Chapter 139: Subject to Others (Combined Chapter)

On September 27, 1872, the train station in Madrid, the capital of Spain, looked extraordinarily lively.

Early in the morning, the train station was full of guards under martial law, and even the train station was temporarily blocked, only allowing exit and not allowing entry.

And in a small square on the side, Spanish Prime Minister Ma Deli and several cabinet ministers had been waiting for a long time.

Being able to make Prime Minister Ma Deli come out personally was naturally a relatively distinguished guest.

The first president of the French Third Republic, the controller of powerful Falanxi, and the current supreme leader of the French government, Louis-Adolphe Thiers.

Like the chaotic situation within Falanxi, the political system of the newly established French Third Republic was also relatively chaotic.

Falanxi not only had a president but also a prime minister. But there was no power struggle between the president and the prime minister; instead, there was a relatively fierce power struggle between the president and the parliament.

The French president was produced by popular election, and the prime minister was appointed by the president. But both the president and the prime minister needed to be responsible to the parliament, and the parliament had the power to pass a no-confidence motion to force the prime minister to resign voluntarily.

Different from the semi-presidential system of the French Fifth Republic, the current Third Republic theoretically still had higher power in the parliament. The current French president was not the center of power in Falanxi, and parliamentarians had supervisory power over the government; they could easily question the government's decisions and even eventually pass their own power to overthrow the cabinet.

However, in the stage where the French Third Republic was just established, as the first president, Thiers still held a certain amount of power in his hands.

If it had to be described, the current Thiers was more like the first monarch in the stage where various European monarchies transformed into constitutional systems.

The power of the French president and the power of the king in a constitutional monarchy were about the same; except for not being able to enfeoff titles, they were both the nominal supreme leader and military commander of a country.

Although Falanxi failed in the competition for hegemony with Prussia, it was after all an old-fashioned power in Europe and was still very powerful compared to Spain.

In order to express the importance attached to French President Thiers, Prime Minister Ma Deli specially borrowed the royal family's royal band and also mobilized a unit that had just completed reorganization to serve as guards to maintain order at the scene.

Of course, doing so was not without purpose. The mobilized unit came from the First Infantry Division of the Spanish Royal Army, which could be considered an elite in the Spanish army.

Letting this unit come to welcome French President Thiers was not only to show the Spanish government's importance to Thiers but also to show off the strength of the Spanish army.

Although Spain did not return to its former glory, it was also a powerful country that could be ranked in the European continent. If the French wanted to win over Spain, they at least had to show their sincerity.

The current initiative was in the hands of Spain. Because of Spain's important geographical location, it was almost an object that various countries competed to win over.

Of course, there were also countries like Britain that directly occupied Gibraltar, directly grasping the important geographical location in their own hands.

But for Falanxi, it was clearly impossible for them to do what the British did. After all, Falanxi and Spain were directly adjacent, and what threatened Falanxi was not a certain region, but Spain's overall geographical location.

"Respected President Thiers, welcome to Spain!" In the square of the train station, Prime Minister Ma Deli met French new president Thiers, expressing his welcome with a very bright smile.

"It is a great honor to come to Spain, Prime Minister Ma Deli." French President Thiers nodded, also with a very friendly smile, and very actively talked with Prime Minister Ma Deli: "Spain is really a great country, the prosperity of Madrid is not far from that of Paris!"

Prime Minister Ma Deli would not believe these ghost words of President Thiers. Although Madrid was Spain's first largest city, it was still a long distance from international metropolises like London and Paris.

Just in terms of population, the overall scale and economy of Madrid could not compare to Paris. Saying that Madrid and Paris were not far apart was actually just a friendly polite remark.

"Although Madrid is prosperous, it is far from being comparable to Paris. However, Madrid also has its own characteristics, I hope the President will have a good time in Madrid." Prime Minister Ma Deli said with a smile.

Thiers nodded, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Ma Deli, went to the hotel specifically prepared by the Spanish government for foreign guests.

Except for the welcome banquet of relatively small scale held by Prime Minister Ma Deli for President Thiers that evening, the next day Prime Minister Ma Deli and President Thiers did not even have any communication on the surface.

Both seemed to treat the arrival of this French delegation as an ordinary trip abroad, and did not actively talk about any government affairs regarding the relationship between the two countries.

