Chapter 191 Spain declares war
In addition to the two most suspicious naval officers, the survivors of the Maine explosion were naturally among them. However, this process did not need to be as direct and violent as it was with the two of them. Through the conversation with the angels in white, these wounded could let go of their guard and tell them what happened that day.
Although the wounded would certainly spend most of their narratives describing how brave they were that day, hoping to use this experience to gain a relationship experience and seduce a Dixie girl, their methods were doomed to fail. The so-called brave experience and the attitude of keeping calm in the face of danger were worthless. When they were sent to Sheffield, they had been completely deleted.
This was just the beginning. The United Company would certainly follow this clue step by step. Even if they could not find the mastermind behind the scenes, they would at least make things clear. Sheffield felt that with Theodore Roosevelt's current position and status, he would definitely not be able to be the mastermind behind the scenes, but he must be an insider.
As the war approached, the United Company, as an important part of the United States business community, was following the clues and trying to find out the truth behind the undercurrent. Although it was a little hard to understand, Sheffield felt that it was understandable. It was obvious that the Yankees wanted to monopolize the benefits, so he couldn't blame himself for intercepting them. Why didn't he consider hurting the feelings of the Dixies when planning?
When it comes to robbery, if it's a gang crime, they should either agree on the distribution method in advance. Since the distribution is unfair, don't blame yourself for being a gang robbed by your gang, this is all your own fault.
While the investigation into the explosion of the USS Maine was still ongoing, Sheffield received a telegram from Evelyn in Los Angeles saying that she had signed contracts with as many Chinese workers as possible, and the total number had reached 75,000. With the assistance of Chinese leaders in San Francisco, things were going smoothly.
The only problem was that this move was criticized by some newspapers. As for who these newspapers belonged to, Sheffield knew without thinking. He used newspapers to incite hatred against Chinese workers every day, so why couldn't he solve the problem? When he had time, he would let this Irishman know that the British population was still your father even in the United States.
He sent a telegram to tell Evelyn not to worry about the noise, and that he would naturally get through this period of time and then free up his hands to deal with the night soil collectors. The contract signing for Chinese workers would continue, and the more the better.
Sheffield personally felt sympathy for these Chinese workers who had left their homes, but reason told him that some things should be resolved as soon as possible. If the Chinese workers stayed in the United States, it would only end up in a situation that would be uncomfortable for both sides. With their yellow appearance, this group would never be able to reach the top of the pyramid in the United States.
There will be countless means to prevent this from happening, whether it is the people or the government, open or covert, stereotypes or direct use of laws. Anyway, Sheffield thought roughly that even if some Chinese people briefly rushed to the top of the pyramid of the United States, they did not stand firm for various reasons. If there were no restrictions, he would not believe it.
Anyway, thinking from a different perspective, he felt that it would be a jerk if an important industry in any country was dominated by a group from outside the motherland. Moreover, once the Chinese motherland became powerful and was eventually considered an opponent by the United States, what would happen?
Anyway, during World War I, the German population did not want the United States to side with the Allies and declared war on the German Empire. They were widely accused of being potential traitors to their country, and this was the case for the Germans from the largest single immigrant source country. During World War II, it was well known that the Japanese were imprisoned in concentration camps.
The more intense the confrontation, the more the Chinese population will be in a difficult position. The Chinese will try hard to show their loyalty to the United States, but this loyalty is useless. Suspicion of the Chinese community will always exist. If that happens, even the Chinese Exclusion Act will be the lightest reaction. Today's migration is to avoid future harm. He feels that he has done his best. The Philippines is at least a suitable place to go.
On the eve of the war, which could have broken out at any time, Sheffield was still busy thinking about how to use the country to make profits. This was because he had the foundation for this, and he also firmly believed that the United States would inevitably win a great victory. Therefore, internal struggles were of course much more important than external ones. After this war, the United States would have a new understanding of European countries, and perhaps even reduce a certain degree of worship of foreign countries.
Compared with the enthusiasm in America, where people were eager for the war to begin immediately, Spain in Europe was much more gloomy. Both the government and the people were pessimistic about going to war with the United States. Compared with the prosperity of several centuries, they were at a loss as to what to do in the face of the harsh demands made by the United States. The forbearance and helplessness shown by Spanish diplomats were conveyed to every Spanish citizen.
