The Kingdom of Spain

[Hussam B.]

The Kingdom of Spain
Reino de España

Head of State: His Most Imperial Catholic Majesty Jose I Fernando de Baviera, King of Spain

Spanish Royal Family:
Spouse: Maria Amalia of Austria, married 1722

[Hussam B.]

Spanish Economy, 1729:

Bavarian Economy, 1729:

15 Year Pregame Build:

[Hussam B.]

Manpower:

The Spanish Army:

The Colonial Army:

The Bavarian Army:

The Spanish Navy:

[Hussam B.]

Spanish Build, 1702:

Bavarian Build, 1702:

[Hussam B.]

The coronation of the youth Josef Ferdinand marks the triumph of the Bavarian faction in Spanish court politics. They had formed around the figure of the Queen Mother Maria Antonia of Austria and though she herself would not live to witness it, the coronation of Josef Ferdinand was her posthumous victory in internal struggle against the Queen consort, Maria of Neuberg, and the latter's own German clique in the Spanish court.

As result, the widow Maria, as per Charles's will, is to be given a good allowance each year as well as treated with respect by his successor. In effect, she is respectfully asked by Max Emanuel to vacate Madrid before the arrival of the new monarch. Leaving her no choice but to settle in the nearby city of Toledo, where she will live in the old and dark Alcazar, only able to correspond with relatives in Germany.

Other members of the German Clique found similar downfalls in their fortune, including the Admiral of Castile, the Constable and three members of the State Council. These dismissals insures the elimination of dissenting influences in the state but also made sure that 1701 proved to be a year of relative inaction by the Spanish navy and army as the newly formed regency governing board assumes the responsibility of directing both forces.

Max Emmanuel spends 1701 attending to Spanish affairs, working hard to establish good relations with the Spanish nobility, particularly the nobles of Navarra and Aragon who are protective of their privileges. So far, young Josef has been received warmly as the great-grandson of Philip IV of Spain while Maximilian and Cardinal Portocarrero have reached an accord regarding the governing of the realm, and Bavarian mercenaries find service in the Kingdom of Spain, marking a new chapter in Spanish History.

[Hussam B.]

- 6 Infantry Brigades (2 Spanish, 4 Bavarian)
- 3 Cavalry Brigades (2 Spanish, 1 Bavarian)

[Hussam B.]

SPANISH BUILD:

BAVARIAN BUILD:

[Hussam B.]

The year saw the end of hostilities in Europe and the army led by Max Emanuel to safeguard Bavaria ultimately proved unnecessary. After some ceremonial marshaling and parading, the Spanish-Bavarian force soon returned to Iberia though the Elector himself would remain in Munich for a time as the Imperial Election looms in the horizon. Back in Spain, Cardinal Portocarrero maintains the status quo, overseeing the affairs and intrigues of the nobility with diligence if not inspiration. He continues to resist attempts by upstarts to take advantage of Spain's new situation and Monarch without causing major upheaval in the Kingdom. The multiple councils of the Spanish State are maintained and meet regularly on their appointed schedule to fulfill their duties as normal. The exception, of course, being the Council of State itself which grew in prominence as it was headed by Cardinal Portocarrero and encompassed many of the Bavarian Party from before the succession. To maintain control of the other councilors in Spain, the Cardinal increases the oversight of the Council of State over the other Councils but stops short of that.

The young Josef Ferdinand remained under the oversight of Agnes Le Louchier, the Countess of Arco and a confidant of the Elector. She has taken up a position in the Royal Palace in Madrid and exerts great influence on the court. The Countess also oversees the Electors attempts to introduce Bavarian fashions and customs to the circles in Spain. These attempts include the establishment of the Spanish State Orchestra, the adoption of a Spanish version of the Reinheitsgebot, and the appointment of a Brewmaster General. While the prospect of success of these endeavors may seem questionable, the proceeds from them certainly do not harm Bavarian coffers.

The other noteworthy attempt of the year is the acquisition of Saint-Domingue from France in exchange for the colonies in Florida. The Spanish are more than pleased to establish full sovereignty over the island of Hispaniola and soon take over the former French position. Seeking to build on the momentum of this acquisition, the Council of State submits and obtains approval for an effort to revitalize the Caribbean area and promote settlement in Cuba and Hispaniola. Jesuit and Franciscan activity is similarly welcomed to the new colony as the Elector feels that good relations with the Church is more than useful for his ambitions. This is all accompanied by a commissioning of some extra troops (Including a Bavarian Mercenary Battalion) that will move to garrison and protect the new areas.

