Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 507 The Situation in Paraguay (Part 1)
The situation around Antioch is probably the best, as the white forces have been most thoroughly eliminated there. Therefore, it is also the easiest place for Abbas's own forces to be deployed.

At this time, the farms began to resume cultivation, and the farmers who had acquired land were exceptionally enthusiastic. They purchased seeds and farming tools from the city and then planted the crops. By harvest season, they could obtain a large quantity of wheat.

If we were to name the most supportive of regime change, Argentina's tenant farmers would certainly be among them. With land centralization, Argentina developed a land system centered on large estates, where tenancy and profit sharing were prevalent. Nearly 40 tenant farmers rented land from hundreds of landowners. Now, with the landowners' land confiscated, a portion of the land they rented has become their property—all policies of the new regime.

Amir watched the farmers toiling in the fields—white, indigenous, and Iranian, with mixed-race children among them. While the city was somewhat desolate, the rural farmers' markets were thriving, as everyone needed to eat. Large numbers of city dwellers traveled to the countryside to buy food, as the Argentine banknote had become worthless, forcing them to exchange other goods for it.

"Currently, we control a large amount of arable land, which can be distributed to over a million people. There are also numerous pastures awaiting allocation, and..."

"Stop," Amir interrupted the other person. "We still need to increase efforts to attract immigrants... How much farmland is still unallocated?"

"This... there's at least another 600 million."

Wow, so much land! How much land has Argentina acquired? If cultivation can't be restored soon, it will likely become barren.

Oh, right, that method might come in handy.

"Let's go check out the place first."

Arriving at a confiscated farm, the local buildings were covered in dust. The former farmland was now overgrown with weeds, a testament to the land's fertility.

"This place is nice."

Amir felt it would be a waste to use such fertile land if it couldn't generate income. Growing crops and selling them to Iran and other countries would not only earn valuable foreign exchange but also promote domestic industrial upgrading.

In the abandoned barn, Amir began writing his report. He proposed establishing an agricultural enterprise to export agricultural products by leasing state land, with the government, of course, required to retain a certain share to maintain control over the enterprise.

Amir completed his 3,000-word proposal. Of course, professional tasks should be handled by professionals. Everything still required support from Iran.

Of course, Abbas approved it immediately. He allocated 300,000 acres of land, to be cultivated and exported immediately after the company was established. In addition, they needed to recruit people, requiring government policy and financial support. There were really many things to do.

In Asunción, thousands of kilometers north of Appalmeía, it is autumn or winter. Cold currents from Antarctica and warm currents from the Amazon converge, causing heavy rainfall in Paraguay's capital.

In the cathedral in the city center, a coronation ceremony was being held. The Archbishop of Asunción placed the crown on the head of Paraguayan President López Jr., and everyone shouted "God bless the King!" The Kingdom of Paraguay was officially established. Paraguay had seized approximately 120,000 square kilometers of land and 200,000 Argentinians from Argentina. They were conscripted into the army or logistics, joining the war against Brazil.

In the Battle of Altamira on May 11, 5 Paraguayan troops defeated 2.4 Brazilian troops, capturing this important Brazilian town. Paraguayan forces also occupied several territories to the north. The country covers an area of ​​3 square kilometers, making it a medium-sized nation.

Lopez felt the time was right, and just then the Pope issued his decree, granting his request. Thus, the coronation took place.

López was crowned King and subsequently bestowed numerous titles upon his ministers. Secretary of State Caminos was appointed Prime Minister, and Mariano, who had distinguished himself in the war against Brazil, was appointed Marshal, in charge of the war effort. His eldest son, Juan Francisco López, became Crown Prince, and his mistress, Madame Lynch, officially became López's consort and was crowned Queen. The entire city celebrated for three days.

Beneath the surface of victory and coronation lies a latent crisis for Paraguay. While Paraguay won, the price it paid was extremely heavy. To date, Paraguay has lost 8.3 soldiers, while the pre-war census count estimated the entire country at only 55.

The loss of population was followed by the forced conscription of 16-year-old boys, with hospitals overflowing with child soldiers missing limbs. The limited industrial base that Paraguay's father had built up was also destroyed by the armies of Brazil and Argentina. Faced with blocked external access and the near-total loss of its domestic industrial base, young López Obrador temporarily alleviated Paraguay's shortage of supplies by using weapons and industrial goods imported from Patagonia.

In this context, waves of smugglers began to emerge. They gathered at the border of Al-Zan, importing goods from there and reselling them back home. Many government and military personnel also participated, transferring their ill-gotten gains through the Iranian embassy so they could continue to live comfortably even if the country collapsed.

They discovered that His Majesty the King was becoming increasingly paranoid. Any general suspected of disloyalty was dealt with by Lopez. Moreover, the suspicion had now expanded from military officers and merchants to the entire nation. Therefore, such wealth was necessary to maintain a solid foundation.

But while the upper class thought this way, the lower class did not. The civilians in Paraguay gradually grew fed up with López's brutal rule. The indigenous people in the newly occupied territories and the neighboring Bolivia were the first to launch an armed rebellion against López. Although the civilians in other parts of Paraguay were deterred by López's reputation for brutality and did not respond to the uprising, they also resisted his oppression in a passive manner.

After becoming prime minister, Qaminos, facing a national treasury so depleted it would be a disaster if even a rat entered, decided to borrow from Iran. He approached the South American representative of the Persian Bank and proposed a loan of 5000 million rials. The collateral required was a matter for later discussion.

"Your Excellency Prime Minister, what are your thoughts on His Majesty the King?"

Upon hearing this, Kaminos nervously looked around. Seeing no one was around, he relaxed.

"Needless to say, His Majesty the King has expanded the territory, so naturally he is loved and respected."

The other party shook his head, "That's not what you really think. The war has progressed to this point and should end, otherwise other countries might get involved."

Kaminos's mind started to wander. Indeed, now was the best time to end the war. Paraguay had already gained enough; any more and they'd probably burst.

(End of this chapter)