Rise of Empires: Spain

On September 27, 1872, the train station in Madrid, the capital of Spain, was very busy.

The train station was full of guards in martial law early in the morning, and even the train station was temporarily closed, allowing only exit but not entry.

In the small square next to it, Spanish Prime Minister Primo and several cabinet ministers had been waiting for a long time.

The guest who could make Prime Minister Primo personally go out was naturally a guest of relatively distinguished status.

Louis-Adolphe Thiers, the first president of the French Third Republic, the controller of a powerful France, and the current supreme leader of the French government.

Like the chaotic situation in France, the political system of the newly established French Third Republic is also relatively chaotic.

France not only has a president, but also a prime minister. However, there is no power struggle between the president and the prime minister, but rather a more intense power struggle between the president and the parliament.

The French president is elected by the people, and the prime minister is appointed by the president. However, both the president and the prime minister need to be responsible to the parliament, and the parliament has the right to force the prime minister to resign voluntarily through a motion of no confidence.

Unlike the semi-presidential system of the Fifth French Republic, the current Third Republic theoretically still has higher power in the Congress. The current French president is not the center of power in France. Members of Congress have the power to supervise the government. They can easily question the government's decisions and even overthrow the cabinet through their own power.

However, in the early stage of the establishment of the Third French Republic, Thiers, as the first president, still held certain power in his hands.

If you have to describe it, the current Thiers is more like the first monarch of the European monarchy to transform into a constitutional system.

The rights of the French president are similar to those of the king of the constitutional monarchy. Except that the title cannot be conferred, they are both the nominal supreme leader and commander of the army of a country.

Although France failed in the hegemony with Prussia, it is still a veteran European power after all, and it is still very powerful compared to Spain.

In order to express his importance to French President Thiers, Prime Minister Primo borrowed the royal band of the royal family and mobilized a newly reorganized army as guards to maintain order on the scene.

Of course, this is not without purpose. The mobilized troops came from the First Infantry Division of the Royal Spanish Army, which is considered the elite of the Spanish army.

Letting this army come to greet French President Thiers not only shows the Spanish government's attention to Thiers, but also demonstrates the strength of the Spanish army.

Although Spain no longer has the glory of the past, it is also a powerful country ranked on the European continent. If the French want to win over Spain, they must at least show their sincerity.

The current initiative is in the hands of Spain. Because of Spain's important geographical location, Spain is almost the object of wooing by all countries.

Of course, there are also countries like Britain that directly occupy Gibraltar and hold the important geographical location directly in their own hands.

But for France, it is obviously impossible for them to do the same as the British. After all, France and Spain are directly adjacent to each other, and it is not a certain region that threatens France, but the overall geographical location of Spain.

"Dear President Thiers, welcome to Spain!" In the square of the train station, Prime Minister Primo met the new French President Thiers and expressed his welcome with a very bright smile.

"It's an honor to come to Spain, Prime Minister Primo." French President Thiers nodded, also with a very friendly smile, and took the initiative to talk to Prime Minister Primo: "Spain is really a great country, and the grandeur of Madrid is not much different from Paris!"

Prime Minister Primo would not believe these nonsense of President Thiers. Although Madrid is the largest city in Spain, it is still far away from international metropolises such as London and Paris.

In terms of population alone, Madrid's overall scale and economy are destined to be inferior to Paris. Saying that Madrid and Paris are not far apart is actually just a friendly courtesy.

"Although Madrid is prosperous, it is far inferior to Paris. But Madrid also has its own characteristics. I hope Mr. President will have a good time in Madrid." Prime Minister Primo said with a smile.

Thiers nodded, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Primo, he went to the hotel specially prepared by the Spanish government for foreign guests.

Except for the small-scale welcome banquet that Prime Minister Primo held for President Thiers that evening, Prime Minister Primo and President Thiers did not even have any overt communication the next day.

Both of them seemed to regard the arrival of the French delegation as an ordinary trip abroad, and did not take the initiative to talk about any political affairs related to the relationship between the two countries.

