If you wait you may become King of Sweden

[arctic warrior]

Having another go at this one:

1855 Tsar Nicholas’ War:
Sardinia joins in the fray and ships off 10000 troops for the Crimea.
The British and Union draws up plans to land in Estonia in April, but the death of Tsar Nicholas on March 2, postpones the landing to July. The Scandinavian Union however decides on an important sideshow, initiated by Foreign Minister C.A. Bluhme; a landing in Finland to slice that Grand Duchy from Russia.
The time is used by John Ericsson to improve “Surt” and launch the sister ship “Lue” (Glow).
In late July a Union corps, commanded by von Moltke use the Aaland Isles as a stepping stone and is landed at Turku in Finland. A Union division augmented by a regiment of Marines support a British-French corps landing in Estonia to march on St. Petersburg.
As the Allied fleet enters the Gulf of Finland the Baltic fleet sorties and gives battle. During the engagement the armour plating of the Union ships again pays off as they are able to sustain the most hits of all engaged parties. But they are also able to engage the enemy at long range using their Aaker rifled breach loading guns. The Ericsson ships “Surt” and “Lue” handles very well and is able to sustain an amazing number of hits and also going through the Russian line at will. Losing 2 ships of the line and 3 frigates to the allied loss of 1 frigate the Russians withdraw to Cronstadt where they remain for the duration of the war. The “Surt” and “Lue” patrols the Gulf of Finland for the duration of the war unopposed and takes part in operations along the coast.
After an unopposed landing von Moltke moves his forces westward towards Helsinki and north towards Vasa. The Finnish rifle battalions rebels and joins von Moltke’s troops. Moving swiftly Scandinavian troops is in Helsinki in three days and makes Vasa in a week. The fortress of Svensksund outside Helsinki is invested and the Swedish engineer officers are despatched to the navy and artillery to direct fire against the fortress to maximize damage. Within the week Scandinavian troops reaches Vaalimaa where Russian troops are encountered.
The fortresses of Hangö and Kotka/Svensksund are also invested. All fortresses are bombarded from the sea by the Scandinavian navy. Every ship is mobilized. The ships-of-the-line is manned by minimum crew just to manoeuvre them and fire the Aaker guns and part of the battery.
A smaller brigade size force crosses the Torneaa border and marches south.
The landing in the Estonia has the Russians scramble all available forces for Estonia to stop the Allied advance.
August: A third Scandinavian division is landed at Porvoo.
After some initial success the advance is stopped by Russian counterattacks outside Tallinn. The war in the north then boils down to a trench war in which artillery and espignol plays a major role. Scandinavian Marines’ Rasmussen rifles breaks down Russian counter-attacks due to the high rate of accurate fire delivered.
In Finland almost all of the Grand Duchy is liberated when Russian troops advance. The Russians are met at Vaalimaa and Lappeenranta by von Molkte’s troops. Making use of the terrain the Scandinavians are able to check the Russian advance. Von Molkte then has the division at Vaalimaa withdraw along the coast towards Kotka. As the Russians advance the fresh division falls on its rear at Vaalimaa cutting communications and blocking reinforcement. The main force of the division then heads west to attack the rear of the Russians. Trapped and shelled by warships the Russians surrenders. The POWs are moved to Bomarsund and interred in the fortress.
The invested fortresses suffer badly from bombardment maximized by use of information of the Swedish engineers. At the end of the month they all give in, after having columns of Russian POWs marched past their walls.
September: With the surrender of Sebastopol and loss of Finland Tsar Alexander II accepts Austrian mediation and a peace conference are convened in Paris.

