A World Without America(IC)

[Shrillland]

OOC Thread: http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=232382


December 16, 1773
Boston, Massachusetts Bay Colony

A crowd had gathered at the Quay of Boston Harbour. They were enraged, impatient, and were now about to take a form of action that would send King George and his Parliament a lesson in not listening to their subjects. It was led by a man named Samuel Adams, dressed like the savage Indian tribes to the west, boarding a vessel owned by the East India Company full of tea that would have heavy taxes levied upon it; the latest attempt from Britain to tax it's colonies in America.

This had been a way of life for the Americans for 10 years now, taxation without representation along with Parliament's declaration in the Declaratory Act that they would govern the colonies themselves. From the Sugar Act, to the Stamp Act, the Currency Act, the first Quartering Act, the Townshend Acts, and then the Tea Act, there had been a tug-of-war between London and the Colonies for a long time now. And now with the Tea Act, the Colonists had had enough. Tonight, the Sons of Liberty led by Samuel Adams were dressed like the Savages and had now dumped £10,000 worth of Tea into the sea, tarring and feathering captains and East India officials on the ships. This Act of violence, called the Boston Tea Party, and followed by other smaller Tea Parties, was the beginning of a violent conflict where the Americans would try to show Britain that they would not be pushed around.

[Ruridova]

Tensions had been boiling over for years now, between the Kingdom of Great Britain and the thirteen distant colonies. The war on the verge of breaking had begun many years ago. The American colonies, used to being independent of Britain in all but name, largely self-capable, had been forced to rely on the United Kingdom during the French and Indian War. Now the UK was demanding the Americans pay taxes for their war, and that they be less isolated, in a sense, from the woes of London.
The American colonists would have none of it. Not after the passages of so many cruel and unreasonable acts- the Proclamation of 1763, the Quartering Act, the Sugar Act, the Stamp Act, the Declaratory Act, the Townshend Acts, and now the Tea Act- particularly when America had no representation across the Atlantic in Parliament. For many men it was infuriating. Slowly men like Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, Thomas Paine, Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry, and John Hancock were becoming mainstream thinkers.

Thus the leadership of the colonies had decreed to call a Continental Convention for the Representatives of all Thirteen Colonies, from Massachusetts to Georgia, to discuss the increasing divide between colony and homeland. Most of the attendees were for the total independence of the 13 American Colonies, and the liberation of Vermont and Canada, however it was as of yet unknown.
At the same time, a rival Colonial Convention of those seeking reconciliation with Great Britain and the King is formed in Charleston, South Carolina.


The fate of a continent now hangs in the balance.


OoC:
Claimed territories of the Thirteen Colonies(Georgia, North and South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts).*
* New York lays claim to Vermont, but exerts no effective control. In addition territories beyond the 1763 Proclamation Line are not under effective governmental control.

[Occeania]

Several Vermont mayors and community leaders have gathered in Essex, Vermont and have drafted a Decleration of Independence, several men were then sent out on horses to deliver word to towns across the province to tell people that Vermont was independent now and as the majority of people support independence they would recommend militias rally up for defense of the new nation.

Meanwhile a mob was led to the British Governors home to sack it.

[United Provinces of Atlantica]

When Empress Maria Theresa heard about this new war, she was not surprised. "With all those new taxes, the Colonists surely would have started a rebellion. The Holy Roman Empire shall remain neutral until there is a direct attack on our country, or one of the sides promises to make our country strong and large again like it was 700 years ago, but first they must demonstrate that they really are good at making empires like ours great again."

[Ruridova]

Charleston, South Carolina

An official document from the Colonial Convention, the Olive Branch Petition, proposes that the taxes be kept in place and that the colonies be given representation to preserve peace. It is mailed across the colonies and sent to King George III and Parliament.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Continental Convention waits anxiously to see if the Olive Branch Petition will succeed, or if they will need to continue work on separating the colonies and Great Britain.

