Breakthrough Technology

In June 1887, the drive for compulsory education in Greece was in full swing, with children either driven by curiosity or compelled by their parents to attend school. Constantine's colonial achievements in the Congo, funded by the proceeds from colonization, were now entirely invested in the promotion of education.

At Constantine's invitation, Tesla, who had come to the University of Athens to study the alternating current system, hurried to Tatoi Palace, Constantine's residence.

"Your Excellency, we've made a breakthrough!" Tesla exclaimed as he rushed into Constantine's office, visibly excited.

Looking up, Constantine stood and gestured for Tesla to sit down. "What breakthrough are you referring to?" he inquired skeptically.

"The experimental team has successfully overcome the practical transformer technology hurdles, enabling transformers to withstand voltages ranging from several hundred to several thousand volts," Tesla shared, a flush of excitement on his face.

"What does this breakthrough signify?"

"Transformers allow the economical transmission of electricity over long distances. In other words, with this breakthrough, it becomes possible to provide alternating current services to users far away from power plants."

"Your Excellency, this implies that all the technical challenges of the AC power system have been theoretically surmounted by our team. The only remaining obstacle to the use of AC power is the absence of a real AC power plant in the world," explained Tesla to Constantine.

It was indeed a breakthrough in the alternating current system. After nearly two years of relentless investment, the team had finally overcome the technical difficulties.

Upon hearing Tesla's good news, Constantine took him to the Prime Minister's residence to discuss matters with Trikupis.

The two informed Trikupis about the breakthrough in alternating current technology.

"What's the practical use of this?" Trikupis asked, looking at the two excited individuals before him with confusion.

Constantine looked at the gray-haired Trikupis, patted his head, and suddenly realized that most of the old man's life had been spent on the political stage.

"How can I explain the use of alternating current to you? Well..."

Constantine scratched his head, attempting to find the right words.

"Let me put it this way: in the past, large factories powered their machines with steam engines. Now, alternating current can replace steam engines and directly power machines, ushering in a new energy source."

"In the past, Greece couldn't build certain factories due to a lack of high-quality coal. With AC power and slight modifications, these factories can now be established. For instance, the textile industry in Greece has struggled to develop due to the high production costs stemming from energy shortages."

There were some handicraft workshops in Greece using manual labor to produce cotton cloth. The inability of Greece to develop its own textile industry, coupled with the low price of imported cotton cloth, had hindered progress in the sector.

After resolving Greece's energy problem, the nation now had the advantage of proximity to major cotton-producing areas, such as Egypt and Turkey. Greece could potentially flourish in cotton textile production.

"Developing the textile industry? If the energy problem is solved and given Greece's geographical location and lack of raw materials, it could indeed be a suitable breakthrough for industrialization," Trikupis responded thoughtfully.

"Do you need my cooperation with tariffs?"

"Yes, Greece currently imposes a 10% import tariff on textiles, which is insufficient for the development of domestic textile enterprises. We need to increase the tariff on textiles while simultaneously reducing the import tax on raw cotton to lower production costs for businesses."

"If you wish to develop the textile industry and build a textile factory, I have a friend who may be of assistance," Trikupis added.

Having been in Greek politics for 20 to 30 years, Trikupis had an extensive network and knew many Greek businessmen. Constantine had approached Trikupis to discuss this matter, seeking his support.

"Cantoriotis, a Greek residing in Alexandria, Egypt," Trikupis suggested.

Since the fall of Eastern Rome, Greeks had played a crucial role in the domestic commerce of Ottoman Turkey, leading to Greek settlements in important commercial cities or ports in various territories that were once part of Ottoman Turkey.

Cantoriotis appeared to be one of them.

"What makes him special? Why would the Prime Minister himself introduce him to me?" Constantine asked with curiosity.

"The Cantoriotis family, along with some other Greek families, have long controlled the import and export of cotton in Egypt. In fact, the Greeks in Alexandria also dominate the production of cigarettes, cement, soap, wine, paper, and various other industries," Trikupis explained with admiration.

"They are a group of influential Greek businessmen. For a considerable time, they have controlled Egypt's cotton import and export trade."

"You mentioned earlier that you have plans to establish a textile factory, and I thought of this individual," Trikupis said, looking at Constantine.

"If Your Excellency, the Duke, can collaborate with him, it would undoubtedly be a mutually beneficial arrangement. A shareholder with significant cotton production would greatly benefit the development of the textile industry in Greece."

"After all, it provides a stable source of raw materials," Trikupis concluded, highlighting the potential advantages of partnering with influential Greek businessmen in Egypt.