In a rather unconventional approach to understanding economic policies, one individual turned to the realm of video games to navigate the complexities of tariffs and trade wars. The backdrop of this exploration was the recent chaos triggered by the United States’ Liberation Day tariffs, which left many scratching their heads over terms like “bond yields” and “multilateralism.” Faced with a barrage of confusing economic jargon, the protagonist of this story sought solace in the grand strategy game Victoria 3, hoping to simulate the economic landscape of the time and perhaps find clarity amidst the turmoil.
How I invaded Canada
However, the initial foray into the game revealed significant challenges. The mechanics of Victoria 3 did not easily accommodate the sweeping tariffs imposed by the U.S. government. Instead of targeting countries directly, the game required adjustments to specific goods, leading to a patchwork of increased import costs. With a mod installed to amplify tariffs dramatically, the player embarked on a journey as the United States in 1835, adopting a strategy of extreme protectionism—100% tariffs across the board.
This bold move yielded an immediate uptick in cash flow, as consumers adjusted to the new pricing landscape. Yet, the repercussions were swift and severe: shortages of essential goods emerged, and reports of famine in Colorado began to surface. The protagonist, hailing from the U.K., felt detached from the plight of the American populace, dismissing their struggles as mere inconveniences. But as discontent grew, it became clear that a more proactive approach was necessary.
Thus began phase two: an ambitious plan to cultivate domestic food supplies. In a stroke of misguided optimism, the player constructed maize farms across the territories, believing that this would satiate the hunger of the masses. Unfortunately, the reality of agriculture proved more complex than anticipated. The costs of establishing these farms quickly drained the treasury, leading to a dire financial situation and a burgeoning crisis of legitimacy for the government.
As the economic landscape deteriorated, the protagonist made a drastic decision: to invade Canada. This move was seen as a potential solution to rally national pride and bolster the economy through a war effort. The initial stages of the invasion appeared promising, with early successes in occupying key territories. However, the realities of military engagement soon set in, revealing the limitations of the U.S. Navy and the formidable presence of British forces.
How I lost two wars with Canada
Despite the initial gains, the situation quickly unraveled. As British reinforcements arrived, the U.S. forces were pushed back, leading to a costly peace settlement. The economic boost anticipated from the war did not materialize, and the internal strife continued to escalate. The protagonist found themselves caught in a web of conflict, facing not only the British but also a burgeoning insurrection from the Sioux Nation.
In a twist of fate, the player’s efforts to stabilize the economy through military means led to further complications. The once-promising invasion of Canada devolved into a chaotic struggle, with the U.S. military stretched thin and resources dwindling. The legitimacy of the government plummeted, and the radical opposition began to swell, threatening the very foundation of the administration.
As the situation reached a boiling point, the game crashed, leaving the protagonist to reflect on the lessons learned. While the virtual experience may have ended abruptly, it offered profound insights into the intricacies of economic policy and governance. The protagonist emerged with a newfound understanding of the delicate balance between protectionism and international relations, recognizing that sometimes, when faced with insurmountable challenges, a strategic retreat—or even a war with Canada—might just be the unconventional solution needed to regain stability.
