1635 Han style rises again

Chapter 1002 Lost of the Spaniards

Madrid, May 1683, 8.

In 1588, Spain's unprecedentedly large "Invincible Fleet" was defeated by the English Navy. This was far from a serious injury to the powerful Spanish Kingdom at the time.When Philip II heard the news of the failure of the "Invincible Fleet", he just shook his head slightly, and then said something like this: "I should thank God that I have such great power. As long as I want, I can easily If we want to build an invincible fleet again, as long as the source continues, although a stream of water may be blocked sometimes, it will not affect the overall situation after all.”

Yes, the destruction of Spain's "Invincible Fleet" (in fact, nearly half of the ships still returned to Spain), did not cause the Kingdom of Spain to fail, and their strength is still strong.The following year, England launched a retaliatory expedition against Spain, which was easily defeated by the Kingdom of Spain, and the English also suffered huge losses.

The war between Britain and Spain lasted until 1604, and the peace treaty was not signed until both sides were exhausted.This peace treaty is actually insignificant to Britain and Spain, because the territory of the two countries has not lost an inch, the dynasties of the two countries have not changed, and the established policies and religious power of the two countries have not been affected in any way.

What's more, the Spaniards also realized from this failure the importance of forming an ocean-going navy that can seize dominance of the sea, and took a series of measures.Soon, they also deployed better-performing long-range ship-destroying artillery on battleships, equipped with four-wheeled box-type gun mounts and durable rigging suitable for the narrow space on the ship; The proportion of marine soldiers, and equipped the latter with cold weapons that are more suitable for fast-paced boarding battles.

In terms of ship construction, the Spaniards also improved the design of their own similar ships by referring to the style of the "racing galleon" that was brilliant in this battle, so that the navigating performance of their large and medium-sized armed merchant ships was improved.They also developed a fast armed ship. Although its load capacity is only 200 tons, it can sail freely on the ocean without escort. Familiar sea raids have ensured the safety of transoceanic trade.

However, if we gradually extend the timeline of history until now, we can clearly see that the destruction of the Armada in 1588 definitely caused an unimaginable disaster to the Kingdom of Spain.Regardless of whether they recovered their supremacy at sea with a miraculous speed from this defeat, or they made various beneficial improvements and progress through this naval battle.

But all of this was not enough to make up for the fatal blow to Spain's national prestige due to the campaign.Because this battle made all potential enemies understand that the Spanish Empire was nothing more than a "clay-footed giant", his power was built on quicksand, and the force to defend the empire was as unreliable as a mirage.

Since the fall of Granada in 1492 and the complete expulsion of the Moors from the Iberian Peninsula, in a few short decades the subjects of the Kingdom of Spain had extended their frontiers to the limits of the known world.They conquered Mexico and Peru, they ruled the vast land of the American continent, they established colonial strongholds all over the world, their expedition fleet completed the first round-the-world voyage in human history, and they stayed on many independent remote islands and coastlines. under the footprints.They make the world feel impossible to defeat the mystery, and they also think that they are God's favorite.

However, the defeat of the Spanish Armada shattered their faith and their will began to waver, which was originally the basis of their religious fanaticism.After just 30 years, the decline of the Spanish Empire was a foregone conclusion.

What frustrates them even more is that the two "weak" peoples, the British and the Dutch, know the ocean better than they, the pioneers of the great age of exploration and the conquerors of the seven seas.

The successive kings of Spain after Philip II, whose ideology was far away from the world of continuous progress and change, they stubbornly believed that maintaining pious beliefs and traditional political forms was the panacea to solve all problems. Tactical tinkering can allow one's military strength to keep pace with the great powers.They brutally suppressed the voices of the domestic people for reform, and ignored the "price revolution" caused by the massive import of precious metals. second rate country.

"No, our Kingdom of Spain is the chosen country, and it is also the protector of the entire Catholic world." King Carlos II of Spain was pale, his chest heaving violently, "Our Kingdom of Spain has a vast territory, millions of loyal people, and a fierce and warlike army, we are still one of the few big countries in Europe, and our influence is even more unparalleled. Under this situation, you actually want to propose peace with Qi and submit to the Pagan nation among them?"

