Chapter 185 Fighting is Patriotism
Sheffield remembered that due to the special relationship between Britain and the United States, the United States openly and covertly supported Britain's war in South Africa. Of course, no one could have imagined that the British Empire, with nearly 500,000 troops, would be beaten badly. Even the federal government of the United States, which had already had experience in mobilizing for a decisive battle during the Civil War, did not expect this.
Without the Boer War, the process of the United States usurping the throne might not have been so smooth, and the internal hegemony change in the English-speaking world would not have been so smooth. It can be seen that even the world hegemon should be more cautious about war. After the Boer War, Britain directly changed its imperial policy, gave up glorious isolation and realized the importance of allies, but it was still weak in essence.
The United States later experienced wars that damaged its internal organs. The heavy losses in the Vietnam War forced the United States to think of Britain's predicament in the Boer War and decisively adopted a retreat posture. It was powerless in the face of the Soviet Union's global offensive. If it had not decisively killed Germany and Japan to replenish its blood and Reagan had not launched an all-out counterattack, the final result would be unknown.
The Vietnam War gave the United States a wake-up call. Although it went to war in Afghanistan and Iraq successively, it was unwilling to take action against the last one, Iran. If it could not be dealt with in a short time, it might repeat the trend of the British Empire after the Boer War. The most important thing was that another country had reached the 60% warning line set by the United States.
Theodore Roosevelt's eyes lit up when he thought of using the war against Spain to exchange for mutual understanding and support for the Boer War. Then he wondered, "I may not be able to explain this to Germany and the Netherlands. Will it cause dissatisfaction in the two countries?"
If Theodore Roosevelt had to make a choice in his heart, he would definitely stand on the side of Britain, just as Sheffield said, blood is thicker than water, but the United States is not yet qualified to exert influence outside of America, and reaching a mutual understanding with Britain would offend other European powers.
The reason why the Boers dared to confront the British Empire, the world's policeman, was because they had someone behind them. The government established by the Boers had been at odds with the British Empire for many years, and the key reason was the issue of the right to rule South Africa. Transvaal and Orange formed a permanent friendly alliance and received support from the Germans. It was also because of the support of the Germans that the Boers felt confident and bold to confront Britain. Due to the discovery of gold mines in South Africa, this confrontation became more and more intense.
This caused dissatisfaction among the Boers. In order to fight against the British, the Boers decided to think of a way to fight against the British by taking advantage of the fact that blood is thicker than water. They used the monopoly of railways and explosives as bait to lure in their motherland, the Netherlands and Germany. With the help of the Boers, German forces quickly invaded South Africa.
"Germany is powerful, but Britain is even more powerful. Since the Venezuelan crisis, the United States and Britain have reconciled. All the past grievances are over." Since the Venezuelan crisis, Britain has recognized the special interests of the United States in America. Britain wants to rule the world itself, and the United States will rule America to assist it.
Although there are people like Chamberlain in Britain, it is clear that the public opinion that recognizes the English-speaking people is much stronger than the public opinion that recognizes that Britain and Germany are both Germanic. Chamberlain has little room to play, although Sheffield himself believes that Chamberlain's approach is much better than Churchill's.
Chamberlain succeeded, but Germany was still the world's second largest country, sandwiched between France and Russia, and needed help from Britain. If Churchill continued to fight, Britain would be just one of the five elders.
Sheffield and Theodore Roosevelt discussed the connection between the war against Spain and the Boers, and it seemed that they had met too late. This conversation made Theodore Roosevelt understand what Sheffield called himself, a capitalist with an international perspective. This is a capitalist with an international perspective.
Unlike William McClay and Mark Hanna, Theodore Roosevelt's desire for war was much stronger. Finally, Sheffield shook his head slightly and said, "Mr. Roosevelt, to be honest, there are not many people like you in the Republican Party. In fact, talking to you is more like talking to a Democrat. It's not that I look down on the Republican Party and most of its supporters. They are like flowers in a greenhouse, ignorant and adorable."
A precise map cannon blurted out, making Olney on the side a little embarrassed. The loyal funder of the Democratic Party is so simple and frank. But this is true. Everyone knows that the Democratic Party is more warlike than the Republican Party. The territory of the United States was conquered when the Democratic Party was in power. The Republican Party, like its predecessor the Whig Party, only knows to oppose war.
"Maybe there are more militant people in the Democratic Party, but a person's character is not determined by his party, Mr. William." Theodore Roosevelt said calmly, but did not refute too much.
