Chapter 294: The "Big Surprise" in Vienna
Talleyrand might not fully grasp the significance of steam engines, but Joseph understood their importance better than anyone. The steam engine was the soul of the First Industrial Revolution—whoever mastered the most advanced steam engine technology held the key to the future!
The soul of Britain's Industrial Revolution, James Watt, would no longer be the chosen one in history.
Unlike the large-scale investments and technological competition between nations in later centuries, 18th-century European countries hadn't yet realized the enormous impact these machines would have on national power. As a result, the British government had no intention of subsidizing Watt's company.
Moreover, the Eden Treaty signed between Britain and France had stipulated that French industrial products exported to Britain would be subject to negligible tariffs—back then, the British were firmly convinced that France had no significant industrial products to export to Britain. Therefore, even if the British government wanted to protect its domestic steam engine industry, the treaty's restrictions would leave it helpless.
The French United Steam Engine Company had already begun setting up a branch in Birmingham. This not only facilitated the maintenance of machines sold in Britain but also allowed them to attract British talent in the field. Promising individuals could be invited to France for "business trips," effectively undercutting Britain's technological base.
Moreover, the money Britain spent on purchasing steam engines could be reinvested into furthering the United Steam Engine Company's technological development.
In this way, with France taking the lead in this area, it would continue to stay ahead in the future!
Joseph had already written to the United Steam Engine Company, urging them to increase investment and production capacity to quickly dominate the British steam engine market.
Seeing how the Prince seemed to place great importance on steam engine exports, Talleyrand quickly followed up, "Your Highness, since this machine is selling so well in Britain, perhaps we could also promote it in Austria and Bavaria."
Joseph gave him an approving look. "You're absolutely right, Archbishop Talleyrand. In fact, one of my main objectives in Austria is to sign a trade agreement between Austria and France with my uncle.
"Oh, and it would be even better if, under Austria's influence, other German states also came forward to sign trade agreements with France. If that doesn't go smoothly, I'll at least aim to secure agreements with Saxony and Bavaria before returning to France.
"As for the diplomatic aspects, I'll rely on you and your team."
French industrial goods needed a broad market to achieve sufficient sales. Joseph's mission was to secure markets for French products.
The wealthy core regions of Europe were the best market at the moment. Austria, Saxony, and Bavaria together accounted for over 60% of the German market. If possible, Joseph even considered signing a trade agreement with Prussia.
As for smaller countries like Poland, Denmark, and the Italian states, those would be handled by the Minister of Commerce.
Bilateral trade agreements were still relatively new in Europe. The most notable example at the time was the Eden Treaty between Britain and France. Other European countries were interested in similar agreements but didn't yet understand the intricacies, making it the perfect time for Joseph to exploit this information gap.
Of course, the fact that French goods hadn't yet started flooding European markets was another reason these agreements were still possible—otherwise, the shrewd European nations wouldn't be so quick to allow French products in for potential dumping.
Joseph, deeply concerned about French industry and trade during his journey, was unaware that a big surprise awaited him in Vienna.
Ten Days Later
Along the main road southwest of Vienna, the Austrian Imperial Guard's flags stretched for miles.
At the front of the procession stood the future Holy Roman Emperor, Leopold II. However, since the Holy Roman Emperor was elected by the Prince-electors, his current official title was still the Grand Duke of Tuscany.
He had come to represent the ailing Joseph II in welcoming the French Prince. With Austria preparing to go to war in the Southern Netherlands and Prussia likely to intervene, he sought to secure French support during the French Prince's visit.
Beside him stood his wife, Maria Ludovica, now the Grand Duchess of Tuscany, dressed in the latest light purple gown from Paris Fashion Week and wearing a wide-brimmed hat adorned with colorful feathers[Note 1].
When Leopold II saw the French convoy approaching from a distance, he immediately signaled his entourage.
A team of ceremonial officers raised their flags, and the band began playing a lively tune.
The carriage stopped, and Émond jumped out first, bowing deeply as he opened the other door.
Leopold II, surrounded by a group of Austrian officials, walked over to greet Joseph with a smile. "Ah, dear Joseph, I've been waiting for you! Look, all of Vienna is here to welcome you!"
He addressed Joseph using a familiar term of endearment, a gesture rich with meaning.
Joseph stepped out of the carriage and quickly walked a few paces to bow to Leopold II. "Dear Uncle, it's a pleasure to see you here. It feels just like being back in Paris. Oh, and my mother—she asked me to tell you that she misses you very, very much."
After a few polite exchanges, Joseph courteously bent down to take Maria Ludovica's hand and lightly kissed it, a gesture of respect towards someone of her noble standing.
"Dear Aunt, you are like the spring rain of Vienna, spreading endless kindness and care to everyone. You are also the brightest morning light of Austria, illuminating the entire kingdom with your nobility and grace."
Maria Ludovica smiled in return, eyeing the handsome and charming French Prince. Coupled with his flattering words, she was utterly delighted.
No wonder Clementine couldn't stop praising her cousin when she returned—this meeting proved her words true. It seemed there was no better suitor in all of Europe!
She then glanced at the carriages full of gifts in the distance, thinking to herself, "These must be the betrothal gifts, right? Oh no, wait, the groom doesn't usually deliver those in person. This must just be a greeting gift."
If this was just a greeting gift, then when the French Queen actually sends the betrothal gifts, they would probably need at least a dozen carriages.
"Oh, you must be exhausted from your journey," Maria Ludovica said happily, taking the arm of her future son-in-law and motioning toward the city. "The Emperor has prepared a grand banquet for you at Schönbrunn Palace."
She then lowered her voice, a hint of regret in her tone. "Clementine didn't know you were coming and returned to Tuscany half a month ago. If you stay in Vienna a little longer, I can send for her to return."
Note 1: Leopold II's wife is Maria Luisa of Spain. Since she shares a name with Carlos IV's wife (the one who was unfaithful), her German name, Maria Ludovica, is used here for clarity.
(End of Chapter)
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