Empire Rising: Spain

The capable nobles may not necessarily be loyal to Carlo. After all, these nobles are local factions of Spain, having been rooted in Spain for at least a hundred years. They certainly won’t be overwhelmed just because Carlo becomes the King of Spain.

This is also the reason why Carlo extensively employs new nobility, constantly granting new noble titles. Compared to these old-fashioned nobles, Carlo trusts the loyalty and capability of the new nobility more.

As for these old-fashioned Spanish nobles with complex powers, if they do not hinder Spain’s progress, Carlo naturally does not wish to interfere.

But if someone creates trouble on Spain’s path forward, Carlo will let them know how supreme the king’s power is over the nobility.

Since the king has the power to confer noble titles, he naturally should also have the power to revoke them. Although Carlo has not often used the power to revoke titles, this does not mean he lacks this power.

The Spanish nobles have already lost control over the military, so even if some noble titles are revoked, there is no worry about the nobles inciting a civil war.

It’s just that Carlo still needs the influence of the nobles, and before completely controlling Spain, Carlo will not proactively move against the nobles.

Upon hearing Carlo’s inquiry, Canovas first nodded and then said somewhat reservedly, “Your Majesty, regarding Prime Minister Prim’s plans to dismantle the industrial department, what is your stance?”

Canovas understands that his position as Minister of Industry was given to him by Carlo. Facing the dismantling of the industrial department, he certainly cannot remain silent, it is necessary to report to Carlo.

Although Canovas also knows that Carlo will definitely have his own sources of information, and might have learned about the dismantling of the industrial department sooner than he did.

But so what? Whether to find out news in advance is Carlo’s business, but whether to report and inquire about Carlo’s attitude is Canovas’s own business.

If he does not report, Carlo might not question him. But the problem is, Canovas wants progress! He does not wish to stop at the position of Minister of Industry.

As the saying goes, an official who does not aspire to be Prime Minister is not a good official. If one could challenge for that seat of supreme official power, who would willingly languish in their current position?

Since he wants progress, he naturally needs to consider Carlo’s attitude. After all, relying solely on the Conservative Party’s strength is not enough; perhaps only Carlo can change this situation.

As for seeking backing from Prime Minister Prim, Canovas has not even considered it. Canovas very much agrees with conservative thought, and he does not really like Prime Minister Prim’s overly radical reforms.

Moreover, under Prime Minister Prim, there is already Ruiz in line for succession. He is the second most important figure in the Progressive Party, a rising star in Spanish politics.

Even if Canovas could seek backing from Prime Minister Prim, his status still would not surpass Ruiz’s. Switching sides midway would not earn Prime Minister Prim’s trust, which is why Canovas never considered seeking backing from him.

“Regarding the dismantling of the industrial department, Prime Minister Prim has reported to me. I did not oppose the plan,” Carlo said. “Overall, the dismantling of the industrial department is beneficial to governmental development.”

Once the transportation department becomes independent, Spain’s highway and railway construction, as well as various transportation works, can be better managed.

The only possible loss might be the industrial department, but for you, it might not be a bad thing.”

Canovas historically served as Prime Minister of the Government of the Kingdom of Spain during the reign of Alfonso XII, but his political achievements were not particularly striking.

The total duration of his six terms as prime minister adds up to less than 12 years, with the longest period being from 1875 to 1879, which was only four years.

The reason he became the Spanish prime minister and was repeatedly elected was actually due to his relatively conservative views and support for monarchy.

During his term, Canovas formulated a new constitution for Spain, abolishing universal suffrage in favor of restricted electoral rights.

He canceled religious freedom, the rights of assembly, and association, and imposed strict restrictions on the press. From these systems and policies, it is clear that Canovas was indeed a conservative; his policies resembled those of a conservative regime under a monarch, rather than those of an enlightened government following a revolution and republic.

The final outcome was quite evident. The two King Alfonsos not only failed to stop Spain’s continued decline but instead further separated Spain from the circle of the great powers.

If before the revolution, around 1868, Spain still had the qualification to claim to be a powerful country, then after the reign of the two King Alfonsos, Spain couldn’t even reach the threshold of the top ten.

Carlo’s remark that the dismantling of the industrial department might not be a bad thing for Canovas was actually out of consideration of his conservative views.

The future development of Spain’s railways is crucial, and highway construction directly concerns Spain’s economic and industrial growth.

Industrial development only needs to proceed steadily within a certain framework. Combined with Prime Minister Prim’s proposed five-year development plan, and the already prepared construction of the industrial base, ensuring stable industrial growth is not problematic.

As for Spain’s development issues after Canovas succeeds Prime Minister Prim upon the latter’s retirement, Carlo is temporarily not too worried.

After all, by that time, Carlo’s power will definitely be far greater than it is now, and Canovas will only need to continue stable development according to Carlo’s set development plan to achieve good results.

The greatest difficulties in Spain’s development have been largely solved by Prime Minister Prim, which is also why Carlo respects Prime Minister Prim.

No matter whether future conflicts arise between ministerial and royal powers, Carlo will not kick Prime Minister Prim when he’s down.

Of course, the best outcome for both Prime Minister Prim and Carlo is to transfer power to Carlo after the end of the second prime ministership term.

This way, there would be no conflict between the two, and Prime Minister Prim can preserve his reputation under Carlo’s protection, becoming one of the few politicians who can retire successfully after reforming.