Chapter 659: Shifting Fortunes
Joseph was certain that providing loans to Caribbean nations was a guaranteed profit.
Take the 5 million francs loan extended to the newly established Republic of Saint-Domingue. Even without interest, it was unlikely they could repay this amount within 10 years.
With a government composed of Black and mixed-race leaders lacking administrative experience, and the Caribbean having no industrial base, these small island nations had little chance of independent development. Forget paying off loans; it would be fortunate if their state finances didn't collapse.
Ultimately, these loans would likely be repaid by mortgaging plantations or other assets.
Thus, although France seemingly relinquished its control over Saint-Domingue as a colony, its sugar industry would eventually return to French control through indirect means.
While the profits wouldn't be as high as before—since France could no longer monopolize the colonial market—it also saved a substantial amount previously spent on maintaining the colony.
For example, Saint-Domingue used to host hundreds of French officials and nearly 2,000 soldiers, with their salaries alone being a significant expense. If the island faced uprisings, the cost of quelling them would be enormous.
Now, with Black and mixed-race people governing themselves, even famine wouldn't require French intervention.
In the end, France's net benefits from Saint-Domingue wouldn't significantly decrease.
Moreover, these freed Black and mixed-race citizens, having gained autonomy, would harbor deep gratitude toward France—a sentiment likely to become a lasting tradition, potentially enduring for centuries.
Joseph also planned to assist these newly formed nations in governance and development by sharing administrative expertise. Naturally, the shared knowledge would exclude anything potentially detrimental to French interests.
A Shift in Allegiances
Meanwhile, the enslaved population in the Caribbean, mostly captured and trafficked by the British, bore a deep-seated hatred toward their captors. Britain's recent efforts to suppress these independent Black-led governments with military force only deepened that animosity.
It was foreseeable that anti-British sentiment would become a defining tradition among these nations in the future.
Between fostering gratitude toward France and enmity toward Britain, the strategic shift was a resounding success.
Joseph's ultimate vision extended further—to establish a "Sugar Franc" system.
Saint-Domingue's New Challenges
At the Saint-Domingue parliament building, discussions continued.
With visible confidence, Brissot proclaimed:
"As for Spain, I am confident that a few diplomatic efforts will suffice to dissuade them from interfering in Saint-Domingue."
Ogé, however, rubbed his hands awkwardly:
"Mr. Brissot, as you know, we currently don't even have a Ministry of Foreign Affairs..."
As a former colony, Saint-Domingue had relied entirely on France for diplomacy. Upon independence, it lacked qualified diplomats entirely.
Brissot reassured him:
"Mr. President, there's no need for concern. I can negotiate with Spain on your behalf. Additionally, I'll petition Versailles to assign a diplomatic expert to assist you."
Instead of feeling indignant about foreign intervention, Ogé and his cabinet expressed gratitude:
"You've been incredibly helpful!"
"Thank you, Mr. Brissot. We'll ensure the expert is compensated handsomely."
"Finally, Saint-Domingue will have its own Foreign Affairs Department!"
The Republic's Minister of Justice hesitantly added:
"Mr. Brissot, I must bring up another pressing issue. Saint-Domingue is in dire need of judges. I know this is a difficult request, but if you could arrange for Paris to send us some magistrates, I'd forever remember your kindness."
Another minister interjected:
"We're also lacking an Industry Minister, Mr. Brissot. Could you..."
A third chimed in:
"And schools! Saint-Domingue has only four public schools, which is far from sufficient. Please, could you..."
This dependency was typical of former colonies. Having long relied on their metropole for governance, they found themselves ill-equipped to manage independence. Habitually, they turned to their former rulers for help.
Even in the 20th century, newly independent countries like India retained numerous British officials in government roles.
Brissot gestured for calm and addressed Ogé:
"Mr. President, please compile a list of your government's needs. I'll present it to His Royal Highness for approval."
Ogé, visibly moved, replied with repeated bows:
"Thank you so much, Mr. Brissot! You are truly a guardian angel for Saint-Domingue!"
War Looms
After wrapping up domestic matters, Brissot adopted a more somber tone:
"I must remind everyone that Saint-Domingue faces a daunting war.
"If we fail to defeat the British expeditionary forces, all our efforts will be in vain.
"However, if you succeed, the French government will immediately recognize the Republic of Saint-Domingue."
Ogé and his cabinet were ecstatic. Recognition by a major power like France would secure their legitimacy on the international stage!
Spain's Quandary
A week later, in Havana, on the Spanish-controlled island of Cuba, Brissot met with the island's governor, Cristóbal de Rojas.
Fuming, Brissot complained:
"Those damned British! Their foolish strategies have ruined Saint-Domingue!"
Rojas, the Marquis of Havana, nodded in agreement:
"My troops barely made it back alive. The British blunders have plunged the entire Caribbean into chaos.
"What concerns me most is the possibility of abolitionist movements spreading to Cuba."
"This is a grave threat indeed," Brissot whispered conspiratorially. "Frankly, Versailles may consider abandoning Saint-Domingue altogether in exchange for the safe return of our captured soldiers."
"God above!" exclaimed Rojas, crossing himself nervously. "That would be disastrous! It seems I must fully cooperate with the British, much as I dislike them. Only together can we suppress these rebellious blacks."
Brissot leaned in closer, speaking earnestly:
"I share your concern, which is why I came to see you. As a gesture of Franco-Spanish friendship, I cannot stand by and watch Cuba suffer Saint-Domingue's fate."
"I don't quite understand your meaning," Rojas replied cautiously.
"I understand Cuba has just 1,430 soldiers stationed here?"
"Yes, exactly 1,430."
"Frankly, if Saint-Domingue's abolitionists incite revolts in Cuba, your troops may not be able to contain them."
Rojas looked alarmed.
"The king is unlikely to send reinforcements across the Atlantic," he admitted. Spain's declining power made it financially and logistically impossible to launch such an expedition.
Brissot locked eyes with the marquis and delivered his suggestion:
"If I were in your position, I'd start negotiating with Saint-Domingue now."
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/johanssen10