You sure there will be a Canada (i.e., a federation of Quebec and Rupert's Land)? Without the Maritimes or Great Lakes, it's a rather odd and perhaps unsustainable federation. I would expect the Hudson's territories eventually to be bought out/partitioned between Albion and Quebec.
The Course of Human Events
- Thread starter Lord Grattan
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You sure there will be a Canada (i.e., a federation of Quebec and Rupert's Land)? Without the Maritimes or Great Lakes, it's a rather odd and perhaps unsustainable federation. I would expect the Hudson's territories eventually to be bought out/partitioned between Albion and Quebec.
I have not thought through/decided yet what will become of Rupert's land. Perhaps Tsar Alexander II will invade via Aljaska and drive the British out. (Talk about a long supply line!)
Albish-Spanish Conflict?
Though the Kissell expedition was ordered to not in any way provoke Spanish displeasure, with Albish ships a part of the fleet that trounced the Franco-Spanish navy at Trafalgar, would Spain order here colonial forces in NEw Spain to attack at some point. Spain might feel justified, since they could say that Albion fired the first shot... an Albish-Spanish Battle of New Orleans might be an interesting butterfly here.
Though the Kissell expedition was ordered to not in any way provoke Spanish displeasure, with Albish ships a part of the fleet that trounced the Franco-Spanish navy at Trafalgar, would Spain order here colonial forces in NEw Spain to attack at some point. Spain might feel justified, since they could say that Albion fired the first shot... an Albish-Spanish Battle of New Orleans might be an interesting butterfly here.
Thinking about it now, I should of had the provincial authorities give Kissell a harder time before sending him home as a "payback" for Trafalger. The tenuous political situation in Spain and the tension between Spain and her American possessions at that time caused the royal government to ignore the transgression rather than to blow it up into something bigger. Sorry, but no Battle of New Orleans (at least not in the 18-teens). The boots of Albish soldiers will soon be marching through Spain however.
In July 1810, Marshal Masséna led an army of 60,000 men westward in a fresh attempt to conquer Portugal and push the British and Ambish armies into the sea. After several inconclusive battles, Masséna suffered a stinging tactical defeat at Wellington’s hands at the Battle of Buçaco on September 27. Throughout the fall the two armies attacked and harassed each other, with neither army ever able to catch the other off guard. A stalemate ensued and the French were eventually forced to withdraw back into Spain due to disease, hunger, battle wounds, heavy casualties, low morale and a lack of supplies.
In March 1811, as Masséna was withdrawing, fresh troops arrived from Great Britain. The new arrivals were put under the command of General Henry Drake. This Ambish-British force moved toward Barrosa, where they won a victory over a French force under the command of Marshal Soult. While this was occurring, Wellington was able to push Masséna even further east. In less than a year, Masséna had lost 27,000 men while fighting a losing battle in Portugal. In the summer of 1811 he was recalled to Paris and replaced by Marshal Auguste Marmont. As the combined forces of Great Britain, Albion, Portugal and Spain combined only equaled 2/3 the number of soldiers that France and her allies had in the peninsula. Throughout the fall and into the winter, Wellington and his commanding generals utilized the excellent intelligence given them by their British and Ambish Indian scouts plus the tactical assistance provided by various local partisan groups, to keep the enemy pinned down and at bay.
It was at this pivotal juncture that Jackson and the Albish Grand Army of the Realm arrived in Lisbon. On New Year’s Day 1812, Wellington and his multi-national force advanced into Spain. The fortified town of Ciudad Rodrigo was liberated on January 19 as was Badajoz on April 6. Next, Wellington advanced on Salamanca. There he encountered Marmont’s 38,000 man army. The Battle of Salamanca, which commenced on July 22, raged on for five days. On July 26, Marmont was severely wounded and died the next day. On that day, British General Beresford out flanked the worn out French force and broke through their line. Thousands of soldiers panicked and fled the battlefield. Most were cut off by General Jackson who had moved into position on a key road which Spanish troops had inexplicably abandoned that morning. The casualty rate (deaths and injuries combined) for Marmont’s army at Salamanca was a staggering 80%. The casualty rate for Wellington’s army was only 14%. Most French survivors were taken prisoner; fewer than 2,000 soldiers made it to Madrid alive to tell of their crushing defeat.
Upon hearing of the catastrophic loss, King Joseph and Marshal Jourdan immediately ordered an evacuation of the royal court to Valencia, on the Mediterranean coast. He also ordered Marshal Soult to end his siege of Cadiz and to retreat to Valencia. Soult initially refused, but several days later complied. Wellington triumphantly entered Madrid on August 9, 1812 to cheering crowds. There he paused to collect his forces and ponder his next move. By mid-September he had decided on plans for defeating the remaining French garrisons in western Spain and attacking Joseph’s position.