In Saint Domingue, now being integrated to Hispaniola, attention turns to the two troublesome settlements of Hôpital and Tortuga, notorious pirate havens now no longer under French protection. As Spanish troops move in to assume control of the general area, several emissaries are to be sent to these pirate havens to illustrate that their position has now shifted and it is no longer acceptable for them to prey on Spanish shipping. With the age of piracy generally being declined, a diplomatic settlement is to first be offered for the subjugation of these settlements under Spanish rule before moving on to more direct methods next year.

[Hussam B.]

SPANISH BUILD:

BAVARIAN BUILD:

[Hussam B.]

1705:

1706:

[TLS]

The Kaiser is Dead, Long Live the Kaiser!

With the passing of Leopold as Holy Roman Emperor in November, 1708, Maximillian II Emmanuel, King of the Romans, is called south to Rome to be crowned as the new Emperor. Seeking to make the greatest possible haste, in anticipation of potential plots to thwart the transition in Imperial dynasties, the coronation date is set for just before the Nativity Feast (Christmas).

[Hussam B.]

1707:

1708:

1709:

[Hussam B.]

The year saw two major events for Spain. The first was the accession of its regent, Maximilian of Bavaria, to the Imperial throne. The Elector, now Emperor, basked in the glow of his rising star and prestige as he spent the year in Munich performing the ceremonial functions of an Emperor. Receiving the dignitaries from both within and without the demesne in his palace.

In his opening year, the Emperor emphasizes his government in Munich with numerous acts of law: He appointed the Princes of the Thurn und Taxis dynasty as hereditary Postmasters General of the Imperial Reichspost. He also declared Munich as the Administrative seat of the Empire and began the task of expanding the Bavarian bureaucracy to deal with its new duties. He assembles an advisory body of reform-hungry officials and the young court in Munich is eager to prove to be a more efficient body with a significantly smaller number of privy councilors than in Habsburg times.

The second major event in Spain was the demise of the venerable Cardinal Portocarrero in September. Serving as the main backer for the succession of the young Joseph Ferdinand, he was found to be a strong ally of House Wittelsbach and was such rewarded with the position at the helm of Spanish administration. With Maximilian busy with Imperial affairs, Portocarrero served as the validoof the now Emperor and his young issue, and served in his capacity to pacify the political struggle brought in by the demise of the Habsburg line in Spain. While in that, he was successful, his administration saw little of the much needed change to the old systems of taxation and finance. His inability to effect any meaningful reform was the main protest of his harshest critics yet he endured until the end of his days, the Elector Maximilian's support always strong for his loyal allies.

Perhaps one of the other reasons that it was not his downfall is the difficulty of many in the nation to agree on how the change should be indeed implemented. In the University of Salamanca, a multitude of debates raged on the ideas of taxation and commerce. Many issues were examined, the fuerosand privileges granted to various crowns of Spain, the archaic and old practices that were hold overs from medieval times, commerce practices of other were looked upon: French Colbertism, English Acts of Navigation, Dutch Entrepotism. Indeed, even the immunity of the clergy was brought up.

Though Francisco Ronquillo Briceño takes over now as the head of the Council of State, with the young King José regency expected to end in 1710, it is clear that it is up to the new Monarch to steer the nation into reform, or else delegate the task to an entrusted person.

[Hussam B.]

1710:

1711:

[Hussam B.]

Spain 1712 Wartime Build

Income
Wartime Taxes: 9.25
Loan: 5 (10 years at 10%, 1 point per year to service)
Commerce: 37.7
Craft Centers: 2
Resources: 21.25
Colonial Settlements: 6.9
Total Income: 82.1

Maintenance: 57.05

Expenditures:
- 1 Infantry Brigade: 4
- 1 Cavalry Brigade: 5
- 6 Colonial Militia Battalions: 3

War Subsidies to Bavaria: 12.6

Bavaria 1712 Wartime Build

Income
Wartime Taxes: 1.5
Loan: 5 (10 years at 10%, 1 point per year to service)
Craft Centers: 1
Resources: 1
From Spain: 12.6
Total Income: 21.5

Maintenance: 7.1

Expenditures:
- 3 Militia Brigade to Infantry Brigade: 9
- Engineer Brigade: 5

[Hussam B.]

