The Imperial Age with the Resurgence of Han Style

Chapter 237 England is finally going to tax “Americans”!

In the entire North American continent, in terms of wealth, apart from the Xuanzhou Governor-General of Qi State, Massachusetts is definitely the richest. However, the former relies entirely on the discovery and mining of gold to suddenly become rich, and may not be sustainable. The latter, however, slowly accumulated countless wealth by relying on his "hard work" and shrewd business acumen step by step, and thus lived a wealthy life far beyond that in England.

After more than a hundred years of hard work, the people of Massachusetts not only achieved self-sufficiency in food, but also established their own "Sugar Triangle" trading circle by actively exploring overseas markets.

The so-called "Sugar Triangle" trade involves transporting dried fish, grain, timber, and livestock from New England to the West Indies (i.e., the Caribbean Islands), unloading the goods and transporting sugar products to Europe, and unloading the goods in Europe to load industrial products and cotton. Textiles, wine, etc. returned to New England, so that when the economic engine of the Atlantic market gradually moved from Brazil to the West Indies, the Puritan immigrants in Massachusetts became the biggest beneficiaries.

You must know that the West Indies, which is engaged in the cane sugar industry, has very little land and cannot or rarely produce enough agricultural and sideline products. It also needs to import a large number of livestock to supply power and transportation for sugar-pressing machinery.

Therefore, the Massachusetts people mastered the profitable business of exporting grain, fish, livestock and barrels to the West Indies. This way, when their ships visited the West Indies, they did not have to run empty with ballast, so they were loading At the same time, the cost of local products is lower than other competitors.

Of course, this still depends on the strength of England. At that time, London was determined to challenge the Dutch sea coachmen and passed the Navigation Regulations, which excluded the powerful Dutch shipowners from England's commercial system and got rid of the "free-flying" The competition from the "Dutch" won a lot of business for shipowners in England and Massachusetts, and also stimulated the demand for "Made in England" ships.

The shipbuilding industry in Massachusetts started with simple small fishing boats, and then moved to the construction of larger ships. Although labor here was more expensive than in England, the large amount of cheap and high-quality wood kept costs down, so shipbuilding costs were higher than in England. The shipbuilding industry soon became one of the pillar industries of Massachusetts.

In addition to shipbuilding, Massachusetts also had another extremely important industry, which was brewing.

Qi's sugar cane wine brewing technology was spread to the Caribbean and Brazil through the Dutch East India Company more than 50 years ago, and then spread to Massachusetts.

During this period, European countries encouraged their countries to import jaggery for local refining in order to compete for this high value-added industry. In this industrial competition, Massachusetts undoubtedly became a strong competitor in England's domestic cane sugar refining industry.

As a result, more than thirty years ago, Massachusetts became the most competitive rum brewing center at that time, importing tens of thousands of barrels of molasses from the West Indies every year for brewing. In addition to being consumed by the North American colonies, the rum it produced was also used in fur trade with Indians and exported to Africa in exchange for slaves. After the exchanged African slaves were sold in the West Indies, in addition to earning money directly, they were also used to continue purchasing molasses and sugar, which were then brought back to Massachusetts for brewing and refining. This was another form of "triangular trade" at the time, which brought huge profits to Massachusetts merchants.

In such competition, the southern colonies of British North America mainly produced raw materials and cash crops that Britain urgently needed, and were economically complementary. However, several northern colonial territories were more economically antagonistic.

Sugar production is a high-energy-consuming industry (wood is the main fuel), and the same is true for sugar cane wine (i.e. rum). The advantage of establishing a sugar cane factory on an island is that it is convenient for shipping and it can prevent slaves from escaping, but the disadvantages are also obvious , then the fuel supply is insufficient, so the West Indies need to import a large amount of wood.

In addition, Massachusetts also undertook the business of selling stolen goods on land and sea. In the late 17th century, Britain, France and Spain reached an understanding, so pirates were not so popular in the Caribbean (before this, all countries recruited pirates to strengthen their armed forces) ), pirates here began to look for safer and more reliable habitats and channels to sell their stolen goods, so Massachusetts successfully attracted these "grey" businesses.

Especially in New England, the main products here are fishery products and wool, and the products in England are also fishery products and wool; England is developing industry, commerce and shipping, and New England is also developing industry, commerce and shipping; England needs The southern and Caribbean colonies provided raw materials and markets, and New England industry and commerce competed here for raw materials and markets.

