Empire Rising: Spain

Chapter 115: Chapter 104: Visiting Austria-Hungary

No matter what the outcome may be, from Carlo’s perspective, a political marriage with the Austro-Hungarian Empire is undoubtedly one of the best options.

The Austro-Hungarian Empire is one of the traditional Five Great European Powers (UK, France, Germany, Austria, and Russia), with a strong foundation in both economy and industry.

Although defeated by Prussia a few years back, the powerful France also fell under Prussia’s cannons. Comparing the two, it becomes clear that the Austro-Hungarian Empire isn’t as weak as imagined.

As a matter of fact, considering the wars between France, Prussia, and the Austrian Empire, Prussia’s powerful Krupp Cannons were not something they possessed from the start.

As early as 1859, the country with the most advanced artillery technology on the European Continent was France at that time. An Italo-French-Austrian War made the Austrian Empire realize the strength of French artillery, prompting them to start anew and build stronger cannons.

The new artillery adopted by the Austrian Empire played a role in the Austro-Prussian War a few years later, causing the Prussian Army significant trouble with Austrian cannons.

If not for the substantial gap between the Austrian Army and the Prussian Army in terms of rifles, this Austro-Prussian War might not have ended so easily.

At the time, the Prussian Army had already begun equipping faster-loading breech-loading rifles, while the Austrian Army was still using muzzle-loading rifles with paper-wrapped bullets.

In terms of firing speed, for every shot fired by the Austrian musketeers, the Prussian side could retaliate with 4 to 5 shots.

Coupled with the often-discussed line infantry tactics, Austrian defeat was actually inevitable.

The line infantry tactics inflicted significant casualties on the Austrian Empire, and the French Government didn’t even have time to intervene before the Austrian Government sought peace with Prussia.

Having suffered from Austrian artillery, the Prussian Army reformed its artillery technology, extensively arming with new steel cannons.

The result was evident. In last year’s Franco-Prussian War, Prussia’s newly manufactured Krupp cannons delivered a fatal blow to the French Army, leading to the sudden collapse of the powerful Second French Empire.

This historical episode illustrates that the overall strength gap among the three nations of Germany, France, and Austria in this era wasn’t all that significant. The military industries of these three nations were top-notch for the era and a substantial boost for Spain.

Having decided on a political marriage with the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Carlo naturally had no reservations.

No matter what Grand Duchess Sophie’s personality might be, as long as the Austro-Hungarian Empire behind her could aid Spain, Carlo’s goal would be achieved.

If Grand Duchess Sophie’s personality was to his liking, the outcome would be a win-win situation. Even if it wasn’t, Carlo could still keep a few lovers he preferred, ensuring he wouldn’t be shortchanged.

At the very least, Grand Duchess Sophie’s appearance was acceptable. Even if there was no emotional foundation, the marriage was still acceptable to Carlo.

If her appearance was less than satisfactory, Carlo might not be willing to accept this political marriage, after all, appearance can be inherited by the next generation.

On March 25, 1871, at the invitation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire Government, Carlo announced a diplomatic visit to the Austro-Hungarian Empire to promote economic cooperation between Spain and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

In the eyes of the common people, this was just a regular diplomatic visit between two countries. Although Spain wasn’t a great power, it was an old colonial power and one of the leading non-great power countries in Europe.

This kind of cooperation between two powerful economies was mutually beneficial, and there was no unusual reaction among the people of the two countries.

However, in the eyes of the royal families and government elites of other countries, this wasn’t just a simple diplomatic visit.

Ordinary diplomatic visits wouldn’t involve the kings at all; this seemed more like a meeting between two royal families.

What for? Naturally, it’s about some royal collaboration, such as Carl’s marriage affair that previously drew the attention of the entire European Royal Family.

In fact, Carlo himself wasn’t that important. Theoretically, the marriage of a king wouldn’t attract the attention of all European royalty.

But for a country of Spain’s level, it’s not surprising to draw some great power royal attention.

Without exaggeration, the royal houses of the United Kingdom, Germany, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Russia are all watching Carlo’s marriage affairs. If you add Carlo’s father, Vittorio Emanuele II, to the equation, it’s as if all the great powers of Europe are focused on this matter.

The reason isn’t because of Carlo but because of the Kingdom of Spain behind him.

The Kingdom of Spain isn’t weak, and its geographical position is very important. Naturally, the United Kingdom wouldn’t want Germany and Russia tied to Spain, as this could disrupt its strategic layout in the Mediterranean.

The French are also paying attention since no one wishes to be besieged. If the royal families of Germany and Spain unite, being sandwiched between Germany and Spain would make France uncomfortable.

Although Russia wasn’t strongly inclined to a union with Spain, they would be willing to hinder the British if they could.

The only remaining Austro-Hungarian Empire was also willing to marry into Spain. The Austro-Hungarian Empire, like Italy, had its entire coastline on the Mediterranean.