1712 supplement

Loan from Ireland: 5

Upgrading 5 Garrisons to Infantry: 5

[Hussam B.]

Spain 1713 Wartime Build
Income
Wartime Taxes: 8.7
Domestic Loan: 5
Dutch Loan: 5
Irish Loan: 5
Commerce: 33
Craft Centers: 2
Resources: 19.25
Colonial Settlements: 6.9
Total Income: 84.85

Maintenance:
24 Infantry Battalion 2.4
12 Infantry Brigade 6
4 Militia Infantry Brigade 0.4
1 Cavalry Regiment 1
2 Cavalry Brigade 2
23 Garrison Brigade 5.75
11 Fortress 5.5
3 BatRon 2.25
13 CruRon 6.5
21 PatRon 5.25
1 Naval Yard 0.5
Total: 38.55

Expenditures:
-9 Garrisons to Infantry Brigades: 9
-4 Militia Brigades to Infantry Brigades: 12
-2 Cavalry Brigades: 8
-1 Lateran Infantry Brigade (Avignon): 4
-Naval Repair (BatRon, 2 PatRons): 3.5
-1712 Domestic Loan Repayment: 0.55 (year 1/10)
-1712 Irish Loan Repayment: 0.55 (year 1/10)
-To Bavaria: 0.35
-For Supplementary Build: 8
Total: 45.95

Bavaria 1713 Wartime Build
Income
Wartime Taxes: 1.5
Loan: 5 (10 years at 10%, 1 point per year to service)
Craft Centers: 1
Resources: 1
From Spain: 0.35

Under Imperial Control: 6
-2 Ports
-2 Craft Centers
-2 Resources

Total Income: 14.85

Maintenance:
1 Infantry Battalion 0.1
5 Infantry Brigade 2.5
2 Militia Infantry Brigade 0.2
1 Engineer Brigade 3
1 Fortress 0.5
Total: 6.3

Expenditures:
- 2 Militia to Infantry Brigades: 6
- 1 Trier Garrison to Infantry Brigade: 1
- 1 Mainz Garrison to Infantry Brigade: 1
- 1712 Domestic Loan Repayment: 0.55 (year 1/10)

[Hussam B.]

Supplement to 1713 build:
From Main Build: 8
Loan from Poland: 5

Base in Paris: 2
Base in Marseilles: 2
Combining Mediterranean Island Battalions: 1
Combining African Battalions: 1
Upgrading 1 Cuba Battalion to Brigade: 3
Upgrade 3 Mexico Battalions to Brigade: 1
Depot(Santo Domingo): 1
Kept for ship repairs: 2

[Hussam B.]

Spain 1714 Build
Income
Peacetime Taxes: 4.5
Domestic Loan: 5
Dutch Loan: 5
Commerce: 30.25
Craft Centers: 3
Resources: 21.25
Colonial Settlements: 7.8
Total Income: 76.8

Maintenance:
11 Infantry Brigade 5.5
1 Cavalry Regiment 1
2 Cavalry Brigade 2
18 Garrison Brigade 4.5
13 Fortress 6.5
41 Infantry Battalion 4.1
2 BatRon 1.5
5 CruRon 2.5
15 PatRon 3.75
1 Naval Yard 0.5
2 Mercenary Bavarian Infantry Brigades 1.5
1 Mercenary Bavarian Infantry Battalion 0.15

Total: 33.5

Expenditures:
-Indemnity to England: 2
-2 Militia Infantry Brigade: 2
-4 Fortresses (Cadiz, Ferrol, Santo Domingo, Veracruz): 8 (1/2)
-2 Commercial Flotillas: 6
-Repair Naval Yards (Cadiz, Ferrol): 8 (1/5)
-Repairing 1 Heavily Damaged BatRon: 5
-Repairing 1 Lightly Damaged BatRon: 1
-Repairing 1 Heavily Damaged CruRon: 2.5
-Repairing 1 Damaged CruRon: 1.5
-1 BatRon(Havana): 1.5 (3/6)
-1 Naval Yard (Manila): 2/15 (6/12)
-1712 Loan Repayments (Domestic, Ireland): 1.1 (year 2/10)
-1713 Loan Repayments (Domestic, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland): 2.2 (year 1/10)
-To Bavaria: 0.5
Total: 43.3

Bavaria 1714 Build
Income
Peacetime Taxes: 0.75
Craft Centers: 1
Resources: 1
From Spain: 0.5 + 0.75 Merc Pay
Total Income: 4

Maintenance:
2 Infantry Brigade 1
1 Cavalry Brigade 1
1 Fortress 0.5
Total: 2.5

Expenditures:
- 1 Militia Infantry Brigade: 0.4/1
- 1712 Domestic Loan Repayment: 0.55 (year 2/10)
- 1713 Domestic Loan Repayment: 0.55 (year 1/10)

[Hussam B.]

