"According to the data we have now, several of the Empire's main enemies: Buru has a population of 120 million (after Russia lost part of its territory, its population also declined accordingly); the United States has more than 80 million; the Island Nation is comparable to the Empire, with more than 50 million; and the Austro-Hungarian Empire has slightly fewer, but still more than 40 million. By comparison, the Empire held no advantage whatsoever in population; indeed, we were at an absolute disadvantage.
"If war broke out, even with maximum mobilization, the Empire could only raise five million troops. Buru, however, could mobilize more than ten million, the United States eight million, and the Island Nation five million as well. In that case, the Empire would have to face enemies several times our own strength.
"Perhaps you will say that the Empire's military possessed combat strength far beyond those enemies. But when the Empire's industrial output and population were both greatly inferior to those of our enemies, could we still count on our military being stronger in combat than them? I certainly did not wish to see all the young men dead after the Empire won the war in the future. If that happened, the Empire probably would not continue to exist either." Oscar's expression was extremely grave.
"Your Majesty, the population issue is indeed a major problem troubling the Empire. Next, the government will introduce relevant policies to promote further population growth," Prime Minister Bülow said.
Oscar shook his head. "That alone is nowhere near enough. I want the Empire's population to double within twenty years! By 1936, the Empire's total population must reach one hundred million. Most of these additional people must be young. That way, the Empire will have sufficient sources of troops in future wars. It