AWWA Part 2-The Second Thirty Years War(IC)

[Ruridova]

Portland, Maine

In the meantime the British force had arrived in Maine, as was mentioned. Keane had received an order back in February saying his force should march eastward across Canada starting on June 1. They were in Saskatchewan waiting for the appointed day, while Ishikawa would lead the eastern force into Canada to take the capital, recently reamed Toronto. Ishikawa however, could not take a straight road due to the treaty with Quebec, so his plan was to cross the river Piscataqua to the New Hampshire port of Portsmouth, and use a series of feint troop movements to keep the Americaners guessing at his next target.

The Union, taking on water nearly as fast as Canada, would pose some threat simply due to its manpower and fanaticism, but it was highly unlikely that they could win convincingly without a massive stroke of luck.

[Marquette of Pacific]

FRANCE

The Republic of France has finally pulled itself out of a long and dark period of political unrest and has secured a leader and a stable government. Charles Marceaux of Picardy has been elected to represent the French people as President. The French people are still widely divided on several issues M. Marceaux has said to fix, in that he plans to expand the French Empire, as well as secure as many trading partners as possible.

"The future of the French economy is the future of France as a whole. Without stable economic and diplomatic relations with foreign nations, France has no future. We must reform our economy and we must make exports from our colonies more efficient." M. Marceaux said in a statement on the steps of the Palais des Présidents, across from the Place de la Bastille.

To: Chinese Empire, Ottoman Empire, Kingdom of the Netherlands, United Kingdoms of Sweden, Norway and Denmark, and Kingdom of Brasil:

The Republic of France would hereby like to open a free trade agreements between our respective countries. We would like to promote the economy of both of our nations. France's main exports are:

-Coal
-Tea,
-Molasses
-Sugar
-Grain
-Lumber
-Slaves

And we export many other things, but these are just our main items.

We look forward to your response,

France.

(OOC: I'm sending it to countries individually, not proposing any economic union or anything like that)

[Shrillland]

Windsor Castle
Windsor, Berkshire

"I do indeed, and I remember how George always used to cheat at chess, I should've known then how he would end up," King William said, "A pity really, it seems to run in the family, father and great-grandfather were the same way when they still lived at Hampton Court...."

Portland, Maine
June 1, 1837

The British under Ishikawa now marched south to their first destination, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It would take them three days.

[Ruridova]

Portland, Maine
June 1, 1837

The British under Ishikawa now marched south to their first destination, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It would take them three days.

A small garrison of only 5,000 moved to defend the city.

[Shrillland]

Outside Portsmouth, New Hampshire
June 4, 1837

The British were now just across the river from Portsmouth, and started with a traditional artillery barrage focusing on the Portsmouth Ship Yard, while preparing boats to cross the Piscataqua.

[Unicario]

Windsor Castle
Windsor, Berkshire

"I do indeed, and I remember how George always used to cheat at chess, I should've known then how he would end up," King William said, "A pity really, it seems to run in the family, father and great-grandfather were the same way when they still lived at Hampton Court...."

Portland, Maine
June 1, 1837

The British under Ishikawa now marched south to their first destination, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It would take them three days.

Akiko nodded and said, "I remember my earliest days in Britain. We were all almost like siblings. George III took care of me like a daughter, even though I was this strange, silent foreign child." She heaved some air and said, "The world certainly has changed since the 1760's. It's been seventy years since we were but children, and now our children have children, and our future looks terribly unstable."

She sighed and said, "Oh, William. I remember the day you were born. I was an 11 year old girl then, and the entire palace was abuzz with excitement over yet another son. Britain and Japan since those days have become almost one mind. I have often wondered what Japan and Britain would become if they were to rule by one monarch and one monarch alone... a union of crowns not unlike Scotland and England. Alas, those ideas of mine are futile, for so many miles, mountains, seas and lakes divide our lands. My land of the Rising Sun, and yea, yours, the Land that the Sun Always Shines Upon."

She smiled, "No matter what religion, God-fearing, or Kami-celebrating, the Sun plays an important part. Where the sun rises over Japan, that same bright beautiful divine sun shines over Britain for an eternity. I have all but lost those whom I ruled beside. Gone is the man who raised me like a British princess, Gone is the great warrior of Prussia, Gone is the woman whom inspired me to be as strong as I am now, and Gone are the brightest minds that ever walked the streets of North America."

She shook her head, "William, we are truly the last of the Old Guard. All of our brothers and sisters, All of our comrades in arms, and All of those who grew up in the same world we did, have made peace with their God... and that makes me so very sad, that it is almost over for us. The golden gate awaits us now, as our ultimate prize for our work in the Divine name."

