I am Peter III, Emperor of the Hexagon of the Goose Kingdom

Chapter 117 Potato Plan Confirmed, Currency Plan Imagined

As a monarch, it is normal for Peter to value population.

The importance of population can be known by just a few words.

In the Middle Ages, the regimes in the Middle East stared at the French when they had nothing to do, because France had the largest number of people in Europe.

From 1096 to 1291, the absolute main force of the most powerful crusade expedition was the three major knight orders, two of which were established by the French.

In the Hundred Years' War between Britain and France after more than 40 years, although Britain has made many achievements in humiliating the law, the population gap between the two countries is a full five times!
The Hundred Years' War took place from 1337 to 1453. In 1300, the population of France was 1600 million and that of England was 350 million. This led to the annexation of France by Britain and was finally overthrown by the French.

In the War of Spanish Succession that occurred more than 40 years ago, France was besieged by all neighboring countries. Although it ended its hegemony in Western Europe after the war, it still survived by virtue of its population advantage.

In the Franco-Prussian War that hadn’t happened yet, Prussia gave an order, and the North German League pulled up a huge military force of 130 million in a few months, which was simply formidable.

That is, in the future 21st century, who will know the benefits of the demographic dividend.

After all, Ah San always rants about this, and she is already number one in the world.

With a large population, the most obvious thing is to collect poll tax, and to collect money according to the head is soft.

Vorontsov looked at His Majesty's face, hesitated and said:

"Your Majesty, since the economy is so tense, should the population develop in such a hurry?"

Peter said:
"There is no rush, but it must be done. What we are talking about today is at least a five-year plan, and the population is calculated on a ten-year basis. This policy cannot be changed!"

Looking at the expression in front of His Majesty and the tone of his speech, Bestutev couldn't help feeling a little dazed.

This serious face, is it the rumored crown prince who walked his dog crazy, peed and drove Adrian crazy, and called Russia a land of barbarians?
When did it change?

Bestutev sat up straight for a while, feeling even more nervous. Now that he has not mentioned the foreign policy he is most concerned about, what will be His Majesty's attitude towards Prussia?

Peter glanced at Bestutev, then at the others, knocked on the table and said:
"Don't think that economic development is so difficult. There are ways to develop with less money. Has no one heard of potatoes? This thing is also called potatoes."

Andernov immediately raised his hand and said:
"Your Majesty, I have heard that I have been to France, but aren't potatoes a plant? The French only grow them for fun when they have spare space."

Peter said:
"It's not a plant, it can be eaten, and whoever eats it will know."

Then he looked at Bestutev and said:

"Do you understand?"

Bestutev shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, I don't understand this."

Looking at the expressions of the crowd, it was obvious that they were a little unfamiliar with potatoes.

Peter couldn't help being a little puzzled. According to his understanding, Italy introduced potatoes in 1583, and the cardinal of the Holy See introduced potatoes from Italy to Belgium in the same year.

It was introduced into Austria in 1588 and introduced into Frankfurt Botanical Garden in Germany in 1589. The Swiss introduced tubers from Austria and imported them into France around 1600. Due to various reasons, there was no large cultivation area in France until the end of the 18th century.

Potatoes were introduced from Scotland to Norway, and then to Sweden and Denmark. In the mid-18th century, potatoes were introduced to southern Denmark from Germany.

In 1765, there was a famine in Russia, and the Privy Council issued a notice to expand the planting area across the country, and the seed potatoes were purchased from Prussia and Ireland.

But now everyone seems to have never heard of it...

its not right!
Didn't they know that the first potatoes were introduced under Peter the Great?
Peter was suspicious for a while.

Although it was not popularized for various reasons, it was not until the mid-19th century that the Tsar issued an order:
"Farmers must grow potatoes on a large scale, and farmers who grow potatoes well will be rewarded."

Since then, potatoes have been able to settle down in Russia and gradually become popular.

Potatoes are high-yielding and suitable for growing in an environment with barren land, low night temperature, dryness, and short sunshine hours. The harvest is higher than that of barley and wheat. It can be said that it is suitable for most environments in Russia.

Siberia can grow.

Moreover, the Russians don't need much labor at all to grow potatoes, just put the small potatoes in the pit and water them.

In short, potatoes are healthy and pleasing food, which can be made into bread, porridge, starch and powder, and can be grown in large quantities in Russia.

Unable to figure it out, Peter directly ordered Vorontsov:
"Send people to countries like Italy, Belgium, Austria, France, Scotland, and Prussia to see how their potatoes are planted. Besides, don't you know that our country has seed potatoes?"

"Finding our country's potatoes and doing the first trial plantings could involve individuals from the Academy of Sciences."

"In addition, send people to South America to select more potato seeds and establish a complete potato breeding system."

"Let me emphasize one more point. Whether it is sending people to investigate or obtaining seed potatoes, it must be kept secret. Ivanovic, you are responsible for follow-up."

Peter instructed with a serious face.

This matter involves population and people's livelihood, and it is also related to the prevention of famine more than 20 years later. It should be handled by Vorontsov, the Minister of General Affairs of the Privy Council.

And before the large-scale promotion, confidentiality is also a matter, and Ivanovic is temporarily handed over.

"Yes! Your Majesty!"

The two looked at each other and responded at the same time.

Then continue to discuss population, but the result is obvious, other population increase programs are all dependent on money.

But Russia has no money now.

But there is also one thing that makes Peter feel relieved. The Seven Years War has not yet been fought, and the treasury has not been empty to a heinous level.

During the Seven Years War, the Russian soldiers in Prussia did not receive their salaries for 8 consecutive months, and Russia was unable to borrow money from other countries, and the domestic crop prices soared. In Ye Erda’s words:

"There are still 1.7 rubles in the national treasury that have not been repaid, and all business sectors are basically monopolized by private parties. Queen Elizabeth tried to borrow 200 million from the Netherlands, but the result was in vain. We have no credibility in the eyes of all countries."

After the Seven Years' War, even the public debt of 1.7 rubles was not repaid, and a big country was refused a loan of 200 million from the Netherlands. One can imagine how miserable Russia is.

Now the treasury still has 560 million rubles, which is much better than Ye Er's time.

Under such circumstances, can he lose to Ye Er?
Of course not!

And he has a further plan, using banknotes to replace the various kopecks and silver coins currently in circulation, and to store gold and silver.

But the conditions are not yet met, and the steps are too big.

At least after it is completely stabilized, no one can challenge his majesty, and after Russia's credibility has been established in the world.

After all, if you exchange a banknote for someone else's real money, who would believe you without credibility and strength?
After all, many countries also go bankrupt on a regular basis.

Peter is very envious of the international settlement system based on the Russian currency, which is something that does not exist now.

But the road has to be taken step by step. Who knows what will happen if you take big steps.

(End of this chapter)