The War Court and Lap Pillow, Austria's Mandate of Heaven

Chapter 1462 When Happiness Knocks on the Door
Seeing that the Austrian Empire was about to be forced to annex the Republic of New Granada, Franz came up with a solution that was not a solution.

Madrid, Kingdom of Spain.

"Clap clap."

The former King of the Two Sicilies, now King Ferdinando II of Spain, slapped himself twice on the throne.

But no one of the ministers around stopped him, and no one even thought it was strange, because they also wanted to slap themselves twice to make sure they were not dreaming, but they just didn't have the courage.

"Did I hear correctly? His Majesty Joseph I wants to help Spain return to South America?"

"To be exact, the conquest of New Granada. His Majesty Joseph I considers you to be more qualified to rule New Granada than José Hilario López.

The Holy Alliance has always been committed to maintaining the world's orthodox order. Austria is willing to join Russia in sending troops to help your country regain lost territory."

The words of Austrian Foreign Minister Habescu made the hearts of the entire Spanish court beat wildly. New Granada is twice the size of mainland France and has a population of nearly three million.

This was undoubtedly a shot in the arm for the Kingdom of Spain, which was going through a difficult time, and it was also a gift that Ferdinand II personally could not refuse.

Although Ferdinand II became the King of Spain and brought his cronies from the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies with him, it was somewhat wishful thinking for him to rule the Kingdom of Spain with the structure of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

Before the Austrian army and officials withdrew, Ferdinand II could barely maintain his dignity. But after the Austrian army and officials withdrew, the original order collapsed instantly.

Ferdinand II wanted to copy Franz's homework, but Spain's national strength at that time could not sustain such a huge expenditure, and the administrative system could not bear such a huge workload.

The result was that the situation became more chaotic and chaotic, and instead of stopping the decline, it slid into a deeper abyss. The separatist situation in Spain revived, and a large number of young and strong people died in the war. Many of the remaining people chose to go to the Austrian Empire to make a living.

There was a sense of decline throughout the country, and Spain desperately needed a miracle to boost morale.

Retaking New Granada could at least consolidate Ferdinand II's rule and the stability of the Kingdom of Spain for a considerable period of time, so he naturally had no reason to refuse.

In addition, New Granada also controls the Isthmus of Panama, which is an important passage from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. If Spain can control this, it will definitely improve its international status.

Perhaps there is still a chance to restore glory to the West. Ferdinand II used to be an ambitious king, but he was disappointed in the Two Sicilies.

This time, Franz really solved Ferdinand II's urgent problem, which made the latter feel both panicked and uneasy. The weight of this gift was so heavy that he was even prepared to let his eldest son marry Franz's sister.

(They are about the same age.)
"And what's the price?"

Ferdinand II had actually already decided to exchange Catalonia for New Granada, because at that time Catalonia's independence tendency was too serious.

"We have no demands on your country. We just hope that the friendship between our two countries will last forever and that we can overcome the difficulties together. The monarchies in Europe can unite to jointly maintain the order of the orthodox world."

The Austrian Empire's rhetoric remained as impeccable as before. Austria and Spain were allies, and it was normal for both sides to grant each other most-favored-nation treatment in trade.

Franz felt that it was much better for Spain to temporarily take over New Granada than for Austria to intervene. On the one hand, it was legitimate, and on the other hand, it was cheaper. If Austria forcibly annexed New Granada, it was not impossible under the current international situation. However, the cost of ruling New Granada was too high, and it would provide other countries with an excuse for war.

In particular, Panama’s strategic location was too sensitive. The Austrian Empire was not strong enough at the time, and if it took it, it would not be able to play its due strategic role and would only suffer from it.

Letting Spain do this would eliminate the need to worry about this problem, and to some extent it would be restoring legitimacy, which would be in line with the purpose of the Holy Alliance.

As for the Monroe Doctrine, although it was deified in some history books, it was nothing in the eyes of the great powers at that time.

Not interfering in American affairs? That's just because Europe is too chaotic and no one has time to spare. In the mid-19th century, when even the weakest Spain invaded Peru, the United States pretended not to see it and said nothing.

Zachary Taylor naturally received Jose Hilario Lopez's letter for help, but he just crumpled it up and carefully put it deep in the trash can.

Soon the British government received a note from the Holy Alliance. The seven countries of Britain, Austria, Russia, France, Prussia, Spain and Portugal gathered in Madrid and after a symbolic discussion decided to recognize Spain's rule over New Granada.

The government of José Hilario López was exiled and his rival, José María Dionisio Melo y Ortiz, was appointed Governor of New Granada.

The indigenous problems that had plagued the Austrian Empire's Central American colonies were curbed, and Britain was granted several trading privileges in New Granada, opening up a new overseas market.

The Americans only encountered a minor problem: the new Spanish government did not intend to recognize the Treaty of Mariarino-Biedlec signed between New Granada and the United States.

It is impossible for Americans and American goods not to pay taxes. If they don't pay taxes, what will Spain eat? And if Americans don't pay taxes, then can other powers also not pay taxes?

Ferdinand II did not dare to offend the great powers, but he had the courage to offend the Americans. After tearing up the treaty with the Americans, Panama's tariffs could increase by 40% and tolls by 120%.

As for the retaliatory tariffs commonly used in American history, they were useless against New Granada, which was backed by Spain and European powers at that time.

Zachary Taylor could only express a strong protest in American newspapers, but it is not known whether these newspapers were read by Europeans.

The British, who had gained benefits this time, still chose not to shut up. They kept adding fuel to the fire in the newspapers, trying to get the United States to follow the Austrian Empire's example and send its navy to demonstrate.

Washington, White House.

Vice President Millard Fillmore handed the British newspaper to Zachary Taylor, who was immediately furious.

"Damn the English! Why don't they go? They have ulterior motives! They have ulterior motives!"

Millard Fillmore was a little disappointed. He didn't like this "smart rough guy" in front of him. He always liked to think of himself as a soldier, but he didn't have any blood at all.

"Why don't you dare to go out and fight the Spaniards?"

(Zachary Taylor was nicknamed "The Smart Stupid," meaning he looked rough but was actually very smart.)