I've been spending quite a bit of time on this as of late and though its by no means finished (it does obviously continue from the end on and Russia, China, S.America and Africa should have happenings).
My goal is just to create another world really. A more powerful France is the original aim but its obviously a British focussed TL (as thats the only area I'm really totally well read in). I did start with the ACW which is...not good. But it seemed a good place to help with boosting French power and helping Egypt.
Thoughts?/Suggestions?/Angry rants?
As a disclaimer- there could be one or two lines hidden in there that are totally out of place, I have had a few events in it that I later decided to remove but I may have missed the odd bit.
November/December 1861:
America: The Marianne Affair. The US navy breaks maritime law by boarding the French ship Marianne and abducting the would-be confederate ambassadorial teams to the UK and France who were aboard.
The French are outraged at this incident and prepared an ultimatum demanding a formal apology and the release of the Confederate diplomats.
The harshly worded ultimatum from the French puts the U.S government in a difficult position; they fear that if they refuse it then it will lead to war with France- probably not a wise course of action at the best of times never mind in the midst of a civil war. On the other side of things however is the American’s pride and the belief that if they give into a European power on this issue then the Europeans would think they can get away with more in the future- a point which particularly stands out with regards to France and its current interference in Mexico.
The British opinion is that it hopes the incident won’t lead to war however sees little room for mediation: the Americans have broken international law and the only just course of action is to apologise and hand the ambassadors over to French custody.
Eventually after much consideration it is decided that the USA has little choice but to reject the ultimatum hoping that France will not follow through with its threat and that even if it does the possible impact the French can have on the war is minimal.
For the next few months relations between the USA and France nose dive with all concerned hoping cooler heads will prevail.
Britain: In late November Prince Albert contracts typhoid fever, much to the dismay of his family and the country as a whole he does not recover until the new year and plays no part in Christmas and new year celebrations.
January 1862:
America: In Mexico the British, Spanish and French go ahead with their plan to extract loan reparations from the local government despite the developments in Franco-American relations. This draws some criticism from certain quarters in the British government with its potential to draw the UK into the war against the USA however this opposition is muted.
Late in the month it becomes clear that talks with the USA are getting nowhere and France officially declares war.
The naval war starts almost immediately with merchant shipping from both sides being seized by the other.
Not long after the official declaration of war the USA launches the first offensive with the US navy bloodlessly taking over the small French islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.
February 1862:
America: Britain and Spain decide that it would be wise to withdraw their forces from Mexico ASAP so as to avoid the possibility of being involved in the Franco-American war.
Late in February further ships from the French navy arrive in the Americas. The fleet is relatively small in size compared to the French fleet as a whole with the French still keeping a hefty fleet in Europe in case of a sudden decline in relations with Britain however included in amongst the ships is the pride of the French fleet-La Gloire.
Also included amongst these reinforcements is a substantial increase in troop numbers in Mexico – made possible due to the need to maintain relations with the United States no longer being such a concern.
March-July 1862:
America: Negotiations by the CSA to try and obtain recognition from other countries continue with particular focus being turned to the French to try and gain a formal agreement on how to work together against the USA.
In the gulf of Mexico several minor engagements between the French and American navies take place with no clear advantage being visible as of yet.
Within America itself the civil war continues to rage. Though the battles are different and lady luck smiles on different people the general outcome is similar to OTL with things going only marginally better for the confederates.
In Mexico the French advance is steady with the Mexicans seemingly powerless to do anything but slowly retreat.
July-October 1862:
America: With everything in place the French step up their naval campaign against the Americans successfully removing all vestiges of the union fleet in the Gulf of Mexico.
In August formal recognition of the CSA is finally granted by France after intense talks with British diplomats where the British position is rather complexly made that they will not formally recognise the CSA until its independence was entirely assured so as to avoid antagonising the USA however in many ways they would de-facto recognise the southern states sovereign status and though neutral would somewhat support France’s righteous war effort (though of course they were not happy about France’s other war in Mexico).
An agreement of war goals is reached between the two allies’ shortly after the recognition (it had in fact been under discussion long before) chief of which being the recognition of the Confederacy’s independence and the recognition of the Mexican Empire. These goals are not made public so as to avoid damaging British neutrality.
The Confederates continue to do ever better then OLT, the release of the union blockade on the south coast and recognition by one of the world’s most prominent powers is a major help to them.
In August the French army takes the Mexican capital
November 1862- March 1863:
America: Things are clearly beginning to go better for the confederates now thanks to the release of the blockade on the southern states and the French recognition.
Both sides of the alliance agree that having the French army fighting alongside the Confederacy in its territory would not be a good thing however an agreement is reached whereby a small number of French soldiers will do this in an observation role.
The French continue to clear the sea of American shipping both close to home and abroad, American trade is being severely damaged by the French and largely due to this support for the war is beginning to wane.
The Americans are also managing a fair amount of damage on French shipping with privateering actions however this is far less with most of their attention being turned to maintaining control of their own seas.
In February Emperor Maximillian I of Mexico is crowned.
Egypt: In January Isma'il Pasha takes control of Egypt. Contrary to OTL he is not able to take advantage of high cotton prices caused by the ACW to fund reforms on as huge a scale as he would like.
A more steady, sustainable pace of reform is still embarked upon however and relations with the Ottoman Empire develop similarly.
April 1863:
America: After months of preparation the French invade California by sea. They capture several key positions however hold their advance near to the coast- this is purely intended to be a big diversion to the union and not a actual attempt at take over.
Britain: On a lesser note to events elsewhere, in London a ‘James Edwards’ arrives from the Indian Territory. Edwards is a Native American who is hoping to gain support for the prospect of an independent Native American nation. Edwards makes quite a impact on the London social scene as a ‘civilized injun’ marvelling those he meets with his intelligence and keen wit- more then a match for any English gentleman.
May-December 1863:
America: Things do not look good for the union. Not only are they not advancing any further but the confederates are even beginning to retake lost ground in many places and advancing well into union territory in the east.
On the 4th of July 1863 fully realising just how much things were going against the union (and with a sizeable number of occupation troops removed from their territory) the Mormons declare ‘Deseret’ to have joined the secessionist cause.
A critical blow is struck against the Union in October when Washington D.C is finally over ran by confederate forces, the US government had managed to evacuate everything northwards to Philadelphia long before hand however the moral blow remains enormous.
By the end of the year public support is defiantly beginning to turn against the war with the general companion being one let those damned southerners go.
Europe: Virtually on cue in November King Frederick VII of Denmark dies. He is replaced by Christian IX who is faced with the same constitutional difficulties as OTL and follows the same course of action.
January-February 1864:
America: The downwards trend for the union continues, and the calls for peace ring out from all corners of the country.
Europe: Saxon and Hanoverian troops march into Holstein in mid January (Somewhat later then OTL)
March-May 1864:
America: In March with British mediation a peace agreement is brokered between the United States of America and the alliance of the Confederate States of America, France and Mexico.
Many observers say that the treaty was very lenient towards the USA due to the overwhelming victory their enemies were enjoying at the time.
The treaty roughly follows France and the CSA’s agreement with:
*The CSA is recognised as an independent nation- and its secession ruled completely legal by the laws of the constitution
*Imperial Mexico recognised
*the Border States claimed by the Confederacy are to hold plebiscites to determine if they secede or remain in the union.
*The US allows Deseret to join the CSA- in practice this is most of Utah and not the full originally proposed Mormon state. There are quite a few minor border readjustments, compensation payments and other minor issues.
Europe: In Denmark and Germany events similar to those IOTL have been taking place with regards to Schleswig-Holstein.
Contrary to IOTL there is no cunning Prussian deception to trick the Danes into allowing for hostilities to be opened up and when the Germans invade Schleswig in mid March the Danes withdraw under protest. In the following weeks the situation further deteriorates without direct conflict breaking out. Eventually in April the attention of the great powers of Europe is turned to the situation and it is decided that the binding of Schleswig-Holstein no longer applies and Schleswig will remain an integral part of Denmark. Under threat of war from the United Kingdom, France and Russia the Germans grudgingly agree.
