I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 809: Brand Effect

The massive hull of the "Leviathan" superliner gradually appeared in people's sight.

The crowd erupted in cheers instantly; some waved at the liner from a distance, some raised small flags and waved them, while others shouted loudly and whistled.

Pershing gratefully glanced at Shire: "The two warships protecting the 'Leviathan' are France's 'Adventurer-class' destroyers, Admiral, thank you once again!"

"You're too kind, General," Shire replied, "It's our duty."

At the same time, he glanced demonstratively at Kitchener and Haig on the other side.

Hubbard chimed in: "What's more worth mentioning is that the protection Admiral provides us is free. We offered a subsidy of 1000 US Dollars per ship per day, but the Admiral refused."

"Really?" Tijani looked at Shire unexpectedly.

This didn't seem like Shire, who as a capitalist exploited every opportunity to gain from England, yet he was so generous to the United States.

Shire gave Tijani a sidelong glance; you second-generation rich know nothing, this is called brand effect!

England is a typical commercial nation; when doing business with them, even if it's with your kin, every penny still counts, nothing less is allowed.

During this period, the United States emphasizes humanity, democracy, and freedom. Though these are beautiful lies woven by capitalists and politicians, the American people are deeply bought into it.

To deal with them, one should focus more on "people-centered" values.

Thus, when the French Navy protected the "Leviathan," the publicity towards the US Army was presented as follows:

"Admiral Shire believes the 'Leviathan' is more than just the 'Leviathan.'"

"A liner to him is not worth mentioning, even if it's an expensive superliner."

"Admiral Shire believes that more important are the tens of thousands of lives on board, regardless of nationality, life safety should be respected at all times!"

...

(The image above depicts the superliner "Leviathan," originally Germany's "Vaterland," but because its route was blocked by the outbreak of World War I, it was detained in the then-neutral United States. After the U.S. declared war, the "Vaterland" was seized, transformed into a transport ship, and renamed "Leviathan." It could carry 14,000 people at one time but was the epicenter of the "Spanish" flu outbreak due to overcrowding and harsh conditions. The ship became a significant symbol of U.S. Army transatlantic transport during World War I.)

Shire's bout of "humanitarian care" so deeply moved the American soldiers that they were smitten.

Coupled with the sense of safety Shire instilled using the "Adventurer-class" destroyers, American soldiers subsequently became inclined to prefer equipment from Bernard Group, even if there's no real difference in equipment.

The reality proved as such.

In the days when the "Leviathan" sailed on the sea, the bored American soldiers unleashed their full imagination discussing British and French equipment:

"Hey, isn't England supposed to have the world's top navy? Why are we being protected by French warships?"

"Dude, you clearly don't read newspapers often; this is France's most advanced anti-submarine warship, equipped with an 'Echo Detector,' rumored to detect submarines thousands of meters away."

"Yes, I've heard of it too. It's only under its protection that one feels safest; British ships only have the numbers, but French ships have high-tech!"

...

Another group inside the cabin discussed helmets:

"When we get there, we might be equipped with both English and French helmets, which do you think is better?"

"I believe it's England's kettle-shaped helmet; its brim can shield rain during the rainy season, which is crucial for shooting."

But this claim was immediately ridiculed by others:

"How foolish must you be to say that? In the rain, there's hardly any difference, you can barely even see the target."

"The kettle-shaped helmet easily exposes one because its edges stand out against the background."

"Yes, the French 'Adrian' helmet doesn't have that issue; do you think shielding rain is more important, or is protecting your head more important?"

Laughter erupted around them.

The French-made "Adrian" helmet easily claimed victory, earning unanimous approval from the American soldiers.

...

This is the role of "Yilin" propaganda.

By merely fabricating a few simple stories, even if they insult one's intelligence, it can still create a brand effect and craftsmanship spirit, allowing products to easily beat competitors to capture the market.

Now, it was the time for Shire's equipment to climb to the top in promotional glory, and Shire certainly wouldn't miss this opportunity.

If used properly, coupled with victories in actual combat, no nation's arms industry could compete with Bernard Group, not even the world's strongest or industrial leaders.

Because they purchase more than just physical goods, it's psychological comfort and confidence, and they believe they have bought the world's best, capable of maximizing the chances of survival on the battlefield.

...

The "Leviathan" drew closer, and the American soldiers stood on the liner, waving and cheering excitedly to the people ashore, as densely packed as ants.

Under the sailors' busy efforts, the liner took quite a while to stabilize at the harbor.

The military band played once more as squads of US Army soldiers descended the gangway. Each one wore a Montana hat, their faces bearing sunny, confident smiles, young and spirited, waving excitedly while taking strides.

These sound like compliments, but for the battlefield, they are derogatory, entirely derogatory.

An experienced veteran should have an expressionless face and dim eyes, uninterested in everything around because they know it's all meaningless energy loss.

(The image above shows the first batch of US Expeditionary Forces landing in France wearing M1912 uniforms, the dome-topped hats are called "Montana Hat" or "Lemon Squeezer")

Pershing took a step forward and saluted the soldiers passing by, who responded with salutes one after another:

"Salute to you, General."

"It's an honor to meet you, General."

"We await your command!"

...

Pershing smiled subtly and moved aside to present Shire, loudly asking, "Boys, do you know who he is?"

The marching formation noticeably halted, and then chaos ensued; those in front were reluctant to move, while those in back pushed forward, each shouting excitedly:

"It's impossible! He's, he's Shire."

"Oh my God, he really is Shire!"

"He's much younger than I imagined!"

...

Some soldiers even excitedly broke ranks and dashed to Shire to shake hands, quickly pulling out notebooks and asking:

"Can I get an autograph, General?"

"Sign one for me too."

"And me!"

...

Shire lightly shook his head; indeed, they were new recruits, lacking any organizational or disciplinary sense.