1861: Slaves, Loans and Gun Boats, IC

[Elepis]

1861: Alt History RP

OOC

Conference

With drops of sweat and blood, history is being made in this new era of global change. While once-great empires have collapsed, others rise up to take their place in the international struggle for conquest and political dominance. New technologies are being introduced to change the face of the world, once-isolated tribes are now being marginalized by the onslaught of foreign settlers, and colonists continue to seek new lands for gold and glory. With rebel groups seeking independence, empires making headway's into unknown territory, and factions fighting for power, 1861 is a mosaic representing global transformation on an unprecedented scale. So here it is, the time has come for you to write the course of history.

In the Americas the once great nation of Mexico has had tracks of land taken from it by the USA. Heavily indebted to Europe, its new President Benito Juarez seek to enrich his country, by wiring off his debt to France, Spain and the British Empire. This will undoubtedly anger the great powers of Europe and could cause all-out war.

However, further north in the USA, another war looms, a war which could change the face of the world. The election of one Abraham Lincoln in 1860 on an anti-slavery ticket has angered the slave owning, cotton producing south eastern states who have promised action against Mr Lincoln. With Lincoln's inauguration only three months away, the rich of the Southern USA push for independence from the north.

In Europe, tensions between a resurgent France and Austria and the German state of Prussia continue to rise as the Prussians continue to espouse the unification of Germany. Britain continues to maintain its "Splendid Isolation" from Europe while it continues to build its vast colonial empire but if war breaks out in America, Britain may be forced to act to maintain the supply of Cotton to the mills of Manchester and Leeds.

In Asia, Russia continues to expand its icy grip over the centre of the continent while China tries in vain to modernize after its disastrous defeat at the hands of the British and French one year ago when its capital, Peking was burnt. The army may seek to modernize but there are large tracks of the population who want to keep to the traditional ways. China must decide, modernization or isolation if it is to avert all out civil war.

MAP
LIST OF NATIONS

[New Jordslag]

Tulcea, Tulcea County, The Principality of Rumania
Tulcea, the most major port of the Principality of Rumania and the only port capable of sustaining Rumania's only Cruiser, was hustling this day. Usually it was a quiet town, with calm citizens strolling in the streets, but now a major project was being organized by Prince Carol II. This project was kept secret from the Citizenry, so all they knew was that Soldiers were rushing into their city, and were doing something out on the docks. When asked about it, the Soldiers simply pushed the Citizens away. The project was truly mystifying.

Bucharest
In his Grand Palace in Bucharest, Prince Carol II of Rumania strolled the halls, his every step echoing through the Empty Palace. Looking at the well-painted portraits of his Ancestors, he had only one thought in his head. 'Someday I'll be up there. And when I am, I want to be remembered for something. Something world-changing.' He thought. Suddenly, a Servant burst into the hall, interrupting his calm thoughts. "Domnule, flota este în curs de pregătire, dar nu avem destule nave." The servant said exhaustedly. Carol simply nodded. "Nu vă faceți griji. I se va angaja Britanic." The servant rushed away to continue with his mission.

Carol, meanwhile, stalked away, to write some important letters.

To: The Monarch of the British Empire
From: Prince Carol I of the Principality of Rumania
Context: I write to you on this day because I would like to hire out a part of the British fleet to deliver some of my Soldiers and Citizens to Eastern Africa, to settle it and enrich my country. When you write back, please tell me how much it would cost. Thank you.

Rumanian-Bulgarian Border
Tensions with the Ottoman Empire had been shimmering as of late. Although the Ottoman Empire had greater manpower and industry, they also had higher rates of corruption, diseases, and lower soldier morale. This led to the Ottoman defeat in the Rumanian War for independence. Now the Ottomans had begun a border buildup, and Rumania, in turn, fearing an invasion, built up it's moderately large and well-disciplined army along to Rumanian-Bulgarian border. As of now, a war between tiny Rumania, with strong national pride, a web of alliances, and disciplined armies and the Huge Ottoman Empire, with large Industry, vast reserves of manpower, and a far-larger navy.

[Elepis]

Liberté, égalité, fraternité

Emperor of the French, Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, nephew of Napoleon the Great stood on the balcony of the grand Tuileries Palace, between the two grand arches, the Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile and the smaller but ornate Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. Looking over Paris, he saw the vast construction works he had ordered springing up, fulled by the French economic boom which Louis-Napoléon had created. Under Napoleon's leadership, Paris had doubled in size. He looked to the east and saw the Élysée Palace rising from its decrepit state. In the north the grand Opéra de Paris, a palace to all the French rose, its half completed domes sparkling in the mourning sun. The new train station of the Gare de Lyon, a symbol of eternal French modernity bustled with commuters heading to the banks, factories, parks and boulevards of Paris, which, along with Georges-Eugène Haussmann, the great architect, Louis-Napoléon had created.

It was not just the face of Paris that had changed, the underground of the city was a marvel too. The hydraulic engineer, Eugène Belgrand, was in the process of building a new aqueduct to bring clean water from the Vanne River in Champagne, and a new huge reservoir near the future Parc Montsouris. These two works would increase the water supply of Paris from 87,000 to 400,000 cubic meters of water a day. Hundreds of kilometers of pipes distributed the water throughout the city, and a second network, using the less-clean water from the Ourq and the Seine, washed the streets and watered the new park and gardens. He was also working on completely rebuilding the Paris sewers, and installed miles of pipes to distribute gas for thousands of new streetlights along the Paris streets.