In September, Wellington moved north to attack the French garrison at Burgos. After a long siege, Wellington achieved victory as the garrison surrendered. Major General Christian Hodge’s 3,000 man Albish force fought at Burgos as did a 600 man Indian Special Tactical Warrior regiment. Portuguese forces swept through and gained control over the province of Olivença, which had been lost to Spain five years earlier. Jackson moved south to attack the French garrison at Albacete. Following a fiercely fought battle, October 2-5, the French surrendered. Drake’s Albish-Portuguese force, along with Spanish guerillas kept the pressure on the retreating Soult throughout the fall, depriving him of an opportunity to rest and reorganize. Soult reached Joseph at Valencia in mid-October. As winter approached, Marshals Jourdan, Soult and Suchet and King Joseph were divided as to strategy. When Soult was recalled to Paris in December, he gladly went, marching his men up the Mediterranean coast back into France. The army under Suchet and Jourdan, along with King Joseph and the royal court, remained in Valencia throughout the winter.
In March 1811, as Masséna was withdrawing, fresh troops arrived from Great Britain. The new arrivals were put under the command of General Henry Drake. This Ambish-British force moved toward Barrosa, where they won a victory over a French force under the command of Marshal Soult. While this was occurring, Wellington was able to push Masséna even further east. In less than a year, Masséna had lost 27,000 men while fighting a losing battle in Portugal. In the summer of 1811 he was recalled to Paris and replaced by Marshal Auguste Marmont. As the combined forces of Great Britain, Albion, Portugal and Spain combined only equaled 2/3 the number of soldiers that France and her allies had in the peninsula. Throughout the fall and into the winter, Wellington and his commanding generals utilized the excellent intelligence given them by their British and Ambish Indian scouts plus the tactical assistance provided by various local partisan groups, to keep the enemy pinned down and at bay.
It was at this pivotal juncture that Jackson and the Albish Grand Army of the Realm arrived in Lisbon. On New Year’s Day 1812, Wellington and his multi-national force advanced into Spain. The fortified town of Ciudad Rodrigo was liberated on January 19 as was Badajoz on April 6. Next, Wellington advanced on Salamanca. There he encountered Marmont’s 38,000 man army. The Battle of Salamanca, which commenced on July 22, raged on for five days. On July 26, Marmont was severely wounded and died the next day. On that day, British General Beresford out flanked the worn out French force and broke through their line. Thousands of soldiers panicked and fled the battlefield. Most were cut off by General Jackson who had moved into position on a key road which Spanish troops had inexplicably abandoned that morning. The casualty rate (deaths and injuries combined) for Marmont’s army at Salamanca was a staggering 80%. The casualty rate for Wellington’s army was only 14%. Most French survivors were taken prisoner; fewer than 2,000 soldiers made it to Madrid alive to tell of their crushing defeat.
Upon hearing of the catastrophic loss, King Joseph and Marshal Jourdan immediately ordered an evacuation of the royal court to Valencia, on the Mediterranean coast. He also ordered Marshal Soult to end his siege of Cadiz and to retreat to Valencia. Soult initially refused, but several days later complied. Wellington triumphantly entered Madrid on August 9, 1812 to cheering crowds. There he paused to collect his forces and ponder his next move. By mid-September he had decided on plans for defeating the remaining French garrisons in western Spain and attacking Joseph’s position.
In September, Wellington moved north to attack the French garrison at Burgos. After a long siege, Wellington achieved victory as the garrison surrendered. Major General Christian Hodge’s 3,000 man Albish force fought at Burgos as did a 600 man Indian Special Tactical Warrior regiment. Portuguese forces swept through and gained control over the province of Olivença, which had been lost to Spain five years earlier. Jackson moved south to attack the French garrison at Albacete. Following a fiercely fought battle, October 2-5, the French surrendered. Drake’s Albish-Portuguese force, along with Spanish guerillas kept the pressure on the retreating Soult throughout the fall, depriving him of an opportunity to rest and reorganize. Soult reached Joseph at Valencia in mid-October. As winter approached, Marshals Jourdan, Soult and Suchet and King Joseph were divided as to strategy. When Soult was recalled to Paris in December, he gladly went, marching his men up the Mediterranean coast back into France. The army under Suchet and Jourdan, along with King Joseph and the royal court, remained in Valencia throughout the winter.
