Since Spain had been pushed into a corner and had no choice but to declare war, the federal government no longer needed to maintain a diplomatic facade. Declaring war was a predetermined process, and the actions of the American navy before Spain's declaration of war were already acts of war; a formal declaration was just an additional legal document.
The war was primarily divided into the American Theater and the Asian Theater. Although William Sheffield was not an active-duty military man, being a young entrepreneur, he understood the basics. War wasn't just about drawing arrows on a map; it required time. At least until the Spanish fleet near Cuba was defeated, he didn't want to put his two company ships in harm's way. It was quite costly.
As the dense mist dissipated, seven warships appeared on the vast Atlantic Ocean, emitting long plumes of black smoke. The jet-black hulls glistened in the sunlight, and flags bearing the emblem of the Spanish royal family fluttered high on the masts. This was a fleet comprising four cruisers and three destroyers.
Nearly three thousand sailors were filled with optimism. In their eyes, just like in the eyes of all Europeans, the United States was merely a semi-civilized backwater nation, and the American navy was relatively unknown, nothing compared to the seasoned naval powers like Spain. However, aboard the flagship, the "Maria Teresa Princess," Fleet Commander Coubertin harbored deep concerns. Unlike ordinary sailors, he knew exactly what kind of adversary he was facing and how capable he was.
If he had to liken his current deployment to a well-known Spanish character, it would be like Don Quixote charging at windmills. His naval officers and sailors might be the last batch of Spaniards willing to confront the United States. This war was not just about winning or losing; even if they lost, they had to show that there were still people in Spain willing to fight, even if they were becoming scarce. For the honor of Spain, Coubertin composed himself and looked out at the calm sea in the distance.
William Sheffield, who was quietly awaiting the outcome of the war, hadn't taken a breath before he read a shocking piece of news in the newspaper. While the federal government declared war, Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt submitted his resignation, stating that he must personally join the war to fulfill his lifelong dream.
Now, Theodore Roosevelt had already left Washington. Thankfully, before his departure, he issued one final military order to mobilize ships carrying Chinese laborers, an essential part of the logistics, to accompany the expeditionary force heading for the Philippines. This order had already taken effect.
On that very day, Theodore Roosevelt began to assemble an armed force. His actions were consistent with William Sheffield's joint venture company, as Sheffield deeply understood that the United States was different from other countries. While other nations had a strong northern contingent, his country was the opposite. The mainstay of the military was usually made up of Dixie folk. Although the Yankees had a larger population, their enthusiasm for military service was not very high.
So, the question of how capable the current American army was and whether it could fight was indeed questionable. Looking back at the founding of the United States, even in the history that unfolded in Sheffield's mind a hundred years later, the American army seemed to have little to do with the term "arduous struggle." The real arduous struggle came during the Civil War.
From high-level tactics to the quality of the troops, everything seemed praiseworthy. Supplying the military and the quality of weapons and equipment had always been commendable. Even now, compared to the Spanish army of over two hundred thousand troops in Cuba, the American army's weapons, wireless communication, and telegraph systems far surpassed their counterparts.
Clearly, Theodore Roosevelt understood this too. He immediately ventured south after resigning, recruiting troops, which included Western farmers, Indian scouts on the southwestern frontier, and cowboys. The remaining personnel were set to be recruited in Dixie territory.
Even if it was for political gain or showmanship, Sheffield acknowledged that this tough man, who would leave his mark in Congress, was truly daring.
Sheffield just hadn't expected that this man would come knocking on his door. After all, he was still secretly investigating the sinking of the USS Maine. Now, the main protagonist had shown up on his own. Even a heartless slave owner like him felt a little embarrassed, wondering if the other party had discovered something.
But that wasn't the case. After resigning, Theodore Roosevelt immediately headed south. The troops he raised included Western farmers, Indian scouts from the southwestern border, and cowboys. The remaining recruits would be gathered in Dixie territory.
After entering the southern states, Theodore Roosevelt felt a sense of surprise. Compared to the patriotic fervor of citizens in the northern states, the Dixie folks in the southern states were more practical. Everywhere there were recruitment posters, and many were discussing whether to join the military. In fact, he had seen queues of people enlisting.
Southern citizens were naturally more warlike than their counterparts in the north. In the Oak Manor, William Sheffield encountered the former Assistant Secretary of the Navy, now a civilian militia leader, Theodore Roosevelt.
