I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 143

The Right to Self-Defense

Miquel Hidalgo Costilla, a clergyman from the Viceroyalty of New Spain, was born in Guanajuato in 1753.

Born into a wealthy Criollo [Spaniards born in the Americas] family, he was immersed in Enlightenment literature from a young age.

However, as a white man of American descent, a Criollo by birth, Hidalgo was always tormented by the gap between his ideals and reality.

The upper class in New Spain was dominated by Peninsulares [Spaniards born in Spain].

These were people from mainland Spain who were born on the Iberian Peninsula and came to the New World.

Currently, Spain was the only country in the Americas that strictly distinguished between white people from the mainland and locals.

In this situation, the Criollos were the most dissatisfied class in New Spain.

“Seriously, what’s the difference between us and those mainland bastards? We’re clearly of white descent too, so why should we be discriminated against?”

“Is the viceroy and governor-general going to be a Peninsular again this time?”

“Of course. They’re desperate not to even give us bishoprics, so what about governor-general? Let them hog everything among themselves again.”

In nearly 300 years of history, there were about 170 viceroys in New Spain.

Only four of them were Criollos, and only 14 out of nearly 600 governors-general were Criollos.

High-ranking positions such as bishops and generals were also almost exclusively held by Peninsulares.

In addition, they were controlled in terms of the types of crops they could produce and were subject to high taxes.

It would have been abnormal if they didn’t feel deprived.

Still, if it had ended there, the Criollos would have just ended up complaining among themselves.

The final blow was the presence of New France [French colony in North America] and the United States right above them.

“I heard that the United States became independent and established a country?”

“Wasn’t that a British colony? How did they become independent?”

“I heard that they were discriminated against and oppressed by people from the mainland, just like us. So they rose up. Now, people from colonies like us completely dominate the country?”

“And even after seeing that, the mainland still ignores us? Are they so sure that we can’t do what the United States did?”

For the sake of argument, let’s say the United States was like that.

They overturned the system through the use of force.

However, the way New France was run was unbelievably different compared to New Spain.

“I heard that New France actively recruits local people.”

“They say that if you have the ability, they’ll give you a position even if you’re an Indian?”

“Damn it. Does that mean we’re considered subhuman, worse than Indians, in their eyes?”

The colonial authorities were well aware of the growing dissatisfaction of the Criollos.

Instead of abolishing discrimination, they chose to strengthen surveillance.

This caused the Criollos’ dissatisfaction to explode uncontrollably, and Hidalgo did not miss the opportunity.

“Fellow countrymen suffering from discrimination! How long will you remain without even resisting this absurd oppression! Those in power will not remove discrimination on their own if you stay still. Look at the United States! They drove out the oppressor, England, with their own strength. The reason why New France values locals is because they saw their strength while fighting the war with the United States.”

Now is the time to ride the wave and make a leap forward.

Hidalgo appealed to the natives and the mestizos [people of mixed European and Indigenous American ancestry], who were of mixed white and native descent.

If everyone joined forces and rose up, pure Peninsulares alone would never be able to stop them.

However, the wall of reality was high.

It was true that dissatisfaction was building up throughout society, but turning this into physical force was not easy.

At first, he thought he could change this rotten system right away, but only the natives and mestizos listened sincerely.

The Criollos, who had been happily criticizing, were just watching and not offering to lend a hand.

If those close to the upper class didn’t help, there would be limitations with just the natives.

Where would they get weapons, and how would they train?

Despair came that they would end up here.

Until a lifeline came down from the United States.

‘We will support you in breaking free from unjust oppression and becoming independent!’

The Americans did not mention the details, but they showed it through their actions.

Under the cover of night, numerous weapons were delivered to the forces led by Hidalgo.

Of course, it wasn’t free, but the situation had changed dramatically compared to before when they couldn’t even get the weapons themselves.

Hidalgo could easily guess that the U.S. federal government was behind the man.

Thomas Jefferson. That man was definitely the messiah sent by God for Mexico.

‘Hidalgo, do you know why your argument is not gaining strength? You whispered sweet words to attract the natives and mestizos, but that was felt as a threat by the Criollos.’

The United States not only provided weapons but also suggested an effective direction for independence.

‘Attract the Criollos. You can never achieve independence without their cooperation.’

That’s easier said than done. But how can the Criollos and natives be reconciled?

Surprisingly, the United States also provided the solution.

‘Appoint a powerful Criollo as king. And promise fair treatment to the natives and mestizos.’

Hidalgo followed the oracle given by the United States.

Secretly contacting the New Spain government forces, he secretly established cooperative relationships with Criollo officers.

“There’s no reason to refuse if we say we’ll achieve independence with us at the center. Then the remaining problem is Spain’s interference…”

“That’s not a problem either. The United States was confident that Spain wouldn’t have the capacity to pay attention for the time being even if we took action.”

“Really? What’s the reason?”

“I didn’t receive the details. But it seems that they’ve already talked to France as well.”

If France is on our side following the United States, there’s nothing more to see.

If North America unites as one, what is there to fear from Europe?

Anger at discrimination.

A longing for freedom.

In addition to ideological support and promises of foreign aid.

Now that all the conditions are perfectly met, no one can stop it.

The independence of the Mexican Empire began to ignite at a timing and speed that Europe never expected.

※※※

New France Southwest Development Command.

