African Entrepreneurship Record-Chapter 646 - 334: "Old" Friend

"Trieste has changed so much over the years? I originally thought the development of East Africa was shocking enough, but I didn't expect Austria-Hungary to be the same!" Karina marveled.

In the past decade or so, Trieste has seen almost yearly changes, and since Karina and Ernst have been in East Africa for so long, Trieste is completely different from their previous impressions.

In the waves of the times, it is not just East Africa that is developing; Europe, the center of the world, is even more so. In the 19th century, under the connection of two industrial revolutions, any country that seized opportunities underwent tremendous changes.

The most typical examples are Germany and the United States. Just by looking at Trieste, one can see the huge development of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. So, for Germany and the United States, with even better achievements, it's even more surprising.

Even Ernst, who had experienced the "infrastructure frenzy" in the Far East Empire, felt a profound mental shock at the current development of Europe.

"This is the change brought by technology. The impact of two technological revolutions on world civilization is extremely significant. It's understandable that the Austro-Hungarian Empire achieved such accomplishments in this tide." Ernst said to his wife.

"People always talk about how severe the economic crisis of 1873 and the Great Depression were, but this didn't hinder the development of European society. On the contrary, after the excess was drained, the industrial structure became healthier. Now Austria's economy is much more vibrant than when we went to East Africa."

In reality, the great development of Trieste cannot be separated from the boost of trade between East Africa and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The prosperous port trade tripled the population of Trieste in the past two decades.

The first surge in population and industry in Trieste occurred when the Austro-Hungarian Empire was founded, and the Venice region was reclaimed by Italy. After losing Venice, Trieste became the Austro-Hungarian Empire's only excellent port, so its economy soared directly, quickly becoming a major city in the empire.

The second instance was in recent years with the surge in trade volume between East Africa and the German regions. Benefiting from the previous railway construction by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it became a hub port for trade between East Africa and the empire. Most import and export trade between East Africa and the entire German region is transshipped through here.

East Africa is a huge supplier of raw materials, while the German region is one of the most economically developed areas in the world. The complementary relationship between the two spurred a second great development for Trieste. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

The German region of Europe covers an area of over a million square kilometers, with developed land, a railway network second only to the UK, connecting the Baltic and Mediterranean, dense waterways, a flourishing inland navigation system, and acts as a continental east-west land corridor. It has a population of nearly 100 million, rich in coal and iron resources, and highly industrialized. Compared to it, East Africa only has the advantage of having a vast territory.

If we excluded the rich mineral resources from the interior and southern regions, relying solely on the resources of East Africa (in the true geographical sense), it wouldn't be that impressive.

With such an assessment, it turns out that the alliance of Germany and Austria during World War I indeed had the capability to resist the entire world. Without the energy shortage, it makes sense that they were able to stand their ground against the Allies.

The subsequent failure was more due to a loss of confidence, much of which was influenced by the United States entering the fray. Without the U.S. involvement, Germany and Austria might not have won, but they would have had the capability to hold a draw with the exhausted Allies. Within the Allies, Russia was also an unstable factor, but the contradictions within Russia were irreconcilable, and Ernst didn't believe the provisional government would succeed.

"Dear, your abilities are also quite impressive. After all, East Africa started from scratch, and its development to the current stage is enough to make many countries feel ashamed." Karina said to Ernst, also glancing at her father.

Ferdinand said grumpily, "Why are you looking at me? Back then, Mexico's situation was complex, and none of the factions took me seriously. I was just a figurehead. If you're not a sly old fox, you wouldn't think of being secure. Also, are you really my daughter? Aren't you exposing my scars?"

Karina cuddled Grand Duke Ferdinand's arm and said coyly, "How could I dare to expose your scars? Besides, I knew you were just a puppet under Napoleon III at the time, and couldn't gain support."

Speaking of Napoleon III, it triggered memories for both Ernst and Ferdinand. Napoleon III should be restless in the afterlife, given the current negative sentiments about him in France. Though after some years, opinions might reverse, as French governments later on would not disappoint enemy nations.

However, neither Ernst nor Grand Duke Ferdinand recalled Napoleon III for his achievements or virtues, but rather for his death. Napoleon III was once very glorious in Europe but died abroad in England, such a contrast always invokes reflection.

Grand Duke Ferdinand once harbored some resentment towards Napoleon III, but with Napoleon dead, debts are erased, feeling even luckier than Napoleon III. After all, he still holds a prominent naval leadership role in a major country, and history should remember his life with more favorable acclaim.

That's a reasonable thought. European history is filled with many fleeing monarchs, but few are remembered. However, numerous executed monarchs, such as Louis XVI, Charles I, and including Ferdinand (Maximiliano I) of Mexico from the previous life, are famous.

Moreover, Grand Duke Ferdinand didn't really flee. Future historical records should show that his son-in-law Ernst rescued him from the Mexican anti-government forces, which sounds much better.

Ernst, on the other hand, contemplated Napoleon III's defeat as a cautionary tale. Before the Franco-Prussian War, nobody favored Prussia, yet Prussia turned the tide. Though East Africa is stable now, complacency must be avoided, definitely not entertaining an arrogance of "advantage lies with us."

This realization comes after assessing the current situation of the Orange Free State. In the past, Britain used 400,000 troops to conquer the Boer people, and now, the Transvaal people are aligned with the British, who, with support, could form several thousand troops. Additionally, the Portuguese could provide tens of thousands, and consideration must also be given to the Indian auxiliary forces.

It's not that Ernst is overly cautious; it's necessary to thoroughly consider the enemy's capabilities. The Brits surely have the means, as their previous life demonstrated.

Meanwhile, East Africa's regular army barely numbers over 300,000, including the navy. Although tens of thousands of retired soldiers exist, and combined with the militia, the mobilization capability becomes formidable, militia combat effectiveness remains uncertain, so external wars aren't decisions made frivolously. Reckless failure would be a supreme embarrassment.

As for deriding the British Lobster Soldiers, East Africa truly might not confidently surpass the Boers from the past because regular troops and the guerrilla tactics used by the Boers differ significantly.