Start 1861: I Just Inherited the Dutch Throne

"But how do we deal with such a relationship now, right?"

"That's right." The Marquis of Salisbury was not angry at being interrupted.

"Of course there are ways to handle this relationship," Robert's eyes flashed, showing admiration at the same time.

He said: "Perhaps because Viscount Palmerston knew that the Netherlands could be won over, he chose to exchange colonies. William IV was not an ordinary person. I have to say that this king, who is younger than me, is very scheming. Strategies, etc. are indeed superior to others.

William IV knew the weaknesses of the Netherlands, and he also knew the strengths of the other side. If he was too hard for a long time, he would be under pressure, and if he was too soft, he would lose his prestige. Therefore, in the Three Kingdoms, he was actually the protagonist, but he did leading things, but I have been doing supporting roles to gain exposure and make a fortune quietly.

He also knew that if the Kingdom of the Netherlands continued like this, sooner or later it would face a showdown between all parties, and then come under pressure from many major powers. In the end, it would even be forced to directly publicly express its position in the alliance of multiple major powers.

However, this is not what the Netherlands ultimately wants to see. In this case, they should think that it may eventually turn into something that will be unpalatable to all parties and even worsen the relationship between the Netherlands and other countries. This is also what the Netherlands does not want to see, so, So far the Netherlands is looking for an excuse, an excuse not to fight in Europe."

"So they chose to form an alliance with France and Prussia?" The Marquis of Salisbury, who was originally very relaxed, felt tense again. He seemed to have noticed something.

"Not bad." Robert knew that now was his biggest opportunity, so he no longer held back the idea.

"They want to find an excuse, and that is the Kingdom of Belgium. He uses this small country as an excuse. The three countries are eager to move towards Belgium and want to tear off a piece of flesh. They all know that the other party has long coveted Belgium.

In the end, the three countries got their wish and Belgium became the first country under their control to jointly take action, and the results were very satisfactory. "

"At this time, he tasted the sweetness, so he made it look like he wanted to share the vast land from Africa with the other two countries. He took a fancy to this, so he even made it look like the Netherlands and the other two countries would go south. What taking over Africa looks like.

Of course, it is not ruled out that they have such an idea. After all, both sides of the Congo River are said to be occupied by the Netherlands, as well as Tanzania and Madagascar. It is said that the Netherlands also stationed soldiers in Kenya who were not composed of East India soldiers in 2000. .

At present, Italy and Prussia are also confronting Italy in Somalia, and it is even about to break out. It seems that no one is paying attention to the Netherlands' acquisition in Kenya. In the end, Italy chose to retreat. Although they wanted to go back and occupy Sudan, it was a pity that they did not want to attract the hostility of the British because There the British are operating.

It is a pity that although our British Empire occupied Egypt, Sudan was too big to support Italy. In the end, Italy had to retreat to the Red Sea and occupied Eritrea.

The talented and ambitious Victor Emmanuel II would naturally not be satisfied with a small Eritrea.

So they sent troops from the mainland directly south, across the Mediterranean Sea and into Libya to carry out a venting raid.

Eventually, with the approval of Britain and Austria, it occupied the entire Libya.

Italy has also become the country with the sixth largest colonial area in Africa after France, the Netherlands, Prussia, the United Kingdom, and Portugal.

With the promotion of the Netherlands, Spain also began to move south and captured the Spanish Sahara after expanding the scope of its original colony in Morocco.

For this reason, Spain and France had a quarrel, because Spain's goal of preventing France from occupying West Africa was difficult to achieve. After all, Morocco and the Spanish Sahara were connected together, almost occupying a coastal area on the west coast of Africa. For France's strategic goals For me, truthfulness has become a problem.

The Russian Empire occupied Ghana in Africa for the first time, Sweden also occupied Togo, and Denmark even captured Sierra Leone.

Austria followed Prussia and directly established a base in Nigeria, declaring Nigeria a colony of the Austrian Empire.

Many people predict that the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia may not start a fight at home, but may instead warm up in Africa.

Father, every time William IV takes the lead, there will be a wave of followers, and all European countries will naturally follow the footsteps of the Netherlands. This is the case in Belgium, and the same is true in Africa. William IV always seems to be able to catch the European countries. The dark side of Africa opened up their inner desires. Everything that happened in Africa was an unspeakable bitter disaster for Britain. "

The Marquis of Salisbury no longer knew how to describe his excitement. Whenever he saw tension, his index finger would sway messily from side to side. Robert, who was familiar with him, knew that he had succeeded, and moreover, he had succeeded. The super successful kind, indeed.

“The chaos in Africa this time has seriously disrupted many of Viscount Palmerston’s plans, especially in the past few months, when Belgium became the biggest diplomatic failure in his life.

