Chapter 548: A Disrupted European Balance
"Oh, according to intelligence gathered by Lord Grenville, the cost of French textiles is now only about 15% higher than ours. Their steel industry has nearly caught up with us. Furthermore, the French have discovered vast coal and iron deposits in northern Crimea, giving them access to high-quality pig iron.
"As for their wine industry, the French have reduced costs by 40% over the past two years while improving quality."
Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger outlined the growing challenge posed by France in three key industries—fields either fiercely competitive or of immense trade value.
Pitt paused, his expression darkening. "In short, France is growing stronger at an alarming rate, like a behemoth.
"We were blinded by arrogance and complacency. Now, we must acknowledge one crucial truth: we are facing a far more formidable adversary than ever before.
"This is not the France of the Seven Years' War. It has begun to disrupt the balance of power in continental Europe."
The Marquis of Wellesley listened intently, his face betraying no shock. Instead, he seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. "My dear friend, your strategic foresight is as sharp as ever. To be honest, I've been worried during my entire journey back that you might not have realized this."
Pitt shook his head. "It's not entirely my insight. The Duke of Leeds submitted a report months ago outlining these concerns."
Reaching for a briefcase beside his seat, Pitt retrieved a thick file and handed it to Wellesley. "I was planning to give this to you in a few days, as you've just returned from the East and need time to rest. But I've decided I need your help immediately."
"Of course, you have my full support…"
Wellesley hesitated briefly as he noticed the words "Cabinet Confidential" on the cover of the report. "But I currently hold no government position. This might not be appropriate."
"Nonsense," Pitt dismissed his concern with a wave. "Your opinion is precisely what this report needs."
Leaning back against his seat, Pitt added, "Besides, I hope you'll accept the position of Secretary of State for War. If you do, you'll officially be part of the Cabinet."
"Secretary of State for War?" Wellesley looked puzzled. "What kind of position is that?"
Historically, the British had no equivalent to a Secretary of State for War at this point, as the army was decentralized. The post was only created three years later under pressure from Napoleon's military dominance. Now, it was being introduced ahead of schedule.
Pitt responded gravely, "As I said, we must take the French threat seriously. This is an essential step in strengthening our military.
"You are young, but you've earned great respect from soldiers during your campaigns in the East. You're the best candidate to unify and reform the army."
"Very well, I'll do it," Wellesley agreed without hesitation. "I wouldn't trust those stuffy old men with such a task anyway. In fact, I already have some ideas for reforming the army."
With newfound confidence, the soon-to-be Secretary of State for War opened the Duke of Leeds' report, quickly skimming its pages. "From the information I've received about the French military, their advancements in the past two years are staggering—perhaps even more so than their industrial achievements.
"The Prussians managed to acquire some French rifles, and I obtained a few as well. These 'percussion cap muskets' are revolutionary. They surpass our best Brown Bess 1769 models in range, power, and loading speed.
"Our soldiers stand no chance against them unless we outnumber them by at least 30% or they're struck by disease."
Pitt, unfamiliar with military matters, frowned. "I've heard of this rifle, but Sir Henry Conway dismissed it as non-threatening."
"Precisely why I detest those stodgy veterans," Wellesley scoffed. "They refuse to admit their methods are outdated until they've suffered defeat.
"And don't get me started on horse artillery. Years ago, Edward and I pushed for expanding this game-changing innovation by Frederick the Great. But the old generals only approved two batteries.
"Do you know how effectively French horse artillery performed in last year's campaigns in the Southern Netherlands and Silesia?"
Pitt nodded. "That's exactly why I want you as Secretary of State for War. You can now pursue these initiatives freely. I'll ensure Parliament doesn't obstruct your funding."
"You're the only one with such resolve," Wellesley said with gratitude. "The French military has many lessons for us. I promise you, I'll build an army capable of defeating them…"
As he spoke, Wellesley's voice trailed off. The Duke of Leeds' report had drawn his brows into a deep furrow. He looked up at Pitt. "Are you certain none of this is exaggerated?"
Pitt nodded. "The Cabinet has reviewed this extensively. Everyone agrees on its accuracy."
"This…"
Wellesley flipped through several more pages, stopping at a section detailing France's progress in North Africa. It stated that Tunisia, Tripoli, and other colonies were now stabilized, with governance structures in place and an influx of settlers.
Over 70,000 French immigrants had moved to North Africa in the past year alone, including 11,000 in the final month. This had caused ticket prices for Marseille-Bizerte sailings to soar by 35%.
Historically, colonial powers like Britain, Spain, and Portugal took years—sometimes decades—to establish control over overseas territories, requiring prolonged wars, subjugation of local resistance, and substantial investment.
France, however, had achieved this in just a year and a half.
Admittedly, North Africa's proximity to France gave them a logistical advantage, but the speed of their success was unprecedented.
In fact, if Britain hadn't interfered behind the scenes, this timeline would've been even shorter. Joseph's "Roman Identity" campaign and "miraculous apparitions" proved far more effective than colonial empires relying solely on brute force.
Additionally, the report noted that France's annexation of Luxembourg and Wallonia, though small in scale, had rapidly developed into hubs of coal and iron production.
With local residents already favorably disposed toward France, governance was established with remarkable speed. The Duke of Leeds estimated that France would recoup its investment in these regions within one to two years.
What France had lost in overseas colonies during the Seven Years' War was now being offset—and perhaps even surpassed—by these new gains.
(To be continued…)
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