Madrid, Spain. It is a beautiful city with a rich history. Everywhere there are palatial buildings decorated. It's just that the passage of hundreds of years has made these buildings look a little mottled.

The Age of Discovery, which was undoubtedly the most powerful time of Spain. Spain controlled the world's largest colonies. The large quantities of gold and silver shipped back from the Americas made Spain the richest country at the time.

But unfortunately, the Spaniards took that gold and silver and lived a rich life. But they did not use the gold and silver to develop their military power and industry, so that they were caught up by the rising Britain.

After the Armada attacked Britain but suffered a crushing defeat, Spain's national power suddenly plummeted. Although later, they also tried to challenge British maritime supremacy in alliance with France. However, in the end, they all failed. More than ten years ago, in the Spanish-American War, the newly rising United States was beaten all over the place, and the last colonies of Cuba and the Philippines were lost.

As a result, Spain completely lost its last ambitions and became a country steeped in its former glory.

King Alfonso XIII of Spain also had no ambitions. Because he knows that a great power has emerged to dominate Europe. If Spain is not clear about the situation, the consequences will be very serious.

However, Alfonso XIII did not want to get involved in the dispute, but that did not mean that others would let him go.

On 23 January, the British ambassador to Spain met with Spanish Foreign Secretary Prieto, and the two had a two-hour meeting. After that, the British ambassador left the embassy with a smile on his face. And Prieto, after seeing off the British ambassador, went directly to the royal palace and asked to see Alfonso XIII.

"Your Majesty, this time the British are very sincere. They demanded that we guarantee the safety of their garrison in Gibraltar and return Gibraltar to us at once! Your Majesty, this is a great thing! We can't afford to miss it. For many years, the kings of Spain have hoped to recover Gibraltar, but because the British were too strong to succeed, now, the opportunity is in front of us! Prieto persuaded.

Alfonso XIII was a little hesitant, knowing that this was a rare opportunity for the Kingdom of Spain. If you miss it, you won't have such an opportunity in the future. However, he was well aware of the intentions of the Germans against Gibraltar. If Spain were to regain Gibraltar at this time, the Germans would be annoyed. The weak Kingdom of Spain was simply not able to withstand the wrath of the German Empire. When the time comes, the Kingdom of Spain will be completely destroyed.

"Your Excellency the Foreign Secretary, we can certainly take advantage of this opportunity to recover Gibraltar. But what did the Germans say there? Alfonso XIII asked.

"This ....... Your Majesty, we have always claimed Gibraltar to be our inherent territory, and the Germans are aware of it. So, if we were to recover Gibraltar, the Germans would also have nothing to say. Moreover, the Germans had not yet launched an operation against Gibraltar, so perhaps they had no intention of occupying Gibraltar? Prieto continued.

Prieto was not a fool, or he would not have been the foreign secretary. He knew how risky it would be for Spain to regain Gibraltar. If the anger of Germany is provoked, they are all finished.

However, Prieto did this entirely because the British gave him a large sum of money. This made Prieto unable to refuse. In any case, even if he angered the Germans, it had nothing to do with him as a foreign minister. He didn't have to worry about it at all.

Alfonso XIII was very hesitant, he did not want to take any chances.

"Someone, go get the prime minister." Alfonso XIII decided to listen to the Prime Minister.

Soon, the Prime Minister, Count Romanones, arrived at the palace.

"Your Excellency, the British offer to return Gibraltar to us, as long as we ensure the safety of their garrison there." Alfonso XIII said. In a few words, the matter is clear.

Count Romanones frowned suddenly.

"Your Majesty, I'm afraid this is not good! When the time comes, how will we give an account to the Germans? Said the Count of Romanones.

"Your Excellency Prime Minister, Gibraltar is our own territory, what is there to account for to the Germans? This is a great opportunity for us! If we miss this opportunity, we won't have it again. Prieto said.

Alfonso XIII was a bit of a tiger, he was afraid of Germany, but at the same time, he did not want to pass up this golden opportunity. If Gibraltar could be reclaimed, he would be one of the most illustrious kings of the centuries.

"But what should we do if the Germans are angry, or even go to war with us?" Count Romanones asked.

"If the Germans are not satisfied, we can find another way. After all, the Germans have not reacted yet, and if a fait accompli is created, the Germans should pinch their noses and admit it! The Germans, though, are world hegemons. But in the same way, they can't forcibly seize the territory of other countries without any reason. In that case, how will other countries perceive them? Prieto swore solemnly. It was as if they had preemptively recovered Gibraltar, and the Germans would have given it up on their own initiative.

Count Romanones said no more, he looked at Alfonso XIII, waiting for his answer. After all, at this time, whether to agree with the British or not, it should be up to Alfonso XIII to decide. so as not to avoid liability in the future.

"Guys, I want to give it a try! After all, the reconquest of Gibraltar has always been the wish of successive kings. Now, I finally have this opportunity, and I don't want to give up just like that. Alfonso XIII said.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Both the Count of Romanones and Prieto replied.

Prieto's face showed a trace of irrepressible joy. After all, Alfonso XIII decided to accept the terms of the British, which meant that his task was accomplished. And the honorarium given by the British is as high as a million marks. That's a lot of money.

On 24 January 1916, the Spanish government announced the reconquest of Gibraltar from now on. Gibraltar, which had been an inherent territory of Spain, was once again under Spanish rule. 13110