I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 146

Became a Hidden Tycoon of the British Empire 146

The Duke of Canada

1842, a year of many commemorations for the British Empire, drew to a close, and a new year began.

The Queen’s unprecedented visit to the colonies, fraught with obstacles, inadvertently fueled the American-Mexican War. Ultimately, the British Empire reaped the benefits and brought the conflict to a favorable conclusion.

As news of this triumph spread through newspapers across Britain, citizens, brimming with national pride, flocked to pubs in groups of three or five.

[The Majesty of the British Empire Overwhelms America! Canada, Now Even Larger Than India!]

[His Royal Highness, Conquering the New World as He Did Asia!]

[The Entire Pacific in the Grasp of the British Empire! The True Significance of the Kingston Treaty!]

The Morning Post, acquired by James under Killian’s guidance, printed a simplified map on its front page and distributed newspapers throughout London.

They understood that regardless of how much they discussed Oregon or Alaska, a clear, easy-to-understand map was the most effective way to convey the magnitude of the situation.

The Morning Post also provided a rough comparison of the sizes of the British Empire and India alongside Canada, allowing readers to easily grasp the vastness of British Canada.

The British Empire, already the dominant power in Europe, had solidified its hegemonic position in Asia through the war with the Qing Dynasty.

However, in the Americas, the independence of the United States had undeniably diminished their influence.

Therefore, regaining influence in the region was a significant achievement.

Moreover, even to the uninformed, the map clearly illustrated the British Empire’s control over the entire Pacific.

Above all, the sheer size of Canada’s territory was so impressive that ordinary citizens were even more enthusiastic about this accomplishment than intellectuals.

“I heard the newly acquired land is larger than our entire country?”

“I heard it’s not just big, but several times larger, even when combined with Ireland?”

“Wait, the war was between the United States and Mexico, but we got the most land? What’s going on?”

“I heard His Royal Highness handled the whole thing. Isn’t it obvious? He was sent to resolve the trade dispute with the Qing Dynasty, and he turned all the prime ports into British territory.”

“Looking at it that way, did Her Majesty really marry well? She has an eye for men, doesn’t she?”

Territorial expansion is often the most straightforward and effective way to capture public attention.

Isn’t that why conquering monarchs throughout history have garnered such enthusiasm?

The economic repercussions of this expanded territory? The practical benefits?

Scholars and intellectuals would consider these factors, but most people were simply excited about their country’s increased size.

This enthusiasm was particularly strong in this case, with phrases like “the newly acquired land is several times the size of the British mainland” and “British Canada has become larger than India” resonating deeply with the public.

When Disraeli and Palmerston returned home, this wave of praise was at its peak.

Disraeli, sensing the opportune moment, presented the results of the negotiations to Parliament and openly lauded Killian’s accomplishments.

“Honorable members, as I’ve stated, Minister Palmerston and I played no significant role in this matter. Therefore, I cannot claim that the credit for this Kingston Treaty belongs to the ruling Conservative Party. I believe Minister Palmerston, representing the Whig Party, shares this sentiment.”

“I agree. Minister Disraeli and I simply followed His Royal Highness’s instructions. It was entirely His Royal Highness’s achievement to pressure and appease Mexico and the United States, acquire that vast land from Mexico for a mere 2.5 million pounds, and resolve the Oregon territorial dispute in one fell swoop.”

Palmerston’s statement aimed to prevent the Conservative Party from solely benefiting from the success in Canada. However, if neither party had significant influence, the conclusion was clear.

The Kingston Treaty was entirely Killian Gore’s solo endeavor from beginning to end.

Disraeli, having established this as a *fait accompli* [an accomplished fact; something that is already done and cannot be changed] in Parliament, cleared his throat and began a lengthy speech.

“Honorable members, I believe everyone understands the significance of this achievement and the immense opportunities it presents. However, for those who require further clarification, I would like to emphasize that we have now secured control not only of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans but also of the Pacific Ocean. This will greatly facilitate our future expansion of influence in Asia.

