Spain is indeed in decline. The star country in the early days of the Age of Discovery has no chance of rising after being defeated by Britain and France several times.
They couldn't even suppress the rebellion in their own country, and even until the 21st century, there were still regions that wanted to become independent!
Forget about industrialization. It was obviously the first country to open its eyes to the world, but it was the last to industrialize, not even as good as Italy, which was founded after the Franco-Prussian War!
Not to mention the military aspect. In a naval battle in Brunei Bay, Spain's last fleet in Asia was completely wiped out. The army was so busy that even the temporarily trained militiamen of the Chinese could not defeat it.
What kind of era is this? We don’t even have the money to popularize breech-loading needle guns. Why do we want to fight for supremacy? Go ahead and take it for granted!
At present, Spain is relying entirely on diplomacy with European powers and shrinking its neck to remain neutral in order to survive, but it will not last long.
In real history, in 1898, more than 20 years later, the United States focused on the old ham of Spain. When the Spanish-American War broke out, Cuba and the Philippines were all taken away by the Americans.
Guam and Puerto Rico were also ceded to the United States. From that moment on, the United States established a strategic advantage in the Pacific.
Now that Xiao Letian is here, Americans can't get this fat for free. Xiao Letian took action more than 20 years in advance!
Why start now? Many people don't understand. The Franco-Prussian War didn't really lead to success, so why did Spain have an additional opponent?
Xiao Letian is not stupid, he is targeting the coward Amadeo I!
Yes, this king is a famous coward in history. The son of the Italian king was elected king of Spain by General Juan Prim. However, after only five years in power, the king actually resigned. Got it!
Yes, you heard it right, the king can also resign!
Amadeo I himself had a weak character, and Xiao Letian also discovered that this person was still physically ill and was a patient with chronic lead poisoning. This heavy metal seriously affects the human brain and reproductive system.
During his five years in Spain, the king was unable to resolve domestic conflicts. Serious rebellions broke out again and again, and local separatist forces were always rioting.
There is also Queen Isabella II who stepped down. Although she gave up the throne, the queen always fantasized about her son taking the throne!
There are still a large number of civil and military officials loyal to the queen in the country. They continue to create military coups that threaten Amadeo I, and even the officers and soldiers of the entire artillery regiment collectively rioted in protest.
In the end, Amadeo I could no longer control the situation, so he could only abdicate and return to Italy to rest in peace. Spain soon established a republic.
But less than a year after the founding of this republic, Isabella II's son Alfonso XII came to power, and the Bourbon dynasty was restored in Spain.
It is worth mentioning that Alfonso XII was not very capable. During his reign, the Spanish-American War broke out, and Cuba and the Philippines were lost.
Sometimes it is really impossible not to believe in the destiny of the country. When a nation begins to rise, God will continue to give to heroes.
When a country's fortunes begin to go downhill, bears will come to power and losers will run rampant!
Xiao Letian formulated the Luzon strategy after thoroughly studying people's hearts. In fact, the entire huge plan was completely based on the personalities of these high-level Spanish figures.
The Philippine campaign is over, and Spain has suffered a disastrous defeat. Do you admit it, Amadeo?
Spain is currently experiencing frequent civil strife. Even the powerful General Prim was assassinated by a direct descendant of the Queen. Are you Amadeo afraid?
Do you dare to declare war on the Chinese after taking power? Do you have the ability to send an expeditionary force?
Poor baby, drink more home-brew wine when you have time. Something as bloody as war is not suitable for you!
What? Are you afraid of being embarrassed and losing face? It’s easy to handle. Can I pay for it? Don’t you have an excuse even if you give me money?
Be obedient, be good, that island is lost anyway, and you can’t get it back. Instead of fighting a losing battle, it’s better to get some benefits!
How great would it be to be the Taiping King? Stop playing such bloody war games!
In Switzerland, Xiao Letian had used his sharp tongue to frighten Amadeo. The king then sought out many neutral scholars and experts, including diplomacy, military, economics, humanistic politics, mountain geography... …Excellent people in every aspect.
Countless powerful people came together to help Amadeo I make plans, but the result was very pessimistic. Everyone believed that it was impossible for Spain to send an expeditionary force to defeat the Chinese.
The navy and army of the Philippines have been completely ruined by two idiots. The Chinese have controlled the richest island of Luzon, and even Manila has been lost.
In other words, Spain has completely lost its geographical advantage. If it sends an expeditionary force at this time, it will be a new war of aggression.
It's not about rescuing a dangerous city at all, but a pure second occupation!
The Chinese army is famous all over the world for its good defense. The French cannot break the Chinese defense line. How can Spain do it?
Being able to exchange for some money in a situation of inevitable defeat is already a huge pie. In addition, Amadeo himself is a coward, so the deal is a natural one.
This is the era! It was not just the Qing Dynasty that declined. How many powerful countries in history have long since turned into weak little white rabbits!
Amadeo I's telegram completely angered Gladstone. He couldn't understand how the good King of Spain could give in so easily!
"It's such a shame, it's a shame for Europe!" Gladstone cursed in a low voice.
He raised his head and looked at Xiao Letian and said with a roar, "Do you think you are sure to win? Haha... Do you think this deal can be completed without the Spanish Parliament's nod?"
Xiao Letian shrugged, "It doesn't matter! If the Spanish Congress doesn't accept it, then find a way! It's nothing more than sending an expeditionary force to fight..."
"Do you think the people in the Spanish Parliament don't know the situation in their own country? Haha... With Spain's current national strength, can it still fight a war?"
Xiao Letian smiled unscrupulously, "Parliament? What is parliament...it's just a group of capitalists and nobles getting together to play a voting game!"
"Will those people engage in loss-making business? Will they fight a war that is bound to be lost?"
"Businessmen think about input and output! It's not about grudges, my old friend..."
"You!" Gladstone's nose was so angry that he was crooked.
"Don't challenge my patience. Do you think our British Empire will let it go?"
Xiao Letian put away his smile, "What do you mean? The Prime Minister is threatening me? Is the UK preparing for military intervention?"
"Haha, it's really interesting. The UK is prepared to spend 20 to 30 million pounds for Spain? Is it also prepared to die thousands of soldiers for Spain?"
"Is that what you mean?"
