Empire Rising: Spain

Chapter 68: Chapter 67: Hope of the Second Industrial Revolution

Carlo could now see the stark contrast in attitudes between Maybach and Daimler.

Before taking action, Kadir had thoroughly investigated the identities of these two individuals.

“Mr. Daimler, if you are willing to work in Spain, both you and Mr. Maybach can enjoy the same treatment as Mr. Benz and own shares in the company.

I will not restrict your personal freedom. All universities in Spain are open to you, and you can study and work in any of them. Your families can also attend universities for their studies.

Please believe in my sincerity. In terms of automotive and engine research, I will not interfere but will provide you with continuous funding for research.” Maybach was clearly not opposed to working in Spain. Now, it was just a matter of convincing Daimler to form a collaboration with the three founders of the Mercedes-Benz Company.

Carlo was also eagerly anticipating what kind of impact these three joining forces ahead of time would have on the automotive industry.

“Alright, Your Majesty, it seems I have no choice.” Daimler nodded helplessly and said with a wry smile, “But I hope Your Majesty will adhere to what you have said, not interfering in our research while providing us with sufficient research funds.”

Daimler was most concerned about Carlo using his king’s authority to meddle in their studies, hindering his ability to conduct his research freely.

If Carlo were willing to uphold the rule of non-interference in research, working in Spain would not be so objectionable.

After all, Carlo also promised benefits for their families, which is indeed attractive for someone married with children.

“Of course.” Carlo nodded with a smile and revealed his plan: “Considering all three of you have experience with engines, I have decided to establish the United Engine Company, offering each of you a 5% stake to assist your engine research.

Annual research funding will not be less than 200,000 Pesseta, but the patent rights of your research results will belong to the entire company, no problem?”

Daimler, Maybach, and Benz exchanged glances and all expressed no objections.

They would hold shares in the company, earning a portion of the profits. For these researchers, how much they earn personally isn’t as significant.

The research funding Carlo provides annually is the greatest assurance for them, enabling them to continue investing in the industry they love, which is more enticing than any post-research patent rights or dividends.

After successfully attracting the three, Carlo gave a subtle signal, and a servant on the side handed each of them a check worth 5,000 Pesseta.

This was a welcome gift for the three of them and a demonstration of Carlo’s sincerity.

Though 5,000 Pesseta isn’t much, for Daimler and the others, it would help them settle in Spain without financial strain, allowing them and their families to arrange their lives comfortably.

With life’s stability, working would be more relaxed and efficient.

After enjoying a lavish lunch at a nearby restaurant, Carlo had Kadir take the three to familiarize them with the route to their new homes.

The residences for these research talents were newly constructed single villas, and the cost to build a villa wasn’t particularly high.

After all, there wasn’t a speculation on housing prices in this era. Except for the most prosperous streets in the Madrid City Center, other houses on the outskirts were just average.

In fact, many people on the outskirts of Madrid built their own homes, some resembling slums, making it unlikely for housing prices to soar.

Compared to purchasing ready-made houses, people preferred building their own, which was more cost-effective and cheaper.

Speaking of which, the next government target for redevelopment was Madrid’s slums.

Not just in Spain, this phenomenon existed in every country across Europe.

Even though the industrial revolution had made nations stronger, it enriched capitalists, factory owners, entrepreneurs, nobles, and politicians while ordinary people, especially below middle class, had seen little to no improvement.

In fact, capitalist exploitation made life even harder for regular folks. So, how chaotic was Europe at this time?

Salaries were different for men, women, and child laborers, and most common families had to let everyone, young and old, go out to work to make ends meet.

This contributed to the high illiteracy rate in many countries, including Spain.

These families had no choice but to send children to work in factories and other places. If they let children attend school, even if it’s free, it would mean one less income, making life even more difficult.

Europeans seemed glamorous, but that only applied to the affluent above the middle class.

Ordinary people lived no better than elsewhere, and capitalist and factory owner exploitation was like a heavy mountain pressing down, making it hard for them to breathe.

This is why Carlo hadn’t focused on literacy improvement. Without a genuine increase in Spaniard income, the illiteracy rate won’t decline.

Only when Spaniards’ per capita annual income gradually catches up with other European countries, then there is hope for significant progress in reducing the illiteracy rate.

After successfully rallying Graham and the others, Carlo was in a great mood.

In high spirits, Carlo was highly attentive to the establishment of the Royal Power Research Institute and the United Engine Company.

Electricity requires no further explanation, as electrification is one of the most crucial aspects of the second industrial revolution. Engines, specifically the internal combustion engine, are another core of this revolution.

Mastering electricity and engines would mean great strides for Spain in the second industrial revolution.

Of course, given Spain’s relatively small population, the impact of the second industrial revolution wouldn’t be as massive as in Germany and the United States.

But for Spain itself, there would undoubtedly be a renewed hope for revival.

If the chances of a reformed Spain revival were initially only thirty percent, then further deepening into the second industrial revolution could raise those chances to at least sixty percent.

What was the goal of Spain’s revival?

Carlo wasn’t sure yet.

But Carlo knew that a minor power was not the true desire of himself or Spain. When a vast world war breaks out, a middle to lower-ranked power often cannot determine its own fate.