All the delegates to the Continental Convention have arrived. Among them are John and Samuel Adams, Thomas Paine, Roger Sherman, John Jay, Caesar Rodney, Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, Peyton Randolph, George Washington, John Hancock, James Madison, and Benedict Arnold. Hancock is elected to be the President of the convention. Should war break out, former redcoat George Washington will become Commander of the Continental Army. Thomas Jefferson is selected to write any major documents coming out of the Convention.

[Unicario]

December 1773
Edo, Empire of Japan

Edo was considered by many as the "Gem of the East", being the capital of one of the strongest empires in the Far East, Japan. But Japan did not become such without the help of Europe. Japan had been discovered by the Europeans in the 16th century, and through a fortunate chain of events, the Spanish fleet who attempted to invade Japan in the 16th century was sunk by natural forces, and the much kinder British and Prussians arrived, carrying their western ways.

Japan had a constitution and government established, and the formally turn around came in 1600, when the Empire was unified. By 1773, Japan's empire now spanned from her own Home Islands, to the Sakhalin and Kurils, to Korea, Taiwan and the Philippines.

Empress Akiko stood quietly in her traditional kimono, watching the sunrise over Edo. She smiled a bit and said to Admiral Yoshiro, who stood beside her expectantly, "I do wonder what lies to the East. I've heard rumors of lands of wealth, already divided amongst Europeans... what fun would it be to throw ourselves into the ring?"

Yoshiro said, "Yes, your Imperial Majesty, that sounds good."

She nodded and said, "The Merchant Row in Edo is an example to be beheld, so I would like you to send merchants to trade in our British friends colonies."

Yoshiro nodded and said, "It shall be done." He turned on his heel and left the Empress to watch the sunrise. She let out a quiet sigh.

[Shrillland]

March 14, 1774
St. James' Palace
London

King George III was absolutely livid. The news of the Tea Party in Boston sent shockwaves of rage throughout the nation. The Prime Minister, Lord North had already established several major Acts in response, known as "Intolerable" Acts., including the closure of Boston Harbour until the £10,000 was paid back, a new Quartering Act forcing people to house Soldiers in their homes, restricting free Assembly In Massachusetts, and telling the Colonies that soldiers would be tried in Britain rather than Massachusetts. And now news arrived of a "Continental Congress" that might try to separate the Empire in America from Britain. That was unacceptable to him. As for the Olive Branch Petition, it had not yet arrived on Lord Dartmouth's(The Colonial Secretary) desk. And King George as a result told Lord North:
"These rebel Americans are unrepentant and truculent. Send this message to them."

And so the American Colonial Secretary in the name of the King declared the Colonies in rebellion.

[Joshulia]

King Louis set down the roll of parchment that stated the war had finally begun. He was happy. Giddy in fact! Those British were finally in uncharted territory! He would have done a jig in his younger years, but alas he was far to old for that. He stood from his throne and left the room. He walked through his palace and into his study. He opened his finest bottle of cider. Not his first choice but his healer had insisted. He then set about putting a plan into action. A plan crafted through years of meticulous planning some of the most brilliant minds in the world, including Benjamin Franklin. He drafted five letters, each saying the same thing.

The great and powerful kingdom of France extends an invitation for a summit meeting to the great ------ in our lush capitol, Paris, to discuss the future of the world between the most powerful nations of the world.

Signed, King Louis XIV

He then called his fastest courier to deliver the messages to the Holy Roman Empire, Prussia, Russia, China, and Japan. Then he sat back, smiling, in his chair.

[Ruridova]

March 14, 1774
St. James' Palace
London

King George III was absolutely livid. The news of the Tea Party in Boston sent shockwaves of rage throughout the nation. The Prime Minister, Lord North had already established several major Acts in response, known as "Intolerable" Acts., including the closure of Boston Harbour until the £10,000 was paid back, a new Quartering Act forcing people to house Soldiers in their homes, restricting free Assembly In Massachusetts, and telling the Colonies that soldiers would be tried in Britain rather than Massachusetts. And now news arrived of a "Continental Congress" that might try to separate the Empire in America from Britain. That was unacceptable to him. As for the Olive Branch Petition, it had not yet arrived on Lord Dartmouth's(The Colonial Secretary) desk. And King George as a result told Lord North:
"These rebel Americans are unrepentant and truculent. Send this message to them."