Unlike his subordinates, Lieutenant Colonel Napoleon was comfortably staring at the map on the table.

“The chaos in New Spain is getting worse day by day.”

“The viceroyalty has already been divided, and forces in various regions are rising up, saying they will become independent. We must consider that the system of the viceroyalty itself is changing, not just a typical civil war.”

“New Spain has already completely lost control of the region. We cannot rule out the possibility that the sparks will fly this way.”

If he hadn’t been told in advance, Napoleon might have been as embarrassed as his subordinates.

But now he accurately recognizes the reality of this chaotic situation.

In other words, the answer to be taken was determined from the beginning.

“His Majesty’s order was to deploy troops and observe the situation for now. But if the flames of civil war seem to spread this way, we must respond preemptively. I’ve already received permission.”

“Preemptive response… Do you mean we’re crossing the border first?”

“No. That can be diplomatically burdensome, so it’s not allowed.”

Of course, this side will only not cross first.

The story changes if the other side crosses first.

New France has only acted in self-defense.

It is striking areas where there are subversive elements in order to protect its safety.

The fault lies with New Spain for losing control of the border and letting bandits run wild.

The United States made the same claim and decided to raise an army at the same time.

“But Lieutenant Colonel, even if New Spain can’t handle it on its own, won’t the Spanish army come? Even if we take the time it takes to organize the troops, the commotion will be over in two to three months…”

“No. Spain won’t be able to send troops in time.”

When he asserted, the officers all narrowed their brows.

“Logically, Spain can’t give up the New World. If they miss the timing and the rebels completely win and settle down, there’s no guarantee that they’ll be able to suppress them even if they send a punitive force late.”

“Yes. So New Spain is over with this. Think of it as a newly born country bordering us from now on.”

Napoleon was at a loss as to where to start explaining to the officers who couldn’t understand.

Suddenly, the time when he was urgently summoned and rushed back to Toronto came to his mind.

“Lieutenant Colonel Napoleon. You know how serious this matter is, right?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

As it was not a private occasion but the position of the governor-general and the soldier carrying out his orders, Napoleon trembled with a strange mix of tension and anticipation.

“This time, we have decided to send you, Massena, and Berthier all. I believe you understand what this means.”

“You mean there will be work to be done that requires actual operations, not just guarding the border.”

That’s what he wanted.

Napoleon was no longer a low-ranking officer commanding just a battalion or company.

He was able to command a regiment and carry out operations, and he had soldiers who would faithfully carry out his orders.

Massena and Berthier were also formidable men, but he was confident that he could achieve greater achievements than both of them.

However, Christian seemed to have read his mind and gave a slight warning.

“As you know, it’s not wise to try to compete with allies. I will focus on how organically you move and carry out operations this time.”

“I will keep that in mind. I am eager to achieve great things, but I swear I have no intention of doing anything that would hinder my allies. I will cooperate with Massena and Berthier to achieve the best results as Your Majesty wishes.”

“Okay. Then, for now, pretend to strengthen the border in the designated location. When the time is right, you will be contacted. From then on, I will not allow you to prioritize on-site judgment and move.”

Wait?

If you’re going to try something, shouldn’t you do it quickly?

It was an illogical order.

Prince Christian always gave orders that were impossible to guess the inside.

But as always, he would realize the true meaning and be amazed over time.

Fortunately, this time he was able to hear the reason right away.

“If Spain is in its right mind, it will naturally try to dispatch troops as soon as it hears the news of the rebellion, right?”

“Yes. Of course.”

“But what if! What would you think if you found out that British warships were approaching at that time?”

From the beginning, the United Kingdom regularly sends warships and merchant ships south to send numerous supplies to India.

However, if the timing coincides, you can’t help but be suspicious even if you don’t try to be.

“From Spain’s point of view, it seems that they have no choice but to keep an eye on the movements of the United Kingdom. In the worst case, the United Kingdom may be behind the rebellion.”

“Yes. I’ve already taken measures to make you think that way.”

Christian said with a chuckle.

The British warship is scheduled to accidentally slip and fire a cannon in Spanish waters.

Of course, it won’t be fired inside the sea area to prevent war from breaking out.

I was just amazed at what conditions he had obtained such a promise from the British Prime Minister.

“Then, Spain, startled, will naturally gather all its troops in Gibraltar first, and we will receive a request for help, right? And if this side pretends to respond appropriately to the demands of the alliance, the situation will be resolved. The British warship will say, ‘Oh, I’m sorry,’ and slip away to the south.”

By the time they drag on like that, New Spain will be a mess.

And even a three-year-old knows what happens to a border that has completely lost control.

Christian slyly pushed the chess piece on the map to the south.

“We only exercised our right to self-defense, and we are never doing illegal invasion. Of course, we will have to get a settlement for the mental damage and wasted supplies we suffered after this commotion is over. Is there anything you don’t understand in this explanation?”

“No.”

Is this political maneuvering?

I don’t particularly feel sorry for Spain.

In the first place, if they had run the country as well as this side, this accident would not have happened.

Rather, I was even grateful for their actions that continued to set the stage for this side to stand out.

“You will only hear satisfactory reports.”

Christian told me not to compete with Berthier or Massena, but he didn’t tell me not to compete with the Americans who would be coming in from the side.

Methods to make those Yankees just watch with their fingers in their mouths filled Napoleon’s head.

End of