Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 561 Things in South America
Changes on the European continent do not affect countries in North and South America, except for those countries where French investment accounts for the majority.

Apart from the United States of America and the Algerian Sultanate, other countries in the Americas primarily focused on exporting raw materials and agricultural products. They had neither the incentive nor the desire to develop industry. They could make a fortune simply by selling ores or coffee; why bother developing industry?

The United States of America could not follow this path, because its foundation was built on handicrafts. Factories were everywhere in New York, New England, and the Great Lakes; otherwise, why would they have abolished slavery—they simply didn't have enough labor.

Following the Civil War, the United States intensified its efforts to attract immigrants. By 1865, the number had reached 75, mostly from Southern Europe such as Sicily, Sardinia, and Spain, as well as from ethnic groups without independent states, including Poles, Lithuanians, and Serbs. This increased cultural diversity, which also helped address the labor shortage.

Al-Jan in South America, on the other hand, sought to gain more revenue through trade while also acquiring the industrial capacity necessary for self-defense. Under Amir's impetus, key industries such as military, railways, and telegraphs developed, all of which were purchased or imported from Iran. Calculations indicate that trade and investment between Al-Jan and Iran could reach 1.6 million rials over the next five years.

Alzán's main exports are wheat, beef, and corn, along with its local specialty, mate tea. Other provinces also export small quantities of iron and copper. The company aims to accumulate capital for industrialization, importing coal and iron from Brazil and Bolivia to address energy issues and develop heavy industry.

"Your Excellency, President Grant wishes to deepen cooperation with your country. Both countries are important nations in North and South America and can complement each other in various aspects."

U.S. Secretary of State Hamilton Fish arrived in Appalmeyer as the new Secretary of State, tasked with reorganizing relations between the United States and the countries of the Americas. The United States' power had been greatly diminished, and its foreign policy had shifted from a policy of monopolizing the Americas to one of sharing them with Algeria.

This was merely a delaying tactic. Now that North America had transformed from a single dominant power into a battleground for superpowers, the United States had no choice but to temper its ambitions and, for the first time, improve relations with other countries on an equal footing. This included engaging in diplomacy with newly formed nations and those it had previously offended.

However, due to the United States' previously tarnished reputation, efforts to improve relations have been extremely difficult. In Mexico, visiting U.S. officials faced protests from Mexicans; in Brazil, local landowners also opposed the United States because its advocacy of abolishing slavery would harm their interests.

After much deliberation, Alcán became the only viable entry point for the United States in South America. Chile was another option, of course, but it was too far away, and the several kingdoms and republics on its doorstep were a headache for Grant. Britain was even consciously protecting them; whatever their reasons, it was essential to improve relations in South America.

"Thank you for President Grant's concern. Our country is willing to cooperate economically with any country. We will maintain friendly trade and exchanges and safeguard regional peace."

Amir, on behalf of the Sultan, welcomed the Secretary of State's arrival, and Fish also presented Grant's personal letter, welcoming the Sultan to Philadelphia.

Abbas had the Secretary of State escorted to rest, leaving Amir to negotiate other matters with him. Before that, Amir explained to Abbas the purpose of his visit.

"You mean the United States has ill intentions?" Amir nodded. "That's right. They would never have bothered with diplomacy before. They only started doing so after the Civil War."

Having lost more than half of their territory, their situation is similar to Britain's, forcing them to rely solely on their diplomatic skills. The policies of Britain and the United States have always been consistent: to incite hostility among nations so they can profit from it. This is merely a small taste of their power; if we are not vigilant, we will one day fall into their trap.

In Amir's view, apart from the United States and Britain, which are all allies of Canada, there is nothing to worry about. Bolivia and Paraguay are inclined towards them, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru are neutral, and Chile, the only country that could cause them harm, dares not act rashly. The current situation is in their favor, so they need to quickly strengthen their internal capabilities.

"The teacher's idea is that trade cooperation is fine, but we need to be cautious about other ideas from the United States."

"Yes, but this is only a preliminary plan. Our country needs more time to stabilize and develop, and to unite with other countries to contain them. We cannot let the United States' plan succeed."

Even after losing more than half of its territory, the Great Lakes and the New York area, the most quintessential parts of the United States, still remained. Pennsylvania alone produced more goods than the six Confederate states, and its steel, textile, railroad, and military industries were the leading in the Americas.

Furthermore, New York's status as a financial center remained unchanged. Banks elsewhere were forced to submit to its authority. Even after the Confederacy gained independence, it was merely a nation reliant on the cotton trade, accounting for 82% of its economy. It couldn't compete with the North in industry and finance, let alone other nations.

What else can be said in this situation? It's simply that America's power has waned, making it vulnerable to challenge from any other country. Amir began three days of discussions with Fish, ultimately reaching the Appameya Accords.

The agreement stipulates that the United States and Algeria will reduce tariffs on 24 products, including wheat, corn, and beef, and establish free trade. People-to-people exchanges between the two countries will become more frequent, and President Grant will visit Appameya on special occasions.

Alzheim's development momentum surpassed that of other countries, with numerous mechanized textile factories appearing in the capital, Appameja, and the largest city, Antioch. The number of steam engines exceeded 300, and wool textiles became an important local industry.

After the establishment of the state, a new currency was issued: the Al-Zanrial, with an exchange rate of 1 Iranian Rial to 15 Al-Zanrials. This helped boost exports and quickly accumulate capital. With Iranian support in recent years, Al-Zan has seen improvements in all aspects, far surpassing its situation during the Argentine period.

Industrial development also spurred trade with other countries. Sheep farming expanded in countries like Paraguay, with wool exported to Alzheim and textiles imported in return. After the Paraguayan War, all nations cherished this period of peace, and the introduction of European technology brought about dramatic changes. Although they were essentially acting as intermediaries for Europe, they could develop low-level industries to increase their income. Investment surged to record levels; Britain favored Brazil and Chile, Iran favored Alzheim and Bolivia, and Paraguay. Everything was driven by profit; as long as it made money, that was enough.

(End of this chapter)