The Netherlands is generally called the Lowlands by Europeans because the terrain here is very low and there are many swamps, lakes, and rivers. Because of its geographical environment and location, it has been a battleground for powerful European countries since ancient times.
Historically, this area has been successively ruled by France, the Holy Roman Empire, Spain, etc. At the same time, due to the dispersed aristocratic system in Europe, it has often remained independent.
The geographical location here is very important. Whoever occupies this place can attack many countries under the Holy Roman Empire to the east, and to the English Channel to the west, they can attack England.
To the north, you can directly chat with the Vikings in Northern Europe and discuss how to fish; to the south, you will find rich France, and you will directly face the rich Paris Basin of France.
It is close to the sea and the mainland, and water transportation is extremely convenient. It can be said to be the cross center area in Western Europe. Powerful monarchs in Europe have always coveted this place.
The Spanish Empire is no exception. Through complex royal marriages, the Spanish Empire successfully incorporated this land into its own territory. The current King of Spain, Charles V, was born in the Netherlands, and he still spoke French since he was a child.
However, at this moment, with the beginning of the reform of the Spanish Empire by Charles V, he imitated the Ming Empire to implement centralization of power and concentrated all kinds of power in the hands of the monarch.
This greatly touched the long-standing traditions and interests of nobles everywhere. Not only did many princes in the Holy Roman Empire announce the abolition of Charles V's title of Holy Roman Emperor, but the Netherlands also announced its separation from Spain. Imperial rule.
Several major nobles and grand dukes in the lowlands united with many nobles here to form the Udel Alliance, and officially announced the establishment of the Republic of the Netherlands to get rid of the Spanish Empire's rule here.
The newly established Republic of the Netherlands encountered strong opposition from the Spanish Empire, and Charles V even declared that all rebels in the Netherlands would be guillotined.
But the establishment of the Republic of the Netherlands was supported and recognized by England, France, and the Holy Roman Empire. They wanted Spain to be divided. What's more, others also coveted the lowlands, which was a fertile land.
The two sides are at odds with each other, and the whole of Europe is like a powder keg. With just the slightest spark, war will break out again.
And everyone knows that this day will not last long.
In the castle of the Grand Duke of the Netherlands, Duke William was discussing with other nobles how to deal with the Spanish army's attack.
According to the news from France, Charles V has been preparing for war. Since Spain began to reform last year, the powerful Charles V has not only carried out drastic reforms in Spain.
With all the power of Spain in his hands, through the entire huge Spanish Empire, the Spanish Empire has become unprecedentedly powerful.
The tax revenue that Charles V can receive is more than ten times that of before. There is money in this hand, and he has all the power in his hand.
Charles V also aggressively expanded his new army. Originally there were more than 200,000 strong troops, and now it has expanded to 500,000 troops in one go.
In addition, Charles V also hired a large number of retired Ming soldiers to train his army, and purchased advanced arms and weapons from the Ming people.
With such a high-profile military expansion and war preparations, countries throughout Europe are trembling.
Not only the Netherlands is under tremendous pressure, but England, France, the Holy Roman Empire, etc. are constantly preparing for war and purchasing large quantities of arms and weapons.
Everyone knows that when Charles V brought out such a powerful army, he would definitely not do it for the sake of looking good. It must have a purpose.
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"Your Excellency, according to the latest news, Charles V has sent 100,000 troops and 20,000 navy ships to the north, and their destination is our Netherlands."
"Is the news reliable?"
¡°Absolutely reliable, this is the information we bought from the Ming people at a huge price.¡±
"With a hundred thousand army and twenty thousand navy, we in the Netherlands can't defeat it at all. With the tens of thousands of makeshift troops in our hands, we don't even have decent arms and weapons. How can we fight?"
"The Ming people promised us that as long as we have money, they can transport arms and weapons from Hong Kong or Houzhao City at any time."
&nbHe came in and said: "Your Majesty, I just received a telegram from the Ming Empire. The Emperor of the Ming Empire expressed his willingness to strongly support our Spanish Empire. He wants arms and weapons for military households and loans for loans."
"Haha, great!"
When Charles V heard this, he immediately laughed happily.
¡°With the support of the Ming Empire, it will be easier for us to unify Europe.¡±
"Where is Alfred?"
Charles V looked at the map and asked.
"The army led by Alfred has successfully passed the English Channel and will arrive in the Netherlands soon."
Perez quickly replied.
"Very good, it seems that no matter Henry VIII or Big Nose, they don't want to provoke our powerful Spain now, which will give us opportunities to defeat each other."
Charles V immediately nodded with satisfaction, thought for a while and ordered: "Send the order to Alfred, asking him to make a quick decision, take over the Netherlands as soon as possible, and complete the cleanup of the Netherlands."
"Yes~"
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