The Spanish Empire had been in decline since Napoleon stole it. It was filled with internal political turmoil between liberals and conservatives, its economy was crumbling, and its colonies were revolting. Its fleet was destroyed at Trafalgar. After that, Spain lost almost all of its southern and Central American colonies. Basically, the Spanish Empire was long gone. Spain was a country that was falling apart, and its empire was just a few scattered pieces of land as remnants of its glory days.
Now that they have been humiliated by the United States of America, not only does the government want to keep the peace, but even ordinary Spaniards do not feel there is any hope of victory.
Spain couldn't even find a European country to speak for it. Spain couldn't be the only country to ask for aid, it wanted its own colonies, or had no interest in disrupting trade relations with the United States. Apart from Britain and Germany, there was no navy in Europe that could launch a transoceanic war. The Russian Empire could try, but why would it help a Spain that had nothing to do with it?
The Spanish sadly discovered that they could not find any country that could help them. They could not even scare the Americans and make this emerging power think twice and stop bullying them, saving some face for Spain.
The only sensible course was to try to negotiate a solution with the United States, and that is what Spain did, with tragic restraint in the face of the United States' bellicosity and intimidation, even swallowing the humiliation of being refused a joint investigation.
Alfonso XIII, who was only twelve years old, listened to the military minister's bleak prediction in the palace, and heard the trade minister's assessment of America's strength. His face remained unchanged, or he simply had no idea what to do. Spain now was no longer in the era of the Invincible Armada, or even a hundred years ago, and it simply had no ability to fight the Americans.
"But the Americans are humiliating us. All their actions are based on confidence. Their warships have been staying close to the port for a long time. Their newspapers are fanning the flames. They have been hating Spain for more than a year. They have been preparing for who knows how long. Can we avoid this war if we keep our heads down and dare not look the Americans in the eye?" Although Alfonso XIII was young, as the King of Spain, he still had enough status to receive information and naturally knew everything his country was facing, including the Americans' aggressiveness with their strong ships and powerful guns.
"Yes, Your Majesty! The Americans are humiliating us. They trampled on the dignity of the Spanish Empire and let the world see how they humiliated a once glorious empire. They also showed the citizens of the United States how arrogant their country is now." The Minister of the Navy lowered his head and said with a sad face, "Even if we don't fight, they will force us to fight. The Americans are indifferent to our previous goodwill. Spain cannot escape this war."
"Your Majesty, no Spaniard believes the Americans' words. We all know that the explosion of the Maine has nothing to do with us, but every American believes that they want war and want to use Spain's defeat to prove the strength of the United States. They dare not do this to the British or the Germans, but they specifically picked us."
The magnificent palace was filled with a sad atmosphere, which was even more depressing than the palaces built during Spain's glorious period. There was only one day left before the deadline given by the Americans. Once the time was up, the American fleet, which had been waiting for a long time, might take action against Spain's overseas territories.
"We have no choice now, right? Let's keep our last bit of dignity. If we can't escape it, let God make the judgment." Alfonso XIII's young face was full of sorrow. There was no other way now.
In fact, just two days ago, the US fleet had blockaded the northern ports of Cuba and the port of Santiago, which was already an actual act of war, and they were just waiting for Spain's response.
The news that Spain had declared war on the United States greatly increased the sales of newspapers that advocated for war. The news that Spain had declared war on the United States on its own initiative was quickly known to all citizens through newspaper coverage. Voices supporting the federal government's declaration of war were heard in major newspapers.
"I guess the Spanish people's resentment and helplessness, as well as their hatred for our country, are unprecedented at this time, but I will not sympathize with them. I will not sympathize with any weak existence. Everyone must be responsible for their own choices. When the Spanish Empire was still there, they made their enemies feel this way. What is unacceptable today?" Sheffield laughed and said, "Even if God wants to uphold justice, doesn't he have to see which side has more believers? Who gives more advantages and disadvantages? We have a population of more than 80 million."
The next day, members of Congress, including members of both parties, unanimously passed a resolution declaring war on Spain. The United States of America officially declared war on Spain.
(End of this chapter)
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