Empire Rising: Spain

The economic crisis that broke out in 1873 is absolutely the longest-lasting economic crisis in human economic history.

However, in reality, this economic crisis is divided into two phases. The first phase is from 1873 to 1874, mainly affecting the United States and Germany, which were the two major powers rapidly rising during the Second Industrial Revolution.

The second phase is from 1876 to 1878, mainly affecting the United Kingdom.

From this, it can also be seen that the countries that were seriously affected in the early stages of the economic crisis were those that had developed rapidly in recent times. Old powers like England and France were not seriously affected, or rather, the real economic crisis had not yet arrived.

For this reason, by the second half of 1874, the economies of various European countries had already begun to recover. Although many enterprises still faced the crisis of bankruptcy, at least some important factories had resumed production, and social order was stabilized.

Spain’s industrial sector was somewhat disappointed. Because after the economies of various countries gradually recovered, it became more difficult to purchase those enterprises at low prices.

Fortunately, Spain had already spent the majority of its planned 300 million Pesseta acquisition fund, and had acquired some of the more important factories, even dismantling the production line equipment and transporting it to Spain.

“How are those factories that have already been purchased being handled?” Carlo turned his gaze to the respectful Minister of Industry, Canovas, asking the question he was most concerned about.

Purchasing these factories was only the first step. Absorbing all of the production equipment and skilled workers from these factories is the second step that the industrial sector needed to take.

“Currently, the production equipment of the majority of enterprises has been dismantled, with the first batch already transported to the country, and the second batch is already on the way.”

“However, some workers from these factories are unwilling to come to Spain, even though we have provided them with better terms,” reported Minister Canovas.

Don’t be fooled by the fiery progress of Spain’s talent recruitment efforts; in reality, there are still many Europeans unwilling to immigrate to Spain.

Even those who are desperate enough to consider immigration would mostly choose the broader lands with more opportunities in the United States.

The chaos in Spain had only recently ended, and Europeans still harbored fears about Spain’s past turmoil. After all, most people preferred to live in a peaceful and stable environment, rather than in chaotic regions where protests and rebellions could erupt at any moment.

“Those who are unwilling to come can be left out; they wouldn’t accept Spain even if they did come.” Carlo didn’t care about the workers unwilling to immigrate to Spain, because these people would not recognize Spain even if they did come:

“For those willing to come to Spain, we can provide more assistance to help them integrate into Spain more quickly.

Additionally, the industrial sector can collaborate with the Church to establish Spanish language classes to help these immigrants to Spain quickly grasp the Spanish language.”

The Church personnel have some expertise in spreading religion and language, and they have a lot of experience in language schools that can be utilized.

Even though a lot of land had been acquired from the Church previously, in Carlo’s heart, the Spanish Church was not seen as an enemy.

If he could control the Church, the power of religion could provide Carlo with much support and serve as a significant tool in his hands.

Although the influence of religion on secular matters has been declining, this does not mean that religion is no longer welcomed worldwide.

Even in later times, there would still be a large number of people who believed in religion and the existence of God.

If the Spanish Catholic Church could be firmly controlled, the dissemination of Catholic teachings could provide Carlo with a whole new weapon of public opinion, unlike any newspaper.

Furthermore, as Spain is a Catholic Country, the Catholic Church can easily influence a large number of Spanish Catholic believers.

Currently, Archbishop Pedro is quite clever. Carlo created the title of Spanish Archbishop specifically for him, and he was very happy to accept it, becoming the first Archbishop of Spain.

“I understand, Your Majesty.” Minister Canovas nodded, indicating his understanding.

“The industrial sector should proceed with the final round of procurement. If nothing unexpected happens, there probably won’t be many more opportunities for our purchasing actions.

Moreover, try to transfer the purchased enterprises to the country as much as possible. Once the economies of other countries gradually recover, transferring these enterprises will become extremely difficult.

As long as these enterprises can be fully absorbed and utilized, I have confidence that the industrial sector will be able to complete the requirements of the five-year development plan ahead of schedule,” Carlo said with a smile.

Due to this economic crisis, the task of the industrial sector is relatively easy. With the premise of spending a large amount of resources to purchase foreign enterprises, these foreign enterprises can be absorbed rapidly to meet the goals of the five-year development plan.

Because the requirements of the five-year development plan are to scale up various industrial sectors, enhance Spain’s industrial capabilities, and so on.

It wouldn’t even be an exaggeration to say that as long as those acquired enterprises are all transferred to Spain and their production capacities restored, the Spanish industrial sector would almost be able to meet the requirements of the five-year development plan.

Although the industrial sector spent only a budget of 300 million Pesseta for these acquisitions, the actual value of these factories and enterprises would be at least several times that amount.