My British Empire - Chapter 563

  Chapter 563 Federation Kingdom

   On the spot, all members of parliament reached an agreement and decided to abolish Philip II’s legal right to rule the Netherlands. The Habsburg family no longer has the right to rule the Netherlands.

  Of course, there are royalists at all times, and someone suggested that other princes of the Habsburg family could be invited to inherit the throne.

  However, Protestant priests and nobles opposed it one after another, saying that the Habsburg family was no longer worthy of ruling the Netherlands.

  Therefore, there can only be two candidates for the position of the new governor: Louis, Prince of Orange, and King Edward, King of England.

   In this regard, it is difficult to choose the candidate for the governor at this time.

   “Everyone, the former Prince of Orange has always been an important pillar of the independence of the Netherlands, and the new Prince of Orange is no exception. He has always been an indispensable part of the Netherlands!”

  A nobleman stood up abruptly and shouted loudly.

   “No, the Prince of Orange is flirting with those nobles in the south, and keeps in touch. I’m afraid he no longer wants to be the governor-general, and wants to be a loyal subject of Philip II!”

   “In my opinion, His Majesty Edward of England is the real Governor of the Netherlands!”

  An aristocratic councilor who was inclined to England also stood up and retorted righteously.

   “He’s Protestant—”

  Another congressman spoke abruptly.

   “He’s into science—”

   “He loves the people—”

   “He opposed tyranny—”

“He is the king of England and the United Kingdom. He treats his courtiers friendly, forgives his people, and is enthusiastic about business. In particular, he has always supported the actions of the Netherlands against the tyrant and gave us great support. He is the leader of the Netherlands. A true and reliable friend of the people, he is definitely the only candidate for the governor of the Netherlands!”

  Aristocrats seemed to be counting their numbers, and each of them seemed to have discussed in private, talking about the characteristics of His Majesty Edward one by one.

  Prince of Orange is too young; he has been hiding in the German region;

  The shortcomings of Prince Orange were also pointed out one by one.

More and more people joined in the fun, and as more and more people talked, most of the councilors compared the Prince of Orange and King Edward in their hearts. After some arguments, it was finally clear that King Edward was Ned. Lan needs the governor.

   “In this case, then, I announce that the new Governor-General will be His Majesty King Edward of England!”

   Baron Grant made the final decision, and finally confirmed the real governor candidate, so that the congressmen were really at ease.

   Sitting aside, Mr. John, who was specially invited and was the most active during the revolutionary period in the Netherlands, showed a knowing smile, and then touched his pocket as if distressed.

   After this trip, all the activity funds have been consumed, and I am afraid that I will have to count on the allocation again.

In March 1566, representatives of more than 10 provinces, including the Netherlands and Zeeland, concluded the “Utrecht Alliance” in Utrecht, announcing joint operations “like one province” and formulating a common military and diplomatic strategy. policy.

  In May, the three-level meeting of the Utrecht League formally passed the “Oath Act”, deposing Philip II and declaring independence from Spain

  In June, King Edward Tudor of England also signed the covenant.

  The following year, several provinces and regions including Groningen also joined the alliance.

  …

  The Southern Principalities, Earls, and even the Bishopric of the Netherlands opposed each other and established the Alliance of Arras, recognizing Philip II as the monarch, in an attempt to capture the Northern Netherlands together.

  Philip II, who was blown up, immediately borrowed from Venice and Genoa, resulting in a government with high debts.

   After all, at this critical moment of the war, the collapse of the government is absolutely what Philip II did not want to see, and he could not see it anymore.

  Of course, back in March, when Edward heard that he had been elected governor of the North Netherlands, he himself was stunned.

  Even though he had fantasized about it many times and made too many plans for foreshadowing, when the position of governor reached his head, he was still a little dizzy.

  The Netherlands, the most developed region in this era, is also the maritime overlord who will enjoy the sea coachman and rule the sea for a century in the future, and finance is prevalent.

  Historically, the real rise of Britain was to grow up by absorbing the blood of the Dutch.

  Textile technology, finance, foreign trade, colonial companies, etc., there are too many places to imitate.

  The economy is developed, almost everything is leading, and they are all role models to learn from.

   “Although the northern Netherlands is a bit small, it is an elite area, and it is extremely important for the United Kingdom to replenish blood!”

  Edward pressed his national seal on the decree to become governor, and then signed his name, before thinking about it in a trance.

   “Although the acquisition of the Netherlands region has many benefits, there are still countless troubles. Although the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, the big ones are not obvious!”

  Edward understood that although the North Netherlands chose him as the governor, although he had spent money to cheat and supported it for a long time, the most important thing was the threat of Spain.

  The nascent Netherlands needs to face the huge Spanish fleet and the terrifyingly terrifying army, which is full of dangers and may be extinguished at any time.

   His Majesty Edward is different. Let him become the governor, and he will bring the United Kingdom, which has greatly increased its national strength. With the United Kingdom on its back, the Netherlands has a great possibility of surviving and becoming more and more prosperous.

  So, becoming the governor of the Netherlands, there are good and bad, and it is very likely that the United Kingdom will be dragged into the abyss of war.

   “Mr. Prime Minister, prepare war reserve funds from now on! A war is about to begin!”

  Seeing the resolute and heartbroken look on his prime minister’s face, Edward couldn’t help showing a little smile.

   “Yes, Your Majesty!”

   “James—” “Yes, Your Majesty!” Secretary of the Navy James also seemed to have expected something, he took a step forward, then bowed his head and agreed.

   “How about the reform of the Navy?”

   “The navy has no financial problems, and the corrupt people have been eliminated.

   As for the new ships, they have been verified and are completely feasible, so nearly twenty ships have been equipped, and ten more are in production! “

  Although the navy has been preparing for it, it has inherent disadvantages. Compared with the Spaniards, the gap in strength is still too large.

   “Say, how does it compare to the Spaniards? What are the chances of winning?”

   “Your Majesty, with all due respect, the United Navy can only defend the kingdom’s offshore waters, and cannot go to sea to fight Spain?”

   Edward heard this, frowned, and asked again:

   “What if you add the Portuguese Navy and the armed merchant ships of the Netherlands?”

  Portugal is an ally, not to mention the Netherlands, facing Spain, it is also possible to fight against the enemy.

   “This, if it is carried out in the English Channel! It can have a winning rate of half!”

  Many boats are very useful, it still depends on people!

   With half the winning rate, Edward was relieved.

   A few days later, the northern Netherlands announced the establishment of the United Provinces, with King Edward VI of England concurrently serving as king.

  At this moment, Philip II of Madrid finally couldn’t bear it anymore.

  (end of this chapter)