North America 1849, from Gold Rush to Warlord

Chapter 273 Encompasses the Pacific Ocean

"Within ten years, we will be able to build a truly invincible fleet...!"

Azu calmly continued, "Starting next year, we will begin a three-year shipbuilding plan and a five-year shipbuilding plan!"

"Within three years, our naval fleet will have four capital ships of 6,000 tons, twelve cruisers of 3,000 tons, thirty frigates of 1,500 tons, and fifty coastal gunboats."

"That is to say, by the end of 1856, the total tonnage of our naval fleet must reach more than 130,000 tons!"

Upon hearing this goal, everyone present couldn't help but gasp in astonishment!

The current California Coast Guard fleet does not yet have a capital ship of 6,000 tons, only four cruisers, more than ten frigates, and more than twenty offshore gunboats.

According to their boss's goal, the fleet must be expanded to three times its original size within three years!
Before everyone could react, Azu continued, "The five-year shipbuilding plan is that by the end of 1858, our naval fleet will have at least ten capital ships of 6,000 tons, more than twenty cruisers, and fifty frigates."

"After the five-year shipbuilding plan is completed, the total tonnage of the naval fleet should reach more than 220,000 tons!"

Edgar Allan Poe couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement: "Tsk tsk tsk... In five years, the fleet has expanded to this extent... Boss, so what is our objective in this operation...?"

Azu said solemnly, "Anything that stands in our way to rise is our target!"

"Don't think this shipbuilding plan is too exaggerated!"

"A fleet of only one or two hundred thousand tons can barely be considered among the great navies!"

"You should know that the total tonnage of the United States Navy has reached more than 300,000 tons; the size of the French Navy has reached more than 400,000 tons; and even the Russian Navy, which everyone looks down on, has a total tonnage of more than 240,000 tons!"

"As for the most powerful British Imperial Navy... their shipyards have an industrial capacity of an astonishing 420,000 tons per year!"

"The active British Imperial Navy possesses 170 capital warships of 3,000 tons or more, and its number of frigates and gunboats exceeds 300... The total tonnage reaches an astonishing 1.2 million tons or more!!!"

"Of the four fleets of the Royal Navy of the British Empire, the most powerful is the Mediterranean Fleet, with a total tonnage of over 400,000 tons; followed by the British Fleet, with a tonnage of over 280,000 tons; and the North American Fleet, with a tonnage of over 200,000 tons."

"Even the weakest Far East Fleet has a total size approaching 200,000 tons...!"

"The sheer size of the British Imperial Navy exceeds the combined size of the navies of all other nations in the world...!!!"

"Gulp...!" Upon hearing this series of numbers, everyone present displayed an extremely solemn expression.

Azu said in a deep voice, "The British Empire is currently at its peak in human history! It is precisely because of such an incomparably powerful navy that the British Empire is able to safeguard its vast interests across the globe!"

"Although sailing warships still make up the majority of the Royal Navy of the British Empire at present, new steam warships are rapidly replacing the old sailing warships."

"As time goes by, our technological advantage over the Royal Navy of the British Empire will be rapidly narrowed, or even eliminated...!"

Azu's voice was filled with an undeniable determination: "In the next five years, we in California will take advantage of the Civil War, as well as the wars between Britain, France, and Tsarist Russia, to seize as many benefits as possible in the Pacific region as quickly as possible!"

“We could very well have conflicts and contradictions with the British Empire, France, Spain and other great powers as a result.”

"Without a powerful fleet to back us up, no matter how much we seize, it's all just a mirage, easily destroyed!"

Edgar Allan Poe couldn't help but reply, "Boss, with all our shipyards built together, our annual production capacity can reach over 100,000 tons. According to your three-year and five-year shipbuilding plans, we are fully capable of achieving them."

"However, building and maintaining such a massive fleet would undoubtedly be an extremely heavy burden for California...!"

Azu nodded and said, "I've done a simple calculation. The average cost per ton of our warships is about eighty US dollars. Within five years, even if we build 200,000 tons of ships, the total cost will not exceed twenty million US dollars."

"The average annual cost of shipbuilding is less than five million US dollars, which is entirely affordable for California and Huamei Company."

"As for maintenance costs, including crew wages, repairs, coal, and all consumables, the average annual cost per ton of steam warship is between $25 and $30."

"That is to say, five years from now we will have 220,000 tons of warships, and the annual maintenance cost will be about six million US dollars."

"Therefore, we can fully afford both the cost of building and maintaining the ships."

Azu calmly replied, "Even if we expand the total size of the fleet to more than 500,000 tons, we can still afford it and it won't cause too much financial pressure."

"So the BOSS had already calculated everything!" Edgar Allan Poe laughed. "I was overthinking it!"

Azu nodded slightly to Edgar Allan Poe: "Edgar, filling in the gaps and offering suggestions at any time, that's exactly what you, as Secretary of State, should be doing."

