IBTCPOTME Novel - Chapter 125
## Chapter 125
**Mexico’s Air Creates Freedom (4)**
“Even if we win the war, the result will only be the expansion of slavery.”
Northern abolitionists expressed concern over James Polk’s blatant expansionism and the warlike public opinion among Americans.
The Mexican Empire was not an easy opponent, and even if they won, allowing slavery in the new territory would give Southern slave owners more power and influence.
“But there’s no other way. The moment we oppose the war, we’ll be branded as cowards or traitors.”
With public opinion on their side, James Polk and the Democratic Party were openly preparing for war. They claimed it was preparation for any possible eventuality, but rumors spread that James Polk was openly preaching the doctrine of “manifest destiny.”
Even many Northerners who opposed slavery often favored expansionism. They supported territorial expansion from the perspective of economic opportunity and national growth. In such a situation, it was impossible to turn public opinion around.
“James Polk, stop preparing for this immoral war!”
Protests met with cold responses, and James Polk, knowing this, ignored them.
“I’ve had enough of that nagging noise.”
After exchanging statements with Mexico in March, James Polk had been persuading many politicians behind the scenes rather than engaging in public activities.
There was much to do, such as shaping public opinion about the war and enacting legislation in Congress to increase military spending and stockpile military supplies.
In late August, as summer drew to a close, the census was completed.
“19.5 million people… It’s increased by 2.5 million in just five years.”
They had been worried that the potato blight, which had been rampant since 1842, would lower the birth rate, but this great United States had easily overcome it. America cultivated various grains, including wheat and corn, so it had not suffered a major blow.
“What about Mexico? Still no news?”
“Yes, we’ve been checking every day, but there’s no news.”
“Hahaha, they started two weeks before us and still haven’t finished this little census. I told you, there’s no need to overestimate Mexico.”
Some scholars had warned against using military options recklessly, praising Mexico’s capabilities, but in the end, it was just Mexico.
The administrative power of the US central government wasn’t that great either, but if it was slower than that, how weak was the administrative power of the Mexican government? That was the logic.
‘I’ve been patient for too long.’
It had only been six months, but it felt like a long wait to James Polk.
“Have the Secretary of War called in.”
Secretary of War William L. Marcy arrived shortly.
James Polk greeted him briefly and got straight to the point.
“As you know, the escape of Southern slaves has been increasing recently. As Southern resentment grows, I intend to take measures.”
“Yes, Mr. President. Our army is ready to provide all support.”
“I’d like to have a number of small patrols operating in the border region for the time being. If they realize they can’t escape, the number of escape attempts will also decrease.”
It was a seemingly reasonable measure, but James Polk wasn’t satisfied with that. He went one step further.
“Oh, and make sure the commander of the patrol that catches the most runaway slaves receives a suitable reward.”
“Yes, Mr. President.”
***
Early September 1845.
The Mexican Empire’s second census was completed.
“14.8 million people.”
“That’s an increase of 4 million in seven years. It’s an incredible growth rate.”
“Yes. The population has increased with the acquisition of the Caribbean islands, but it’s still a satisfactory figure.”
“Then we can finally stop seeing those Americans boasting.”
Diego said with a sense of relief.
Recently, American media had been publishing articles questioning the administrative capabilities of Mexico, which was delaying the census announcement, and boasting about America’s growth and administrative power.
“Well, I don’t think so. They’re more likely to focus on the 4.7 million difference now that the results are out.”
From my standpoint, narrowing the gap from 17 million to 10.82 million to 19.5 million to 14.8 million is a victory, but Americans won’t see it as a defeat. After all, there’s a huge difference.
Instead, some will argue that Mexico is about to overtake them and raise the alarm.
It’s a war we’ve already prepared for, so it doesn’t matter. We have to crush their arrogance.
“Have they confirmed that each individual is in a state where they can perform military service?”
“Yes. In accordance with the law regarding large-scale conscription, we have completed the survey of all the population, excluding the elderly and children.”
“Good. That means we’re somewhat prepared on our end too.”
There’s a reason why the census was completed late even though they started it first. They included an item to investigate whether they were fit for military service. Even so, it was completed around the same time as the US, which was just a “temporary census.” It actually shows how solid our Mexican administration is.
‘Well, it’s not like the doctors from the South Korean Military Manpower Administration in my previous life confirmed it. They just checked for disabilities or serious illnesses.’
After confirming the census information, I brought up the next item on the agenda.
It was about the operation being carried out by the Military Intelligence Agency.
