Chapter 940： Wealth (1/2)

With the start of the British action, the original secret battle of Fa-Austria diplomacy has been taken over by the British. It's not that I look down on the French, but the French government's diplomacy is really bad.

Of course, this is also directly related to the high hatred of Bonaparte in Europe. The Napoleon III era did ease relations with everyone, but unfortunately with the annexation of Italy by France, this relaxed international environment is gone forever.

In a sense, Napoleon III was also pitting his son. It has achieved itself by annexing the Italian region, but it has left a huge pit that cannot be filled.

No way, it's not the Middle Ages anymore. European nationalism has risen, but it can't be digested, and it is full of hatred.

Especially for many small countries, in order to protect their own security, they have to unite to exclude the French, in order to deter other European powers, lest everyone follow the example.

This is the main reason why the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot achieve results. It's not that the clowns are firm-willed, it's that they have decided not to stand with France politically.

Small countries won't move, let alone big countries. There is only one overlord, everyone is a competitor, even if the alliance is only temporary.

Especially in the context of the long-standing Russian-Austrian alliance, only Britain is left to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Originally, a group of enemies were waiting, plus a scam teammate, it was logical that France surpassed the Russians to become the number one ”villain” on the European continent.

Professional matters should be entrusted to professionals. Although he was reluctant to admit it, Napoleon IV knew very well that playing diplomacy in England and Austria was the king. As silver players, they really didn't have to go up and drag their feet.

...

The Anglo-Austrian diplomatic game has begun, and Europe has once again staged a turbulent situation. It is busy attacking the Japanese government in the Philippines. It is not known that it has just gone through the ghost gate.

If it weren't for Spain's failure to state its position, the British felt that they were worthwhile, and now the Royal Navy would tell them what is socially sinister.

Colonization is more than just strength. Countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, and Portugal can keep their overseas colonies and naturally have their own ways of survival.

If it is purely from the perspective of strength, the colonies of the world have been divided up by the three countries of Britain, France and Austria, and it is the turn of the small countries like Holland and Portugal to blend.

The big gangsters did not start to grab it, not because there is no oil and water in these lands. In fact, the Philippines, Cuba, Indonesia and other regions were rich and prosperous this year, and they were not robbed because of politics.

As a member of a vested interest group, big gangsters must also abide by the rules of the game. If you act recklessly, you will inevitably be backlashed by the rules.

So challengers are generally emerging powers. Those who are barefoot are not afraid of wearing shoes, they are not part of the system, so they are naturally not afraid of backlash against the rules.

Of course, the challenger is also at risk. If he doesn't choose the right time, he might be shot to death as soon as he takes off.

General Ito Yuheng couldn't take care of the risks involved. Right now he was still immersed in the joy of the successful attack on Luzon Island.

Relying on a surprise attack + cooperation between inside and outside, the Japanese army not only successfully completed the landing, but also captured three Spanish warships staying in the port.

Although these sailing warships have fallen behind the times and have withdrawn from the mainstream of the navy, and two of them were injured in the battle last night, Yuhiro Ito did not dislike it at all.

Regardless of the fact that the three big gangsters of Britain, France and Austria eliminated the sailing warships, they have even passed the age of ironclad ships and entered the pre-fearless era, but the navies of most countries in the world are still dominated by sailing warships.

The Japanese Navy is no exception. Except for the purchase of several iron-clad warships from the British, most of the warships are sailing warships.

There is no other reason, just one word-”poor”. The cost of building an ironclad ship can be used to build several sailing warships of the same tonnage.

As for the more advanced pre-dreadnoughts, that's not to mention. With the military expenses of the Japanese navy, it can't be used at all.

Looking at the fiscal revenue of the Japanese government, the fiscal revenue of 80 million yen seems to be not low, but it is actually the same. It is more than 16 million when converted into Aegis, and even more only when converted into British pounds. More than eight million.

(Remarks: 1 yen is approximately 0.75 grams of gold, and the value of Aegis and Japanese Yen is approximately 4.88:1)

The cost of a former dreadnought ship is as high as millions of pounds, and it is estimated to be doubled if it is exported. After joining, the messy renewal service fee will be even more. No matter how aggressive the Japanese government is, it is impossible to buy a boat with one-third of its fiscal revenue.

After landing successfully, the navy's work is basically completed, and then just staring at the remaining Spanish navy to ensure the smooth flow of sea routes.

There is no decisive battle at sea. In the sneak attack on Luzon, the Spanish Philippine fleet has lost one-third of its warships.

This made the already disadvantaged Philippine fleet even worse, let alone a decisive battle with the Japanese army, because of the speed, they were even choking on the task of breaking diplomatic relations.

A middle-aged officer at the Japanese South Fleet Command reported in a helpless tone: ”Your Excellency, we have sent someone to inspect the captured Spanish battleship. The damage is not too serious and can be repaired in Luzon.

It’s just that the ship’s age is a bit old, and the latest one was in service in 1875 and will be retired in a few years.

I don't know what the Spaniards thought. One of the warships was designed without a steam engine, or it was installed later, which was very uncoordinated. ”

The decline of an empire is not without reason. Generally speaking, there is a common problem of bureaucracy and serious corruption. Spain is no exception.

Existence must have its rationality. The strange and seemingly unreasonable design actually contains official university questions behind it.

Of course, these problems cannot be understood by Japanese naval officers who are just starting out in Japan. They are eager to fight for the rise of Japan, and they have not had time to fall.

General Yuhiro Ito nodded thoughtfully: ”Don't worry about these small issues. If the Spanish government is immortal, nothing will happen to us.

It doesn't matter if the ship is old, the elimination of sailing warships has become a foregone conclusion, and a few years will be enough.

The Philippine Islands are not small. The Spaniards want to peek-a-boo with us, and it is not so easy to spot them. In the next battle, we need more warships.

Immediately send people to repair the damaged warships. I have sent people to notify the country that they will send officers and soldiers to receive them as soon as possible, and strive to form combat effectiveness as soon as possible. ”

Frankly speaking, the Southward Fleet should not stay in Luzon now. It is the best choice to defeat Spain's Philippine fleet in one fell swoop.

But there is no way, the success of the landing is always profitable. The army is making a fortune, and the navy can't just watch.

The Japanese army and navy are not harmonious. If the navy does not participate, the Spanish accumulation in the Philippines for hundreds of years will all fall into the hands of the army.

After eating this thing, there is no spit out. Even if the lawsuit is brought to Emperor Meiji, don't expect the army to give in.

The bottom of the family is too thin, and the eyelids are so shallow. Compared with these benefits within reach, pursuing and destroying the remnant enemy by victory is not so important.

...

As Hongmen's base camp on Luzon Island, Chen's residence was already full of people at the moment. Many people drove their families to rush over. From time to time, there were children's crying, which made Chen Tao, the leader, the more upset he was, but he couldn't vent.

It was all messed up outside. After the Japanese had driven away the Spaniards, they began unscrupulous robberies, and everyone had to come over to report to the group to keep warm.

The gangs also need someone to support, and these people gathered are the foundation of Hongmen in Luzon. It's not a younger brother, or a family member of the younger brother, or a clan that has a close relationship.

Looking at the chaotic scene, Chen Tao sighed. There is no way, it happened so suddenly, there is no time to react at all.