The strategic significance of the Gibraltar Fortress is self-evident. It guards the passage between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, a location long coveted by military powers. Should Germany seize Gibraltar, it would be akin to driving a nail into the very heart of the Mediterranean and Atlantic routes. Furthermore, if Germany were to deploy the most advanced large-caliber fortress artillery there, it could effectively blockade the entire strait.
After all, the fortress is only a few kilometers across the strait from Africa. The most advanced fortress guns could easily strike the opposite shore.
With the Suez Canal soon to be under German control, the entirety of the Mediterranean would fall under their dominion.
"The Gibraltar Fortress is of paramount importance in the Empire's Mediterranean strategy. The Empire must act decisively to secure it!" QinTian declared with resolution.
Given Gibraltar's critical importance to Germany, the Empire could not afford to let it slip away.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Admiral Reinhard Scheer nodded in agreement.
Although the British had stationed some troops at the fortress, their numbers were few. Taking the garrison would almost be akin to capturing an abandoned piece. The German Navy could easily secure it without much effort.
"Your Majesty, seizing Gibraltar may provoke Spain's displeasure. They have long claimed sovereignty over it," Foreign Minister Vasit cautioned.
QinTian furrowed his brow. Indeed, Gibraltar had always been a thorn in Spain's side. Successive Spanish kings had aimed to reclaim it, but the strength of the British had prevented them. Nevertheless, Spain had consistently claimed sovereignty. Should Germany wrest Gibraltar from the British, it would undoubtedly sour relations between Spain and Germany.
In 1410, Gibraltar was recaptured by Spain and was formally incorporated into Spanish territory in 1501. Following Spain's rise to power, the Spanish pursued a policy of expelling or forcibly converting the Moors, many of whom, even after conversion, were relocated to Morocco in North Africa.
King Charles II of Spain died without an heir, leaving the Spanish throne to the French Bourbons. Upon his death in 1700, his grand-nephew Philip, grandson of Louis XIV, was declared King of Spain. However, Charles II's nephew, Archduke Charles of Austria, also laid claim to the throne due to Habsburg bloodlines. This dispute led to the War of Spanish Succession in 1701, in which Britain and the Netherlands supported Archduke Charles. In 1704, British and Dutch forces captured Gibraltar and established a military stronghold. The Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 acknowledged Philip's reign but ceded Gibraltar to Britain.
After Britain's occupation of Gibraltar, the original Spanish inhabitants were expelled, and a large influx of immigrants, including Italians, British, and even some Moroccans, settled there.
In 1830, Gibraltar was officially made a British colony and became a crucial naval base, with all military and political matters controlled by a governor appointed by the British crown.
In 1909, Britain constructed military bases and airfields in the neutral zone between Gibraltar and Spain, fortifying the border.
During this world war, Britain was defeated, and even its homeland fell. One might think it would be Spain's opportunity to recover Gibraltar. However, King Alfonso XIII and his court hesitated, fearing that doing so might anger Germany. After all, Germany had announced its intention to take control of all British overseas colonies, Gibraltar being one of them. If Spain were to seize it by force, it might provoke a confrontation with Germany. As a result, Alfonso XIII was deeply conflicted.
Nevertheless, Alfonso XIII harbored a strong desire to reclaim Gibraltar, fulfilling the long-held ambition of the Spanish monarchy. If he succeeded, his prestige would rise significantly, bolstering his rule.
Now, Alfonso XIII found himself caught in a dilemma.
Of course, Germany was unaware of these internal struggles. Even if they were aware, QinTian would likely be indifferent. The Kingdom of Spain, after its golden age during the Age of Exploration, had fallen into decline over the past few centuries, particularly after its humiliating defeat in the Spanish-American War, which led to the loss of its overseas colonies.
A weakened Spain posed no threat to the German Empire. Thus, QinTian was unconcerned with how the Spanish might react to Germany's acquisition of Gibraltar.
"Spain need not be considered. Though they have always claimed sovereignty over Gibraltar, they have never reclaimed it. Even during this world war, when the British were defeated and their homeland lost, Spain still failed to act. This would have been their prime opportunity, yet they have not made a move. Therefore, even if the Empire seizes Gibraltar, they will have no choice but to endure," QinTian remarked.
Weak nations have no diplomacy—this truth holds in every era and in every place. Germany's strength allows it to disregard Spain's interests completely.
"Indeed, Your Majesty!" Vasit nodded in agreement, refraining from further comment.
"Admiral Scheer, does the Navy have a plan to capture Gibraltar?" QinTian inquired.
"Your Majesty, we have already formulated a plan. The Mediterranean Fleet will launch a naval bombardment of Gibraltar, covering the landing of a marine battalion. With the strength of a single battalion, we are confident we can seize Gibraltar. According to our staff's analysis, the operation will be relatively easy," Admiral Reinhard Scheer reported.
"Seizing Gibraltar may indeed be simple. But what if Spain intervenes?" QinTian asked.
"Your Majesty, surely the Spanish would not dare?" Admiral Scheer was momentarily taken aback.
"Who can say? With the right instigation, anything could happen. It's best to prepare for all contingencies," QinTian advised.
QinTian knew well that the British would never easily surrender Gibraltar. The British would relish any opportunity to create trouble for the German Empire.
Admiral Scheer nodded, understanding the concerns QinTian had raised.