"They call me the Meiji Empress. The Diamond Empress, the unbreakable, unfaltering Empress. The Empress of the Sun... and yet, I am mere human, and I have spent many night of these 63 year with a hurting heart... even more so since Good Edward's passing..."

She sighed and said, "Take to heart my daughter, William. Take to heart that she will be the finest Queen to ever stand where you and your ancestors have stood. Take heart that she will be another Good Queen Bess, strong as the hardest mineral... She is our future, William... She is the future... and the Yamato dynasty will not fail the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland."

She smiled, "The House of the Sun... My ancestors... The blood of Gods, and the blood of divine sons... The Kami grace our world with this opportunity for our two nations... Without you and your people, Will, the Japanese people would remain in their dark Shogunate ways of the past, and it would take so much more than I to shake Japan free of that, if my forefathers had not shattered it utterly."

[Ruridova]

Outside Portsmouth, New Hampshire
June 4, 1837

The British were now just across the river from Portsmouth, and started with a traditional artillery barrage focusing on the Portsmouth Ship Yard, while preparing boats to cross the Piscataqua.

The Americaners here did not have a good grasp of strategy and decided to charge the Redcoats as soon as they crossed the river.

[Shrillland]

"I have seen how Victoria has become beloved among the people," William said, "And hearing you speak I know how great a ruler she is... You are right, as you always have been, we are the last of the old guard, and I can't even get Parliament to agree with me half the time..." he began to laugh, but it quickly turned into coughs, " Still, when we are gone I don't fear for Britain, or America for that matter."

William sighed. "Whatever may happen there, or in India, or Australia, or Ireland, or our colonies in Southern Africa, I know they will be in good hands, whether they be young Victoria's, or even the men who are now calling themselves the leaders of these lands. I have actually hoped to meet a delegation from Quebec before...." but he knew now that it wasn't possible. He knew the end was coming soon. "A pity that Adelaide could not bear a surviving child, we tried many times you know. Still, Victoria will lead Britain into a glorious age not seen since my father was on the throne. I do wonder, she's only eighteen, do you think she will rule as long as you have ruled Japan?

[Epraria]

Constantinopoli

The Italian Re entered the city of Constantinople which he thought was still one of the jewels of the middle east. While he had less than good thoughts about the ottomans he and the parlamaint saw them as valuable allies in the middle east and the Balkans. At least until they had no use anymore. The ship which was carrying him the RN Raimondo Montecuccoli soon docked in the port of Constantinople.

---

Império do Brasil

A mensagem do rei do povo brasileiro e do Imperador do Brasil
Dom Pedro I, da Casa de Bragança
Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
Para o nobre e gracioso Presidente Charles Marceaux da Picardia da França.

Brazil would be happy to trade with a powerful and great nation like France. While some of the exports you named like Sugar, Slaves and lumber are not needed as Brazil already has them in large numbers we are still interested in the rest. In return for those exports we will offer things like Gold, gems and Iron.

Deus conosco
Todos salvação pela graça de Deus, a Sua Majestade Real e Majestade Imperial, o Imperador do Brasil e do povo do Brasil, Dom Pedro I, chefe da Casa de Bragança

---

Ett meddelande från Kungen av Sverige, Norge och Danmark
Kung Karl XIV John av hus Bernadotte.
Stockholm, Sverige
Till den Noble och mäktige Presidenten av Frankrike, Karl Marceaux av Picardy.

It is with gladness that the united kingdoms accepts your offer of trade. However we are in no need of Lumber, Grain and slaves as we have enough lumber and grain already and we don't want slaves. We are interested in the other Exports though and in return for things like Iron, Fur pelts, meat and Oil.

Gud med oss
All räddning av guds nåd, Hans Kungliga majestät, Kungen av Skandinavien och dess folk, Karl XIV John av Hus Bernadotte.

[Unicario]

"I have seen how Victoria has become beloved among the people," William said, "And hearing you speak I know how great a ruler she is... You are right, as you always have been, we are the last of the old guard, and I can't even get Parliament to agree with me half the time..." he began to laugh, but it quickly turned into coughs, " Still, when we are gone I don't fear for Britain, or America for that matter."

William sighed. "Whatever may happen there, or in India, or Australia, or Ireland, or our colonies in Southern Africa, I know they will be in good hands, whether they be young Victoria's, or even the men who are now calling themselves the leaders of these lands. I have actually hoped to meet a delegation from Quebec before...." but he knew now that it wasn't possible. He knew the end was coming soon. "A pity that Adelaide could not bear a surviving child, we tried many times you know. Still, Victoria will lead Britain into a glorious age not seen since my father was on the throne. I do wonder, she's only eighteen, do you think she will rule as long as you have ruled Japan?

