The sun never sets in America

Chapter 428 Secret Agreement between Spain and England
Zaragoza is a city located in the middle of the land close to Western Europe, especially France.

If this city is placed in peacetime, both from a geographical perspective and the local population density, it can ensure that the locals live a relatively good life.

But during the war, such a land city that was close to both Western Europe and the Spanish capital Madrid was destined to represent a "bloody storm."

In just over a week since France declared war on Spain, two key actions occurred that shocked Europe.

The first one was to break through the defense line composed of 300,000 troops in a day and a half, leaving the Spaniards far behind.

The second one was the sea landing operation launched in Valencia the day before.

In this landing battle, the performance of the Royal Spanish Navy can almost be described as "horrible". Even the Spaniards themselves described their navy as an "old snail", and even extreme people called for the disbandment of the navy after the war. .

In this naval battle, the French navy wiped out fifteen Spanish naval ships, including four new battleships of about 6,000 tons, at the cost of losing two cruisers.

Although this so-called battleship is below the Han Navy's seven thousand tons standard, it should be classified into the "heavy cruiser", a special standard established within the Han Navy.

But in today's Europe, an ironclad ship of more than 5,000 tons can be called a battleship. After all, for most small countries in Europe at this time, their demand for 10,000-ton ships is not as strong as that of big countries, and even if they do give a few 10,000-ton ships If you give them a ship, they may not be able to afford it.

Even "insulting" is not accurate, it should be called "crushing"! 1
It was also under such a short but crazy record that shocked Europe that the entire Kingdom of Spain had actually reached a decision-making intersection of destiny.

Should we directly agree to the surrender conditions of the French and become a slave country that can be called upon from now on? Or should we hold on to the only bargaining chip and delay the time until Europe is in chaos? Or should we agree to the British conditions and put the country into chaos? The future and fate of the entire country rests on the "little credit" British.

"Spear, Spear—"

When Spanish soldiers with yellow towel rags on their faces appeared on the battlefield, for the French, this only slowed down their offensive and could not effectively solve the fundamental problems of the war.

The navy is a branch born for offense. The greatest role of the navy is in offense, that is, in the process of fighting for sea control. If a navy does not pursue sea control, its fate will not be worse than that of the "Navy of the Qing Dynasty" Better will only lead to faster demise, because his enemies will not give up on cultivating an offensive navy.

"Ahem-"

As for the third-rate powers in Europe, in fact, the demand for the navy may have been huge before, but since the loss of overseas colonies in the Americas and Asia, the size of the entire navy has been in the process of shrinking.

It seems that defense and offense are just a change of direction, but the biggest difference between the navy and the army is that there are no trenches, no so-called bunkers, high ground, or even underground passages.

"The French guy used gas bombs, quick, gas mask-"

The goal of the entire navy has actually changed from an offensive blue water navy to a defensive yellow water navy.

When the Spanish Latin word "gas bomb", which has only become popular recently, spread throughout the 17-kilometer-long blocking position, a total of 150,000 Spanish soldiers quickly fell into the fear of poison gas bombs. , the reason for this is that the Spaniards did not have enough gas masks.

For an army with serious corruption, the most terrifying thing is not corruption, but when something corrupt appears on the battlefield and poses a fatal threat. When they can't take it out at that moment, that's the really funny moment. ! !

Looking at the company commander wearing a gas mask, no matter how dissatisfied he was, he could only squeeze out a small amount of yellow-white liquid, endure the "pain", and turn himself into a "masked superman".

"Replace bombs, release smoke bombs——"

After hundreds of years since the independence of the South American colonies and the North American colonies, the Kingdom of Spain has once again reached a crossroads of destiny.
-
"Cough cough", a puff of smoke rose from above the trench, and the Spanish soldiers in the trench kept coughing as if they had a severe cold.

"Quick, use a towel and pee on it——"

"Poison gas bomb, poison gas bomb-"

In this naval battle in Valencia, the offensive navy, which was basically composed of 10,000-ton battleships and large cruisers, aimed at pursuing sea control, was an insult to the Spanish navy, which was old and decadent and had completely lost its "fighting spirit".

"Hurry up, don't hesitate!!"

Comrade Little pushed his comrade who was lying on the ground with his hand. Before he could continue speaking, the surrounding soldiers fell to the ground one after another. The speed was so fast that before the Spanish commander could react, their number had been reduced by 100%. Fifty.

French Army Colonel Deller is a typical European man with a hooked nose. The downward curved hooked nose, fair skin, and sharp brown eyeballs form a strange combination. He looks like a white man. , a "hybrid" of all contradictions and beauty.

