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Gibraltar's "identity crisis"
In other words, Gibraltar is like a small stone forgotten by history, and it was accidentally swept into the international whirlpool.
It's as small as a miniature football stadium and has a population as small as a small town, but its location is eye-catchingly important. It's like a tempting little cake that is placed at the confluence of the Atlantic and Mediterranean oceans, and everyone wants to take a bite.
This Gibraltar is obviously the southern tip of Spain, but it flies the British flag all day long, and the locals speak English, and their sense of identity with Britain is far greater than that of Spain.
This makes people wonder, what kind of "identity crisis" is this?
Could it be that Gibraltar slipped away from Spain and ran into the arms of England as a little naughty?
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The "court drama" of the War of the Spanish Succession
Speaking of the mystery of Gibraltar's origin, we have to mention the vigorous "palace drama" - the War of the Spanish Succession.
At that time, the European countries were really lively, like a group of court ladies wearing puffy skirts and big hats, competing in the splendid palace, you pushed me and shoved, fighting for the succession to the Spanish throne.
France and Spain, the two "ladies of the court", joined forces to attack, looking like "sisterhood". They felt that they had an indisputable right to the throne, after all, they were pure blood.
On the other hand, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Portugal and other maritime powers are not to be outdone, forming a "maritime alliance", ready to give the Franco-Spanish coalition forces a "dismount" at any time.
This war is like a "palace ball" without gunsmoke, where all forces compete and fight.
Gibraltar is a small place, like a glittering jewel, which is being scrambled by these "ladies of the court". Everyone wants to wear it on their hat and show their status and power.
In this melee, Britain, with its great naval might, succeeded in taking the jewel of Gibraltar into its arms. They are so cunning, like a fox that easily catches a chick in a flock.
This move not only made Gibraltar's life story more confusing, but also complicated the relations between European countries.
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Weighing the pros and cons – the "diplomatic art" of the Treaty of Utrecht
With the passage of time, the Holy Roman Emperor Charles succeeded to the throne, which is a good thing, and the "big drama" of the Spanish Succession War has another important role!
As soon as Archduke Charles succeeded to the throne, it was like adding another fire to the already lively "palace ball". He was ambitious and intended to make the entire Habsburg family wear the crown of the Spanish crown.
In this way, the power of the Habsburgs will swell to the point where it is impossible to control.
The British looked at it and thought, "This is worth it!" We can't afford to watch the Habsburgs become the dominant family.
So, like a shrewd businessman, they began to calculate the pros and cons in their hearts. They knew that if Archduke Charles was allowed to succeed, the balance of power on the entire European continent would be upset.
As a result, Britain made a decisive move! They were like magicians, casting a magic of the "art of diplomacy" at a critical moment.
They signed the Treaty of Utrecht with France and Spain, recognizing the succession of Philip of Anjou, Duke of Anjou, to the Spanish throne, but demanding that Spain cede Gibraltar to the British.
It was a clever move, which not only curbed the expansion of the Habsburgs' power, but also succeeded in incorporating the jewel of Gibraltar into its own territory.
This decision not only demonstrated British foresight and diplomatic skill, but also had far-reaching implications for Gibraltar's fortunes. Since then, Gibraltar has become a part of the United Kingdom, closely connected with the United Kingdom, and has experienced the vicissitudes and changes of history together.
I have to say that Britain's "diplomatic art" is really beautiful!
They are like shrewd businessmen who find the most advantageous solution for themselves in a complex situation. Gibraltar, on the other hand, has also found its home and destiny in this "diplomatic war".
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The Passage of Time – Gibraltar's 'Clash of Cultures'
After more than 300 years of British rule, Gibraltar is no longer the simple Spanish town it once was. The people here have retained the passion and tradition of Spain while blending the sober and modern of England over the years.
A Gibraltarian may have an English breakfast tea in the morning, a Spanish flamenco dance at noon, and a Spanish tapas in the evening sitting in a pub listening to British rock.
This clash of cultures, like a delicious "cultural platter", makes Gibraltar such a fascinating place.
But it's not all rosy. It's like putting too many seasonings in a dish, although the flavor is rich, it is easy for people to lose the main taste.
Gibraltarians identify with Britain far more than Spain, which makes the Spanish government feel like a lemon and stares at it with sourness.
They tried many times to regain this "runaway" child, but each time it was like participating in a competition without a medal, and they returned in vain.
And what about the Gibraltarians? They are like children who have grown up and have a deep affection for their homeland, but have chosen to live in the outside world.
In successive referendums, they have firmly chosen to remain in the UK, much to the embarrassment of the Spanish government. This clash and contradiction of cultural identity is like a marathon with no end, which seems to go on endlessly.
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Rising Storm - Gibraltar's vision for the future and the path of "peaceful coexistence".
Looking to the future, Gibraltar's fate remains full of unknowns and reverie. However, under the theme of this era of peace and development, can we find a way to coexist peacefully? The answer is yes!
All parties should put aside past prejudices and disputes and resolve issues left over from history through dialogue and cooperation.
The United Kingdom and Spain can work together to explore solutions that are conducive to regional peace and prosperity, such as jointly developing Gibraltar's economic and tourism resources, and promoting inter-regional exchanges and cooperation.
At the same time, exchanges and cooperation in the fields of culture and education can also be strengthened, and mutual understanding and trust can be enhanced.
The views and interests of the inhabitants of Gibraltar should also be fully respected and safeguarded. Their voices should play an important role in the decision-making process. Only in this way can peaceful coexistence and common development be truly realized.