You would be forgiven for thinking all was well with the world from the views of the Tuileries Palace, however far from it. Louis-Napoléon's France had to deal with a deafening cacophony of international tensions. In the Eastern Mediterranean France's old ally the Ottoman empire slowly splintered while it desperately tried to modernize. In the far west the Southern American states called for secession from the Union, a move that would spark all out war. In Mexico, the new President Benito Juárez moved to write off debt he owed to France. Closer to home, the northern Italian states had joined together, leaving three super states on the Peninsular, Italy, Sicily and the Papal States, Italy was a sciences experiment waiting to explode. In Africa the great colonial powers fought for supremacy, France had a bridge head in Algeria from which they could expand in to Morocco and Tunisia. The world was a powder keg waiting to blow. The Emperor's eyes were fixed firmly on Africa and Asia and he could not risk a war on France's western front, thus the Emperor decided to send a telegram to the most powerful state east of France.. Prussia.

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From: French Empire
To: Prussia

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Dearest King

Our two empires are the greatest of Europe. We have the largest, best trained, best equipped armies on the continent and if we stood together we could achieve great things, however if we are hostile, we could drag this great continent to the bloodiest war in history. That is why, for the good of both our people, I offer you a deal:

Exclusive trade agreement with lowered VAT in both our countries for products from the other
Defensive military alliance

If you accept this, France will turn a blind eye to your activities in uniting Germany and any plans you have for Eastern Europe. If you accept we will both benefit us both greatly.

Sincerely,
Emperor of the French, Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte

[New Abrahammia]

Mississippi senator Jefferson Davis talks with his fellow southern senators and governors about the election of 1860. He says to them "Damn, damn damn! That Lincoln election could be the end of our way of life as we know it! Next thing you know, he'll try to take our slaves away! That damn abolitionist!"
South Carolina governor Francis Wilkinson Pickens spoke "I agree. But you know, we wouldn't have to follow their unconstitutional rules if we… form our own Union. Think about it, if we form the Confederate States of America, a seperate entity from the United States of America, we can keep America America."
Jefferson Davis interjects "Are you insane? That would cause a civil war! Untold amounts of people would die!"
"You can be president of the CSA."
"I'm in. We'll show them who can and cannot keep their slaves!"

Later, South Carolina published The Declaration of the Immediate Causes Which Induce and Justify the Secession of South Carolina from the Federal Union. The document was given to the president in hopes that he would approve it, thus allowing the Confederate States of America to become a nation without bloodshed. Each other southern state gave their own Ordinance of Secession to Abraham Lincoln.

[The Orson Empire]

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

Numerous events had happened in the United Kingdom in the past several decades that had permanently left a mark on the world and made Britain the superpower it is today. The Industrial Revolution had started in Britain, giving the country a technological head-start. Despite losing the American colonies, this had not kept Britain from expanding its empire across the globe. Britain had expanded its army and navy to unprecedented heights. Nevertheless, Britain's perfect performance had been shattered by its involvement in the Crimean War. The British soldiers had suffered heavy casualties, as they were ill-prepared and had bad leadership. After the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the British East India Company had been dissolved, and Britain's possessions and protectorates on the Indian subcontinent were absorbed into the British Empire. Britain and the Second French Empire had also defeated China in the Second Opium War in 1860. In 1859, Britain had begun construction on the HMS Warrior, the first ocean-going ironclads ever constructed. Currently, a second Warrior-class is also being built. The design was viewed as revolutionary, and eventually led to the decision to move to an all-armored battle fleet.

In the United States, Britain was still unsure whether or not to involve itself in the turmoil that would soon engulf the nation. The public was divided on the issue; the elites favored the seceding southern states, while the commoners favored the United States. Prime Minister Palmerston had urged a policy of neutrality, but Britain still depended on cotton for its massive textile industry, which the South could provide. Large scale trade had nevertheless continued with the United States.
Meanwhile, Queen Victoria had received a letter from Prince Carol I of Rumania, with a request to hire out a part of the British fleet. Both Victoria and Parliament saw this as an opportunity to open up relations with Rumania and gain an ally in that particular region, which could help to further destabilize the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans had already been defeated in the Rumanian War of Independence, and now, they could be crushed once and for all. Thus, they immediately sent a reply:

To: Prince Carol I of the Principality of Rumania
From: Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

The United Kingdom shall assist the Principality of Rumania in transporting its soldiers and citizens to east Africa for a modest charge of £600,000.

Additionally, the United Kingdom wishes to open up formal relations with Rumania, in hopes of gaining an ally in this region in order to challenge the Ottoman Empire.

[Pimps Inc]

The United Mexican States

I hate dust.

Benito skimmed the surface of his window sill. The friction ridges of his finger were covered in a light blanket of dust, turning his finger a light tone of grey, barely visible in the darkness of the room. It was not the cleaning maids' fault but the construction work taking place on the building which caused the event. The Chapultepec Castle was expected to be completed 3 years from now, after almost a century of construction it would be completed. Funds had to be managed tightly, with only very few going to wasting on commodities like the Castle, and most going to rebuilding infrastructure and building railways, as well as creating factories to supply work for the population. Since last year, the weapons manufacturing industry had really taken speed, with many US companies seeking a safe place to keep their wealth going, away from the possible hostilities in the US by the Confederates, as well as textile and farming. An accidental finding of oil in Mexico had also proved useful, with many companies seeking to exploit the reserves for machinery lubrication. Benito had denied foreign companies to take control of the reserves and instead created a government-controlled company, called Pemex. A finding in Veracruz, had driven Pemex to search for oil reserves in the rest of the Gulf of Mexico in total secrecy, more importantly, the area inside the US territory in the Gulf.