Count Juan Everardo Nitard, chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee, heard the words, showing a bit of helplessness on his face, and turned to look at the prime minister, Duke Fernando de Valenzuela.

His Majesty seems to be a little delirious again!

"Your Majesty." The prime minister of the Kingdom, the Duke of Valenzuela, couldn't help but sighed secretly, and said softly: "The war between our Kingdom of Spain and the Kingdom of Qi has been going on for seven years. The battlefield started from the original Gotabana, Then to La Plata, there is constant see-saw between the enemy and us, and the war is raging again and again. Whether it is the Governor-General of Peru or the Governor-General of New Spain, it is already a huge waste of money, and it is also unsustainable financially."

"Four years ago, the State of Qi ignited the flames of war to the mainland of Spain and bombarded several coastal port towns, causing great humiliation to our kingdom, as well as huge losses in personnel and property. Three years ago, the kingdom relied on Genoa, Venice, As well as millions of pesos borrowed from England, an expeditionary fleet was set up to go to the Americas in order to completely expel the forces under Qi. There are more than [-] soldiers and more than [-] soldiers, and the funds raised have also been exhausted."

"Now, Qi State has not only sent a powerful expeditionary fleet to Europe, relying on the port of Morocco, it has continuously attacked the local coastal towns. In the past few months, the kingdom has not only lost several important strongholds along the coast of North Africa, but also the local Baba Important cities such as Rencia, Malaga, Cadiz, and Bilbao were also bombarded by the Qi State, causing heavy losses in personnel and property, and our Mediterranean fleet was also weakened to a certain extent."

"What's even more worrying is that the people of Qi actually crossed the vast Pacific Ocean and began to attack the Viceroyalty of New Spain. It should be known that our Kingdom of Spain does not have a decent naval force on the Pacific coast. New Spain, Peru, Chile and other regions almost There is no defense. If the Qi people find out the truth, they will send a large army to land and seize the entire American territories. As a result, the Kingdom of Spain will fall into a situation of eternal doom. Your Majesty, in order to avoid greater losses, it is even more important to preserve The last strength of the Kingdom of Spain, this war cannot continue!"

"..." Carlos II stared at the important ministers under the steps, panting heavily, showing faint signs of epileptic seizures, and several waiters beside him showed worried expressions, and hurried forward to help His Majesty Caress the back.

"Go away!" Carlos II pushed the waiter away angrily. At the same time, he stood up with his hands on the armrests of the chair, looked at the ministers opposite, took a deep breath, and hissed: "Aachen With the signing of the Peace Treaty, we lost the Southern Netherlands; with the signing of the "Lisbon Treaty", we lost Portugal; And other areas. So, this time we negotiate peace with the people of Qi, what places are we going to lose?"

Four years ago, Carlos II married Marie-Louise de Orléans, the niece of King Louis XIV of France, Princess Orléans, but the newlywed husband was diagnosed as impotent and unable to produce offspring.The news spread throughout the European royal family for a time, humiliating and embarrassing the young King.

However, in the face of complicated state affairs and government affairs, Carlos II was unable to make specific and reasonable arrangements due to his frail health and extreme mental and physical abnormalities. He could only rely on the Prime Minister and several important noble ministers. Handle it on your behalf.But after all, he is the monarch of the Spanish Habsburg dynasty, and any disaster and humiliation encountered by the entire kingdom will eventually fall on him.

Although "disabled", the young king occasionally had moments of "strength". He had imagined countless times that under his rule, the glory of the Kingdom of Spain that once shone in the world could be restored and expanded.

However, the kingdom has accumulated too many bad policies, and the era of the Spaniards is gone after all.In continental Europe, not only were they frequently beaten by France, but they even had to compromise and be at the mercy of the Dutch rebels in the past.England, Portugal, Sweden, Denmark and other former "small countries of Quer" will also challenge the kingdom from time to time.

Now, a pagan country located in the ocean - Qi State, not only invaded the kingdom's American possessions, but also formed an expeditionary fleet, crossed tens of thousands of miles of sea routes, and hit their homeland.

How embarrassing is this for the former great Spanish Kingdom!

"Immediately send an order to the minister in Amsterdam to let him contact the Qi people first." The Prime Minister, Duke Valenzuela, looked at His Majesty the King who was staggering away, sighed again, and then turned his head to the person in charge of foreign affairs. Count Juan Fran Ruiz said softly: "We need to test the attitude of the people of Qi, and hope that they also have the will to end this war."