1856 Tsar Nicholas’ War:
At the peace conference in ParisRussia faces Britain, France, Austria, Prussia, the German Confederation, the Ottoman Empire, Sardinia and the Scandinavian Union. Russia cedes the mouth of the Danube to Moldova and all nations are allowed to navigate the river. The Black Sea is neutralized and is not to be patrolled by Russian warships. Tsar Alexander agrees not to interfere in the succession of the Scandinavian Union by ceding his claims in Holstein to King Frederick. The Scandinavian Union Foreign Minister C.A. Bluhme manages to have Britain and France agree to demand Finland being granted independence with the borders of the Nystad treaty of 1721. The Aaland Isles are demilitarized and the fortifications demolished. King Frederick and C.A. Bluhme propose Duke Frederick William of Hesse-Kassel as King of Finland.
Giving Frederick William a Kingdom is much to the liking of Tsar Nicholas and King Frederick William 4 of Prussia also support his candidacy because of his being married to Princess Anna, Frederick William’s brother’s daughter. But also because Frederick William see it in the moment as the advancement of the Germanic peoples! The Prussian support drags on the German Confederation and not wanting to be left out and to retain its position as premier state of the German Confederation Austria also supports the proposal.
C.A. Bluhme has just one thing up his sleeve – Duke Frederick William must renounce his claim to the Danish throne.
Realizing King Fredericks support by Britain and France and the goodwill of Tsar Nicholas as well as all the German states towards the enterprise Duke Frederick William accepts and renounces his claim. He is then instated as King of Finland.
An international commission is to look into the possibility of a merger of the principalities of Moldova and Wallachia. Serbian autonomy is guaranteed. Signatories of the treaty are Russia, the Scandinavian Union, Britain, France, Ottoman Empire, Sardinia, Prussia, the German Confederation and Austria.

[arctic warrior]

1856 To follow the example of 1848 all veterans of the war are granted the right of vote.
The Marines leaving Hangö are sent on leave in Stockholm before being transported back to colonial duty. Especially the black soldiers make an impression in the city at the time and nine months later.
The fortress of Copenhagen is abolished.
The experiences of the war are debated in the Admiralties of the Scandinavian Union, Britain, France and Russia. The general view is that it was the confined space of naval operations that made the spectacular performance of the Scandinavian armoured turret ships possible. Hence such would mostly benefit a coastal navy with limited range of action and shallow waters to make up for numbers. In blue water long range engagement the sustainability of the new ships are questioned.
The Scandinavian admirals are convinced of the value of the armoured turret ship and orders more from John Ericsson’s workshop. Motala Works, Burmeister & Baumgarden and any other local steel working industry is contracted. The immediate need is to convert all the frigates of the navy from armour protected to armoured ones, giving those armoured decks and more armour plating. To raise additional funds some of the protected frigates are sold off to friendly states, i.e. like the Netherlands and Greece.
The Royal Navy Admiralty decides to do experiments with turret ships and orders one from John Ericsson for trails.
The French Navy do not depart from sail but start a programme to rebuild their main ships as armour protected ones.
The Russian navy see the importance of armoured ships and begin building a few for each navy but funds are in short demand at this time.
British – French war with China.
French engineer and diplomat Ferdinand Lesseps get concession of Mehmed Said of Egypt to build the Suez-canal. Work start on April 29. 1859.

[Swede]

With the loss of Finland a fait acomplie, I can see Russia being forced to admit it in the peacetreaty. The ideal solution to the 'problem' we bugged you about
Re: the enfranchising of the veterans, I don't see how they could get away with anything else! Tho what weight would their votes have? Sweden didn't start out with one man one vote...
And as for Scandinavia being more forward about the metal ships, since it was 'our' ships and that it is generally considerd a brown-water thing, to me it's just logical.

[arctic warrior]

Originally Posted by Swede

With the loss of Finland a fait acomplie, I can see Russia being forced to admit it in the peacetreaty. The ideal solution to the 'problem' we bugged you about

That was my intention by re-writing that part. I'll cover this more specifically in the next installment. Thanks for your bugging - helps weeding out improbabilities.

Re: the enfranchising of the veterans, I don't see how they could get away with anything else! Tho what weight would their votes have? Sweden didn't start out with one man one vote...

No, it has been made mandatory.
As pointed out in the State of the Union installment they are going to influence parliaments in all three Kingdoms but especially Sweden with its nobility dominated Riksdag. The majority of servicemen still being drawn from the peasants, but city dwellers are making up for a larger part than OTL due to the enfranchising.
But it also serves to ensure support of King and government and continue enthusiasm for national service.

