Chapter 1306 Shameless and unreasonable
The direct grievances between France and the Austrian Empire came from the Vienna system. In the previous wars, whether it was the Luxembourg Crisis or the Alsace-Lorraine Crisis, France declared war on Austria because of the constraints of the Vienna system on France.
However, at this time, we have to add two more contents: restoring national confidence and recovering lost territory. Although France and the Austrian Empire do not border each other, as regional powers, their contradictions and interests cannot be reconciled.
And which side Spain will lean towards will affect the future situation of the two countries and even Europe. Therefore, as long as the Austrian Empire can be defeated in Spain, it is worth it for France to pay any price.
Not to mention that Spain is still the only country on the European continent with the same system as France at this time. No matter from which perspective, France has no reason not to participate in the war.
In the eyes of the French Republicans, an alliance with Britain is more beneficial than harm. After all, the French Navy was seriously injured due to the defection of the Great Eastern Fleet at this time. It is wishful thinking to expect the fleet formed temporarily to fight the Austrian Navy.
The Austrian Empire's supply to the Spanish army was completely maintained by sea transportation. As long as the Austrians' sea routes were cut off, the outcome of the war would be undoubted.
In addition, France had a geographical advantage in the war with Britain in Spain. France could instigate the independence of Catalonia and then incorporate it into its territory, but the British did not have this condition.
Another consequence of the British Navy defeating the Austrian Navy was that it would eliminate the relative advantage of the Austrian Navy, so that the French Navy would once again dominate the Mediterranean.
Earl Derby and Lamartine also talked about the issue of post-war spoils on behalf of Britain and France.
France would get the colonies that the Austrian Empire had occupied at this time, including the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla.
Britain would get the Philippines and Puerto Rico.
In Cuba, Britain and France would implement the east-west division, with the east belonging to France and the west to Britain.
In addition, Britain and France also hoped to completely drive the Austrian Navy back to the Adriatic, and for this they would ask the Austrian Empire to lift all overseas military deployments.
The details of the compensation have not been finalized. Although it is impossible to prevent the Austrian Empire from making a comeback, at least the possibility of the Austrian Empire getting involved in the Iberian Peninsula again must be completely cut off.
Lamartine felt that if the alliance was successful this time, he would definitely become a hero of France and France would make a fortune.
On the other hand, the Earl of Derby was similar. He felt that he would definitely go down in history and Britain would be the biggest winner.
There was nothing to praise about defeating the Austrian Empire. The key was to defeat the Holy Alliance and consolidate Britain's world hegemony. This was the key.
However, the most important thing was Britain's maritime hegemony. The previous two Mediterranean naval battles were lost inexplicably, which was a great shame for the British Royal Navy and a serious provocation to Britain's position as a maritime hegemon.
Although he had already formed a secret alliance with France, the Earl of Derby was not ready to declare war on the Austrian Empire immediately. After all, the two sides still had a little economic relationship.
If he declared war now, he would probably be eaten alive by those bankers in the City of London. Those people didn't care whether he could go down in history or not, and the interests of the British Empire were even more of a joke.
Even if there is a war, the Austrians cannot be allowed not to pay back the money. So this war must be won. In theory, the strength of the Anglo-French-Spanish Alliance is far stronger than that of the Austrian Empire, and the latter has to fight across the sea and has to go far.
But! Britain’s situation is not very good at this time. The economic crisis, political crisis, national crisis, and the ruling crisis combined by many crises make it difficult to move forward.
Even if the anti-French war fails, Britain is not passive at this time. So Franz wants to make trouble at this time. Even if someone can see through the truth, even if someone wants to do something, the British government needs to consider it carefully.
And hesitation will lead to defeat.
Although the British Mediterranean Fleet has been rebuilt at this time, the ship force has not been fully replenished. According to Earl Derby’s idea, he wants to use this window period to transport enough fleets and war supplies to the Malta Islands first.
When France and Austria are both defeated, the British Navy will take action again, and then it will be guaranteed to win a great victory.
As for this time, of course, it will continue to provide war loans to France and require France to use this money to purchase military supplies in Britain.
There is no shortage of economists among Earl Derby's staff, and Earl Derby has always kept their suggestions in mind. It is a good opportunity to save the British economy, which can be said to kill three birds with one stone.
Although the British approach is as unauthentic as always, Lamartine can't think of a better way at this time, so he can only accept it.
Ideals are full, but reality is very skinny.
On the front battlefield, the Spanish Republican Army and the remnants of the Regent Queen Christina are retreating step by step.
The French army was strongly blocked by the Austrian Imperial Army after passing Andorra. The latter had been prepared for a long time, so the former's attack was very passive and the front line could not advance at all.
The Austrian Imperial Navy, which occupied Ceuta, even acted as a maritime policeman. Friedrich intercepted the warships of the British Royal Navy, but let the transport ship go.
The reason.
"Of course it's for your good."
Friedrich's words almost pissed off William Simmons, the new commander of the British Mediterranean Fleet, who was also a hot-tempered man, but his task at this time was to take over the post of commander of the Mediterranean Fleet, not to fight the Austrian Navy.
"Why do you block our fleet from entering the Mediterranean?"
Britain and France formed an alliance to help Spain fight against the invasion of the Austrian Empire. Friedrich stomped on the deck of the Trieste.
"Are you threatening our country with force?"
William Simmons had a serious expression. He had never met anyone who dared to challenge the British Royal Navy in his life.
"No, I'm just following the rhythm of the waves."
Friedrich said casually, and Princess Sineka snapped her fingers at the band. The musicians immediately began to play with the sound of the waves. The tone was soothing and natural, making people feel calm and peaceful.
William Simmons couldn't help but fight with his eyelids when he heard it. He really hated the corruption of these nobles.
"I'm talking to you about war, and you're talking to me about music. Do you want to die?"
William Simmons couldn't help cursing in his heart, but he had to use honorifics on the surface.
"When can my fleet pass through your defense zone?"
"Not today."
"What about tomorrow?"
"Let's talk about tomorrow's things tomorrow."
Friedrich's casual attitude made William Simmons extremely dissatisfied.
"What if I want to go there today?"
"I told you, not today."
"What if I go there tonight under the cover of darkness? Can you stop me?"
William Simmons said seriously, and Friedrich opened his eyes and sat up.
"Then you can try."