"Crack——"

Extra-large smoke grenades were stuffed into the cannon's ammunition inlet by the French artillery. Then, the moment the artillery commander waved the flag, a true "load and fire" was realized, and there was even no time to adjust. There are very few, and most of them just move the firing position slightly. As for the angle, it has not changed at all. This shows the French's confidence and recognition of their own artillery strength! !
"Swish", a series of shells broke through the air, and the Spaniards on the opposite side retreated into the trench as usual, but when they looked out again, they knew for the first time that it was "white" above.

From a technical point of view, the smoke bombs used by the French army are second-generation products. Whether it is the detonation delay after launch or the power of the smoke bombs themselves, they are more than one step ahead of the smoke bombs used by the Han army.

After all, many of the Han Army's current technologies belong to the previous generation, and the Han Army has never paid much attention to gadgets such as smoke bombs. Even in the Han Army's procurement list, smoke bombs do not even account for a higher proportion than bayonets. .

The most fundamental reason is that the Han army's offensive needs have changed dramatically after the emergence of machine guns and airships.

For the French who have just used machine guns, their use of machine guns is still in a very primitive state, basically used as artillery. As for the so-called establishing tactics around machine guns, it is basically impossible at present.

In this war, although the French's use of machine guns seemed very primitive, there was no problem in crushing the Spanish, who were still importing "high-priced machine guns" to Britain.

"Da da da", the French machine gun is a typical French-style weapon. For the sake of beauty, the French even gave this machine gun called "Marseille March" and codenamed T10 a so-called French transformation. It looks like It looks like a large box, but this box has a long barrel.

As for the so-called grip, it has also been changed from the Han army's two hands to one hand. The consequence of this is that the force the soldiers' shoulders bear is much greater than when the Han army held it with both hands, and You know, the Han army only uses a single handshake when it comes to light machine guns, while the French army uses the same "water-cooled heavy machine gun". You can imagine how big the gap will be.

As for why a single-handle handshake is used, this French military industrial designer has the most say. After all, for them, appearance means everything. Regardless of whether it is useful or not, good-looking is the first, and ease of use is also very important, but it is often in the Second class position.

"Replace bombs..."

"Crack!!"

A series of ammunition chains were inserted by French soldiers, followed by a violent firestorm. But it was obvious that the French were still in their infancy in the use of machine guns. They basically fired at one location without instructions from a superior, even if There are artillery shells around, and they must stick here, not for anything else, but for the so-called "execution of orders."

During this period, after the transformation of Napoleon III and its own fine traditions, the French army was actually more strict than the Prussians, and it could even be said that it was a bit too strict.

Basically, as long as the higher-level instructions require it, the following will complete it. But if there are no requirements from above, then this so-called "European Lion" will be in a dilemma.

Switching back and forth between moving forward and standing firm, in the end, I chose to stay put and wait for orders from my superiors.

Although many French army officers have reported this almost "stupid" behavior to their superiors, the "old antiques" above still went their own way and ignored them.

They even cited the so-called success on the Italian battlefield and the recent record as a comparison, and finally came to the conclusion:
"The French Army is invincible in Europe!!"

Since they were all invincible, why should they change anything? Moreover, the changes were still in such sensitive areas. Over time, the French themselves gave up on this so-called "self-progressive innovation".

After all, why should we risk "innovation" if we can survive conservatively? Of course, in this war where the eagle pecks the chicken, the French army's "rigid" command system was not exposed, but appeared to adapt.

Even in the war with the Spanish, the French army's tactics of advancing step by step, slowly advancing, followed by artillery and machine guns, were simply a nightmare for the Spanish! !

For the British observation group, which has been at the rear of the Spanish army, there is a big difference between the French army they saw and the "devil" and "big devil" in the eyes of the Spanish.

(The British sent an observation team to the US military since the beginning of the war and conducted detailed observations of the entire war)
The biggest difference is perception. For the British who have been observing American wars, in their view, the basic quality of the French army is basically the same as that of the US military. In some aspects, such as war experience, As well as the quality of weapons, they are at least half a generation behind the US military.

Even comparing the Han army with the French army is unfair, because it is also an "insult" to the Han army.

"The French's artillery fire was stronger than we imagined, and their artillery fire was even comparable to that of the Han army."

Brigadier General Peart of the British Observation Corps, as a veteran artilleryman who has served in the British Army for more than 20 years, has commanded many colonial wars. Even during last year's Indian Uprising, he was the one who used "artillery executions" to scare those who Stupid "Asan".

And just after he came back from Washington, he was assigned to the Spanish military observation group.

"Artillery is a French tradition. This is not surprising, but have you noticed that their use of new weapons such as machine guns is still very old-fashioned. Basically, they use a machine gun as a fixed firepower point. It has nothing to do with those artillery positions. The difference is not even as good as a movable mortar..."

