Reincarnated as Nikolai II-Chapter 236: The Turning Point (2)

It was simply because the nation called the Soviet Union became too large.

Ideological conflict? If such a trivial thing was reason enough to be hostile, the Soviet Union couldn’t have become an Allied power, nor would Britain have maintained friendly relations with the Soviet Union in the 20s and 30s after the Civil War.

The Soviet Union that uniquely challenged Pax Americana’s supremacy after Europe collapsed from two world wars.

Why does the position of that Soviet Union and the current Empire seem to overlap today - is it my delusion created by alcohol, or the instinctive intuition of one who knows history?

Sitting in my chair swirling my glass, the red liquid wavering within somehow seems to express my heart after the bureaucratic reforms.

"Is what I’m trying to do now stability, or complacency?"

No, the question is wrong.

Is the Empire safe enough to stop now?

Just by existing, with that meager weight class alone, it was among the top three countries in the 21st century.

Has this country that seeks growth beyond survival truly entered safe territory?

While history until the Great War may have been limited to domestic or Far Eastern changes, history has already twisted beyond that into completely new territory.

Perhaps the Empire’s second isolationism was a barrier erected after sensing the dangers of changed history.

"...If that’s the case, I’m in no position to criticize France. At least that country moved its military."

The reason all war threats and World War III talk sounded like empty words from the late 20th century through the 21st century was simply because the whole world bowed to America and trembled at the economic class difference.

The emergence of mutual suicide weapons? Such grand and beautiful reset buttons not only couldn’t be pressed but rather accelerated the separation of ideological camps.

The Ruhr is being consumed. At this rate, there will likely be more French troops than Allied forces stationed in the Rhineland.

And here remains a monarchist state, a 19th century relic, in a Red country.

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Will they accept Russia’s rise, or treat it as an Axis power?

With history already changed, I can be certain of nothing.

So I must find out.

"Beren Volkov. Announce opposition to France’s Ruhr occupation and declare that we won’t accept any reparation payments from the Treaty of Versailles. No, let’s stop receiving even those insignificant reparations from the Republic of China."

"May I ask the reason?"

"For now, let’s call it establishing legitimacy."

Going beyond an anti-war frame to full anti-West, Beren would spread this with appropriate moral justification attached to the reparations.

Is the Empire safe?

It’s ironic that the more we grow, the less certain I become.

==

Harding, who ended the short rebellion of the ignorant dreamers’ group, the Democratic Party, and opened a new Republican era.

Taking power after the previous administration, which had support from immigrants, colored workers, and women, collapsed from the spectacular "Presidency without a President" scandal, he was given several missions, chief among them being this:

Laissez-faire.

Amusingly, the Harding administration was sincere about this hands-off approach under the banner of freedom.

"Federal government buying agricultural products? Are you joking? Use workers’ taxes to fill farmers’ bellies?"

"Tax cuts! Unconditional tax cuts! Lower taxes and use surplus funds to pay off government debt first!"

"Reject all relief bills! Abolish all wartime economic controls! The federal government takes responsibility! State government opposition will not be accepted!"

The Harding administration could do this.

"Stocks are still rising even like this?"

"Tax revenue increased even though we lowered rates!"

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"This is... the power of the free market?"

Because this was the 1920s, when the economy grew just by breathing.

Though an agricultural depression came as European food exports slowed, overall growth was fine.

Amid this, news of the Ruhr came, and while Britain strongly objected, the Coolidge administration only offered perfunctory criticism.

On the train heading for local speaking tours, Harding had to conduct state affairs even while moving, given the country’s vast size.

And his conclusion about this Ruhr situation on that train:

"Many seem to think I’m Wilson. That gentleman tried to pacify Europe with the Talmud morality book but achieved nothing when the war ended in a year."

Though the nation was in a festive mood with victory joy, the results remained unchanged.

Only capitalists with munitions industries struck gold while the government struggled with extreme debt.

Individual and corporate freedoms were suppressed under the pretext of wartime as taxes rose.

And that president...

"Hah! Got a stiff neck after talking with the Tsar and fell ill? Like cowards dying on Halloween?"

How weak must someone be to have a stroke from one conversation?

Though the content wasn’t public, those who should know in the administration already knew.

The story goes that when the Tsar slammed the table mentioning the next war, Wilson grabbed his neck, groaned, and collapsed.

Regardless of truth or distortion, Wilson, whose blood rushed backwards, suffered a stroke and collapsed, and the White House fell to his remarried wife.

In contrast, Harding prided himself on being different from such a dreamland fantasist.

Reports and work continued even during meals on the train heading to western states.

"Russian Foreign Minister Beren Volkov has declared they will forgive all reparations."

"What? Why would they?"

"They say this decision is to wash away the karma of past imperialism and make a bold decision for peace. The practical reason seems to be that reparations from the Republic of China and Germany are sluggish while export volume is growing."

"Is that all?"

"No. Furthermore, they’re hoping for participation from all Allied powers including us."

"...Haven’t they heard France occupied the Ruhr?"

Of all times, debt forgiveness now? They should forgive debt after receiving enough to fill their bellies somewhat, but talking about forgiveness so soon after the war?

And while some are mobilizing troops because they can’t receive reparations.

The intention behind this forgiveness is too obvious.

’Though difficult to verify, I heard the Tsar predicted the next war in talks with my predecessor.’

Russia contrasting with France.

In this structure, if Germany starts the next war, where would Germany’s anger be directed?

Obviously toward the other victor nations, right?

While contemplating the Ruhr issue after finishing his meal.

"Ugh, my stomach..."

"Sir, are you alright?"

"Huk, huk. Uweeeeek!"

Suddenly Harding vomited and his body trembled.

With paralysis and convulsions hitting simultaneously, Harding couldn’t control his body and kept gasping for breath.

"M-Mr. President!"

"Doctor! How is the President’s condition!"

"...He has passed away."

He died of food poisoning.