In the diplomatic level, the person who speaks first often falls into a disadvantage. The person who speaks later will occupy the initiative, because the person who speaks first is often the one who asks for help.

Prime Minister Ma Deli knew this point, so he had great patience to consume with the French delegation.

Anyway, this diplomatic visit did not need the Spanish government to spend too much, it was all French money, so naturally there was no need to feel heartache.

The diplomatic environment that was bad was the French, and the one who should have a headache was also the French. For the Spanish government, if it could promote cooperation with Falanxi, it would naturally be the best, but if cooperation could not be reached, there would be no loss.

And for the French government, things were indeed not as beautiful as imagined.

The reason why President Thiers delayed in speaking actively was also because speaking actively would make him lose the right to speak.

Although Falanxi wanted to promote cooperation with Spain more, President Thiers wanted Prime Minister Ma Deli to speak actively more. Even if the French government provided some more loans and help in industrial technology, it was always better than speaking actively and falling into a disadvantage directly.

But looking at the current situation, Prime Minister Ma Deli was definitely an old fox in the political arena. If the two kept silent like this, I am afraid that this cooperation would not only not be reached, but to a certain extent, it would push Spain further away.

"The Spaniards must have seen our purpose, blame the damn Germans, otherwise the great Falanxi would not face such a situation!" French President Thiers, who had been in Madrid for a few days, was a bit out of control, because the process of visiting Spain was not as smooth as imagined.

"I'm afraid so, Mr. President." French Foreign Minister Albert nodded helplessly, sighed and said: "I'm afraid we must pay some sincerity to win over the Spaniards, otherwise, once Germany and Spain reach cooperation, Falanxi's situation will become even more difficult."

Even the French had to admit that Prime Minister Bismarck was too big a threat to Falanxi.

The German region, which had been lined with states and fighting each other since the Holy Roman Empire, was integrated in the hands of Prime Minister Bismarck and formed a unified German Empire.

One must know that in this process, Germany confronted not only Germany domestically but also powerful enemies like Denmark, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Falanxi.

And after defeating Falanxi, Prime Minister Bismarck not only did not have any pride and complacency but also proposed a policy of isolating Falanxi, which made the French very headache.

"As long as the Germans have not actively contacted Spain, we still have a chance." President Thiers rubbed his wrinkled eyebrows and said: "At all costs, we must ensure that Spain will not join the alliance with Germany, otherwise Falanxi will fall into an unrecoverable situation.

If Spain is determined to move closer to Germany, then for the sake of Falanxi's future security, we can only protect our country through war."

On the last day of September, President Thiers changed his usual state, no longer maintaining a good mood for sightseeing, but found Prime Minister Ma Deli early in the morning and put forward the purpose of his diplomatic visit to Spain directly.

"Prime Minister Ma Deli, Spain was once a great country, I believe Spain's decline is only temporary. The future Spain will eventually return to the throne of powers." President Thiers said with a smile: "

Falanxi is very willing to help our neighbors become powerful again, we have no conflict of interest, right?

If your country is willing, we can provide your country with a part of the loan, and sign a trade treaty on deepening economic cooperation between the two sides."

If talking about Falanxi, the impression people have most might be the glory of the Napoleonic Empire. Napoleon once conquered most of Europe and almost completed the legend of unifying Europe.

At that time, Falanxi was the most powerful country on the European continent, and it was only by relying on the anti-French alliance formed by many countries that the French, who were in the middle of the day, were finally defeated.

But in fact, before the Napoleonic Empire, Falanxi was already a famous hegemon on the European continent.

Because of the grain production brought by the large plains and the denser population compared to other countries, Falanxi was one of the quite famous countries in Europe since the Middle Ages.

Falanxi's glory lasted until the end of World War I, and finally failed because it lost too many populations in World War I.

Falanxi in World War II was indeed not as powerful as Falanxi in World War I, but it was actually still a power in the top five in the world.

It was just that the French had already tired of war after experiencing the cruel World War I, and even more tired of the war where Falanxi resisted Germany on the front line and other countries sat and enjoyed the fruits of victory behind Falanxi.

Other countries indeed paid a certain price, but such a price was not worth mentioning compared to what Falanxi paid.

However, this was also no way. The German-French contradiction was originally the main contradiction in World War I, coupled with the fact that Germany and Falanxi were adjacent, the war that broke out between them was absolutely the most intense in World War I.