Akiko laughed, "63 years are long. Perhaps she will, perhaps she will not, it is entirely a matter of her decisions, and her way of life."

((Hm. Akiko will die by the end of 1837, meaning that she will rule the same number of years as OTL Victoria.))

[Shrillland]

Windsor Castle
Windsor, Berkshire

"Aye, it is a long time, but my father ruled for nearly as long himself." King William said, " Victoria's a good woman though, she'll choose the right things in life... forgive me Akiko, but I need a little rest." And with that he turned over and went to sleep.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Ishikawa and 11,000 men crossed the river in rafts, confident of a quick victory, though two men in his own raft were shot by Americaner bullets.

[Unicario]

Windsor Castle
Windsor, Berkshire

"Aye, it is a long time, but my father ruled for nearly as long himself." King William said, " Victoria's a good woman though, she'll choose the right things in life... forgive me Akiko, but I need a little rest." And with that he turned over and went to sleep.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Ishikawa and 11,000 men crossed the river in rafts, confident of a quick victory, though two men in his own raft were shot by Americaner bullets.

Akiko smiled and departed the room, humming the way down the hall.

[Ruridova]

Windsor Castle
Windsor, Berkshire

"Aye, it is a long time, but my father ruled for nearly as long himself." King William said, " Victoria's a good woman though, she'll choose the right things in life... forgive me Akiko, but I need a little rest." And with that he turned over and went to sleep.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Ishikawa and 11,000 men crossed the river in rafts, confident of a quick victory, though two men in his own raft were shot by Americaner bullets.

The Americaners fought hard, but did not expect to win either.

[Shrillland]

Portsmouth, New Hampshire
June 4, 1837

Within seven hours it seemed that the British had successfully subdued the Union Army in Portsmouth, and prepared to send forces to fight the Americaners in Boston....or at least that was what Ishikawa wanted them to think. In fact he was preparing to send the bulk of his army, 54,000 men, westward to Concord, and thence northwestward to Vermont's chief cities.

[Ruridova]

Portsmouth, New Hampshire
June 4, 1837

Within seven hours it seemed that the British had successfully subdued the Union Army in Portsmouth, and prepared to send forces to fight the Americaners in Boston....or at least that was what Ishikawa wanted them to think. In fact he was preparing to send the bulk of his army, 54,000 men, westward to Concord, and thence northwestward to Vermont's chief cities.

The Americaners fell right into the trap.

[Shrillland]

Concord, New Hampshire
June 6, 1837

After two days marching through the mountains, the British arrived outside Concord. A small force of 5,000 entered the city, issuing a proclamation declaring New Hampshire restored to the British Crown. They also waited to see if any Americaners would dare to stop them. They also started moving a large amount of rowboats from Portsmouth, part of the plan to invade Canada.

[Ruridova]

Concord, New Hampshire
June 6, 1837

After two days marching through the mountains, the British arrived outside Concord. A small force of 5,000 entered the city, issuing a proclamation declaring New Hampshire restored to the British Crown. They also waited to see if any Americaners would dare to stop them. They also started moving a large amount of rowboats from Portsmouth, part of the plan to invade Canada.

They only met disorganized resistance, though, attacks by civilians, farmers, wives, preachers, butchers, et cetera.

[Shrillland]

Western New Hampshire
June 8, 1837

There was a bit of rain slowing them down, but the British were now within three days of Vermont's capital of Montpelier.

Windsor Castle
Windsor, Berkshire

King William was more frail by the day. He was barely eating now, and had lost a lot of weight. He slept nearly sixteen hours a day, and was sometimes unconscious. He now asked to see his niece and heir, Princess Victoria, to know for sure if she was ready to lead the British Empire. He also wished to see Akiko for what would be the last time, while Queen Adelaide stayed at his side most of the time now.

[Unicario]

Akiko and Victoria entered the room. Akiko's health had stumbled some after one of London's many rainy days. She had been complaining for weeks now that her arthritis was acting up. She smiled anyway, and sat down on the otherside of the bed with her daughter.

[Shrillland]

"Akiko, Victoria," William got up and tried to put on a face that said he was fine, but his condition had only worsened of late. The cool summer hadn't helped matters, and even now he was concerned about what this would do in Ireland. "It has been a while since I've seen you my dear," he said to Princess Victoria, "and it is unfair that we may never meet in this world again. But I think my time is coming at last, and I want to be sure that you are ready for the great responsibility you will soon undertake. I've heard that you've gone amongst the people of late. Tell me, what do they think of you?"

