Chapter 216: A Promising Future
"Hmph! Those Germans really don't follow proper manners! They didn't give us a single warning – it's clear they don't respect our Kingdom of Portugal at all!" Yalisi said angrily to his subordinates.
"Chairman, what do you plan to do?"
"Do? Do what? We're just a chamber of commerce; they're an army! You think we can smash eggs against a rock?"
"Should we contact the government, have them deal with these Germans?"
"You're counting on those lazy officials back home? Nowadays, the young people of Portugal have long lost the courage our kingdom once had! If they hadn't been so timid, we would've blocked the Germans from entering Africa in the first place, even at the cost of offending the Sultan of Zanzibar. Now the Germans have become powerful in Africa, and I suspect even all of Mozambique couldn't stand up to them."
"Chairman, you're being too negative. We Portuguese have operated in Africa for centuries, but the Germans only arrived in East Africa three years ago."
"Bah! Remember this: from now on, always look at the core of the problem—don't use old thinking. Let me ask you: why did our Portugal stop trying to expand inland all these years?"
"Um…"
"Because we don't have the capability. Not just in the colonies – even in the kingdom itself, we're weak. Let me be clear: East Africa can now deploy an organized army far into the interior, but we can't do that."
"Chairman, that can't be too difficult, can it?"
"Of course it can't if we had the resources, but have you seen what level the Mozambique garrison is at? In recent years, they've struggled even against the natives. The Germans now have cavalry, so surely they have more forces hidden in East Africa. They truly are 'Prussian barbarians.' Just thinking about their ability to mobilize makes me worry. A mere fifty thousand Germans would be enough to cause all of our African colonies serious trouble."
After careful thought, the Kazembe Chamber of Commerce decided to lie low, though they did send a letter to the government in Mozambique explaining the situation.
…
Time waits for no one. Right after the cavalry battalion left, other East African troops also started entering the area targeted by the "Pocket" Plan.
The East African armory sped up work refurbishing secondhand weapons and distributing them to new arrivals.
Thanks to a few sweeps by East Africa, there were now hardly any natives left in the interior, so many guns were no longer needed. Most were reclaimed, and only a few remained for local security teams to handle wild animals.
A steady flow of armed migrants would keep pushing into Zambia, helping East Africa fully occupy the "Pocket" area. Meanwhile, construction began on extending a telegraph line from Mbeya to the Eastern Katanga region, ensuring good communication. While people at the Kazembe Chamber of Commerce were still writing letters to Mozambique, East Africa had already used the telegraph to send news back to First Town.
…
In the blink of an eye, it was the end of 1869.
This year's statistics would be delivered to both Prince Constantin and Ernst.
East Africa's total migrant population reached 2.453 million, with a notable achievement among newborns—over 200,000.
In territorial expansion, the main focus was westward, particularly in the Mitumba Mountains, from Lake Soren (Tanganyika) to the Lualaba River—about three to four hundred thousand square kilometers. Plus, they were advancing in the Southwest. If that went as planned, at least another six hundred thousand square kilometers could be added next year. And the North was still taking land along the Omo River. By April next year, East Africa might surpass three million square kilometers in total.
On the industrial side, the East Africa Railway Company and various mines equipped with new machinery would boost the colony's mining sector. Besides Mbeya, the Lake Region's minerals could now be developed.
As for farming, by November 30, 1869, progress was moderate. Cultivated land reached more than 25.5 million mu (about 1.7 million hectares). Most of it was extending existing farmland. Because of the drive into the Southwest, next year's results might be good.
This year's newly developed fields mostly grew rice and other grains. Wheat saw little change, but yields of corn, soybeans, and potatoes rose sharply.
All combined, food production passed 2.5 billion jin (1.25 million tons).
In per capita terms, that's about double Italy's level. Moreover, East Africa also grows large amounts of cash crops. On top of that, a big swath of cassava—grown to feed the natives—wasn't included in the tally. Cassava's yield is extremely high, but it's not a staple for East Africans, so it doesn't appear in the stats. Italy doesn't grow that.
If we exclude the local tribes, East Africa's population is close to one-tenth of Italy's (about 25 million Italians). Although East Africa matches or surpasses Italy in a few areas, Italy has centuries of history behind it. Simply based on agriculture and population, East Africa doesn't reach one-tenth of Italy's national power.
With the Paraguayan War ending soon, Ernst plans to draw some migrants from poor regions of Italy next year to fill some of the gap. Sicily will be a main source. Although Sicilians, like southern Far Easterners, are fond of forming groups, once they're in East Africa, they'll be dispersed so they can't stick together.
Now East Africa's villages are well-developed. There are no ethnic enclaves. They follow a template: everyone's place of residence is scattered. That means your neighbors might come from anywhere—just not your old home area. The neighbors are forced to interact, using German as their shared language, and eventually, they'll form a new, German-speaking people.
Aside from new territory, East Africa's road network is basically done. Main roads connect all cities and towns. Next, the "laborers" will shift to building mines, railways, and major water projects.
From all these figures, it's clear East Africa already has the base of a true state. If things go well, starting the year after next, with improved transportation, mining, and agriculture, East Africa could become a major exporter of agricultural and mineral goods.
With the Suez Canal now open, Ernst aims to deepen cooperation with Austria's imperial family—focusing on Austria, not the whole Austro-Hungarian Empire. Strengthening Austria's influence is the same as strengthening Germany's influence, which in turn strengthens East Africa's.
East Africa's minerals and farm output, helping Austria develop, is vital to Ernst. Depending on Prussia feels risky; Austria has Hungary dragging it down, so it can't become a threat. East Africa is so large that Austria can't fully absorb it. They already have headaches with just Hungary—imagine adding a third monarchy.
Meanwhile, East Africa plans to form an independent country next year, so it needs recognition from the world powers. Austria's imperial family leading the way is crucial. Then persuading Prussia, Romania, and the many German states is basically straightforward.
As for giving Austria special benefits, what about Prussia's opinion? The justification is ready. Austria is closer to East Africa, and with the Suez Canal, they have a direct trade route. After all, they're both German states, so they should help each other. Besides, the Prussian royal family also belongs to the Hohenzollern line, and Heixingen's success in East Africa benefits them—plus it helps Prussia reclaim some authority over the old Principality of Heixingen (in Europe).
With everyone's interests taken care of, there won't be much opposition. As for other countries—only Britain, America, and Russia remain. East Africa has a decent relationship with Russia and no real conflict.
America is busy dealing with Britain and Spain, while Britain is busy watching Prussia and France. As for France, its stance doesn't matter much. By next year, they'll probably have a new government. Knowing the history, Ernst just has to prepare support for the new French leadership. Besides, East Africa is a remote backwater, and the French are unlikely to interfere.
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