Furthermore, we have effectively prevented the United States from swallowing all of North America and extending its reach to the Pacific!”

“But didn’t we purchase Alaska and the Pacific coast with our own money?”

“Alaska was purchased by the royal family with private funds, so no taxpayer money was used. And I understand that reports are already being submitted from Canada, and many of you have heard that the amount of resources being extracted from Alaska is extraordinary.”

“I heard there’s an enormous amount of coal buried there. I suppose the exact quantity hasn’t been determined yet?”

“Of course, we don’t know the precise amount, but it’s certainly comparable to any other land owned by the British Empire. And I’ve heard that resources even more valuable than coal are being discovered.”

There are few resources more crucial than coal, which is in ever-increasing demand.

Disraeli was astonished to learn that gold was being found in Alaska.

However, now was not the time to reveal this publicly, so he simply glossed over it.

“It’s a relief that the newly acquired land isn’t worthless. But I suspect that’s not your main point.”

“Indeed. The crucial question is how to further develop and protect this valuable land. It’s often said that acquiring land is easy, but protecting it is difficult. Canada has now become an indispensable asset that the British Empire must cherish.”

Due to its inherent limitations as an island nation, the British Empire has historically risked everything to occupy and defend key locations abroad.

Gibraltar, south of Spain, is a prime example.

The occupation of Gibraltar undeniably plays a significant role in the British Empire’s dominance of the Atlantic Ocean.

And isn’t the British Empire so wary of Russia because of the potential threat to India?

If Canada has become such a treasure trove of resources and a key to controlling the Pacific, it must be protected at all costs.

All members of the ruling and opposition parties nodded in agreement with Disraeli’s impassioned speech.

After all, this wasn’t solely for the benefit of the Conservative Party; protecting Canada aligned with the national interests of the British Empire and served as a check on the United States.

Therefore, there was no reason to oppose it.

“However, this situation has made one thing clear to me: the United States will never abandon its ambition to expand its territory. The fact that the United States intervened when His Royal Highness purchased the entire Pacific region from Mexico, offering more than three times the price, demonstrates their intentions.”

Gladstone frowned, suggesting that this was excessive fear-mongering.

“Are you suggesting that the United States might attack Canada to secure the Pacific? That would mean war with the British Empire, and they’re not that foolish, even if they are greedy.”

“Of course, there’s no need to worry about that now. I’m talking about the distant future, decades from now. Minister Palmerston, you spoke with His Royal Highness, so you’ll recall.”

Suddenly singled out, Palmerston scratched his head for a moment and nodded.

“Yes. I also considered it a reasonable inference at the time.”

“See? His Royal Highness was concerned about the balance of power in Europe being disrupted. Frankly, there’s no guarantee that another Napoleon won’t emerge, is there? Even if that doesn’t happen, Russia hasn’t abandoned its expansionist ambitions. Someday, Russia may plunge Europe into war again, and if the United States moves west to expand its territory at that time, will we have the capacity to defend it?”

“Russia is definitely a variable.”

Even now, there’s a growing sense that the Great Game [a political and diplomatic confrontation that existed for most of the 19th century between the British Empire and the Russian Empire over Afghanistan and the surrounding territories of Central and Southern Asia] between the British Empire and Russia is intensifying and could erupt at any moment.

“And His Royal Highness was concerned that if Germany unifies, it could become a stronger power than France, potentially plunging Europe into war again.”

“That’s a bit… The German region can never unify. If it were possible, it would have happened already.”

“I also think that’s an excessive concern, but history is full of events that we dismissed as impossible. The point is that the British Empire might be unable to send troops elsewhere because it’s preoccupied with European affairs. Therefore, we need to elevate Canada to a level where it can at least check the United States on its own.”

“But if the colony becomes too powerful…”

“Isn’t that the very perspective that led to the United States rebelling and breaking away from the British Empire in the past? We must never repeat the same mistake! Never!”

At the mention of the British Empire’s most painful historical episode, Gladstone sighed quietly and refrained from further rebuttal.

Instead, he shifted his focus to inquiring about realistic ways to develop Canada.