Benito's liberal policies in Mexico's industrial revolution also led to a decent industrial power, with a steady growth. Mexico's land had also been put to use. Farming was turned into a cash producer, yet under the modernization efforts of the Republic, large haciendas were encouraged to develop commercial farming for export, especially the production of henequen and rubber for naval uses.(In fact, The first to document the plant and its usefulness for ropes and other naval utensils was José María Lanz, a Mexican-born engineer in service of the Spanish Navy, who studied henequen in Yucatán in the 1780s.) This included the building of railroads to take products to market and the attraction of foreign investment. While these policies succeeded in growing the economy, they benefitted only the elite, making life for the common rural worker worse. The result was Benito's new policies. The result afterwards was the breakup of most large private landholdings to be redistributed, especially under a system of common tenancy called ejidos. The lands could be worked individually or collectively by members of the ejido but the land could not be leased or sold. The process of dividing lands and developing ejido organizations continued into the 1930s under President Lázaro Cárdenas . By the end of the 1930s, haciendas almost entirely disappeared from central and southern Mexico with numerous small holdings of ten to twenty acres as well as ejidos becoming dominant. Faced with political disruptions, civil wars, unstable currency, and the constant threat of banditry in the countryside, most wealthy Mexicans invested their assets the only stable productive enterprises that remained viable: large agricultural estates. Later generations accused these entrepreneurs of preferring the symbolic wealth of tangible, secure, and unproductive property to the riskier and more difficult but innovative and potentially more profitable work of investing in industry, but the fact is that agriculture was the only marginally safe investment in times of such uncertainty. However, the Republic had taken defense as a priority, therefore using the army to wipeout banditry in Mexico by ignoring the human rights of thieves and uniting the country under one ideology by force, therefore restoring investment trust. His government revised the tax and tariff structure to revitalize the mining industry, and it improved the transportation and communications infrastructure to allow fuller exploitation of the country's natural resources. The government issued contracts for construction of a new rail line northward to the United States, with a Mexico City-Veracruz railroad to be completed in 1863, begun in 1837 but disrupted by civil wars. Protected by high tariffs, Mexico's textile industry doubled its production of processed items between 1854 and 1860. Overall, manufacturing grew, though modestly.

Only last month, however, Mexico underwent rapid but highly unequal growth. The economic advisers of liberal politician and military hero from the Mexican American War, Valentin Gomez Farias, reversed the country's years-long opposition to foreign investment, and by playing off British, French, and U.S. investors and governments against one another, is able to maintain a modicum of national independence. Taking "order and progress" as its watchwords, the Farias regime established political stability and at least an image of social peace and the rule of law.

Juarez had allowed Farias to continue his plans. This was Mexico's only chance, and people were able to feel safe after years of political instability.

Juarez's train of thought was disrupted by his aide, who opened the wide wooden doors, luxuriously carved by hand, and brought out a quill and paper.
"Mr.President.Here are the items you requested."

"Thank you, Martin.Set them on my desk please.If its not too much trouble, please bring me a glass of wine." Juarez continued to look out the window before turning around.

Martin gave a slight nod, and did as ordered.Juarez sat down on his desk and, after dipping the tip in ink, began to write.

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"La Patria es Primero"
Coat of Arms of the United Mexican States

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From:United Mexican States
Bosque de Chapultepec I, Miguel Hidalgo, 11100 Mexico City, Mexico
Chapultepec Castle,

To:The French Empire

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_{His Imperial Majesty Napoleon III, By the Grace of God and the will of the Nation, Emperor of the French,
I write to you this letter to offer the French Empire a bargain. The United Mexican States, as you most likely already know, owes a large sum to the French Empire. I have stated before that, at this time, our nation does not possess the wealth to pay your nation. However, I do have a solution. You may have also heard of the creation of the Confederate States, which have declared independence from the United States. If you remember their saying, "United we stand, divided we fall". This is a chance for an invasion of the United States of America, while it is divided and weak. Yet, you may ask how a war could help us pay you? In California, large quantities of gold have been found by the US, which if we manage to capture and annex into Mexico, we could manage to pay off the debt to France. All I ask is for time, weapons, and your naval might. Your fleet should be able to limit US naval dominance, therefore allowing us to win this war with ease. I hope you choose to support us, your majesty.}

Sincerely,

Benito Juarez,President of the United Mexican States

[New Jordslag]

Rumanian-Bulgarian Border
Suddenly, the thousands of Rumanian Troops at the Bulgarian Border were called away from the border. A reason for this was not given. A few hundred remained behind to keep an eye on the Ottomans, but the others simply left.

After a day of marching, they arrived at a new destination: The border with the Principality of Serbia. Infantry, along with Rumania's scarce Artillery and plentiful Cavalry, quickly gathered by the Border. Tensions had long since been existent between the three sides in the Balkans; The Ottomans wanted to restore their old glory in the Balkans, Serbia wanted to unite the Balkans and turn it into a Slavic paradise, and Rumania wanted to unite all Rumanian lands under a Rumanian nation so as to better protect them. For obvious reasons, these goals are incompatible. Usually, Serbia and Rumania can work together to fight off the Ottomans, but with the Ottomans declining and having no obvious plans for invasion, tensions between Rumania and Serbia now rose.

Part of the reason for this was the Vlachs, Ethnically and Culturally Rumanian, and lingually similar, but religiously Serbian. A sort of uneven hybrid between the two nations. Since they were ethnic Rumanians, Rumania wanted their lands, which comprised a ninth of Serbian land and a third of Eastern Serbia, and had 125,000 Vlachs.