"If all the affairs in California become my personal domain, then sooner or later there will definitely be big problems."

Edgar Allan Poe smiled with satisfaction: "Boss, your magnanimity and breadth of mind are unmatched!"

"Haha, our Secretary of State, when did you learn to flatter people...!"

Azu's cheerful smile lightened the somewhat somber atmosphere of the meeting.

Azu continued, "Our shipbuilding plan must also be coordinated with the training plan for naval officers and soldiers."

"Our coast guard academy must continuously expand its enrollment and training scale. Even if the people are waiting for the ships, we cannot let the ships wait for the people!"

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"It is quite a miracle that the annual production capacity of all our shipyards has exceeded 100,000 tons in such a short period of time."

"But compared to the British Empire's annual production capacity of 400,000 to 500,000 tons, there is still a huge gap."

"Therefore, by the end of the five-year shipbuilding program, we in California will strive to catch up with the British Empire in shipbuilding capabilities...!"

Edgar Allan Poe said seriously, "Increasing shipbuilding capacity by 300,000 to 400,000 tons in five years is a huge challenge!"

"This means that we will need to build at least one hundred new dry docks with a capacity of 3,000 tons or more!"

Azu nodded: "That's right! Our current shipyards are still mostly small docks with a capacity of just over a thousand tons."

"In the future, our merchant ships and warships will definitely become larger and larger. Starting next year, we will no longer build small docks with a capacity of one or two thousand tons."

"We don't need to build too many medium-sized dry docks with a capacity of 3,000 tons."

"Our future shipyards will primarily consist of large-scale docks with capacities of 6,000 tons, 8,000 tons, or even tens of thousands of tons!"

Regarding the navy's military buildup plan, Azu concluded, "Allen, Vic, the State Administration of Political Affairs and the Coast Guard, with you two in charge, should produce a detailed plan based on my proposal."

"This plan should include specific plans for warship construction, officer and soldier training, dock construction, and the development of supporting capabilities in all aspects."

"After you submit a detailed plan, send it to me for discussion and approval."

"No problem, my boss...!"

Edgar Allan Poe and Vic both nodded emphatically.

……

After discussing the navy, Azu moved on to the army's development plans for next year.

"I expect that starting next year, California's annual population growth will remain at least 500,000 people."

"Moreover, the majority of these 500,000 people are young and middle-aged workers. Maintaining a certain level of immigration each year is crucial for California's long-term stability and prosperity."

"Given California's abundant resources, it can easily accommodate at least ten million people!"

California's population later exceeded 40 million. Although the level of resource utilization at that time was far inferior to that of later generations, it was still not a problem to support 10 million people.

California alone has over ten million acres of high-quality farmland, a full sixty million acres of fertile land. It could easily support more than ten million people, or even double that number.

Azu continued, “Our population is growing every day, and our economic strength is constantly improving. Therefore, the size of our National Guard should also be expanded accordingly.”

"Currently, the California National Guard is still mainly composed of three divisions and three brigades, with a total of about 50,000 personnel."

"The three divisions are Feng Zicai's First Division, Shi Dakai's Second Division, and Halle's Panama Garrison Division."

"The three brigades are the Independent Cavalry Brigade of Yorma, the Independent Artillery Brigade of Old Martinez, and the Engineer Brigade of Robert E. Lee."

"Next year, I plan to expand the First and Second Divisions into two fully independent corps-level units!"

Azu said in a deep voice: "Each army includes three infantry divisions, one artillery brigade, one cavalry brigade, one engineer regiment, one supply regiment, one regimental reconnaissance battalion, one regimental hospital, one communications battalion, one guard battalion...!"

"Each army has a total strength of around 55,000 personnel, which is more than enough to independently launch a campaign!" "As for the independent cavalry brigades, independent artillery brigades, and engineer brigades, they will also be expanded to a division-level size of around 12,000 personnel!"

"In this way, California will have two armies, four divisions... a total force of about 160,000 men!"

"You have six months to complete all the expansion and training work!"

"Tsk tsk tsk...!" Everyone present couldn't help but click their tongues in amazement.

Expanding from 50,000 to 160,000 in just six months—that's an immense pressure!
Edgar Allan Poe couldn't help but exclaim, "Boss, an army of 160,000 men means an annual military expenditure of around 100 million US dollars!"

"Right now, California doesn't face any serious external threats. Is such a massive army too much of a step too far?"

Azu smiled and said, "If we are content with the status quo, then there is indeed no need to rush to expand the army."

"However, in this era, being complacent with the status quo is tantamount to a slow death!"

Ah Zu continued, "At this point, there's no need to hide it from you anymore!"

"In the second half of next year, when the United States, Europe, and China are all locked in fierce fighting, we must take steps to expand!"

"Our first priority is to seize Guangdong!!"

"What...? Take over Guangdong...!"

Everyone except Shi Dakai was immediately shocked!