At the diplomatic level, the person who speaks first often loses the upper hand. The person who speaks later will take the initiative, because the person who speaks first often has something to ask for.

Prime Minister Primo knew this, so he had great patience to waste time with the French delegation.

Anyway, this diplomatic visit does not require the Spanish government to spend too much, and it is all French money, so there is no need to feel sorry.

It is the French who have a bad diplomatic environment, and it is also the French who should have a headache. For the Spanish government, it would be great if it could promote cooperation with France, but if it fails to achieve cooperation, there will be no loss.

For the French government, things are indeed not as wonderful as imagined.

The reason why President Thiers hesitated to take the initiative to speak is precisely because taking the initiative to speak would make him lose the right to speak.

Although France wants to promote cooperation with Spain, President Thiers wants Prime Minister Primo to take the initiative. Even if the French government provides more loans and industrial technology assistance, it is still better than taking the initiative and falling directly at a disadvantage.

But the current situation seems that Prime Minister Primo is definitely an old fox in the political arena. If the two of them remain silent like this, I am afraid that not only will this cooperation not be achieved, but it will also push Spain further away to a certain extent.

"The Spaniards must have seen our purpose, and it's all the damn Germans' fault, otherwise the great France would not be facing such a situation!" French President Thiers, who had just arrived in Madrid for a few days, was a little out of sorts, because the visiting Spanish The process was not as smooth as imagined.

"I'm afraid yes, Your Excellency President." French Foreign Minister Jacques-Victor Albert nodded helplessly, sighed and said: "I'm afraid we have to pay some sincerity to win over the Spanish, otherwise we will wait until Germany and If Spain reaches cooperation, France’s situation will become even more difficult.”

Even the French have to admit that Prime Minister Bismarck is too great a threat to France.

The German regions, which had been divided into separate states since the Holy Roman Empire, were suddenly integrated under the hands of Prime Minister Bismarck and formed a unified German Empire.

You must know that the enemies Germany faced during this process were not only Germany, but also powerful enemies such as Denmark, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and France.

And after defeating France, Prime Minister Bismarck not only showed no complacency, but also proposed a policy of isolating France, which caused a great headache for the French.

"As long as the Germans have not actively contacted Spain, we still have a chance." President Thiers rubbed his frown and said: "We must ensure at all costs that Spain will not join the alliance with Germany. among them, otherwise France will fall into a desperate situation.

If Spain is determined to get closer to Germany, then for the future security of France, we can only protect our country through war. "

On the last day of September, President Thiers went against the norm and no longer maintained his usual good mood for sightseeing. Instead, he found Prime Minister Primo early in the morning and straight to the point proposed his intention to come to Spain for a diplomatic visit. Purpose.

"Prime Minister Primo, Spain was once a great country. I believe that Spain's decline is only temporary. In the future, Spain will eventually return to the throne of the great powers." President Thiers said with a smile: "

France is very willing to help our neighbor become strong again. There is no conflict of interest between us, is there?

If your country is willing, we can provide you with a partial financial loan and sign a trade treaty to deepen economic cooperation between the two sides. "

When talking about France, what most people may remember is the glory of the Napoleonic Empire. Napoleon once conquered most of Europe and almost completed the legend of unifying Europe.

At that time, France was the most powerful country on the European continent. It was only through the anti-French alliance of many countries that France was finally defeated.

But in fact, before the Napoleonic Empire, France was already a well-known overlord on the European continent.

France has been one of the most famous countries in Europe since the Middle Ages because of the food production brought by its large plains and its denser population than other countries.

France's glory lasted until the end of World War I, and was ultimately defeated because it suffered too many casualties in the war.

France during World War II was indeed not as powerful as France during World War I, but it was actually still one of the top five powers in the world.

It's just that the French were tired of war after experiencing a brutal World War. They were even more tired of wars in which France resisted Germany on the front line and other countries enjoyed the fruits of the war behind France.

Other countries have indeed paid a certain price, but such a price is nothing compared to what France has paid.

But there is nothing we can do about it. The conflict between Germany and France was originally the main conflict in World War I. Coupled with the fact that Germany and France were still adjacent, the war that broke out between them was definitely the most violent in World War I.

