I Became The Crown Prince Of The Mexican Empire - Chapter 125



Only Noblemtl

The air of Mexico makes you free (4)

“Even if we win the war, the result will be nothing more than the expansion of slavery.”

Northern anti-slavery advocates were concerned about James Polk’s overt expansionism and the belligerent sentiments of the American people.

The Mexican Empire was not an easy country to deal with, and even if they were victorious, it would likely result in giving more power and influence to southern slaveholders by allowing slavery in the new territories.

“But there is no way. The moment you oppose the war, you are branded a coward or a traitor.”

Backed by public opinion, James Polk and the Democratic Party were openly preparing for war. They said they were preparing for an unexpected event, but rumors were rife that James Polk was openly talking about ‘manifest destiny’.

Even northerners, many of whom opposed slavery, often favored expansionism because they supported territorial expansion in terms of economic opportunity and national growth. Given that situation, it was impossible to turn public opinion around.

“James Polk, stop preparing for this immoral war!”

Even though I protested out of frustration, I only got a cold response, and James Falk knew that, so he ignored me.

“I guess I’m done putting up with that annoying noise.”

Since exchanging statements with Mexico in March, James Polk has been working behind the scenes to persuade many politicians rather than outwardly.

There was much to do, including forming public opinion about the war and getting legislation through Congress to increase armaments and stockpile military supplies.

At the end of August, toward the end of summer, the census was completed.

“19.5 million people… That’s an increase of 2.5 million people in just 5 years.”

There were concerns that the birth rate would drop as the potato blight had been rampant for the past 42 years, but the great United States of America easily overcame even that. The United States was not hit hard because it grew not only potatoes but also wheat, corn, and other grains.

“What about Mexico? Still no news?”

“Yes, I check every day, but there is no news.”

“Hahaha, they started two weeks before us and they still haven’t finished this census. That’s right, I told you. There’s no need to overestimate Mexico.”

Some scholars have praised Mexico’s capabilities and warned against using military options recklessly, but after all, it is Mexico.

The administrative power of the central government of the United States is not that great, so if it is even slower, how poor must the administrative power of the Mexican government be? That was the logic.

‘I’ve endured it for a long time.’

In fact, it was only six months, but to James Falk, it felt like a very long wait.

“Please call the Minister of Defense.”

Secretary of Defense William L. Marcy soon arrived.

James Polk greeted him briefly and got straight to the point.

“As you know, sir, there has been an increase in the number of escapes from Southern slaves in recent years. As the discontent among Southerners grows, we are considering taking measures.”

“Yes, Mr. President. Our military is ready to provide all assistance.”

“I would like to see a number of small patrols operating in the border area for the time being. Once they know that they can never escape, there will be fewer escape attempts.”

It seemed like a reasonable measure, but James Polk was not satisfied and went further.

“Oh, and make sure that the leader of the patrol that catches the most escaped slaves is given a proper reward.”

“Yes, Mr. President.”

***

Early September 1845.

The second census of the Mexican Empire was completed.

“14.8 million people.”

“That’s an increase of 4 million people in 7 years. That’s tremendous growth.”

“Yes. The population has increased as we have acquired the islands of the Caribbean, but it is still a satisfactory figure.”

“Then I guess I can stop watching those Americans praising themselves.”

Diego said it coolly.

This is because the American media has recently been flooded with articles that seem to question Mexico’s administrative capabilities due to the delay in releasing the census results, as well as articles praising the United States’ growth and administrative capabilities.

“Well, I don’t think so, but since the results are out, it’s more likely that they’ll focus on the difference of 4.7 million.”

From my perspective, narrowing the gap from 17 million to 10.82 million to 19.5 million to 14.8 million is a victory, but Americans won’t take it as a defeat. In any case, isn’t it true that there is a huge difference?

Rather, there will be those who will try to heighten the sense of crisis by claiming that if we don’t do it now, we will be overtaken by Mexico.

It doesn’t matter since it’s a war you’ve already prepared for. I have no choice but to break that nose.

“I’m sure it has been thoroughly investigated whether each individual is capable of performing their military service?”

“Yes. We have completed the survey of all the population except the elderly and children in accordance with the bill on mass conscription.”

“Okay. Looks like this side is also somewhat prepared.”

There are reasons why the census was completed late, even though it was started first. It was because the survey items included whether the person was fit for military service. Nevertheless, it was completed at almost the same time as the United States, which conducted it hastily, calling it a “temporary census.” Rather, it shows how solid our Mexican administrative power is.

‘Well, it’s not like the Military Manpower Administration of the Republic of Korea in my previous life where doctors confirmed it, they only confirmed that I had a disability or a serious illness.’

