Rise of Australia

Chapter 985: Arthur's Abdication

World War II ended in a way Arthur had never imagined, but this did not affect Australasia's strategic layout before and after World War II and Arthur's vision for the future.

After the end of World War II, Australasia became the undisputed world's number one power, especially after the Australasian military parade on the day of the United Nations Organization meeting.

When representatives of various countries saw the powerful navy, army and air force of Australasia, they naturally understood which is the most powerful country in the world today and whose rule they should rely on.

As for the former hegemon, the British Empire, Arthur did not kill them all. As long as the British wanted, they could still be the so-called hegemon of Europe, or even the most powerful country outside of Australasia.

Of course, as one of Arthur's plans, after the end of World War II, it was naturally time for Arthur to say goodbye to the throne.

The good inheritance of the monarchy should consider the next generation of monarchs more, allowing William to have enough time in power instead of continuing to covet the throne in his hands.

As the first monarch in the history of Australasia and the founder of the empire, Arthur naturally had no attachment to the throne.

Everything that should be done has been done, and Australasia has successfully grown into the world's number one power. It is time to hand over the power and huge responsibility to William, and while Arthur is still healthy, train the third generation of outstanding monarchs for the empire, that is, William's eldest son Alexander.

On December 1939, 12, Arthur announced his abdication via a radio broadcast on the last day of the year, and stated that a coronation ceremony for William would be held on the first day of 31.

The public was instantly shocked, and this instantly became the biggest news in the world.

During the broadcast, Arthur continued his previous speaking style, but did not mention much about his contributions to the country.

Arthur said with emotion: "The 39 years I have been the monarch of Australasia have been the most unforgettable period of my life.

I am honoured to join all Australasians in making God’s promise to make Australasia rise, and to accomplish it in the presence of God and all Australians.

Thank God, and thank every Australasian who has fought for the country. The Empire will never forget your contribution to the country, and I will never forget the great Australasians.

Please allow me to extend my last, heartfelt wishes to all Australasians as the Emperor of Australasia. May you enjoy the last day of 1939 and look forward to a beautiful first day of 1940.

I am always proud to be a member of Australasia, and I am always proud of the great achievements we have made over the past 30 years.

Now, it is time to hand over this responsibility to the next monarch, William, whom I have carefully trained for the country and the people. I believe he can be a qualified monarch and lead the Australasia people to become stronger.

May God bless William and all Australasia, the Empire is with us.”

Although this speech was not very impressive, the sincere feelings in it moved all Australasians, especially those who had experienced the Principality of Australia, whose feelings for Arthur were the purest and most enthusiastic.

These people have become the elders of the new generation of Australasians, and their deep enthusiasm and love for Arthur are also influencing the next generation of Australasians.

Of course, people did not have much objection to Arthur passing the throne to William. After all, Arthur also said that William was a qualified monarch he carefully selected, and the succession of the throne was also necessary for the development of time.

But this will not prevent people from being reluctant to part with Arthur, especially this sudden news, which makes people feel extremely reluctant to part with Arthur.

What Arthur did not expect was that after the broadcast was transmitted to all parts of the country, a crowd of people came to the vicinity of the palace in just half an hour. These people held high banners hoping that Arthur would remain emperor for a few more years, gathered at the gate and around the palace, and shouted: "We need His Majesty!"

Such a commotion was rare or even unheard of in the entire West. The huge commotion quickly attracted the attention of the palace guards, and the news was also passed on to Arthur.

Arthur had long anticipated the possible reactions to his announcement of abdication. In this situation, only Arthur's personal intervention could resolve the people's reluctance.

Arthur asked the guards to invite everyone to the square in front of the palace, and then deployed simple sound amplification and transmission equipment in the square.

Looking at the people gathered together in the night, the emotion in Arthur's eyes needed no words.

"My people, I understand your feelings. I am also reluctant to give up the empire I created.

But my age no longer allows me to stay on the throne. It is time to let a stronger young man shoulder the responsibility of the country.

Ladies and gentlemen, the rise of the empire cannot be achieved without the support of all the people. I hope you can support William and every future Emperor of Australasia as you have supported me.

Of course, the Australasian emperor was by no means autocratic; rather, he was more of a representative and protector of the people’s interests.

If there is any Australasian emperor in the future who disregards the interests of the people and even endangers the entire country, I hope that all Australasians can unite and drive him off the throne.

The Empire existed because of the united efforts of all Australasians, and for me, it was time to enjoy my new life.

Now I hope you will join me in shouting, 'Long live the Empire, long live Australasia! ' and let us look forward to what beautiful stories the Empire will write under William's rule.

May God be with you and me.”

This impromptu speech was very short, lasting only about ten minutes.

Fortunately, the people were very obedient to Arthur's words. After shouting "Long Live the Empire and Australasia" a few times in the square, the people almost dispersed.

The news of Arthur's abdication and his brief speech in the square were quickly published in domestic and international news, and the people reluctantly accepted the news.

The people turned to look forward to William's coronation. After all, this was the qualified heir to the throne that Arthur himself had said he would train.

What's more, William has been involved in government affairs for several years.

During this period of time, William's performance has been appreciated by the people.

Whether representing the royal family in foreign diplomacy or handling domestic affairs, William was indeed a qualified monarch as Arthur said.

(End of this chapter)