Empire Rising: Spain

Chapter 89: Chapter 86: A Headache-Inducing Meeting

The question of whether the Moroccan Government will seek aid from the British Government is something the Spanish Government has long considered.

Given the last war between Spain and Morocco, it is 100% certain to happen; it’s just a matter of time.

However, from the moment the British Government receives the news to when they contact the Spanish Government to mediate, there is a necessary interval.

What Prim needs to do is to create as many victories as possible during this period, using this as a pretext to demand more territory and reparations from Morocco.

As long as Spain gains a significant advantage in this war, even the British cannot make Spain return empty-handed.

Leading the Spanish Army against Morocco is the current Minister of Defense, Duke Serrano. Knowing that attacking Morocco is a war that cannot fail, Carlo has directly placed Andrew and Kaman into this war, hoping they could earn some merit.

Both Andrew and Kaman have sufficient capabilities, but what they lack currently is the experience and seniority in commanding an army.

Opportunities for Spain to engage in war are already scarce, and Carlo certainly couldn’t let go of this “large-scale” war involving tens of thousands of troops.

Fortunately, the suppression in Cuba has already proven their abilities, and Serrano appreciates their military talents, agreeing without hesitation to Carlo’s proposal to place the two into the army fighting against Morocco.

Speaking of which, Andrew and Kaman’s status is actually not low.

In terms of titles, they are newly ennobled barons.

Although such baronial titles are more honorary in nature, they are recognized by the Kingdom of Spain as inheritable noble titles, which is definitely an elevation in status compared to civilians.

In terms of military rank, both have been promoted to the rank of Major. Although each only commands a battalion, considering the overall size of the Spanish army isn’t large, a battalion commander is already considered mid-upper level.

Considering their age, just over 20, they are definitely two of the most promising rising stars in the upper echelons of the Spanish military.

After this war with Morocco is over, Carlo does not intend to make an exception to promote the two. It’s time to let them settle in the army and accumulate seniority before climbing higher.

On the morning of September 29, 1870, in the Madrid Royal Palace.

Carlo saw Prime Minister Prim walk into the office with a smile on his face and knew that the Spanish Army’s performance in Morocco was quite good.

“How is the battle going? Is there any good news?” Carlo inquired.

“Your Majesty, our troops have already fought to the south of Tetouan, at Hassan and Wadi Laou. The troops are advancing in two directions towards Tangier and Al-Arish. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Jaguar should arrive tomorrow or the day after.” Prime Minister Prim was beaming, as if the Spanish Army’s successes had rejuvenated him by several years.

“How is the Southern Army’s situation going? Can we achieve our planned strategic objectives before the British intervene in the war?” Carlo continued to ask.

The Spanish Government was prepared with two plans. Even if the land occupied in the north eventually has to be returned to the Moroccan Government, the coastline occupied in the south would ensure Spain doesn’t lose out.

Coupled with reparations from the Moroccan Government and a series of treaties, this colonial venture by Spain will surely be profitable.

“The southern offensive is also going smoothly; we’ve already taken Miglif and Terra Int.” Prim’s words were full of ridicule towards the Moroccans, saying with a smile, “When our troops arrived at Miglif, the Moroccans were still sound asleep.”

Their army was no match for ours. If things go smoothly, our army should be able to launch an offensive on Agadir within three days.”

During this era, the disparity in overall strength between African and European countries was so great that Europeans generally looked down on Africans.

Aside from the gap in strength, the difference in skin color was also a reason Europeans looked down on Africans.

Although Morocco is a white country, due to its geographical location and religious beliefs, it was also regarded as an African indigenous, a target of European colonization.

Hearing Prim’s report, Carlo nodded, relatively satisfied with the progress of this war.

At this point, the war against Morocco is not at a loss, which is why Carlo did not stop it.

Even if not much land could be gained, the reparations from the Moroccans would be enough for Spain to offset the war expenses while leaving some funds for domestic industrial development.

Seen in this light, Morocco is more like a large blood bag. When the Spanish Government is short of money, it can come to suck a few gulps; after all, no one cares about the life and death of the Moroccans.

Four hours after the Spanish Army declared war on the Moroccan Government, the British Government finally received the news.

At this time, the British Prime Minister was William Ewart Gladstone, who would later be regarded as one of the greatest Prime Ministers in British history.

However, at this time, Prime Minister Gladstone had only been in office for two years, and some of the reforms and decrees he promoted had not yet yielded the intended results, making him just another ordinary politician ascending to the Prime Minister’s seat.

Nonetheless, compared to other European countries, the British Prime Minister had an advantage at this time—his power was quite substantial, being the real head of state.

Though there was still Queen Victoria, since the death of her husband, Prince Albert, Queen Victoria had seldom appeared in public.