I'm playing whack-a-mole in Siberia

Chapter 723 Two and a Half

The economic crisis that broke out at the beginning of this year was mainly caused by an unhealthy economic structure and did not have much impact on Russia.

Russia's wartime industrial system completely collapsed during the civil war, factories were destroyed, workers were held hostage by provisional executive committees, and the economy was almost devastated.

Witte originally thought that it would take Russia many years to get rid of the shadow cast by the world war and the civil war.

In George's eyes, Russia was in a state of disrepair.

Since the wartime industrial system was destroyed, there was naturally no overproduction and no industrial transformation. Any factory that was needed could be built directly without any resistance.

Russia lost 1500 million people during the world war, which certainly broke George's heart, but the population decline also meant a shortage of labor, and there were plenty of job opportunities for those who wanted to work.

The most difficult problems facing Britain, France and the United States now are unemployed workers and veterans.

Neither of these problems exists in Russia.

When the civil war just ended, due to severe damage to industry in Russia and Europe, a material rationing system was generally implemented, and even food was rationed.

With the recovery of agricultural production, Russia's food security has been greatly alleviated this year, and agricultural product exports to Europe have gradually resumed.

At the same time, industrial production gradually recovered, and most of the timber used in Europe was provided by Russia.

The World War was not over yet, but Russia had already begun reconstruction, and this year is already the third year.

Next year, a number of key enterprises in Russia will be completed and put into production. In order to promote commodity exports, Witte proposed the establishment of a free trade organization to promote economic exchanges among member countries.

Free trade has always been the most powerful weapon used by industrial powers to destroy the industrial systems of backward regions, and the United States is the biggest beneficiary of free trade.

The free trade proposed by Witte is different from the free trade of the United States.

The United States' free trade is only aimed at the European market. When European goods want to enter the US market, the US government will increase the costs of European companies by raising tariffs and other means in order to protect the domestic manufacturing industry in the United States.

The first principle of Witte's free trade is to reduce or even eliminate tariffs.

There are currently six countries that have joined, namely Russia, the Kingdom of Romania, the Kingdom of Bulgaria, the Grand Duchy of Montenegro, the Grand Principality of Yuriev, and Goryeo.

After joining this agreement, goods from the above six countries can flow freely, and each country can choose an economic development path that suits its own conditions.

Not all countries are qualified to develop a large and comprehensive industrial route.

For example, Goryeo, a country with scarce resources, found it very difficult to develop industry. It did not even have the raw materials necessary for industry. Even if it forced investment, it would have no competitiveness at all.

After joining the FTA, Goryeo will be able to obtain cheap goods from other member countries at the lowest cost.

After reducing or eliminating tariffs, consumption tax became the main source of revenue for the Goryeo government.

Of course, joining a free trade organization is not without its disadvantages. If goods from other countries flood in, it will deal a fatal blow to the country's industrial system.

This is why Georgi has been hesitant until now.

The Kingdom of Greece was defeated in the Austro-German War and lost its territory in the Asia Minor Peninsula, so Georgy was quite resentful towards George.

But George cannot be blamed for this. Since Georgi wants to cling to the British and French, he must be prepared to be abandoned by Russia.

After the outbreak of the Austro-Greek War, Georgy asked Britain and France for help.

Britain and France were in constant trouble of their own and were simply unable to provide assistance to Greece, which made Georgi realize the true face of Britain and France.

Weak countries should recognize the situation, grasp their own positioning, and not develop unnecessary ambitions.

The industrial base of the Kingdom of Greece was actually similar to that of Goryeo, with basically no industry to speak of.

The most famous businessman in Greece was a middleman who accumulated huge wealth by reselling materials. Not only did he not help the Greek economy, but he set a very bad example.

Since you can become the richest man by reselling materials, why bother working hard in industry?

Georgi is worried that joining the FTA will deepen the Kingdom of Greece's dependence on Russia.

In order to understand the truth about the Free Trade Organization, Georgi went to Bucharest in person to consult Ferdinand in person.

"Romania is an agricultural country. Whether there is a free trade organization or not, Romania cannot do without industrial products from Russia. In this case, why doesn't Romania take the initiative to become part of the Russian economic system?"

Ferdinand has a very accurate understanding of his position.

After all, Greece is located in the Mediterranean Sea, quite far away from Russia, while Romania is right next to Russia.

In the ninth Russo-Turkish War, Romanian Emperor Carol clung to Russia, and Romania was able to break away from the Ottoman Empire and gain independence.

