Chapter 2711 The Emperor's Conception
The fact is just as Joan expected, "but" may be late, but will not be absent.
"However, this colonial tradition also has negative effects. The most prominent point is that it is difficult to establish a stable regime with long-term planning and efficient execution."
Roland took a sip of tea, and then said: "Take your hometown of Delin Town as an example. There are more than a dozen council members in a small town council, forming many small factions and small groups, each with its own interests. Partisan struggles are in full swing, and the Gudi Village model relies on long-term planning and pooling resources to accomplish big things, how can it be implemented in such a political environment?"
"Dr. Vida, you may not be convinced when I talk about it in such a general way, but let's talk about it practically. To establish a community like Valley Village, you must first raise a large public fund and acquire land rights. These are exactly the two aspects of rural governance. The big problem is, can your colony be able to expropriate land smoothly, or can you actively pay taxes and raise funds?"
"Both of those things are very difficult to do."
Joan shook his head and smiled wryly.
"If the land can be distributed from the owner of the big manor, why would the new immigrants drag their families and flock to the desolate Great West to compete for land with the brave natives?"
"As for taxation and fundraising... I'm ashamed to say that our colony is fighting for independence because we don't want to pay taxes."
"The township governments have no money and no land, so they can only seek support from the central government. However, your Continental Congress itself has to rely on donations from local governments. I don't think it can be counted on."
Roland smiled sarcastically, and continued: "There is still a possibility of gradual improvement of these problems, but another deep-rooted tradition in your New World is the most deadly scourge!"
"The scourge?" Joan raised his brows, "What do you mean?"
"A plantation economy based on the blood and sweat of slaves."
His Majesty the Emperor of the Far East's eyes turned cold, and his words revealed contempt.
"The collective farm management model in Gudi Village, which is controlled by the state and held by villagers, is exactly the opposite of slavery plantations. In a country where large plantation owners and slave owners hold public power, how can vested interests tolerate it? Does a competitor like Valley Village exist?"
"Dr. Vader, I don't want to criticize your hometown and compatriots, but I really don't understand how you can claim that 'all men are born free and equal' while not treating slaves and aborigines as human beings, and at the same time Can you still maintain a righteous and calm attitude? You really don’t think this is a symptom of schizophrenia, and you really don’t think this kind of inconsistency is hypocritical?”
"Your Majesty, to tell you the truth, some of my compatriots really don't think there is anything wrong with doing this. In their eyes, slaves, natives and heathens, and even all colored people, are not 'people' and do not deserve to enjoy the same They have equal rights."
Joan first told the truth, but later regretted it a little, fearing to spoil His Majesty Roland's good impression of the revolutionaries in the New World, so he hurriedly added a few words.
"Your Majesty, what I'm talking about is only the ideas of a small group of colonists, which may not be the mainstream. On the whole, the plantation economy is prevalent in the south of the New World. For example, in my hometown of Alfheim, the slave-holding tradition is more deeply rooted. In the north where the industry is more developed and the atmosphere is more enlightened, such as Midgard, the call for abolition of slavery is getting louder and louder, and one day the south will respond to the call for civilization and progress, this is the general trend!"
"It can be seen, Dr. Vader, that you love your country and hometown deeply, and sincerely hope that compatriots in the north and the south will reach a consensus and promote the abolition of slavery together. However, ideals are ideals. Do you think this is realistic?" Roland said indifferently. Ask back.
"In the short term...it's not realistic." Joan sighed, "The southern manor owners regard slaves as their private property, and the abolition of slaves is tantamount to robbing their property. Who would want to do that? If it comes to buying slaves, who should do it? This money? Anyway, the Continental Congress can’t afford it.”
"So, this world is too unfriendly to idealists, forcing us to become philistine and vulgar."
His Majesty the Emperor seemed to be expressing his words.
"Dr. Vader, let's put aside the ideals and prospects first, and talk about something practical."
"Since the south and the north of the colony are at odds, instead of trying to get together and quarreling all day long, it is better to set up two independent countries, the north and the south, with the 'Hanged Head Forest' as the boundary. Isn't it beautiful to have healthy competition!"
"But in this way, both the South and the North will face the dilemma of resource shortage."
Qiao An quickly persuaded the Emperor of the Far East to give up this self-righteous idea.
"There are many mines in the north, but the climate is cold and agriculture is underdeveloped. The south is rich in cotton, tobacco, corn and fruits, but lacks minerals and has a weak industrial foundation. Only when the north and the south unite can it be possible to establish a self-sufficient and powerful country."
"Why do we have to pursue 'self-sufficiency'? This kind of smallholder thinking that violates the principle of comparative advantage is bad, Dr. Vader!"
His Majesty the Emperor laughed out loud and let himself go.
"The crops and fruits produced in the south of the New World don't necessarily have to be sold to the Yankees. In the international community, they can be sold to whoever bids the most! The ore in the north is the same!"
"Dr. Vader, I suddenly thought of a good idea. In the Far East, summer is short and winter is long, and fresh fruits are especially scarce. They can always be sold at high prices. Why don't we jointly establish a trading company... just call it 'United Fruit Company', and The plantation in Alfheim has signed a bulk fruit futures contract, which guarantees the sale, and agricultural products such as cotton, tobacco and corn, as well as the magic crystal ore that is abundant in the north, can also be distributed according to this model."
"If this big business can be done, the agricultural products in the south and the ore in the north will be sold well!"
"Dr. Vader, let's join hands to build Yalfheim into a simple and honest 'Banana Republic', and Midgard into a happy and prosperous 'Ore Republic', benefiting countless people in the New World!"
"My friend, with this performance, you will be able to run for the president of the 'Banana Republic' or the 'Ore Republic' in the future! What do you think?"
If he hadn't discussed this topic with Mr. Franklin before, Joan would really have regarded His Majesty Roland as a "telescope-like philanthropist" who was worried about the national economy, people's livelihood and economic development on the other side of the ocean!
However, after being "vaccinated" in advance, it feels a bit wrong to hear him say these words today.
"But what about industry?" Qiao An couldn't help but question His Majesty the Emperor face to face, "Our compatriots also need various industrial products, and our country also needs to realize industrialization!"
...
·Historical Materials: Banana Republic
The nickname "Banana Republic" was originally given to Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica and other Central American countries whose economic lifelines were controlled by the United Fruit Company and Standard Fruit Company.
In 1871, Meigs, an American railway entrepreneur, built a railway between the capital San Jose and Port Lemon in Costa Rica, allowing Central American countries to export bananas to the United States.
Bananas were unknown to Americans before 1870, yet 16 million bunches of bananas were consumed in the United States in the 28 years since the railroad was built.
The term "Banana Republic" was first coined by the American writer O. Henry in the article "Cabbage and the King" in 1904. He used the fictional republic of Anchuria to refer to Honduras controlled by the United States, calling it the "Banana Republic".
Since then, these two companies have controlled the economic lifelines of these countries, and intervened in the politics and economy of these countries by themselves or through the US government, and even manipulated and changed the presidential candidates.
For example, in 1951, President Árbenz of Guatemala announced that he would nationalize large tracts of land owned by the United Fruit Company in Guatemala. US Secretary of State Dulles, who had worked for the United Fruit Company, instigated his rival Armas to invade Honduras in 1954, resulting in Arbenz resigned.
Chilean poet Pablo Neruda also wrote a satirical poem called "United Fruit Company".