The Count of Floridablanca, apart from being the State Minister in Spain, also held a very important role, that of the executor of Charles III’s reform plans.
Charles III, as the last capable king of Spain, vigorously promoted enlightened absolutist reforms, allowing for the spread of Enlightenment ideas within the country, encouraging the development of industry and commerce, and pursuing economic liberalization. At the same time, he dealt a heavy blow to the Church’s power, reduced noble privileges, and intensified the exploitation of the colonies to improve domestic welfare in Spain.
It could be said that if Charles III had lived for another few decades, Spain might have still had the chance to ascend. But after his death, Charles IV simply couldn’t control the situation. The nobles began to oppose the reforms, and with Godoy manipulating power, Spain quickly fell into decline.
Joseph gave it some thought and then looked at Charles IV, “Have you heard about the recent events in Brabant?”
“Brabant? Oh, I heard about it. The citizens there are in revolt.”
“Do you know the reason for the outbreak of the rebellion?”
“It seems that it’s because Joseph II wanted to weaken the power of the States-General of the Netherlands.” Although Charles IV was ineffectual, as a king, he was generally aware of important international news.
Joseph nodded, “It’s not just about the Congress, but also the curtailment of noble privileges. To put it generally, the reforms in Austria are what led to the rebellion there.”
Finally, Charles IV’s attention shifted from the play, “My dear Joseph, what exactly are you trying to say?”
“Don’t you think the reforms that Austria is implementing are very similar to those in Spain? Strengthening the king’s authority, reducing noble privileges, encouraging the development of industry and commerce.”
“They are similar,” agreed Charles IV, “So what?”
“You need to consider that Spain might face a situation like the one in Brabant.” In fact, Joseph was trying to scare Charles IV.
The intensity of Spain’s reforms was not as great as Austria’s, and with a substantial inflow from the colonies, domestic conflicts would not be too sharp. Moreover, the Southern Netherlands was an exclave of Austria, and Brussels was over 800 kilometers away from Vienna, with several German states lying in between, making governance extremely challenging. Spain did not face these issues.
Yet Carlos was very convinced by his dear brother, and he immediately became anxious, “Indeed, it’s possible. There are also nobles clamoring recently for the abolition of the reforms. What should we do?”
Joseph immediately responded, “The reforms of His Majesty Carlos III must not be terminated — they are the cornerstone of Spain’s prosperity. But we cannot neglect the dissatisfaction of the nobles either.
“At this time, it’s necessary to give them an outlet for their grievances.”
“You mean?”
“Unfortunately, the nobles’ anger is likely to focus on the Count of Floridablanca, the State Minister pushing the reforms.”
Joseph let Charles IV ponder for a few seconds before continuing, “And the sharp conflict between the nobles and the State Minister can easily lead to the ineffectiveness of decrees.”
“You mean, appoint a new State Minister?”
Sacrificing the Count of Floridablanca to preserve as much as possible the achievements of Carlos III’s reforms would be beneficial for Spain. Most importantly, it would ensure the longevity of the friendship between France and Spain.
However, Joseph did not continue — as French, it was not appropriate for him to comment too much on the appointment and removal of Spanish officials. It was best to stop after giving a hint.
So, he changed the subject and began to talk about the colonial issues of both nations in the Americas.
Charles IV was clearly frustrated with the colonial problems, and he soon complained, “We’re pouring massive amounts of money into New Spain, but the returns are diminishing, and the Creoles protest for 11 months of the year—except during the coldest month of winter.”
The Creoles he referred to were Europeans whose parents were also in the Americas and who were born there, forming the core stratum of the colonies.
Joseph had been waiting for this very point and, filled with righteous indignation, said, “Spain gains abundant products from the Americas but is unable to convert them into real profits, all because the British have thrust a knife into the America-Mediterranean trade!
“If Gibraltar still belonged to Spain, then American goods could be continuously sold to the Mediterranean coastal nations, and the annual fiscal revenue could even double!”
Charles IV nodded vigorously in agreement, “And the Portuguese! They are selling Brazilian goods to Europe at low prices, seriously undercutting the profits of American goods!”
“Exactly,” Joseph nodded even more forcefully, “The British and Portuguese, they are simply the cancer of Europe!”
“That’s why they have been allied since the 14th century, like the devil forever twined with a curse.”
As they spoke, the drama had come to an end, and the performers were taking their bows on stage. Charles IV, however, grabbed Joseph to rush like one hurrying to the next show, “There’s still some time until the ball. Let’s go gamble a bit first. Ah, all the bets are on me today!”
Arriving at the palace corridor with him, Joseph saw the servants bustling about and whispered into the ear of Charles IV, “If you wish to take back Gibraltar, I will support you with all my might!”
The latter was startled! After all, reclaiming Gibraltar was a fervent desire of all Spaniards! As Joseph had said, this small port could significantly increase Spain’s fiscal income and also has strategic significance in controlling the Mediterranean passage.
It can be said that a Spain with Gibraltar and one without are practically two different countries!
His eyes widened as he looked at Joseph, “You’re not joking, are you?”
“Of course not,” Joseph patted his shoulder, “It’s not just Gibraltar; in the future, we must also join hands to take Portugal and root out this thorn from the Bay of Cadiz!”
Portugal was an important naval base and supply point for England on the European Continent, as well as a core node on England’s trade routes. This is why England had signed the Treaty of Windsor centuries before, forming an alliance with Portugal.
If Portugal were to be recaptured by Spain, then England’s influence on the European Continent would be directly halved!
Since the British were causing trouble and disgusting France everywhere, Joseph naturally wouldn’t indulge them. Being from a future era, he even knew more about England’s weaknesses than England itself did.
Carlos IV’s eyes grew even wider, and although Portugal had been Spain’s obsession for over a hundred years, after suffering defeats in the previous wars, Spain had almost given up on this hard bone it found difficult to chew.
But now the Crown Prince of France had brought up this tempting prospect, how could he not be stirred?
If he really could take Gibraltar and Portugal, he would undoubtedly become the greatest and most venerated sovereign in the history of Spain, eternally extolled by the Spanish people!
[Note 1] New Spain refers to the Spanish colonies in North America from the end of the 18th century to the 19th century, mainly today’s Mexico and the southwestern United States. In addition, Spain also owned New Granada, today’s Colombia and Panama area. At this time, almost all of South America, except for Brazil, was a Spanish colony.