I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 814: Super Defensive Line

Shire did not engage in a discussion with Pershing about the principles of fluidity in warfare.

Even if he explained, Pershing would neither understand nor apply it on the battlefield.

Westerners always like to formalize tactics, commonly producing an "XX Operations Manual," which clearly outlines how to respond to situations like following a formula.

This might be beneficial for new recruits; all they need to do is memorize.

But for veterans or commanders, it may limit their flexibility and imagination.

In this regard, the German Army excels, as senior officers often give lower-level commanders enough freedom to act independently.

This is also why the German Army often achieves surprising and baffling victories on the battlefield.

...

Paris City Defense Command.

The last glimmer of sunset disappeared below the horizon, and Gallieni dragged his weary body back to his room.

The orderly brought dinner, a soft croissant with a glass of milk.

After the surgery, doctors advised him to drink less coffee, as caffeine might reduce the effectiveness of some medications or enhance side effects, affecting his sleep and recovery.

While eating, Gallieni glanced at his briefcase, couldn't resist putting on his glasses, and with one hand, opened it to take out a document to read.

It was the defense plan proposed by Petain in the House of Representatives.

"We should build an unbreakable line of defense, to permanently ensure our safety."

"We all know how war ravages a country; it drastically reduces our population, collapses our economy, and forces everyone into suffering."

"Moreover, our industries and mineral resources are concentrated in the northeast, on the Franco-German border, and once attacked by the Germans, they will suffer devastating blows."

"They will be used by the enemy to produce bullets and shells against us, along with planes, artillery, and tanks."

"But if we construct an unbreakable defensive fortification, we can protect them and, by extension, the lives and economy of our citizens."

"The enemy will only deplete themselves before the line. I am sure this is what we need; it's our guardian!"

...

(The above picture depicts the Maginot Line, with solid red lines representing strong, comprehensive fortifications, and dotted lines indicating weaker, scattered fortifications)

A member of the parliament holding the distributed diagram asked, "But Lorraine and Alsace are still in German hands, and we are now planning to construct strong fortifications there?"

Petain, in a mocking tone, said, "Do you think it's a problem to reclaim them with Shire around?"

The members laughed aloud.

Shire had already reclaimed Lorraine and Alsace, but those useless British lost them again.

Now with the US Army joining, reclaiming them is no problem.

Petain continued:

"Gentlemen, fortune always favors the prepared."

"Haven't you understood yet?"

"The lesson war taught us is: the line of defense is the most critical. Once we build this line, no one can invade us ever again."

...

This idea was very tempting, as what the French needed most was a sense of security, which this super defense line could perfectly provide.

"Shire may not think so," someone questioned, "His view has always been balancing offense and defense, yet you want to build this..."

Petain replied, "The point is only France has Shire, the enemy doesn't!"

The members smiled knowingly again; of course, Shire wouldn't attack his own defensive line.

That day, although the parliament could not make a decision, the "super defense line" had already taken root in people's hearts.

After it spread in society, it immediately received a lot of support.

Supporters believed that once this "super defense line" was built, France would be shielded from the horrors of war, and everyone could rest easy.

...

Gallieni was chewing on bread, silently flipping through defense line cross-section maps.

This was a massive underground project, with artillery, fortresses, elevators, ammunition depots, hospitals, armories, cinemas, backup power supplies... even a metro line was proposed seven stories underground.

(The above picture depicts the Maginot Line cross-section)

If the plan were implemented, for a considerable period, France's defense budget and tax revenues would sink into this pit.

Even the tax revenue would not suffice; "special taxes" and "designated funds" would be required.

The biggest beneficiary? Undoubtedly, Shire.

No one understands military projects better than Shire, not even Petain, who proposed this plan.

Moreover, Petain is not a capitalist, while Shire is.

Considering Shire's recent mass acquisitions in energy, telecommunications, transportation, steel, and construction companies.

Isn't this all preparing to build the defense line?

Shire can use his prestige and authority to distribute the line's facilities to his companies and military factories for completion.

Good God, by then, most of France's wealth and resources will be in his hands!

What exactly is this guy trying to do?

Gallieni felt he had once again fallen into a trap Shire meticulously set.

Gallieni supported Shire's construction of the defense line, thinking it would be a regular defensive line to counter the "Hindenburg Line."

But the result was this colossal thing.

Two knocks came from outside the door, and without turning, Gallieni knew it was Shire.

Only Shire knocks without speaking; others would immediately start reporting.

"Come in," Gallieni said.

Sure enough, it was Shire, bringing Gallieni a basket of fresh apples, which was not easy to come by during wartime rationing when French apples usually mature in August.

Gallieni took off the glasses on his nose, tossed the "super defense line" diagram toward Shire: "Do you think it will work?"

Shire candidly stated, "No, it won't be of use."

Gallieni looked up sharply at Shire, shocked:

"You—you know it won't be useful, yet still, you build it?"

"I understand now, you're doing it for your own interests, for wealth, am I wrong?" 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"Do you know how much funding it requires? They are all tax dollars from the citizens..."

Shire interrupted Gallieni:

"No, General, this is providing jobs for citizens."

"And it's also fighting against capitalists."

"Only by doing so can I reclaim the country from the control of the capitalists."

As he spoke, Shire opened the briefcase in his hand, took out a document, and handed it over:

"This is the plan I will announce tomorrow."

"I intend to lease the farmland I've acquired to citizens on a per-household basis."

"The rent collected will only be one percent of what they produce from the crop!"

Gallieni gaped at Shire—one percent of the produce as rent?

This is almost negligible; Shire is destined to lose money; why would he do this?

Shire, in a calm tone: "Money no longer matters much to me, General, what I want is the stability of France."

France will belong to me, a stable France aligns with my interests.

However, Shire did not say it aloud; Gallieni was not fit to hear such words.