Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 335 Bismarck Takes Power

On the way, Amir and Abdullah discussed whether the Shah was planning to emulate Britain and France by establishing numerous colonies. This wouldn't be good news for Iran. Iran isn't Britain; it doesn't have a powerful navy. Nor is it France; it doesn't have a strong financial and fiscal system. It can only operate in areas not too far from its homeland; too far away would cause problems. It's better to focus on the Indian Ocean region.

“On another note, haven’t we invested too little in Africa?” Abdullah asked.

“That’s already a lot. Private investment plus government investment adds up to 300 million a year. Iran isn’t Britain or France; it doesn’t have that much money.”

Iran's investments in Africa also fueled colonial expansion. With Lake Naser al-Din as the border, the entire eastern part of the continent has been occupied by Iran, with vast tracts of land converted into plantations and cities. Simultaneously, trade was conducted with surrounding tribes.

Iranian farmers and Arab nomads also created much value locally and began producing tea. Tea exports from East Africa grew so rapidly that Britain ordered a ban on imports from Iran to protect Ceylon tea.

Besides tea, grains, sugar, and coffee are also important agricultural products in East Africa. Large-scale cotton cultivation began after 1858, successfully providing the government with 400 million in revenue last year. Meanwhile, the Central African region is too hot, with abundant rainfall and mosquitoes, necessitating a vassal state approach, but troops are still required.

"We still need to expand. We only have less than 30,000 settled immigrants in East Africa. This is far from enough."

Amir agreed, but rapid expansion would attract the attention of other countries. Therefore, he needed to involve a European country.

Initially, Iran was prepared to cooperate with Austria, but Austria's situation was worse than Iran's, so it turned to Prussia to discuss colonial matters.

Prussia had colonized the Americas in the 16th century, but later abandoned the project. Now, with economic development, Prussia's wealthy class is also following in the footsteps of Britain and France in overseas colonization.

Introducing more countries to join the colonization is a good thing, so that Britain and France wouldn't only focus on themselves. Specific details still need discussion, but Prussian merchants have already established trading posts at the mouth of the Congo River.

"Your Highness, so you're here!" A servant rushed over.

"What's wrong? Is something the matter?"

"Urgent dispatch from Berlin"

Abdullah opened it, and Amir watched from the side. Inside was only one sentence: Bismarck became Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Prussia.

The two looked at each other again, then returned to the Shah's office. Nasser al-Din was startled when he knocked on the door. He put the map down and composed himself before letting them in.

“Shah, please forgive our intrusion, but this news is simply too important.”

"What, did France send an expedition to America, or did Russia suddenly head south?"

"No, it's a change in the Prussian government. Bismarck, the former Prussian ambassador to Russia, became prime minister."

Although it was somewhat expected, Nasserdin still felt a sense of感慨 (gan3kai3, a complex emotion encompassing both anticipation and reflection) upon hearing the news. History continues to move forward, and the butterfly effect still exists; Bismarck became prime minister almost a year earlier than in previous years.

“Congratulations to him then. From ambassador to prime minister, that’s quite a leap.” Abdullah thought the Shah was still joking; this prime minister was famous throughout the German Confederation. He frequently clashed with the Austrian ambassador, even challenging him to a duel. His rise to the second-in-command of Prussia was certainly making things interesting for the German Confederation.

“Shah, we also need to consider the relationship between Prussia and Austria. They are mortal enemies. I’m afraid war is about to begin.”

Nasserdin was well aware of this, but European affairs were not something Iran could interfere with; it was better to focus on developing its own territory.

"We'll have to wait and see what happens. It's impossible for the new prime minister to start a war as soon as he takes office. Besides, this has nothing to do with us; it's an Austrian matter."

Although the Shah said this, they had many other thoughts on the matter. For example, whether to strengthen ties with Prussia, and whether to adjust their foreign policy towards Austria.

Bismarck was known for his tough foreign policy and methods, and his rise to power signaled a more aggressive expansionist policy for Prussia. His goal was to unify the German Confederation and eliminate Austrian influence through war or diplomacy. Austria, as the traditional leader of the German Confederation, would naturally not stand idly by and allow Prussia to rise. The conflict between the two countries could escalate rapidly, potentially even leading to military conflict.

Iran needs to find a balance between Prussia and Austria to ensure its own interests are not harmed. They will maintain communication with both countries through diplomatic channels to understand their intentions and plans.

"Oh dear, war might break out in Europe again. We can't afford to lose our investments in Austria."

"Don't worry, Shah. The Austrian Emperor himself guarantees that there will be no losses, after all, we are the country that invests the most in them."

Iran has invested 3500 million rials in Austria, with 80% of that investment going to Vienna, Prague, and Venice. This investment helped Austria recover from its economic difficulties, and along with the commencement of industrialization, Austria's income has continued to increase.

Investments, particularly in Venice, have led to the revitalization of the local port and an increase in cargo throughput. Franz also expedited Iranian investment, streamlining procedures and offering preferential treatment.

The Austrian Emperor personally assured Iran that its investments would not suffer any losses regardless of changes in the European situation. This commitment not only demonstrated respect for Iran but also the importance placed on the relationship between the two countries.

"That's good. We shouldn't meddle in European affairs, lest we damage relations with any country. Prussia and Austria are bound to go to war sooner or later; this is just the beginning."

In Europe, we only need to consider investment, unless other countries request it, in which case we need to consider that.

"obey"

The two men withdrew again, this time truly without incident. Nasser al-Din felt that the West was no longer the West it once was. Iran needed to be on the table of the great powers, even if some were forced to leave, Iran had to remain on it.

To become a great power, colonization, slaughter, and wealth were indispensable; the 19th century was a century of struggle. Britain led the way, followed closely by France, then the US, Prussia, Austria, and Russia, with Iran also catching up rapidly. Everyone was vying for spheres of influence. At this time, one had to be careful with one's behavior, devouring resources greedily, lest Europe fail to defeat you.

Of course, because everything was going so smoothly, they ate more and more. But what the final outcome will be remains to be seen.

(End of this chapter)