However, Rumanian forces, even when all gathered, did not invade. They simply sat on the border, watching.

Tulcea, Tulcea County, Rumania
Finally, after a few days work, the Rumanian military unveiled what they had been working on: They had been building a new Cruiser.

This explained why it had taken them several weeks to build it. The name of the first Rumanian-built Cruiser was the NMS Ștefan, after a popular Moldavian King who had repulsed the Ottomans and preserved Moldavian independence. Mystifyingly, the troops now loaded into NMS Ștefan and NMS Elisabeta, as if they were preparing to go on a voyage.

To: Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
From: Prince Carol I of the Principality of Rumania

Quite the high price. Then again, I am asking to rent out arguably the Greatest Navy currently existing, so I guess it is reasonable.

And yes. That would be prudent. When it comes to the Ottoman Empire, after all, you can never have too many allies.

And if the Ottomans actually concentrated on taking Rumania, and we had no foreign sponsorship, they would likely win. With the UK on our side, their navy can't even touch us. And if France decides to honor it's alliance with the Ottomans, well, I always could accept repeated Russian offers of an alliance. It seems they, like Austria, are eager to mop up areas left void of Ottoman influence.

But I digress. Now that we are opening up formal relations, I'll send an ambassador onboard the NMS Smeul. Expect to receive him in London.

[Elepis]

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From: French Empire
To: Mexico

TOP SECRET

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Benito Juarez,President of the United Mexican States

The French nation will not and cannot formally go to war with the USA, namely because of the British Empire's close ties with the USA. However, there are other ways I can assure your victory. While no French combat troops would ever enter the field under the flag of France, there are other ways.

With the delicate situation in Europe, I cannot risk war with the British Empire, if this was to happen neither side would win, but we would both would lose our money, men and empires. I cannot and will not let this happen. Instead, I have another plan.

The Mexican army is, to be put bluntly, in a dire condition. No match for the American army, even if they are fighting each other. If you did invade now, you may win but at massive cost. Thus, I offer you the following deal:

France will send some of her finest officers and military trainers to help train the Mexican army in modern, western warfare

France will sell at a cheaper price active weapons of the French army such as the P1851 Minié rifle, the Canon obusier de 12 (12-pounder "Napoleon" gun-howitzer), Paixhans naval guns (which fire exploding shells for shore defense and on ships)

Finally, when war breaks out, France will send some of her most powerful ships to "Protect the investments of the French Empire and the French people in the great state of Mexico". This force will protect the Mexican coastline from blockade by the weak USN, keep trade with Europe open and sink any ship that aims to limit said trade.

My price for this offer is as follows:
The French Pacific Squadron will be based at the port of Acapulco and its actions will not be interfered with by the Mexican state

French mining companies will be given control over 45% of the Californian gold fields (we will employ Mexicans so you will still get the jobs). This final clause will also justify sending regular French troops if the USA/CSA tries to invade California for a second time.


Sincerely,
His Imperial Majesty Napoleon III, By the Grace of God and the will of the Nation, Emperor of the French,

[Kumbhalgarh]

-reserving Spot-

[Pimps Inc]

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"La Patria es Primero"
Coat of Arms of the United Mexican States

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From:United Mexican States
Bosque de Chapultepec I, Miguel Hidalgo, 11100 Mexico City, Mexico
Chapultepec Castle,

To:The French Empire

---

<sub>His Imperial Majesty Napoleon III, By the Grace of God and the will of the Nation, Emperor of the French,
Although I agree that the Mexican army is in dire condition, it is only due to the men's lack of supplies and discipline. Yet, Mexican leadership remains very powerful. But do not take my words for it. Instead, remember your uncle, Napoleon Bonaparte, who said "With 5 generals like Morelos, I could conquer the world".

In the end, we will agree with you that the Mexican armed forces need help.Your French military officers will be of great help. Even more, French engineers would be very helpful in helping us build shipyards to produce a navy of our own, starting with more ironclads similar to the ones given to us by Britain 10 ago. We accept the deal and await your men. May God bless the French Empire and the United Mexican States.</sub>

Sincerely,

Benito Juarez,President of the United Mexican States

[Kumbhalgarh]

William III walked through the port of Amsterdam. Grinning in excitement. 3 New Ironclad Warships were soon to arrive at the port and glorify the navy of the dutch. Soon a huge figure was spotted on the horizon. 3 Ironclad Warships soared in the sea as they headed to the ports of Amsterdam. The Naval commander Marnix Wilgenhem commanded 5 Frigates towards the Ironclad Warships and loaded his men onto the Warship. Marnix checked with the Leader of the Ironclad Dutch Fleet and the Warships landed at the docks of Amsterdam. William grinned with exitement and rode his horse back to Rotterdam, where he devised a plan to Strengthen the army of the Dutch and signigy their position in Europe

[Elepis]

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From: French Empire
To: Mexico

TOP SECRET

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Benito Juarez,President of the United Mexican States

Mexico has produced some fine Generals, I will agree, but so has the USA, for example Zachary Taylor. The Battle of Buena Vista where he fought Santa Anna and crushed him with a force the size of one third of Anna's forces. I find it horrifying he called himself the "Napoleon of the West". Anyway, I digress.

I will send the engineers and troops trainers next week, they should arrive in about 14 days. The troop carriers will be escorted by (currently) the most powerful ship in the fleet, the Ironclad Couronne. Speaking of Ironclads, the 3 French Glorie Ironclads have been made obsolete by British designs and have been replaced by Couronne, however we still needed them to make up number. Soon we will launch the Magenta class so we will no longer need Glorie. I now offer the Mexican navy one Glorie class at full price or two at for 2/3 the total price.