Income
Peacetime Taxes: 4.5
Commerce: 33.5
Craft Centers: 3
Resources: 21.25
Colonial Settlements: 7.65
Total Income: 69.9

Maintenance:
14 Fortress 3.5
6 Garrison Brigade 1.5
71 Militia Infantry Regiment 3.55
2 Militia Infantry Brigades 0.2
26 Light Infantry Regiment 2.6
11 Infantry Brigade 2.75
2 Cavalry Regiment 0.5
2 Cavalry Brigade 1
7 BB2 1.75
15 FF1 3
30 PatRon 3
1 Naval Yard 0.5
2 Mercenary Bavarian Infantry Brigades 0.75
1 Mercenary Bavarian Infantry Battalion 0.15
Total: 24.75

Expenditures:
-4 Fortresses (Cadiz, Ferrol, Santo Domingo, Veracruz): 8 (2/2)
-1 Fortress (Puerto Rico): 2 (1/2)
-Repair Naval Yards (Cadiz, Ferrol): 8 (2/5)
-1 Naval Yard (Manila): 2/13 (7/10)
-3 BB1 (Havana): 2.1 (1/10)
-5 BB2 (Havana): 2.5 (1/6)
-6 FF1 (The Netherlands): 3 (1/4)
-6 PatRon: 3
-Naval Agreement: 3
-1 Garrison Brigade: 3
-2 Militia Infantry Regiment: 1
-1 Militia Infantry Regiment: 0.45/1
-1712 Loan Repayments (Domestic, Ireland): 1.1 (year 3/10)
-1713 Loan Repayments (Domestic, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland): 2.2 (year 2/10)
-1714 Loan Repayments (Domestic, Netherlands): 1.1 (year 1/10)
-To Bavaria: 2.7
Total: 45.15

Bavaria 1715 Build
Income
Peacetime Taxes: 0.75
Craft Centers: 1
Resources: 1
From Spain: 2.7 + 0.75 Merc Pay
Total Income:

Maintenance:
2 Infantry Brigade 0.5
1 Cavalry Brigade 0.5
1 Fortress 0.5
Total: 1.5

Expenditures:
- 1 Garrison Brigades: 3
- 1 Militia Infantry Brigade: 0.6/0.6
- 1712 Domestic Loan Repayment: 0.55 (year 3/10)
- 1713 Domestic Loan Repayment: 0.55 (year 2/10)

[Hussam B.]

With the end of the War of the Lateran League, the Kingdom of Spain slowly begins to recover from the damages inflicted upon it. Though deemed an acceptable cost for victory, the entire episode has highlighted that France can no longer be relied upon as a strategic partner at sea, at least not as long as its current monarch reigns and is set to continue its unholy alliance with the English to attack Spanish interests, it becomes necessary for the Kingdom to dedicate itself to shipbuilding and seeking other strategic partners at sea.

Domestically, the timing of the war had put all talk of financial and administrative reform on hold for its duration. Major policy meant to coincide with King Jose's appointment of a new President of the Council of State were effectively delayed as Francisco Ronquillo Briceño was retained as President of the Council of State to oversee the war effort. Now, with the end of the war, debate start again about the future of the Spanish State and the overhaul of the system inherited from the Habsburg Monarchy.

The Lateran War in its course had its effect on the national debate, with sentiment diminishing French Colbertist policies, once popular before the war, but now denounced as morally corrupt with its soulless avaricious approaches that led to the murder of good Christians in the name of ill-gotten wealth. Instead, traction grows to firmly establish reforms on the Thomist basis of distributive justice, a principle much espoused by the clerical School of Salamanca. Lately, the school has taken to debating the Teatro monárquico de España, a treatise published in 1700 by Pedro Portocarrero, Patriarch of the Indies and nephew of the powerful cardinal Portocarrero, in which he condemns the excessive tax burden that threatens to turn the monarchs into tyrants. Excessive and arbitrary taxes not only go against the original pact between sovereign and subjects, but also violate the rules of distributive justice. He recommits to the image of an organicist Spanish society but limits himself to a condemnation of the excessive privileges and immunities enjoyed by the privileged classes, but his polemic is to a large extent directed against nobility, and in particular against the venality of noble titles.

