Mexico's natural geography was in no way inferior to that of the United States—if anything, it was better than that of the original Thirteen Colonies of North America.
Its mining and agriculture were blessed by heaven to an unparalleled degree. If one had to make a comparison, it was the combined body of Saudi and Brazil.
It commanded both oceans, possessed a natural network of excellent harbors, and had an internally complete system of waterways. Its population had once approached seven million. Though that was nothing remarkable in Europe or Asia, in North and South America, Mexico had more people than Brazil (third), Argentina (fifth), and Canada (fourth) combined.
Its main ethnic group accounted for more than sixty percent of the population, and it had adopted the presidential system most praised by later generations.
Beyond that, it possessed a vast inheritance left behind by the Aztec Dynasty and the Kingdom of Spain.
Not one of the foundations of a great power was missing. Yet forget joining the ranks of the great powers—it could not even count itself among second-rate powers, and in the end had been reduced to a pile of dog shit.
Naturally, this could not be separated from Mexico's elite class.
These people at the top, clutching privileges and sitting atop immense resources, had taken selfishness, shortsightedness, and stupidity to a level so extreme it was infuriating.
Franz did not think highly of Santa Anna's abilities or character, yet amid Mexico's glittering constellation of figures, Santa Anna instead appeared to shine with the light of humanity.
Metternich was surprised by Willie Roberts's answer, but merely took it as Willie Roberts's prejudice. What country had an upper echelon made entirely of fools?
"Then what do you think we should do now?"
What Metternich was asking about was naturally Santa