And as for Scandinavia being more forward about the metal ships, since it was 'our' ships and that it is generally considerd a brown-water thing, to me it's just logical.

Yes that was an important factor being overlooked by me, but I'm going to redress it in following installments.

[arctic warrior]

1857 The negotiation of the peace treaty of Tsar Nicholas’ War is finalized. Russia agrees to the Paris peace conference stipulations and accepts the fait accompli of Finland having been wrested from its grasp. Ratifying the Peace Treaty Tsar Alexander 2 and Emperors Napoleon III and Franz Josef elevates the Grand Duchy of Finland to the Kingdom of Finland. Tsar Alexander 2 confirms the instatement of Duke Frederick William of Hesse-Kassel as King Frederick William of Finland. Tsar Alexander also transfers his claim to Holstein to King Frederick of the Scandinavian Union. (In fact as King of Denmark) The Aaland Isles are demilitarized and POWs are exchanged at Vaalimaa in Finland.
Duke Frederick William of Hesse-Kassel is instated in Helsinki as King Frederick William of Finland after having renounced his claim to the throne of Denmark.
The last Scandinavian Union soldier leaves Finland. A small navy presence is kept at Svensksund/Kotka, Helsinki/Sveaborg and Hangö to finish setting up or taking down of facilities for the infant Finn navy. Two armour protected frigates are handed over to the Finn navy.
Allied troops leave Estonia and evacuate Hiiumaa and Saaremaa islands.
The Scandinavian Union negotiate an end to the Sound Toll for the price of 67 million kroner. C.A. Bluhme led the negotiations and ensures that Russia receives favourable treatment in return of her not objecting to Scandinavian Union military assistance to Finland. Finland is counted as part of Russia and as such goes free of charge. Former allies are also given lenient treatment. The USA having been instrumental in bringing about the negotiations is not given such treatment.
Having waited for his father to vacate the throne and having lived a life of indulgence and changing partners resulting in being deemed unfit by most for the throne, Frederick son of Frederick7/2/3 dies at age 49 leaving no offspring. This make Prince Ferdinand first heir to the thrones.
Princes Juliane Marie Frederikke Margrete is sent to Norway as regent.
The Swedish peasants and city dwellers, two of the estates of the Riksdag have been agitating a reform of the Riksdag for years through the liberals and the Holstein Movement which have been blocked by the nobility. With the enfranchisement of the servicemen of Tsar Nicholas’ War the political strength of the peasants and city dwellers is increased.
To take off the pressure of Swedish political environment King Frederick asks Regent Prince Ferdinand, who enjoys much goodwill of the Swedes due to his remaining in Stockholm during the Cholera-epidemic of 1853 to stage an election of the estates. Following the election the figures of the vote are circulated and the Swedish nobility finally gives in. A group consisting of all four estates is tasked with reforming the Riksdag.
All citizens, men and women of the Union are to come of age at age 25. A prerequisite of right of vote is possession of real-estate, which rules out most city dwellers and workers or national service during war. As nurses who served field hospitals receive right of vote the nurse training is booming.
(Map of Europe 1857)

[LordInsane]

Why does Russia keep the Åland Islands? I'd guess that they, having already lost Finland, they would be quite willing to give away them, considering that they won't even be able to have military forces on them in any case...

[arctic warrior]

Originally Posted by LordInsane

Why does Russia keep the Åland Islands? I'd guess that they, having already lost Finland, they would be quite willing to give away them, considering that they won't even be able to have military forces on them in any case...

You're quite right, I've overlooked that. Its part of the package - they'd follow Finland. Damn, have a zillion facts in the head - somethings going to slip... Actually I've coloured them correctly just forgot to change the text...

