@rbreich
Funny that the #ufa reminds me Spain in the 18th century.
Spain’s power gradually declined because of the costly wars it waged and an artificially prosperous economy due to the wealth drawn from the New World.
Spain loses its aura as an indestructible country, conqueror and policeman of the world. The economic consequence will be dramatic, trade with the Americas diverting towards English, German, Dutch or Flemish ports.