Sincerely,
His Imperial Majesty Napoleon III, By the Grace of God and the will of the Nation, Emperor of the French,

[Pimps Inc]

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"La Patria es Primero"
Coat of Arms of the United Mexican States

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From:United Mexican States
Bosque de Chapultepec I, Miguel Hidalgo, 11100 Mexico City, Mexico
Chapultepec Castle,

To:The French Empire

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<sub>His Imperial Majesty Napoleon III, By the Grace of God and the will of the Nation, Emperor of the French,
I implore you to never speak or write the name of Santa Ana.That creature was un imbécile and a traitor. He was found guilty of corruption and working with the US government to assure them victory. He was executed 3 years ago after years of running from the authorities.

But, that is not the point. We thank you for your support and we assure you the war will be won. We also will have to wait to buy the ironclads.</sub>

Sincerely,

Benito Juarez,President of the United Mexican States

The Beginning

While President Juarez struck deals with one of the most powerful empires in the world, the Mexican army had already, in a sense, begun the war. Men across the border began to try and convince slaves in the south to come to Mexico, where they would be given freedom in exchange for service in the military. They would fight and train alongside the rest of the military. Runaway slaves were escorted to the border and in the north, past slaves were persuaded to rise up against the United States, a nation that had permitted slavery to exist for decades. Although some were successful, some were not so eager to risk their lives. However, the campaign continued.

In Mexico, the GDP saw a growth of 0.7%.The Mexican Navy also constructed 4 new gunboats and 1 new brigantine.The Mexico, Tampico, Veracruz, and Democrata along with the brigantine,Constante.

[New Abrahammia]

In response to a growing number of slaves trying to run away for Mexico, the Texan state guard moves to the Texan-Mexican border. They also worry about Mexican attacks in response to the decrease of escapees, but their higher purpose is to stop slaves from escaping to Mexico. Because the guards can't cover all if the border, much barbed wire is placed just north of the Rio Grande. People living near the Texan-Mexican border were urged to stop fugitive slaves if they spot them. Meanwhile, the southern politicians waited for the northern response to the Ordinance of Secession. They had already declared their independence, but they still wanted recognition from the United States.

[Mangjukoia]

Bangkok, Rattanakosin Kingdom, Siam
In the palace, King Rama walked through the empty halls with two things on his mind, Burma and Vietnam. He wanted to take these two enemies of Kingdom and integrate them into the Rattanakosin Kingdom. An invasion of Burma would need to have a large amount of soldiers and time for the land, while an invasion of Vietnam would need a larger amount of soldiers. Either way, both would need to be done quickly.

After a conference with his generals and advisors, invasion of Vietnam would possibly be quicker than Burma. To his order, an army of 50,000 soldiers started their march towards the border of their Kingdom and Vietnam.

[Mifan]

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Pedro II looked out upon the city of Rio de Janeiro, the capital of his empire. The monarchy has controlled Brazil for years, and led it to one of the most powerful nations in the Americas. The economy saw improvement since his father died, due to the expanding of the cotton industry, and while the amount of cotton will never match the amount of United States, it is enough to gain money from Europeans. The only problem that the nation is facing is the issue of slavery and the fact that Pedro hasn't had a son yet to take the throne in the event that he died. Regardless, unlike the United States, people in Brazil were more accepting of slave being freed and didn't mind that every year there are less slaves in the nation. Brazilian and African slaves made up around 20% of the population, and the number keeps decreasing as time goes on. Many expect for Pedro to finally abolish slavery, but he only lets it continue in order to support the cotton and coffee industry.

One of Pedro's guards knocked on the door before opening it, letting his diplomatic advisor enter. "Your majesty, we have a situation that requires your presence." Pedro nodded and his advisor left. He put on his uniform and left for the meeting. When he arrived, his diplomatic advisor and the rest of the cabinet stood before sitting and letting Pedro sit. "Your majesty, there is a situation in the north. One of its states have succeeded from the rest of the country. We don't know the reason behind it, but we believe its because of slavery." "Anything else?" "No, but we do wonder if the United States will go to war or allow the state to succeed. In any situation, what will our support be for?" "No one. If the United States enter a war, then we will be neutral. We won't enter their conflict because they can't agree on what to do with their slaves, we have our own problems. Now on to the economy, I want the cotton industry and the coffee industry to be expanded. Those two are how we make our money and we need to support the main industries." The men nodded and were dismissed, as Pedro went back to his room to think over the situation.

Northeast Brazil

Northeast Brazil was where most of the cotton plantations were located and where many slaves live due to their work there. Many owners didn't want to lose their slaves, but knew that they had no choice as the monarchy would abolish it soon. Most plantations were wealthy from the cotton they grew, and with the government supporting the industry, the owners gained lots of wealth. Even if slavery was abolished, the plantation owners would have enough wealth to keep the plantations running and would be able to pay any workers that were hired, although they had to pay a wage instead of having workers work for free.

[Soviet Chernarus]

Chapter 1: Troubles for Diaohainan

Diaohainan's history stretched all the way back to its discovery by the famous Chinese explorer Zheng He; while the initial settlement had been established in the mid-1400s, it was not until the collapse of the Ming Dynasty in 1644 that the colony really started growing. While the Ming had attempted to establish settlements elsewhere in Asia, they mostly failed, and the Ming Dynasty began to lose interest. Fewer and fewer settlers were being sent, and instead the Ming began to send convicts, prisoners, and other so-called "undesirables"; they stirred up trouble into the colony, and often came into conflict with other Chinese settlers and the natives there. Thousands also died from deadly tropical diseases and hostile natives. Unaccustomed to the weather and the terrain, the thick, wild rain forests made it hard to expand the colony and build new settlements and towns. Gradually, the people began to get used to it, but not after many hardships and troubles.

