Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 343 American Transformation
Lincoln had no choice but to find something for the European countries to do so as not to let them interfere too much in their domestic affairs.

The Northwest Territory of the United States has always been a sparsely populated region, with Native Americans and whites making up a 4:6 ratio. In recent years, nearly 20,000 immigrants have entered, but they are not those carrying crosses; instead, they are carrying the Quran.

Furthermore, they maintained friendly relations with the Native Americans, improving ties through trade. This gradually led the local chiefs to accept them, and together they built castles and reclaimed wasteland.

Some immigrants from Austria and Ireland, due to their living conditions, had to go to mosques to receive free food. Over time, they also converted to Shia Islam. Not for anything else, but simply to survive.

The Civil War had a profound impact on the North. Factories in the Great Lakes region reduced their production of civilian goods due to conversion to military production, and cotton shortages forced most textile mills to shut down. Unemployment soared in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and other areas. While the Homestead Act and the Emancipation Proclamation received considerable support, they were limited to Black people and upper-middle-class whites. The lower classes didn't understand what these changes had to do with them; they couldn't wait five years to cultivate the land, they just wanted to survive now.

Coincidentally, the Golden Lion Company had purchased a large tract of land in the west and was waiting for people to cultivate it. They recruited converts to Christianity to go to the west, and the mosque also played a role in reclaiming the land.

The number of Shia Muslims has increased dramatically, but there is no place in the Great Lakes region to accommodate them, so they might as well start somewhere else and look to the west.

“Mr. Sharif, the board of directors has approved your company’s proposal. We did not expect you to invest so much money.”

"Ha, who doesn't like money? Besides, your company probably didn't think of that either, did it?"

Andrew and Shareef, representatives of Hudson's Bay Company, discussed matters at their Seattle home. Golden Lion Company was willing to purchase 40000 shares of Hudson's Bay Company for £65, representing one-fifth of the company's total stock. Such a large sum caused some discussion at the board meeting, but ultimately, the deal was approved.

A while ago, Hudson's Bay Company and Northwest Trading Company merged to jointly trade furs in Canada. This caused Hudson's Bay Company's stock to surge, and it's likely that Golden Lion Company approached them because it saw this potential.

"Your company's move has indeed surprised the board, but they all welcome your company's participation. We can plan a bright future together here."

With France sending an expedition, Britain's ambitions also began to stir. Palmerston presented Queen Victoria with plans for the North's defeat, including the incorporation of New England and the Great Lakes region into Canada, the formation of the Atlantic Kingdom along the coast including New York, and the creation of the Western Provinces in the west. This would leave the North with the area surrounding Washington and Pennsylvania.

However, one person in the UK couldn't handle that alone, especially in the vast western regions. It would require an individual or company with a strong willingness to invest in the area. And that's how it came about.

Hudson Bay Company's main trade is in furs and the East Coast; apart from gold mines in the Columbia region, there's not much worthwhile investment in the West. The company prefers quick profits and has little interest in other investments.

"The land here is fertile and has abundant resources. It is a land chosen by heaven. The Shah has always lamented why such land is not in Iran."

"Haha, your country has also worked very hard. To be able to confront Russia single-handedly is truly a model for the civilized world." Britain's current policy towards Iran is peacekeeping, using them as a buffer between Russia and India, and has slowed down its annexation of Afghanistan. If things go well in the future, giving them to Iran is not a problem.

"You flatter me. Well then, it's a pleasure to work with you."

"Pleasant to work with."

The Idaho Territory, hundreds of kilometers from Seattle, is an important location for the company's investments. Here, the soil is fertile, the climate is pleasant, and mosques lead their followers in cultivating the land while also trading with surrounding tribes.

The white immigrants who had originally settled here formed a militia to teach these infidels a lesson when they saw the newcomers arrive, but they were driven back. The enemy's firepower was too great, and they also had mercenaries; they couldn't win.

Now, seeing that the North is doomed, the people of the West are preparing to abandon ship and flee. Ordinary people don't even want to pan for gold anymore; they're just ready to escape. This shows how dire the situation is in the North.

The French expeditionary force began its attack on California. The governor of California led the militia in resistance for a month, and then surrendered. Yes, surrendered. The central government couldn't send troops either, so it was better to submit to France; maybe then things would be better.

The governor of California declared his allegiance to French Emperor Napoleon III and presented a 6,000-word declaration. It was so sycophantic…

"Under your wise rule, the French Empire has risen like the sun, shining brightly and illuminating every corner of the world. Your wisdom is as brilliant as the stars, your heart as vast as the ocean, and your vision as majestic as a mountain. You are not only the leader of France, but also a role model for all mankind!"

Your Majesty, every decision you make is like a divine revelation, guiding the nation towards prosperity and strength. Your diplomatic skills, like a gentle spring breeze, have resolved countless crises; your domestic reforms, like thunderous force, have propelled social progress and the well-being of the people. Your name, Napoleon III, has become synonymous with wisdom, courage, and benevolence.

There were many more letters like this, and Napoleon III was overjoyed, bestowing upon the governor the title of count and allowing him to continue governing California. Meanwhile, Mexico reclaimed the land it had acquired from Gadsden, and there was widespread support within the country for President Lawrence.

To maintain its military, the United States introduced a conscription law. This law mandated military service for all, with those unwilling to serve eligible to pay $300 to avoid it. However, due to continuous currency devaluation, labor shortages, rising wages, and increased living costs, $300 was no longer sufficient to recruit soldiers. Consequently, people condemned the conscription exemption as a despicable tactic, allowing the wealthy to easily evade military service while forcing the poor into enlistment. Rumors spread, and social unrest ensued. Ultimately, the public became convinced that the conscription was unjust and began to boycott it.

In New York, the protests had escalated into a riot. Striking workers attacked and quickly occupied the military police headquarters, expelling the commander and his deputies. They smashed furniture, poured oil on the floor, and set the headquarters ablaze. Buildings adjacent to the headquarters also burst into flames. The military police commander's guard, composed of veterans reservists, rushed to the scene. The surrounding streets were packed with people. They attacked the guard with stones, making it difficult for them to advance. Soldiers fired at the crowd, but to little effect; some even had their muskets stolen. Everything was in utter chaos.

(End of this chapter)