Empire Rising: Spain

The advantages of breech-loading rifles over muzzle-loading rifles are very obvious, which is why Louis I is quite taken with this rifle in his hands.

“Carlo, is this your latest Vitali M1872 Rifle?” Louis I asked with some interest.

As the neighbor of Spain, Portugal is, of course, aware of the standard weapons currently being equipped by the Spanish Army.

However, at the time, the relationship between Spain and Portugal was not good, and there wasn’t a strong demand within Portugal to replace their rifles. As a result, the Portuguese Army has not yet fully adopted the latest breech-loading rifles.

“Of course.” Carlo nodded, seemingly foreseeing the Royal Military Factory securing an order: “This is the latest model after a secondary modification based on Italy’s Vitali Rifle. What do you think? It feels pretty good, doesn’t it?”

“It truly is excellent, feels great.” Louis I nodded, greatly admiring the rifle in his hand: “What is the cost of this rifle?”

Louis I did not ask Carlo about the pros and cons of this rifle, as there’s no point in asking a merchant if their goods are good or not.

For Louis I’s own usage experience, he believes it is a good rifle. Even if it is not the best compared to those used by European countries, it is definitely a first-class product.

If he could seize this opportunity to purchase a batch of rifles to equip the Portuguese Army, it would effectively enhance their combat strength.

In the era when machine guns had not yet been invented, countries generally had limited firepower options. Besides the rifles used by infantry, the main source of firepower for armies was cannons.

The saying goes, “when the cannon roars, gold reigns.” Not all countries can equip their armies with cannons on a large scale like France and Germany; Portugal is naturally included in this.

Since there aren’t enough cannons for firepower output, the Portuguese Army can only rely on rifles for enemy casualties.

But since the Franco-Prussian War, wars between European countries have long ceased to be about lining up and shooting. Countries have increasingly emphasized the range, rate of fire, and power of rifles. Equipping a rifle with a faster rate of fire means having a stronger firepower in frontal engagements.

“Before the Royal Military Factory expanded production, the cost of the Vitali M1872 Rifle was quite high. But now, with the expansion, the cost of this rifle has halved. If your country wants to procure the Vitali M1872 Rifles, I can authorize the Royal Military Factory to offer your country an insider price, after all, we are close partners, aren’t we?” said Carlo with a smile.

This is truly a case of being in the right place at the right time. After the Royal Military Factory expanded production, the output of weapons multiplied several times in a short period.

According to the current trend, the Spanish Army has hope of fully transitioning to the Vitali M1872 Rifle within a year.

After completing this order, the Royal Military Factory would have no other orders in the short term, which is somewhat of a problem.

Although the Portuguese Army is not large, it is still of a certain scale. If Portugal decides to procure the Vitali M1872 Rifles, the expanded production lines of the Royal Military Factory can continue operations.

Louis I nodded, feeling somewhat tempted but not rushing to make a decision.

Although in some respects Louis I was willing to compromise, this does not mean that Portugal will fully align with Spain.

Spain is ultimately not as powerful as the United Kingdom, and what Portugal needs to do is maintain a balance between the United Kingdom and Spain to ensure its own security and development.

If Spain were to reclaim Gibraltar and occupy Morocco under British deterrence, Louis I might then consider aligning with Spain.

But until then, Spain is ultimately like a beast trapped in a cage, unable to take care of itself, if not outright, at least with its actions restricted.

Portugal could make certain compromises for its own stability but will not relinquish too many interests.

While agreeing to synchronize the railway track width with Spain, the main reason is that Louis I believes the British will not allow Spain to heavily influence Portugal.

Being slightly closer to Spain is also beneficial, as it at least shows the British that Portugal’s opinions cannot be excessively ignored; after all, Portugal is a crucial part of British defenses against Spain.

If Portugal cannot hold its ground, Spain exerting a greater influence over Portugal or even dominating the country would not be out of the question.

If Spain achieved double hegemony, could Gibraltar remain unscathed?

Seeing Louis I beating around the bush, Carlo understood that Louis I had other considerations in mind.

Although unable to secure an order for the Royal Military Factory, it ultimately had little impact, and Carlo did not mind.

Carlo had long anticipated that Portugal would not fully lean towards Spain, as doing so would mean handing all initiative to Spain.

Smart people will surely choose to oscillate between the British and the Spaniards to ensure their interests.

If one were to completely side with one party, they would more easily be overlooked. After all, the more you have, the less appreciated it tends to be. Creating a slight sense of crisis can make one more valued.

During the week that Louis I and his wife spent in Spain, they toured many Spanish regions, including Madrid, and even observed the construction site of the Spanish Rejuvenation-class Ironclad, the Rejuvenation.

Regarding Spain restarting the construction of ironclads, Louis I could only look on enviously. Compared to Spain, Portugal is still too small; a 500,000 Pounds ironclad is tantalizing, but beyond their reach.

An individual ironclad might not be costly, but what use is just one? The purpose of building an ironclad is to have a powerful navy, requiring many other warships to form a comprehensive fleet.

Unable to afford the expenses of a strong fleet, this is the fundamental reason Louis I envied Carlo.

Although both are kings, Carlo is younger, ruling over Spain, a country still with some heritage despite its weaknesses.

Though Portugal’s decline is not as exaggerated as Spain’s, Portugal itself is not a strong nation. After losing Brazil, Portugal’s presence in Europe became minimal.

Ruling such a not-so-powerful country left Louis I, with his ambitious aspirations, helpless, shedding tears of envy.