Although the conflict between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Russia was also the main contradiction in World War I, the military strength of these two countries was clearly still a level worse compared to Germany and Falanxi.

Precisely because it suffered too many casualties in World War I, Falanxi finally chose to rot in World War II and completed a task that most countries could not complete at all—"It is impossible to occupy Paris before Falanxi surrenders."

Facts also proved that Falanxi's choice in World War II was perhaps the wisest for Falanxi itself. Other countries in World War II bore a large number of casualties, and because Falanxi surrendered early, the loss was not as serious as other countries.

"If we can obtain the assistance of your government, it will accelerate the process of Spain's industrial construction. I represent the Spanish people to thank the French government for its help, and the friendship between Falanxi and Spain will last forever." Prime Minister Ma Deli nodded, with a smile on his face, saying: "

However, in terms of basic industry, the Austro-Hungarian Empire has already given us great help. If possible, we hope to introduce the production technology of heavy industry and chemical industry from your country, I wonder if your country can sell it to us?

Originally our plan was to go to Germany to buy technology, if we can introduce a part of the technology from your country, that would naturally be the best."

Although Prime Minister Ma Deli's words expressed joy at the French's willingness to provide technical help, in President Thiers' ears, it was actually a blatant reminder that if Falanxi was unwilling to provide assistance to Spain, the Germans would also be willing to join in the fun.

"Of course no problem." President Thiers' smile was slightly ugly, and then quickly changed, saying with a very kind smile: "

We are both countries on the European continent, so we should naturally help each other. Prime Minister Ma Deli, we are naturally willing to provide your country with technical data on heavy industry and chemical industry to help your country build a better industrial system.

But you know, this matter is not enough with the government's approval, it also needs the parliament's approval.

If possible, I hope we can sign an alliance treaty, we will provide this part of assistance to your country in the form of an alliance.

I believe the parliament will not stop the alliance between Falanxi and Spain, we are natural allies, we are also partners fighting side by side."

President Thiers' meaning was also very clear. Assistance could be given, the French were after all rich and powerful. But the French's money and technical data were not given for nothing, they needed the Spanish government to give a clear guarantee, using the form of a military alliance to bind Spain to Falanxi's chariot.

As for whether Spain would tear up this military alliance later, President Thiers was not too worried.

First, his presidential term was only five years, and a small half had already passed. After his term ended, the development of the relationship between Spain and Falanxi had nothing to do with him.

Secondly, Falanxi could also bind Spain and Falanxi together by providing a large amount of loans and industrial equipment and technical data to Spain.

The more French technology and equipment Spain used, the deeper the connection between Spain and Falanxi. When the economic exchanges between the two countries became more and more close, it would not be so simple for Spain to want to clear its relationship with Falanxi.

After all, Spain's industry was built on the basis of a large amount of French assistance. If it wanted to clear its relationship, where would Spain find substitutes for those French industrial equipment in the industrial system?

"This is probably difficult to do, President Thiers." Prime Minister Ma Deli showed a difficult expression on his face, explaining: "You also know that Spain is a peace-loving country.

We are not willing to participate in military competition between European countries, we are more yearning for a stable and peaceful environment.

Precisely because of this, we do not intend to join any military alliance with any country. If possible, Spain is willing to sign an economic cooperation treaty and a customs union treaty with Falanxi to strengthen the economic ties between our two countries."

The alliance mentioned by the French was a military alliance, and this kind of alliance was something Prime Minister Ma Deli wanted to avoid as much as possible.

For Spain, it was indeed possible to profit from the competition of various countries by relying on its own superior geographical location.

But the problem was that a military treaty would bind Spain and Falanxi completely, which also meant that Spain would find it difficult to obtain assistance from Germany in the future.

To put it bluntly, for Spain, which wanted to develop better now, it was undoubtedly more cost-effective to be a sea king.

Such a military alliance was more like a marriage contract, limiting Spain to Falanxi's chariot. Countries like Germany that were against Falanxi would be far away from Spain, which was unfavorable to Spain's future plans.

Hearing Prime Minister Ma Deli say that the Spanish government could only sign economic cooperation treaties and customs union documents, President Thiers was suddenly a bit angry.