During the World War, Romania relied on Russia to seize Transylvania and the Transcarpathian Mountains from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, directly doubling its land area.

If Romania wants to sell its oil and natural gas, it also cannot do without Russia's help.

Russia only needs to block the Black Sea outlet to suffocate Romania.

"But in this case, what is the meaning of our independence?"

Georgi has ideals, but reality does not allow it.

"There are only two and a half truly independent countries in our world—"

Although Ferdinand did not mention anyone by name, Georgi knew who Ferdinand was talking about.

The two countries are the United States and Russia, and the United Kingdom counts as half. Even France does not count.

If France does not ally with Britain, it cannot even guarantee its own national security. Can such independence be considered independence?

Britain is isolated overseas. Even if continental equilibrium fails, Britain can still move its capital to Canada or Australia, so it can be considered half.

Georgi finally fell silent, and left Romania for Constantinople the next day.

Witt and Georgi were in perfect sync, and there was no Tisio War, as if it had never happened at all.

It was actually George that Georgi wanted to see.

George went to Adrianople to see his grandson and just left last night, making it clear that he didn't want to see Georgi.

Georgy chased to Adrianople again and finally blocked George in Alexander's manor.

"George, help me, what should I do?"

Georgy finally gave in.

The situation in Romania is actually better than that in Greece, at least there is no need to import food.

Greece is such a poor place that it can't even grow food. It needs to import a large amount of food from Russia every year to meet domestic demand. And yet it still wants true independence?

It's better to go to sleep, there's everything in your dreams.

George swallowed the words back when they came to his lips.

You don't even want to call me daddy -

Look how obedient little George is. He calls Grandpa, Grandpa so sweetly.

"Greece has the richest tourism resources in the world, why not try this?"

When there is no other way out, it still depends on George.

Georgy frowned, travel——

It’s not impossible.

During the Balkan Wars, Russia seized several islands in the Aegean Sea from the Ottoman Empire. These islands have now become the most popular tourist destinations for Russians in winter.

The winter in Russia is too long, and every winter Russia goes into hibernation like polar bears.

This year, Russia organized a vacation in the Aegean Sea for workers who performed outstandingly in the reconstruction work, and all expenses were paid by the Russian government.

This qualification is not limited to any identity. Even cleaning staff are eligible to come to the Aegean Sea and enjoy a sweet one-month vacation as long as they complete their work excellently.

After the news was announced, almost all Russians went crazy.

During the Imperial Russian Era, the Russian Empire's powerful and wealthy class would go to the Mediterranean for vacation every winter like migratory birds, with most going to France.

Ordinary Russians also have a need for vacation, but they don't have the money.

The list published by Russian News includes combat heroes who made numerous achievements during the world wars, as well as railway construction workers, cleaning staff, farmers, and heroic mothers.

A mother from Crimea sent all her seven sons to the battlefield during the World War, becoming Russia's first heroic mother. She was highlighted by the Russian media and became the pride of all Russians.

After the list was announced, it not only caused a heated response in Russia, but also sparked heated discussions in other countries.

After the end of World War II, Europeans felt the continuous blows from Russia.

First there was the eight-hour work system and the minimum wage guarantee system, then there was nine years of compulsory education, and now even street sweepers can get free vacations provided by the state.

It doesn’t really matter whether you take a vacation or not. After a month of relaxing, you still have to get back to your busy work and won’t have a moment to rest.

The key is this respect, which is something ordinary people have never felt.

Britain and France were fine as they kept a strict guard against news from Russia, so the reaction was not that strong.

There is also a veteran from Germany on the list released by Russia. This news has sparked even more heated discussions in Germany than in Russia.

This veteran named Cole has been serving on the Western Front during World War I. He is 31 years old this year.

After relations between Russia and Germany began to ease, Kohl went to work in St. Petersburg with the German army of workers.

This summer, several Russian teenagers were swimming in the Neva River. One of them suddenly suffered cramps and drowned. When another teenager was rescuing the boy, he was hugged by the drowning boy due to incorrect method, and both of them were about to sink to the bottom of the water.

At this time, Cole, who was passing by, immediately jumped into the water and rescued the two drowning teenagers.

Cole was honored by the St. Petersburg government and was included in the national travel list.

Russia and Germany were enemies during the World Wars, and both inflicted heavy losses on the other.

As a veteran, Kohl not only received rewards from the St. Petersburg government, but also gained respect from Russia, which was unbelievable to many Germans.

You're right not to believe it, this is exactly the effect George wants.

(End of this chapter)