New England seemed to be a natural enemy of Old England, and was called "the most harmful colony" by native English politicians and businessmen.

With its five pillar industries—fishing, shipping, shipbuilding, brewing, and special industry services—Massachusetts became the “most beautiful boy” in the Atlantic economic circle during this period.

Because local consumption was very limited, Massachusetts shipowners took the approach of going out to do business from the beginning. Flour and meat from the central colonies, tobacco from Virginia, rice and indigo from the southern colonies all relied on Massachusetts for transportation to Europe. or the West Indies, Massachusetts shipowners soon became second only to the Dutch as sea coachmen, with hundreds of ships plying North America, the West Indies, Southern Europe, Britain, and Africa (not counting part-time workers fishing boats).

At this time, two economic models emerged in international trade theory. One was "free trade" proposed by Qi State, which required countries around the world to cancel many trade restrictive policies, reduce various trade obstacles, open their own countries and markets, and implement free trade, and We are not pursuing absolute trade excess.

Because the business here is developed, it is convenient to sell stolen goods and purchase navigation supplies, and there is a lot of rum; it is also a shipbuilding industry center, where ships can be repaired and re-equipped. As a result, a large number of pirates came here to repair ships and trade, and even pirates from the Mediterranean and Indian Oceans (because of the strength of Qi's navy, pirates in this region were unable to carry out decent business) came here from thousands of miles away to "advertise".

Compared with wood, transporting molasses can save ship space, so Massachusetts imported a large amount of molasses to make wine, which was more cost-effective than importing wood from the West Indies to make wine.

There is also mercantilism that is prevalent in Europe. In the eyes of governments and businessmen, the wealth in the world is limited. If you have more, I will have less. In order to compete for wealth, a country must export more goods than it imports. The value of goods and strive to make their business occupy a central position in international re-export trade.

Of course, the fly in the ointment is that at that time, Massachusetts legislators were still influenced by Puritan precepts and were reluctant to pass laws allowing the establishment of technical colleges. So Rhode Island, with more relaxed laws, began to steal the business of Massachusetts people, and the economy began to Rise - It almost became a resort for pirates from the late last century to the beginning of this century.

"I heard that General James Edward Oglethorpe received a charter from His Majesty the King to establish a new colonial territory in southern South Carolina."

In the Governor's Palace in Boston, the political and economic center of this "most harmful colony", the Governor of Massachusetts, Viscount Mitch McConnell, was hosting a big shot from London - Earl Conal, Vice Chairman of the Cabinet Finance Committee. Phil Warnock.

After chatting about the local affairs for a while, Viscount McConnell naturally shifted the topic to North American colonial affairs, trying to trick out from the other party what new colonial policies London would introduce and what consequences it would have for New England and even Massachusetts. kind of influence. As one of the decision-makers on the financial affairs of the Kingdom of England, Earl Conal ignored the stormy waves in the Atlantic and visited Boston in person. He probably did not come for a "public trip", but rather brought the latest instructions from His Majesty the King and the Cabinet.

"General Oglethorpe didn't seem to like the continuous rainy weather in London. In addition, he was defeated by the Qi Navy two years ago. He was inevitably a little frustrated with the domestic politics and military. Therefore, he hoped to come to North America. area, to build a new territory for His Majesty the King, thereby consolidating and strengthening the overseas colonial power of the Kingdom of England." Earl Conal put down the wine glass in his hand, picked up the tablecloth, wiped the corners of his mouth elegantly, and smiled. Said: "For this reason, the cabinet awarded the area south of South Carolina to General Oglethorpe. This is good, just to prevent and curb the Spanish penetration in the Florida area to the north."

"After the Spanish ceasefire with our Kingdom of England, they have maintained a rare restraint and have not continued to infiltrate the north and encroach on our North American colonial territories." Viscount McConnell said, "In recent years, they have had an extremely close relationship with the Qi people on the west coast. Not only have they generously given up many disputed territories, but they have also deepened their cooperation in trade and military affairs. Oh, by the way, the Panama Isthmus Railway, which they jointly built, has overcome various unfavorable conditions in the early stages. As the number of Indian laborers recruited increases, the progress has gradually accelerated. It may be successfully completed within two years, thus opening up land connections between the two oceans."

"What, you want to build railroads in New England too?"

"If a number of railways can be built to connect the ports to the hinterland, it will greatly promote the exchange of people and materials throughout New England." Viscount McConnell said: "Of course, the construction of railways will have a great impact on us. Better control of the colonial territories would also be of great help. However, the construction of this railway will definitely be very expensive, and New England may not be able to afford this cost."