1865:
USA: Debate begins about what to do about the nation’s capital. The government has still not yet moved back to Washington D.C. many parts of which were badly damaged by the Confederate army.
Though most of the general population would like Washington restored many in the government can see the lack of wisdom in such a move- Washington’s position near to a hostile nation does not make defence of it easy.
After a lot of debate the option favoured by the majority is a construction of a new capital in a more centralised position.
1866:
Britain: Under the leadership of the ailing Lord Palmerston (he is so ill he plays very little actual part in parliament) the reform act passes in Britain. This is just a preliminary act that extends to franchise to the middle classes with a £5 householder qualification.
1867:
CSA:The issue of granting the native Americans a state out of the Indian Territory territory is finally raised, debate is long however eventually the more racist faction wins out and the Indian Territory remains a territory.
France: The mitrailleuse begins to be entered into use by the French army. Having obtained experience with modern warfare in the recent North American wars it is decided the weapon would be most useful with standard infantry and not artillery divisions.
Japan: In April the Imperial faction announce the end of the shogunate’s power in the country. The Shogun officially accepts this decision however secretly a build up of forces begins to take place. This build up continues for some time however by the end of the month it is discovered and imperial forces open hostilities.
Though better prepared then OTL the majority of the Bakufu forces are pushed steadily northwards.
By winter the Emperor’s forces securely hold Shikoku and most of Honshu apart from a few Bakufu strongholds mainly in the north east. Ezo and Kyushu remain within the hands of the Shogun however the imperial forces have yet to turn their attention onto these islands.
By the end of the year the messy situation in Japan has began to stabilise into a proper two sided war with the Shogun’s forces consolidating their grip over Ezo (Hokkaido) and northern Honshu abandoning the rest of the country to the emperor (for the time being…)
1868:
Britain: Lord Palmerston finally passes away and the leadership of the Liberal Party is very much up for debate. The position of prime minister passes to William Gladstone however Gladstone’s stance on reform and ‘resultant liberalism’ causes a huge rift in the party between the ‘reformists’ and the Whigs and ‘absolute liberals’.
In the ensuing power struggle the conservatives under the leadership of Benjamin Disraeli manage to take power and the Liberal Party splits in two: The ‘traditionalist’ majority Whig Liberal Party led John Russell and the new majority radical Progressive Party led by Gladstone. The Peelites largely ended up splitting between the two with a stronger tendency towards the progressives.
This splitting of the liberal vote leads to conservative dominance of British politics for many years to come.
Egypt: On the 7th October the Suez Canal is finally opened to traffic.
Japan: In spring the imperial forces in Japan launch a large scale offensive against the north of Honshu rapidly gaining control of the area, the shogun’s mostly medieval army standing no chance against the emperor’s modern forces.
Towards the end of the Honshu campaign realising that they are defeated if they stand alone the Bakufu faction looks abroad for aid and finds it in the guise of the French who, fresh from their victory in Mexico are interested in the possibility of adding Japan to their informal empire.
Building upon the shogunate’s previous use of French officers in modernising their army several ships from the French navy arrive in the area to support the defence of Ezo.
Several naval attacks on the island are attempted by the imperial forces however the addition of the French to the shogun’s side tilts the previously evenly balanced naval forces in his favour and no headway is made.
In October a cease fire of sorts is agreed and the ‘The Republic of Ezo’ is declared on Ezo. Both sides fully intend to fully re-conquer their ‘rightful lands’ in the future however for the immediate future a loose peace is in place.
The French sign a treaty with Ezo which puts it heavily under their sphere of influence in exchange for increased assistance in modernising their military.
Businesses from many other nations (chief amongst them the USA and the UK) also have interests in Japan however all three governments decide against interfering not wanting to risk a full scale war with France over a relatively unimportant country on the far side of the world, there are also some in the American and British camps who hope that this weakening of Japan could force the Imperials ever more into their sphere of influence.
1869:
Britain/Canada: ‘The British North America Act’ is passed granting Canada its nationhood as the Kingdom of Canada, under the terms of the act Canada is granted self rule on domestic issues and is granted 4 (1 per province) ‘honorary’ seats in the British parliament ‘so that the voice of the British citizen in the Americas may be heard’.
This act proves highly controversial in Britain with its formal tying of colonies to British parliament for the first time (even though only 1 seat per province was in fact a large compromise).
Criticism is also drawn from the colonies- many resenting how only Canada gets this right.
Another important difference in the treaty to OTL is the following of the Durham reports suggestions and the start of the steady removal of special rights granted to the French Canadians- something that is supported from all quarters of the English speaking population, both the right who want the French to assimilate ASAP and the left who believe everyone should have the same rights.
1870:
Britain/Newfoundland: As a continuation of last year's reforms Newfoundland is also granted a parliamentary seat.
CSA: The issue of a native American state rises again. This time around it is defeated fairly rapidly.
1871:
Britain: The two liberal parties temporarily put their differences aside to attempt to force through a parliamentary reform act. The act which is aimed at destroying the ‘tyranny implicit in a two party system’ intends to introduce a Single Transferable Vote system in the country.
The vote fails due to the ‘tyranny’ it is designed to stop being firmly in place with the Tories having a large majority in parliament.
1872:
Britain: In what many call a calculated move by the conservatives to keep the liberals divided (in spite of unrest within their own party) the third reform act is passed through parliament with support from the conservatives and the progressives. The act once more lowering the requirements necessary to be able to vote.
1873:
CSA: Once more the issue of statehood for the native Americans arises. The debate goes on slightly longer then that of three years earlier however it still concludes against the possibility.
Europe: France opens negotiations with the Dutch about the possible purchase of Luxembourg. The Dutch prove receptive to offloading their liability and negotiations initially go well however the Germans were far from happy about the idea of ‘the Gibraltar of the north’ falling into French hands.
With Prussia at the forefront the German Confederation makes it known that they will not tolerate the transfer of Luxembourg into French hands.
In the United Kingdom the conservative government sticks to its policy of staying out of European affairs even despite the possibility of a major war that could seriously upset the balance of power.
March 1874:
Europe: French forces invade Germany. The great fortress of Luxembourg is put under siege by limited forces which the majority of the army advances towards the Rhine hoping to secure the west bank of the river. In the south the Rhine is crossed by the French army who hope to reach the Neckar. Initial skirmishes prove promising for the French, their professional well equipped army far outmatching the mostly conscripted Germans who have yet to bring to bare their advantage: Prussian numbers.
April 1874:
Europe: After considering neglecting its obligations so as to damage Prussian power Austria declares support for its fellow Germans and enters the war.
Things continue to go well for the French who are rapidly achieving their goals.
May 1874:
Europe: The first major setbacks for the French with large Austrian led German forces engaging them in the south forcing a steady retreat back towards the Rhine here.
Japan: Seeing French interest distracted by far more important matters in Europe Imperial Japan restarts the Japanese civil war and invades Ezo. The initial sea battles go very well for Japan with its larger British based navy decisively defeating the small force of rag tag hand-me-downs Ezo can muster. The land invasion however does not go quite so well; Ezo has spent the last five years very well in the modernisation of their army and resistance is fierce.
June 1874:
Europe: A secret agreement having been made prior to the war concerning Austria’s entry Italy invades the Austrian empire to liberate the Italians still under German oppression. The Italian army advances into Venetia where in spite of much of the local population supporting the removal of the Germans Austrian resistance is heavy.
Large portions of the Austrian army in the north are forced to return home allowing for the French forces to stop their retreat and counter-attack. In the north France has gained most of the west bank of the Rhine with the only hope for the Germans seeming to be several cities with decent fortifications forcing the French into a siege.
July 1874:
Europe: Despite heavy fighting Italian forces push on through Austrian Italy. Small amounts of the French army begin arrive in Italy to lend their experience to the Italians who the French leadership do not believe are operating up to scratch.
In a series of minor battles the Austrian navy is effectively destroyed by combined Italian and French forces.
Britain: In Britain the government is becoming deeply unpopular due to its hands off approach leading to what looks set to be an enormous French victory. The British government actively begins looking for a solution to the conflict in Europe.
August 1874:
Europe: A major German offensive in an attempt to relieve the siege of Koblenz meets with much success pushing back the French forces in the area and managing to reclaim a relatively large part of the west bank before meeting stiffer resistance.
In the south however things begin to unravel for the Germans with Venice finally falling into Italian hands and Austrian forces being pushed right back to the mountains where they desperately try to fight an organised retreat back into German lands.
Having secured Venetia the Italians continue their attack into Kustenland and Trento in the hope of liberating these ‘rightful parts of Italy’ too. Little progress comes from this attack with the Alps standing as perfect natural defences.
Simultaneously to support the war effort minor amphibious landings are made to seize key positions in Dalmatia, this does meet with more substantial success and several towns are gained.
Japan: The Ezo Republic is finally brought to an end with the fall of the fortress of Goryokaku to imperial forces. Much of its leadership decide to kill themselves rather then face the dishonour of capture by the imperials. Many however escape abroad swearing to return to reclaim their land one day, in the years that follow large numbers of the general population (many of whom had originally emigrated to Ezo from mainland Japan over the years of the republic’s existence) also leave Japan, the favoured destination for these Japanese emigrants is Oregon.
October-December 1874:
Europe: In October the Italians withdraw from Dalmatia in the face of massive Austrian reinforcements bringing the Austro-Italian front to a virtual stalemate in the mountains.
In the Rhineland however heavy fighting continues with things eventually turning slightly in the favour of the French.
January-February 1875:
Europe: In mid-January Luxembourg finally falls to the French. Over much of the period there is little fighting going on with winter forcing both armies to stay dug into their bases of operations. In late February however a massive German assault is launched that rapidly pushes back the unprepared French forces
March-May 1875:
Europe: Though the front against the Italians is holding steady the Austrian empire begins to see large scale civil unrest particularly amongst its Magyar population- the simmering Hungarian nationalism that has been building for decades finally being pushed to boiling point with the heavy war taxes levied upon the peoples of the empire.
Though initially just civil unrest amongst the urban areas of Hungary it rapidly grows into a full scale rebellion spreading to the Slavic populations of the empire.
The Italians attempt to take advantage of the unrest in Austria with a major offensive at the end of April however the German defenders hold steady even despite the depletion of their forces to quell the rebellion.
Of particular concern to the British people is the increasing Russian interest in the 'plight of their fellow Slavs' and the increasing likelihood of Russian intervention against the Germans.
In the Rhineland things continue to lean in the favour of the French with the German forces being steadily pushed back towards the river once more.
[Ottoman Empire: [/b] In March the sultan Abdul Aziz is deposed in a military coup and replaced by his nephew Murad V. Abdul Aziz is imprisoned however not long after the coup loyalists rescue the former sultan and escape to Anatolia with him. The dissidents are soon caught and killed however leaving Murad secure in his position as Sultan. A liberal constitution is soon set in place effectively turning the empire into a constitutional monarchy with (theoretically) equal rights for all its peoples.
June 1875:
Europe: Then French too being increasingly worried about the possibility of Russia claiming vast swathes of Eastern Europe for their own grudgingly agree to British proposals for mediation of a peace treaty.
The Treaty of Almelo (named after the Dutch city in which the meeting took place) is signed on the 15th of the month. By the terms of the treaty Venetia is seceded to Italy. Luxembourg goes to France (in exchange for monetary concessions being paid to the Dutch), as well as the Saarland and part of the Palatinate.
The treaty proves deeply unpopular in northern Germany especially in Prussia- the humiliation of defeat not being bad enough, the fact that they were not actually fully defeated brings discontent from all quarters of society even though who realised the likelihood of a imminent Russian invasion.
August 1875:
Austria: The main bulk of the Hungarian rebellion is finally defeated by Austrian forces with most of its leaders tried and executed for treason. Many of the rebels however manage to escape overseas.
1876:
Britain: 1876 proves not to be a good year for the conservative party. Already suffering declining popularity due to its perceived failure over the Franco-German war its attempts to postpone a general election as long as possible leads to massed discontent amongst its members and several defections to the liberals.
When the election does take place it proves a disaster, the conservatives do manage to remain in power however their expansion of the franchise into the poorer reaches of society and the bad press that have suffered of late drastically reduces their majority with the liberals and progressives both making enormous gains- to such a extent that the two liberal parties would actually have a majority if they united. A coalition of liberals does not occur however with the Liberal party placing more stock in its right wing beliefs then those of free trade.
1877:
Britain: After a grand speech from William Gladstone emphasising Britain's role as the defenders of freedom the liberals put aside their differences to once more attempt to pass through a STV system. The bill passes through the commons however is blocked by the more traditionalist Lords.
Also in parliament this year is the passing of the private ballots act- much as in OTL it is introduced due to the belief that the poorer people now able to vote are susceptible to bribery and intimidation- a belief which since their recent defeats has rapidly grown amongst the conservatives almost to the extent of directly blaming the Progressives of rigging the election.
1879:
Britain: With most of the outspoken opponents of extending the franchise having defected to the Liberals several years ago a Conservative and Progressive alliance once more pushes through another reform act reducing the franchise requirements even more.
1880:
Britain: The previous year's reforms prove to have backfired on the Conservatives with their loss in this years general election. Though they succeeded in reducing support for the Liberals (the past alliance of upper and working classes against the middle classes being well and truly a thing of the past) the Progressives gain greatly from the poor's ability to vote and William Gladstone becomes the new prime minister of the United Kingdom.
The new government once more attempts to implement a STV system, it passes through the commons easier then ever before (even some conservatives voting in favour of it now they are out of power) however once more the Lord's defeat it. A appeal is made to the queen to make more left leaning peers, though initially she is reluctant prince Albert convinces her it would be for the good of the people.
February 1882:
CSA: The issue of a native American state in the Indian Territory arises for the fourth time and once again it is defeated, this time however the inhabitants of the Indian Territories are prepared and they will not take no for a answer.
Soon after news on the congress’ decision reaches the Native Americans an ultimatum is sent out demanding statehood or else they would secede.
The CSA rebuffs their demands and discretely dispatches substantial troop numbers to the area, it does not entirely believe the native Americans will go through with their threat however remains cautious all the same.
On the 27th of February The United Indian Peoples declares its independence under its westernised Cherokee president James Edwards.
March 1882:
America: The first shots of the war are fired early in the month with government property in the Indian Territory and loyalist settlements being seized by rebel forces. Initial fears amongst white settlers in the area of the savages being on the rampage quickly prove unfounded with the bare minimum of civilian casualties occurring.
The native Americans in the Indian Territories do not all agree with the uprising however and many declare their allegiance to the government such as many of the Shawnee.
Upon prior agreement the United States is quick to recognise the independence of the new nation and begin to channel aid towards it. Despite many calling for direct intervention they decide not to follow such a drastic course of action- the CSA seems a much more powerful nation these days then that which had seceded two decades ago and the fear of French intervention is overriding.
The British though officially neutral to the conflict choose to subtly aid the natives via the USA.
France: On a unrelated matter to events elsewhere in the world Benjamin Roy makes the first powered flight in Normandy. It attracts significant attention from newspapers from all around Europe and subsequent flights are soon to take place with the design of the flying machine being rapidly refined.
April 1882:
America: Throughout much of the Confederacy a backlash against native Americans takes place even though many tribes had nothing to do with the rebellion. This pushes many native Americans onto the side of the UIP with sporadic guerilla campaigns starting up all over the country.
