Empire Rising: Spain

Chapter 132: Chapter 118: Agriculture Isn’t as Alluring as Finance

Since March 1872, a grand military reform began to unfold officially in Spain. To prevent a significant impact on the army, the reform would be implemented in batches throughout the Spanish Army.

The first to undergo reform, naturally, were the garrison troops around Madrid. The good news is that the troops defending the capital are the elite among all Spanish forces. Most soldiers and officers in this army possess certain abilities, and the number of officers and soldiers in the scope of disbandment is not many, so the impact on the troops themselves will not be significant.

Choosing this army as the primary target for reform is naturally because it would be less affected by the military reform.

After the reform of this army is completed, the military reform of other armies throughout Spain can be pushed forward boldly and confidently.

With this army protecting the capital Madrid, coupled with the Guard Army stationed near the palace, the Spanish Government can be ensured not to face any danger, and the military reform can proceed stably.

When Spain officially launched the large-scale military reform, Carlo detailedly understood the current structures and stationed conditions of the Spanish Army.

Currently, the entire Spanish Army consists of 28 line infantry regiments, 11 light infantry battalions, 12 cavalry regiments, 1 engineer regiment, and 14 colonial defense corps.

The total number of soldiers exceeds 100,000, among which about 70,000 are stationed in mainland Spain, and over 30,000 are stationed in various Spanish colonies.

It is worth mentioning that among all the formations of the Spanish Army, there is no separate formation solely for artillery.

Spain indeed has artillery, but they exist in the form of artillery companies embedded in infantry regiments and cavalry regiments.

Moreover, the total number of cannons in Spain is only slightly over 200, which shows a significant gap compared to the great powers during the Austro-Prussian War and the Franco-Prussian War.

However, this is understandable. Speaking of cannon technology and the scale of artillery equipment, significant changes have indeed occurred only over the past ten years.

Especially after Prussia smelted iron and steel using a new steel-making method and then delivered a fatal blow to the French army with steel cannons, countries gradually increased their attention toward artillery.

This is not like the First World War decades later, where the equipment of machine guns and cannons in each country had become innumerable. In this era, infantry and cavalry still dominated in various countries, with machine guns yet to be invented.

To enhance the combat power of the Spanish Army, apart from conducting military reform and improving the military quality of officers and soldiers, large-scale artillery equipment is required, and in the future, large-scale machine gun equipment as well.

Improving the advanced level of weaponry while enhancing the military quality of officers and soldiers is the effective way to improve the combat capability of the Spanish Army.

However, these are clearly beyond what Carlo can push forward now. Though Prime Minister Prim does not oppose some of Carlo’s opinions, he certainly will not allow Carlo to constantly interfere with government and military matters.

Fortunately, after this military reform, the combat power of the Spanish Army will also be effectively improved, and other matters can be addressed later without haste.

As time moved into April 1872, the Spanish Government became busy as well. Prime Minister Prim not only had to focus on army reform but also needed to devote much effort to the reform of the Spanish Government and economic development.

At the same time, after the marital alliance with the Austria-Hungary Royal Family, Spain needed to make diplomatic moves. Currently, the treaty between Spain and Austria-Hungary is under negotiation, which also diverted a part of Prime Minister Prim’s energy.

For Prime Minister Prim, who is about to turn 60, such busy affairs indeed bring considerable pressure. Currently, various developments in Spain have reached a relatively critical stage, making it almost impossible for Prime Minister Prim to have a good night’s sleep.

Unlike the busy and heavily pressured Prime Minister Prim, as the King of Spain, Carlo during this time is enjoying a leisurely life as a carefree king.

Following the wedding, Carlo and Queen Sophie embarked on a honeymoon.

Carlo, along with Queen Sophie, first resided for a while in the Madrid Royal Palace, then traveled to cities such as Toledo, Valladolid, Seville, and Valencia, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Spain along the way.

However, the regions Carlo passed through were all in central and southern Spain, which are under the government’s control, ensuring safety.

Of course, during Carlo’s travels, the Guard Army deployed cavalry and infantry battalions for protection. With the protection of these soldiers, Carlo’s safety was basically assured.

Even in the face of thousands of rebels, the Guard Cavalry Battalion and Guard Infantry Battalion could hold on until the Spanish Government troops arrived. Unless faced with tens of thousands of rebels, nothing can threaten Carlo’s safety.

Carlo pays considerable attention to his safety. Besides deploying these Guard Army units to provide protection, the already established Royal Security Intelligence Bureau also accompanies for protection.

The Royal Security Intelligence Bureau was established on May 17, 1870. After a year-long trial period, Carlo affirmed the abilities of the Bureau Chief, Kadir Bruno, and officially appointed him as the Director of the Royal Security Intelligence Bureau, becoming one of his trusted aides.