Napoleon had instructed Beaumont to send a telegraph to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, summoning Talleyrand to the Palace of Versailles.
Talleyrand acknowledged the order and made his way promptly to the Palace of Versailles.
As he waited for Talleyrand's arrival, Napoleon turned his attention to other pressing matters, particularly the industrialization of France. Almost fifteen years ago, under Napoleon's leadership, the introduction of steam engines and mass production of steel led to significant growth in heavy industry within France. However, the economy of France before the revolution had been in disarray, reaching a point of no return. After the revolution, the lack of a stable political system hindered the growth of heavy industries.
Many companies were forced to close due to low demand, and the substantial capital required to start new ventures and low prospects deterred wealthy individuals from investing. However, since becoming the first consul, Napoleon implemented a series of economic reforms that helped stabilize the economy. As a result, more investors began to step forward, showing interest in heavy industries and contributing to the growth of the French economy. The establishment of stable financial institutions, favorable taxation policies, and a solid legal framework further encouraged domestic investments.
However, the problem with industrialization was that it also brought forth health and environmental hazards. At the time, there was no centralized regulatory body that oversaw and monitored the operations of these industries to ensure they adhered to safety standards and environmental regulations.
Napoleon was keenly aware of the potential hazards that accompanied the rapid growth of industrialization. He didn't want to see Paris or any part of France engulfed in smog, a sight he had witnessed in industrialized cities in his real world.
With this in mind, Napoleon recognized the urgent need for a centralized regulatory body to address health and environmental concerns arising from industrial activities. He believed that responsible industrialization could coexist with a clean and healthy environment. The establishment of such a regulatory authority would ensure that industries adhered to strict safety protocols and environmental standards, mitigating the negative impacts of unchecked expansion.
To achieve this goal, Napoleon mulled over the creation of a specialized department within the government dedicated to monitoring industrial practices. He envisioned inspectors who would conduct regular checks on factories and mills to ensure compliance with safety guidelines. Additionally, he considered implementing strict emissions controls to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner practices.
To do so, he would need to introduce new technologies, such as electrostatic precipitators, to filter out harmful particulates and pollutants from factory emissions. These devices would be installed in industrial chimneys, capturing the dangerous particles before they could disperse into the air and cause harm to the environment and public health.
For the proper disposal of chemical waste, Napoleon devised a comprehensive waste management plan. Under his proposed plan, industrial facilities would be required to treat their chemical waste using innovative and safe methods, such as chemical waste treatment plants. These on-site treatment facilities would use advanced chemical processes to neutralize and detoxify hazardous substances before releasing the treated waste into the environment, ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystems.
Also, heavy industries would have to be relocated far away from the population centers but near to the source of raw materials. With that in mind, Napoleon envisioned the establishment of industrial regions strategically located across the country. These designated industrial zones would provide a controlled environment for heavy industries to operate without posing risks to densely populated areas.
By concentrating heavy industrial activities in specific regions, Napoleon aimed to minimize the exposure of communities to potential hazards while fostering economic growth in targeted areas. These industrial regions would be carefully planned to include essential infrastructure, transportation networks, and support services to facilitate efficient production and distribution.
Moreover, Napoleon considered providing incentives to encourage industries to adopt cleaner technologies and sustainable practices. He believed that offering tax benefits and grants to companies that embraced environmentally friendly methods would further motivate them to reduce their ecological footprint.
Additionally, to support the growing demand for skilled workers in the industrial sector, Napoleon intended to establish vocational training programs. These programs would equip individuals with the necessary expertise to work in various industrial fields, promoting a skilled workforce capable of driving technological advancements while ensuring safe and responsible practices.
To fund these ambitious initiatives, Napoleon explored the idea of setting aside a portion of the state budget dedicated solely to environmental conservation and industrial oversight. This fund would be utilized for research and development of eco-friendly technologies, conducting environmental impact assessments, and enhancing the capabilities of the regulatory body responsible for monitoring industrial compliance.
And last but not least, Napoleon would establish a new Ministry of Industrialization and Environmental Protection. This ministry would be responsible for overseeing all aspects of industrial development, ensuring that it aligns with stringent environmental standards and safety protocols. The minister appointed to lead this department would be a capable and experienced individual, well-versed in both industrial practices and environmental sciences.
