For now, the Europeans want only money and trade, but soon they will be after concessions, a little piece of land here, another piece there, until all is ruled by foreigners from across the sea. Perhaps now, though, it is time to think of expansion. The Maratha Empire or Confederacy was born in violence, as the result of the successful overthrow of Mughal rule less than a generation ago. The untrustworthy British may have to be swept aside or crushed, but what is wrong with that? France is surrounded by possibilities, and beyond Europe there are other continents to conquer and colonise: New France in North America, and the riches of India. Few nations pose any real threat to its well-equipped armies and heavily fortified borders. In 1700, France is the pre-eminent power in Western Europe, with an unrivalled army, vast colonies and a King who is respected and feared by all, both at home and abroad. This, then, is the fundamental aim of Britain: to side with the weak in Europe against the strong – and steal as many overseas possessions as possible while doing it! A nation that can unite the resources of Europe will surely crush the dream of Albion. They are partly right, but only as long as there is no centralised Continental power. The English and Scots like to think that they can sleep safe, that no foreign invader or tyranny need worry them. This latter scheme requires the Turks to be persuaded – at sword point – that their destiny lies outside Europe.īritain’s strength lies at sea, but in trade and colonisation as much as naval power. This gives the Austrians the potential to become a truly great power, either within the borders of the old Empire, to the south in Italy, or to the east. Leopold I, the ruling Hapsburg, has brought peace and prosperity, and maintained a first-class military machine. The history of Austria is one of warfare against invaders from the east, and the infidel Turks in particular.
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