Chapter 380: Night Talk
In the tranquil night of Harare, where the temperature had dropped rapidly, Ernst put on a coat to ward off the cold. He found the African climate somewhat agreeable, especially compared to the coastal regions.
Ernst wasn't particularly fond of the coastal climate in Africa, having had experiences in cities like Dar es Salaam in his previous life. While these coastal cities had some development, infrastructure and modern amenities were lacking in the interior regions.
Nairobi and Harare were Ernst's preferred capitals in Africa. These inland cities offered all the necessary facilities, but they often found themselves lacking in network coverage. Most of Ernst's activities took place in rural areas, especially during construction projects like road and bridge development.
Walking along a country road in Harare, Ernst called out to Switt.
"Here, Principal!" Switt replied with a hint of nostalgia, standing straight as if he were back in his school days.
Ernst initiated a conversation, expressing his desire to understand the troops' situation better, especially the soldiers' lives and emotions.
Switt, respectful in his response, began, "Yes, Principal. What would you like to know?"
Ernst reflected for a moment before saying, "Let's start with the basic situation of the troops, particularly the soldiers' lives and morale."
Switt nodded and began to share his insights. He noted that when he first arrived in Africa, the army largely consisted of mercenaries. Over time, with the army's expansion, certain problems and bad habits emerged, mirroring issues present in armies worldwide.
He elaborated, "Although the education level of our troops is relatively high, there are discrepancies among different regions. Many immigrant soldiers from non-German regions have low levels of education. Even among German immigrant soldiers, the quality of education varies."
Ernst acknowledged the challenges, remarking that this was a foreseeable issue when he initially sent a mercenary team to East Africa. He understood that the East African Army, rooted in mercenary traditions, couldn't be instantly transformed into a disciplined force.
Switt added that the mercenary teams maintained military discipline through corporal punishment, similar to Prussian practices.
Ernst agreed, saying, "I'm well aware of this. The Prussian army, known for its strict discipline, still couldn't eliminate looting after battles. Military discipline isn't solely shaped on the battlefield; it encompasses various aspects, both internal and external."
Switt asked, puzzled, "Isn't this a positive aspect, Principal?"
Ernst responded, "East Africa is one of my experimental fields. I'm the farmer tending to this field. To ensure that crops grow well, what do you think is necessary? Pest control!"
Ernst explained further, "You see, soil cultivation is about changing the soil structure. Fertilization provides the necessary nutrients. Just as crops require nutrients, the people of East Africa are like the crops. Farmers have two choices regarding crop health: they can meet food demand to achieve a bumper harvest, but they must ensure a consistent supply of fertilizer."
Finally, Ernst emphasized, "And this principle also applies to the army. The army is the cornerstone of the country's power. Ensuring the stability and invincibility of the army is crucial for East Africa's future."
Ernst stood beneath the bright moon and stars, continuing, "If this war concludes, I won't plan any foreign conflicts for a long time. While I've had this intention before, I've often succumbed to temptation. East Africa's territory has expanded multiple times."
Ernst revealed that after the fall of the Transvaal Republic, he planned to prioritize internal development, focusing on industrialization. He believed that East Africa was ripe for industrial growth, and this was an essential step to ensure the nation's independence amidst the global division of powers.
In Ernst's view, East Africa's economy was concentrated in a single region, much like Tsarist Russia, but it faced the challenge of diverse indigenous populations. To prevent these indigenous groups from posing a threat to East Africa's rule, the East African army needed to maintain an invincible posture, supported by modern industrial capabilities.
(End of the chapter)