Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 328 Promote
Education and assimilation have always been linked. Ethnic integration is the general trend, and most tribes in the Arabian Peninsula have now submitted to Iran. Naturally, Iran will do its best to assimilate and educate the people under its control, so as not to let them separate.

Iran adopted the Ottoman policy of assimilation towards Arabs, granting these tribal leaders political and economic rights. For the lower classes, industrial development provided them with factory jobs, allowing them to benefit from economic growth.

In Dhahran, Iran established its first university on the peninsula, Dhahran University. The curriculum balances the traditions of Persian and Arabic cultures. Persian and Arabic are compulsory subjects, allowing students to learn about their own culture while gaining a deeper understanding of the history and traditions of the other.

Iran encourages tribal children to study at Dhahran University to enhance their sense of identity with Iranian culture through education. Now, in the industrial age, the old assimilation methods were too inefficient; now, with railways and telegraphs, news can be received instantly from even the most distant places.

The Ottomans also assimilated the Arabian Peninsula, a process that lasted for centuries. They successfully secured the allegiance of tribes in the north, but with the advent of the industrial age, this approach became ineffective. Iranian-backed Shiite tribes drove their influence into the Hejaz region, and to consolidate their territory, they naturally became more reliant on Iran.

The trade and culture along the Persian Gulf coast also influenced the inland regions, with cities like Hufuf and Riyadh prospering as trade flourished. Riyadh, located in the center of the peninsula and surrounded by oasis agriculture, could be established as a separate province.

Nasser al-Din's investment in the peninsula was unprecedented. The British didn't know what there was to invest in there; it just produced some pearls, fish, and some grain. Could he possibly dig up gold?
Regardless of British opinion, Iran will continue its investments on the Korean Peninsula. That's beyond question.

"Shah, cotton in Liverpool has gone up to 60 cents."

Said did not expect cotton prices to rise so quickly in just a few months; he could make a six-fold profit if he sold it.

"Wait a little longer. The war won't end so quickly, and prices will probably rise further."

At present, textile mills in Britain and France are basically out of raw materials, and the real price surge is yet to come. What needs to be done now is to ensure that the South can withstand the offensive from the North; otherwise, why would they be lobbying the South to promote railway construction in order to get Britain and France involved?

The London government was very interested, and the investment was not high; Palmerston immediately offered to invest $500 million. France was not to be outdone, offering $300 million, and the two countries would also provide a loan of $1800 million.

Iran's investment was small, but still $150 million. Then, the Southern Railway Company was established, and British businessmen were asked to issue shares in London. A total of 25000 shares were issued, initially priced at $1.25 per share, which later skyrocketed to $3.75.

Not only the Richmond-New Orleans railway, but also railways in other places are in the planning stages. These are like bait, enticing British and French investors to support them step by step.

The construction of railways was not only of economic significance but also of important military value. The Confederate States of America planned to use the railway network to rapidly mobilize troops and supplies, thereby enhancing their defenses against the North.

The Union was deeply disturbed by the Confederate railroad construction and began to increase military pressure on the South. It lodged strong protests with Britain and France, accusing them of interfering in American domestic affairs. The North also threatened to sever trade relations with Britain and France in an attempt to force the two countries to withdraw their support for the South.

However, some were already willing to support the Confederate States of America. The number of MPs in the British House of Commons who joined the Confederate Association increased from 16 to 48. Palmerston began tentatively contacting Confederate diplomats to discuss the possibility of recognizing Southern independence. Although the British government had not yet formally recognized the Confederate States of America, its attitude was clearly inclined towards supporting the South. Seeing the effectiveness of the railways, the Southern government disregarded everything else and directly offered everything it could. Through railways and other means, it demonstrated its potential and prospects to European countries. The Confederate States of America also promised that, once independent, it would grant its supporting nations more economic benefits and trade opportunities.

Not only Britain and France, but also Prussia, Austria, and Spain—the more the merrier. Their situation would improve significantly if they gained recognition from any major European country.

“Shah, actually we could increase our investment in other industries in the Allied countries. They see it as nothing more than a large cotton plantation. We still have to import a lot of daily necessities and machinery. If the war ends, it probably won’t be long before the North regains control.”

"Yes, so we need to prepare for the further fragmentation of the North."

Naser al-Din handed a document to Sayyid, saying, "Take a look at this."

Saeed took it and looked at it. "New York State Independence Movement Report, Shah, you want New York State to become independent?"

"This is also a half-baked idea; the specific situation needs to be analyzed on a case-by-case basis."

You know, some of my ideas are indeed far-fetched, but the thought just keeps creeping in. I heard the current mayor of New York City is demanding that New York become an independent country. Well, then let's include the entire state of New York, that way they won't be too small.

At this time, there were many sympathizers for the South within the North, although they were not the majority, their presence had a certain impact on the North's war efforts and social stability. These sympathizers were often referred to as the "Copperheads." They opposed the war, advocated reconciliation with the South through negotiation, and even recognized Southern independence. They believed that the war was launched by the Lincoln administration to expand federal power at the expense of the North's interests.

Copperhead's supporters primarily came from rural areas of the Midwest, particularly Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Farmers and small business owners in these regions feared that war would lead to economic collapse and increased taxes. They also opposed conscription, viewing it as oppression of ordinary people.

In New York and Pennsylvania, some Southern-sympathetic Northerners supported the South through underground activities, such as providing intelligence, supplies, and funds. They even organized secret societies to try to sabotage Northern efforts.

"Judging from the current situation, the United States is truly terrifying. It was founded just a few years earlier than my ancestors, yet its territory has expanded several times over. Moreover, it has no rivals. A country like this in the Americas would only be a scourge."

Why not take this opportunity to let them divide it up? That would lighten the burden on their President Lincoln. It would be a good thing.”

(End of this chapter)