Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 336

Bismarck's appointment as Prime Minister of Prussia attracted the attention of Iran, but no other country expected that this one man could ignite a war across Europe.

Iran has recently launched a large-scale military operation in Central Asia, with over 20,000 troops massed along the Syr Darya River, and other forces stationed in Samarkand, Tashkent, and other locations. This move has deterred Russia from taking any rash action, fearing that Iran might launch a surprise attack at any moment.

Since the abrogation of the Turkmen Treaty, Russia has lost all its control over Iran. Russia has warships in the Caspian Sea, and so does Iran, in addition to nearly a hundred coastal defense guns waiting for them.

The Russian government is very cautious about its policy toward Iran. Currently, it only owns a small section of the Caucasus Mountains, and therefore has begun large-scale construction of defensive lines in the south, while also increasing troop deployments in the Kazakh region. In an effort to break the current stalemate, it is therefore providing strong support to the Yaqub Beg regime.

Iran was aware of Russia's intentions, otherwise it wouldn't have intervened militarily in Central Asia. Meanwhile, in the Black Sea and along the Syr Darya River, Iran repeatedly crossed the border into Russian territory, forcing Russia to dispatch Cossack cavalry to drive away Iranian troops. However, Iran's military action was clearly well-prepared, and the Cossack cavalry's efforts failed to completely halt Iranian infiltration.

Alexander II was troubled in his palace in St. Petersburg. He had begun reorganizing the army after the abolition of serfdom, but this would take time to show results, and the threat from Iran was imminent.

This reformist emperor was acutely aware that Russia's interests in Central Asia and the Caucasus were under serious threat. Failure to effectively address the Iranian challenge could result in Russia losing control of this vital strategic region. Therefore, he was compelled to accelerate military reforms and seek a diplomatic breakthrough.

Russia is also getting involved in Yaqub Beg's invasion of the Far East. After all, the Far East is a dilapidated house; one kick and it'll collapse. However, whether the Far East will collapse is still unknown, but Iran has already fortified its defenses.

While Britain and France have paid attention to Iran's military actions, their main focus remains on the power struggles on the European continent. This has allowed Iran to pursue its Central Asian strategy in a relatively relaxed international environment.

Bolivia, a country that gained independence less than 30 years ago, once formed a confederation with Peru, which was later broken up by other countries. Subsequently, Bolivian political forces simultaneously established three centers of rule in Sucre, Cochabamba, and La Paz, plunging Bolivian politics into unprecedented chaos. Stability only gradually returned after 1847.

The current president, José, is an interim president because of internal strife in Congress, who temporarily appointed him to act as president. After taking office, he felt the country was beyond saving.

After Bolivia gained independence, its independence was not only unstable, but its economy was also fragile. During the War of Independence and in the 25 years following independence, the once-renowned silver production of Chalcas almost completely collapsed, most mines were abandoned, and the mining industry was essentially at a standstill. The economic recession triggered social unrest, which in turn led to political instability.

To revive the economy, foreign investment is essential; relying solely on domestic resources is insufficient. Iran, with whom China had established diplomatic relations less than six months prior, presented him with a significant gift.

Iran offered a low-interest loan of 200 million rials, and Lion Corporation also agreed to invest 300 million rials locally to restore silver production and develop other mineral resources.

Iran also pledged to help Bolivia build railways and port facilities to improve the country's transportation and logistics. Such generous terms are unparalleled in any other country. "Your country's enthusiasm makes me feel quite embarrassed."

"Mr. President, you are too kind. Although Iran and Bolivia have only established diplomatic relations a month ago, the Shah attaches great importance to the relationship between the two countries. Your country is rich in resources, but you do not have enough resources to exploit them. Iran can assist your country in developing its economy. It is a win-win situation for both countries."

Oh, a win-win situation. But such generous terms are indeed something other countries can't offer. José decided to sign without hesitation, and also gave the other side an army procurement contract, wanting to reorganize the army and suppress other places with all his might. Look at Bolivia, some soldiers even use crossbows.

Beyond loans and investments, the president is also prepared to commission Iran to build a railway from Sucre to Antofagasta. After all, neither Britain nor France has any interest in this area, and this is the only opportunity they must seize.

Not only Bolivia, but Venezuela also received loans and investments from Iran. Both countries started from relatively low points, and their populations were not predominantly white or of mixed race. Moreover, the Caudillo regime within these countries was unwilling to compromise, and offering any incentives would immediately reverse the situation.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Iran began to cultivate good relations with South American countries. Investments and visits were used, except for Chile, given the ongoing border tensions.

The federal government in the northern United States has moved its capital to Philadelphia, directly causing the collapse of the Monroe Doctrine, which it had promoted for decades. Meanwhile, seeing the decline of the United States, European countries are vying for its dying legacy, with even Austria wanting a share.

On January 10, 1862, France officially dispatched an expeditionary force of 70000 men to Mexico. At this time, Mexican troops had already entered the southern United States but were encountering fierce resistance from American forces. France intended to assist Mexico first before proceeding to California.

As for Britain, they were also amassing militia in Upper Canada, preparing to march south and plunder the Great Lakes and New England. Now, everyone is kicking them while they're down, unless the North can win a decisive battle.

At this point, President Lincoln had no choice but to resort to his trump card. He signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which abolished slavery in the rebellious states and allowed slaves to join the Union army as free men. The bill immediately caused a sensation across the United States, with a surge of escaped slaves in the Southern states and Black men beginning to appear at the Northern government's recruitment posts.

Because of the abolitionist act, the Southern government was already at a political disadvantage. In order to change this situation, the Confederate government did not sit idly by. They began to win over the Native Americans and promised to support their independence.

Meanwhile, the Northern government also began to face a shortage of funds. In addition to imposing common taxes such as alcohol taxes, it also established a special agency to collect personal property taxes. But the United States was founded on opposition to British tax laws, and no president since Washington has ever imposed additional taxes. So why are there so many now?

Lincoln's tax law reinstated the sales tax, taxing everything from baby clothes to coffins for the elderly, and also requiring those with an annual income of over $800 to pay. While the long-term revenue would certainly be substantial, in the short term, the Northern government might fall apart before the taxes are even collected, as 10 members of the New York State Legislature have already submitted an independent bill to the state legislature and begun discussions.

(End of this chapter)