“Our agents have been working hard to create anti-war sentiment, but it seems to be reaching its limit in the current American situation.”
“There’s no need to push too hard. We’re not trying to stop the war through anti-war sentiment.”
They will need to create an environment where they can thrive when the war breaks out and the American war situation is not favorable.
“Yes, Your Majesty. And we have successfully infiltrated the Black community.”
“Good news. They’re not a big force yet, but if we nurture them well from now on, they’ll be helpful.”
In the North, where slavery was banned, a free Black community was forming. They were still small in number, lacked money, and were fragmented, so they couldn’t be called a force, but they would grow larger in the future.
“That’s enough about America. Have you assessed the situation in Ireland that I mentioned earlier?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. The potato blight that occurred in America has spread throughout Ireland.”
“…It’s begun. What’s the situation on the ground?”
The local situation Ricardo Chief reported was the same as in the original history, extremely dire.
Unlike America, which ate more wheat and corn, Ireland’s staple food was potatoes. The Irish were too poor due to England’s long-standing exploitation, and potatoes were an economical choice. Potatoes were high in calories and grew well in Ireland’s fertile soil and humid climate. They also provided a high yield, enough to feed a family with just one crop.
However, all those potatoes were actually one variety, and the variety, called ‘Lumper’, had the advantage of high yield and easy cultivation, but the disadvantage of being very susceptible to disease. All the potatoes became diseased, and the land of Ireland became hell.
“Send relief food in stages. It doesn’t seem like it will end this year.”
“Yes.”
Diego replied.
I gave instructions as if I were speculating, but the Irish potato famine actually lasted for seven years. From the second winter onwards, everyone, from tenant farmers to landlords, was out of food, so this is just the beginning.
“Continue to actively accept immigrants, and instruct them to be directed to cities. And given the circumstances, reduce incentives for immigration companies for the time being.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Supporting Ireland is not only humanitarian, but also beneficial to our Mexican Empire.
During the seven years of the Irish potato famine, Ireland experienced 1 million deaths from starvation and 1 million emigrants. With a current population of 8 million, 25% of the total population vanished in seven years.
In the original history, most of those 1 million immigrants went to America, giving rise to a vast number of Irish Americans, but in this world, we will bring those many immigrants to our Mexican Empire.
It may seem unreasonable to engage in relief activities that cost a lot of money even before the war, but our Mexico needs manpower more urgently. Current Mexico is in an overloaded state, with an unemployment rate of less than 1% due to land development and industrialization.
What would happen if a major war broke out while barely maintaining a balance by accepting immigrants from around the world? Even if you’re not an economic expert, you can easily see that the country’s economic balance would collapse.
‘I can’t miss this opportunity, even for the sake of the war.’
It’s not a demonic idea to immediately conscript those poor Irish people and use them as cannon fodder as soon as they arrive. They will fill the gap left by the already conscripted personnel.
‘Show them the magic of manpower increasing even during war.’
***
“Potato, potatoes!”
“Kevin! What’s wrong?”
His wife ran out of the house in surprise.
Swoosh-swoosh-
Kevin rubbed the potato against his clothes, but it was no use. The ominous-looking stain was still there, just by looking at it.
If it was just one, it wouldn’t be a big deal, but every potato he saw had the stain.
Most of the Irish population lived on small farms of less than 15 acres. This was because the land was all owned by the English or converted Irish landlords.
Potatoes were the only thing that could guarantee enough yield to feed a family on those tiny farms, so the Irish ate only potatoes and buttermilk all year round.
Thud-
Kevin dropped the potato without realizing it.
His wife picked up the potato and finally saw its condition.
“Th, this is…”
“The potato has a disease.”
Kevin said in a voice filled with despair.
Kevin immediately realized how serious the situation was. There had been many cases of potatoes being ruined by other diseases or being eaten by insects, but they had never seen all the potatoes ruined before.
He dug up all the potatoes in the field, just in case, but there were only one or two out of every hundred that looked even remotely healthy.
It wasn’t just happening at Kevin’s house, it was happening everywhere. People started to wail.
“Oh, my god-”
There was no way the poor Irish tenant farmers had any food reserves.
They had nothing to eat right now.
Some tried to eat the diseased potatoes. The inside looked relatively healthy if they peeled off about 1/3 of the surface.
“Ugh-”
The taste was terrible, as all the nutrients had been destroyed, but most people developed stomach problems or food poisoning. For the Irish, who were already in a severely malnourished state, it was a terrible disease that could kill them if they were unlucky.
Fall 1845.
Half of Ireland’s potato harvest was destroyed.
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