Reincarnated as Nikolai II

Chapter 283: Where Is My Friend (5)

Though the meeting may have been brief, perhaps the aftereffects are just beginning.

Molten iron and oil.

"Something big... and beautiful..."

"I'm getting inspired!"

"We need something different... heavy and large."

With deficit financing temporarily creating money and steel and oil expected to be supplied steadily from Russia, this news was enough to bring about change, whether for the Control Faction or the Imperial Way Faction.

"It seems clear they're trying to push the defense industry."

"If they're pushing the defense industry... can our navy just sit still?"

"Honestly, Satsuma was far from being a dreadnought-class. This is the time we need proper battleships!"

The battleship Satsuma, which was slightly lacking in specs to be a true dreadnought when rebuilding the navy after the Russo-Japanese War.

Even that had most of its parts from Britain, and the technology was British too. Only when building the battleship Kawachi in the 1910s could they reduce their dependency on Britain to less than 20%.

However, even after successfully domesticating naval technology, Japan couldn't significantly increase its naval power.

First of all, it was because they entered a reconciliatory atmosphere with Russia.

"Honestly, is it because we lack technology or ability? We just didn't build because we were wary of the Far Eastern Fleet, right?"

"That's right, since we already made peace with Russia, there was no reason to spend a lot of money."

"But fundamentally, we're an island nation. Without naval power like now, what on earth can we do!"

Secondly, it was due to endless disarmament in the 1920s.

It's difficult to pour 60% of the national budget in a short period like Germany did to build the Kaiserliche Marine, but even with such willingness, the global disarmament paradigm had suppressed the growth of the Japanese navy.

Britain, situated in Hong Kong and South China.

America, using the Philippines as a foothold.

France, ruling Southeast Asia.

None of these countries wanted Japan's naval power to grow, as long as Russia was determined to be the victor in the Far East.

After all, their attempt to check Russia ended in failure.

But conversely, what if Russia raises Japan's hand?

"...Is Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity really happening?"

What other factor could better unite the military, which has recently been deeply divided into the Imperial Way Faction and the Control Faction?

"Th-that's right! Pan-Slavism was actually in line with Pan-Asianism!"

"We're not saying we'll invade other races! Asia for Asians! Europe for Europeans! Why is there only one great power that understands this obvious principle!"

Even before the steel and oil had reached the ports, Japan was already reforming its ideology, preparing to consume these resources.

"From this perspective, Seikanron was not wrong! They needed help from others, whether us or Russia!"

"Korea was just extremely lucky, but how many countries in Asia are still groaning?"

"Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity! White people may want to kick away the ladder for yellow people, but we will extend ladders to fellow yellow people!"

"Of course, after we become strong first!"

That's how hungry they were for a strong military.

It's not that militarism grew because the military was growing.

Militarism was growing because they wanted to build up the military.

The economic inequality imposed on Asia, especially centered on Japan, from long ago.

Bloc formation centered around the great powers' colonies.

And the ban on exporting key resources and the disarmament of the 1920s.

Japan didn't turn dark overnight; perhaps they never had a chance to harbor bad intentions.

In this era, it's inevitable that issues of race and ethnicity follow as justifications for expansion, but Japan's claims were truly absurd.

"There's only one reason we're rebuilding the navy: the liberation of Asia."

"If Asian and Pacific nations unite around us, we can drive out the West and enjoy prosperity and peace!"

What? Isn't the Russian Empire a dirty imperialist Western power, a despicable white nation?

Aren't they the main culprits who stole Asian land through Eastern advancement and Southern advancement policies?

"Russia is... yes, an Asian country!"

"Between European territory and Asian territory, which is larger? Isn't it Asian territory? That means it's an Asian country!"

"No, don't these people know about Manchuria? That country has yellow people living there too, right?"

Oh my, that's a misunderstanding.

Russia is an Asian country.

It means they're on the side of yellow people against Western powers.

==

The economy is reviving.

Is there a greater achievement in the current situation?

In 1934, the world economy, which had been dead for a full five years, began to stir slightly.

It's absolutely not that consumption revived overnight, markets became active, and corporate profits increased.

"Support is available for one person per family, so hurry and apply for the WPA public works!"

"3Rs! Relief, Recovery, Reform!"

"The gangs that monopolized bootleg liquor are no more! Feel free to relieve your daily fatigue with beer!"

It was clear that the atmosphere had changed significantly from last year.

And this was the same for Germany.

"Cartels and monopolies are good elements that reduce wasteful competition!"

"You want to compete domestically? You should think about competing internationally!"

"Excessive freedom is indulgence, and excessive regulation is oppression. Therefore, only the state should have the ability to adjust this!"

Germany, Japan, and the United States, with no or insufficient colonies.

Their financial policies generally flowed similarly, naturally continuing deficit policies while ignoring the gold standard, with a structure where the state leads consumption.

For France and Britain, who were turning all international trade into internal transactions, this was socialistic and would end when the money ran out.

"...The economy is recovering?"

"Stocks are rising?"

"At least it's not failing, right?"

The economy is recovering.

When the economy recovers, more taxes are collected, and with more taxes collected, more government bonds can be issued based on the increased tax revenue.

Simply put, this is also like taking stones from below to place them above, but regardless, the economy is recovering. comment

Whether increasing public workers or expanding the defense industry, the fact that money is circulating in society.

That single fact has proven to be awakening dormant capitalism.