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The reborn Prince Hechingen of the Swabian branch of the Hohenzollern family perceives the unfolding situation in Europe, where war is imminent. Europe cannot afford to delay. The strategy involves establishing a presence in East Africa, fostering immigration and development, and laying the foundations for agriculture. This gradual approach leverages the crisis to expedite the process of industrialization

African Entrepreneurship History

Chapter 69: Hechingen Royal Family Territory

With the persistent efforts of Sergey, the Russian government eventually agreed to sell the Alaska colony to the Hechingen Consortium. The final price settled at 7 million rubles after negotiations between the two parties.

In the agreement, some more habitable islands and territories were excluded from the sale, ensuring that the Russian government retained some land in Alaska. The actual land area traded amounted to approximately 1.6 million square kilometers.

Sergey, who played a key role in the transaction, received nearly one million rubles as a direct benefit.

On March 13, 1867, under the oversight of the Prussian government, the Hechingen Consortium and the Russian government signed the "Agreement on the Transfer of the Alaska Colony." This marked the official transfer of the Alaska colony to the ownership of Prince Constantine, becoming an overseas territory of the Hechingen royal family.

The sale of Alaska to the Hechingen Consortium garnered limited attention from European media, as Alaska was perceived as a remote and barren land at the time. Ernst had no immediate plans for the development of Alaska; instead, he viewed the purchase as a unique opportunity to acquire a vast territory at a relatively low cost.

Ernst had made strategic financial decisions, including installment payments to Russia, which allowed him to save a significant amount of money compared to the United States' purchase of Alaska in his previous life.

Ernst's territory now spanned an impressive 2.8 million square kilometers, incorporating both Alaska and Zanzibar. The two territories were collectively recognized as the overseas territory of the Hechingen royal family within the Hohenzollern family.

While the vastness of his territory could attract attention, other countries acquiesced that this territory belonged to Prussia. Ernst maintained a close connection with Prussia, as his industrial interests were primarily located in North Germany, and taxes were paid accordingly.

Ernst had no immediate plans to exploit Alaska's resources, as he wanted to avoid drawing early attention from other colonial powers. The second industrial revolution had led to increased capital and commodity exports, making Africa a focal point for colonial expansion. Ernst's strategy was to develop East Africa slowly through agriculture while accumulating population and stability.

Ernst implemented strict restrictions on colonial immigrants and adopted a collective management model to control information flow. This approach allowed him to develop his colony discreetly.

In East Africa, Ernst's focus was on the gradual accumulation of population and resources to withstand potential future challenges from other colonists. The remoteness of East Africa had shielded it from international scrutiny, giving Ernst the opportunity to operate discreetly.

As for Alaska, Ernst planned to send an East African colonial army to assist in its governance, working in tandem with the new Alaska colonial government. This strategy aimed to remove Russians and foreign businessmen from Alaska while consolidating his control over the region.

Ernst's approach was cautious and methodical, laying the foundation for future developments in his vast colonial territories.