Thus policy was to be set in a way to promote the productive classes of the Kingdom and reduce the burdensome weight of the unproductive classes. Traditionally, the former encompassed farmers, artisans and merchants, but with advent of administrators from Germany, the focus seemed to also extend to the craft centers of Madrid and Cadiz, marking the beginning of a nascent movement of Spanish Cameralism.

For the immediate present, the office of President of Council of State is entrusted to Manuel de Vadillo y Velasco who is tasked by the king to work towards to eliminate the more severe excesses of Spanish administration and move to eliminate the various councils and consolidate them into a single Council of State.

[Hussam B.]

Income
Peacetime Taxes: 4.5
Commerce: 35
Craft Centers: 3
Resources: 21.25
Colonial Settlements: 8.9
Total Income: 72.65

Maintenance:
18 Fortress 4.5
7 Garrison Brigade 1.75
73 Militia Infantry Regiment 3.65
2 Militia Infantry Brigade 0.2
26 Light Infantry Regiment 2.6
11 Infantry Brigade 2.75
2 Cavalry Regiment 0.5
2 Cavalry Brigade 1
7 BB2 1.75
15 FF1 3
36 PatRon 3.6
1 Naval Yard 0.5
2 Mercenary Bavarian Infantry Brigades 0.75
1 Mercenary Bavarian Infantry Regiment 0.15
Total: 26.7

Expenditures:
-1 Fortress (Puerto Rico): 2 (2/2)
-Repair Naval Yards (Cadiz, Ferrol): 8 (3/5)
-1 Naval Yard (Manila): 6/12 (8/10)
-3 BB1 (Havana): 2.1 (2/10)
-5 BB2 (Havana): 2.5 (2/6)
-6 FF1 (Netherlands): 3 (2/4)
-4 Commercial Shipping Units: 6 (1/2)
-1 Garrison Brigade: 3
-1 Cavalry Regiment: 2
-1 Light Infantry Regiment: 1
-1 Militia Infantry Regiment: 0.05/0.05
-1712 Loan Repayments (Domestic, Ireland): 1.1 (year 4/10)
-1713 Loan Repayments (Domestic, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland): 2.2 (year 3/10)
-1714 Loan Repayments (Domestic, Netherlands): 1.1 (year 2/10)
-To Bavaria: 5.9
Total: 45.95

Bavaria 1716 Build
Income
Peacetime Taxes: 0.75
Craft Centers: 1
Resources: 1
From Spain: 5.9 + 0.3 Merc Pay
Total Income: 8.95

Maintenance:
1 Fortress 0.5
1 Garrison Brigade 0.25
1 Militia Infantry Brigade 0.1
2 Infantry Brigade 0.5
1 Cavalry Brigade 0.5
Total: 1.85

Expenditures:
- 2 Garrison Brigades: 6
- 1712 Domestic Loan Repayment: 0.55 (year 4/10)
- 1713 Domestic Loan Repayment: 0.55 (year 3/10)

[TLS]

The Donation of Gregory

After an interim period of administration by the Holy Father, the Pontiff elects to finally unload his territorial possessions in Southern Italy. To that end, other than re-establishing Papal control over historical territories (Abruzzo and Benevento, no real resources) the Kingdoms of Sicily and Naples are divided between the major players of the last war. Thus, Spain is granted sole rights and sovereignty over the Kingdom of Sicily.

It is commonly understood that the fact that the Pontiff has decided to split the two kingdoms, rather than amalgamate them into one sovereign state, is due to heavy lobbying by the Spanish and Austrian crowns--including, potentially, coordination between the houses of Wittelsbach and Hapsburg.

Game Effect: Starting 1716, Spain takes control of the island of Sicily, which grants it an additional 1,000,000 subjects and 1 resource at Palermo.

[Hussam B.]

