Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 80 The European Revolution

The economic crisis in Europe began to worsen in 1848, and eventually, uprisings broke out first on the fragmented Apennine Peninsula.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Apennine Peninsula remained fragmented for over 1000 years. During Napoleon's reign, the Italian Republic and the subsequent Kingdom of Italy fostered nationalist sentiments among the Italian people.

However, with the defeat of Napoleonic France, the Congress of Vienna was formally convened to redraw the boundaries of the European continent. In Italy, the Congress restored the independent governments of the various countries that existed before the Napoleonic era, some directly ruled, others heavily influenced by the European powers. Nevertheless, within several Italian states, groups were pushing for a renewed desire for a unified Italian state, reigniting the flames of nationalism that had already been ignited among the people.

However, even among those who desire the unification of the peninsula into a single nation, many different groups cannot reach a consensus on the system that should be implemented. One suggestion is to establish a confederation under the rule of the Pope. Many major groups hope to establish a republic.

Two revolutions broke out in Italy in 1820 and 1830, but both failed. With the outbreak of economic crisis, unemployed workers and peasants rose up again.

The uprising began in Sicily, with city workers occupying Palermo, the largest city, and peasants in the surrounding countryside rising up in support of the rebels. King Ferdinand II of Sicily urgently dispatched 5000 troops to suppress the rebellion, but the rebels resolutely fought back, repeatedly defeating the king's army. In addition, uprisings broke out in the southern provinces as well. Seeing the situation was unfavorable, the king ordered a withdrawal of troops 10 days later.

The unrest inevitably spread to Italy, and in fact, the revolutionaries forced most of the Italian rulers to adopt a constitutional monarchy, while uprisings in Milan and Venice temporarily expelled people. Soon, King Carlo Alberto of Sardinia believed the time for a unified Italy had come. Declaring, "Italy will establish itself," he declared war on Austria, and the First Italian War of Independence broke out.

The Sicilian uprising ignited a wave of revolutions across Europe. News of this uprising, which originated in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, quickly spread throughout the continent. Liberals in France, Austria, and Germany followed suit, demanding a constitution, parliament, and improved living conditions for the people. Apart from a few countries like Britain and Russia, the rest of the world descended into chaos.

The revolution in France spread the fastest. As the old revolutionary base that stirred up Europe, the July Monarchy was already on the verge of collapse due to the economic crisis.

As the French Industrial Revolution progressed, capitalists amassed enormous wealth. While their riches increased, tens of thousands of artisans and small business owners went bankrupt due to competition from these large capitalists. France's social crisis deepened, and calls for social change grew louder, but all of this failed to attract the attention of the July Monarchy.

After Conservative leader Gizo was elected Prime Minister in 1847, he allowed capitalists into government departments and abused his power by approving commercial contracts indiscriminately to curry favor with financial groups. Corruption and bribery became commonplace in the government, and various scandals emerged one after another, gradually eroding public confidence in the government.

Against this backdrop, news of the Sicilian uprising reached Paris, and the already revolutionary-spirited people were naturally influenced. The foundation for revolution was in place; now all that was needed was a spark.

At this time, the workers were still holding basic demonstrations, raising banners against hunger, economic crisis, dictatorship, and corruption. The demonstrators submitted a petition to the king, demanding the dismissal of the Guizot cabinet and the implementation of constitutional government.

Compared to France, a revolutionary heartland, Austria, a major conservative region of Europe, faced no fewer problems. The conservative forces, led by Prince Metternich, held the upper hand; they did not want change, but the situation was beyond their control. In parts of Hungary, numerous disputes between debtors and creditors over agricultural production and land use rights led to occasional violent clashes. The continued suppression of numerous revolutions, aimed at maintaining the authorities' persistent adherence to the European Harmony policy championed by Prime Minister Metternich, had brought the empire to the brink of bankruptcy and resulted in a persistent manpower shortage. Some draft reforms also led to disputes between soldiers and civilians. All these contradictions further enraged the peasants who resented the feudal obligations they bore.

However, none of this had anything to do with Iran, which was thousands of miles away. Nasserdin took advantage of this opportunity to acquire some factories from Europe, since the economic crisis was the best opportunity to buy at rock-bottom prices.

This economic crisis has caused heavy losses to various industries in Europe. Iran took the opportunity to purchase some machine tools and factory equipment in the Ruhr region of Germany and Manchester in the UK. However, funds were limited, and the government only provided a quota of 1000 million rials. This money was advanced by the national bank and will have to be drawn from fiscal revenue in the future.

"Your Highness, we also purchased some machinery in Manchester, and some factory owners sold their products at low prices to cut their losses, with prices more than half lower than last year. This time, we can say we have had a very fruitful harvest."

Nasserdin smiled. This economic crisis wasn't just about factory prices; land prices and trade were falling across the board. They were worried about not being able to sell their goods, and Iran was helping them solve part of the problem.

"Get these things to Bushehr and Tabriz as quickly as possible, and get them done in the shortest possible time."

The crown prince issued the order, but communication was slow at that time, so the people in Europe had to improvise.

Iran seized this opportunity to increase trade with neighboring countries, and trade volume among the three Central Asian nations gradually rose. Iran controls 50% of Khiva's exports and 60% of its imports.

After all, it's a country with a population of 70, which seems insignificant compared to Iran. Trade between Bukhara and Kokand is gradually increasing, with Iranian goods flooding the markets of the three Central Asian countries.

In Afghanistan, Iran and British India competed for the market. Iran held the advantage in Herat, while India exported large quantities of goods to Kandahar. Both were vying for Kabul, but Iran appeared to have the upper hand. British goods could only enter Kabul via the Peshawar route, and the Indus River Valley was not yet fully pacified. In contrast, Iran had multiple routes and more trade routes, allowing for greater transport capacity.

Meanwhile, in the Arabian Peninsula, Iran has also significantly expanded its trade. Following an agreement with the Shamari tribes, Iran exported grain, vegetables, and weapons to Dhahran. Don't assume these tribes are all poor; in fact, their chiefs are quite wealthy.

(End of this chapter)