The cotton crisis didn't just affect the British; the French were also in a tough spot. As a great nation that had completed industrialization, the French demand for cotton was also very high.
The cotton textile industry was an essential part of the French economy, and Napoleon III, who valued the development of the domestic economy, naturally couldn't ignore this problem.
After seeing the Austrians successfully promote cotton planting in Africa, Napoleon III also began to entertain the idea of following suit, even picking out a location.
At the Palace of Versailles, Colonial Minister Stern said with difficulty, "Your Majesty, our colonies in West Africa lack sufficient immigrants, making it very difficult to promote cotton cultivation."
Cotton is a labor-intensive industry, especially during harvest time when a large number of workers are needed.