[arctic warrior]

Tribute to Lordinsane - a small correction of text. And last part of 1857...
---
1857 The negotiation of the peace treaty of Tsar Nicholas’ War is finalized. Russia agrees to the Paris peace conference stipulations and accepts the fait accompli of Finland having been wrested from its grasp. Ratifying the Peace Treaty Tsar Alexander 2 and Emperors Napoleon III and Franz Josef elevates the Grand Duchy of Finland to the Kingdom of Finland. Tsar Alexander 2 confirms the instatement of Duke Frederick William of Hesse-Kassel as King Frederick William of Finland. Tsar Alexander also transfers his claim to Holstein to King Frederick of the Scandinavian Union. (In fact as King of Denmark) The Aaland Isles are ceded to be part of Finland and POWs are exchanged at Vaalimaa in Finland.
Duke Frederick William of Hesse-Kassel is instated in Helsinki as King Frederick William of Finland after having renounced his claim to the throne of Denmark.
The last Scandinavian Union soldier leaves Finland. A small navy presence is kept at Svensksund/Kotka, Helsinki/Sveaborg and Hangö to finish setting up or taking down of facilities for the infant Finn navy. Two armour protected frigates are handed over to the Finn navy.
Allied troops leave Estonia and evacuate Hiiumaa and Saaremaa islands.
The Scandinavian Union negotiate an end to the Sound Toll for the price of 67 million kroner. C.A. Bluhme led the negotiations and ensures that Russia receives favourable treatment in return of her not objecting to Scandinavian Union military assistance to Finland. Finland is counted as part of Russia and as such goes free of charge. Former allies are also given lenient treatment. The USA having been instrumental in bringing about the negotiations is not given such treatment.
Having waited for his father to vacate the throne and having lived a life of indulgence and changing partners resulting in being deemed unfit by most for the throne, Frederick son of Frederick7/2/3 dies at age 49 leaving no offspring. This make Prince Ferdinand first heir to the thrones.
Princes Juliane Marie Frederikke Margrete is sent to Norway as regent.
The Swedish peasants and city dwellers, two of the estates of the Riksdag have been agitating a reform of the Riksdag for years through the liberals and the Holstein Movement which have been blocked by the nobility. With the enfranchisement of the servicemen of Tsar Nicholas’ War the political strength of the peasants and city dwellers is increased.
To take off the pressure of Swedish political environment King Frederick asks Regent Prince Ferdinand, who enjoys much goodwill of the Swedes due to his remaining in Stockholm during the Cholera-epidemic of 1853 to stage an election of the estates. Following the election the figures of the vote are circulated and the Swedish nobility finally gives in. A group consisting of all four estates is tasked with reforming the Riksdag.
All citizens, men and women of the Union are to come of age at age 25. A prerequisite of right of vote is possession of real-estate, which rules out most city dwellers and workers or national service during war. As nurses who served field hospitals receive right of vote the nurse training is booming.

1857 Reviewing the war the Scandinavian Union Joint War council decide to rifle all infantry muskets to increase their range. This is done in appreciation of the good impression the Marines Rasmussen rifles has made and as an interim until a suitable breach loading infantry rifle is available.
The espignol performed well in its new role but is still found too cumbersome to handle and still difficult to re-load.
A military mission is sent by the Scandinavian Union to Finland to assist in the build up of a Finn army and navy.
The Indian Mutiny breaks out. The Scandinavian Union offers to aid the putting down with their Marines in India. The offer is turned down by the British who have sufficient troops available. A Marines company is transferred from the West Indies to India during the mutiny.
King Friedrich William 4 of Prussia goes mad; his brother William is made regent. William put pressure on Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Hanover to allow for Prussia’s use of their territory to march troops against the Danish King. William wants to settle the issue of succession in Holstein. With the death of Prince Frederick the issue is now to be resolved.
King Frederick dismisses William’s demands because of Prince Ferdinand now being heir to the throne and thus Salic law will be abided to. Her Majesty’s government find this in accordance with the London agreement of 1849 and so does the other signatory powers.
Hot air balloons are show off in the Scandinavian Union.
The navy develop a few to be used for observation. One is used at one of the outer islands off the coast of Stockholm to watch the Gulf of Finland for the possible advance of the Russian Baltic Fleet; another is used on the Danish island of Moen to watch Stralsund in Pommerania.

[Oddball]

I hate to bring this up in a otherwise enjoyable TL, but:

Where is the Union getting all the cash needed to found war, upgrade navy and upgrade army?

