Chapter 767: Saving France is Saving America
That's right—despite being at war, Britain still had to buy sugar from France.
At the same time, France continued supplying sugar products to all of Europe.
After all, the British needed sugar for daily life, and France had heavily invested in the sugar beet industry. Many farmers depended on beet farming, and the refined sugar needed buyers.
Besides, with sugar prices so high, only a fool wouldn't sell.
In fact, the huge profits from sugar trade were funding nearly one-fifth of France's military expenses.
Contrary to common belief, economic exchanges often continue even during the fiercest wars.
Just like during the Cold War, when the U.S. and the Soviet Union were bitter enemies, yet trade between them never truly stopped—only the methods of exchange changed.
However, seven merchant ships alone weren't enough to support France's trade with America and the Far East.
For now, the system could hold, but if the war dragged on, the economic impact on France would be devastating.
First, there would be a shortage of industrial raw materials.
France heavily relied on imports of cotton, wool, leather, oils, and even ropes.
These raw materials were processed into high-value goods that France exported worldwide. If supplies were cut off, French industry would rapidly shrink.
Second, there would be a collapse in markets.
If products couldn't be sold, businesses would lose revenue, further damaging France's industrial base.
A weakened industry would lead to a nationwide economic crisis…
So while France faced Britain's naval blockade, the overall situation was extremely dangerous. The only solution was to win quickly on the battlefield to break the blockade.
At the same time, diplomacy was crucial in securing favorable conditions for France.
50 days later…
The Mist finally completed its Atlantic crossing and arrived at the port of Philadelphia, USA.
Baron Foucade dressed in formal attire for the occasion. At the port, he was greeted by U.S. Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson.
Foucade had arrived in America as a special envoy of the King of France.
Originally, he had planned to travel with the French Navy's fleet to North America.
However, Lord Richard Howe had been patrolling the English Channel between Le Havre and Brest with a powerful fleet. A large French naval departure would attract too much British attention.
And if a French diplomat like him were captured by the British, it would cause major problems.
So, following the French Navy's advice, he took an alternate route—sailing discreetly aboard the "Trade Express" ship to America.
After a simple welcoming ceremony, Foucade handed Jefferson an official diplomatic letter.
Its message was clear and direct:
The United States must honor the Franco-American Alliance Treaty and declare war on Britain immediately.
Joseph knew America's history of betrayal well.
Historically, during the French Revolutionary Wars, America betrayed France despite their alliance.
After France went to war with the anti-French coalition, the British naval blockade made it difficult for the U.S. to trade with France.
To compensate for lost markets, the U.S. signed Jay's Treaty with Britain—essentially switching sides.
America didn't care that Louis XVI had nearly bankrupted France to support American independence.
Later, the U.S. even refused to repay the enormous loans France had provided during the American Revolution.
This time, Joseph wouldn't allow America to play both sides and stab France in the back.
President George Washington immediately tried to stall for time.
Using delaying tactics, he claimed the issue needed congressional debate and voting—forcing Foucade to wait over a month.
But Foucade wasn't in a hurry.
Following the Prince's orders, he began delivering speeches all over Philadelphia.
His theme?
Reminding Americans how France had fought for their independence, emphasizing the deep brotherhood between France and the U.S., and exposing Britain's new war as yet another act of aggression.
"Just like before, the American and French brothers must unite to teach the British a lesson!"
At the same time, the French-controlled "American News" newspaper started publishing articles pushing a new narrative:
"Britain's naval blockade isn't just targeting France—it's designed to strangle U.S. trade with Europe and weaken America's economy!"
"If France falls, Britain will turn its full power on North America and reestablish the U.S. as a British colony!"
This idea quickly spread across the country:
"Saving France is saving America."
Soon, protesters gathered outside the U.S. Congress, demanding that America uphold its treaty obligations and resist British oppression.
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