The "Bombshell" in Vienna
Talleyrand didn't understand the importance of the Steam Engine, but Joseph understood it better than anyone else. ✊🍟 ✌♧
The Steam Engine was the soul of the First Industrial Revolution. Whoever mastered the most advanced Steam Engine technology held the key to unlocking the future!
Watt, the soul of the United Kingdom's Industrial Revolution, will no longer be the chosen one in history.
Unlike later nations that invested heavily in technological competition, 18th-century Europe countries were far from realizing the enormous impact these mechanical gadgets would have on national power, so the British Government had no intention of subsidizing Watt Company.
In addition, the Eden Treaty signed between Britain and France stipulated that France would enjoy negligible Tariff on industrial goods sold to the United Kingdom —just a year and a half ago, the United Kingdom firmly believed that France could not possibly have any decent industrial products to export to the United Kingdom —so even if the British Government wanted to protect its domestic Steam Engine industry, it would be powerless under the restrictions of the treaty.
The French United Steam Engine Company has already begun to set up a branch in Birmingham. On the one hand, it can conveniently repair the Machines sold to the United Kingdom, and on the other hand, it can absorb United Kingdom talent in this field. If they find a promising talent, they can send him to France on business trips, thus undermining United Kingdom's resources.
The funds United Kingdom used to purchase the Steam Engine could then be used to further the technological development of the United Steam Engine Company.
It can be said that France has taken the lead in this area, and will continue to take the lead in the future!
Joseph had written to the United Steam Engine Company urging them to increase investment and production in order to quickly capture the United Kingdom Steam Engine market.
Seeing that His Crown Prince seemed to attach great importance to the export of Steam Engine, Talleyrand immediately followed up on the topic, saying, "Your Highness, since this Machines sells so well in the United Kingdom, perhaps we can also market it in Austria and Bavaria."
Joseph gave him an approving look. "You're quite right, Archbishop Talleyrand. In fact, my main mission in Austria was to sign the Austrian-French trade agreement with my uncle."
"Oh, ideally, under Austria's influence, the other Germany states would also take the initiative to sign trade agreements with France. If that doesn't go so smoothly, I'll at least sign agreements with Saxony and Bavaria before returning to France."
"Oh, I'll have to leave the diplomatic matters to you and your subordinates."
France industrial products need a large market to achieve sufficient sales volume.
His purpose this time was to find markets for France products.
The wealthy heartland of Europe is naturally the best market right now. The markets of Austria, Saxony, and Bavaria account for more than 60% of the German Territories, and if possible, Joseph even wants to sign a trade agreement with Prussia as well.
As for smaller countries like Poland, Denmark, and Italy, the Minister of Commerce is responsible for signing agreements with them.
Bilateral trade agreements are still a relatively new concept in Europe, with the most representative example being the Anglo-French Eden Treaty. Other Europe countries are also interested in trying them, but they are not clear about the intricacies involved. This is precisely the opportunity that Joseph is seizing to exploit this information gap.
Of course, the fact that France goods haven't yet started selling well in Europe is also a major reason why the agreement could be signed; otherwise, shrewd Europe countries wouldn't have easily allowed France goods to enter and be dumped.
Joseph was preoccupied with France industry and trade throughout his journey, oblivious to the fact that a major problem was looming over Vienna.
About ten days later.
Along the main road southwest of Vienna, the flags of the Austria Imperial Guards stretched for miles.
At the very front of the procession was Leopold II, the future Holy Roman Emperor. However, since the Holy Roman Emperor was chosen by the Prince-Electors, his current official title was still Grand Duke of Tuscany.
He was there on behalf of the ailing Joseph II to welcome the France Crown Prince. Austria was about to wage war in the Southern Netherlands, and Prussia was likely to intervene, so he wanted to use the opportunity of the Crown Prince of France's visit to gain France support for Austria.
Beside him stood Noblewoman in a light purple gown from the latest Paris Fashion Week, adorned with a wide-brimmed hat decorated with colorful feathers—the current Grand Duke of Tuscany, Maria Vitoluca [Note 1].
Leopold II saw the France caravan approaching from afar and immediately signaled to his entourage behind him.
A team of Master of Ceremonies immediately raised flags, and at the same time, the band began to play cheerful music.
The Carriage stopped, Eman jumped down first, then bowed and opened the other side door.
Surrounded by a large group of Austria officials, Leopold II approached Joseph, exclaiming, "Ah, dear Joseph, I've been waiting for you for so long! Look, all of Vienna is welcoming you!"
He greeted Joseph as a relative right away, the implication of which was quite intriguing.
Joseph alighted from the carriage, hurried a few steps, and bowed to Leopold II with his hand on his chest. "Dear Uncle, it is a pleasure to have you here to receive me; it makes me feel as if I have returned to Paris. Oh, and Mother, she asked me to tell you that she misses you very, very much."
After a few brief pleasantries, Joseph politely bent down, took Maria Vitoluca's hand, and lightly kissed the back of it. This was a gesture of respect to a lady of high status.
"Dear Aunt, you are like the spring rain in Vienna, spreading boundless kindness and care to everyone. You are also the most dazzling ray of morning light in Austria, illuminating the entire kingdom with nobility and grace."
Maria Vitoluca smiled and returned the greeting, while simultaneously sizing up the handsome Crown Prince of France. Coupled with the flattery she had just received, she was overjoyed.
No wonder Clementine raved about her cousin after she returned; after meeting him, she was right – there probably wasn't a better son-in-law in all of Europe!
She glanced again at the Carriage in the distance laden with gifts, thinking to herself: These must be the betrothal gifts, right? Oh no, the betrothal gifts shouldn't be brought by the fiancé himself; these should just be a small token of our meeting.
If the initial gift is this generous, when the Queen of France actually presents the betrothal gifts, they will probably fill a dozen Carriage.
"Oh, you must be tired from your journey," Vitoluca said happily, taking his arm through his future son-in-law's. He gestured towards Vienna, "His Majesty the Emperor has prepared a grand banquet and is waiting for you at the Schönbrunn Palace."
She lowered her voice again, saying with some regret, "Clementine didn't know you were coming; she went back to Tuscany two weeks ago. If you could stay in Vienna a little longer, I can send someone to urge her to return."
[Note 1] Leopold II's wife was Spanish Princess Maria Luisa of Spain. Because she shared the same name as the wife of Carlos IV (the one who put the hat on him), her German name Maria Vitoluca was used for the convenience of the narrative.