After expressing mutual admiration, Sheffield mentioned another Spanish colony, the Philippines in Asia.
"What does Mr. William think?" Theodore Roosevelt's heart moved. He felt that the Democratic Party's financial sponsor seemed to have his own ideas on this issue.
"If we go to war with Spain, Cuba, which is right under our noses, is actually easier to deal with. The Philippines in Asia is difficult to deal with. The Philippines is thousands of miles away, and we don't know much about the local area. This is the biggest problem." Sheffield sighed. He has paid too much for the United States. "In fact, in addition to the local natives, there is a group that we can use for the benefit of the United States."
"Chinese?" Theodore Roosevelt was silent for a moment and gave his answer, "I wonder if I am right?"
"That's right, it's the Chinese. There are Chinese communities in the Philippines, just like in California." Sheffield looked at Theodore Roosevelt with some appreciation. In this era, not many people in the United States have a certain understanding of the global situation. Theodore Roosevelt in front of him actually has some research on Asia, which is worthy of admiration. "In fact, Cuba and the Philippines are currently resisting Spanish rule. It is Spain's problem that gave the United States the opportunity to take action, but after we defeat Spain, this will become our problem. How do we face these rebels?"
"Cuba is close so there shouldn't be much of a problem, but if there is no force in the Philippines that can assist us, this matter will be very difficult to handle. The American troops sent out from the mainland are not familiar with the local terrain and may cause massive losses. To solve this problem, we need the assistance of a group, so I think the local Chinese can fulfill this responsibility." Sheffield paused and then said, "The Chinese are a group that focuses on the collective. Although they also put their greatest efforts into dealing with their own people, this is not contradictory. There are people of all kinds in any group. If we can gather the Chinese workers in California and send them to the Philippines, together with the local Chinese to assist our soldiers, this matter will be easy to handle."
"California's xenophobia will be greatly alleviated. To be frank, although I employed Chinese workers, I was also concerned about the increasing number of Chinese workers. I personally do not agree with exclusionary laws targeting a certain ethnic group. This is too obvious and will not be recognized by the international community, although our citizens will certainly recognize it."
"If we can use this war to disperse some Chinese workers to the Philippines, I believe the citizens of California will be very satisfied, as the number of Chinese workers will be reduced. Moreover, the Chinese workers following the US military can provide logistics and help us a lot."
"Is California's problem so serious?" Theodore Roosevelt was shocked and thought carefully about Sheffield's idea.
"It is indeed very serious. If the economy is not good, the problem will be magnified. So we need to solve it as soon as possible. If we occupy the Philippines and solve both problems at the same time, I believe everything will be fine." Sheffield said very seriously, "This is the purpose of my meeting with Mr. Roosevelt."
This was the best solution Sheffield could think of. If the Chinese workers stayed in the United States, they would be a tragic group. Even without the Chinese Exclusion Act, they would be subject to other restrictions. And it would be easy to assimilate a group of banana people, because the United States had become the strongest country in the world.
The Philippines is different. Given the culture of the indigenous people of the Philippines, it is still a bit difficult to assimilate the Chinese. The chance of becoming a banana person is smaller.
"If a war really breaks out, Mr. William hopes that the United States will use its power to send these Chinese workers away? Even if it's just a part of them?" Theodore Roosevelt pondered for a moment and asked, "What's the reason?"
"I will issue a recruitment notice in the name of the United Company. As long as they get on board, everything will be fine. Of course, some Chinese labor leaders know about this, and I have made it clear to them." Sheffield said that he would take care of everything. "As for the expenses incurred? As long as we occupy the Philippines, everything can be paid by the local government. In this way, we can solve domestic problems and also gain help in the Philippines."
"Mr. William is really full of wonderful ideas!" Theodore Roosevelt shook his head slightly, then said firmly, "If war is really inevitable, I am willing to help and let Chinese workers be responsible for the logistics of the army."
"The United Company and my partners will fully support the United States in assisting the colonies in the war against European imperialism. I will take care of the logistics." Sheffield also made his own promise, and then said, "Mr. Roosevelt, it would be great if you were the president."
With this incoherent remark, the two men ended their meeting today and prepared to meet again when they had the chance. Sheffield was going to send a telegram now, because he was so patriotic.
"William, it seems that you have a good impression of Roosevelt, the Republican." After the two came out of Roosevelt, Olney asked slowly, "Is that right?"
"At this time, fighting is patriotic, and this man is indeed very powerful." Sheffield paused and looked at Olney, "But the United Company's support for the Democratic Party will never change."
(End of this chapter)
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