Over the winter of 1812/13, Wellington received word of Napoleon's disastrous defeat in Russia. When he read the news he said (quoting a Psalm verse), “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” By March 1813, French forces in Eastern Europe had fallen back to the Elbe and a 6th Coalition (Great Britain, Prussia, Russia and eventually Austria) had formed to wage a new war against France. The situation in Spain infuriated Napoleon, for he was unable to spare fresh troops for the Peninsula as he prepared to counter-attack in the east. At the same time reinforcements continued to be fed into the British army. Also in March, Wellington decided to move his supply base from Lisbon to Santander, on Spain’s northern coast. The Albish Navy, under Commodore Perry docked there on May 3, 1813.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, King Joseph and his Marshals, Jourdan and Suchet, finally agreed on a course of action. On April 12, they launched a blistering attack upon General Drake’s position. The Albish-Portuguese army was caught completely off guard and suffered heavy casualties. Afterwards they retreated to Albacete. Drake was severely wounded during the battle, but survived his wounds. As a result, the French army along with King Joseph and his court were able to flee Valencia. Suchet and Jourdan marched their men inland toward Zaragoza, along the Ebro River, hoping to give their men some breathing space and rest. They also requested reinforcements and supplies from France. Along the way, they plundered and burned the town of Castellon de la Plana. Wellington returned to the offensive that same week, striking to the northeast, toward Vitoria and San Sebastián, in an effort to secure northern Spain.
Jackson was placed in command of a 53,000 man (30,000 British, 10,000 Spanish, 7,000 Portuguese, 6, 000 Albish) force and sent to secure Spain’s eastern Mediterranean coastal region. Jackson received the news of Drake’s defeat two days after leaving Madrid. After receiving the terrible news the army continued their eastward march, which a few weeks later took them very near the French position.
Joseph attempted to put up some defenses around his position near Zaragoza, but the mass of non-military people and the plunder brought along hampered things severely. This coupled with Joseph and Jourdan’s lack of authority prevented any real work from being done. The town itself was a wasteland. It had been besieged, ravaged and plundered twice during the war and most of its residents had fled. Afterwards, Jackson described the French defenses as “a laughably small ditch with some wooden posts stuck in the ground apparently at random.” Joseph’s one advantage was a nearby bridge over the Ebro River. He ordered that it be rigged with explosives so that, if needed as a retreat route, it could be destroyed once they had crossed.
Once at Zaragoza, Jackson began plotting his strategy. Major Thomas White Stag, native commander of Albion’s Indian Special Tactical Warriors, reported to Jackson on the state of the French army’s defenses and the explosives rigged to the bridge over the Ebro which was being held by Suchet. It was White Stag who suggested that Jackson concentrate his initial attack there. This strategy, if successful, would cut off the French retreat route.
Shortly after sunrise on July 9, the Battle of the Ebro began. Portuguese General Freire led 40,000 men against Suchet’s position. Caught off guard, Suchet ordered a retreat. Joseph soon countermanded the order, declaring, “We are the conquerors of Europe. Stand and fight those wretched excuses for soldiers; they cannot defeat us!” Confusion gripped the ranks and the army was unable to properly deploy for battle. The French army melted like butter on a hot skillet and the bridge was secured. Jackson then attacked the French center with 20,000 men. There, Jourdan was able to rally his men and put up a fierce resistance. It was, however, to little and too late. With their position crumbling around them and no route of retreat, Joseph and his marshals bowed to the inevitable and surrendered. In the negotiations which followed, Joseph agreed to surrender himself, his officers and soldiers to General Jackson as prisoners of war, to turn over all their plunder, weapons and non-military personnel to General Jackson. Joseph agreed to abdicate the Spanish throne in favor of the man he ousted, King Ferdinand VII.
Is it General Gomes Freire de Andrade?
I hope he lives longer than 1817 in this TL!
If it happens, it may mean some slight changes for the better in the XIX century Portuguese political evolution.
The French POW’s, except for Joseph Bonaparte, were taken to Burgos. Joseph was taken to Santander and kept aboard the Albish ship Niagara in preparation for his voyage to Great Britain. Due to contrary winds, the trip was delayed several times. One night, a group of about a dozen Spanish partisans launched an assault upon the Niagara. Their objective was to reach Joseph and kill him. During the battle, Captain James Lawrence was mortally wounded by small arms fire. As he was being carried below, Lawrence rallied his men saying, “Don’t give up the ship. Fight them with all you’ve got.” The invaders were repulsed. Lawrence died the next day. Three days later, Joseph arrived safely in Great Britain.
Afterwards, Wellington and Jackson pushed northeast toward the Pyrenees. In August, Napoleon ordered Marshal Soult to launch a counter-offensive against them. Soult achieved two victories over the allied generals at Maya and Roncesvalles, before being defeated and repulsed at Sorauren on August 30. Both Wellington and Jackson were at their best during this weeklong campaign, called the Battle of the Pyrenees. They out maneuvered Soult, capitalized on every advantage presented them and overwhelmed the French with blazing firepower and human force.
