It had to be said, the Russian Bear's deterrent power was formidable. The slightest movement sent Europe into a panic, and many feared that the international order would be shattered once again.
Whether it was taking delivery of warships or expanding into Central Asia, it all proclaimed to the outside world: the swaggering Russian Empire was back.
If the Russians wanted to make moves in Central Asia, Britain would be the first to bear the brunt. Being the boss was no easy task; when it was time to step forward, they had to step forward.
Compared with before, Prime Minister Gladstone had far greater confidence now. There was no other reason: his pockets were full.
During this anti-Jewish movement, the British Government had also reaped a handsome harvest. A full third of its long-standing old debts had been cleared away outright, leaving the government's finances far more abundant.
And money naturally had to be spent. Only money spent could be turned into political achievements.
Unless something unexpected happened, every qualified British prime minister left debts behind for his successor.
Gladstone was no exception. Having struck it rich, he immediately approved the "Food Self-Sufficiency Plan."
To strengthen the competitiveness of domestic agricultural products, Prime Minister Gladstone also submitted the "Grain-Growing Subsidy Bill" to Parliament.
That was, the government would subsidize growers through cash grants, seeds, fertilizer, and other means, encouraging the public to invest in farms in the colonies.
Parliament was still debating it. Once the bill passed, the British Government could bypass the free-trade system, support domestic agriculture in achieving food self-sufficiency, and shake off its dependence on grain-producing nations such as Russia and Austria.
Gladstone naturally had his reasons for daring to propose such a plan.
"Food self-sufficiency" was merely the banner displayed in the open. The real reason