Chapter 973 Preparation
After various departments reported the situation, Ernst and his subordinates continued to chat about some commonplace issues. After determining the future development direction, the East African government actually did not do much in the economic field. We are so confused that we only need to continue to follow the development path of the 1990s and continue to promote the development of our country's industry and agriculture.
In addition to economic matters, Ernst then began to introduce the key tasks of 1900. He said: "At present, whether it is important indicators such as land, population, or industrial level, our country All meet the standards of a great power, and now the work of moving the capital of East Africa has been basically completed. Therefore, in order to further enhance the political and diplomatic influence of East Africa, the kingdom is obviously not in line with the current situation of East African countries. Therefore, according to the original plan, our country's political system should also be upgraded to one level. The empire is more in line with the current level of national power in East Africa."
No one present was surprised by Ernst's words. After all, Ernst had revealed similar ideas a year ago when the capital was moved.
Sweite said: "Among the current world powers, except for Spain, other monarchies are called empires, such as the British Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Tsarist Russia, and the German Empire, so for East Africa, it is upgraded to I agree with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s idea.”
Ernst also said: "Of course, the transformation of kingdoms and empires will not have much practical impact on us in East Africa, so there is no need for too extravagant and complicated ceremonies. The government must come up with a charter on how to conduct this ceremony. A reasonable range.”
After Ernst’s words, everyone started a heated discussion. After all, Ernst said it was simple, but this is a major matter concerning the East African state.
Of course, the vast majority of people definitely support the upgrade of the kingdom to an empire. After all, the empire is more prestigious than the kingdom. As East Africa is the "new" continent, everyone is also unhappy that East Africa, as a kingdom, is in Europe. Below, this can refer to the Brazilian Empire that has been overthrown, and the Mexican Empire that Archduke Ferdinand once ruled.
"Your Highness, I don't know how to choose the time. It would be good if it is arranged this year. After all, it is the new century, but it is already February. If it is arranged this year, I am afraid the time is a bit rushed."
< br>Ernst said: "I have already said that the ceremony does not need to be too complicated, just keep everything simple, and there is no need to invite too many outsiders. People from all walks of life in our government, East African society, and diplomats from various countries in East Africa are enough. ”
Ernst does not plan to invite too many European nobles to East Africa to participate in the empire-building ceremony in East Africa. If he invites "old European" nobles to East Africa, I am afraid they will say that East Africa is the crown jewel.
The arrogance of European nobles is no joke. If they are asked to recognize an African empire, I am afraid that more people will laugh at it than sincerely.
“Of course, we can still invite people from some friendly countries.” Ernst added.
It is impossible not to allow any European nobles to come. Among other things, Leopold of Sigmaringen will definitely participate. In fact, Leopold is already considered a non-chief, and he has replaced Prince Karl. As the permanent ruler of Chad, other nobles closely related to the Hechingen royal family such as the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, and France will definitely also be invited.
“If there are not many people involved, then the work we face is relatively small, so I plan to put the Imperial Ceremony and the coronation ceremony on May 1 this year.” Ernst said.
As a result, there is only more than two months to prepare, which is too urgent for government officials.
Someone asked: "Your Highness, the rush of time may not be conducive to our arrangements. After all, even if the empire establishment and coronation ceremony is simple, it is quite solemn, and it is impossible to make a decision easily."
< br> Ernst had already planned it. He said: "I have my own ideas for this Imperial Ceremony. We do not need to follow European traditions completely. After all, East Africa itself is a new country, not a traditional country. In our There has never been such a power on the African continent before.”
“So in terms of rituals and procedures, we in East Africa don’t have to care too much about foreigners’ opinions. In essence, from kingdom to empire, it promotes national prestige. opportunity, so this ceremony simply held a military parade to show the diplomats of other countries the style of the East African army. "Ernst has long been itchy about holding a military parade. When the East African Kingdom was founded, there was no big deal. To save up till now.
"The military parade selects a group of elite soldiers from various units across the country and displays some advanced weapons to provide external deterrence and internal pride for the country's people."
Speaking of this, Ernst suddenly thought that since it is necessary to provide external To intimidate, it is natural to invite someone Personnel from some countries that did not have good relations with East Africa participated, but Ernst vetoed this. This was causing trouble for himself and the hostile forces. After all, East Africa reported the Imperial Ceremony. If the enemy was invited, it would inevitably intensify their hatred of East Africa. I'm wary, so it's better to treat it with a normal heart.
Furthermore, the main purpose of this Imperial Ceremony is not to show off one's power, but because this time point is very good, otherwise Ernst would not have been able to delay the time until 1900.
If Ernst had wanted to, he could have reported it ten years ago, especially after the South African War ended and East Asia officially joined the ranks of great powers.
One of the reasons why Ernst did not do this at that time was to avoid irritating the two losers in the war, Britain and Portugal.
East Africa is naturally not afraid of Britain, but Britain can cause trouble for East Africa, which is not in line with Ernst's national policy of keeping a low profile.
So even for imperial ceremonies and coronation ceremonies, East Africa should keep a low profile as much as possible to reduce the relevant heat in the international community.
Before East Africa rises completely, it is better to show off less. Currently, East Africa does not have the capital to show off. After all, there are four countries in front of East Africa: Britain, France, Germany, and the United States.
After the end of the next decade, which is the tenth anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and after the industrial and military rise of East Africa, it would be best to engage in deterrence again. At that time, it would be close to the war point, which would be conducive to ensuring that East Africa Homeland security.
Thinking of this, Ernst said: "This promotion to the empire ceremony should become a routine. After that, our country will establish May 1, 1900 as the founding day, and hold a military parade every ten years. The new country name will be Positioning the Rhine Empire, as for the national emblem, flag, and national anthem do not need to change..."
The founding day that Ernst mentioned was naturally the founding day of the Rhine Empire, not the current Kingdom of East Africa (Hechingen). In fact, the establishment of the Kingdom of East Africa is quite sloppy, so much so that there is no statutory National Day in East Africa at all. Now it is made up for it. Pity.
At the same time, apart from the modification of the country's name, there were almost no major changes in this founding ceremony. The national flag, national emblem, and national anthem were retained as they were, which represents the relationship between the Princely Kingdom of Hechingen, the Kingdom of Hechingen and the Rhine Empire. inheritance and upgrade relationships.
With Ernst’s all-round plagiarism of previous Eastern powers, the specific procedures for this imperial ceremony and coronation ceremony in East Africa were also determined by the East African government. Subsequently, the East African government and military began preparations, including Arrange the Rhine City, invite personnel, army rehearsal, etc.
(End of this chapter)