Well...I answered my own question while researching Spain's role in the world circa 1898-1912. Pretty much, they were a declining world power and the Spanish-American War of 1898 all but finished them off. With an agricultural economy and a politically bankrupt government, they didn't truely industrialize or recover until well after WWI, despite a bit of a bright spot from approximately 1906-1908. Given that and that IS is on a bit more fictional tangent, the following is my proposal for the introduction of Spain into the aether. For anyone from Spain reading this, please forgive the gross editing and license taken with your history, no slur is intended. :oops:
The 1898 war with the United States ended with the independence of Cuba and the loss of the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico to the US for $20 million. This left Spain with a single significant holding, Morocco and a country rapidly vanishing from the world stage politically, economically, and militarily.
Fortunately, the Queen Regent appointed Francisco Silvela to the post of Prime Minister in March of 1899. Silvela began his attempts at reform rapidly, one of his appointees creating the "Villaverde Reforms" resulting in the economic stabilization in Spain and beginning a small recovery.
Political corruption and obstructionists result in a rapid change of governments. This slows and ultimately halts reforms and recovery. Silvela resigns for the second time in 1903 disgusted with the inability to effect reforms.
1902- Alfonso XIII comes to the throne on his 16th birthday. Unfortunately, he is well meaning but not well educated. Intent on establishing himself as an "army king", his interests concentrate on Spain's security, unity, and prestige rather than the social, economic, cultural, and religious problems destroying the foundations of his country.
Over the next several years, Spain sees the rise and fall of many governments with durations of mere months.
Spain's army becomes increasingly disgruntled due to low pay and public criticisms in the aftermath of the 1898 war. Rampant militarism throughout Europe leaves the Spanish Army with little prestige and the economic drought leaves it with little funding. Spain is rapidly left behind on the world stage.
1904- An arrangement brokered with France by King Alfonso XIII trades a majority of Spain's last holding, Morocco, for resources and technologies necessary to construct a modest squadron of aetheric vessels. It is the hope of the crown that the development of these vessels will open the door to new holdings and wealth, revitalizing the country.
The political turmoil raging prevents any immediate development of aetheric vessels. Social unrest and religious tensions are rising amidst the floundering economy and political instability. Spain finds itself unable to police even the last of its holdings in Morocco.
1906- An assassination attempt on the life of King Alfonso XIII by social radicals galvanizes the crown to action. The Moret government fails in the aftermath of the failed assassination.
1907- Antonio Maura comes to power as the Prime Minister and immediately institutes sweeping reforms and strengthening of Spain's national defenses. Among the many projects instuted under his government was the long postponed development of the Flota del Aether.
This move along with marginally increased pay, improves the morale and esprit de corps of the Spanish Armed Forces.
1908- Spain launches the first vessel of the Flota del Aether, the frigate "Tiburon". A new age of exploration and hope for Spain has began.
Open for comments.... :shock:
