The Rise Of Australasia

For Arthur and Australasia, preventing the United States from participating in this World War was tantamount to comprehensively limiting the development of the United States.

During World War I, the United States did not achieve much land expansion, and the size of U.S. territory is nowhere compared to the scale of British and French colonies.

Nonetheless, it's undeniable that the United States laid the foundation to become a world superpower during World War I, which is far more important than those colonies.

Even if the British and French colonies were vast, the U.S and the Soviet Union at that time undermined the colonial systems of these two nations, held in place for hundreds of years, with the exporting of their democratic thoughts.

Without participating in the war, the United States would not invest heavily in the military and would not achieve a top world power status, let alone attaining a role equivalent to Britain and France.

Bear in mind, before World War I, the United States' status in Europe was not high. The stereotypic impressions towards the Americans by the British were the nouveau riche and vulgar rich, and their technological and military prowess were considerably weaker than that of European nations, making their comprehensive strength to be only the fifth power behind Britain, Germany, France, and Russia.

If they abstained from the war, the United States' economy would still be controlled by European nations, and the U.S. military capability would remain wiredraw, not even on par with Australasia.

Even if the United States changed their strategic plan to compete with Australasia in the Pacific region, their military strength would not rise rapidly within a short period because of the restrictions from the U.S. government and Congress. Without the cause of a large-scale war, it would be challenging for the U.S.

government to substantially increase military investments that Congress would approve.

Of course, the frontline warfare was then delegated to Brigadier General Thomas, the Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Force, who would not need to worry frequently.

The so-called phrase, "Don't use anyone you doubt, and don't doubt anyone you use." Trusting the officers on the frontline sufficiently is also an emperor's technique.

Of course, this is on the premise that Arthur has controlled the domestic situation. As for William II, internal factions are powerful, and the military controlled by the Junker nobility, it is rather normal for him to be marginalized.

The joint operational campaigns were left to Brigadier Thomas to handle, while Arthur's role is to stabilize the domestic situation and promote Australasia's development in all aspects.

With the successful passing of the National Day in 1917, the people of Australasia have resumed their everyday lives.

Arthur, leading a group of officials, began inspecting and traveling around Sydney.

January is the summer season in Australasia and it's not scorching. The highest temperature would only reach slightly above 30 degrees, which is a good time for travel.

The destination of Arthur and his entourage is the Australasia National University, one of the first state universities established under Arthur's administration.

Students of universities throughout Australasia have always been known to the outside world as hardworking and diligent.

Arthur spares no effort in cultivating university students, with plentiful supplies and access to cuisines from all over the world, enabling these students to relax by using more food while working hard on their studies.

The regular length of study in Australasia is four years, where the actual studying time is about two years and approximately another two years for internships.

Australasia's factories and enterprises provide a suitable internship environment for these university students, which further promotes the cultivation of these students' practical abilities.

Arthur's education concept for cultivating university students has always been that practical ability supersedes theoretical knowledge and creative thinking outweighs rote memorization.

Because of this, not only do these university students need to learn various knowledge in schools, but they also need to intern in various factories and enterprises.

Once these university students are recognized by the internship companies and factories, they will graduate smoothly and become outstanding university graduates.

Because of this unique cultivation method, it can basically ensure that every university graduate of Australasia has certain abilities and is definitely not a wastrel.

This is why every new class of university students in Australasia is sought after by factories and enterprises, and it's common for a fresh graduate to become a high-level staff member in small and medium-sized enterprises.

Don't underestimate the current university students. So far in Australasia, the number of university students has not exceeded 500,000, making up only about 2.7% of the total population.

Although there are many universities in Australasia now, and the number of university graduates annually is nearly 15,000.

But in a short time, the value of a university degree will not decrease, and Australasia needs more university students to develop the country.

It is worth mentioning that Australian university students have two to three patriotic education courses each week, with dedicated individuals teaching the ideas of loyalty to the king, patriotism, and serving the country.

This kind of ideological education course can ensure the university students nurtured by Australasia work for themselves, not making a dowry for other countries.

Of course, mere ideological education was not Arthur's ultimate means of uniting this group of university student talents.

Improving the welfare of all university students and even all researchers, was Arthur's main way of attracting scientific research personnel and talents at home and abroad.

As the saying goes, a scholar would die for his heartfelt convictions. Only by showing these university students and talents sufficient respect and appreciation could their loyalty be won over.

The policy of enhancing the treatment of research personnel will be continuously implemented by Arthur. Funds, land, titles, medals, etc., can all serve as rewards for these research talents, first ensuring that the research talents trained in Australasia remain loyal to the country, and on top of that, attracting more international experts to join Australasia.

It's also due to Australasia's unique education approach that Australasian university students are among the most involved in the world.

Heavy coursework, numerous internships and many research projects keep these university students occupied with a never-ending stream of work, with a load of tasks to tackle even during holidays.

However, upon finding out that Arthur was about to inspect their school, many university students still managed to find some spare time and had already secured their spots on the school square well in advance.

Ever since Arthur became the Duke of Australia, he has always been in the habit of inspecting schools, factories, and major corporations.

But after all, considering the size and scale of Australasia, it has been two years since Arthur last visited the Australasia National University. Many new students were greatly looking forward to seeing Arthur in person, to witness the king who they and their family members admire.

The affection the university students have for Arthur is not merely because of the improved benefits Arthur grants them, but also because of the improved treatment Arthur provides to all of their family members and friends.

While Arthur can guarantee that not all Australasians belong to high-income groups, he can ensure that no one in Australasia will go hungry.

The substantial investments made by the royal financial group each year are meant to aid all low-income individuals in Australasia and to reduce national calamivities.

Out of more than 3,000 university students in four grades at the National University, without exaggerating, at least one-fifth of their families have received assistance from Arthur.

Australasia's educational environment has greatly improved. Bankrolling a university student is no longer reserved to the high-income groups; low-income individuals can also afford to do so now.

Australasia's education subsidy policy starts from primary school, providing educational assistance to students who perform well academically and in handling matters, as well as tuition waivers to a certain extent for students from low-income families.

Tuition waiver can reduce up to half of the tuition fee, this is why the average education level and literacy rate of Australasia's population continues to increase significantly year by year.

When Arthur first arrived in Australia, Australia's literacy rate and education level were very low, with an average education level of only primary school.

After nearly 17 years of development, Australia's current literacy rate has soared above 85%, and the average education level has reached middle school.

After some preparation, under the watchful eyes of numerous university students, Arthur and his entourage slowly arrived and soon ascended the high platform in the square.

"Hello, young folks!" Arthur began with a smile, addressing the crowd below the platform.

"Long live your Majesty!"

"Good afternoon, your Majesty!"

University students below the platform answered in chorus.

"Today's weather isn't the best for gathering, but the blazing sun is also a test of you all. Tell me, can such heat overcome you, make you give up?" Arthur looked at the blazing sun overhead, its temperature already intensely hot, and began his speech.

"No!" everyone yelled together with all their might.

"Very good, I see your determination. I certainly believe that your determination will not be shaken by any physical factors, whether it's scorching sun or freezing wind. You are among the best university students in Australasia, the hope for Australasia's rise, and the expectation of all Australasians." Arthur continued:

"Perhaps you are not yet aware of your mission. I want to tell you that your destiny is to make this country stronger and stronger, to allow your family, friends and all your unknown compatriots to live in a peaceful, stable, and powerful country."

"From the first day you entered university, your instructors have told you that knowledge changes destiny. That's indeed the case. Australasia was once a weak country. It was because of the hard work of a large number of Australasians that our great country could develop into a power, possessing the strength to protect all its citizens."

"I hope you, the new group of university students, can continue to carry out your mission, and strive for the great country, for the grand rise of Australasia."

"As the saying goes, if the youth are wise, the country is wise; if the youth are strong, the country is strong. Now, the burden of national development will fall on your shoulders, and all compatriots are watching you. Young folks, tell me, are you ready yet? Are you ready to face the great mission bestowed upon you by this era?"