Chapter 1305: Anglo-French Alliance
Palmerston seemed very calm, but he did not expect the Spanish Republic to end so quickly.
Palmerston did not approve of his colleagues' support for the Queen Regent Christina. He felt that Ferrante Duval had more potential and was easier to control.
As for why Palmerston thought Ferrante Duval would choose to cooperate, it was because the former felt that the latter's support would betray at a critical moment.
Cabrera was not trustworthy. He could surrender to Ferrante Duval, and naturally he could choose to surrender to the Austrians.
As for the French, they were not as powerful as they imagined, and the Austrian Empire must have been on guard after operating in Catalonia for so long, and the French attack would definitely not be smooth.
In addition, there was another most important reason, that is, Palmerston could not afford to return empty-handed again.
It was originally a great achievement to persuade Carlos VI, but Carlos VI was inexplicably overthrown, and now no one can tell whether he is alive or dead.
Palmerston still feels it is unreal. How can such a big country change its owner just like that? No waves at all?
Now he must negotiate a cooperation with Ferrante Duval. Palmerston doesn't care about Britain's position, nor does he want to care about Britain's strategy. He just wants to keep his future.
Palmerston knows very well that as long as his political career is over, his life will also come to an end. Those countless people he has offended will definitely not miss this opportunity. At that time, he will be more painful to live than to die.
Vienna.
Leonto came to the gate of the Hofburg Palace again, but this time he was not allowed to enter the gate.
"I am the envoy of Carlos VI. I want to see His Majesty Franz Joseph I. I have made an appointment for a week!
Don't think of driving me away this time!"
Leonto roared angrily. He was originally a guest of honor of the Austrian Empire, but when he woke up, the king was dead and the country was gone.
It was not until a week ago that the envoy of Carlos VI contacted Leonto. The latter did not know the true situation of Carlos VI, but his position would not change.
"Sorry, sir. His Majesty did not summon you."
The guard held out his hand expressionlessly and stopped Leonto again.
"I want to go in! I am the Spanish ambassador! We are allies!"
Leonto roared.
"Sorry, sir. Spain and France have now formed an alliance and declared war on our country. Please leave."
The guards still had no expression on their faces. They were just following orders.
"Those are rebels! Those are traitors! My Lord Carlos VI still has 200,000 troops lurking in the Cantabrian Mountains!
As long as we attack from both sides, victory is within our grasp!"
Leonto shouted loudly, and an officer felt that it was an eyesore and asked the soldiers to push the man onto the street.
After all, this is in front of the gate of the Hofburg Palace. If someone is making noise, it would be his dereliction of duty if he disturbed the gate of the big shot.
On the other hand, the envoy of the regent Queen Christina was also stopped at the gate.
"Listen! Go tell your emperor that what the dead Carlos VI can give, our Queen can also give, and can give more!"
However, this envoy also suffered the same fate as Leonto, and was pushed into the street by the guards.
The two Spaniards only looked at each other and started fighting.
The transaction between the Austrian Empire and the Carlos Party has long been made public, but people are skeptical about it. They doubt whether Carlos VI is so valuable. After all, the Austrian Empire's efforts and rewards do not seem to match.
And judging from the performance of the Austrian Empire in Spain, it does not seem to be for the purpose of seizing colonies. You know, even now the Austrian Empire has not completely occupied all the land in that transaction.
The Spaniards and Austrian soldiers who participated in the war sneered at this statement. In their view, this is the most absurd slander. The Austrian Empire went to Spain to save Christians and eliminate tyrants.
Unlike the emotional lower class, most of the high-ranking officials of the Austrian Empire were opposed to the war at this time. First of all, France is not Spain. The Austrian Empire can even win against Spain by directly recruiting troops locally.
But the Austrians are not so arrogant when dealing with the French. They must go all out.
Secondly, the strategic goal has been achieved, and now we should consider negotiations to secure the benefits.
Third, the Austrian Empire has advanced too deep and the front line is too long, which not only increases the pressure of consumption and supply, but also increases the risk of war exponentially.
Fourth, more than 90% of the troops and supplies of the so-called Holy Alliance are provided by the Austrian Empire, which means that the Austrian Empire is facing the republicans in the whole of Europe at the same time.
However, the main reason is that the top leaders of the Austrian Empire feel that it is unprofitable to continue fighting. As for why?
Because although the Spanish Bourbons are going to be killed, the French Bourbons and the Italian Bourbons are still there.
There is no possibility that the Austrian Empire can return to the sun never sets by conquering Spain. After all, the throne of the Bourbon family will eventually be inherited by the Bourbon family.
However, this is just traditional imperial thinking. In the eyes of the French Republicans and the British bourgeoisie, the sky is about to fall.
In their eyes, the Austrians are undoubtedly planning to relive their old dreams, and the Austrian Empire is just one step away from success.
Send troops quickly!
Although Britain originally supported Queen Regent Christina, while France supported Spanish Republican President Ferrante Duval.
But at this moment, they must consider giving up their prejudices and fighting against the powerful enemy together.
The French Republicans lacked a leader and had a complex faction. In the end, they could only publicly recommend the discredited Lamartine to Britain to discuss the alliance.
The British position has always been very flexible, and Earl Derby did not want to see Palmerston make a comeback, so he agreed to Lamartine's conditions.
Britain and France joined forces to weaken the Austrian Empire, which was good for both Britain and France. For Britain, it can strike potential opponents and avenge the Mediterranean naval war.
At the same time, it can maintain the balance of the European continent and prevent Spain from making a comeback. Spain is different from France. The latter is a traditional land power, while the former is a sea power.
Although Britain is already a veritable maritime hegemon, it still cannot allow potential competitors. Its long-term attitude towards the Austrian Empire is the best proof.
Spain's geographical environment and foundation are much stronger than the Austrian Empire. At least Spain does not have to worry about being stuck in a bathtub.
In addition, Spain's colonies are all over the world, especially in South America, where there are quite a few Spanish-speaking countries.
As the former sovereign of these countries, its influence is far beyond the reach of the Austrian Empire.