The United States stretches to the east coast of the Atlantic and the west coast of the Pacific, with vast plains in between. The presence of the Mississippi River greatly favors agriculture and livestock farming. To the north, there are the Great Lakes, which are conducive to dairy farming. To the east, the Gulf of Mexico welcomes warm and humid air currents.
William Sheffield now faces a rather challenging task: to review historical records and compare the history that predecessors have altered with the history in his own mind. He aims to evaluate the impact of the additional two years of the Civil War, which, in reality, has diminishing effects, primarily on Texas, the Southern United States, and the nation as a whole. Its global impact is relatively limited.
It can be said that the Sheffield family has good relations with many countries, including the British Empire, Imperial Russia, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Ottoman Empire, which have no apparent connection. These countries not only have poor relations but are also hostile towards each other. It's relatively easy to understand the British Empire's stance in this context.
Before the Civil War, Annabelle directly utilized all her fleets, giving up business interests in Africa. She purchased Poles and Ukrainians from Imperial Russia, South Slavs from the Ottoman Empire, and various ethnic groups from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This resulted in the current population composition in Texas.
"When you calculate it like this, the stability of several Eastern European empires should improve significantly," Sheffield muttered to himself with a wry smile. In the world of martial arts novels, this might be considered a high-level technique, akin to the "Absorption of the Stars" skill. As long as he could defeat the Northern Yankees, he could endure anything. "But does this count as globalization?"
European affairs have no bearing on him; he must focus on the United States first. Considering America's geographical position, aside from sparsely populated Canada, there are three regions where he can expand his influence: the East Coast, the West Coast, and the South, which includes the Gulf of Mexico. Long-term, these regions are undoubtedly more crucial than the East Coast, which faces Europe across the sea.
"On the other side of New York, you have the British, French, and Germans staring at you, while here in Texas, all you have are countries like Cuba, Haiti, and Colombia," he mused. The potentials of both sides are not in the same league. Besides these two coasts, the potential of California, facing the Pacific, has not yet been fully realized and won't be unless they can annex Hawaii. Only then will the entire Pacific be open for the United States.
"If I want to establish an advantage over the Yankees, the West Coast must be dominant. But right now, I have an opportunity under my nose!" Sheffield spread out a map of Central America. No matter how he looked at it, the Spanish flag seemed to be an eyesore. To fully unleash Texas's potential, he had to get rid of Spain.
Without even having control over his own backyard, what was the point of discussing the West Coast? Sheffield spent some time analyzing the importance of the three coastlines and the fact that one power dominates the Atlantic coast before putting down his pen. He changed into a pair of suspenders and prepared to go out for a relaxing time with his puppy.
"Master William, I have something to tell you!" Martin approached surreptitiously, lowering his voice. "A group of Mexican dancers has come to Arlington, and many people say it's quite interesting. Would you like to go and see?"
"What kind of dancers are they?" Sheffield, still playing with the little puppy in his arms, didn't seem too interested. After all, his Chinese dog was well-behaved and didn't bite people. The virtues of loyalty, friendliness, and intelligence were what Sheffield looked for in a dog. Of course, most Americans these days were interested in raising tough and aggressive pit bulls.
"I heard they are a type of dancers called 'Lambada,' young master. Do you want to go? I can prepare the carriage," Martin seemed eager, as if he couldn't wait any longer.
"Lambada?" Sheffield raised his head slightly, thinking for a moment. It seemed to be a type of Latin dance, and Latin dances were known for their suggestive moves, right? It looked great, but in the future, parents would definitely not allow their children to learn it. Kids dancing Latin, the probability of something inappropriate happening seemed quite high.
"You're worried you won't get in, that's why you thought of dragging me along, isn't it?" Sheffield glanced at Martin. Black people were by no means stupid, usually quite sharp, and academically proficient. Turning the conversation around, he nodded and said, "Learning about the passionate Latin culture is not a bad idea. You know, I'm curious about the whole world."
The era of equal rights for black people was still a long way off, and it was no surprise that Martin couldn't enter some places. This was not a problem that the Sheffield family could solve with a single move. Of course, this move was enough to make the Sheffield family a savior in the hearts of many black people of this era.
"The carriage is ready! Master William, you know, I admire passionate dances the most. Texas has a conservative culture!" Martin looked as if it was all his fault, and Sheffield assumed a professional demeanor, taking responsibility for everything.
Inside the Sheffield estate, a man and a woman sat facing each other, observing the unexpected guest. Isabella stared at him for a moment but soon lost interest. "I've heard that Mr. Rockefeller is preparing for retirement. This is a good thing. I'm quite surprised by your visit. You see, Texas is different from bustling New York. Being remembered here is truly astonishing."
"Miss Isabella, everyone knows that to achieve anything in Texas, one must have your family's approval. Your strategy during the Texas Republic's founding, when you managed to outmaneuver Austin and Houston, was truly impressive."
The newcomer pointed to the fact that, after Texas gained independence with just fifty thousand people, the Sheffield family, who had moved here shortly afterward, used immigration to build their position. This included the Louisiana plantation owners who relocated, establishing the Sheffield family's status.
Isabella smiled, shook her head slightly, and said, "We're just farmers, nothing compared to Mr. Rockefeller, who single-handedly brought down all his competitors and took control of the entire oil industry. Although everyone knows that business is all about buying low and selling high, not many can accomplish such a feat and rise to the top of Wall Street."
"Your family only defeated two opponents, and they were the founding fathers of the Lone Star State." James, now with a more serious expression, changed the subject. "Let's not beat around the bush. Standard Oil wants to cooperate with the Sheffield family. Your family is the most suitable partner in all of Texas."
"The entire South!" Isabella extended her index finger, shaking it twice but didn't immediately agree. "However, considering Standard Oil's business reputation, we'll need some time to consider."
"Business reputation!" James slapped his thigh and burst into laughter. "Who doesn't know that Mr. Rockefeller is a famous philanthropist, providing major funding for a black women's college in Atlanta."
"Are you reminding me not to forget the burning of Atlanta?" Isabella nodded and appeared to reminisce. "You've succeeded in making me remember that incident."