The Rise Of Australasia

Chapter 687 - 517: 1920

Due to the impact of the influenza, the second half of 1919 was chaotic and disordered.

The economies of all countries were significantly affected, and Australasia was no exception.

Immigration from abroad, which had been slightly improving, was once again halted. After all, no one could guarantee whether there were any actual infected cases among these foreign immigrants. Strict quarantine measures were taken, or immigration to Australia was temporarily suspended to avoid the severe influenza epidemic from affecting the native population of Australasia.

In September 1919, more than 100,000 foreign immigrants arrived in Australasia, but by October, the number had dropped to less than 50,000. The combined number in November and December was even less than 50,000, which is evident of the cautious attitude towards the flu in Australasia.

This made Arthur frown slightly when he saw the report on the entire 1919 Australasian government.

It must be acknowledged that this sudden third wave of influenza had a significant impact on Australasia’s originally planned four-year development plan.

Even the fourth phase of construction of the Leonora Industrial Base was forced to halt, to prevent mass contagion among construction workers from gathering.

However, compared to the slightly tragic situation abroad, well-prepared Australasia was in relatively good shape.

During the three months of October, November, and December, there were less than 100,000 recorded cases of infection in Australasia, and the number of deaths was reduced to less than four digits. More precisely, it was just over 600 people, which can be considered a relatively good situation.

Most European countries had infections in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of people. Since there was no specific medicine at the moment, they could only face the flu head-on. Some doctors and clinics prescribed random medications, but the results proved that they were of no use.

Due to the impact of influenza, the National Day in 1920 was very low-key. There were flag-raising ceremonies that nobody attended, all National Day activities were cancelled, and the government encouraged people to stay home and celebrate, avoiding going out if possible.

The good news is that people in this era had no rebellious psychology. Even if the people were asked to stay home, most of them would execute the order obediently.

However, if it were later generations in Europe and America, as soon as the government issued a request and ordered people to minimize going out and wear masks, the public would probably begin to protest against the government for violating their freedom.

This kind of thinking is insane and incomprehensible, and Arthur is committed to eradicating it in Australasia.

The people can seek the rights they deserve, but in the face of major issues, the interests of the country are also important.

At present, the performance of the Australasian people is quite good. Perhaps due to Arthur’s high prestige, the people of Australasia are obviously willing to follow the orders of the government and Arthur and are willing to implement any policies and orders issued by the government.

Although there were no activities, the Australasian government still released data for 1919.

Firstly, to reassure the public, as there were still many people concerned about the government’s various data and the country’s construction situation.

Secondly, the country’s development situation could fully reflect the country’s potential in certain aspects and the corresponding economic environment.

Compared to other powerful nations, Australasia was least affected by the flu. For immigrants who wanted to move to a stable environment, this offered a higher attraction.

If everyone can live happily, who would dare to oppose the government and plunge back into the dilemma of being displaced?

The best way to make an immigrant identify with a new country is to ensure that they live well in that country, finding long-lost happiness and security, as simple as that.

Due to the influence of the Four-Year Plan, Australasia’s industrial growth in 1919 was relatively rapid.

Currently, Australasia’s total steel production has grown to 3.5 million tons and 5.17 million tons respectively. The growth of the chemical industry has reached 17.7%, and the growth of civilian light industry has reached 14.1%.

In this regard, the efforts of the Australasian government in industry can already be seen. Australasia is no longer satisfied with being an industrial country but wants to take a step further and become an industrial powerhouse, even a superpower in the field of industry.

On this point, Australasia indeed has inherent advantages. With the help of the British, realizing this goal is not difficult.

The only problem Australasia faces in industrial development is the slightly small market scale caused by insufficient population, which cannot digest the output value of Australasia’s comprehensive industrialization.

In response to this, the Australasian government also has certain countermeasures.

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Firstly, retaining the Dutch East Indies serves as a reserve market to digest Australasian industrial products when necessary.

The planning of the Philippines also has the same purpose. The rapid growth of the Filipino population is still considerable, and a market of tens of millions of people is somewhat attractive to Australasia.

Secondly, Australasia’s international influence has gradually expanded in the surrounding areas and even in Europe and East Asia.

Australasian agricultural products are exported to Europe and the United States, opening up a certain European market.

Although competing with European and American industrial countries, the European market is still very attractive.

Of course, not much needs to be said about East Asia. As one of the most populous regions in the world, it has the largest market and can definitely absorb a considerable portion of Australasia’s industrial products.

Fortunately, the influenza outbreak began in October, and the economic growth of the first nine months was still normal.

Under such circumstances, the Gross National Product of Australasia in 1919 reached 2.758 billion US dollars, equivalent to 551.6 million pounds or 1.1032 billion Australian dollars.

The overall growth rate is still quite good, with Australasia’s economic growth rate remaining above 10% due to various large-scale construction projects.

In 1919, Australasia’s total fiscal revenue reached 188.7 million Australian dollars, very close to an annual income of 200 million Australian dollars, or 100 million pounds.

Compared with when Arthur first came to Australia, this year’s revenue figure has been multiplied by countless times. Over the past 20 years, Arthur is quite satisfied with the development of Australasia, and the growing fiscal revenue has witnessed his efforts in Australasia over the past 20 years.