Chapter 385: Two Years

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Jourdan and Nikkei returned to the capital and hurriedly telegraphed back home. The intelligence agencies of the two countries acted and began an investigation into the United States that they had ignored. The results surprised them. The United States had actually expanded its military, and for a long time, almost a year. The military was basically formed and was now conducting tactical research, while gaining a new understanding of the American fleet.

The Imperial Conference was held in Japan. This was two months after the United States took control of Qingdao. They argued constantly. Some said to fight, some said to give up, but in the end, they gave up because the military strength of the two sides was not proportional. The Army could change the rules, but the Navy could not. A Vajra-class combat patrol had no chance of winning, especially since they did not know the parameters of the main battleship of the United States Navy.

All of the German-occupied islands in the Pacific Ocean fell into the hands of the United States. These could be left unreturned, and the United States planned to return the place, Green Island, after the war, at Wesley’s suggestion.

The Mariana Islands and the Caroline Islands had become American territory, which made Japan itself uncomfortable. They were surrounded, but there was nothing they could do about it. Not to mention the difference in fleets, Britain alone was against them going to war with the United States. After Britain understood the strength of the United States, it began to send people to the United States, hoping to rope the United States into the war, but it had no effect at all. The United States now looked completely desperate for money.

After World War I began, the first battle of the Marne River ended, and the long war began. The United States began to sell supplies on both sides, and a large number of supplies went to Europe in a steady stream. However, the factories in the United States did not produce blindly. Instead, they adopted a distribution system. There were countries to distribute them, and at the same time, the training of the army continued. At the same time, 50 infantry divisions were formed again, and special forces brigades were still being built.

Wesley officially became a major general brigade commander, specializing in training Marines and building four more brigades, while the Navy’s army began to build destroyers and light cruisers on a large scale, the two types of ships most needed at the moment.

The planned construction of 120 destroyers, 80 light cruisers, was planned to be completed in two years. The heavy patrol plan was to build eight, and the battleship eight. These would become the main force of the Atlantic Fleet, and there would be no construction plans in World War I.

This was two years’ worth of missions. At the same time, there were many auxiliary ships such as troop carriers, medical ships, landing ships, and landing craft. Wesley’s business empire developed directly and became the largest consortium in the United States, and it belonged to only one person.

The eight-hour working day and Sunday break system began to be implemented. At the same time, the employment of child labor was stopped. However, the economy of the United States began to develop rapidly. Everyone saw the benefits, especially big capital groups who preferred the current model.

Two years was an extremely long time for Europe. The great war between the Allies and the Allies was repeatedly dragged out, and the number of deaths on both sides directly rose. Both sides were trying their best to endure.

From July 28, 1914, to the end of 1616, in more than two years of war, the United States made a lot of money, and at the same time, goods entered the Chinese market. No matter how chaotic China was, American goods still went in. Good and cheap goods caused a great impact on Japanese goods, and Japan did not use a single soldier in World War I, which made Britain very dissatisfied.

Wesley was in Washington again. “Major General, we haven’t seen much of each other in the past two years, but I’ve been missing you,” the President said. “The main reason I asked you to come is to ask if we need to join in?”

“Soon, we can join in next year, but we will get very little. After the war, Britain will definitely join France and Russia to suppress us.”

“I understand that, but it seems that we have already gotten a lot, especially a lot of Pacific islands. Under your suggestion, we are ready to establish some forward operating bases, but this needs to be done after the war. After all, economic development needs to be sustained.”

“Mr. President’s decision is very wise. This is inevitable. The economic transformation after the war is very important. Although we have always controlled domestic production, there will inevitably be some vacancies after the war. However, we have opened the market in China, and this is also very important. In addition to domestic construction, I think we can maintain stability soon.”

“Then we will decide to participate in the European War next year and end this battle as soon as possible. According to your idea, you are ready to participate in the European War. So when do you want to go?” the president asked.

“I want to be the first to go and see the form of the front line first. Our soldiers will not be cannon fodder for the British and the French.”

“That’s right, so I’m going to let you lead the first expeditionary force. What do you think?”

“I’m just a major general, Mr. President.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. The first batch is all divisional commanders and brigade commanders with major general ranks, and you need a war to prove yourself, Wesley.”

“Okay, Mr. President, then I’ll take the troops and go?”

“Fifty divisions, ten heavy artillery brigades, and five engineer brigades. What do you think?”

‘I need four more Marine brigades.’

“No problem. You can pick these troops. If you can complete this European war with these people, then you will be a lieutenant general.”

“Then I’ll take my leave.”

Wesley left the President’s office. As soon as he stepped out of the door, a smile lifted the corners of his mouth. This was unusual. Even if Wesley needed to prove himself, he could have just taken his Marine Brigade out. But now he was being asked to go directly to the first expeditionary force. Then the problem was big.

First of all, his age was a problem. When he transmigrated in 1912, the body he occupied at that time was only 18 years old. He was only 22 years old now and 23 years old next year. At such an age, he became a major general and commanded 50 divisions and nearly 20 brigades. How many major generals and brigadier generals were there? Were they willing to listen to him?

Secondly, when he arrived in England and France, would the generals there treat him as a dish? It seemed that some people wanted to attack him, but they did not dare to do it openly and chose to do it in secret. Once Wesley had a problem and the American military suffered heavy losses, he would be court-martialed. It was hard to say what the verdict would be.

Sure enough, they are all ingrates. I let the United States develop so well, but these guys still want to jump out. It seems that the nature of capitalists is like that. I will slowly deal with you in the future.

Wesley did not refuse. He had always wanted to rise to a higher position and carry out his plans, so he was not afraid of any of this.

Time was of the essence, and Wesley began to assemble his troops. He chose the first fifty infantry divisions to form, the ones with the longest training time. Then he told them to start assembling, and at the same time he ordered the degrading of the transports and asked William Benson, who had returned to the country, for command of the expeditionary fleet.