If we strictly calculate, the most important factor in negotiations depends on the foundation of national strength. The fact is that Germany is stronger than the United States in the field of technology and also in the military. In the minds of people worldwide, Germany is stronger than the United States. Therefore, this trade agreement is bound to be more beneficial to the German Empire.
Some say that the British are experienced enough in diplomacy to be considered the father of diplomats from other countries, but Sheffield did not agree with this view. Without Britain's extensive colonies and first-class navy supporting them, where would British diplomats have the foundation to perform? It's like the draft; having the first pick doesn't guarantee avoiding a bust, and the chances of a second-round pick succeeding are indeed much smaller.
Even when choosing allies, it's the British who get first pick in today's world. After the British choose, other countries pick from the leftovers, significantly reducing their options.
The advantage of this era is that Britain does not have the basis to dominate the globe from its homeland. The second, third, and fourth powers should not be underestimated either. In the future, when the United States leads the world, there won't be many countries qualified to rise.
"Don't look so gloomy, are you afraid you won't return after going to London? The British are still gentlemen!" Having just celebrated with many German partners, he returned to the camp of the United States.
"The Germans are quite pleased!" Russell Cantor's mood was low, almost showing a sour face of a weak country without diplomacy.
"What's the big deal!" Sheffield didn't think much of it, seemingly indifferent to the agreements that favored Germany more. After all, the truth that weak countries have no diplomacy is self-evident. As a rule-abiding merchant, he naturally wouldn't break it. Moreover, as long as it's advantageous for his own family, it's fine even if it's disadvantageous for the federation.
At this stage, what his family needs most is transformation, becoming an influential presence in both industry and agriculture. With domestic issues unresolved, how can they afford to dictate terms to European powers? If they had that capability, wouldn't the Monroe Doctrine not be taken as a joke?
"These European countries' homelands are no bigger than one of our states. These middle-power framework countries' strengths and weaknesses can be predicted at a glance. We've seen the strength of European countries, but they haven't seen the strength of our United States. If we have time, let's first expand our influence in the Americas." Sheffield imparted the concept of middle powers to Russell Cantor.
When the concept of middle powers first emerged, it was summarized by American scholars to describe European countries like Britain, France, and Germany. Although any one of these countries is stronger than the United States, they are not comparable to what Turkey, Spain, or Colombia represent in later times.
The concept of middle powers in Britain, France, and Germany is closely related to the American citizens' desire for the arrival of the American century. It summarizes the strength of European countries' homelands, proving that America's population and territory are several times larger than those of European countries, ensuring the inevitable arrival of the American century. This is completely different from the group of undeserving countries mixed in later times.
Many concepts change over time. Who would have thought that the Democratic Party of this era would become a white leftist group a hundred years later? It's unbelievable.
After consoling the State Secretary's aide with diplomatic platitudes and waiting for the other party's mood to improve, Sheffield returned to the circle of Ruhr representatives. This was just a small setback in Germany. Sheffield was preparing to take another small loss in Britain.
Which is more valuable, dollars or pounds of equal value? The answer is that they are equally valuable. But which currency has a wider circulation? Definitely the pound. If Britain takes a tough stance against the United States, the most likely to suffer would be the export of American agricultural products, given the weak competitiveness of American industrial products.
As a descendant of farmers, Sheffield felt that his disadvantaged group shouldn't bear sanctions. He understood the principle of securing the interior before dealing with external threats. The preciousness of foreign exchange could be seen from the recent domestic economic depression. However, national affairs are national affairs; it's best if his family isn't affected.
The matter of patent authorization would naturally be handled by people from the branch company. An uneducated person like Sheffield didn't need to personally intervene. The final stop was London. If he couldn't figure out what to gain from the Russian Empire, he would have liked to visit St. Petersburg. Due to time constraints, it would have to wait for another time.
National affairs are national affairs. Sheffield believed this wouldn't hinder his patent authorization since he was paying. Even Krupp, the pillar of Germany's military industry, could be paid according to contract by the British. Since he hadn't done anything to Britain, there was no reason to target him.
Before the U.S. Secretary of State arrived in London, many newspapers mocked Olney, saying, "The little buddy has grown up and now knows how to speak loudly while hiding behind the Germans."
This cold joke suited the British taste for hypocrisy, mocking the Americans for overestimating themselves while maintaining a high posture.
However, Olney showed no sign of fear and issued a strongly worded statement upon arriving in London: "Whether north or south, the countries of the Americas are our friends and allies. The United States cannot tolerate an American country being conquered by a European country."
"Today, the United States practically holds supreme power on the American continent. Its orders are laws for the subjects within its jurisdiction… The endless resources of the United States, combined with its geographical isolation from other continents, make it the master of the situation. Whether opposing one great power or all the powers, the United States is invincible."
"The current British conquest and invasion of Venezuela essentially harm the interests of the United States. Therefore, in matters involving the national interests of the Western Hemisphere, Britain must accept arbitration by the United States. If Britain does not accept arbitration led by the federal government, it may greatly affect the future relations between Britain and the United States. Any negative consequences arising will make the United States doubt British leadership."
The Secretary of State's aggressive declaration quickly reached the other side of the Atlantic via telegraph, causing jubilation among U.S. citizens. Both parties unanimously believed that Olney's statement perfectly reflected the U.S. position in the Venezuelan crisis.
"Sounds like your America is preparing to launch a gunboat diplomacy trip against our British Empire? Is that so?" The man spoke very gentlemanly.
"All for the election, the big election is coming soon." Sheffield said nonchalantly, "Our attitude towards the British Empire has always been consistent, though some domestic citizens don't think so. We must put on a show!"
(End of Chapter)