraltar still belonged to Spain, then goods from the Americas could be continuously sold to countries along the Mediterranean Sea coast, and annual Finance revenue could even double!"

Carlos IV nodded vigorously in agreement. "And the Portuguese! They sell Brazil goods to Europe at low prices, severely dragging down the profit margins of Americas goods!"

"That's right," Joseph nodded even more emphatically, "The United Kingdom and Portuguese, they're simply a cancer on Europe!"

"So they've been allied since the 14th century, like the Devil and the curse are forever intertwined."

The Drama had ended before they finished speaking, and the actors went on stage to take their bows. Carlos IV then grabbed Joseph and rushed off to the games room, saying, "There's still some time before the ball, let's go gamble a few rounds. Ah, today's stakes are on me!"

Joseph followed him to the palace corridor, where the Servant were busy at work. He leaned close to Carlos IV's ear and whispered, "If you want to reclaim Gibraltar, I will fully support you!"

The latter was immediately taken aback. Recapture of Gibraltar was the long-cherished dream of all Spain! As Joseph had said, this small port could significantly increase Spain's Finance revenue and also held strategic importance in controlling the Mediterranean Sea waterways.

It's fair to say that Spain, which has Gibraltar, and Gibraltar, which doesn't, are practically two different countries!

He stared wide-eyed at Joseph: "You're not kidding, are you?"

"Of course not." Joseph patted him on the shoulder. "Not just Gibraltar, but in the future, we'll join forces to take over Portugal and pull out this venomous tooth of the Bay of Cadiz!"

Portugal was an important naval base and supply point for the United Kingdom on the Europe continent, as well as a key node on the United Kingdom's trade routes. This is why United Kingdom signed the Treaty of Windsor with Portugal hundreds of years ago, forming an alliance.

If Portugal were to rejoin Spain, United Kingdom's influence on the European Continent would be halved!

Since the United Kingdom were causing trouble and disgusting France everywhere, Joseph was naturally not going to tolerate it. He, from a later generation, was even more aware of the United Kingdom's weaknesses than United Kingdom itself.

Carlos IV's eyes widened even more. Although Portugal had been Spain's obsession for over a century, after the defeats in previous wars, Spain had almost given up on the idea of taking on this tough nut to crack.

Now that the Crown Prince of France had brought up this enticing prospect, how could he not be thrilled?

If he could truly conquer Gibraltar and Portugal, he would become the greatest saint in Spain's history, forever celebrated by the Spain!

[Note 1] New Spain refers to the Spain Colony in North America between the late 18th and 19th centuries, mainly in what is now Mexico and the South United States. In addition, Spain also possessed New Granada, which is today's Colombia and Panama. At this time, almost all of South America, except for Brazil, was a Spain Colony.