"If we take the initiative to negotiate peace, the people of Qi may take the opportunity to propose many harsh conditions." Earl Ruiz said worriedly.

"But no matter what, this war must end as soon as possible." The Duke of Valenzuela smiled bitterly, "We must transfer all our energy to the European continent. France's expansion momentum has not been due to the Treaty of Nijmegen." The signing of the [-]s has restrained. Louis XIV has always been staring at our Kingdom of Spain, and wants to extend the territory of France to the south of the Pyrenees. The Ottoman Empire, which was once suppressed by the European coalition forces, has once again revived , their army has invaded Austria and surrounded Vienna. Therefore, we cannot continue this senseless war with a regional power that dominates the Indian Ocean. On some non-essential side issues, we can properly align China Make a...concession."
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On August 8, Morocco, Ribat Port (now Rabat, the capital of Morocco).

"Ceuta and Tangier, which port do your navy prefer?" Yao Liankun, Qi's envoy to Morocco, held a cup of tea, took a sip, and then smiled at the commander of the Atlantic Task Force, General Guangwei. (Major General) Qi Pengfei said: "The Moroccans are very sincere and let us choose a place, and promised to provide corresponding manpower to help restore all facilities damaged by the war."

"This Moroccan is rushing to lease one of the ports to us, probably because he wants us to share some of the military pressure." Qi Pengfei took a deep breath with a pipe in his mouth, and exhaled several smoke rings. "Whether it's the Spaniards or the British, Morocco can't face it alone. If one of the ports is leased out, when the other party calls, they will generally weigh the attitude of our country, which can be regarded as indirectly helping them defend the Mediterranean Sea. Territorial security along the coast."

"No matter what the Moroccans are thinking, obtaining an important sea base on the Mediterranean coast, especially at the southern end of the strait, will have a very positive effect on the expansion of our regional influence and the opportunity to expand our tentacles into Europe. meaning.” Yao Liankun put down his teacup and said solemnly: “Twelve years ago, we obtained the lease right of Damietta Port in Egypt from the Ottoman Empire. Any changes in the future situation, our country of Qi will be able to adapt to a certain extent."

"Minister, in terms of maritime strength in the entire Mediterranean, the fast-rising French navy is the most important. They currently have more than 100 main ships, with nearly [-] officers and soldiers, and their scale is the largest in Europe. Two years ago, Their fleet even bombarded the port of Algiers, almost reducing half of the city to ruins, forcing the Barbary pirates to return all Christian slaves and compensate millions of francs. This has fully demonstrated that France will dominate and dominate the entire Mediterranean ambitions."

"In the face of such a powerful competitor, our Qi navy is far away from the mainland and cannot receive effective support. It is not enough to compete with it. Therefore, in order to avoid excessive stimulation of the French, Tangier and Ceuta, whose geographical location is extremely important , we’d better not consider it for the time being. In this way, the Port of Melilla may be a compromise choice.”

Hearing this, Yao Liankun couldn't help but admire this naval commander who is a close relative of the royal family.

Qi Pengfei was not blinded by the series of victories he had won against Spain in recent months. His analysis and control of the situation in the entire region was meticulous and well-founded.Knowing that the strength of Qi's navy is not enough to change the situation in the Mediterranean Sea, knowing to avoid provoking France, first "go" to "develop" in a remote port, and finally drive a solid wedge for Qi in the region.

"In that case, in a few days, I will return to Fez and discuss with Ismail Sultan about the lease of Melilla." Yao Liankun nodded and said: "The general is holding the siege of Vienna against the Ottoman Empire. What do you think?"

"What can I, an admiral, think about the war on land?" Qi Pengfei shook his head and said, "I heard that the Ottomans used 20 troops to besiege Vienna, which was guarded by less than 2 people. If you make a mistake, you should be able to win the battle. Didn’t our army staff group in Qi also participate in this grand battle? Even if the Ottomans are as stupid as pigs, under the careful guidance of the staff group, they will not make some mistakes. A low-level mistake, let the Holy Roman Empire be overturned in one fell swoop, right?"

(End of this chapter)