Greece’s Roman Road

Chapter 27: on the cruise

"If you don't mind, you can have a meal together." Although the man's shabby clothes showed that he was a shy man, Banning still invited Dao.

Hearing the words, the man looked awkwardly between Emma and Constantine, and it was Emma who made the decision for him: "Dad, eat."

The tender little hand pulled Dad's sleeve towards the dining table.

Driven by the hunger that kept coming like waves in his stomach, the man sat down awkwardly.

Constantine nodded towards the waiter.

"Constantine, this gentleman is Schmidt, this is Banning, both of them are my friends," Constantine pointed to the two and said.

The man sitting at the dining table said, "My name is Lloyd, and this is my daughter Emma."

Lloyd said, looking at the girl who was hugging tightly in his arms.

"Are you going to immigrate to America?" Constantine asked.

Under normal circumstances, it is impossible to travel across the ocean with such a young child.

"Yes, I used to work in a steel factory, my wife Anne passed away a month ago, and the medical bills used up my savings. After inviting a pastor to say goodbye to Annie, we were destitute and lost our job in the factory. "

Speaking of this, Lloyd's face showed a sad look.

Just as he was talking, the waiter brought another lunch.

The man looked at the food in front of him, swallowed, and said with a dejected face, "I have no money to pay the bill."

"It's okay, just enjoy it." Constantine pushed the tray toward Lloyd. "What are your plans when you arrive in America?"

When Lloyd heard Constantine's words, he devoured it for a while, obviously starving.

Hearing Constantine's question, he picked up a spoon and sipped the borscht, and put the bread in his mouth into his throat.

"A few days ago, I met the US ambassador to the UK, speaking in public. I heard from him that American steel companies need a large number of workers, especially experienced workers, with good wages and loans to buy ships. Tickets, as long as you sign a contract for a few years.”

These Americans really know how to eat ready-made.

The United States sat on its own merits, getting thousands of skilled workers from Europe without education and training.

Since the end of the Civil War, the United States has raised tariffs on industrial products several times. Domestic factories have sprung up like mushrooms after a rain.

And the U.S. hit the workers in Europe.

In order to recruit skilled workers, some European companies organized groups to recruit in Europe, and even paid travel expenses.

The United States became independent in the 18th century and became the world's largest economic power at the end of the 19th century. It only took more than 100 years.

The speed of development is astounding.

Since 1881, there has been another wave of immigration to the United States. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Europeans cross the ocean to the United States.

It can be said that the Americans were able to achieve a counterattack at the end of the 19th century and surpass the United Kingdom to become the world's largest economic power. The role of European immigrants should not be underestimated.

It seems that Lloyd is also a member of the immigration army.

"Then how could you...?"

"I..., I only had two pounds tangled, and I lost at the table, so...", Lloyd said falteringly.

Emma, ​​who was held in Lloyd's arms, held a handkerchief in her right hand and held it high, wiping the corner of Lloyd's mouth.

"Fortunately, the steel company issued a ticket, otherwise you wouldn't be able to get to the United States."

"Yes, when I come to the United States, I will definitely work hard. I heard that there are more opportunities in the United States. There are no high-ranking aristocrats there. As long as you work hard, you may make a fortune."

"Also, as long as you have U.S. citizenship, the U.S. has a homestead law that grants immigrant land free of charge. As long as you cultivate a piece of land for a few years, you can get the cultivated land," said Lloyd, who was very excited and beamed. .

The European area is densely populated and the land is basically owned by the nobles.

In the 19th century (1800-1900), European countries just abolished the serf system, which means that not long ago, there were still a large number of serfs in Europe.

From the perspective of productivity development or human progress, the first industrial revolution is the most important page in human history, and its pioneering significance cannot be overemphasized.

The industrial revolution directly opened the curtain for human beings to use science and technology to replace manpower for production, and productivity has developed rapidly since then.

But for the farmers and workers who experienced this momentous moment for humanity firsthand, they may not be so happy.

Because the rapid development of the industrial revolution is accompanied by the blood and tears of farmers and workers.

This point, just look at those child laborers who see no light in the coal mines, burrowing into the mines in dismay all day long, just for a bite of bread, you will understand.

They are under pressure that they shouldn't be at their age.

Although people in later generations will use a tone of praise to emphasize the importance of the Industrial Revolution, for the farmers and workers who have personally experienced this historical moment, they have been subjected to the brutal oppression of the workers by capitalists. They would rather live in agricultural era.

Compared to being busy all the time like a clockwork wound up every day, the peaceful and peaceful pastoral scenery is more attractive to them after the busy farming season.

The land of America has a strong attraction for the poor of Europe.

In any case, this trip to the United States requires the support of this increasingly powerful country. Whether it is Banning or Constantine, after hearing Lloyd's words, their thoughts are surprisingly consistent.

The cruise ship drifted in the Atlantic Ocean for about 10 days. Finally, the service staff on board informed the passengers that UU Reading www.uukanshu.com was about to arrive in New York, USA.

On the morning of October 22, the cruise ship sailed to the estuary of the Hudson River in New York. By the morning light, the Statue of Liberty standing high on the island was clearly reflected in the eyes of the cruise crew.

I saw the goddess wearing a Greek-style robe (it seems to be a Greek), holding the torch of freedom in her right hand, the Declaration of Independence in her left hand, and the shackles and shackles under her feet, symbolizing her breaking free from the oppression and ravages of tyranny.

The goddess welcomes every immigrant from dictatorship Europe into the arms of a free America, the first sight of America seen by Europeans from afar.

Passengers flocked to the side of the ship, waving their hats at the Statue of Liberty, and shouting excitedly.

For those immigrants on the cruise ship, they should really cheer, because there is no more tyrannical monarch to rule them (most countries in Europe at this time still ruled by monarchs, such as Britain).

Next to rule them are the American capitalists.

Docks in New York Harbor.

Emma, ​​who was held by Lloyd on her shoulders, waved her hands vigorously, and said goodbye to Constantine in the distance until she could no longer be seen.

"dad"

"what?"

"Will we see them again?"

"Yes, as long as you live well, there will always be a chance to meet again."

"Here, Dad," Emma took out two gold coins from the pocket of her skirt and handed them to Lloyd.

"Where did this come from?" Lloyd asked in surprise.

"Given it from my brother," Emma said.

 

Just like Lloyd's father and daughter, who came to the United States to find their new life, Constantine will also seek his own opportunities.

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