Although the conflict between Austria-Hungary and Russia was also the main conflict in World War I, the military strength of these two countries was obviously still one level behind Germany and France. It was precisely because it suffered too many casualties in World War I that France finally chose to fail in World War II and completed a task that most countries could not accomplish at all - "It will never be possible to capture Paris before France surrenders."

Facts have also proved that France’s choice in World War II was perhaps the wisest for France itself. Other countries in World War II suffered a large number of casualties. France's losses were not as serious as those of other countries because of its early surrender.

"If we can get assistance from your government, it will speed up the process of industrial construction in Spain. On behalf of the Spanish people, I would like to thank the French government for its help. The friendship between France and Spain will last forever." Prime Minister Primo nodded, with a smile on his face Smiling, he said: "

However, in terms of basic industry, the Austro-Hungarian Empire has given us a lot of help. If possible, we hope to introduce heavy industry and chemical production technology from your country. I wonder if your country can sell it to us?

Originally, our plan was to go to Germany to buy technology. If we can introduce some technology from your country, it would be great. "

Although Prime Minister Primo expressed his joy at the French's willingness to provide technical assistance, President Thiers heard that it was actually a blatant reminder to him that if France was unwilling to provide assistance to Spain, the Germans would also be willing to join in the fun.

"Of course, no problem." The smile on President Thiers' face was a little ugly, and then it quickly changed, and he said with a very kind smile: "

We are both countries on the European continent, so we should naturally help each other. Prime Minister Primo, of course we are willing to provide your country with technical information on heavy industry and chemical industry to help your country better build an industrial system.

But you know, this matter is not enough with the approval of the government, and it also requires the approval of Congress.

If possible, I hope we can sign an alliance treaty, and we will provide this part of the assistance to your country in the form of an alliance.

I believe that Congress will not prevent the alliance between France and Spain. We are natural allies and we are also partners fighting side by side. "

President Thiers's meaning is also very clear. Aid can be given, after all, the French are still rich. But the French money and technical data are not given for free, and the Spanish government needs to give a clear guarantee to tie Spain to the French chariot in the form of a military alliance.

As for whether Spain will tear up this military alliance in the future, President Thiers is not too worried.

First of all, his presidential term is only five years, and half of it has passed. When his term ends, the development of relations between Spain and France has nothing to do with him.

Secondly, France can also bind Spain and France by providing a large amount of loans, industrial equipment and technical data to Spain.

The more French technology and equipment Spain adopts, the deeper the connection between it and France. When the economic exchanges between the two countries become closer and closer, it will not be so easy for Spain to sever ties with France.

After all, Spain's industry was built on the basis of a large amount of aid from France. If it severs ties, where should it find substitutes for the French industrial equipment used by those industrial systems in Spain?

"I'm afraid this is difficult to do, President Thiers. "Prime Minister Primo showed an embarrassed expression on his face and explained: "You also know that Spain is a peace-loving country.

We are not willing to participate in the military competition between European countries. We yearn for a stable and peaceful environment.

It is for this reason that we do not intend to join the military alliance with any country. If possible, Spain is willing to sign an economic cooperation treaty and a customs union treaty with France to strengthen the economic ties between our two countries."

The alliance mentioned by the French is a military alliance, which is also what Prime Minister Primo wants to avoid.

For Spain, it can indeed rely on its superior geographical location to profit from the wooing of various countries.

But the problem is that a military treaty will completely bind Spain and France, which also means that it will be difficult for Spain to obtain assistance from Germany in the future.

To put it bluntly, if Spain wants to develop better now, it is undoubtedly more cost-effective to be a sea king.

Such a military alliance is more like a marriage contract, which restricts Spain to the French chariot. Countries like Germany that are against France will stay away from Spain, this It is not good for Spain's future plans.

President Thiers was a little angry when he heard Prime Minister Primo say that the Spanish government could only sign the economic cooperation treaty and the customs union documents.