19th century Scandinavian countries were not exactley rich...

[arctic warrior]

Originally Posted by Oddball

I hate to bring this up in a otherwise enjoyable TL, but:

Where is the Union getting all the cash needed to found war, upgrade navy and upgrade army?

19th century Scandinavian countries were not exactley rich...

They weren't, but they do benefit from an internal marked and better communications. The negotiations on end to the Sound toll is a coffer of gold at this moment, OTL it kept Denmark going for almost a decade. The trade with Britain is a source of income. The early shift to a common currency also helped economy. This is also the day of early industrialism in Scandinavia which helps getting cash.
The naval opgrade is in fact close to OTL if a decade early. But from the onset it was upgraded in regard to OTL Scandinavian navies but I don't think I've overdone that. The raw materiels are present in the Union.
Army upgrade is a little more than OTL but I think that is within OTL limits.
Of course waging war is expensive but part of the last one was founded by allies and the Finland operation made on a shoe-string.
The majority of service-men is made up of conscripts low paid but eager as the bonus of right of vote is awaited.
Most of the army upgrade is actually in leadership and organization with a joint command and two OTL important leaders not seeking service abroad or dying off. Von Molkte and Laessoee were high rate organizers and planners as well as executioners of plans.

[LordInsane]

Hmm... could Sweden gain the Åland Islands, or at least some of them? After all, Sweden had claims on them until the 1920s, and with Finland independent Russia would not be in a good position to strike against them.

[arctic warrior]

Originally Posted by LordInsane

Hmm... could Sweden gain the Åland Islands, or at least some of them? After all, Sweden had claims on them until the 1920s, and with Finland independent Russia would not be in a good position to strike against them.

I did some reading on the subject and I think I should have stood by the de-militarization. Then at a later time the inhabitants could decide for themselves which country's nationals they want to become.

[Redbeard]

Originally Posted by Oddball

I hate to bring this up in a otherwise enjoyable TL, but:

Where is the Union getting all the cash needed to found war, upgrade navy and upgrade army?

19th century Scandinavian countries were not exactley rich...

In OTL Danish economy improved tremendously in second half of 19th century. IMHO it started with the agricultural and landowner reforms of 1788, which sparked off a very powerful emancipation of especially the rural population. Apart from the constitution of 1849 it turned the majority of the population from being "dumb peasants" to entrepreneuring individuals. Danish agriculture turned from being ineffective crop growing to advanced diary farming and bacon producing, and remained the main income until the 1970s, by which time Denmark had for long been one of the richest countries of the world.

In this ATL the "emancipation stuff" appear to be slightly stronger and earlier, and with a strong grab of all Scandinavia. That should provide some stunning economical and cultural results as well. Grundtvig and the "Højskole" movement unleashed in all Scandinavia would be an interesting PoD by itself.

Regards

Steffen Redbeard

[arctic warrior]