And so the American Colonial Secretary in the name of the King declared the Colonies in rebellion.

A week or so later
Independence Hall(formerly the State House)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The passage of the Intolerable Acts was, well, intolerable. Open riots erupted, loyalists and redcoats were tarred and feathered or even lynched, and the hope for peace dimmed even farther. Even though no response had been given to its petition, the Colonial Convention disbanded, sure that any other attempts were now sure to fail.

In response to the declaration that the colonies were in rebellion, the Continental Convention declared that all militias in the Colonies were now members of the Continental Army and under the command of George Washington. In addition, various generals were sent to manage different sections of the colonies: George Washington the New England Colonies(Mass., Conn., R.I., New Hamp.), Benedict Arnold the Middle Atlantic Colonies(N. York, Penn., Delaware, N. Jersey), Richard Montgomery the Middle Southern Colonies(Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina), and Philip Schuyler the Far Southern Colonies(South Carolina, Georgia).

[Bojikami]

Bejing, China

Emperor Ming rose from his bed. He opened his chamber door and nodded to his guards who straightened up in his presence. He quickly got dressed and peered out his window. Bejing was a proud city, part of an even prouder country. China may have not had the strongest military presence but it did have a flourishing culture and patriotic citizens.

Ming went to go check in on his advisors, see what issues faced China today. Zhen Hsia, his brother, told him of a small insurrection that had sprung up overnight. Though it was quickly put down, this worried Ming. What did this mean? What were these rebels trying to achieve? What were their goals? Ming sighed and kept walking into his office, where he composed a letter to the Empress of Japan.

Dear Empress Akiko of Japan,

I write you this letter in hopes for better friendship between our two proud empires. As you know, China is a land based Empire which has no interests into expanding into the Pacific, which we view to be your territory. I humbly seek trade and perhaps an alliance between our two empires, the mightiest in Asia.

[New Panti]

THE IMPERIAL PALACE, BERLIN
King Fredrick held up two letters as his aide, Johann, spoke to him about the developing situation in the New World. "The colonies have rebelled! Our ally, Britain, requires aid in putting this rebellion down quickly! We must send soldiers to assist them!" Johann spoke as the King read a letter from the King of France. "Very well. Send a detachment of five thousand of our best troops under the command of Colonel Johann Rall to assist the British. Also, King Louis has invited me to Paris for a summit of some sort! I ask that you go in my place, as I am a very busy man." Johann looked dumbfounded, and gingerly responded "Yes, my liege." before leaving the room.

[Ruridova]

A message from the President of the Continental Convention, John Hancock
from Independence Hall in Philadephia

to Spain, France, Vermont, Russia, Prussia, the Holy Roman Empire, Japan, and China

I come before you most humbly to ask you to aid the people of the American Colonies that I represent in throwing off the oppressive, burdensome yoke of the tyrannical rule of His Britannic "Majesty", King George the Third of House Hanover. His rule has been nothing but suffering for us, and he treats us worse and worse each passing day. I am determined, along with the citizens of America that I represent, to determine the fate of my homeland for myself. The British government is one without scruples or morals, and if we are not allowed our rights then they may very well next arrive at your nation to rob you of yours and make your homeland into yet another nation they could ruthlessly oppress.
We are currently in the midst of drafting a declaration of independence from his tyrannical regime, and we have already begun to fight with our lives and fortunes to protect all we hold dear. I ask humbly thus that you aid us in ending the tyrannies of George the Third and thus quite possibly saving your own homelands.

My thanks in advance, and with them the thanks of the Thirteen Colonies of America.

Signed,

[Bojikami]

Dear John Hancock,

As much as I would love to assist you, I am afraid my hands are tied here. We can however send you guns and ammunition. But, If we see a decline in either the power of Britain or if we suddenly get more powerful militarily, we will send soldiers, boats, etc.

