Chapter 508 Economic Sanctions
Leopold II, this traitor, tipped off East Africa and made East Africa understand the British intentions. It seems that East Africa is quite attractive to Britain.
After communicating with Leopold II, Britain also contacted Italy, Abyssinia, Egypt and even the Kingdom of Imerina across the Mozambique Channel, and had cordial exchanges with them.
The prototype of a simple encirclement from the east, south, west and north was formed, but anyone with a discerning eye knew that this encirclement had an effect, but it also had no effect.
Especially the northern countries, their attitude towards East Africa is very ambiguous. The only one that truly follows Britain is Portugal. Besides, even if other countries really follow Britain to encircle East Africa, they can't do it. Just like when Britain blockaded the United States, the United States easily resolved the British tactics by turning to the Pacific.
East Africa does not need to learn from the United States. The East African navy has good capabilities in the Indian Ocean and can maintain East Africa's trade. The Royal Navy poses a great threat, but its strength is also relatively dispersed.
Moreover, the location of the United States makes it easier to be sanctioned than East Africa. After all, the United States is far away from the international market center (Europe), and the area near East Africa is the core area of the world's core shipping routes. Although there are some deviations from East Africa, it also makes it difficult to contain East Africa. Even if it doesn't work at sea, there is still land to go.
It is interesting that the British even did not let go of the Kingdom of Imerina. This shows that the British were so desperate to contain East Africa.
In July 1879, the British government passed a sanctions bill against East Africa, imposing sanctions on the export of agricultural products from East Africa, especially tropical agricultural products. At the same time, it prohibited domestic and colonial enterprises from exporting technology, machinery, etc. to East Africa, and prohibited the purchase of minerals and industrial products exported from East Africa.
Britain's sanctions bill was quickly transmitted back to East Africa via telegram.
"Sanction us? What is the British reason?" Ernst asked curiously.
“Your Highness, according to Britain’s own statement, we in East Africa have violated the so-called principle of free trade.”
"Haha, what's the excuse for Britain? Why not negotiate free trade with other countries?" Ernst said disdainfully, "The more the enemy opposes, the more right we are. We cannot give the British a chance to interfere in East Africa."
The British free trade, to put it nicely now, is Britain's unilateral free trade, turning East Africa into Britain's raw material supply and commodity dumping site. Neither Germany nor Austria has this treatment, so Britain can forget about it. Ernst is not a comprador who relies on the British for his livelihood.
"Your Highness, the British sanctions are still a bit threatening, especially in the agricultural products sector. The British market cannot be underestimated."
Although Ernst looked down on Britain and had little interest in developing trade with Britain, Britain was, after all, the world's largest country in terms of area and second only to the Far East Empire in population, so East Africa inevitably had trade relations with Britain and its colonies. Moreover, the British had a high level of consumption and were generous, making them a good market. So in the face of British sanctions, Ernst had to think of a solution.
"We should pay more attention to the British colonies, especially India and Australia, which are far away from the British mainland but are relatively large in size. The British mainland may strictly enforce the laws, but I don't believe their colonies have this awareness."
"Your Highness, we are actually in competition with India, especially in the agricultural sector."
"I know this. I just want to use the channels within the UK. There is no impenetrable wall in the world. The UK is too big, and the global empire it has built is very scattered. Then we can find a breakthrough."
East Africa's tropical agricultural products occupy an important position in the world, especially the scale advantage of planting, which makes East Africa's agricultural products very competitive. East Africa can squeeze out competitors by reducing profits, and it can also earn hard-earned money by giving concessions to partners.
"We are more affected by the UK sanctions in terms of agricultural products, but this is within my expectations. The UK can only impose sanctions on agricultural products in East Africa. We have very little contact with the UK in other areas."
This is probably one of the reasons why Britain is unhappy with East Africa. East Africa's rich resources and population have benefited Germany and Austria, while Britain cannot benefit from them at all.
The UK does not know the exact population size of East Africa, but East Africa is so large that the number of black people must be considerable, probably in the tens of millions. There is not much to say about resources as East Africa is so large that there must be a lot of mines.
Since the Crown Prince is not worried, there is nothing for me to worry about. In fact, the Black Xinggen Group has plenty of ways to circumvent the British sanctions, but the steps are a little more complicated.
"Your Highness, how should our official response to British sanctions be?"
"What response? We are not begging the British. If they want to impose sanctions, then let them do so!"
Ernst is not afraid at all. Britain is not like the United States in the past. Although the world market has been formed thanks to the efforts of Britain and other countries, the current world market is not a one-man show.
In the past, the United States’ economic sanctions were fatal to many countries, and the strength of countries that could withstand the sanctions economically should not be underestimated.
Now if the British want to impose economic sanctions on East Africa, they can only do so through war. Other methods are ineffective against East Africa.
East Africa can be self-sufficient in energy and minerals; funds and technology can be provided by the German region; in terms of market, East Africa has not had much communication with the UK, and although it will suffer some losses, it will not affect East Africa's development.
What makes Britain unique is its technological accumulation during the First Industrial Revolution, including textile machinery, steam engines and other fields. East Africa may be affected in some aspects, but East Africa can also purchase the machines and technologies it wants through third-party countries.
Now the Second Industrial Revolution is not enough to replace the influence of the First Industrial Revolution, especially in the field of power. Everything running on the ground and swimming in the water, as well as factory production, cannot be separated from the steam engine. Therefore, Britain can remain the world hegemon for another few decades by relying on the dividends of the First Industrial Revolution.
Thinking of this, Ernst felt that East Africa should not act too hastily. The initiative was in the hands of the British, who were full of bad intentions, so he had to stabilize it first. As long as East Africa itself did not have any problems, the British's disruption would not work. He was not afraid of Britain and East Africa suffering. The first one who could not bear it would definitely be Britain itself. After all, there were several countries eyeing Britain's position, and East Africa could only be regarded as a newcomer.
In other words, East Africa is only a potential threat, while other countries have become Britain's main concerns. It is impossible for Britain to keep its eyes on Africa for a long time.
Thinking of this, Ernst said, "It seems like it's time to show weakness, but how can I disguise myself as harmless?"
Disguising oneself as a weak person can indeed paralyze the enemy. Ernst knew that the United States was doing a good job of disguising itself. After all, the United States doesn’t even want an army now, so isn’t it harmless?
East Africa cannot do this. The United States is a democratic system. Even if it is defeated, it can still reach a consensus. Therefore, Britain has no way to deal with the United States. If East Africa dares to disarm itself, East Africa may still exist, but the rule of the Hechingen royal family will definitely be over.
If we cannot compromise militarily, we can only think of ways to influence international public opinion. How about the East African collapse theory? It shouldn't work. If we want to collapse, we should at least rise first, just like the country of Haiti in the past. If it really collapses, it might be a good thing. The collapse theory is not suitable for East Africa. If we use the tactic of harming our neighbors, it feels good. After all, it is better to let a friend die than to let the poor die. The United States and other countries should also help East Africa share the firepower.
(End of this chapter)
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