Admittedly the colony had come close to collapse several times in the 1400s and 1500s, whether from internal instability and infighting, hostile natives, or other natural things such as diseases. But somehow the colony had managed to survive, and later prosper. The collapse of the Ming Dynasty had a profound effect on the Diaohainan people; former Ming officials took control of the colony and seceded from China. Following the traditional ways, they oppressed natives and even some of the descendants of early Chinese settlers, whom were considerably different, both in appearance, culture, and traditions, than the average Chinese, even though they still thought of them that way. It was not long before the Ming became unpopular with the Diaohainan people, and the natives; in 1710 a popular uprising overthrew the Ming government in just a week. They had very few supporters, and even fewer people fight for them. They established the Empire of Diaohainan and withdrew all claims on the Chinese mainland. Choosing to focus on domestic and internal issues, they attempted to reconcile relations with the natives. They, for the most part, were successful, although in some cases violence broke out.

Throughout the 1700s, the Diaohainan government focused on building new towns and even small cities; they focused on developing the area, moving the capital to Luyu ("Rain City"), at the mouth of the [present day] Sepik River. The economy grew, but came to depend on maritime trade. Contact with European explorers, traders, and merchants had already been established. At the least, relations between Diaohainan and European countries such as Portugal were confusing. Rather than staying conservative and isolationist like China, Diaohainan remained open to trade, as well as new ideas and beliefs. Hundreds of Christian missionaries came to Diaohainan, gaining thousands of converts and bringing the faith to Diaohainan. In the beginning of the 19th century, Diaohainan began to focus on modernizing the military and industrializing, which, again, generated conflict with the natives, who opposed this. The military was also enlarged to defend Diaohainan from hostile natives. A number of attempts were also made to improve relations with Qing China, and to establish them with countries such as Britain, the United States, and France.

By 1861, Diaohainan was in a precarious position - trade in the region had declined, leading to a decrease in economic growth. Native attacks increased, both in ferocity and in number, and Diaohainan troops were called to repel them. To make things even worse, disease outbreaks in the late 50s had begun spreading all over Diaohainan, despite the majority of the people having some sort of resistance to many tropical diseases. Thousands had already died, and the Emperor had begun to get worried about the situation. What would be the future for his country?

[Of The Rnclave]

A Union Torn Asunder

Abraham Lincoln sat at his desk, head in his hands, hat set to the side of him as he rubbed hai temples. His first concerns were uniting the union once again if at all possible. He wanted peace at all costs, but if he must strike at the Confederates, he would do so.

Calling for his secretary, he gave the order " Please tell he War Department that I have ordered the First army to begin readying for a march to Richmond, perhaps a show of force will do more to get our point across then any letter. As well, have them begin setting up a blockade of the entire Confederacy, to defeat them we must choke off all supplies they may get, and I dare say we blockade against even British ships, dismissed." Lincoln said as he sat back, wiping his forehead as he worried more of the coming war, better still, the rising Mexican giant to his southern border, threatened them greatly, the US could not handle two wars at once. He had to make a choice, move troops away from the war with the rebellious states, or try to solve this diplomatically. Pulling. Apiece if paper form his desk, he began writing a letter to the Mexican government.

To- The Mexican Empire
United States of America

Tensions between our two great nations have been high since our war twenty years ago. But the sundering of the union us Americans hold so close should not be seen as a chance for you to seize lost lands, we ask you to behave diplomatically while we handle this rebellion, and that your interests stay away from American lands.

Abraham Lincoln
President of the United States of America

[New Abrahammia]

Jefferson Davis found it quite odd how the the United States began taking aggressive action before the CSA did no more than send a few letters to Lincoln, but no matter. This would certainly not stop the confederacy from gaining independence. An attack on Richmond was very highly anticipated, as it was the capital of the CSA. As the first army approached Richmond, a man on a horse saw their advance and hurried down to Richmond to warn them. There, this man rode the horse around town shouting "The Bluecoats are coming! The Bluecoats are coming!" An ambush was prepared before the union rode in. Shortly before the attack, grapeshot cannons were stationed on the mid north, north east and northwest side of Richmond under camouflage netting. Musketeers accompanied the cannons, but those men wore green jackets instead of grey to blend in with the grass.

In regards to the blockade, 2 Confederate men were tasked to go down to Mexico, have one ride a passenger ship to England and the other to France, and give the following messages to the leader of England and France.

From: The Confederate States of America
To: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

As you may of heard, the Confederate States of America has recently succeeded from the United States of America. Because of this, the United States has formed a blockade, thus cutting off our cotton trading ability. In order to resume our trade of cotton with you, we urge you to help us stop this naval blockade.

From: The Confederate States of America
To: The Second French Empire

As you may of heard, the Confederate States of America has recently succeeded from the United States of America. Because of this, the United States has formed a blockade, thus cutting off our cotton trading ability. In order to resume our trade of cotton with you, we urge you to help us stop this naval blockade.

[Tyben]

The Ottoman Empire

”The Eternal Empire”

The Sick Man of Europe had truly fallen into decline, the beginning of the reign of Abdulaziz had just begun, yet the people felt weary, tired of the inability of the nation to properly defend and support its own population. Ethnic conflict and economic depression had hit the nation hard as Abdulaziz took the reins of one of the strongest countries in the world, a nation that was a colossus in its own right, standing above many others but at the same time falling back towards where it had arisen from, ashes.