On October 7, the allies crossed the Bidassoa River and entered France, and by February had advanced through the Vera Pass, Bayonne and Orthez. In the meantime, the continental allies were closing in on the French border from the east following victories at Dennewitz in September and Leipzig in October. On December 11, Napoleon agreed to release Ferdinand and recognize him as King of Spain in exchange for Joseph’s return to France. Although the resolve of the continental allies (The 6th Coalition) was again tested by Napoleon's vigorous defense of France, Paris was entered by the allies on March 31. The last battle of the Peninsular War, another allied victory, was fought April 10, near the city of Toulouse. Then, on April 12, news reached Wellington of Napoleon's abdication. After six years, the Peninsular War was over. Wellington and Jackson rode into Paris on April 28. One month later, on May 30, an official peace treaty was signed. The treaty was ratified by Congress on September 4, 1814 and celebrated in Americus with fireworks.
In the summer of 1814, Bourbon dynasty was restored to the throne of France when the late King Louis XVI’s brother was invited to become king. Upon accepting he took the name Louis XVIII. Though the first few years were rough, with Napoleon’s brief return to power in 1815 and a series of bloody reprisals against Napoleon’s supporters (not sponsored or encouraged by the government), Louis’ reign (1814-24) and those of his immediate successors, Charles X (1824-36) and Louis XIX (1836-49) would be a time of peace and stability for France. During this time a written constitution and bi-cameral national legislature, built on Albion’s model, were established. Several positive economic and social reforms were implemented as well.
Also that summer, General Jackson escorted Ferdinand VII back to Madrid. The government of Spain subsequently bestowed the title of “El Libertador” (The Liberator) upon Jackson for his efforts on behalf of the Spanish people. This infuriated Wellington, who derided Jackson saying, “This ‘Andy come lately’ arrives here at the end of the war and gets credit for the victory as if he’d been in the game since day one! It’s repulsive.” The king was enthralled by Jackson’s physical stature and self-confidence. Jackson, in a letter written to his brother Robert upon his return to Albion, called Ferdinand “an imbecile.” The four decades following the war would be marked by turbulence, instability, and crisis, for the war’s carnage had torn the social, political and economic fabric of both Spain and Portugal to shreds. Devastating civil wars between liberal and absolutist factions, led by veterans trained in the Peninsular War, persisted in both countries until the 1850’s. The shock and trauma of war also led to the break up of the Spanish empire in North and South America and the independence of Brazil from Portugal.
Afterwards, Wellington and Jackson pushed northeast toward the Pyrenees. In August, Napoleon ordered Marshal Soult to launch a counter-offensive against them. Soult achieved two victories over the allied generals at Maya and Roncesvalles, before being defeated and repulsed at Sorauren on August 30. Both Wellington and Jackson were at their best during this weeklong campaign, called the Battle of the Pyrenees. They out maneuvered Soult, capitalized on every advantage presented them and overwhelmed the French with blazing firepower and human force.
On October 7, the allies crossed the Bidassoa River and entered France, and by February had advanced through the Vera Pass, Bayonne and Orthez. In the meantime, the continental allies were closing in on the French border from the east following victories at Dennewitz in September and Leipzig in October. On December 11, Napoleon agreed to release Ferdinand and recognize him as King of Spain in exchange for Joseph’s return to France. Although the resolve of the continental allies (The 6th Coalition) was again tested by Napoleon's vigorous defense of France, Paris was entered by the allies on March 31. The last battle of the Peninsular War, another allied victory, was fought April 10, near the city of Toulouse. Then, on April 12, news reached Wellington of Napoleon's abdication. After six years, the Peninsular War was over. Wellington and Jackson rode into Paris on April 28. One month later, on May 30, an official peace treaty was signed. The treaty was ratified by Congress on September 4, 1814 and celebrated in Americus with fireworks.
In the summer of 1814, Bourbon dynasty was restored to the throne of France when the late King Louis XVI’s brother was invited to become king. Upon accepting he took the name Louis XVIII. Though the first few years were rough, with Napoleon’s brief return to power in 1815 and a series of bloody reprisals against Napoleon’s supporters (not sponsored or encouraged by the government), Louis’ reign (1814-24) and those of his immediate successors, Charles X (1824-36) and Louis XIX (1836-49) would be a time of peace and stability for France. During this time a written constitution and bi-cameral national legislature, built on Albion’s model, were established. Several positive economic and social reforms were implemented as well.
