Chapter 38: Reclamation
During the intense conflict between Prussia and Austria in Europe, the East African colony successfully expelled most of the indigenous tribes from its coastal area. While some aborigines were kept for manual labor or sold as slaves, many were redistributed and allowed access to weapons, though this was not an act of kindness by the colony. These exiled aborigines, now without a tribe, faced uncertain fates as they ventured into other regions and clashed with other indigenous tribes.
The East African colony focused its reclamation efforts on areas with abundant water sources, ensuring a stable water supply for agriculture and daily life. The Binhai District, located on the coast, with its hot and humid climate, was particularly suitable for rice cultivation. Other regions with less precipitation were reserved for crops like wheat and millet, which were drought-resistant.
Sisal, a tropical cash crop, became the colony's flagship product due to its ideal growth conditions. While other commercial crops faced stiff competition, sisal remained dominant. Cloves were also cultivated, with the Sultanate of Zanzibar famous for its rich clove production. The cloves were sold through the Dutch fleet, allowing for exports to Europe.
Horses and cattle were now used for farming in the colony, with horses proving to be crucial for transportation and communication. The flat terrain and open spaces in East Africa were ideal for horseback travel. Ernst had chosen horse farming over cattle, as it not only increased the demand for horses but also improved transportation capacity.
The expansion of horse usage reduced the time it took to communicate and gather information. Horses allowed for faster and more efficient communication between different strongholds in the colony, even in the absence of infrastructure.
The stability of the climate in the East African colonies, influenced by ocean currents and trade wind patterns, facilitated agricultural development. The region had two rainy seasons a year, allowing for a well-established agricultural calendar.
As turmoil in East Asia increased, more immigrants were drawn to the East African colonies, particularly in the northern region. The presence of a developed immigrant network made East Africa an attractive destination for those seeking overseas opportunities. The colonies were now experiencing rapid growth, with various projects such as house construction, farmland development, canal construction, road building, and animal husbandry contributing to their development as an agriculture-centric region.
While Europe was embroiled in conflict, the East African colonies were making remarkable progress in their quest for growth and development.
(End of Chapter 38)