May-June 1882:
America: Battle wages between the rebel native American’s and the Confederate government forces. The natives with their years of preparation and US aid exceed all expectations and are rapidly able to secure the Indian Territory and even expand into Texas- finding allies in the Comanche and other tribes of the region who have suffered greatly at the hands of white settlers.
Attempts to advance into Arkansas do not meet with the same success however still have a major impact.
July 1882
America: The Navajo decide to use the impetus established by the tribes in the east to rise up and attempt to establish their formal independence.
This uprising proves to be just in the nick of time as far as the UIP is concerned as it is also in July that they begin to suffer their first major defeats on the battlefield and are steadily pushed back towards their core territories.
On the 29th of July the United States formally enters the war confident that French neutrality has been assured (and Britain promising to intervene should the French threaten to enter the war)
August-September 1882:
America: The United States' invasion of the Confederacy goes far better then they could have possibly hoped for with massive gains on all fronts.
In the west the only ground the CSA still holds is in parts Deseret where the defenders fight the invaders with everything they can- even after the defeat of regular forces guerilla fighters continue to be a major menace.
In the east large inroads are made into the northernmost states of the Confederacy and in the UIP the bolstering of the rebel lines allows for a counter-attack pushing the front line back in the Confederacy.
The naval campaign is not quite so successful for the US with the modern, well equipped navies of both sides each securing some minor victories.
October 1882-January 1883:
America: In the face of the US assault into Texas from the west and north the Confederate military makes the decision to virtually abandon most of the state in mid October so as to 'live to fight another day'. Tactically the withdrawal eastward goes well and the joint USA/UIP advance begins to stall somewhat however the Confederacy is still well and truly on the defensive and even a draw is often as good as a loss as far as they are concerned.
At sea however the superior numbers of the US navy is beginning to have a impact.
The abandoning of Texas in favour of what is seen as 'defending the CSA proper' is (quite obviously) not a well regarded move in the Lone Star State and coupled with the suffering it endures under 'Yankee/Injun' oppression (mostly brought on as a result of guerilla fighters) creates a genuine large-scale resentment for the Confederacy in Texas.
February 1883:
b]America:[/b] The US advance into the CSA once more picks up pace with a series of crushing victories across the nation resulting in much of the northern and westernmost states being totally overran.
March 1883:
America: The second CS-US war comes to a end with a peace treaty signed between the warring states with French and British 'observation'. Though many in the US push for a total annexation of the CSA- seeing the war as nothing more then a continuation of the first war in which the Confederacy unlawfully seceded. Foreign influence ,cooler heads within the US and then fact that the Confederacy would still have quite a lot of fight in it if its survival was at stake quash such viewpoints.
Also called for from many sectors chief amongst which is the British is the demand that the Confederacy abolishes slavery. This is proposed at first however the Confederate diplomats make clear that such a move would be treat by their nation as bad as a attempt at total annexation. Eventually a compromise is reached much to the disdain of the Confederates whereby the slave trade is outlawed however.
Territory wise the US annexes the territories of New Mexico and Arizona as well as the state of Deseret- most of the Christian world (including many within the Confederacy) being happy to see the end of the Mormon nation.
Several small scale border readjustments are also made amongst the eastern states- nowhere near as many as most American citizens would have liked however.
The citizens of Texas suffer another affront from the Confederacy in the peace treaty when they are required to give a relatively large amount of their territory including the pan handle to the US and the newly recognised United Indian Peoples.
April-December 1883:
America: As a matter of course not long after the war is over the UIP abolishes slavery. Even though many (particularly the slaves and slave holders themselves) see this as a action undertaken at the 'request' of the United States and the United Kingdom in fact it has several sound economic reasons- slavery not being as big a part of the economy in the area as in the Confederate States, slavery becoming increasingly uneconomic, the influx of native Americans immigrants from elsewhere looking for work, etc...
In Deseret the loss of their status as a independent state of the Confederacy does not go down well and the guerilla campaign against the US occupiers continues. Though eventually the largest bands of former Confederate military soldiers are eventually stopped constant uprisings in the area will continue to be a major problem for years to come.
Rapidly realising their chances of becoming a fully independent people (and being able to prosper as such) is degrading the Navajo attempt to have their unrecognised nation in Arizona and New Mexico become a state of the United States. Their attempts remain largely ignored by the government as a whole almost prompting a armed uprising amongst the riled up Navajo (many of whom did not actually see much fighting during their breakaway from the Confederacy) however they eventually are convinced to wait until the post-war upheaval is settled down and the area is firmly under US control.
1884:
America: Things having settled down after the war the US attempts to get the UIP to join them as a full state. This proposal attracts great support from many in the former Indian territory as it is after all what they wished for to begin with and ensures their future stability and prosperity.
The government of the UIP decides against such a action however preferring to remain independent- the fledgling nation having begun to attract enormous interest (and subsequently investment) from abroad.
In the United States too the move was not universally popular with people from many different sections of the political spectrum disagreeing with it: the anti-imperialists who see it as nothing but a attempt to expand American territory,the racists who like their southern brethren do not want the native Americans being put on equal footing to whites and even many capitalists who see the potential in this small, friendly independent state next to, but not part of the USA.
Mainly under the influence of the latter group the proposal quietly slips off the political agenda.
1887:
America: Texas institutes its right as a state to secede from the Confederacy peacefully.
Many doubt the wisdom of this move- the Confederacy together couldn't stop the Union so Texas alone would stand no chance in a future conflict however the fact that the Confederacy didn't even try to defend Texas is still a major point of annoyance to many Texans.
The leaders of the secession movement (mostly capitalists) however see the future safety and freedom of their land in neutrality and friendship to the United Kingdom.
1889:
Mexico: On the 16th of November the Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico passes away and his adopted son Agusten II takes the throne.
This sparks off a dramatic resurgence of Republican rebellion- the biggest impact coming in the north with rebels based in American territory.
February 1890:
Mexico: The Otero affair- Mexican government soldiers perusing rebel forces inadvertently cross into New Mexico where they become entangled in a fight with US citizens (who most likely were part of the rebel group themselves) killing 25 before realising their mistake and withdrawing.
Though the US had officially been working to stop the cross-border criminals in reality they all but encouraged the rebels and this invasion of their territory proves the perfect excuse for them to declare war on Mexico.
The French are soon to make preparations for a formal declaration of war on the United States and the dispatch of more of their military to Mexico however the British also have a keen interest in events in the Americas- they have never been happy with the French influence over Mexico and this chance is too big to let go. British and French diplomats work frantically to try and avoid a war however neither side will budge from their position.
It is Britain which eventually makes the declaration- Gladstone decreeing that it is acting for the freedom of the Mexican people and the defence against tyranny.
Britain is quick to seize French India and the remains of French 'Canada'.
March 1890:
Europe: The war between the French and British rapidly picks up pace with a large-scale naval clash in the western mouth of the channel opening the month. Due to poor visibility and well armoured ships on both sides both claim the battle to have been a great victory sinking several enemy ships whilst suffering a bare minimum of damage and crew casualties themselves.
The American invasion of Mexico does not go as well as hoped- the Americans having gravely underestimated the fighting capacity of the Mexican army who, after decades of fighting rebels utilising French training and equipment have managed to grow into a competent fighting force.
The American offensive meets with little success outside of Baja California where with navy assistance the US army is able to seize a seizable amount of the peninsula.
April-May 1890:
Europe: The war continues (not done yet)
June 1890:
Europe: The battle of Veracruz takes place on the 8/6/1889. A joint British/American fleet attacks the bulk of the French fleet in the Americas trapped in the port of Veracruz. The attack does not go entirely according to plan however with the effectiveness of shore batteries against ships being gravely underestimated leading to the loss of many vessels.