Also that summer, General Jackson escorted Ferdinand VII back to Madrid. The government of Spain subsequently bestowed the title of “El Libertador” (The Liberator) upon Jackson for his efforts on behalf of the Spanish people. This infuriated Wellington, who derided Jackson saying, “This ‘Andy come lately’ arrives here at the end of the war and gets credit for the victory as if he’d been in the game since day one! It’s repulsive.” The king was enthralled by Jackson’s physical stature and self-confidence. Jackson, in a letter written to his brother Robert upon his return to Albion, called Ferdinand “an imbecile.” The four decades following the war would be marked by turbulence, instability, and crisis, for the war’s carnage had torn the social, political and economic fabric of both Spain and Portugal to shreds. Devastating civil wars between liberal and absolutist factions, led by veterans trained in the Peninsular War, persisted in both countries until the 1850’s. The shock and trauma of war also led to the break up of the Spanish empire in North and South America and the independence of Brazil from Portugal.
Well it looks like Jackson will be remembered better in this history. Say what you will of the man he had a spine of steel and was not above threatening Georgians with a cannon.
I take it he will be entering politics shortly.
Here is hoping the Monarchy of Brazil lasts.
I take it he will be entering politics shortly.
Here is hoping the Monarchy of Brazil lasts.
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Ambassadors from ten European nations plus Albion gathered for a conference in Vienna, Austria from November 1, 1814 to June 8, 1815 to redraw the political map of Europe in the aftermath of Napoleon’s defeat. Albion was represented by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams and Special Ambassador Martin Van Buren. Among the many actions taken at the conference as they debated and haggled over land, was the return of Catalonia to Spain and the return of Olivença to Portugal. Spain objected to the later, but as Portuguese troops controlled the region there was nothing Spain could do about it. Spain also reiterated its decade old objection to Albion’s 1803 purchase of Louisiana from France on the grounds that the sale of Louisiana to a 3rd party (Albion) violated the terms of agreement when Spain sold it to France three years earlier. The conference affirmed the validity of the purchase.
Discussions continued despite the squabbles and in spite of Napoleon’s escape from exile and return to power in March 1815. In fact, this turn of events probably gave the participants the push they needed to reach a final agreement. The conference’s final act, the Treaty of Vienna, was signed five days before Napoleon’s final defeat at Waterloo on June 18. Spain initially refused to sign the treaty because of the clause about Olivença. The Albish Senate ratified the treaty on November 19, 1815. Spain finally signed in May 1816. Andrew Jackson was instrumental in convincing Spain to sign. Upon his return to Albion that summer, Jackson was awarded the Order of the Morning Star by King Edward.
Three days after his defeat at Waterloo, Napoleon arrived back in Paris. He still clung to the hope of rebuilding the French empire. He still believed that the destiny of France rested squarely upon his shoulders. Bonaparte’s younger brother Lucian, who until then had urged him to fight on, now urged him to recognize the true reality of the situation. A loud and intense argument ensued. During the clash Napoleon began choking Lucian. Those witnessing the scene intervened to separate the two. The fight ended when Napoleon was struck up side of his head with a walking stick. He was unconscious until the next afternoon as a result of the blow. On June 30, Napoleon abdicated for the last time. He died in Paris on July 18, 1815.
On several occasions while in the Spanish capital, Jackson listened as King Ferdinand conveyed both his scorn for the way Louisiana was taken from Spain and then wrongfully sold by France, and how thankful he was that it was in Albish hands (if not his own) rather than the hands of “the rat Bonaparte’s”. Sensing an opportunity to solidify the Albion-New Spain border, and perhaps adjust it a bit in Albion’s favor, Jackson sent a letter to King Edward urging him to invite the Spanish foreign minister to meet with Secretary of State Adams to discuss and settle border issue. When Edward’s invitation arrived in Madrid several months later, Ferdinand, with Jackson’s urging, responded favorably. The talks between Albion’s Secretary of State and the Spanish foreign minister, Luis de Onís, were held in the Federal City of Americus during the spring of 1816. Treaty negotiations were successfully concluded on May 28, 1816. Both nations ratified the treaty that fall and it proclaimed on June 1, 1817.
In the treaty, Albion ceded its claim on land in the eastern and northern regions of Spain’s Texas province. Spain in turn ceded its claim to the Oregon Country to Albion. The new boundary between Albion and New Spain was to be the Sabine River north from the Gulf of Mexico to the 32nd Parallel, then north along the parallel to the Red River, west along the river to the 100th meridian, then north along the meridian to the Arkansa River, west along the river to its headwaters, then north to the 42nd Parallel, and finally west along the parallel to the Pacific Ocean. The claims of Spain on the Oregon Country dated to the papal bull of 1493 which had granted to Spain the rights to colonize the western coast of North America and to the actions of Vasco Núñez de Balboa in 1513, when he claimed all the "South Sea" (the Pacific Ocean) and the lands adjoining the Pacific Ocean for the Spanish Crown.
