I Became a Tycoon During World War I: Saving France from the Start

Chapter 32: Tanks or Rifles

The grand hall of the French Bourbon Palace was in an uproar. Rows of semi-circular seats surrounded the Speaker's podium, with a five-foot-wide aisle running down the center, dividing the hall into clear left and right sections.

On the left sat the Left Wing; on the right sat the Right Wing.

As leaders of the two main Right-Wing parties, Grevy and Armand sat at the front of the right side, listening to the heated arguments between the two factions while exchanging hushed remarks.

After a moment, Grevy glanced over at the impassioned Left-Wing members, then turned to Armand.

"It's time to strike back hard," he murmured.

Armand nodded, straightening his tie and striding confidently toward the speaker's podium, with his cane tapping authoritatively in time with his steps.

(The French Parliament podium has two tiers: the lower front podium for members to present and introduce issues, and the higher rear tier for the Speaker and government officials.)

Armand surveyed the room before him, then raised his right hand with a gesture of practiced elegance, his voice booming, "Gentlemen!"

His words rang out with power, each syllable clear even to those in the farthest rows. Gradually, the room quieted as both factions returned to their seats, all eyes now fixed on Armand.

This was one of the main reasons Grevy teamed up with Armand against the Left. Armand, a lawyer by profession, had few virtues, but his words were sharp and his rhetoric fiery and persuasive—a talent Grevy himself lacked.

"First," Armand said, casually waving a hand at the audience, "allow me to apologize to the Germans. This time, it appears they won't have the pleasure of being crowned in Paris!"

A ripple of laughter spread across the hall.

Excellent opening, Grevy thought. Both the Left and Right Wing members welcomed the victory for France.

Then Armand added, "Unless, of course, they're willing to send their Kaiser over here!"

The laughter grew louder, joined by a scattering of applause.

"I'd gladly prepare a special coronation ceremony for him!" Armand continued. "It involves a wooden frame, a rope, and I'll personally see that his 'crown' is placed firmly around his neck!"

As he said this, Armand mimicked a hanging motion with a grotesque face and tongue out, drawing roaring laughter and applause from the room.

Grevy couldn't help but admire Armand's flair; with just a few gestures, he had captivated everyone's attention. Now, whatever he said next would leave a lasting impact.

Then, Armand launched into the main topic.

"For decades, France has been in a state of defeat against Germany, both psychologically and in reality!"

"So much so that even in the brothels, the girls named Alsace are especially popular!"

"They hope, in some way, to reclaim Alsace from the Germans by bringing it under their personal control!"

(Note: In the Franco-Prussian War, France ceded the regions of Alsace and Lorraine. Coincidentally, many women in France shared the name Alsace, with some even adopting it to attract clients.)

The response among the members was mixed, with some chuckling while others looked uncomfortable, knowing that a few among them had likely engaged in such activities.

"This isn't shameful!" Armand declared, continuing. "In fact, it's something to be proud of, because it shows your passion for your country. I, for one, am honored by it!"

This put the embarrassed members somewhat at ease.

Armand quickened his pace.

"What I'm here to say is this: from now on, your wishes may well come true—not in a brothel, but on the battlefield! We are now in a position to lead the French army to reclaim Alsace!"

"Yes!" voices called out enthusiastically.

"And Lorraine! And reparations!" Armand added with emphasis.

"Absolutely!" The room was now fully charged with excitement.

Armand raised his fist and shouted, "And to make the Germans bow their 'noble' heads!"

"Hear, hear!" the members shouted back, the fervor in the room reaching its peak.

Then, Armand shifted his tone, lightening it to ask, "But we should ask ourselves a question—what enabled us to defeat the Germans?"

The members were stumped. What else could it have been if not the French army?

Seeing he'd piqued their curiosity, Armand gave them the answer.

"Gentlemen, a young man named Charles showed us the way. And that way is the tank!"

The members nodded. They knew of Charles, the young man who had invented the tank, which had helped the French army defeat the Germans.

Grevy took this opportunity to stand up and shout, "That's right! The tank played a crucial role in both Battles of Davaz. Without it, we could not have won!"

Following Grevy's lead, the Right-Wing members chimed in with agreement, while the Left-Wing members found themselves nodding reluctantly, unaware that Grevy and Armand were leading them into a carefully laid trap.

Armand continued.

"The tank appeared just when the French army was in retreat, turning the tide and leading us to victory!"

"Then, during the Marne counter-offensive, it once again routed the Germans!"

"Remember, it was General Gallieni who led the Sixth Army in an aggressive assault on the Germans. He suffered heavy casualties, making no progress, and was on the brink of collapse!"

Armand was recounting the facts. The German plan was indeed to wait for the Sixth Army's next offensive, then counterattack, expecting that the weakened Sixth Army would struggle to repel the assault.

(Note: Historically, the Sixth Army was indeed defeated by the Germans. It wasn't until Marshal Joffre personally convinced the British Expeditionary Force to join the fight that the Germans were defeated. While the British army was inconsistent, the initial expeditionary force of some hundred thousand troops in France was highly experienced.)

Then Armand reached the crux of his speech.

"So, gentlemen! Tell me, in the battles to come, do you want more rifles, machine guns, artillery—or tanks?"

"Do you want the French army to suffer the heavy casualties of the Sixth Army, making no headway, or to achieve the sweeping victories of the Fifth Army, where a few hundred men can rout the German forces?"

The answer was clear, and the room erupted.

"Tanks!"

"We need tanks!"

"To hell with rifles!"

…

Previously, any topic would have sparked a heated debate between the Left and Right Wings. But on this issue, both sides were miraculously united—all of them were clamoring for tanks.

Only one man remained silent, watching the proceedings with an icy detachment: Stede, the owner of the Saint-Etienne Arms Factory.

The Saint-Etienne Arms Factory produced nearly all of the French army's small arms, including standard rifles and machine guns.

Stede had recently received word that the two Right-Wing parties had jointly purchased the patent for the tank. He knew precisely what game Armand was playing with his impassioned speech.

At that moment, Stede and Armand's eyes met. Armand's lips curled into a small, provocative smile, as if to say, What can you do about it? Come at me if you dare.

(End of Chapter)

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