“Canada currently possesses vast land and unlimited potential, but its population is woefully inadequate. Without a sufficient population, it will be difficult to match the growth of the United States, regardless of our efforts.”

“So, isn’t that why we’re actively promoting immigration policies?”

“Of course, settling Irish and black people to secure a basic population was the best choice. But the absolute numbers are far too low.”

“Therefore, His Royal Highness is advocating for actively accepting Asian immigrants as well. He claims to have prepared sufficient incentives to attract Asians and is confident that positive results will follow. And we must not forget to foster the best possible relationship with the indigenous people who have already established roots there and integrate them.”

So far, Killian’s pronouncements have consistently proven accurate, not just mostly, but entirely.

If that holds true this time as well, we have no choice but to trust him. However, there was one concern.

“But… His Royal Highness’s term as plenipotentiary [a person invested with the full power of independent action on behalf of their government] is nearing its end, isn’t it?”

“That’s correct. I don’t believe it’s possible to promote immigration policies effectively. Before that, we need to stabilize the newly acquired land. If His Royal Highness leaves for a position unrelated to Canada, I foresee considerable confusion. I subtly inquired with the Governor-General, and he stated that he could never handle it alone. It would be different if only immigrants from the mainland were arriving, but most of the people currently living in Canada have no connection to England.”

“I understand that. Most of the people from the British mainland will be Irish, with the remainder being black. And in the future, we’ll be receiving Asian immigrants, so it must be difficult to figure out how to harmonize them.”

“Then, there’s only one solution. English immigrants, Irish immigrants, blacks, and the Asians who will be arriving in droves. It’s virtually impossible to forcibly unite them all. Therefore, it’s crucial to present a symbolic figure that they can all believe in and follow. In my opinion, only one person can fulfill this role.”

Of course, everyone present knew exactly who that person was.

He enjoys unwavering support from the Irish and black communities, and half of his ancestry traces back to an Asian royal family.

Who could be more suitable as a symbolic figure for Asian immigrants in the British Empire?

“Then, we should extend His Royal Highness’s term as plenipotentiary indefinitely…”

“That’s not enough. Being Canada’s plenipotentiary is beneficial, but the symbolism associated with the title is too weak. Therefore, although it deviates from tradition, what if we created a new title, Duke of Canada, and assigned the Canadian plenipotentiary to it?”

“That’s not just a general title; it’s essentially a duke in name only, no different from the kings of Europe? That’s excessive.”

“No. The plenipotentiary wouldn’t wield absolute power alone but would establish a framework for entrusting practical tasks to talented individuals recommended equally by the Governor-General of Canada and the ruling and opposition parties, only providing overall direction. His Royal Highness’s abilities are so exceptional that he’s naturally taking the lead, but when such a Highness returns home, the practical work in Canada will have to be carried out by local officials.”

“…That’s true.”

Ultimately, Disraeli’s proposal aims to create a symbol that can unite all immigrants in Canada, which will be reborn as an immigrant nation.

And if that symbol is the British Empire’s Royal Consort, there can be no more effective local harmonization policy.

In any case, the new title of Duke of Canada will revert to his son upon Killian’s death, but who will his son be?

He is the future King of the British Empire.

“Originally, bestowing titles is His Majesty’s prerogative, but I believe that parliamentary consent is necessary to create a new colonial title that has never existed before. Therefore, I’m proposing it to Parliament first, so that Canada can remain a part of the British Empire not just for 10 years, but for 100 or 200 years! Now is the time for our Parliament to take the necessary measures!”

“I agree!”

“We must never cede the Pacific to the United States. The Pacific must belong solely to our British Empire!”

A thunderous applause erupted.

Since even Palmerston had conceded that leaving Canada in Killian’s hands was the right course of action, no one from the Whig Party opposed it.

After all, it’s not the mainland, and the colony already has a Governor-General, so there wasn’t much resistance.

However, Palmerston, Gladstone, and even Disraeli were unaware of the synergistic effect that the creation of the new title of Duke of Canada, the developing Canada, and the influx of immigrants would have in the distant future.