My Italy

The Brooklyn Shipyard in New York is the most technologically advanced shipyard of the U.S. Navy, so more than half of the large U.S. warships are built here. As the first armored cruiser in the United States over 10,000 tons, two Pennsylvania-class ships were built here.

Today, the Brooklyn Shipyard is decorated because today is a good day for the launch of the USS Pennsylvania, the first battleship of this class.

So on both sides of the No. 2 dock where the Pennsylvania was located, there were crowds of people participating in the launching ceremony.

"What a beautiful battleship."

As the most important guest at today's launching ceremony, Theodore Roosevelt, who was the New York Commissioner two years ago, is no longer what he used to be. He now serves as the Deputy Secretary of the Navy.

Of course, just being a deputy minister is no big deal, but Roosevelt's deputy minister is extraordinary. Because his immediate boss, Secretary of the Navy John Long, had been ill for a long time and could not handle political affairs, he was equivalent to the full secretary. In addition, President McKinley was not interested in the navy, so Mr. Roosevelt could serve as deputy secretary. He controls the U.S. Navy and has all the power. More importantly, he is only 39 years old. It is not an exaggeration to say that he is the son of destiny.

"It is indeed a beautiful battleship."

This was the praise of his friend Commodore George Dewey, and he was right. Compared with several large warships in the current U.S. Navy, the slender Pennsylvania is indeed very good-looking.

"Yes, thank you to the workers at the Brooklyn Shipyard for your hard work. I heard that they worked overtime for the Pennsylvania and West Virginia. It was really hard."

Rear Admiral Samplin looked at the battleship that was about to be launched, smiled and said thank you to the shipyard workers.

"Samplin, I heard that these four cruise ships will be arranged in your South Atlantic Fleet?"

Dewey looked at Major General Samplin and couldn't help but ask.

Faced with Dewey's inquiry, Samplin did not deny it. "This is just to make them familiar with the sea conditions of the Caribbean as soon as possible. You also know that without our help, those Cubans don't know when they will be independent."

"Indeed, these Cubans were still a little bit worse when facing the Spanish army."

"That's why we need to help the Cuban people gain independence, and the navy needs to play a leading role in promoting Cuba's independence."

Theodore Roosevelt was so naked when he opened his mouth, which can be regarded as a clear statement.

That's right, in order to show the strength of the United States and to obtain the benefits of Cuba, American capitalists can't wait any longer.

As for Cuba, the United States proposed the idea of ​​purchasing Cuba to Spain, which was heavily in debt at the time, in 1880, with a bid of up to US$120 million. This price is nearly 17 times more expensive than buying Alaska from Russia. For the United States to be willing to pay such a high price to purchase Cuba also shows its desire for Cuba.

However, the U.S. proposal was categorically rejected by Spain. Cuba is one of the few high-quality Spanish colonies. How could the cows that provide generous taxes every year be sold for such a small amount of money?

Faced with the Spanish rejection, the United States later supported the independence of the Cuban people and directly broke away from Spanish rule. The American presence can be seen more or less behind Cuba's one-on-one independence movement in recent years. In addition, due to the distance, the United States has a first-come-first-served basis and has invested heavily in Cuba, which has further aggravated the influence of the Americans on Cuba.

Coupled with the smooth development in these years, the U.S. economy has become the first in the world. The rapidly expanding economy has pushed the already aggressive United States to expand even more frantically, seeking new sources of raw materials, commodity sales markets, and investment sites in order to extract more high monopoly profits. But just as the United States was preparing to expand overseas, the entire world had been carved up by the old colonial powers.

At this time, the aging Spain came into view. Firstly, it is not strong and is suitable for the United States to practice. Secondly, its colony Cuba is very coveted. In addition, Puerto Rico and the Philippines in Asia have a very high strategic status. It is simply Perfect leveling candidate.

Therefore, knowledgeable people in the United States are very interested in Spain. If Spain had not suddenly purchased two cruise ships, the United States would have started plotting a war against Spain.

Of course, it’s not too late now. Spain purchased two cruise ships after a desperate struggle. The United States, with its deep pockets, directly built four ships. In addition to the several cutting-edge battleships it had built before, Spain would have no chance of survival unless God showed up to help. .

"Don't worry, Your Excellency Minister, I know how to do it, and I will make it combat effective as soon as possible."

Major General Samplin, who was satisfied with his ambition, knew his purpose and promised.

"That's good, but you have to pay attention that these warships will be launched within three months. You need to arrange excellent candidates to operate the ship."

Why did Theodore Roosevelt know so well? It was because he strictly required the shipyard to ensure delivery time, so he could allow this class of equipment to be launched in a rare centralized manner.

"Can each fleet deploy veterans to support it?"

That's right, Major General Samplin knew that he had a heavy task, so he opened his mouth to offer advice.

"No problem, I will send a telegram to General Walker and Colonel Evans and ask them to mobilize experienced officers and sailors."

Faced with Major General Samplin's request, Theodore Roosevelt agreed immediately. Because he knows the urgency of the matter, the U.S. Navy is currently only waiting for four Pennsylvania-class patrol ships to be commissioned before it can prepare to cause trouble in Cuba.

"Your Excellency, Deputy Minister, can the launching ceremony begin?"

While the three of them were chatting, the shipyard manager came over and asked.

"sure no problem."

Facing the manager's inquiry, the three people immediately stopped talking and prepared to participate in the ceremony. Theodore Roosevelt even tightened his clothes and appeared in front of everyone with a smile on his face.

Following his appearance, there was a burst of cheers at the scene, and it was not clear whether it was for the warship that was about to be launched, or for the Vice Minister of the Navy.

But it seemed that Theodore Roosevelt was enjoying it, as he waved to those attending the ceremony.

"This good friend of ours seems to enjoy being a public figure very much. He feels similar to veterans who have been in politics for decades."

Dewey spoke to Major General Samplin about his views on Theodore Roosevelt.

"You're right, maybe you might call him President Roosevelt from now on."

Samplin strongly agreed with Dewey's words,

"Your Excellency, Deputy Minister, this is champagne."

Roosevelt, who was completely unaware of the two men's comments, took a 5-liter bottle of champagne tied with flowers and threw it towards the bow of the USS Pennsylvania five meters away.

In the expectant eyes of everyone, the champagne was smashed to pieces, and then the Pennsylvania slowly slid towards the sea, and after catching a wave, it stopped steadily in the sea.

The crowd cheered again, cheering for the launch of the battleship.