Despite the enormous losses suffered the fleet presses on regardless however and serious damage is inflicted upon the French fleet.
My goal is just to create another world really. A more powerful France is the original aim but its obviously a British focussed TL (as thats the only area I'm really totally well read in). I did start with the ACW which is...not good. But it seemed a good place to help with boosting French power and helping Egypt.
Thoughts?/Suggestions?/Angry rants?
As a disclaimer- there could be one or two lines hidden in there that are totally out of place, I have had a few events in it that I later decided to remove but I may have missed the odd bit.
November/December 1861:
America: The Marianne Affair. The US navy breaks maritime law by boarding the French ship Marianne and abducting the would-be confederate ambassadorial teams to the UK and France who were aboard.
The French are outraged at this incident and prepared an ultimatum demanding a formal apology and the release of the Confederate diplomats.
The harshly worded ultimatum from the French puts the U.S government in a difficult position; they fear that if they refuse it then it will lead to war with France- probably not a wise course of action at the best of times never mind in the midst of a civil war. On the other side of things however is the American’s pride and the belief that if they give into a European power on this issue then the Europeans would think they can get away with more in the future- a point which particularly stands out with regards to France and its current interference in Mexico.
The British opinion is that it hopes the incident won’t lead to war however sees little room for mediation: the Americans have broken international law and the only just course of action is to apologise and hand the ambassadors over to French custody.
Eventually after much consideration it is decided that the USA has little choice but to reject the ultimatum hoping that France will not follow through with its threat and that even if it does the possible impact the French can have on the war is minimal.
For the next few months relations between the USA and France nose dive with all concerned hoping cooler heads will prevail.
Britain: In late November Prince Albert contracts typhoid fever, much to the dismay of his family and the country as a whole he does not recover until the new year and plays no part in Christmas and new year celebrations.
January 1862:
America: In Mexico the British, Spanish and French go ahead with their plan to extract loan reparations from the local government despite the developments in Franco-American relations. This draws some criticism from certain quarters in the British government with its potential to draw the UK into the war against the USA however this opposition is muted.
Late in the month it becomes clear that talks with the USA are getting nowhere and France officially declares war.
The naval war starts almost immediately with merchant shipping from both sides being seized by the other.
Not long after the official declaration of war the USA launches the first offensive with the US navy bloodlessly taking over the small French islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.
February 1862:
America: Britain and Spain decide that it would be wise to withdraw their forces from Mexico ASAP so as to avoid the possibility of being involved in the Franco-American war.
Late in February further ships from the French navy arrive in the Americas. The fleet is relatively small in size compared to the French fleet as a whole with the French still keeping a hefty fleet in Europe in case of a sudden decline in relations with Britain however included in amongst the ships is the pride of the French fleet-La Gloire.
Also included amongst these reinforcements is a substantial increase in troop numbers in Mexico – made possible due to the need to maintain relations with the United States no longer being such a concern.
March-July 1862:
America: Negotiations by the CSA to try and obtain recognition from other countries continue with particular focus being turned to the French to try and gain a formal agreement on how to work together against the USA.
In the gulf of Mexico several minor engagements between the French and American navies take place with no clear advantage being visible as of yet.
Within America itself the civil war continues to rage. Though the battles are different and lady luck smiles on different people the general outcome is similar to OTL with things going only marginally better for the confederates.
In Mexico the French advance is steady with the Mexicans seemingly powerless to do anything but slowly retreat.
July-October 1862:
America: With everything in place the French step up their naval campaign against the Americans successfully removing all vestiges of the union fleet in the Gulf of Mexico.
In August formal recognition of the CSA is finally granted by France after intense talks with British diplomats where the British position is rather complexly made that they will not formally recognise the CSA until its independence was entirely assured so as to avoid antagonising the USA however in many ways they would de-facto recognise the southern states sovereign status and though neutral would somewhat support France’s righteous war effort (though of course they were not happy about France’s other war in Mexico).
An agreement of war goals is reached between the two allies’ shortly after the recognition (it had in fact been under discussion long before) chief of which being the recognition of the Confederacy’s independence and the recognition of the Mexican Empire. These goals are not made public so as to avoid damaging British neutrality.
The Confederates continue to do ever better then OLT, the release of the union blockade on the south coast and recognition by one of the world’s most prominent powers is a major help to them.
In August the French army takes the Mexican capital
November 1862- March 1863:
America: Things are clearly beginning to go better for the confederates now thanks to the release of the blockade on the southern states and the French recognition.
Both sides of the alliance agree that having the French army fighting alongside the Confederacy in its territory would not be a good thing however an agreement is reached whereby a small number of French soldiers will do this in an observation role.
The French continue to clear the sea of American shipping both close to home and abroad, American trade is being severely damaged by the French and largely due to this support for the war is beginning to wane.
The Americans are also managing a fair amount of damage on French shipping with privateering actions however this is far less with most of their attention being turned to maintaining control of their own seas.
In February Emperor Maximillian I of Mexico is crowned.
Egypt: In January Isma'il Pasha takes control of Egypt. Contrary to OTL he is not able to take advantage of high cotton prices caused by the ACW to fund reforms on as huge a scale as he would like.
A more steady, sustainable pace of reform is still embarked upon however and relations with the Ottoman Empire develop similarly.
April 1863:
America: After months of preparation the French invade California by sea. They capture several key positions however hold their advance near to the coast- this is purely intended to be a big diversion to the union and not a actual attempt at take over.
Britain: On a lesser note to events elsewhere, in London a ‘James Edwards’ arrives from the Indian Territory. Edwards is a Native American who is hoping to gain support for the prospect of an independent Native American nation. Edwards makes quite a impact on the London social scene as a ‘civilized injun’ marvelling those he meets with his intelligence and keen wit- more then a match for any English gentleman.
May-December 1863:
America: Things do not look good for the union. Not only are they not advancing any further but the confederates are even beginning to retake lost ground in many places and advancing well into union territory in the east.
On the 4th of July 1863 fully realising just how much things were going against the union (and with a sizeable number of occupation troops removed from their territory) the Mormons declare ‘Deseret’ to have joined the secessionist cause.
A critical blow is struck against the Union in October when Washington D.C is finally over ran by confederate forces, the US government had managed to evacuate everything northwards to Philadelphia long before hand however the moral blow remains enormous.
By the end of the year public support is defiantly beginning to turn against the war with the general companion being one let those damned southerners go.
Europe: Virtually on cue in November King Frederick VII of Denmark dies. He is replaced by Christian IX who is faced with the same constitutional difficulties as OTL and follows the same course of action.
January-February 1864:
America: The downwards trend for the union continues, and the calls for peace ring out from all corners of the country.
Europe: Saxon and Hanoverian troops march into Holstein in mid January (Somewhat later then OTL)
March-May 1864:
America: In March with British mediation a peace agreement is brokered between the United States of America and the alliance of the Confederate States of America, France and Mexico.
Many observers say that the treaty was very lenient towards the USA due to the overwhelming victory their enemies were enjoying at the time.
The treaty roughly follows France and the CSA’s agreement with:
*The CSA is recognised as an independent nation- and its secession ruled completely legal by the laws of the constitution
*Imperial Mexico recognised
*the Border States claimed by the Confederacy are to hold plebiscites to determine if they secede or remain in the union.
*The US allows Deseret to join the CSA- in practice this is most of Utah and not the full originally proposed Mormon state. There are quite a few minor border readjustments, compensation payments and other minor issues.
Europe: In Denmark and Germany events similar to those IOTL have been taking place with regards to Schleswig-Holstein.
Contrary to IOTL there is no cunning Prussian deception to trick the Danes into allowing for hostilities to be opened up and when the Germans invade Schleswig in mid March the Danes withdraw under protest. In the following weeks the situation further deteriorates without direct conflict breaking out. Eventually in April the attention of the great powers of Europe is turned to the situation and it is decided that the binding of Schleswig-Holstein no longer applies and Schleswig will remain an integral part of Denmark. Under threat of war from the United Kingdom, France and Russia the Germans grudgingly agree.
