Talleyrand was unaware of the importance of the steam engine, but Joseph knew it better than anyone else.
The steam engine was the soul of the first Industrial Revolution, he who mastered the most advanced steam engine technology held the key to unlocking the future!
In this history, the soul of England’s Industrial Revolution, Watt, would no longer be the chosen son of destiny.
Unlike the massive state funding for technology competition between nations in later centuries, the countries of 18th century Europe had yet to realize the significant impact these mechanical playthings could have on national strength, so the British government had no intention of subsidizing the Watt Company.
Furthermore, the “Eden Treaty” previously signed between France and England stipulated that France would enjoy negligibly low tariffs on industrial goods sold to England—barely a year and a half earlier, the British were firmly convinced that France could not possibly have any industrial goods worth exporting to England—so even if the British government wanted to protect its own steam engine industry, it would be rendered powerless by the treaty’s constraints.
The French United Steam Engine Company had already begun setting up a branch in Birmingham, on one hand to conveniently repair the machines sold to England; on the other hand, to absorb British talent in this field, and whenever a promising individual was found, they were sent to France on business trips, effectively undermining the British industry from within.
And the funds England used to purchase steam engines could further propel the technological R&D of the United Steam Engine Company.
It could be said that France was one step ahead in this regard, and would continue to be ahead in every step that followed!
Joseph had already written to the United Steam Engine Company, urging them to increase investment and production to quickly occupy the British steam engine market.
Seeing that His Royal Highness the French Crown Prince seemed to place great importance on the export of steam engines, Talleyrand immediately followed the topic, saying, “Your Highness, if this machine can sell well in England, perhaps we can also market it in Austria and Bavaria.”
Joseph gave him an appreciative look, “You are absolutely right, Archbishop Talleyrand. In fact, the main purpose of my trip to Austria is to sign a Franco-Austrian trade agreement with my uncle.
“Oh, it would be best if under Austria’s influence, other German states would also take the initiative to sign trade agreements with France. If it doesn’t go that smoothly, at the very least, I want to have the agreements signed with Saxony and Bavaria before I return to France.
“Oh, as for diplomatic matters, I will have to trouble you and your staff.”
French industrial products need a broad market to achieve sufficient sales volume.
This trip was about finding markets for French goods.
The wealthy core regions of Europe were naturally the best markets at present. The markets of Austria, Saxony, and Bavaria together accounted for over sixty percent of the Germanic region. If possible, Joseph even wanted to sign trade agreements with Prussia.
As for smaller countries like Poland, Denmark, and Italy, the task of signing agreements was left to the Minister of Commerce.
Bilateral trade agreements were still somewhat novel in Europe, with the Eden Treaty between England and France being the most representative so far. Other European nations were also interested in trying it out but were unclear of the nuances involved, so now was an opportune moment for Joseph to exploit this information asymmetry.
Of course, the fact that French goods had not yet taken over the European market played a part in facilitating the signing of these agreements—if not, the savvy European nations would not have easily allowed French goods in to create a dumping situation.
Throughout his journey, Joseph’s mind was preoccupied with France’s industry and trade, yet he was oblivious to a major trap awaiting him in Vienna.
…
Ten or so days later.
Along the main road southwest of Vienna, the flags of the Austrian Imperial Guard stretched out for several miles.
At the front of the procession was the future Emperor of Holy Rome, Leopold II. However, since the Emperor of Holy Rome was elected by the electors, his official title at the moment was still the Grand Duke of Tuscany.
He came on behalf of the ailing Joseph II to welcome the French Crown Prince. Austria was on the verge of taking military action in the Southern Netherlands, and Prussia was likely to intervene in the war, so he sought to gain France’s support for Austria through the opportunity of the French Crown Prince’s visit.
By his side, dressed in the latest pale purple gown from Paris Fashion Week, with a wide-brimmed hat decorated with colorful feathers, was the current Duchess of Tuscany, Maria Ludovica.
As Leopold II saw the French entourage approaching from afar, he immediately signaled to his followers behind him.
A team of ceremonial officers promptly raised their flags high, and simultaneously, the band began to play a cheerful tune.
The carriage stopped, and Eman jumped down first, then bowed and opened the door on the other side.
Flanked by a host of Austrian officials, Leopold II approached Joseph and said with a smile, “Ah, my dear Joseph, I have waited for you for a long time! Look, the entire City of Vienna is welcoming you!”
He started by addressing Joseph with the familiarity of a relative, a gesture laden with intriguing implications.
Joseph alighted from the carriage and quickly took several steps toward Leopold II, placing a hand over his heart and bowing, “Dear uncle, I am delighted that you came to receive me, it feels as if I have returned to Paris. Oh, and my mother, she asked me to tell you that she misses you very, very much.”
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Joseph respectfully bent down to lift Maria Ludovica’s hand and kissed the back of it lightly. It was a gesture of respect for a lady of noble standing.
“Dear aunt, you are like the spring rain of Vienna, sprinkling endless kindness and care upon everyone. You are also Austria’s brightest morning light, shining down upon the kingdom with grace and dignity.”
Maria Ludovica smiled and reciprocated the gesture, while sizing up the strikingly handsome French Crown Prince. Complemented by his recent flattery, her heart burst with joy.
No wonder Clementine could not stop singing her cousin’s praises after returning; the reality did indeed live up to the reputation—she doubted all of Europe could find a better son-in-law!
Her gaze drifted to the distant carriages filled with gifts, thinking to herself: These must be the betrothal gifts, right? Oh no, the betrothal gifts should not be brought by the fiancé himself; these must simply be gifts for the first meeting.
If the gifts for the first meeting are already so generous, when the Queen of France truly sends the betrothal gifts, it would probably require a dozen carriages.
“Oh, you must be tired from your journey?” Ludovica, beaming with delight, linked arms with her future son-in-law and gestured towards the City of Vienna, “His Majesty the Emperor has prepared a grand banquet and is waiting for you at Schonbrunn Palace.”
She then lowered her voice, expressing a tinge of regret, “Clementine didn’t know you were coming and went back to Tuscany half a month ago. If you can stay in Vienna a little longer, I can send for her to come back.” Find more to read at empire
[Note 1] Leopold II’s wife was the Spanish princess Maria Luisa. She shares her name with the wife of Carlos IV (the one who metaphorically ‘wore the horns’), so for the convenience of the narrative, her German name Maria Ludovica is used here.