For Albion, this treaty meant that its claimed territory now extended beyond the Rocky Mountains, all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Adams saw this as of enormous benefit to Albion’s future. For Spain, the treaty offered hope that its northern provinces in New Spain (Alta California, Nueva Vizcaya, Santa Fe and Texas) would remain securely in Spain’s hands. Onís understood how hungry Albish leaders and citizens were (and had always been) for territorial expansion, and how unstable the political situation in New Spain was becoming.
Discussions continued despite the squabbles and in spite of Napoleon’s escape from exile and return to power in March 1815. In fact, this turn of events probably gave the participants the push they needed to reach a final agreement. The conference’s final act, the Treaty of Vienna, was signed five days before Napoleon’s final defeat at Waterloo on June 18. Spain initially refused to sign the treaty because of the clause about Olivença. The Albish Senate ratified the treaty on November 19, 1815. Spain finally signed in May 1816. Andrew Jackson was instrumental in convincing Spain to sign. Upon his return to Albion that summer, Jackson was awarded the Order of the Morning Star by King Edward.
Three days after his defeat at Waterloo, Napoleon arrived back in Paris. He still clung to the hope of rebuilding the French empire. He still believed that the destiny of France rested squarely upon his shoulders. Bonaparte’s younger brother Lucian, who until then had urged him to fight on, now urged him to recognize the true reality of the situation. A loud and intense argument ensued. During the clash Napoleon began choking Lucian. Those witnessing the scene intervened to separate the two. The fight ended when Napoleon was struck up side of his head with a walking stick. He was unconscious until the next afternoon as a result of the blow. On June 30, Napoleon abdicated for the last time. He died in Paris on July 18, 1815.
On several occasions while in the Spanish capital, Jackson listened as King Ferdinand conveyed both his scorn for the way Louisiana was taken from Spain and then wrongfully sold by France, and how thankful he was that it was in Albish hands (if not his own) rather than the hands of “the rat Bonaparte’s”. Sensing an opportunity to solidify the Albion-New Spain border, and perhaps adjust it a bit in Albion’s favor, Jackson sent a letter to King Edward urging him to invite the Spanish foreign minister to meet with Secretary of State Adams to discuss and settle border issue. When Edward’s invitation arrived in Madrid several months later, Ferdinand, with Jackson’s urging, responded favorably. The talks between Albion’s Secretary of State and the Spanish foreign minister, Luis de Onís, were held in the Federal City of Americus during the spring of 1816. Treaty negotiations were successfully concluded on May 28, 1816. Both nations ratified the treaty that fall and it proclaimed on June 1, 1817.
In the treaty, Albion ceded its claim on land in the eastern and northern regions of Spain’s Texas province. Spain in turn ceded its claim to the Oregon Country to Albion. The new boundary between Albion and New Spain was to be the Sabine River north from the Gulf of Mexico to the 32nd Parallel, then north along the parallel to the Red River, west along the river to the 100th meridian, then north along the meridian to the Arkansa River, west along the river to its headwaters, then north to the 42nd Parallel, and finally west along the parallel to the Pacific Ocean. The claims of Spain on the Oregon Country dated to the papal bull of 1493 which had granted to Spain the rights to colonize the western coast of North America and to the actions of Vasco Núñez de Balboa in 1513, when he claimed all the "South Sea" (the Pacific Ocean) and the lands adjoining the Pacific Ocean for the Spanish Crown.
For Albion, this treaty meant that its claimed territory now extended beyond the Rocky Mountains, all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Adams saw this as of enormous benefit to Albion’s future. For Spain, the treaty offered hope that its northern provinces in New Spain (Alta California, Nueva Vizcaya, Santa Fe and Texas) would remain securely in Spain’s hands. Onís understood how hungry Albish leaders and citizens were (and had always been) for territorial expansion, and how unstable the political situation in New Spain was becoming.
As the hostilities in Europe ended and Albion’s armed forces returned home, a sense of national pride and exceptionalism swept the nation. Albish authors began receiving international recognition. Albish painters painted landscapes of Albion on their canvasses. Newspapers published stories about the promise and hope that could be found in the “vast land of opportunity called Albion.” History books were for the first time being written that included information about the founding of Albion. Stephen Decatur, hero in the Battle of Trafalgar, whom Lord Nelson called “One of the most daring and courageous men of this age”, became famous for his toast to the realm upon returning home: “To our country! In her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be in the right; but right or wrong, to Albion!” An anonymous poem honoring Albion’s sailors who fought in Europe appeared in several papers throughout the realm in 1815:
“An Albish tar is a soaring soul,
As free as a mountain stag;
His energetic fist should be ready to resist
A dictatorial word”
(Tar is an antiquated synonym or slang term for sailor)
In June 1814, the Federalist Party held a rancorous convention at Hartford, Connecticut. As the delegates began discussing the issues of the day: slavery, immigration, settlement of the west (and everything beyond the Appalachian Mountains was still considered “the west” in 1814), the economic health of the nation, and Albion’s role in continental and world affairs. From the start, men who had been friends for years began arguing with and bad mouthing each other. As it turned out, two things were holding the party together, the war and the establishment of the new nation. Now, the war was over and the nation was 25 years old. In the end, anger and obstinacy tore the party apart. Governor Anson Marshall of Maine got into a fist fight with Senator Gregory Davidson, Member of Congress from Allegheny. Many delegates left the convention in disgust. That October, Federalists from several mid Atlantic Provinces plus Ontario met in Baltimore Maryland where they formed the Commerce Party.