1865:
USA: Debate begins about what to do about the nation’s capital. The government has still not yet moved back to Washington D.C. many parts of which were badly damaged by the Confederate army.
Though most of the general population would like Washington restored many in the government can see the lack of wisdom in such a move- Washington’s position near to a hostile nation does not make defence of it easy.
After a lot of debate the option favoured by the majority is a construction of a new capital in a more centralised position.
1866:
Britain: Under the leadership of the ailing Lord Palmerston (he is so ill he plays very little actual part in parliament) the reform act passes in Britain. This is just a preliminary act that extends to franchise to the middle classes with a £5 householder qualification.
1867:
CSA:The issue of granting the native Americans a state out of the Indian Territory territory is finally raised, debate is long however eventually the more racist faction wins out and the Indian Territory remains a territory.
France: The mitrailleuse begins to be entered into use by the French army. Having obtained experience with modern warfare in the recent North American wars it is decided the weapon would be most useful with standard infantry and not artillery divisions.
Japan: In April the Imperial faction announce the end of the shogunate’s power in the country. The Shogun officially accepts this decision however secretly a build up of forces begins to take place. This build up continues for some time however by the end of the month it is discovered and imperial forces open hostilities.
Though better prepared then OTL the majority of the Bakufu forces are pushed steadily northwards.
By winter the Emperor’s forces securely hold Shikoku and most of Honshu apart from a few Bakufu strongholds mainly in the north east. Ezo and Kyushu remain within the hands of the Shogun however the imperial forces have yet to turn their attention onto these islands.
By the end of the year the messy situation in Japan has began to stabilise into a proper two sided war with the Shogun’s forces consolidating their grip over Ezo (Hokkaido) and northern Honshu abandoning the rest of the country to the emperor (for the time being…)
1868:
Britain: Lord Palmerston finally passes away and the leadership of the Liberal Party is very much up for debate. The position of prime minister passes to William Gladstone however Gladstone’s stance on reform and ‘resultant liberalism’ causes a huge rift in the party between the ‘reformists’ and the Whigs and ‘absolute liberals’.
In the ensuing power struggle the conservatives under the leadership of Benjamin Disraeli manage to take power and the Liberal Party splits in two: The ‘traditionalist’ majority Whig Liberal Party led John Russell and the new majority radical Progressive Party led by Gladstone. The Peelites largely ended up splitting between the two with a stronger tendency towards the progressives.
This splitting of the liberal vote leads to conservative dominance of British politics for many years to come.
Egypt: On the 7th October the Suez Canal is finally opened to traffic.
Japan: In spring the imperial forces in Japan launch a large scale offensive against the north of Honshu rapidly gaining control of the area, the shogun’s mostly medieval army standing no chance against the emperor’s modern forces.
Towards the end of the Honshu campaign realising that they are defeated if they stand alone the Bakufu faction looks abroad for aid and finds it in the guise of the French who, fresh from their victory in Mexico are interested in the possibility of adding Japan to their informal empire.
Building upon the shogunate’s previous use of French officers in modernising their army several ships from the French navy arrive in the area to support the defence of Ezo.
Several naval attacks on the island are attempted by the imperial forces however the addition of the French to the shogun’s side tilts the previously evenly balanced naval forces in his favour and no headway is made.
In October a cease fire of sorts is agreed and the ‘The Republic of Ezo’ is declared on Ezo. Both sides fully intend to fully re-conquer their ‘rightful lands’ in the future however for the immediate future a loose peace is in place.
The French sign a treaty with Ezo which puts it heavily under their sphere of influence in exchange for increased assistance in modernising their military.
Businesses from many other nations (chief amongst them the USA and the UK) also have interests in Japan however all three governments decide against interfering not wanting to risk a full scale war with France over a relatively unimportant country on the far side of the world, there are also some in the American and British camps who hope that this weakening of Japan could force the Imperials ever more into their sphere of influence.
1869:
Britain/Canada: ‘The British North America Act’ is passed granting Canada its nationhood as the Kingdom of Canada, under the terms of the act Canada is granted self rule on domestic issues and is granted 4 (1 per province) ‘honorary’ seats in the British parliament ‘so that the voice of the British citizen in the Americas may be heard’.
This act proves highly controversial in Britain with its formal tying of colonies to British parliament for the first time (even though only 1 seat per province was in fact a large compromise).
Criticism is also drawn from the colonies- many resenting how only Canada gets this right.
Another important difference in the treaty to OTL is the following of the Durham reports suggestions and the start of the steady removal of special rights granted to the French Canadians- something that is supported from all quarters of the English speaking population, both the right who want the French to assimilate ASAP and the left who believe everyone should have the same rights.
1870:
Britain/Newfoundland: As a continuation of last year's reforms Newfoundland is also granted a parliamentary seat.
CSA: The issue of a native American state rises again. This time around it is defeated fairly rapidly.
1871:
Britain: The two liberal parties temporarily put their differences aside to attempt to force through a parliamentary reform act. The act which is aimed at destroying the ‘tyranny implicit in a two party system’ intends to introduce a Single Transferable Vote system in the country.
The vote fails due to the ‘tyranny’ it is designed to stop being firmly in place with the Tories having a large majority in parliament.
1872:
Britain: In what many call a calculated move by the conservatives to keep the liberals divided (in spite of unrest within their own party) the third reform act is passed through parliament with support from the conservatives and the progressives. The act once more lowering the requirements necessary to be able to vote.
1873:
CSA: Once more the issue of statehood for the native Americans arises. The debate goes on slightly longer then that of three years earlier however it still concludes against the possibility.
Europe: France opens negotiations with the Dutch about the possible purchase of Luxembourg. The Dutch prove receptive to offloading their liability and negotiations initially go well however the Germans were far from happy about the idea of ‘the Gibraltar of the north’ falling into French hands.
With Prussia at the forefront the German Confederation makes it known that they will not tolerate the transfer of Luxembourg into French hands.
In the United Kingdom the conservative government sticks to its policy of staying out of European affairs even despite the possibility of a major war that could seriously upset the balance of power.
March 1874:
Europe: French forces invade Germany. The great fortress of Luxembourg is put under siege by limited forces which the majority of the army advances towards the Rhine hoping to secure the west bank of the river. In the south the Rhine is crossed by the French army who hope to reach the Neckar. Initial skirmishes prove promising for the French, their professional well equipped army far outmatching the mostly conscripted Germans who have yet to bring to bare their advantage: Prussian numbers.
April 1874:
Europe: After considering neglecting its obligations so as to damage Prussian power Austria declares support for its fellow Germans and enters the war.
Things continue to go well for the French who are rapidly achieving their goals.
May 1874:
Europe: The first major setbacks for the French with large Austrian led German forces engaging them in the south forcing a steady retreat back towards the Rhine here.
Japan: Seeing French interest distracted by far more important matters in Europe Imperial Japan restarts the Japanese civil war and invades Ezo. The initial sea battles go very well for Japan with its larger British based navy decisively defeating the small force of rag tag hand-me-downs Ezo can muster. The land invasion however does not go quite so well; Ezo has spent the last five years very well in the modernisation of their army and resistance is fierce.
June 1874:
Europe: A secret agreement having been made prior to the war concerning Austria’s entry Italy invades the Austrian empire to liberate the Italians still under German oppression. The Italian army advances into Venetia where in spite of much of the local population supporting the removal of the Germans Austrian resistance is heavy.
Large portions of the Austrian army in the north are forced to return home allowing for the French forces to stop their retreat and counter-attack. In the north France has gained most of the west bank of the Rhine with the only hope for the Germans seeming to be several cities with decent fortifications forcing the French into a siege.
