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Zaharoff's Persona
- Basil Zaharoff cultivated a mysterious persona, preferring whispers and backroom dealings.
- He was known for his fine suits, striking mustache, and unsettling introduction: "I am Sir Basil Zaharoff. I have 16 millions."
Russia's Debt and Zaharoff's Influence
- Tsarist Russia's military buildup, financed by French loans, had major consequences.
- Zaharoff facilitated these loans and secured arms contracts for Vickers, influencing Russia's dependence on France.
Zaharoff's Sales Tactics
- Zaharoff, pretending to be a Russian prince, successfully sold arms to Russia.
- He used propaganda in his Paris newspapers to sway public opinion towards loaning Russia money.