To put it bluntly, the Spanish government's attitude was that it did not intend to cooperate closely with Falanxi; it was more like it wanted to freeload off French aid.

If Spain freeloaded this aid and then turned around to join the alliance with Germany, would President Thiers not have become a clown?

This matter really concerned his own interests, and President Thiers could not easily let go: "Prime Minister Ma Deli, just an economic cooperation treaty and a customs union cannot move the French parliament.

If your country wants to cooperate with Falanxi, a military alliance is a more stable relationship guarantee, what do you think?"

"No, President Thiers." Prime Minister Ma Deli still shook his head, insisting on his opinion: "Spain will not join any military alliance with any country, we only accept alliance treaties in the economic aspect.

However, I can guarantee to your country that Spain has no idea of being an enemy of Falanxi. As long as your country does not regard Spain as an enemy, Spain will not actively join the blockade against your country.

What we need is a peaceful development environment, we are not interested in any conflict and competition. Please rest assured, Spain will not join any military alliance with any country, whether it is Falanxi or Germany."

Falanxi's assistance was very fragrant, but if it were to go on Falanxi's chariot for Falanxi's industrial assistance, it would be a bit of a loss.

In the current environment of Europe, the conflict between Germany and Falanxi was the most intense contradiction, followed by the conflict between Britain and Falanxi and the conflict between Austria and Russia.

Outside Europe, there were also conflicts between Britain and Russia, and the relationship between several powers in Europe was relatively complex. 【

Look carefully at the development of the current European situation, it was undoubtedly fatal to Falanxi. First, Falanxi failed completely in the competition with Prussia, and the status of the hegemon on the European land had already reached the hands of the Germans.

The second was the policy of isolating Falanxi proposed by German Prime Minister Bismarck, which currently seemed to be taking shape.

The Austro-Hungarian Empire and Russia were negotiating certain things, which made the French suddenly a bit anxious. If the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Russia reached a certain compromise, the biggest contradiction on the European continent at present would become the German-French contradiction.

And the Austro-Hungarian Empire was constantly showing favor to Germany, did this also mean that the Austro-Hungarian Empire would move closer to Germany?

The Germans would naturally not refuse the favor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire; after all, the Austro-Hungarian Empire could also play a good role in isolating Falanxi.

At the same time, Italy was an ally of Prussia before Germany was established, and the Germans had not given up on Italy as an ally.

The royal families of Spain and Italy were the same family, and they had an alliance with the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and both sides were in a marriage relationship.

Considering from the worst angle, the Germans were very likely to form a four-power alliance including Germany, Austria, Italy, and Spain, completely isolating the French in Western Europe.

If the Germans really managed to do this, then the French would not need to talk about development. To the north of Falanxi were the Low Countries, and Britain, Falanxi, and Germany also had influence in the Low Countries, so it was impossible for Falanxi to be the only one.

All neighboring countries were left with Switzerland as a neutral country, and the route to colonize Africa to the south might also be cut off by the alliance of Spain and Italy.

The French had to try every means to avoid the occurrence of the four-power alliance, otherwise, Falanxi's future development would suffer a devastating blow.

And among the four-power alliance, the easiest to contact at present was Spain.

Why say so? The Austro-Hungarian Empire was actively moving closer to Germany, and it was impossible for Falanxi to win over the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

And Italy was an ally of the Germans, and at the same time, because it recovered the southern South Tyrol, it eased the contradiction with the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Instead, the French stood on the Savoy region ceded by Italy, and look at the family name of the Italian royal family, wasn't it Savoy!

Under such circumstances, wanting to win over Italy was extremely difficult, and Italy's colonial direction to Africa also happened to conflict with Falanxi.

The only remaining Spain, although it was an ally with the Austro-Hungarian Empire and was a family with the Italian royal family, fortunately had no big relationship with Germany.

At present, as long as Spain's alliance with Germany could be avoided, at least Falanxi could ensure that it would not be completely blocked through Spain.

Another good news was that the British would also prevent Spain's colonization in Morocco, and Spain needed a powerful ally to help itself.

The Germans might not necessarily be willing to offend the British for Spain, but the French would not care about that much.

Falanxi itself was already hard to protect, so it naturally had to try every means to win over Spain, so as to break the blockade route formulated by the Germans against Falanxi.

5,500-word combined chapter, asking for support!

(End of this chapter)