Joseph was certain that providing loans to Caribbean nations was a guaranteed profit.
Take the 5 million francs loan extended to the newly established Republic of Saint-Domingue. Even without interest, it was unlikely they could repay this amount within 10 years.
With a governnt composed of Black and mixed-race leaders lacking administrative experience, and the Caribbean having no industrial base, these small island nations had little chance of independent developnt. Forget paying off loans; it would be fortunate if their state finances didn't collapse.
Ultimately, these loans would likely be repaid by mortgaging plantations or other assets.
Thus, although France seemingly relinquished its control over Saint-Domingue as a colony, its sugar industry would eventually return to French control through indirect ans.
While the profits wouldn't be as high as before—since France could no longer monopolize the colonial market—it also saved a substantial amount previously spent on maintaining the colony.
For example, Saint-Domingue used to host hundreds of French officials and nearly 2,000 soldiers, with their salaries alone being a significant expense. If the island faced uprisings, the cost of quelling them would be enormous.
Now, with Black and mixed-race people governing themselves, even famine wouldn't require French intervention.
In the end, France's net benefits from Saint-Domingue wouldn't significantly decrease.
Moreover, these freed Black and mixed-race citizens, having gained autonomy, would harbor deep gratitude toward France—a sentint likely to beco a lasting tradition, potentially enduring for centuries.
Joseph also planned to assist these newly ford nations in governance and developnt by sharing administrative expertise. Naturally, the shared knowledge would exclude anything potentially detrintal to French interests.
A Shift in Allegiances
anwhile, the enslaved population in the Caribbean, mostly captured and trafficked by the British, bore a deep-seated hatred toward their captors. Britain's recent efforts to suppress these independent Black-led governnts with military force only deepened that animosity.
It was foreseeable that anti-British sentint would beco a defining tradition among these nations in the future.
Between fostering gratitude toward France and enmity toward Britain, the strategic shift was a resounding success.
Joseph's ultimate vision extended further—to establish a "Sugar Franc" system.
Saint-Domingue's New Challenges
At the Saint-Domingue parliant building, discussions continued.
With visible confidence, Brissot proclaid:
"As for Spain, I am confident that a few diplomatic efforts will suffice to dissuade them from interfering in Saint-Domingue."
Ogé, however, rubbed his hands awkwardly:
"Mr. Brissot, as you know, we currently don't even have a Ministry of Foreign Affairs..."
As a forr colony, Saint-Domingue had relied entirely on France for diplomacy. Upon independence, it lacked qualified diplomats entirely.
Brissot reassured him:
"Mr. President, there's no need for concern. I can negotiate with Spain on your behalf. Additionally, I'll petition Versailles to assign a diplomatic expert to assist you."
Instead of feeling indignant about foreign intervention, Ogé and his cabinet expressed gratitude:
"You've been incredibly helpful!"
"Thank you, Mr. Brissot. We'll ensure the expert is compensated handsoly."
"Finally, Saint-Domingue will have its own Foreign Affairs Departnt!"
The Republic's Minister of Justice hesitantly added:
"Mr. Brissot, I must bring up another pressing issue. Saint-Domingue is in dire need of judges. I know this is a difficult request, but if you could arrange for Paris to send us so magistrates, I'd forever rember your kindness."
Another minister interjected:
"We're also lacking an Industry Minister, Mr. Brissot. Could you..."
A third chid in:
"And schools! Saint-Domingue has only four public schools, which is far from sufficient. Please, could you..."
This dependency was typical of forr colonies. Having long relied on their tropole for governance, they found themselves ill-equipped to manage independence. Habitually, they turned to their forr rulers for help.
Even in the 20th century, newly independent countries like India retained nurous British officials in governnt roles.
Brissot gestured for calm and addressed Ogé:
"Mr. President, please compile a list of your governnt's needs. I'll present it to His Royal Highness for approval."
Ogé, visibly moved, replied with repeated bows:
"Thank you so much, Mr. Brissot! You are truly a guardian angel for Saint-Domingue!"
War Looms
After wrapping up dostic matters, Brissot adopted a more somber tone:
"I must remind everyone that Saint-Domingue faces a daunting war.
"If we fail to defeat the British expeditionary forces, all our efforts will be in vain.
"However, if you succeed, the French governnt will imdiately recognize the Republic of Saint-Domingue."
Ogé and his cabinet were ecstatic. Recognition by a major power like France would secure their legitimacy on the international stage!
Spain's Quandary
A week later, in Havana, on the Spanish-controlled island of Cuba, Brissot t with the island's governor, Cristóbal de Rojas.
Fuming, Brissot complained:
"Those damned British! Their foolish strategies have ruined Saint-Domingue!"
Rojas, the Marquis of Havana, nodded in agreent:
"My troops barely made it back alive. The British blunders have plunged the entire Caribbean into chaos.
"What concerns most is the possibility of abolitionist movents spreading to Cuba."
"This is a grave threat indeed," Brissot whispered conspiratorially. "Frankly, Versailles may consider abandoning Saint-Domingue altogether in exchange for the safe return of our captured soldiers."
"God above!" exclaid Rojas, crossing himself nervously. "That would be disastrous! It seems I must fully cooperate with the British, much as I dislike them. Only together can we suppress these rebellious blacks."
Brissot leaned in closer, speaking earnestly:
"I share your concern, which is why I ca to see you. As a gesture of Franco-Spanish friendship, I cannot stand by and watch Cuba suffer Saint-Domingue's fate."
"I don't quite understand your aning," Rojas replied cautiously.
"I understand Cuba has just 1,430 soldiers stationed here?"
"Yes, exactly 1,430."
"Frankly, if Saint-Domingue's abolitionists incite revolts in Cuba, your troops may not be able to contain them."
Rojas looked alard.
"The king is unlikely to send reinforcents across the Atlantic," he admitted. Spain's declining power made it financially and logistically impossible to launch such an expedition.
Brissot locked eyes with the marquis and delivered his suggestion:
"If I were in your position, I'd start negotiating with Saint-Domingue now."
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon/johanssen10
User Comments
0 comments from readers