The upheaval in Europe temporarily does not affect the smooth development of the East African colonies, and Leopold's troubles will require quite a long time of squabbling between Germany and France, so no results will be seen this year.
However, Ernst knows that for Leopold, the Spanish throne is nothing but an illusion. Of course, that's for the best, as in the future, Amadeo I from the Italian Savoy family will prove that this throne is a hot potato.
Amadeo I almost replicated the fate of Charles I (of England) and France's Louis XVI, but Amadeo I was more flexible. As soon as he arrived in Madrid, he realized he was incapable of solving the problems Spain faced.
In 1873, this Amadeo I voluntarily abdicated and returned to Italy with ease, once again becoming the Duke of Aosta, Amadeo.
The Spanish throne seems appealing but is only superficially so. Behind it, not only are there various forces within Spain involved, but also the intervention of the great powers.
