I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 93

Negotiations Begin

The Continental Congress, which began amidst a chilling tension, surprisingly proceeded smoothly without much disagreement.

Franklin couldn’t help but realize how meticulously the independence faction in the colonies had been operating behind the scenes.

Unlike the original course of history, no one even mentioned compromising with England.

“First, the most important thing we need to do is unite the power of the 13 colonies. Then, we must organize an army and establish a government to stand against England.”

“I agree with Mr. Adams. And we need to pass a formal resolution declaring that we are free from British rule, and prepare a proper declaration of independence that can demonstrate our legitimacy.”

Other politicians also expressed their support for Adams and Jefferson’s passionate speeches.

John Adams, as well as Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston, had already promised to work together in advance.

“Some of you here may question whether it is necessary to go as far as independence. So, let me make it clear: yes, it is necessary. To stand against England, we absolutely need to form an alliance with a foreign country. But if we do not declare our intention for independence, which country will take our side? As long as we remain a colony of England, no European country will pay attention to us.”

The meeting, which consistently flowed according to the intentions of the independence faction, decided to announce a significant resolution.

First, they made a firm pledge to form a united government of the 13 colonies.

The proposal to use the name “United States of America” instead of the title of the colonized was also mentioned for the first time.

And immediately after, they decided to hold a second meeting and formally resolve to declare independence, thereby breaking away from British rule.

Issues that had caused much disagreement in the early stages were also smoothly resolved.

A prime example was whether to adopt a large federal system or a small federal system [referring to the degree of centralized power in the government].

This topic was a contentious issue that continued to spark debate even after the United States gained independence.

Christian already knew that this would take quite a bit of time in the early stages.

So, when he visited the colonies, he had already reached a tacit agreement between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.

Based on this agreement, the two men persuaded the representatives of each state, which further accelerated the nation-building process.

After the first meeting and learning about all the details of the events, Franklin felt an even stronger sense of unease.

No matter how he thought about it, wasn’t it strange?

Prince Christian’s handling of matters went beyond simply being skillful.

It was full of things that were incomprehensible unless he could see the future.

But there couldn’t possibly be a human being in the world who knows the future.

“Washington, I heard you’ve met Prince Christian. Did you notice anything strange?”

“He was a young man with surprisingly sound ideas for this day and age. The Princess Consort also had a charming personality as well as a beautiful appearance.”

“The Princess Consort… come to think of it, I heard he married a princess from the Habsburg family [a prominent European royal house].”

“From talking to her, she seemed to view the slavery system critically, even as a member of the royal family.”

After hearing the story, instead of clarifying his thoughts, he only became more confused.

To sum it up, Christian seemed to genuinely want to help the colonies out of goodwill.

Of course, this naturally coincided with France’s national interest in that it would weaken England’s power.

“If we formally declare independence at the Second Continental Congress, we will have to send diplomats to Europe, right?”

“Wouldn’t we?”

“In my opinion, the commander of the newly created United States will undoubtedly be you, Washington. In reality, there is no one else suitable.”

“…I suppose so. It is a heavy responsibility, but I will do my best to fulfill my role.”

“Then I will support you on the diplomatic front. The key to this war is ultimately how to bring France in, and it seems that there is no one other than me who can handle Prince Christian.”

Washington looked puzzled for a moment but soon nodded.

He believed that if the United States could prove that it had the power to stand against England, France would naturally participate.

However, even if France cooperates, it is necessary to coordinate opinions on various practical aspects.

He believed that Franklin would be able to fulfill his role admirably.

“Then I’ll leave it to you. If you meet Prince Christian and the Princess Consort, please give them my regards on my behalf.”

“Alright. I’ll do my best.”

There’s no guarantee that the actual owner won’t be replaced by France after independence.

Franklin resolved that no matter what ulterior motives Christian had, he would not be easily swayed.

※※※

The American Revolutionary War progressed much faster than England had anticipated.

Four regiments led by Thomas Gage of England suffered a major defeat against the Continental Army at Concord.

The Continental Army, which had not only militia but also an organized army, recaptured Boston and pushed back British forces.

At the same time, the United States released a great declaration that would go down in history along with the English Bill of Rights and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man [landmark documents asserting individual liberties].

This declaration of independence, which summarized natural law and the idea of human rights, brought a fresh shock to intellectuals around the world.

Realizing the seriousness of the situation, England formally dispatched a large number of troops to the American continent.

However, an unexpected turn of events occurred here.

The 20,000 troops of Major General William Howe, who had ambitiously come to occupy New York, were miserably defeated by the Continental Army led by Washington.

The fact that this result was 180 degrees different from the original history was significant.

England, which suffered a major defeat from the first battle, naturally shrank back, and the United States, which was able to buy time, gradually cut off British supply lines and adopted a strategy of attrition.

Until now, England had suppressed problems in the colonies with overwhelming force.

They had little experience of losing in large-scale battles, let alone small-scale battles like the Battle of Concord.

It was different now. Naturally, the eyes of the world were focused on it.

The plan to occupy New York from the beginning and break the unity of the United States had failed.

Rather, it only boosted the confidence of the Continental Army.

They were no longer afraid of England.