Before he could even begin to lick his wounds, the chaos in South Africa had succeeded in rubbing salt into his wounds, which was extremely painful. "

The Marquis of Salisbury said sarcastically and sympathetically: "South Africa has not been solved yet. Now the wave of countries seizing colonies in Africa is coming again. Britain also wants to join this wave, but looking back, it turns out that its troops are extremely limited. .”

This time, the Marquis of Salisbury did not let Cao Cao settle the matter with a few words. Instead, he said: "Okay, that's a good analysis. However, since your analysis is that the Netherlands is hiding behind the backs of various countries, but asking for a lot of benefits, then , are big countries such as Britain, France, Prussia, and Austria so easy to fool?"

"No, father, although many people can see this idea, but even if they can see it, it doesn't matter, because, because, this move of William IV is based on the interest chain of all countries. Even if they can see the layout, all countries are still reluctant to throw away this piece of fat. This is a gain that kills two birds with one stone or even four birds with one stone."

"Looking at it from the perspective of various countries?" The Marquis of Salisbury suddenly became interested.

"That's it. One is what I just said. The Netherlands can open up Africa for the great powers to enter and plunder the wealth of Africa."

"Father" Robert looked at the Marquis of Salisbury solemnly and said with excitement: "If Africa can do it, can the same be done in America? Don't forget, Alaska and Canada are in the hands of all countries. , the Caribbean is dotted with colonies of European countries, like a dense cluster of stars, controlling the situation there and preventing the United States from becoming dominant. This is the second one. It has caused countries to have problems with South America, which is close to Africa. Evil thoughts.

The third is that the situation in Europe has completely disrupted the balance of the countries that was born after the Vienna Peace Conference in 1815 because of the Dutch layout. The layout that the British people have worked hard for has disappeared in an instant.

This is also a huge disaster for the United Kingdom, because from now on, the United Kingdom is looking for allies in Europe and can no longer rely on the past European situation to evaluate the strength of various countries and carry out checks and balances. In the future, it will also include overseas countries such as Africa. Including the gains and losses of the colonies, in short, this move played by the Netherlands destroyed our good cards and disrupted the situation in Europe. On the contrary, it is now apparent that the alliance between France, the Netherlands, the Netherlands and Sweden has made the Netherlands the capital of all countries. The status of those who dare not offend has skyrocketed. "

When the Marquis of Salisbury heard this, he had to agree and sighed: "Yes, the Vienna Peace Conference was a conference convened by the victors composed of Britain, Austria, Russia, and Prussia. The four countries got the biggest benefits from the back end. But Prussia was just a follower of Austria, and France was the target of trial.

The Netherlands was not even close to the corner of the table, and it was with the help of the Russian Empire that it became a kingdom again.

The Netherlands, France, and Prussia were not the protagonists of the Vienna Peace Conference, but now they seem to have overthrown the British, Austrian, and Russian forces to form a European situation and reshuffle the European sphere of influence.

But what makes them most incredible in Britain is that even though Prussia was originally a small player among the four countries, the Russian Empire always acted as a bystander from beginning to end and did not participate or maintain the pattern of the Vienna Peace Conference. Instead, it helped many times. The Netherlands resisted British pressure.

This caused dissatisfaction in London with Alexander II of the Russian Empire. "

"Do you think that the rapid expansion of France's colonies will cause a crisis for Britain in the eastern Mediterranean?" asked the Marquess of Salisbury.

"Won't"

"Oh why?"

Robert shook his head and denied: "No, firstly, Napoleon III is not stupid and understands the power of the British navy. But, there are also many British troops in India. If His Majesty is offended, he will attack France from both sides and attack France." What is also very uncomfortable is that, especially their interests in the Far East, will fall into our British hands in an instant."

"That's right, today is Friday, and the day after tomorrow is Sunday. Just go to Russell's place to report in. Remember to bring a gift. As for the gift, I think, based on what you just said, your attitude towards the current British diplomacy Policies and comments will become your signature."

Robert was overjoyed and said, "It's my father."

amsterdam.

When William IV recalled many past lives of Disraeli and Creston, the two successors of the Tory and Whig parties, in order to make targeted arrangements, he thought of the next generation of successors of the Tory Party. He is also the successor to Disraeli, the second leader of the Tory Party today.

That person was the third Marquess of Salisbury, who inherited the title in 1866. He was the British Prime Minister for nearly 14 years starting from 1885. He failed once in the middle, and the one who failed was Gladstone. This British Prime Minister has served as a leader for two terms.

Even after he, the Marquess of Salisbury, served as the third Prime Minister, his nephew Arthur Balfour took over as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after 1902, continuing the Tory Party's ruling position and further consolidating its position as Prime Minister. The Cecil family's position in British politics. The Tory Party, a liberal party, has been controlled by the Cecil family for more than 30 years.

Should such a family, the Netherlands, make long-term investments? I just don’t know if people will accept it.