To put it bluntly, the attitude of the Spanish government is that it does not intend to work closely with France, and it is more like wanting to get France's aid for free.

If Spain gets this aid for free and then joins the alliance with Germany, wouldn't President Thiers become a clown?

This matter is really related to his own interests, and President Thiers is unlikely to give up easily: "Prime Minister Primo, an economic cooperation treaty and a customs union alone cannot convince the French Parliament.

If your country wants to cooperate with France, a military alliance is a more stable relationship guarantee, what do you think?"

"No, President Thiers." Prime Minister Primo still shook his head and insisted on his opinion: "Spain will not join a military alliance with any country. We only accept economic alliance treaties.

But I can assure you that Spain has no intention of being an enemy of France. As long as your country does not regard Spain as an enemy, Spain will not take the initiative to join the blockade of your country.

What we need is a peaceful development environment. We are not interested in any conflict or competition. Please rest assured that Spain will not join any military alliance with any country, whether it is France or Germany. "

Although the French aid is very attractive, if you completely get on the French chariot for French industrial aid, it will be a bit of a loss.

In the current European environment, the conflict between Germany and France is the most intense contradiction, followed by the conflict between Britain and France and the conflict between Austria and Russia.

Outside Europe, there is also the conflict between Britain and Russia. The relationship between several European powers is relatively complicated.

Under this circumstance, Prime Minister Primo really did not want to let Spain join these competitions. For Spain, reform is the most important thing, followed by industrial and economic development.

As for participating in the competition between these powerful countries, that will happen a long time ago. Spain does not yet have that kind of strength. If it joins forcefully, it will easily become cannon fodder in the struggle for hegemony among other countries.

President Thiers looked much better after hearing what Prime Minister Primo said that Spain would not join a military alliance between France and Germany.

The main purpose of this trip is to ensure that Spain will not join the blockade of France. Prime Minister Primo's commitment is still very weighty.

However, whether Spain is France's military ally is also related to the intensity of France's assistance to Spain.

If Spain were a military ally of France, President Thiers would not mind providing Spain with more favorable industrial assistance to help Spain once again become a European power.

But since Spain is unwilling to conclude a military alliance treaty with France, the assistance France provides to Spain will naturally not be too generous.

After all, this is just an exchange of interests between the French and Spanish governments, using industrial assistance to ensure that Spain maintains a neutral position in the competition between Germany and France.

Since it is just an ordinary exchange of interests, there is no need to bring out France's more advanced industrial technology. It is enough to just use some outdated industrial technology to make up the numbers.

Prime Minister Primo seemed to understand what President Thiers was thinking. Before President Thiers could take the initiative to speak, Prime Minister Primo took the initiative and said: "

But sometimes things don't develop as expected. You know, Mr. President. Although Spain is a constitutional monarchy, the power of the Parliament is greater than that of His Majesty the King.

If the Spanish people choose to support a certain party in the European competition, it will greatly affect the opinions of the Parliament.

The cabinet government is elected by the parliament, and to a certain extent, the opinions of the parliament represent the opinions of the cabinet government. Although Spain currently will not conclude a military alliance treaty with any country, if your country wins the support of the Spanish people, I am willing to comply with public opinion. "

The smile on President Thiers' face froze again.

Prime Minister Primo's words seemed like he was explaining the situation of the Spanish government to President Thiers. In fact, he was reminding President Thiers that if France was not sincere in cooperating with Spain, Spain might fall to Germany. That side.

In the Spanish political system, the Parliament is indeed very powerful. Cabinet governments are elected by parliament, and the king only has the power to appoint people after the parliament has chosen them.

But the problem is that most of the seats in the Spanish Parliament are now controlled by Prime Minister Primo. President Thiers is not a fool. He already knew most of the situation of the Spanish government before visiting Spain.

Rather than saying that the opinions of the Spanish people affect the Parliament, it is better to say that Prime Minister Primo can control the decision-making of the Parliament.

If Prime Minister Primo thinks that France's aid is not sincere, perhaps the Spanish Parliament will favor the German side. This is the reminder in Prime Minister Primo's words, or a hidden threat.

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