"Even the beggars on the streets of London know about the wealth of New England." Earl Conal took a deep look at the local governor and said with a smile: "Even if it is to raise funds to build a large railway connecting the north and the south, it is nothing. Is it difficult?"

"Earl Conor, although the standard of living in the North American colonial territories is higher than that in England, it would be inappropriate for everyone to take out their own pockets and contribute a large amount of money to build a railway that spans several territories. Realistically. After all, the needs of each governor’s territory are different and the interests are not unified.”

"Oh?" Earl Conor leaned back gently on the chair and tapped his fingers rhythmically on the dining table. "If the mainland enacts a tax bill on New England, do you think it can be implemented?"

"Taxation?" Viscount McConnell looked at the other party in surprise, "Why did the mainland suddenly think of taxing New England?"

It has been more than 1607 years since Britain established its first colony in North America in . During this period, the twelve colonial territories in North America (Georgia had not yet been established at this time) have always been nominally owned by The Kingdom of England has always maintained a high degree of autonomy, and the colonies have maintained peace with the United Kingdom.

As for paying taxes, that doesn't exist at all. The colonial residents have never paid a penny in taxes to the mainland. They have also become accustomed to the autonomous model with no one riding on their heads, and enjoy such a beautiful life of living and working in peace and contentment.

Speaking of the high degree of autonomy in the colonies, it is actually because the English government is too lazy to manage the colonies, because it can save a lot of administrative expenses and military expenses. Even the salary of the appointed governor is paid from the tax revenue of the colonies, and England does not pay a penny. Flowers can win nominal rule over the colony, which is certainly more worthwhile.

Compared with those colonists, they were willing to leave their homes and come to settle in North America. Many people came for freedom, just like the "Mayflower". They took such a big risk and came to North America just to pursue it. Freedom, and the colonies had a high degree of autonomy, which was very much in line with the colonists' requirements.

Why, the big lords in London are going to tax us! ?
"Our Kingdom of England has been engaged in a three-year war with Qi. The local economy has been severely damaged, the market has collapsed, and thousands of factories and trading companies have gone bankrupt. London, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and other cities The streets are crowded with beggars and homeless people. In addition, the government is also burdened with a heavy debt of more than 32 million pounds, with interest alone amounting to 1.5 million pounds per year, plus compensation from the United States. Seven million pounds has put the cabinet's finances under great pressure and is almost on the verge of bankruptcy." Earl Conor said in a rather serious tone: "So, as a subject of the kingdom, Great Britain's overseas colonial territories, including New England. All North American regions, including China, should contribute their best to the mother country.”

The war was over, but the government was out of money.

Therefore, it is time for you overseas colonial territories to "honor" your mother country.

However, if you want to tax and how much you want to levy, you still need to carefully consider and consider it. His Majesty the King, as well as the Prime Minister and Members of Parliament, basically many people have never been to North America, so they have no understanding of the customs and customs there.

No tax has been collected from North America for more than 120 years. If a tax is suddenly imposed, of course a minister must first be sent to the North American colonies for an on-site inspection.

It was against this background that Earl Conard, on behalf of His Majesty the King, the Cabinet and the Parliament, braved the rough and dangerous Atlantic sea conditions and descended to Boston by boat.

"If we want to tax colonial territories, I am worried that it will trigger protests from local businessmen and residents." Viscount McConnell said with concern: "So, I hope that the cabinet government and Parliament will be more cautious about this."

"I only came here for inspection and research, and provided a detailed and reliable report to the cabinet and parliament." Count Conor said solemnly: "Therefore, there is no official conclusion on the taxation matter. Therefore, I hope Sir McConnell will suppress this news as much as possible to avoid causing unnecessary commotion in the colonies."

"I will try my best to block this news." Viscount McConnell nodded, and then said with some embarrassment: "But I still hope that the mainland can fully consider the interests of the colony and sincerely listen to the suggestions of local MPs."

"Speaking of local councillors, I need to give them some advice." Earl Conor said with a serious expression: "The interests of the North American colonial territories and the mainland should be consistent, and they need to help each other. Without the support and force protection of the mainland, , the interests of all people will not be protected as they should be. Oh, by the way, how could your Massachusetts local council introduce a trade restriction policy that boycotts the Qi people in Nova Scotia... The Qi people are beyond our control? It’s easy to provoke!”

(End of this chapter)