Chapter 766: Saving France Means Saving America
That's right, even with the war underway, Britain still had to constantly buy sugar from France.
At the same time, France continued to supply sugar products to all of Europe.
After all, the British needed sugar for daily life, and France had invested heavily in the sugar beet industry. Many farmers relied on growing sugar beets for their livelihood, and the refined sugar needed an outlet.
Besides, with sugar prices so high, only a fool wouldn't sell.
In fact, the substantial profits from sugar currently supported almost a fifth of France's military expenses.
Contrary to popular belief, no matter how brutal the war became, most civilian economic exchanges continued.
Just like during the Cold War when the US and Soviet Union were at each other's throats, essential business actually continued, albeit with some creative transaction methods.
Naturally, France's trade needs for America and the Far East could not be met by the transport capacity of just seven merchant ships.
They could sustain it for a short time, but if the war dragged on for too long, the economic impact on the country would be severe.
France was heavily reliant on foreign imports for cotton, wool, leather, oils, and even ropes.
These materials were industrially processed in France and then sold worldwide as high-value-added products. If raw materials became scarce, French industry would quickly face widespread contraction.
Second was the reduction in markets.
If products could not be sold to recover capital, it would further undermine France's industrial base.
The decline of industry and commerce would inevitably lead to a nationwide economic crisis...
Therefore, France's overall situation against the British naval blockade was extremely precarious. They needed to achieve victory on the battlefield as quickly as possible to break the deadlock.
Additionally, they needed to leverage diplomatic means as much as possible to secure a favorable position for France.
More than 50 days later, the "Cloud" finally completed its transatlantic crossing, arriving at the Port of Philadelphia in America.
Baron Focaud changed into very formal attire and met with the welcoming American Secretary of State, Jefferson, at the port.
Focaud had come to America specifically as a Special Envoy for the King of France.
He had originally intended to travel with the French naval fleet to North America, but Lord Howe had been continuously patrolling the English Channel with his fleet between the Port of Le Havre and the Port of Brest. A large number of warships departing port would easily draw the attention of the British Navy.
If a diplomat like him were captured by the British, it would be extremely problematic.
Therefore, following the French Navy's suggestion, he took a different route, quietly traveling to America aboard a "trade express" vessel.
After a brief welcoming ceremony, Focaud presented Jefferson with a diplomatic note. Its content was straightforward: a demand for America to honor the American-French Alliance Treaty and immediately declare war on Britain.
Joseph knew very well that America, that opportunistic turncoat, had historically betrayed France.
After France went to war with the Anti-French Coalition, American trade with France became difficult due to the British naval blockade.
To compensate for the lost market, the Americans immediately signed the Jay Treaty with Britain, switching their allegiance to the British and entirely disregarding the goodwill Louis XVI had shown when he nearly bankrupted his country to support American independence.
Later, they even defaulted on the enormous loans France had provided during American independence.
In this life, Joseph naturally couldn't allow America to play both sides and backstab France again.
Washington immediately resorted to delaying tactics, continuously citing the need for congressional discussion and voting, making Focaud wait for over half a month.
However, Focaud was in no hurry to press Washington. Instead, as instructed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, he began delivering speeches throughout Philadelphia. His theme was a recollection of how France had wholeheartedly helped America gain independence, the deep brotherhood between America and France, and how the shameless British had once again ignited war, urging the American and French brothers to unite as before and teach the British a lesson together.
Concurrently, the French-funded "American News" newspaper joined the campaign, vehemently arguing that the British naval blockade was actually a conspiracy to disrupt American trade with Europe and weaken the United States. If France were to fall, Britain would immediately concentrate its forces and re-colonize the North American continent.
Soon, a saying became popular across America: 'Saving France means saving America.'
Subsequently, people began organizing demonstrations in front of the US Congress, shouting slogans to uphold the treaty and oppose British hegemony.
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