Major General Bilson wore a military cap and an earth-colored military uniform. This military uniform was standard for the British colonial troops. He himself had just returned from Africa.

"The French are very strong, but they are by no means as strong as the French boast. They are basically a US military that has lost flexibility but has a sense of stability..."

"No, their fighting will is higher than that of the Americans. After all, this is Europe!!"

Lieutenant General Silette was the leader of the observation group. He saw at a glance the huge difference between the French army and the US military. That is, since the return of Napoleon III, coupled with the victory of foreign wars and the annexation of Italy, the French army at this time was still It really feels a bit like Napoleon's Guards back in the day, but it's just a reduced version.

"I think the strength of the French army should be considered the first echelon, or even the first level, in Europe today. After all, no matter how bad they are, they are still stronger than those stupid Russian bears!!"

Brigadier General Peart's disgust for the Russians is a natural instinct. In his opinion, the Russians are just a group of beasts that rely on brute force, have no brains, and only know how to eat. Sooner or later, they will experience the Crimea again. Failed miserably.

“Where are the Prussians??”

"According to our intelligence, the Prussians may make big moves recently, and they may launch a war at this time. After all, there is no time more suitable to start a war than this time..."

Major General Bilson cares more about the Prussians than the French. After all, no matter how you put it, once Prussia goes to war, it will definitely be a check for the French, and it is even in line with Britain's current "Continental Rebalancing" strategy.

"If Prussia goes to war, then this war will be too important to them!!"

"And for us, it's also a good thing. The more chaotic Europe is, the more frequently it will intervene!!"

As a senior military officer, Lieutenant General Silette's considerations were completely different from those of these simple generals.

"But it is said that the cabinet can no longer bear the pressure..."

"I'm afraid..."

Although Major General Bilson is eager for military success, he actually knows very well what consequences it will have for Britain to intervene in the European War at this time. This means that many strategies must be interrupted and more needs to be transferred to other countries. Interests.

"War will come sooner or later. What we have to do is to keep everything under our control..."

Lieutenant General Silette said a series of great truths, and then the entire observation team fell into the previous state of "observation without incident".

On the entire battlefield, the situation is basically one-sided. It has become a foregone conclusion that the French army will crush the Spanish army. As Silette said in his report to the mainland:
"France's conquest of Spain is inevitable. The most important thing now is to occupy the Strait of Gibraltar and lock the French in the interior of Spain before the French army can react..."

Russell, who received the telegram, was having a seemingly ordinary meeting with Prussian Prime Minister Bismarck.

.........

"Mr. Bismarck, in principle we can agree to the diplomatic recognition requested by Prussia, but I need to ensure that in this war, Germany's future distance should not include Austria and its surrounding areas..."

Hearing the same request as the French, Bismarck cursed in his heart, but he calmly said:

"The Kingdom of Prussia has no idea about Austria. We will abide by the agreement before the war..."

After Russell got what he wanted, he began to talk about the current situation in Europe. Among them, the hottest Franco-Spanish War was the most mentioned topic.

"Mr. Bismarck, I think the British Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia have the same purpose and common interests. Neither of us wants a French Empire to rule Europe. The last French Empire has made the whole of Europe, including Prussia, breathless... …”

"We must keep the balance of power in Europe, what do you say, Herr Bismarck??"

Bismer knew Russell's words very well. After all, he had been dealing with the British for several years and had met many times in private and secretly. It can be said that not only Bismer, but almost all Prussian strategists thought of the British. , everything is clear.

"Your Excellency, Prime Minister, you are right, but Prussia is only a small country. We cannot compare with the French in terms of soldiers and industrial output. If we really go to war, I'm afraid..."

Seeing the miserable Bismarck in front of him, Russell suppressed the displeasure in his heart and asked: "What do you need?"

"Economy, weapons!!"

Bismarck did not hesitate to say what he had been holding back.

Russell hesitated for a while, and then spoke:
"In terms of economics, we plan to provide you with a loan of 100 million pounds for one year and an interest rate of 6%. I think this is the best condition!!"

"As for weapons, any army weapons except the navy, we can provide them at a price, provided that the loan we give..."

Bismarck kept weighing the pros and cons in his mind, and finally said:
"Five percent interest, 200 million pounds, and we must provide the latest battleships. It doesn't have to be technology, but we must get the spare parts including power and assemble it ourselves, and you also need to send expert guidance..."

Russell cursed "greed" in his heart, but in the end he nodded heavily.

Opposite him, Pismai showed no happy expression at all, and even felt as if nothing had happened just now.

The next day, a secret agreement between Prussia and Britain was signed in a London hotel.

This secret agreement includes military intelligence, economic assistance, weapons technology and other projects including war.

Among them, the most important thing to the Prussians is "recognition", which belongs to the British Empire! !

(End of this chapter)