Roosevelt was dressed in a powder-blue military uniform, a stark contrast to the current federal army's khaki uniforms, a color Sheffield found somewhat familiar. It resembled the uniforms of the American Union army, which was predominantly blue. Yet, he remembered that Roosevelt was born in New York.
"Mr. Roosevelt, I personally find your actions highly admirable," Sheffield said as he gestured for Roosevelt to sit down. He had a servant prepare coffee and continued, "Resolutely resigning from your position as Assistant Secretary of the Navy to enter the battlefield as an ordinary citizen commands my respect. As you know, I don't have a high opinion of most Yankees, but you are an exception. Because you've truly come here, not just waving flags from a safe place."
Although Sheffield didn't entirely believe this himself, there were various ways to stage a show, and Theodore Roosevelt had chosen a high-risk one. But it was enough; even someone as scrupulous as Sheffield couldn't find fault with it. Even if he knew that Roosevelt was in a hurry, with limited time before he had to return to run for Governor of New York, it didn't matter.
In fact, out of appreciation, Sheffield was even prepared to help Theodore Roosevelt. After all, they were all part of the United States, and he could assist in recruiting a batch of soldiers.
"Before leaving Washington, I had already ordered that the federally-mobilized ships, including the Chinese laborers, be transported as part of the expeditionary force heading to Asia," Roosevelt replied, expressing his appreciation for Sheffield. Although there were plenty of businesses in the three western states, they tended to incite xenophobia. Companies like the United Corporation that were willing to address the issue were scarce.
"Mr. Roosevelt, I appreciate your kind words. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and with fewer Chinese laborers, local citizens will calm down," Sheffield said coolly, his indifference apparent. He wanted to know whom this Irishman was planning to incite next. "I believe the citizens are tolerant; it's just that many new immigrants have xenophobic tendencies, especially the Irish."
With that matter briefly mentioned, Sheffield changed the subject. "Mr. Roosevelt, are you really planning to fight in Cuba? While I may not have a high opinion of Spain's fighting capability, I do recognize that danger accompanies any war."
"I am determined to go!" Theodore Roosevelt's eyes flickered with hesitation for a moment but were quickly replaced by a determined look. As someone of good upbringing who had been navigating the federal government for a long time, he understood that risks and opportunities often went hand in hand.
"In that case, as a friend, I am personally willing to help Mr. Roosevelt recruit a suitable armed force to undertake this adventure that will be remembered by all," Sheffield nodded and flashed a friendly smile at Roosevelt. "In fact, Mr. Roosevelt and I are alike in that, within our means, we are both willing to do something for our country. Take the issue of Cuba, for example; we both have ideas."
"Is William also planning to organize a force to join the war?" This took Roosevelt by surprise. This young man, born with a silver spoon, actually had the same idea as him. Roosevelt was in it for political vengeance, but what was William's motive?
Naturally, it was for land, minerals, resources, and markets. There was a saying in a past life, "Why don't you go rob a bank?" William Sheffield, like his present self, knew that there were business opportunities faster than robbing a bank.
Sheffield didn't answer that question directly. "I heard that Boston, New York, and many other ports on the East Coast are spreading rumors of an imminent attack by the Spanish fleet. Some residents hope the fleet will return to defend the homeland. Railway passenger numbers have surged, all heading inland. You can see that our area is quite calm, and preparations for war are proceeding methodically across the country."
Roosevelt felt somewhat embarrassed. It was indeed true, and the news had already been exposed through newspapers. Shouting war slogans and actually going into battle were two different things. New York had indeed experienced a tense situation. When news of the Spanish fleet entering the Atlantic came, residents who had previously supported the war became confused. Even Sheffield knew about it, which was quite embarrassing.
"Mr. Roosevelt, rest assured, Dixie folks aren't that timid. As for the armed force I've been recruiting, they are no longer in the country. About twelve thousand of them are in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Once news arrives that the Spanish navy has been defeated, they will cross the strait and land in Cuba."
Theodore Roosevelt was shocked. Although he wasn't in charge of the army but the navy, he also knew that before the mobilization order was issued, the army had only thirty thousand men. The fact that Sheffield, a corporate boss, had assembled over ten thousand armed men in Haiti and was ready for action was terrifying.
"The United Corporation is an internationally-minded company!" Sheffield innocently retorted, "What's wrong with showing our strength when necessary? It's for everyone's benefit. The army is weak, but don't you, as a navy man, wonder where the military funds have gone?"
I was planning to write about the war, but I wasn't ready.
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