"Your Highness, it seems you have overlooked an important nation," Karl remarked with a smile.
"Oh?" Qin Tian responded, taken aback.
"The United States across the ocean. It has industrial output that surpasses that of our leading nation. With a population exceeding ninety million, nearing one hundred million, if we can penetrate that market and achieve strong sales, the profits would be astonishing," Karl said earnestly.
Qin Tian nodded, acknowledging, "Indeed, the United States represents a crucial market. Success there could yield significant returns."
He certainly had not forgotten America, a nation whose industrial might was already unrivaled globally. Despite lagging behind Europe in various advanced technologies, its formidable industrial capacity was undeniable, making it difficult for other nations to compete.
The future America was poised to dominate the world as a superpower. This chosen land, with its advantageous geography, was shielded by two vast oceans, surrounded by smaller nations that posed no threat. Its vast territory, abundant resources, and large population provided all the conditions necessary for industrial strength. Moreover, the devastation of World War I and World War II had left Europe in ruins, presenting the Americans with an opportunity to amass immense wealth and rise as a superpower.
If Qin Tian could assist Germany in reversing its fate following its defeat in World War I, it was inevitable that America would become a formidable adversary. This realization fostered a sense of caution in him regarding that nation.
"Karl, let us initiate the first phase of expansion as soon as possible. Include the United States in our initial targets. I hope that by the second half of the year, we can successfully enter these countries. The second phase of expansion should commence in the first half of next year, while the third phase will begin in the latter half. Our aim is to develop our lottery company into a colossal entity within three years, yielding substantial profits for us all." Qin Tian's expectations for the Deutsche Lottery Company were high; he envisioned it as an inexhaustible gold mine. All his development plans hinged on securing significant financial backing from the Deutsche Lottery Company.
"Understood, Your Highness." Karl was equally captivated by the grand vision outlined by Qin Tian. Should all expansion targets be achieved, the Deutsche Lottery Company would transform into a formidable powerhouse. As General Manager, he would garner immense accomplishments and, naturally, substantial profits.
The German market alone could generate tens of millions in profit for Karl each year. If they expanded throughout Europe and even into the Americas, those profits could multiply several times over! It was clear that this domain held lucrative potential.
"By the way, Karl, when entering foreign markets, it would be prudent to enlist the support of some local power players to mitigate potential challenges. However, we should minimize local welfare expenditures in profit distribution and allocate a portion of the profits that originally belonged to the royal family to them. Only by securing their allegiance will our development in those areas be safeguarded," Qin Tian advised.
While this would reduce overall profits, Qin Tian believed it was a worthwhile trade-off. With local support, operations would proceed more smoothly, facing less resistance. His title as a prince of the German Empire might hold some weight in Germany and America, but it would likely wield little influence in countries like England, France, and the U.S.
"Yes, Your Highness," Karl nodded.
After entrusting Karl with the expansion of the lottery company, Qin Tian focused his efforts on the German Shipyard. The Nassau-class battleship was his first step towards bolstering Germany's naval and military strength. Success in this endeavor was imperative; once accomplished, it would facilitate his future influence over Germany's military development. A precedent would enhance his persuasive power significantly.
After assuming the role of General Manager, Brute had already initiated comprehensive expansion plans for the shipyard. A substantial influx of capital had begun the construction of new docks, and recruitment efforts were underway. Brute aggressively recruited talent from other shipyards, particularly targeting the Germania Shipyard where he had previously worked.
Such actions naturally stirred discontent among other shipyards. However, with Qin Tian's backing, Brute felt emboldened. Adequate financial support, coupled with Qin Tian's influence, propelled the German Shipyard towards rapid advancement. It would not be long before they possessed the capability to construct battleships. The Nassau-class battleship would serve as their inaugural project, and even as a trial endeavor, it involved the ambitious construction of four vessels.
Should the German Shipyard succeed, it would spell disaster for competing shipyards, effectively shutting them out from securing contracts for large battleships. They could only rely on smaller vessel orders, which would hardly suffice for their survival.
Of course, numerous challenges remained in constructing the Nassau-class battleship to meet its design specifications.
In terms of steam turbines, Qin Tian had already dispatched Brute to the United States. The Curtis single-stage turbine was deemed highly suitable. As for the Parsons steam turbine from Britain, that was not an option; the British would certainly withhold such technology from Germany. Thus, the Curtis turbine emerged as Germany's sole pathway to acquiring this technology.
Beyond propulsion, the main guns and armor posed significant dilemmas for Qin Tian. Ideally, they required a triple-barreled 305mm main gun with a caliber of 50, enhancing the battleship's armor-piercing capabilities. Additionally, the battleship's armor needed formidable defensive strength. These challenges could seemingly only be addressed by Krupp.
"Karl, please arrange a meeting with Krupp. I will visit them tomorrow!" Qin Tian commanded.
Krupp was a vast conglomerate in Germany, encompassing not only an arms manufacturer but also steel production and shipbuilding, spanning multiple sectors and undoubtedly one of Germany's premier industrial giants.