August 1814 is remembered as “The Month of Fire and Brimstone” in the Federal City. On the 14th, a build up of paint fumes in a storage room beneath the Senate Chamber, ignited a fire which destroyed the Capitol building. Hot embers flew across the street and ignited a fire which destroyed the Library of Congress building. Smoke from the fires reportedly could be seen as far away as Baltimore. The fires burned for two days, until a torrential rainstorm extinguished them. Then, on the 24th, the remnants of an Atlantic hurricane brought more rain and strong winds down upon the city. Several buildings, including the Treasury building and the Americus Ship Yard, were damaged by nature’s fury. The storm spawned several tornados in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. One tornado struck Anacostia Palace, and while no one was injured, King Edward suffered heart attack while moving to a secure location.
During the months that followed, King Edward’s health began to falter. That winter he became quite ill, and in February 1815 he suffered a second heart attack. The king bounced back though, and by summer, an adventuresome spark of youthful exuberance could be seen in his eyes again. In 1815/16 he became an advocate for the development of a network of canals and roads that would link the provinces, north, and south, east and west together. Congress responded by passing (between 1816 and 1826) legislation authorizing money for construction (10% of each project’s cost) of several “inter-provincial commerce, postal and national defense routes”: the federal turnpike to run from Baltimore westward through Maryland, Allegheny and Ohio, and ultimately all the way to St. Louis; the Helmville & Portland Canal, which would by bypass the Falls of The Ohio, the only obstruction to navigation on the Ohio River; the Erie Canal, which would connect Lake Erie and the Hudson River; and, the Natchez Trace between New Orleans, Louisiana, Nashville, Tennessee and Helmville, Kentucky.
The constitutionality of these authorizations was challenged in Federal Court on the grounds that Congress did not have the authority to spend money on public works projects. The 1st case on the subject to reach the Supreme Court was Sons of Boston vs. Albion. In June 1817, the high court ruled 5-1 “that Article 1, Section 8 of the Federal Constitution does give Congress the authority to allocate money for public works projects such as roads and canals which promote inter-provincial commerce, enable the mail to be delivered more efficiently, and assist our military to move men and equipment more speedily across the realm.”
Additionally, Congress passed a comprehensive tariff bill designed to protect emerging industries throughout the realm (1815), approved an Immigration and Naturalization Reform Act (1816) and extended the charter of the Federal Bank of Albion for another 25 years (1817). On December 11, 1816, Congress established the Province of Wabash from the eastern half of Wabash Territory and subsequently established the Territory of Illinois from the remaining western half plus part of Augusta Territory. This was the last major piece of legislation signed into law by King Edward I.
New territories and provinces in Albion since the last map. (Note: Assiniboia and Oregon are not part of Albion at this point in time.):
“An Albish tar is a soaring soul,
As free as a mountain stag;
His energetic fist should be ready to resist
A dictatorial word”
(Tar is an antiquated synonym or slang term for sailor)
In June 1814, the Federalist Party held a rancorous convention at Hartford, Connecticut. As the delegates began discussing the issues of the day: slavery, immigration, settlement of the west (and everything beyond the Appalachian Mountains was still considered “the west” in 1814), the economic health of the nation, and Albion’s role in continental and world affairs. From the start, men who had been friends for years began arguing with and bad mouthing each other. As it turned out, two things were holding the party together, the war and the establishment of the new nation. Now, the war was over and the nation was 25 years old. In the end, anger and obstinacy tore the party apart. Governor Anson Marshall of Maine got into a fist fight with Senator Gregory Davidson, Member of Congress from Allegheny. Many delegates left the convention in disgust. That October, Federalists from several mid Atlantic Provinces plus Ontario met in Baltimore Maryland where they formed the Commerce Party.
