The Count of Floridablanca was not only Spain's Minister of State but also a key figure in implenting King Carlos III's reform plans.
Carlos III, the last capable king of Spain, had vigorously pushed for enlightened despotism, allowing Enlightennt ideas to spread throughout the country. He encouraged the developnt of industry and comrce, promoted economic liberalization, and took strong asures to weaken the power of the Church and reduce the privileges of the nobility. He also intensified the exploitation of colonies to improve living conditions within Spain.
One could say that if Carlos III had lived a few more decades, Spain might have continued on an upward trajectory. However, after his death, Carlos IV couldn't maintain control. The nobility began to resist the reforms, and with Godoy manipulating power, Spain quickly declined.
Joseph thought for a mont and then looked at Carlos IV. "Have you heard about the situation in Brabant recently?"
"Brabant? Oh, yes, I heard that the citizens there are rebelling."
"Do you know what caused the rebellion?"
"It seems to be because Joseph II wanted to reduce the power of the Southern Netherlands' parliant." Carlos IV might not have been the most capable, but as a king, he was aware of important international news.
Joseph nodded. "It's not just about the parliant. There's also the issue of reducing the privileges of the nobility. In short, Austria's reforms led to the rebellion."
Carlos IV finally shifted his attention from the play. "Dear Joseph, what exactly are you trying to say?"
"Don't you think that the reforms Austria is undergoing are very similar to those in Spain? Strengthening royal authority, weakening noble privileges, encouraging industrial and comrcial developnt."
"It is quite similar," Carlos IV agreed, nodding. "So, what are you getting at?"
"You should consider the possibility that Spain could experience sothing similar to what happened in Brabant." Joseph was trying to instill a bit of fear in Carlos IV.
Spain's reforms were not as drastic as Austria's, and with a steady flow of resources from its colonies, dostic conflicts were less likely to beco too severe. Moreover, the Southern Netherlands were an Austrian outpost, with Brussels located over 800 kiloters from Vienna and separated by several German states, making it difficult to govern. Spain, on the other hand, didn't have these issues.
However, Carlos IV trusted his good friend deeply and imdiately grew anxious. "That could indeed happen. Recently, so nobles have been clamoring to roll back the reforms. What should we do?"
Joseph quickly responded, "The reforms initiated by King Carlos III must not be halted; they are the foundation of Spain's strength. But you also can't ignore the nobles' discontent.
"At this point, they need a way to vent their frustration."
"What do you an?"
"It's unfortunate, but the nobles' anger is likely to be directed at the Minister of State, Count Floridablanca."
Joseph let Carlos IV think for a few seconds before continuing, "And if the nobles and the Minister of State co into sharp conflict, it could hinder the implentation of policies."
"Are you suggesting I replace the Minister of State?"
Sacrificing Count Floridablanca to preserve the reforms of Carlos III would be beneficial for Spain. More importantly, it would ensure the lasting friendship between Spain and France.
But Joseph didn't answer directly—as a Frenchman, it wasn't appropriate for him to comnt too much on Spain's official appointnts. He had made his point.
So, he shifted the conversation to the two countries' interests in their Arican colonies.
Carlos IV, clearly frustrated with colonial issues, soon began to complain, "A huge portion of our finances is invested in New Spain , but the returns are diminishing. And the Creoles spend 11 months of the year protesting—except for the coldest month of winter."
He was referring to the Creoles, who were Europeans born in the Aricas to European parents, and ford the colonial elite.
Joseph had been waiting for this opportunity. He responded with righteous indignation, "Spain has obtained rich resources from the Aricas, yet these cannot be fully converted into actual profits because the British have inserted themselves into the transatlantic trade with the diterranean!
"If Gibraltar were still part of Spain, Arican goods could flow continuously to diterranean countries, and annual revenue could even double!"
Carlos IV nodded vigorously in agreent. "And the Portuguese! They sell Brazilian goods to Europe at low prices, severely undercutting the profits of Arican goods!"
"Exactly," Joseph agreed emphatically. "The British and the Portuguese are nothing short of Europe's parasites!"
"That's why they've been allies since the 14th century—like the devil always sticking with the curse."
As they spoke, the play ended, and the actors took the stage for their curtain call. Carlos IV, in his usual manner, grabbed Joseph's arm and led him to the gaming room. "There's still ti before the ball. Let's have a few rounds of cards. Ah, today's stakes are on !"
Joseph accompanied him to the palace hallway, noticing that the servants were busy with preparations. He leaned in close to Carlos IV's ear and whispered, "If you ever wish to reclaim Gibraltar, I will support you with everything I have!"
Carlos IV was stunned. Recovering Gibraltar was a long-cherished dream for all Spaniards. As Joseph had pointed out, this small port could significantly boost Spain's revenue and had imnse strategic importance, controlling access to the diterranean.
Having Gibraltar would transform Spain into a vastly stronger nation.
He widened his eyes and stared at Joseph. "You're not joking, are you?"
"Of course not," Joseph replied, patting him on the shoulder. "Not only Gibraltar—together, we can take back Portugal and remove this thorn from Cadiz Bay!"
Portugal was a crucial naval base and supply point for Britain on the European continent, as well as a key node in Britain's trade routes. That's why Britain had signed the Treaty of Windsor with Portugal centuries ago, forging a lasting alliance.
If Portugal were to return to Spanish control, Britain's influence on the European continent would be halved instantly!
Since the British had been ddling everywhere to trouble France, Joseph had no intention of letting them off easily. With his knowledge of the future, he knew Britain's weaknesses even better than the British did.
Carlos IV's eyes widened further. Although Spain had long held a grudge against Portugal, after several failed wars, they had all but abandoned the idea of reclaiming this tough piece of land.
But now, the Crown Prince of France was presenting this tantalizing prospect, and how could he not feel his blood stir?
If he could truly retake Gibraltar and Portugal, he would undoubtedly beco the most celebrated ruler Spain had seen in centuries, rembered forever by his people!
New Spain refers to the Spanish colonies in North Arica during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, primarily encompassing modern-day xico and the southwestern United States. In addition, Spain also controlled New Granada, which includes modern-day Colombia and Panama. At this ti, nearly all of South Arica, except for Brazil, was Spanish territory.
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