Facing the shocked crowd, Azu calmly nodded: "I have been preparing this plan for two whole years."

"At present, the Qing government and the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom are locked in a fierce battle in Jiangsu, Anhui, Hunan, Hubei and other places in China."

"This is the perfect opportunity for us to seize Guangdong!"

"My purpose in expanding the army by two is to launch a long expedition to the East, seize Guangdong in one fell swoop, and hold it."

"Using Guangdong as a testing ground, we will put our ideas into practice, laying the most solid foundation and base for expelling the Manchus and seizing control of China!"

Azu continued, "In the second half of next year, I will take over Guangdong. And within five years, my goal is to conquer the entire China...!"

“Gurgle…!”

Everyone present swallowed hard once again.

“BOSS…!” Edgar Allan Poe, speaking on behalf of everyone, exclaimed once more, “Is your goal truly… nation-building?!”

Azu nodded calmly: "That's right!"

"In this turbulent era, if we cannot establish our own country, then no matter how much wealth and resources we possess, we will ultimately only be doing the work for others."

"Therefore, the establishment of a nation is imperative!"

"If my goal of establishing a nation is ultimately achieved, then everyone here will be a founding hero!"

Looking at everyone's expressions, Azu continued, "My term as governor is limited. What will become of the titles of everyone here after my term ends?"

"Where should we go with the army and navy that we have worked so hard to build?"

"If we lose our right to govern California, what will become of Huamei Corporation?"

"If the skin is gone, where will the hair attach itself?!"

"This is a question of life or death! I believe that everyone here has thought about this question."

Ah Zu added, "I don't know if the answers you all have after thinking about them are the same as the ones I have given!"

But none of that matters!

"From this day forward, our goals must be unified: to unite and strive together to achieve the ultimate goal of nation-building!!!"

“Pah pah pah pah…!”

As soon as Ah Zu finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

Everyone stood up, applauded enthusiastically, and cheered!
Although many people had expected it, when their boss actually announced this goal to the public, everyone still couldn't contain their excitement.

Everyone present was already in a high position and possessed enormous wealth.

At this point, some people may become complacent and lose their sense of ease.

To bring everyone together again and unite them as one, we must set a more ambitious goal for everyone.

Building a great nation is undoubtedly the ultimate and only answer!
……

After the thunderous applause and cheers subsided and the crowd calmed down, Edgar Allan Poe spoke again: "Boss, as far as I know you, California plus China... oh, and Alaska and Panama, your goals for establishing a nation shouldn't be limited to just these, right?!"

Azu smiled at Edgar Allan Poe and said, "In your opinion, what other places should our future nation include?"

Edgar Allan Poe, who had anticipated this, pondered: "Knowing my boss as I do, the future territory of the nation will at least include the entire western United States, as well as the Pacific coast of Canada...!"

"Only in this way can the entire west coast of North America be completely connected!"

"If we go further south, we can even seize the Pacific coast of western Mexico, all the way to Panama!"

"And in the Pacific, the Hawaiian Islands, the Guam Islands, and even the Spanish-controlled Philippines... we should take them all!"

"Only in this way can a complete chain be formed."

"The entire North Pacific region will be under our complete control!"

Edgar Allan Poe pondered, “If the boss were more ambitious, he could even include parts of the Russian Far East.”

"If the boss also has ambitions for the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand could be targets...!"

"In that case, the entire Pacific Ocean will be included in the future nation's territory...!"

……

The more Edgar Allan Poe spoke, the wider the crowd's eyes widened, almost unable to believe their ears!

If what Edgar Allan Poe said is true, and if that day ever comes, it will be an unprecedented empire in human history!

To encompass the entire Pacific Ocean—what ambition! What a grand vision!

After Edgar Allan Poe finished speaking, Azu laughed and said, "Edgar Allan, your ambition is even greater than mine!"

"You have to eat one bite at a time, and walk one step at a time!" Azu continued, "If you draw too big a picture of the future, you might choke on it!"

"My tentative goal is to seize the entire China and occupy the entire western United States within five years."

"Then we will take the Hawaiian and Guam islands, and in that way we will have a solid foundation for establishing a new nation."

"As for what happens next, who can say for sure... Perhaps we'll stop here, or perhaps we can expand further. Let's take it one step at a time!"

In fact, Edgar Allan Poe's words perfectly captured Azu's heart.

At least complete control of the entire North Pacific is Azu's true first step.

However, it's best not to make any definitive statements in this situation.

The pie is big enough to take over the entire China, the American West, Alaska, and a series of Pacific islands, enough for everyone to digest for a long time.

Ah Zu added, "Those present today are the core of the Huamei Group. Everything discussed at this meeting must be kept confidential and must not be leaked in any way."

"If the contents of the meeting are leaked, our plans will face unnecessary and huge obstacles."

"The world's great powers will absolutely not sit idly by and let us easily achieve this grand goal!"

(End of this chapter)