It had become abundantly clear that corruption and ethnic warfare had removed the military and political strength of the nation, diminishing its power significantly as the years had passed, festering in the cesspool of religious and ethnic conflict that the nation had become. The nation lacked fraternity and stability in every manner of the words, the citizens of the nation held no loyalty but to themselves and they fought each other at all times, pushing grabbing at the remains of the once rich nation with their grubby, greedy hands.

However, as his reign was beginning, Abdulaziz planned to change this, to eradicate corruption, to rid the nation of rebellion, to unify the people and to stave off those who would attempt to overwhelm the might of the great Ottoman Caliphate, the seat of the heirs of Muhammad and the greatest, most prestigious nation on the planet, being a dominant force in politics for over a thousand years in some way or another. He would have it returned to this glory, and he hoped to transcend the accomplishments of predecessors, to further extend the territories and riches of his people, to unify the world in the name of Islam, in the name of Allah the one true god.

However, Abdulaziz realized one crucial thing for his plan’s success, he would have to be a reformer, he would have to be the one to break a cycle of hundreds of years of policies that had since grown inadequate for use within the modern. He would have to enact his own reforms, reforms that would unify the peoples and strengthen the position of his great empire, he would use every fiber of his being, he would sacrifice his time and his life to ensure that the Ottoman Empire, and its people, would be secured in their powerful position in international and domestic affairs.


Mecca, Ottoman Empire

The Grand Mufti stood before the thousands upon thousands of people who had come for the yearly pilgrimage to the great city, Mecca, the origin of Muhammad’s great empire and the site of the black house known as the Kaaba, the single most important building in the entirety of the faith of Islam. The people stood at a ready to listen to his words as the supreme authority within the Shiite sect of Islam, waiting to hear his words, for they knew they would not be disappointed by the man, for he barely showed himself except when matters of great importance had arisen and needed to be heard by the entire faith.

The elderly man used a cain to hold himself up as he spoke, and as he did so his oddly deep voice echoed throughout the square surrounding him and the Kaaba as thousands of people packed themselves in to hear his words and to get as close to the Kaaba as possible, “Let it be known I here, am giving my fatwa on the matter of the holy state in which we reside, the Ottoman Caliphate, the home to the twin holy cities and millions of loyal Muslims, as such I think it is only right that we, the followers of Islam, offer our whole hearted support in the efforts of the Caliph and his government, this great nation, in defending our faith, in spreading the word of Allah, and preventing the collapse of this wonderful country we live in today.”

As he finished speaking he gave a short prayer in the form of ‘god is great’ before disappearing from the scene having completed what he needed to say to his people.


The Imperial Army of the Danube, Sofia, Ottoman Empire

General Akkuyas Abdil watched from his seat on the manmade knoll as the troops under his command continued their drilling below. The camp he had ordered to be constructed outside the city walls was bustling with life despite being contained between the mountains of the Balkans, the soldiers were more than able to practice their shooting, their riding, and everything else within the confinement of the camp, meanwhile, Akkuyas awaited further orders, or rather, intel from the scouts and lookouts along the borders and over the borders, regarding the movement of armies and how he should respond to the movements.

Akkuyas began drinking his bowl of kumis thinking gleefully about the battles to come, the massacres he would invoke, the slaughters and the punishment he would inflict on his enemies. A look of blood thirst passed over his face momentarily before returning to his normally calm, almost emotionless visage, a mask he had constructed to hide his inner feelings over the years, this very visage had allowed him to become one of the most popular and well respected officers in the military despite his rather brutal actions and tactics while on campaign, despite this he was a very effective leader, one of the very few generals of the Ottoman Empire that was skilled and because of this he was the favorite of the Caliph.

Akkuyas thoughts drifted off, wondering once again what future battles he would be a part of while at the same time he wondered what was going on back east, wondering if his friend, the Caliph, Abdulaziz was adjusting to his new position in life, the ruler of 35 million men, women, and children. Akkuyas grinned at the thought of the idealistic and devout Abdulaziz ruling such a huge and mighty nation, he wondered if his friend would have the iron to do what needed to be done or if he was just going to be a stepping stone for those who would see the empire destroyed.

[New Abrahammia]

In order to assist the Confederacy further, the Confederacy attempts to recruit Native Americans tribes. In order to do this, they give tribes gifts of food and money to make them support the confederacy. The recruiters expect to be more successful with the Creek and Choctaw tribes, who owned slaves. Charismatic leaders are sent to the tribes to convince the natives of how the Confederacy needs independence and how the northerners are oppressors. The natives exchange knowledge of smoke signals to alert others of attacks. A recruiting camp is set up in Mobile, Alabama and is ordered to recruit all of the Indians east of the Mississippi River.

The Cherokee tribe was a different story. Much enthesis was put on recruiting them to hinder Union forces trying to use the Appalachian mountain passes of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Albert Pike is sent to attempt to negotiate with the Chief of the Cherokee Indians. Albert Pike offers to not only give them supplies, but also define borders and protect the Cherokee tribe in exchange for Cherokee military service.

[Elepis]

France had built the first Ironclad class, Glorie in 1859. She was the first ocean-going ironclad, launched in 1859. She was developed following the Crimean War, in response to new developments in naval gun technology, especially the Paixhans guns and rifled guns, which used explosive shells with increased destructive power against wooden ships, and followed the development of the ironclad floating batteries built by the British and French for the bombardment of Russian forts during the Crimean War. However Glorie, even though she and her two sister ships were are only 3 years old, they are now obsolete.

