Talleyrand was unaware of the importance of the steam engine, but Joseph knew it better than anyone else.
The steam engine was the soul of the first Industrial Revolution, he who mastered the most advanced steam engine technology held the key to unlocking the future!
In this history, the soul of England's Industrial Revolution, Watt, would no longer be the chosen son of destiny.
Unlike the massive state funding for technology competition between nations in later centuries, the countries of 18th century Europe had yet to realize the significant impact these mechanical playthings could have on national strength, so the British government had no intention of subsidizing the Watt Company.
