Chapter 294: The "Great Thunder" in Vienna
Talleyrand did not understand the significance of the steam engine, but Joseph grasped it 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 unlocking the future!
The soul of Britain’s Industrial Revolution, Watt, would no longer be remembered as the chosen one of history.
Unlike the fierce national investments into technological competition in later eras, 18th-century European countries were far from realizing the enormous impact of these mechanical contraptions on national power. As such, the British government had no intention of subsidizing Watt’s company.
Furthermore, the Eden Treaty signed earlier between Britain and France stipulated that French industrial goods sold in Britain would enjoy negligible tariffs—a decision made under the British belief, a year and a half ago, that France had no significant industrial goods to export. Even if the British government wanted to protect its domestic steam engine industry, the treaty left them with no viable options.
The United Steam Engine Company of France had already begun establishing a branch in Birmingham. On one hand, this would allow for convenient servicing of machines sold to Britain; on the other, it could attract British talent in this field, poaching promising individuals to work in France. This was a direct attack on Britain’s foundation.
Additionally, funds generated by British purchases of steam engines could be reinvested into the company’s technological research and development.
France was leading in this field, and the advantage would only widen over time.
Joseph had already written to the United Steam Engine Company, instructing them to increase investments and ramp up production to quickly dominate the British steam engine market.
Seeing the Crown Prince so intent on steam engine exports, Talleyrand quickly seized the moment and suggested, “Your Highness, since these machines are selling so well in Britain, perhaps we could also promote them in Austria and Bavaria.”
Joseph gave him an approving look. “You’re absolutely right, Archbishop Talleyrand. In fact, my primary objective on this trip to Austria is to sign a trade agreement with my uncle.
“Oh, it would be ideal if, under Austria’s influence, other German states also approached France for trade agreements. If that proves difficult, I will at least secure treaties with Saxony and Bavaria before returning to France.
“As for diplomacy, I’ll rely on you and your subordinates to manage those efforts.”
French industrial goods needed vast markets to generate sufficient sales.
Joseph’s mission was to secure those markets for France’s products.
The wealthy core of Europe was the best immediate target. The markets of Austria, Saxony, and Bavaria accounted for over 60% of the German region. If possible, Joseph even hoped to sign a trade treaty with Prussia.
As for smaller nations like Poland, Denmark, and the Italian states, the Minister of Commerce would handle those negotiations.
Bilateral trade agreements were still a novel concept in Europe. The Anglo-French Eden Treaty was the most representative example. Other European nations were eager to experiment with such treaties but were unfamiliar with their intricacies, presenting Joseph with an opportunity to exploit this information gap.
Of course, the fact that French goods had not yet flooded the European market also contributed to the willingness of these countries to sign agreements. Otherwise, shrewd European leaders would not so easily allow French products to enter and disrupt their economies.
While Joseph was preoccupied with French industry and trade, he remained unaware of a major "storm" awaiting him in Vienna.
...
Ten days later.
On the southwestern main road leading to Vienna, the banners of the Austrian Imperial Guard stretched for several miles.
At the forefront of the procession was the future Holy Roman Emperor Leopold II. However, since the Holy Roman Emperor was elected by the prince-electors, Leopold’s current formal title was still Grand Duke of Tuscany.
Leopold was here on behalf of the ailing Joseph II to welcome the Crown Prince of France. Austria was preparing for a campaign in the Southern Netherlands, and with Prussia likely to intervene, Leopold sought to use the Crown Prince’s visit to secure French support for Austria.
Standing beside him, dressed in the latest pale lavender gown from the Paris fashion scene and a wide-brimmed hat adorned with colorful feathers, was the Grand Duchess of Tuscany, Maria Vitoluca.
As Leopold spotted the French convoy approaching, he immediately signaled to his entourage.
A team of ceremonial officers raised their flags high, and the orchestra began playing a lively tune.
The carriages stopped. Eymond was the first to jump down and respectfully opened the door on the other side.
Surrounded by a host of Austrian officials, Leopold approached Joseph with a smile. “Ah, dear Joseph, I’ve been waiting so long for you! Look, all of Vienna is here to welcome you!”
He began the conversation with an intimate familial address, a remark laden with subtle undertones.
Joseph stepped out of the carriage and hastened a few steps forward, placing a hand to his chest in salute to Leopold. “Dear Uncle, it is such a pleasure to see you. Your personal welcome makes me feel as though I have returned to Paris. Oh, and my mother asked me to convey her deep longing for you.”
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Joseph bowed politely and took Maria Vitoluca’s hand, placing a light kiss on the back as a gesture of respect for a lady of high standing.
“Dearest Aunt, you are like the refreshing spring rain in Vienna, spreading boundless kindness and care to all. Truly, you are the most radiant morning light of Austria, gracing the kingdom with your noble elegance.”
Maria Vitoluca smiled in return, her eyes assessing the dashing French Crown Prince. Flattered by his compliments, she could not help but beam with delight.
No wonder Clementine had sung his praises so highly upon returning—this meeting indeed exceeded expectations. There might not be a better potential son-in-law in all of Europe!
She glanced toward the carriages loaded with gifts and mused to herself, Could these be the betrothal gifts? Oh, no, no, it wouldn’t be proper for a fiancé to deliver the betrothal gifts himself. These must simply be meeting gifts.
If the meeting gifts were this generous, the actual betrothal gifts from the French Queen would surely fill a dozen carriages.
“Oh, you must be weary from your journey,” Maria Vitoluca said cheerfully, linking arms with her future nephew-in-law and gesturing toward Vienna. “The Emperor has prepared a grand banquet at Schönbrunn Palace in your honor.”
She then lowered her voice slightly and added regretfully, “Clementine didn’t know you were coming and returned to Tuscany half a month ago. If you’re staying in Vienna for a while, I can send someone to fetch her back.”