This is came about because the British built HMS Warrior only one year later. Warrior was faster, iron-hulled and carried more guns. Thus, ending France's brief period in the sun. The French navy quickly built Couronne to contend with Warrior. While the class Couronne are certainly more capable than Glorie, they are only equal to Warrior. However, with news of a second Warrior class coming in, the French admiralty ordered the construction of the Magenta class.

Now the first ship of the Magenta class has been completed and has begun service with the Mediterranean fleet. Magenta is equal in someways to Warrior but is superior in others. Warrior is faster and has greater range but Magenta has more guns and thicker armour. Two ways in which Magenta stands out to other Ironclads is that it is the first two decked Ironclad ever built, Magenta is also the first Ironclad to be built with a ram at the front.

Magenta and her partially completed sister ship Solférino

---

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From: French Empire
To: Confederate States of America

---

Mr Davis

The French Empire cannot break the blockade of your nation as this will bring us in to direct contact with the British, which could lead to war, which would lead to both our empires being destroyed. I am also against Slavery, it is a vile practice and has no place in the civilized world, I do not see why you are adamant on keeping it.

However France does have relations with Slave owning states and we will extend the same kindness to you, IF you can prove you can run your country. This will allow you to buy weapons from France.

Sincerely,
His Imperial Majesty Napoleon III, By the Grace of God and the will of the Nation, Emperor of the French,

---

---

From: French Empire
To: Ottoman Empire

---

Caliph and Sultan Abdulaziz of the house of Osman

The French Empire and your nation have long had good relations, France sent hundreds of thousands of troops to help you in the Crimea. I seek to continue our friendship and I offer you the the following deal.

France will send trainers to help train your men and generals in modern warfare
France will cut taxes on French weapons (eg Canon obusier de 12 gun-howitzer) sold to the Ottoman army
France will send 300 Canon obusier de 12 to the Ottoman empire for 2/3 their normal price

In rerun I ask that

The Ottoman empire cuts taxes on all French good being sold in the empire
The Ottoman empire will give the French navy full control over the Island of Lesbos for use by the East Mediterranean squadron

This deal will improve the Ottoman economy and the state of the Ottoman army for a small price, I recommend you accept. If you do not, I can always offer it to Greece or Rumania

Sincerely,
His Imperial Majesty Napoleon III, By the Grace of God and the will of the Nation, Emperor of the French,

[New Abrahammia]

Jefferson Davis receives the letter from the French and writes a letter of response to the French King. He sends the letter in the same method he said the first.

From: The Confederate States of America
To: The Second French Empire

We assure you, the CSA can indeed maintain and operate a lasting government, just like the Republic of Texas has, only a little more than a decade ago. Confederate currency is being printed along with coinage. We can also assure you that the people working on plantations are much happier here then in Africa, as the service they provide is rewarded with food and shelter, 2 things they did not have before. We can also assure you that assisting us will not start war with England, England has no valid reasoning to side with the United States of America. Please send us immediate assistance in the name of King cotton and southern independence.

[Elepis]

Events: Serbia

Belgrade: For hours people had been pouring in to the central boulevard of Belgrade, thousands of them, waving flags and and religious icons. The people in this demonstration were Serb nationalists. A couple of decades ago, Serbia had been given autonomy from the Ottoman empire, but now with a free Rumania, the Serbs felt they had the right to independence. The march was meant to be peaceful, and it was in the large part. The countless masses marched shouting towards the governors palace, down the north-south boulevard, past a park dedicated to the Sultan and up, towards the palace. Many had feared the march would quickly turn in to a riot but for the first 2 hours it had been clam.

However, as they neared the palace, lines of Ottoman troops armed with rifles began forming ranks in front of its doors, aiming their guns towards the protesters. Down at the rear of the boulevard, a line of cavalry began forming up. The commander of the troops at the palace shouted to the Serbs in very bad Serbian "Disperse in the name of the Sultan, go back to your homes or we will fire. Long live the Empire and Long live Islam", however the Serbs heard "Disperse... Sultan... We will fire... Empire...and...Islam". They began to panic, thinking the troops were about to fire, one person drew a sword. Then, what would become known as "Bloody Wednesday" began. The Ottoman troops in front of the door saw the drawn saber and one soldier fired in to the crowd, killing a young woman. The Serbians, in their anger charged. The Ottoman troops fired on them from there positions in front of the palace, on the roof of the palace and the streets around, killing hundreds of the protesters. The Serbians tried to retreat but the Ottoman cavalry, thinking they were being attacked, drew sabers and charged.

News of the riots spread around the city and Serbian mobs began forming, armed with guns, knives and burning. The mobs began burning Mosques and government buildings (but homes of Ottomans were generally left alone) in revenge for the massacre at the palace. Ottoman counter-mobs formed and attacked Serbian churches, soon fires raged across the city and Ottoman and Serbian rioters battled each other in the street. The garrison tried desperately to restore order but it was only after two days of riots that law was restored.

The battles and burning of sacred buildings would surely spark outrage in Serbia and the rest of the Empire...

Deaths:
Serbian: 5,000
Ottoman: 1,500
Soldiers: 100

[Mangjukoia]

Siamese-Viet Border
As the 50,000 Siamese troops neared the border, they started their attack on the country. Their mission was to push an attack to their capital of Hue and hopefully take the nation whole. The ferocity of the Siamese soldiers added with their ideas of taking Vietnam for their Kingdom kept the Siamese soldiers pushing on.