Signed,


Emperor Ming, Empire of China

[United Provinces of Atlantica]

A message from the President of the Continental Convention, John Hancock
from Independence Hall in Philadephia

to Spain, France, Vermont, Russia, Prussia, the Holy Roman Empire, Japan, and China

I come before you most humbly to ask you to aid the people of the American Colonies that I represent in throwing off the oppressive, burdensome yoke of the tyrannical rule of His Britannic "Majesty", King George the Third of House Hanover. His rule has been nothing but suffering for us, and he treats us worse and worse each passing day. I am determined, along with the citizens of America that I represent, to determine the fate of my homeland for myself. The British government is one without scruples or morals, and if we are not allowed our rights then they may very well next arrive at your nation to rob you of yours and make your homeland into yet another nation they could ruthlessly oppress.
We are currently in the midst of drafting a declaration of independence from his tyrannical regime, and we have already begun to fight with our lives and fortunes to protect all we hold dear. I ask humbly thus that you aid us in ending the tyrannies of George the Third and thus quite possibly saving your own homelands.

My thanks in advance, and with them the thanks of the Thirteen Colonies of America.

Signed,
(Image)

The Empress has decided that since their ally, France was supporting the colonists and their enemy, Prussia, was supporting the British, that they would support the Colonists. We are also reminding the King that the Electorate of Hanover was part of the Holy Roman Empire and, that if they did not support the Colonists, they would no longer be able to help elect the Holy Roman Emperor and that the much bigger Holy Roman Army would see to the Electorate of Hanover and MAKE SURE that there would no longer be a George III.

[Ruridova]

Dear John Hancock,

As much as I would love to assist you, I am afraid my hands are tied here. We can however send you guns and ammunition. But, If we see a decline in either the power of Britain or if we suddenly get more powerful militarily, we will send soldiers, boats, etc.

Signed,

(Image)
Emperor Ming, Empire of China

A message from the President of the Continental Convention, John Hancock
from Independence Hall in Philadephia

to Emperor Ming of the Chinese

I would be most glad to receive any aid you can send, although transport from China to America will undoubtedly be lengthy, and probably troublesome. However, we will accept such aid regardless.

Signed,

A message from the President of the Continental Convention, John Hancock
from Independence Hall in Philadephia

to Spain, France, Vermont, Russia, Prussia, the Holy Roman Empire, Japan, and China

I come before you most humbly to ask you to aid the people of the American Colonies that I represent in throwing off the oppressive, burdensome yoke of the tyrannical rule of His Britannic "Majesty", King George the Third of House Hanover. His rule has been nothing but suffering for us, and he treats us worse and worse each passing day. I am determined, along with the citizens of America that I represent, to determine the fate of my homeland for myself. The British government is one without scruples or morals, and if we are not allowed our rights then they may very well next arrive at your nation to rob you of yours and make your homeland into yet another nation they could ruthlessly oppress.
We are currently in the midst of drafting a declaration of independence from his tyrannical regime, and we have already begun to fight with our lives and fortunes to protect all we hold dear. I ask humbly thus that you aid us in ending the tyrannies of George the Third and thus quite possibly saving your own homelands.

My thanks in advance, and with them the thanks of the Thirteen Colonies of America.

Signed,
(Image)

The Empress has decided that since their ally, France was supporting the colonists and their enemy, Prussia, was supporting the British, that they would support the Colonists. We are also reminding the King that the Electorate of Hanover was part of the Holy Roman Empire and, that if they did not support the Colonists, they would no longer be able to help elect the Holy Roman Emperor and that the much bigger Holy Roman Army would see to the Electorate of Hanover and MAKE SURE that there would no longer be a George III.

The American colonies sincerely thank Empress Maria Theresa for her show of bold support towards the Colonies.

[New Panti]

King Frederick needed not to respond to the letter from Hancock, seeing as though troops were already on their way to the Americas. What he did need to respond to was the mobilization of his enemies against the British. He was planning and soon had devised a plan to make sure that his enemies would not support the Americans.