July 1874:
Europe: Despite heavy fighting Italian forces push on through Austrian Italy. Small amounts of the French army begin arrive in Italy to lend their experience to the Italians who the French leadership do not believe are operating up to scratch.
In a series of minor battles the Austrian navy is effectively destroyed by combined Italian and French forces.
Britain: In Britain the government is becoming deeply unpopular due to its hands off approach leading to what looks set to be an enormous French victory. The British government actively begins looking for a solution to the conflict in Europe.
August 1874:
Europe: A major German offensive in an attempt to relieve the siege of Koblenz meets with much success pushing back the French forces in the area and managing to reclaim a relatively large part of the west bank before meeting stiffer resistance.
In the south however things begin to unravel for the Germans with Venice finally falling into Italian hands and Austrian forces being pushed right back to the mountains where they desperately try to fight an organised retreat back into German lands.
Having secured Venetia the Italians continue their attack into Kustenland and Trento in the hope of liberating these ‘rightful parts of Italy’ too. Little progress comes from this attack with the Alps standing as perfect natural defences.
Simultaneously to support the war effort minor amphibious landings are made to seize key positions in Dalmatia, this does meet with more substantial success and several towns are gained.
Japan: The Ezo Republic is finally brought to an end with the fall of the fortress of Goryokaku to imperial forces. Much of its leadership decide to kill themselves rather then face the dishonour of capture by the imperials. Many however escape abroad swearing to return to reclaim their land one day, in the years that follow large numbers of the general population (many of whom had originally emigrated to Ezo from mainland Japan over the years of the republic’s existence) also leave Japan, the favoured destination for these Japanese emigrants is Oregon.
October-December 1874:
Europe: In October the Italians withdraw from Dalmatia in the face of massive Austrian reinforcements bringing the Austro-Italian front to a virtual stalemate in the mountains.
In the Rhineland however heavy fighting continues with things eventually turning slightly in the favour of the French.
January-February 1875:
Europe: In mid-January Luxembourg finally falls to the French. Over much of the period there is little fighting going on with winter forcing both armies to stay dug into their bases of operations. In late February however a massive German assault is launched that rapidly pushes back the unprepared French forces
March-May 1875:
Europe: Though the front against the Italians is holding steady the Austrian empire begins to see large scale civil unrest particularly amongst its Magyar population- the simmering Hungarian nationalism that has been building for decades finally being pushed to boiling point with the heavy war taxes levied upon the peoples of the empire.
Though initially just civil unrest amongst the urban areas of Hungary it rapidly grows into a full scale rebellion spreading to the Slavic populations of the empire.
The Italians attempt to take advantage of the unrest in Austria with a major offensive at the end of April however the German defenders hold steady even despite the depletion of their forces to quell the rebellion.
Of particular concern to the British people is the increasing Russian interest in the 'plight of their fellow Slavs' and the increasing likelihood of Russian intervention against the Germans.
In the Rhineland things continue to lean in the favour of the French with the German forces being steadily pushed back towards the river once more.
[Ottoman Empire: [/b] In March the sultan Abdul Aziz is deposed in a military coup and replaced by his nephew Murad V. Abdul Aziz is imprisoned however not long after the coup loyalists rescue the former sultan and escape to Anatolia with him. The dissidents are soon caught and killed however leaving Murad secure in his position as Sultan. A liberal constitution is soon set in place effectively turning the empire into a constitutional monarchy with (theoretically) equal rights for all its peoples.
June 1875:
Europe: Then French too being increasingly worried about the possibility of Russia claiming vast swathes of Eastern Europe for their own grudgingly agree to British proposals for mediation of a peace treaty.
The Treaty of Almelo (named after the Dutch city in which the meeting took place) is signed on the 15th of the month. By the terms of the treaty Venetia is seceded to Italy. Luxembourg goes to France (in exchange for monetary concessions being paid to the Dutch), as well as the Saarland and part of the Palatinate.
The treaty proves deeply unpopular in northern Germany especially in Prussia- the humiliation of defeat not being bad enough, the fact that they were not actually fully defeated brings discontent from all quarters of society even though who realised the likelihood of a imminent Russian invasion.
August 1875:
Austria: The main bulk of the Hungarian rebellion is finally defeated by Austrian forces with most of its leaders tried and executed for treason. Many of the rebels however manage to escape overseas.
1876:
Britain: 1876 proves not to be a good year for the conservative party. Already suffering declining popularity due to its perceived failure over the Franco-German war its attempts to postpone a general election as long as possible leads to massed discontent amongst its members and several defections to the liberals.
When the election does take place it proves a disaster, the conservatives do manage to remain in power however their expansion of the franchise into the poorer reaches of society and the bad press that have suffered of late drastically reduces their majority with the liberals and progressives both making enormous gains- to such a extent that the two liberal parties would actually have a majority if they united. A coalition of liberals does not occur however with the Liberal party placing more stock in its right wing beliefs then those of free trade.
1877:
Britain: After a grand speech from William Gladstone emphasising Britain's role as the defenders of freedom the liberals put aside their differences to once more attempt to pass through a STV system. The bill passes through the commons however is blocked by the more traditionalist Lords.
Also in parliament this year is the passing of the private ballots act- much as in OTL it is introduced due to the belief that the poorer people now able to vote are susceptible to bribery and intimidation- a belief which since their recent defeats has rapidly grown amongst the conservatives almost to the extent of directly blaming the Progressives of rigging the election.
1879:
Britain: With most of the outspoken opponents of extending the franchise having defected to the Liberals several years ago a Conservative and Progressive alliance once more pushes through another reform act reducing the franchise requirements even more.
1880:
Britain: The previous year's reforms prove to have backfired on the Conservatives with their loss in this years general election. Though they succeeded in reducing support for the Liberals (the past alliance of upper and working classes against the middle classes being well and truly a thing of the past) the Progressives gain greatly from the poor's ability to vote and William Gladstone becomes the new prime minister of the United Kingdom.
The new government once more attempts to implement a STV system, it passes through the commons easier then ever before (even some conservatives voting in favour of it now they are out of power) however once more the Lord's defeat it. A appeal is made to the queen to make more left leaning peers, though initially she is reluctant prince Albert convinces her it would be for the good of the people.
February 1882:
CSA: The issue of a native American state in the Indian Territory arises for the fourth time and once again it is defeated, this time however the inhabitants of the Indian Territories are prepared and they will not take no for a answer.
Soon after news on the congress’ decision reaches the Native Americans an ultimatum is sent out demanding statehood or else they would secede.
The CSA rebuffs their demands and discretely dispatches substantial troop numbers to the area, it does not entirely believe the native Americans will go through with their threat however remains cautious all the same.
On the 27th of February The United Indian Peoples declares its independence under its westernised Cherokee president James Edwards.
March 1882:
America: The first shots of the war are fired early in the month with government property in the Indian Territory and loyalist settlements being seized by rebel forces. Initial fears amongst white settlers in the area of the savages being on the rampage quickly prove unfounded with the bare minimum of civilian casualties occurring.
The native Americans in the Indian Territories do not all agree with the uprising however and many declare their allegiance to the government such as many of the Shawnee.
Upon prior agreement the United States is quick to recognise the independence of the new nation and begin to channel aid towards it. Despite many calling for direct intervention they decide not to follow such a drastic course of action- the CSA seems a much more powerful nation these days then that which had seceded two decades ago and the fear of French intervention is overriding.
The British though officially neutral to the conflict choose to subtly aid the natives via the USA.
France: On a unrelated matter to events elsewhere in the world Benjamin Roy makes the first powered flight in Normandy. It attracts significant attention from newspapers from all around Europe and subsequent flights are soon to take place with the design of the flying machine being rapidly refined.
April 1882:
America: Throughout much of the Confederacy a backlash against native Americans takes place even though many tribes had nothing to do with the rebellion. This pushes many native Americans onto the side of the UIP with sporadic guerilla campaigns starting up all over the country.