Although their actual strength was still insufficient and their training was poor, they had patriotism to fight for their country.

On the other hand, the British army was being dragged to a foreign land more than 5,000 km away and fighting without proper supplies.

In addition, even the Iroquois Confederacy in the north was united and sided with the United States, making it difficult to even link up with the Canadian colonies.

In the end, England had to spend a huge amount of time and resources to re-establish its supply system from the beginning.

No colony had ever given England such a hard time before.

Now, all of Europe sensed that something was going strangely awry.

The protagonist of this era, the current strongest nation, was faltering.

Those with sharp minds predicted another large-scale war might erupt.

The age of great upheaval had arrived.

※※※

The United States, having formally established its government, remained vigilant, not assuming England was merely pausing.

They understood this was a temporary respite, and once ready, England would return with the force of a tidal wave.

Given the British Empire’s immense pride, they wouldn’t abandon their colonies after a single lost battle.

The Federal Government seized this opportunity to formally dispatch Benjamin Franklin and other intellectuals to Europe.

Franklin personally volunteered to go to France.

The Continental Congress [the governing body of the United States during the Revolutionary War] recognized French support as crucial, so they approved Franklin’s request.

“I will secure France’s promise to participate, no matter what,” Franklin resolved, determined not to return without the French army.

Unlike his previous unprepared meeting, this time he was ready.

Having prepared thoroughly, he wouldn’t stumble or be swayed by the other party’s intentions.

Even on the ship to France, he reviewed data and simulated scenarios, finally arriving in Versailles.

“Thank you for your arduous journey. It has been a short or long time, but I am glad to see you looking well.”

France, aware of the situation’s urgency, allowed Franklin to meet Prince Christian on his first day in Versailles.

Christian greeted him warmly, though his eyes remained inscrutable.

“Your Highness’s consideration is greatly appreciated. I belatedly learned of Your Highness’s assistance to my homeland. I apologize for not expressing my gratitude when we previously met.”

“Oh, there’s no need for thanks. The success was due to your intellectuals working together harmoniously,” Christian dismissed, waving his hand.

Such a reaction to an achievement others would boast about for life made it hard to discern if it was genuine modesty or his true belief.

“By the way, does France treating us as formal diplomats signify recognition of the United States as a sovereign nation?”

“I am currently advocating for that in the royal court. I have read your Declaration of Independence several times; it is truly inspiring.”

“Thank you. As a participant in writing the declaration, that compliment is the greatest encouragement.”

Prince Christian’s demeanor was far more friendly than before.

It seemed absurd he had been so cautious previously.

“When we last met, Your Highness stated that if the colonies demonstrated the strength and ability to resist England, you would be willing to help.”

“That’s correct.”

“How do you view the current state of the war? Without arrogance, I believe the United States is demonstrating sufficient capacity to achieve independence.”

“I agree. Frankly, I didn’t expect you to win at Long Island. I had taken some measures in advance, but I truly didn’t anticipate such a decisive victory.”

Though his ready admissions made Franklin uneasy, the conversation flowed well.

Since Prince Christian had stated his position, Franklin didn’t expect him to retract it and lose face.

Besides, the significant damage inflicted on England was undeniable.

“Then, how can you provide support? If France joins the war, persuading other countries will be much easier.”

“Very well. I will directly advise His Majesty to participate in this war.”

“Really?”

Could he truly be promising to send troops so easily?

He subtly pinched his thigh to confirm.

Feeling a faint pain, he knew it was reality.

But why was everything proceeding so smoothly?

“If you prove your ability, I will provide support. That was the promise, and I must honor it.”

“Thank you! Thank you so much!”

“Now, let’s discuss the specific conditions. Many nobles still have doubts about this war. Hindering England is beneficial, but many question why we should shed blood for another country’s independence.”

“I understand such concerns. We will accommodate France as much as possible within our means.”

Franklin never expected unconditional military support.

His goal was to minimize losses while striking a balance.

“Then, let me state our conditions. First, we want England completely expelled from the American continent.”

“That wouldn’t be bad for us either.”

“Instead, we want France to reclaim that territory, returning to the situation before the Seven Years’ War [a global conflict fought between 1756 and 1763].”

Christian drew a line on a map of the New World with a quill and continued.

“I would like the United States to provide support until New France [the area colonized by France in North America] is rebuilt and stabilized. I’m not asking for financial support, but a treaty of mutual defense and economic cooperation would be beneficial.”

“That much…”

Even though France’s territory would become vast, the United States needed time to strengthen its internal affairs after independence.

However, Franklin hesitated to agree to Christian’s final condition.

“And we will take 90% of the money England pays as war reparations. After all, that’s roughly how much we need to borrow to send troops.”

Monopolize 90% of the reparations? What outrageous demand was this?

This shocking statement momentarily overshadowed Franklin’s concern about New France.

“Your Highness, I believe that part requires discussion.”

“Is that so? Then let’s adjust our opinions gradually,” Christian nodded with a gentle smile.

Franklin presented data estimating the war’s costs and passionately explained his points.

Christian listened surprisingly attentively.

A sense of unease lingered, but Franklin couldn’t afford to focus on it now.