Spain, Madrid. This is a city of striking beauty, with a rich and storied history. Everywhere, there are grandiose and ornately decorated buildings. Yet, the passage of centuries has left these structures somewhat weathered and worn.
The Age of Exploration, undoubtedly, marked the pinnacle of Spain's imperial strength. Spain once commanded the world's largest colonial empire. The immense wealth of gold and silver flowing from the Americas further elevated Spain to the height of global affluence.
Alas, the Spanish squandered their fortune, basking in luxury without using their riches to strengthen their military or industry. This oversight allowed the rising power of England to overtake them.
The defeat of the Invincible Armada in its assault on England marked a swift and disastrous decline for Spanish power. Despite their later attempts, such as joining forces with France to challenge British maritime supremacy, they ultimately failed. A decade ago, during the Spanish-American War, the fledgling United States dealt a humiliating blow to Spain, forcing the loss of their final colonies, Cuba and the Philippines.
This marked the end of Spain's once-great ambitions, leaving it a nation submerged in nostalgia for its former glory.
King Alfonso XIII of Spain had long since lost any grand aspirations. He knew that the great powers of Europe had emerged, and if Spain remained oblivious to the shifting tides, the consequences would be dire.
However, Alfonso XIII did not wish to embroil Spain in further conflicts, yet he understood that others might not allow him such reprieve.
On January 23, the British Ambassador to Spain met with Spanish Foreign Minister Pireto for a two-hour discussion. Upon leaving the embassy, the British Ambassador was all smiles, while Pireto, once the meeting had concluded, hurried to the royal palace to seek an audience with the King.
"Your Majesty, the British are sincere in their offer. They request that we ensure the safety of their troops in Gibraltar in exchange for the immediate return of the territory! This is an incredible opportunity, Your Majesty! We must not let it slip away. For centuries, Spanish monarchs have longed to reclaim Gibraltar, yet the power of the British has thwarted us at every turn. Now, the chance is before us!" Pireto urged.
King Alfonso XIII hesitated. He knew that this was a rare opportunity for Spain. Should they let it pass, it may never come again. But, he was acutely aware of Germany's designs on Gibraltar. If Spain acted to reclaim the territory now, it would surely incite Germany's wrath. A weak Spain could not withstand the might of the German Empire. Such a move could utterly destroy Spain.
"Minister of Foreign Affairs, while we could seize this chance to reclaim Gibraltar, what will we tell the Germans?" Alfonso XIII inquired.
"Your Majesty, we have always declared Gibraltar as part of our inherent territory, and the Germans are well aware of this. Thus, if we take it back, they will have no grounds to protest. Moreover, the Germans have yet to take action regarding Gibraltar. Perhaps they do not even intend to claim it?" Pireto continued to advocate.
Pireto was no fool; after all, he had ascended to the position of Foreign Minister. He was fully aware of the great risks involved in reclaiming Gibraltar. Should it provoke Germany, their careers would be at an end.
Yet, Pireto pressed on, swayed by the substantial sum of money offered by the British. This was a temptation he could not resist. Regardless of whether it angered the Germans, Pireto would remain insulated from the fallout.
King Alfonso XIII was torn. He feared the consequences of provoking Germany, but the opportunity before him was too alluring to dismiss. Reclaiming Gibraltar would elevate him as the greatest monarch in Spain's history.
"But what if the Germans are enraged and declare war upon us? What then?" asked the Prime Minister, Count Romanones.
"Your Majesty, Gibraltar is our rightful territory. There is nothing we need to explain to the Germans. This is an unparalleled opportunity for Spain. If we fail to act now, we may never have another chance," Pireto responded.
King Alfonso XIII was caught in a difficult position. He feared German retaliation but was also unwilling to relinquish such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If he succeeded in reclaiming Gibraltar, he would surpass all previous monarchs in greatness.
"But if the Germans become furious and wage war, what shall we do?" Romanones asked.
"If the Germans are displeased, we will find a solution then. After all, they have not yet taken action. Once Gibraltar is in our hands, they will likely accept the fait accompli. Though they may be the world's dominant power, they cannot simply seize another nation's territory without justification. What will the rest of the world think of them?" Pireto argued with conviction, as though he were certain that Germany would eventually back down.
Romanones remained silent, turning his gaze to King Alfonso XIII, waiting for his decision. After all, the responsibility for the decision lay squarely with the King, to avoid the potential blame later.
"Gentlemen, I believe we must try! After all, the reclamation of Gibraltar has been the dream of Spanish monarchs for centuries. Now, the opportunity is before us, and I am not one to let it slip away," King Alfonso XIII declared.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" both Romanones and Pireto responded.
A smile, one that could not be concealed, crossed Pireto's face. With Alfonso XIII's acceptance of the British offer, Pireto knew that his mission was complete. The British had promised him a reward of over a million marks—an enormous sum.
On January 24, 1916, the Spanish government announced that it would begin the process of reclaiming Gibraltar. The territory, long considered Spain's inherent possession, would once again fall under Spanish rule.