Building an empire which the sun never set-Chapter 49: The First Step of the New World Order
A month had passed since the decision to send the exploration fleets had been made, and during this time, preparations had continued in full force. After selecting the scientists who would participate in the expedition, they gathered to compile a detailed and comprehensive list of all the necessary equipment and tools they would require for their research. Once completed, this extensive list was submitted to the government, which ensured the procurement of every item down to the finest details. Additionally, the navy oversaw the acquisition of massive quantities of coal, preserved food, fresh water, navigational instruments, and other essential provisions required for the long and arduous journey. These supplies were carefully inspected before being meticulously loaded onto the ships to ensure that no critical resources would be missing when the fleets set sail.
With logistical preparations complete, the commanders for the two fleets were also chosen after a thorough evaluation of experienced naval officers. The fleet heading west would be led by Edward Smith, the seasoned and highly capable captain of HMS Victory, who had distinguished himself during the Maraz Strait battle through his strategic acumen and steadfast leadership. The southern exploration fleet would be commanded by James Cook, an exceptional cartographer and navigator with an unparalleled ability to chart unknown waters. Recently promoted to captain after proving his capabilities in naval operations, Cook was the ideal candidate to lead the southern expedition. With their leadership secured, all necessary personnel were assigned, and after an intense and highly coordinated period of preparation, an entire month had passed, bringing the expedition closer to departure.
Arthur had spent considerable time contemplating whether to publicly announce the expeditions. While making this information public would inevitably allow other nations to learn of Pendralis' efforts, he ultimately decided that transparency would serve a greater purpose. First, when the fleets returned, news of their discoveries would inevitably spread, and it was better to control the flow of information rather than let rumors distort the truth. Second, Pendralis had a governing structure similar to Britain's, with a House of Lords and a House of Commons. Given that the expeditions were financed through tax revenue and that naval funds had been allocated for this mission, it was impossible to keep such a large expenditure hidden. By making an official announcement, Arthur could control the narrative and turn the expeditions into a national event, framing them as a source of immense pride and national achievement for the people.
His decision proved to be incredibly effective. For an entire month, newspapers published extensive articles and illustrated reports detailing the fleets, the esteemed scientists joining them, and the grand ambitions of Pendralis. Public interest in the expeditions surged, and the nation became captivated by the upcoming journey into the unknown. The explorers and scientists, once obscure and unknown figures, became widely recognized names, heralded as pioneers of a new age of discovery and progress. Stories about their past achievements, their backgrounds, and their anticipated contributions to the mission filled the headlines. The idea of Pendralis embarking on such an ambitious venture stirred deep national pride, and soon, the expeditions were regarded as a matter of national significance, sparking lively debates in coffeehouses, academic institutions, and even in the highest circles of nobility.
At the same time, news of these developments began to reach foreign powers. While some kingdoms initially dismissed the expedition as nothing more than an extravagant display of wealth, others—particularly those who had observed the effectiveness of Pendralis' advanced weaponry during the Maraz Strait battle—took a far greater interest. These nations, aware of Pendralis' growing technological and industrial dominance, discreetly dispatched spies and informants to gather intelligence on the expedition's objectives, the composition of its fleet, and any technological advancements that could be exploited or replicated.
As trade between Pendralis and foreign kingdoms increased, merchants inadvertently became conduits for information, spreading knowledge of Pendralis' scientific advancements and technological innovations. One of the most intriguing effects of this growing trade was the sale of translated scientific texts to foreign merchants. Books covering topics such as physics, chemistry, and biology were now being introduced to other nations, and some of their intellectuals began studying these newfound sources of knowledge with great enthusiasm.
This sudden diffusion of knowledge raised concerns within the Pendralis government, prompting an intense debate over whether restrictions should be placed on the dissemination of information. Some officials argued that allowing foreign nations access to Pendralis' scientific advancements could accelerate their own development, potentially diminishing Pendralis' competitive edge. Others feared that advanced knowledge could be weaponized or adapted for military use by potential adversaries.
Arthur, however, firmly opposed any form of censorship or restriction. His reasoning was pragmatic: restricting scientific knowledge would ultimately be counterproductive. The more fundamental understanding of science expanded globally, the greater the potential for technological innovation. While there was always the risk that foreign nations would progress more rapidly than anticipated, Arthur understood that technological secrets were rarely kept forever. Even in his past world, despite international agreements and legal protections, industrial espionage and technological theft remained rampant among nations and corporations.
Arthur believed that technological progress could be slowed but not stopped. The real key to maintaining dominance lay not in suppressing knowledge but in ensuring that Pendralis remained at the forefront of industrialization. He was well aware that the true economic power of industrialization lay not only in producing advanced goods but in controlling the supply chains—both the raw materials and the markets where finished products were sold.
Arthur had studied global economic history extensively in his previous life, particularly the theories of sociologists and historians who sought to explain the development of capitalism. Among these, he found the world-systems theory of Immanuel Wallerstein an American sociologist to be the most accurate representation of reality.
Wallerstein's theory divided the global economic system into three tiers: the core, the semi-periphery, and the periphery. The core nations were the most developed industrial economies, producing high-value manufactured goods and exerting control over global trade. The periphery nations were largely resource suppliers, exporting raw materials but remaining dependent on core nations for finished products. The semi-periphery served as an intermediary, possessing some industrial capacity but still reliant on the core for technological innovation and investment.
In historical context, the first countries to industrialize—such as Britain and France—became core nations, exerting dominance over the world's resources and markets. Countries that industrialized later, such as Germany and Japan, found themselves economically disadvantaged, unable to compete directly without restructuring the global order. This economic imbalance was a key underlying factor behind the world wars, as late-industrializing powers sought to challenge British-led economic hegemony.
Arthur saw clear parallels between that history and the world he now lived in. His long-term goal was to establish Pendralis as the center of a global economic system, where it functioned as the primary core nation, controlling trade routes, raw materials, and markets. If this vision was realized, then even if other nations eventually industrialized, Pendralis would already dominate global commerce, making it nearly impossible for them to overturn the system without resorting to war—an outcome that history had shown was unlikely to succeed.
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This understanding shaped Arthur's priorities. Instead of focusing on preventing other nations from acquiring knowledge, his attention was on slowing their industrialization while accelerating Pendralis' economic expansion.he believed that investing his energy in trade dominance and market control was far more effective than attempting to suppress technological diffusion.
For now, the first step toward this grand vision was gathering information. Understanding the world—its resources, its peoples, and its geopolitical landscape—was crucial. That was why Arthur had spent years preparing for this moment, ensuring that the exploration fleets were properly equipped. As he sat in his study, reviewing the final details, a sense of pride welled within him.
Finally, the time had come. The first step of his plan—the oceanic expeditions—was about to begin. Pendralis was setting sail into the unknown, and Arthur was ready to shape the future.