After I reviewed the census, I brought up the next agenda item.

It was about an operation being carried out by the Military Intelligence Agency.

“Although agents are consistently working to create anti-war public opinion, it appears that there are limits to the current situation in the United States.”

“There’s no need to push yourself too hard. We’re not trying to stop the war through anti-war public opinion.”

It will be only when war breaks out and the situation in the United States becomes unfavorable that the environment for them to be active will be created.

“Yes, Your Majesty. And we have successfully infiltrated the black community as well.”

“That’s good news. Its power is still small, so if you raise it well from now on, it will be helpful.”

In the North, where slavery was banned, a free black community was forming. It was still small, poor, and fragmented, and could not be called a force, but it would grow.

“That’s enough for the US side. Have you figured out the situation on the Irish side that I mentioned before?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. It is said that the potato blight that originated in America has spread throughout Ireland.”

“···It’s started. What’s the situation on the ground?”

The local situation reported by Director Ricardo was as dire as the original history.

Unlike the United States, which ate more wheat and corn, Ireland’s staple food was potatoes. The Irish were poor due to long-term exploitation by England, and potatoes were an economical choice. Potatoes were high in calories and grew well in Ireland’s rich soil and humid climate. In addition, one potato crop provided high yields that could feed a family.

But all of those potatoes were actually one variety, and that variety, called ‘Lumper’, had the advantages of being high yielding and easy to grow, but had the disadvantage of having very low disease resistance. So all the potatoes became sick, and Ireland became hell.

“Send relief food sequentially. It doesn’t look like it will end this year.”

“yes.”

Diego answered.

I gave the instructions as if I had guessed, but in reality, the Irish famine lasted a full seven years. From the winter of the second year, everyone, tenant farmers and landlords alike, had nothing to eat, so it is only just beginning.

“We will continue to actively accept immigration, but we will instruct you to encourage urban immigration. And given the current situation, we will lower incentives for immigration companies for the time being.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Supporting Ireland is not only for humanitarian reasons, but also for the benefit of our Mexican Empire.

During the seven years of the Irish famine, one million people died of starvation and one million emigrated from Ireland. With Ireland’s current population of eight million, this means that 25% of the entire population disappeared in seven years.

In the original history, most of those one million immigrants would have gone to the United States, creating a huge number of Irish Americans, but in this world, we will have those many immigrants come to our Mexican Empire.

It may seem like a stretch to undertake relief work that costs a lot of money on the eve of war, but our country, Mexico, is a country that needs more manpower. Mexico is currently overloaded to the point where unemployment is at 0% due to land development and industrialization.

What would happen if a large-scale war broke out now that we are barely maintaining a balance by accepting immigrants from all over the world? Even if you are not an economic expert, it is easy to see that the country’s economic balance would collapse.

‘I cannot miss this opportunity, even because of the war.’

It is not a devilish idea to conscript those poor Irishmen as soon as they arrive and use them as cannon fodder. They will serve to fill the gaps left by the men already conscripted.

‘Show me the magic of increasing manpower during war.’

***

“Oh, potatoes!”

“Kevin! What’s going on?”

My wife was so surprised that she ran out of the house.

Swish swish-

Kevin tried rubbing the potato on his clothes, but it didn’t work. The ominous stain was still there.

If it were just one, it wouldn’t be a big deal, but every potato I could see had spots on it.

Most of the Irish population lived on small farms of less than 15 acres, since the land was owned entirely by English or converted Irish landowners.

Since potatoes were the only crop that could sustain a family on their tiny farm, the Irish lived on potatoes and buttermilk all year round.

chin-

Kevin missed the potatoes without realizing it.

The wife, who had picked up the potatoes, only then checked their condition.

“What, what is this···.”

“The potatoes are sick.”

Kevin said in a desperate voice.

Kevin immediately realized how serious the situation was. He had seen many cases of potatoes being ruined by diseases or insects, but he had never seen all of the potatoes ruined.

I dug up all the potatoes in the field just in case, but there were only one or two out of 100 that looked healthy at least on the outside.

As expected, it wasn’t just Kevin’s house that was happening. Cries were starting to be heard here and there.

“Oh my gosh-”

There was no way the poor Irish peasants could have stored up food.

There’s nothing to eat right now.

Some people even tried to eat diseased potatoes, because when you cut off about a third of the surface of the potato, the inside looked relatively healthy.

“Whoa-”

Not only did all the nutrients get destroyed and it was tasteless, but most people suffered from gastrointestinal problems or food poisoning. These were terrible diseases that could kill the Irish if they were unlucky enough to suffer from severe malnutrition.

Autumn 1845.

Half of Ireland’s potato crop was destroyed.