[Unicario]

"Akiko, Victoria," William got up and tried to put on a face that said he was fine, but his condition had only worsened of late. The cool summer hadn't helped matters, and even now he was concerned about what this would do in Ireland. "It has been a while since I've seen you my dear," he said to Princess Victoria, "and it is unfair that we may never meet in this world again. But I think my time is coming at last, and I want to be sure that you are ready for the great responsibility you will soon undertake. I've heard that you've gone amongst the people of late. Tell me, what do they think of you?"

Victoria gathered herself and responded, "I believe they think of me well. I have talked to many classes, the Lords and Ladies that rule the Parliament, to the lowly working class living around the factories. I believe that I can do my hardest to make Britain a place of prestige and envy... despite the limitations placed on me by fearful landholders." She frowned and said, "British law would prevent me from interacting and leading Parliament, much unlike Japan, where my dear mother directs Parliament towards it's goal... such bickering and such quarreling is so unfitting of a transcontinental Empire."

She shrugged, "That aside, I feel confident in my abilities to rule the British Empire."

[Shrillland]

"It is true that I don't have as much authority as some of my predecessors," William said before he coughed for a moment, and then resumed, "But the people of Britain desire to govern themselves. So, for that matter, do the subjects of our colonies for the most part...I'll admit Jamaica's been digging their heels in concerning the abolition, but I'm sure you and Parliament will sort that out. And of course, you will be entitled to give counsel to the Prime Minister, as I'm sure Melbourne will assist you in his turn...if his government is returned after I've passed on that is."

He then drew a deep breath and said, "As for the Americans, I am sure you feel as your dear mother feels. For the time being however, we must maintain the line of loyalty. Perhaps a time will soon come when some of these Americans will prove themselves strong enough to defeat us, and then become a great nation themselves. In the meantime however, we must make sure our empire remains unbroken, just as Japan as ensured their Empire remains unbroken through justice, reason, and kindness to our subjects."

[Shrillland]

Montpelier, Vermont
June 11, 1837

The British had lost 95 men from the valiant attacks brought on them by the folk of the countryside, and were now outside Montpelier, heading towards Burlington, where the next part of their plan would unfold.

Windsor Castle
Windsor, Berkshire

King William didn't wake up. He had fallen asleep last night, and had not awoken this morning. Queen Adelaide feared the worst, and summoned the royal physician, but he said that the King was still alive...but only just. Now the terrible waiting game began, and a whole empire waited with bated breath.

[Unicario]

Princess Victoria and Empress Akiko were on edge at the news that King William had entered a coma-like state. Akiko paced her room, while Victoria spent her time meditating.

[Unicario]

July 12, 1837
Tokyo

The sounds of drums and the voices of youth singing a song in English could be heard in the Lower Ward of the town where the lower classes lived. The song they were singing was similar to the French song "L'Internationale" which had become the anthem of the left-wing movement in several countries, and which would eventually evolve into socialism. Many police officers in the Lower Wards would report hundreds of young men and women carrying yellow banners. The ethnic makeup of the marching group was very blended, mostly Koreans, Japanese and Chinese, the "core element" of society.

Arise, Japan, for now the time -- the time has come at last!

Stand up, victims of aggression,
The Conservatives fear you,
Our banners shall fly over the Palace,
And a new era shall be born!

No more will they oppress us,
Fair children of the Left,
The Kami curse them now,
And give way to our revolution!

So comrades, come rally,
For the clock has struck twelve!
The Japanese liberal way,
Shall never yield but for death!

So comrades, stand with us,
For this is the time and place!
Our leftist arms and legs push on,
To benefit the human race!

Their ranks continued to swell as more and more men, women and children from all walks of society abandoned their homes to lead in their march upon the palace. In the swelling crowds, the yellow banner began to mix with red banners, and glorified portraiture of Empress Akiko began to increase in size. The nation rallied around the Empress, even in her departure for greener pastures.

The 7/12 Uprising began after Conservative-aligned policemen attempted to detain Liberal protestors of government policy. Quickly, Liberal policemen turned against the Conservative ones who were violating their rights as officers of the law. Soon, Tokyo's lower wards were consumed in brawls between Liberal and Conservative persons.

Prince George, the Prince-Regent due to the Empress being overseas, quickly put to work to put the nation to peace. He dismissed the Conservative government and ordered a massive election to be undertaken. The IJMP (Imperial Japanese Military Police) were deployed to the Lower Wards to disspell the Liberals and Conservatives both.

However, the Liberals continued to stir trouble in the Lower Wards by distributing anti-Conservative propaganda, decrying them as not caring for the common man.