The Crown Prince of France
Chapter 434

World Industrial Exposition

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Strong financial support, in turn, can promote industrial development and the construction of new land.

With France's industrial technology, policies, and financial capabilities leading those of Europe countries, Joseph estimates that after another 3 to 5 years of rapid development, France's overall industrial strength will dominate the entire European continent.

That's right, including United Kingdom, you might be left behind by France by then!

Of course, United Kingdom, relying on its vast Colony and years of accumulated strength, still firmly holds the position of the world's hegemon in terms of overall national power, but it is only a matter of time before France dethrones it.

At the same time, as the dividends of industrial development continue to increase, France's chronic Finance problems will inevitably be completely resolved.

At that time, Joseph will be able to lead France to recreate the glorious achievements Napoleon had made in history. Moreover, possessing the wisdom of later generations, he will surely surpass Napoleon!

Joseph then announced the official reopening of the French Stock Exchange —everyone could invest in stocks, the exchange would be open except on weekends, and companies could begin applying for listing.

Following the Mississippi Incident, France stock trading has finally fully recovered!

Of course, to allow investors time to familiarize themselves with and adapt, only a single number of company stocks will be available for trading for the time being, and the trading volume will be strictly controlled.

The new Stock Trading Law is in its final stages of drafting, and the Securities and Exchange Commission is also being prepared.

Once these two crucial instruments for stabilizing the securities market are in place, the French Exchange will gradually loosen its approval process for listed companies and expand its financing scale.

It's important to understand that Joseph immediately established new concepts for regulating the stock market, such as United States companies deceiving investors or large capital manipulating a stock price dozens of times in a single day and then dumping it the next day. These practices would never occur on the French Exchange.

The stock market is a "turbocharger" for industrial development; as long as it is developed in a regulated manner, it will greatly benefit industrial construction.

To win in the competition of the Industrial Revolution, a stock market is essential.

Finally, Joseph solemnly announced that the Bastille would be officially renamed "The Paris Financial Center," and then he pointed to the cannons on the high walls of the Bastille and laughed, "This will be the safest bank and exchange in the world, and I believe no robber will ever dare to target it."

Walsh squinted as he listened to the deafening laughter and cheers around him.

As a shrewd businessman, he keenly perceived that France's monetary policy was now superior to the United Kingdom's.

The simplest point is that the exchange of Pound Sterling for gold can only be done through the Bank of England. In other words, if the Bank of England collapses, then the Paper Money Pound Sterling will immediately lose all its value.

The Franc, however, is guaranteed by the France state. Even if the French Reserve Bank were to collapse, the French Government would find other ways to maintain the value of the currency.

This is the difference between the complete Gold Standard and the Gold Standard that United Kingdom was exploring. United Kingdom did not formally implement the Gold Standard system at the national level until 30 years later.

Since arriving in France two years ago, Walsh has been hesitant about whether to shift the focus of his business here.

Admittedly, the United Kingdom has a large market, is a wealthier country, and has a better business environment.

However, France's upward momentum is very strong, and its policy support for industry is extremely generous. Recently, it has also expanded into the markets of the Southern Netherlands and North Africa, and with the Seine-Rhine River Trade Agreement that allows it to enter the Germany market, France will definitely have plenty of opportunities in the future.

Now, he has finally made his decision—he has chosen France.

He turned to his wife and smiled, "Perhaps we should buy a France Nobility title."

"Whatever you want," Mrs. Walsh said coquettishly, warming her cold hands. "But if we don't go to the Royal Palace soon, we won't be able to get Preview Ticket."

"Anyway, the expo officially opens in a few days, we can go see it then," Walsh said, pulling up his collar. "It's so cold, why don't we go have lunch first? I heard the La Perouse Restaurant has some new dishes..."

"There will be a lot of people after the expo opens," Mrs. Walsh said with dissatisfaction. "You know, there are more than a dozen national pavilions to visit, and I don't want to be squeezed together with those dirty, unsophisticated fellows."

Walsh couldn't resist the woman's pleas, and after the crowds dispersed from the Bastille —or rather, the Place de Paris Financial Center— he drove to the Royal Palace.

The former residence of the Duke of Orléans had been vacant since it was confiscated, and now, in front of its main entrance, stood a three-person-high iron square tower inscribed with the words "First World Industrial Expo".

Yes, Joseph had been planning the World Expo for a long time, and finally, after the situation in North Africa stabilized, he formally extended invitations to more than 20 countries to attend this grand event at the Royal Palace.

Of course, another reason is that the large amount of War Reparations received from Algiers eliminated the Finance obstacles that prevented the hosting of the World Expo.

Given the success of previous Paris Fashion Week, participating countries showed some interest. However, since this type of expo had never been held before, some countries unwilling to spend the money declined, and ultimately 12 countries decided to participate.

After all, this is different from Fashion Week. You have to send a delegation and bring your best products, which costs money.

Thus, Joseph snatched the glory of pioneering the World Expo from the United Kingdom more than half a century ahead of schedule.

Moreover, compared to the enormous sums the United Kingdom historically spent building the Crystal Palace as World Expo venue, Joseph's investment was negligible.

(Crystal Palace, United Kingdom)

The Royal Palace, with just a little renovation, is a magnificent, luxurious, and prestigious venue.

France has many unused palaces, such as the Louvre Palace and Palace of Fontainebleau are all available for use. The Luxembourg Palace is also in the queue. Hosting such a grand event would be a perfect opportunity to utilize their value.

On the opening day of the World Expo, Joseph also left a huge surprise for audiences across Europe —40% of the neighborhoods in Paris would be lit up with Gas Streetlight at the same time, illuminating the Paris night sky.

India.

North Kanara, the northwestern front of the United Kingdom and Mysore war zone.

Marquess Wellesley looked at "Pa" through the Telescope, his brow furrowing slightly. "These shabby fortresses are truly disgusting."

Cornwallis, on the other hand, seemed used to it, shrugging and saying, "You're just facing this for the first time, while I've already 'gnawed down' more than 20. Oh, and according to my information, there are at least 50 more to come."

"I'll figure out a way to deal with this thing." Marquess Wellesley put away his Telescope, a cold glint in his eyes. "Then he spread out a giant net to capture Tipu, so that the beast couldn't escape."

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