Oh, one more thing, he would also have to introduce another Ministry, but it would deal with the health of every Frenchmen. With that, comes the Ministry of Public Health. This ministry would be dedicated to safeguarding the health of French citizens and coordinating efforts to combat diseases, promote sanitation, and improve overall healthcare services.
Napoleon was in the zone, writing the blueprint for a brighter future for France. As the pen danced across the paper the plans for the Ministry of Industrialization and Environmental Protection and Ministry of Public Health are beginning to take shape.
Time flew like a blur as Napoleon engrossed himself in the intricacies of the plans to the point he didn't notice Beaumont entering his office and announcing the arrival of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
"Your Excellency," Talleyrand called.
Napoleon looked up from his writings, breaking free from the all-encompassing focus he had on the blueprint.
"Ah, Talleyrand. I didn't notice you," Napoleon said.
"You must be engrossed in your work, Your Excellency," Talleyrand observed the papers on Napoleon's desk.
"You can say that," Napoleon chuckled, setting down his pen and papers aside. He gestured for Talleyrand to take a seat, indicating that their discussion would be of importance.
Talleyrand settled into the chair, his expression expectant. "What is it that occupies your thoughts so intensely, First Consul?"
"I can't tell you that as it is not yet complete," Napoleon said. "The reason I called you here is I want your counsel. You know of our overseas colonies, the Saint-Domingue?"
"Ah, the sugar colony," Talleyrand recognized. "I'm very much aware of the affairs of that colony. I believe it was currently under control by a black man, Toussaint Louverture. Not only a general but a good statesman. I heard that he is wanting to break away from our country and seek independence."
"Good," Napoleon said gladly. "Well, I'm thinking of reasserting our control in the colony."
"You mean to say, Your Excellency, that you want to return Saint-Domingue to the way they were prior to the revolution?"
Napoleon shook his head. "No, since we are a progressive country that is adopting radical reforms, one of which was the abolishment of slavery, I am establishing the same system that I have put in place in our colonies in Africa and the Middle East. The sugar production of Saint-Domingue is too great for us to lose."
"I see," Talleyrand hummed in agreement. "Well, Your Excellency, there are two ways where we can assert our control over Saint-Domingue. First is diplomacy and second is military."
"Explain," Napoleon prompted. "First, the diplomatic approach. We could initiate negotiations with Toussaint Louverture and the leaders of Saint-Domingue. We must make it clear that our intentions are not to revert to the oppressive past but to create a new future based on equality and freedom. We can offer them a form of self-governance within the French Republic, with representatives from the colony having a say in their own affairs while still being part of the larger French nation."
"But wouldn't that upset some of the conservatives? Like they hate the idea of seeing black as their equals," Napoleon voiced his concern.
"Well it's up to you, Your Excellency. Do you see black people as equal to white men? And should they have the same rights?"
Napoleon was silent for a moment, contemplating an answer. His modern self believes that all men are born equal. But in this era, blacks were considered to be an inferior species, one that should be subservient to whites. They weren't seen as humans but rather pigs. This shouldn't be a hard question for Napoleon.
"I do believe that every man, regardless of race, is equal. But I don't think the whole population of whites is ready to embrace that idea. But the National Convention outlawed slavery in colonies six years ago, so yeah. But let's assume that the people of Saint-Domingue still wanted independence despite us promising that they'll retain their rights and autonomy within the French Republic."
"Well, there is a military option. But I doubt that they'll not agree to our terms. Another thing that comes with the decision is that should you recognize them, it would anger the United States and Great Britain, where slavery is still legal."
"I couldn't care less about their reactions," Napoleon said flippantly. "Talleyrand, I want you to send a letter to Toussaint Louverture, I want to talk to him personally."
"Understood, Your Excellency, but I have one question. Why do you want Saint-Domingue so much? I mean after years of conflicts, the economy of it has been in shambles, where they burned the crops and fields, making it not profitable."
"They'll regenerate, Talleyrand," Napoleon said simply and continued. "And besides, the reason why I want Saint-Domingue is because I have ambitions of extending our territories in America."
Napoleon rose to his feet and walked towards the earth's globes that were resting atop a table. "I want to reclaim the territory that we lost in North America…the New France. And I believe that Saint-Domingue is the first step towards that goal."
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