Income
Peacetime Taxes: 4.75
Commerce: 35.5
Craft Centers: 3
Resources: 22.25
Colonial Settlements: 9.55
Total Income: 75.05

Maintenance:
18 Fortress 4.5
8 Garrison Brigade 2
74 Militia Infantry Regiment 3.7
2 Militia Infantry Brigade 0.2
27 Light Infantry Regiment 2.7
11 Infantry Brigade 2.75
2 Cavalry Regiment 0.5
2 Cavalry Brigade 1
7 BB2 1.75
15 FF1 3
36 PatRon 3.6
1 Naval Yard 0.5
2 Mercenary Bavarian Infantry Brigades 0.75
1 Mercenary Bavarian Infantry Regiment 0.15
Total: 27.6

Expenditures:
-1 Fortress (Palermo): 2 (1/2)
-Repair Naval Yards (Cadiz, Ferrol): 8 (4/5)
-1 Naval Yard (Manila): 3/6 (9/10)
-3 BB1 (Havana): 2.1 (3/10)
-5 BB2 (Havana): 2.5 (3/6)
-6 FF1 (Netherlands): 3 (3/4)
-4 Commercial Shipping Units: 6 (2/2)
-2 Garrison Brigade: 6
-7 Militia Infantry Regiment: 3.5
-1712 Loan Repayments (Domestic, Ireland): 1.1 (year 5/10)
-1713 Loan Repayments (Domestic, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland): 2.2 (year 4/10)
-1714 Loan Repayments (Domestic, Netherlands): 1.1 (year 3/10)
-To Bavaria: 6.85
Total: 47.4

Bavaria 1717 Build
Income
Peacetime Taxes: 0.75
Craft Centers: 1
Resources: 1
From Spain: 6.85 + 0.3 Merc Pay
Domestic Loan: 4.95
Spanish Loan: 1.6
Total Income: 16.45

Maintenance:
1 Fortress 0.5
3 Garrison Brigade 0.75
1 Militia Infantry Brigade 0.1
2 Infantry Brigade 0.5
1 Cavalry Brigade 0.5
Total: 2.35

Expenditures:
-1 Imperial Cavalry Brigade: 1.25/2.5 (year 1/2)
-4 Imperial Infantry Brigades: 4/8 (year 1/2)
-8 Imperial Cavalry Regiment: 4/8 (year 1/2)
-4 Imperial Light Infantry Brigade: 3/6 (year 1/2)
-3 Imperial Light Infantry Regiments: 0.75/1.5 (Year 1/2)
-1712 Domestic Loan Repayment: 0.55 (year 5/10)
-1713 Domestic Loan Repayment: 0.55 (year 4/10)

[TLS]

Los gansos salvajes

1717

The Spanish court is abuzz with activity following the declaration of war between Ireland and England. Since the Wittelsbach accession to the throne Spain has moved from victory to victory (ignoring, of course, the fact that most of her fleet was sent to the bottom of the North Atlantic) and is essentially the predominant Catholic power. France is consumed by her King’s mad delusions of heresy and unbridled power while the Hapsburgs in their hubris have lost their Imperial throne and most of their armies in the wars against France and the Swedes. Though the Pope is not directly loyal to the Wittelsbachs, his interests and those of El Escorial seem to align more often than not. Now, with French indecision extending even to the British Isles, another opportunity has arisen for Spain to show her character.

There is no love lost between Spain and England, since other than a few dalliances during the rule of the elder Cromwell the two countries have been at odds. Irish ties with Spain are not as deep as those with France, perhaps, but are hardly shallow—Irish earls and Confederates have been fleeing to Spain for centuries and not a few Spanish officers and soldiers are of Gaelic descent. Spain’s role in the restoration of James to the Irish throne was, again, smaller than that of France, but not insignificant. Ireland has also cautiously played France and Spain against each other, lending to both nations during various wars (including against each other) to ensure goodwill remained, while generally staying aloof from the most heated rhetoric of the Lateran War.

None in Madrid or Munich, therefore, are arguing in favor of Spanish assistance to London. Indeed, many are instead clamoring that Spain’s intervention is far too light. Loans and leases and mercenaries are all well and good, but an opportunity has arisen for Spain to do the Spanish Armada right, as it were. Though Spain’s navy is battered by the war against England and France, the odds of French assistance to the Albionites is low, and Ireland’s navy has performed admirably against greater numbers. What risk, it is asked, exists for the proud Iberians, when the potential glory is the addition of the Emerald Isle to Spain’s crown of allies and dependencies?

[Sponsored content]