1858 John Ericsson deliver two armoured turret ships for the Scandinavian Navy and more are to follow.
The Scandinavian Union joins in on the race for colonies. The Gold Coast colony is named Ghana and is steadily enlarged by inland movement of settlers. Apart from this the colonies comprise the West Indies – St. John, St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. Batholemy and Tranquebar and other trading colonies in India as well as the Nicobar Islands. A combined scientific and land-claiming expedition leaves Copenhagen aboard the armoured turret ship “Scania”. It is to travel to all parts of the Scandinavian colonial expanse and proceed from the Nicobar Islands to the old trading post in Celebes in the Dutch East India. It is instructed to proceed into the Pacific to claim colonies for Denmark.
In Ghana a local militia is recruited from among the black population. Civil servants are also recruited locally and sent for training in the Scandinavian Union. The small tickle of Scandinavian settlers moves the settled area inland. Soon conflict erupts with the Akim and later the Ashanti in central Ghana and later to the east between the Volta and TodzieRivers with the Akvambo and Augna tribes over the use of land by Scandinavians for agriculture and denial of the tribal peoples of using the areas.
To secure the Scandinavians in the Ghana another regiment of Marines is raised. Part of the regiment is raised in the West Indies mostly among the poor black and white population. Officers who find it difficult to settle down after the wars of 1848-49 and 1854-55 are numerous and make it easy to fill in the command positions of the new regiment.
The Marines are reorganized into the Marine Brigade consisting of two regiments each having eight companies. Brigade HQ is in Copenhagen.
The Reform of the Swedish Riksdag: a two chamber parliament is setup and election is to be by numbers. To counter the strength of the peasants and liberals in the first chamber due to the seats being allocated to municipalities and cities the nobility get automatic representation in the second chamber due to the direct election by numbers.
The harbour at Roenne, Bornholm is enlarged and supplies of coal and ammunition is stockpiled to function as an advanced naval base in the Baltic. An observation balloon is used on the highest Point of Bornholm, Rytterknaegten to watch the Baltic.
A naval building programme of armoured turret ships is initiated. John Ericsson works around the clock.
In Schwerin Grand Duke Friedrich Franz 2 is offered a 10 year cooperation agreement with the Scandinavian Union which he eagerly signs. The agreement includes trade and weapons procurement.
A similar agreement is offered King George 5 of Hanover who also signs.
Regent William of Prussia is furious at this. Austria is concerned but it is to the detriment of Prussia which is fine especially as long as Friedrich Franz 2 and Georg 5 vote in the Confederation to the satisfaction of Austria.
An Italian, Felice Orsini attempts to kill Emperor Napoleon and Empress Eugenie. This makes Napoleon decide to challenge the Austrians in Italy in cooperation with Sardinia.
The French-British war with China ends. Russia is a cosignatory to the treaty and presses China to cede the territory north of the Amur River, AmurProvince in Siberia.

[Oddball]

Originally Posted by arctic warrior

The Gold Coast colony is named Ghana and is steadily enlarged by inland movement of settlers.

Is this in agreement with Brittain?

Brigade HQ is inCopenhagen.

The Reform of the Swedish Riksdag: a two chamber parliament is setup and election is to be by numbers. To counter the strength of the peasants and liberals in the first chamber due to the seats being allocated to municipalities and cities the nobility get automatic representation in the second chamber due to the direct election by numbers.
The harbour at Roenne, Bornholm is enlarged and supplies of coal and ammunition is stockpiled to function as an advanced naval base in the Baltic. An observation balloon is used on the highest Point of Bornholm, Rytterknaegten to watch the Baltic.

On the behalf of the Norwegians, I demand some development in Norway soon.

Or else we will rise in rvolt...

[arctic warrior]

Originally Posted by Oddball

Is this in agreement with Brittain?

At this stage it is a Scandinavian decision, but negotiations with Britain regarding the colonies is going to be initiated. A good relationship with Britain is found necessary in TTL, but its somewhat difficult to get the horse to drink.

On the behalf of the Norwegians, I demand some development in Norway soon.

Or else we will rise in rvolt...

I'm very aware of having neglected Norway, but I've followed the ancient Danish line - don't raise taxes, let them fish (you've gotten new nets), log timbers and take their complaints to the King. That'll keep them calm...
Being serious - you have been neglected and something must be done...

[Oddball]

Just as a hint, you are aproaching the OTL periode were the Norwegian merchant marine started expanding

In addition I suspect that a majority of those serving in the union Navy consists of Norwegians? That would atleast be a continuation from the Den-Nor periode.

[Analytical Engine]

Serbia is independent, but the Danubian principalities aren't?

[arctic warrior]

Originally Posted by Oddball

Just as a hint, you are aproaching the OTL periode were the Norwegian merchant marine started expanding

In addition I suspect that a majority of those serving in the union Navy consists of Norwegians? That would atleast be a continuation from the Den-Nor periode.

Thanks. This will be easily worked into the TL.

Yes most of the Union navy personnel consists of Norwegians - no change in that. The Norwegian personnel making up the army is the "little brother" of the Scandinavian Union.
Could use a Norwegian admiral of the era!

[arctic warrior]

Originally Posted by Analytical Engine

Serbia is independent, but the Danubian principalities aren't?

Arrrrrrrrgh!
Revised map will be forthcoming...