[United Provinces of Atlantica]

King Frederick needed not to respond to the letter from Hancock, seeing as though troops were already on their way to the Americas. What he did to respond to was the mobilization of his enemies against the British. He was planning and soon had devised a plan to make sure that his enemies would not support the Americans.

Our statement to the new issue was this, and only this: We will only support the British is you pay the highest price, and the highest price will not be revealed, for I think you know it already.

And by the way, Holy Roman ships were already on their way to America to help the Colonists.

[New Panti]

King Frederick needed not to respond to the letter from Hancock, seeing as though troops were already on their way to the Americas. What he did to respond to was the mobilization of his enemies against the British. He was planning and soon had devised a plan to make sure that his enemies would not support the Americans.

Our statement to the new issue was this, and only this: We will only support the British is you pay the highest price, and the highest price will not be revealed, for I think you know it already.

And by the way, Holy Roman ships were already on their way to America to help the Colonists.

Prussia responds by saying the people of Prussia would rather die than work with their sworn enemies.
PRAGUE, BOHEMIA, JANUARY 2, 1774
There was a light layer of snow on the ground as Prussian soldiers marched through a forest road in the night. By the time the sun peaked over the horizon, the Prussians were already outside the city, and were nearly done setting up for the assault. Soldiers marched towards the city, barely visible in the dark field. Suddenly, a command rang out in the Prussian camp near the line of cannons, so sudden and loud, it made even hardened soldiers jump with suprise: "FIRE!" The cannons roared, spitting out fire and iron towards the city. Most of the shots were concentrated on one area, creating a breach in the wall. A breach which the soldiers quickly began charging towards.

[United Provinces of Atlantica]

Our statement to the new issue was this, and only this: We will only support the British is you pay the highest price, and the highest price will not be revealed, for I think you know it already.

And by the way, Holy Roman ships were already on their way to America to help the Colonists.

Prussia responds by saying the people of Prussia would rather die than work with their sworn enemies.
PRAGUE, BOHEMIA, JANUARY 2, 1774
There was a light layer of snow on the ground as Prussian soldiers marched through a forest road in the night. By the time the sun peaked over the horizon, the Prussians were already outside the city, and were nearly done setting up for the assault. Soldiers marched towards the city, barely visible in the dark field. Suddenly, a command rang out in the Prussian camp near the line of cannons, so sudden and loud, it made even hardened soldiers jump with suprise: "FIRE!" The cannons roared, spitting out fire and iron towards the city. Most of the shots were concentrated on one area, creating a breach in the wall. A breach which the soldiers quickly began charging towards.

The Bohemians at the city heard the fires, so they prepared to die. Word spread quickly through the Empire, so they sent much of the Imperial Army, and 1 other person. The soldiers were prepared to either win, or die fighting. Duke Matthias von Papen, the commander of the forces decided to use a hit-and-run strategy. Von Papen and his forces begin to start to help defend Prague and the rest of Bohemia.

[Al-Quarra]

After Catherine II the Great established peace on the borders she started to look for expansion elsewhere.
Then her eye fell upon America.
Russia's only colony there was Alaska, wich was mostly one big wasteland...
Catherine sended out 50.000 troops that would sail past Canada and would land as soon as they passed French speaking land, there they would invade.
Also she sended a diplomat to France to estabilsh an alliance between the two nations.

To: France

Russia is intrested in an alliance between our nations.
This would increase our trade and ensures the safety of our borders.

Greetings, Catherine

[Bojikami]

Dear Louis XIV,

I would be delighted to attend this meeting of nations, seeing it as a way to expand China's allies and friends out of Asia and into Europe.

From,

Emperor Ming, Chinese Empire

[Al-Quarra]

To: Louis XIV

Russia will send an envoy to the meeting, we hope we can reach an agreement for a better world.

Signed by, Catherine II the Great

[United Provinces of Atlantica]

Dear Louis XIV,

I would be very delighted to attend the meeting, as I see it would be a good way to gather allies to defend the Holy Roman Empire against the Prussians' attack on Bohemia.