May-June 1882:
America: Battle wages between the rebel native American’s and the Confederate government forces. The natives with their years of preparation and US aid exceed all expectations and are rapidly able to secure the Indian Territory and even expand into Texas- finding allies in the Comanche and other tribes of the region who have suffered greatly at the hands of white settlers.
Attempts to advance into Arkansas do not meet with the same success however still have a major impact.
July 1882
America: The Navajo decide to use the impetus established by the tribes in the east to rise up and attempt to establish their formal independence.
This uprising proves to be just in the nick of time as far as the UIP is concerned as it is also in July that they begin to suffer their first major defeats on the battlefield and are steadily pushed back towards their core territories.
On the 29th of July the United States formally enters the war confident that French neutrality has been assured (and Britain promising to intervene should the French threaten to enter the war)
August-September 1882:
America: The United States' invasion of the Confederacy goes far better then they could have possibly hoped for with massive gains on all fronts.
In the west the only ground the CSA still holds is in parts Deseret where the defenders fight the invaders with everything they can- even after the defeat of regular forces guerilla fighters continue to be a major menace.
In the east large inroads are made into the northernmost states of the Confederacy and in the UIP the bolstering of the rebel lines allows for a counter-attack pushing the front line back in the Confederacy.
The naval campaign is not quite so successful for the US with the modern, well equipped navies of both sides each securing some minor victories.
October 1882-January 1883:
America: In the face of the US assault into Texas from the west and north the Confederate military makes the decision to virtually abandon most of the state in mid October so as to 'live to fight another day'. Tactically the withdrawal eastward goes well and the joint USA/UIP advance begins to stall somewhat however the Confederacy is still well and truly on the defensive and even a draw is often as good as a loss as far as they are concerned.
At sea however the superior numbers of the US navy is beginning to have a impact.
The abandoning of Texas in favour of what is seen as 'defending the CSA proper' is (quite obviously) not a well regarded move in the Lone Star State and coupled with the suffering it endures under 'Yankee/Injun' oppression (mostly brought on as a result of guerilla fighters) creates a genuine large-scale resentment for the Confederacy in Texas.
February 1883:
b]America:[/b] The US advance into the CSA once more picks up pace with a series of crushing victories across the nation resulting in much of the northern and westernmost states being totally overran.
March 1883:
America: The second CS-US war comes to a end with a peace treaty signed between the warring states with French and British 'observation'. Though many in the US push for a total annexation of the CSA- seeing the war as nothing more then a continuation of the first war in which the Confederacy unlawfully seceded. Foreign influence ,cooler heads within the US and then fact that the Confederacy would still have quite a lot of fight in it if its survival was at stake quash such viewpoints.
Also called for from many sectors chief amongst which is the British is the demand that the Confederacy abolishes slavery. This is proposed at first however the Confederate diplomats make clear that such a move would be treat by their nation as bad as a attempt at total annexation. Eventually a compromise is reached much to the disdain of the Confederates whereby the slave trade is outlawed however.
Territory wise the US annexes the territories of New Mexico and Arizona as well as the state of Deseret- most of the Christian world (including many within the Confederacy) being happy to see the end of the Mormon nation.
Several small scale border readjustments are also made amongst the eastern states- nowhere near as many as most American citizens would have liked however.
The citizens of Texas suffer another affront from the Confederacy in the peace treaty when they are required to give a relatively large amount of their territory including the pan handle to the US and the newly recognised United Indian Peoples.
April-December 1883:
America: As a matter of course not long after the war is over the UIP abolishes slavery. Even though many (particularly the slaves and slave holders themselves) see this as a action undertaken at the 'request' of the United States and the United Kingdom in fact it has several sound economic reasons- slavery not being as big a part of the economy in the area as in the Confederate States, slavery becoming increasingly uneconomic, the influx of native Americans immigrants from elsewhere looking for work, etc...
In Deseret the loss of their status as a independent state of the Confederacy does not go down well and the guerilla campaign against the US occupiers continues. Though eventually the largest bands of former Confederate military soldiers are eventually stopped constant uprisings in the area will continue to be a major problem for years to come.
Rapidly realising their chances of becoming a fully independent people (and being able to prosper as such) is degrading the Navajo attempt to have their unrecognised nation in Arizona and New Mexico become a state of the United States. Their attempts remain largely ignored by the government as a whole almost prompting a armed uprising amongst the riled up Navajo (many of whom did not actually see much fighting during their breakaway from the Confederacy) however they eventually are convinced to wait until the post-war upheaval is settled down and the area is firmly under US control.
1884:
America: Things having settled down after the war the US attempts to get the UIP to join them as a full state. This proposal attracts great support from many in the former Indian territory as it is after all what they wished for to begin with and ensures their future stability and prosperity.
The government of the UIP decides against such a action however preferring to remain independent- the fledgling nation having begun to attract enormous interest (and subsequently investment) from abroad.
In the United States too the move was not universally popular with people from many different sections of the political spectrum disagreeing with it: the anti-imperialists who see it as nothing but a attempt to expand American territory,the racists who like their southern brethren do not want the native Americans being put on equal footing to whites and even many capitalists who see the potential in this small, friendly independent state next to, but not part of the USA.
Mainly under the influence of the latter group the proposal quietly slips off the political agenda.
1887:
America: Texas institutes its right as a state to secede from the Confederacy peacefully.
Many doubt the wisdom of this move- the Confederacy together couldn't stop the Union so Texas alone would stand no chance in a future conflict however the fact that the Confederacy didn't even try to defend Texas is still a major point of annoyance to many Texans.
The leaders of the secession movement (mostly capitalists) however see the future safety and freedom of their land in neutrality and friendship to the United Kingdom.
1889:
Mexico: On the 16th of November the Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico passes away and his adopted son Agusten II takes the throne.
This sparks off a dramatic resurgence of Republican rebellion- the biggest impact coming in the north with rebels based in American territory.
February 1890:
Mexico: The Otero affair- Mexican government soldiers perusing rebel forces inadvertently cross into New Mexico where they become entangled in a fight with US citizens (who most likely were part of the rebel group themselves) killing 25 before realising their mistake and withdrawing.
Though the US had officially been working to stop the cross-border criminals in reality they all but encouraged the rebels and this invasion of their territory proves the perfect excuse for them to declare war on Mexico.
The French are soon to make preparations for a formal declaration of war on the United States and the dispatch of more of their military to Mexico however the British also have a keen interest in events in the Americas- they have never been happy with the French influence over Mexico and this chance is too big to let go. British and French diplomats work frantically to try and avoid a war however neither side will budge from their position.
It is Britain which eventually makes the declaration- Gladstone decreeing that it is acting for the freedom of the Mexican people and the defence against tyranny.
Britain is quick to seize French India and the remains of French 'Canada'.
March 1890:
Europe: The war between the French and British rapidly picks up pace with a large-scale naval clash in the western mouth of the channel opening the month. Due to poor visibility and well armoured ships on both sides both claim the battle to have been a great victory sinking several enemy ships whilst suffering a bare minimum of damage and crew casualties themselves.
The American invasion of Mexico does not go as well as hoped- the Americans having gravely underestimated the fighting capacity of the Mexican army who, after decades of fighting rebels utilising French training and equipment have managed to grow into a competent fighting force.
The American offensive meets with little success outside of Baja California where with navy assistance the US army is able to seize a seizable amount of the peninsula.
April-May 1890:
Europe: The war continues (not done yet)
June 1890:
Europe: The battle of Veracruz takes place on the 8/6/1889. A joint British/American fleet attacks the bulk of the French fleet in the Americas trapped in the port of Veracruz. The attack does not go entirely according to plan however with the effectiveness of shore batteries against ships being gravely underestimated leading to the loss of many vessels.
Despite the enormous losses suffered the fleet presses on regardless however and serious damage is inflicted upon the French fleet.