Sincerely,


Maria Theresa, Holy Roman Empress

[Shrillland]

March 30, 1774
St. James' Palace
London

The Olive Branch Petition had finally arrived in London, but by now of course, it was too late to do anything, even if he wanted to. Parliament was enraged at American conduct, and to just call it of a week after the Proclamation of Rebellion would be ridiculous. And meanwhile France was now purported to be sending Arms and allying herself with the Russian Empire, Austria was sending ships to help the colonists and threatening Hanover's right to pick the Emperor,and though he did not know it, as news traveled slow in those bygone days, China would be sending arms as well.

On the other hand, Frederick the Great had given his support to the Empire and had already invaded Bohemia, and now Britain was sending an envoy to the neighbouring Landgraviate of Hesse-Kassel to hire their soldiers as mercenaries in case the early fighting that would soon ensure did not end well. He now sent orders to two men of note, Soldiers of import that knew the Colonies well, for one had served there in the Seven Years' War, and another had connections to a well known man who was now betraying the Empire. General Sir William Howe and his Brother, Admiral Lord Howe.

To General Sir William Howe MP and Admiral Lord Richard Howe:

You are responsible for eliminating all rebels that are trying to disrupt the British Empire and declare "independence". You will be sent to Boston in Massachusetts Bay Colony at once with a force of 5,000 men to stop this growing problem before it gets out of hand. You may choose which commanders you wish to take with you and you nay be assured that you will have my support in whatever endeavours you deem necessary in this conflict. A smaller force will join with you from Nova Scotia upon your arrival. Every good wish.

Yours faithfully,
George III,
King of Great Britain, King of Ireland, King of France, Defender of the Faith

At the same time he sent a letter to the Canadian Commander-in-chief and Governor of Quebec, newly expanded by the recently passed Quebec Act, which restored French civil law, the French Language, and recognized Catholicism as a valid religion in the territory:

To Major General Sir Guy Carleton:

As you are aware by now the rebels to your south are now trying to destroy the natural order of things and declare "independence". A force has been dispatched from London to deal with the problem and will arriving In Boston hopefully next month. In the meantime, I want you to call up as many soldiers as you can to sail from Halifax to assist General and Admiral Howe in their task, without of course compromising the security of our Canadian Colonies. No doubt the Americans will try to stir up trouble in your regions, particularly in Quebec with the aid of Vermont. But Vermont's treachery we will deal with in due time. These United Colonies are the far greater foe, and must be punished. You will have my support in any action you deem necessary.

Yours Faithfully,
George III,
King of Great Britain, King of Ireland, King of France, Defender of the Faith

He did not yet send a letter to Empress Akiko in Japan, confident that Britain and Prussia, and hopefully the Hessians as well, would be enough to end this malaise that gripped America.

[Unicario]

March 30, 1774

Responses were penned.

To: Ming Emperor
From: Empress Akiko, Japan

Your Majesty,

The Empire of Japan definitely would like to be allies with the great Ming Empire. However, I would like to tell you that in recent days, Manchurian peasants are assaulting our forts on the Yalu River along your borders. It is in China and Japan's best interest to resolve this issue immediately.

Signed,
Empress Akiko of Japan

To: President John Hancock of the Constitutional Convention for America
From: Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Akiko of Japan

Mister Hancock,

I am sorry to hear of your plight. But you must already be aware that the British Empire and Japan have been friends for centuries, since the British ships sailed into Edo Harbor and opened us to the world. We will not give aid to the British to win this war, however, we will remain neutral.

Best regards,
Empress Akiko of the Japanese Empire
Protector of Korea, Archduchess of Formosa and the Philippines

---

March 1774
Polynesia

Four months at sea had taken a toll on Admiral Hirobumi, who arrived off the shore of a far off distant land. The people looked similar to those who lived in the Philippines and in Iwo Jima -- Polynesians, or "Porineshia hito" as they were called in Japan. He disembarked and approached the islanders and demanded in the Iwo Jiman dialect of the native Polynesian to see their leader.

He found out that he had uncovered a land called "Hawaii".