August 1814 is remembered as “The Month of Fire and Brimstone” in the Federal City. On the 14th, a build up of paint fumes in a storage room beneath the Senate Chamber, ignited a fire which destroyed the Capitol building. Hot embers flew across the street and ignited a fire which destroyed the Library of Congress building. Smoke from the fires reportedly could be seen as far away as Baltimore. The fires burned for two days, until a torrential rainstorm extinguished them. Then, on the 24th, the remnants of an Atlantic hurricane brought more rain and strong winds down upon the city. Several buildings, including the Treasury building and the Americus Ship Yard, were damaged by nature’s fury. The storm spawned several tornados in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. One tornado struck Anacostia Palace, and while no one was injured, King Edward suffered heart attack while moving to a secure location.
During the months that followed, King Edward’s health began to falter. That winter he became quite ill, and in February 1815 he suffered a second heart attack. The king bounced back though, and by summer, an adventuresome spark of youthful exuberance could be seen in his eyes again. In 1815/16 he became an advocate for the development of a network of canals and roads that would link the provinces, north, and south, east and west together. Congress responded by passing (between 1816 and 1826) legislation authorizing money for construction (10% of each project’s cost) of several “inter-provincial commerce, postal and national defense routes”: the federal turnpike to run from Baltimore westward through Maryland, Allegheny and Ohio, and ultimately all the way to St. Louis; the Helmville & Portland Canal, which would by bypass the Falls of The Ohio, the only obstruction to navigation on the Ohio River; the Erie Canal, which would connect Lake Erie and the Hudson River; and, the Natchez Trace between New Orleans, Louisiana, Nashville, Tennessee and Helmville, Kentucky.
The constitutionality of these authorizations was challenged in Federal Court on the grounds that Congress did not have the authority to spend money on public works projects. The 1st case on the subject to reach the Supreme Court was Sons of Boston vs. Albion. In June 1817, the high court ruled 5-1 “that Article 1, Section 8 of the Federal Constitution does give Congress the authority to allocate money for public works projects such as roads and canals which promote inter-provincial commerce, enable the mail to be delivered more efficiently, and assist our military to move men and equipment more speedily across the realm.”
Additionally, Congress passed a comprehensive tariff bill designed to protect emerging industries throughout the realm (1815), approved an Immigration and Naturalization Reform Act (1816) and extended the charter of the Federal Bank of Albion for another 25 years (1817). On December 11, 1816, Congress established the Province of Wabash from the eastern half of Wabash Territory and subsequently established the Territory of Illinois from the remaining western half plus part of Augusta Territory. This was the last major piece of legislation signed into law by King Edward I.
New territories and provinces in Albion since the last map. (Note: Assiniboia and Oregon are not part of Albion at this point in time.):
My The Tidewater region certainly took it on the chin. I wonder if the Albish will end up coming to blows with New Spain or Mexico? Also with the old political machine breaking down I imagine Jackson will energe as leader in the new guard of politickers.
I'm touched. Though upon further reflection, "word" needs to be changed to rhyme with stag. I'm thinking "dictatorial nag" might work, though "nag" might be an anachronistic usage.In the 1816 general congressional election, the Federalist Party won 4 Senate seats and 17 House seats. The Populist Party won 2 Senate and 33 House seats. The Patriot Party won 13 Senate seats and 106 House seats. The Commerce Party won 10 Senate seats and 57 House seats. Chancellor Madison did not run for reelection to the House of Representatives that fall. After the election James Monroe (Patriot) was selected as the nation’s 4th Chancellor.
There were two royal weddings in Great Britain during 1816. On May 2, Princess Charlotte, daughter of the Prince of Wales (future George IV) married Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld (future Leopold I, King of Greece) at Carlton House in London. Charlotte and Leopold were very much in love with each other; in stark contrast to the caustic and bitter relationship between her own parents. After two miscarriages, Charlotte conceived a 3rd time and on November 5, 1817 gave birth to a boy, who was named George Leopold (future Leopold II, King of Greece). This would be their only child, as Charlotte died of cancer on October 7, 1818.
In the 2nd wedding, also at Carlton House, Charlotte’s twin brother Prince William (future William IV) married Princess Henrietta of Nassau-Weilburg on September 26. Henrietta and William were 3rd cousins. Both were great grandchildren of King George II of Great Britain. Henrietta had been engaged to Archduke Karl of Austria, but he died just prior to their wedding as a result of an epileptic seizure. They would have five children together: William, Henry (future Henry IX), Charlotte, Alexandrine and Frederick.
On February 3, 1817, the king suffered a massive stroke. Two days later, the royal cabinet informed Congress that “beginning this day and until the king’s incapacity resolves itself, the Royal Cabinet will be acting collectively in the name of King Edward, in accordance with powers granted to it under Section 1, Article 2 of the Federal Constitution.” One month later, on March 6, he died at the age of 77. Ten days after his death King Edward I was buried at Rock Creek National Cemetery on the north side of the Federal City of Americus. Chancellor James Monroe officially announced the death of King Edward I to Congress on March 7, 1817. That day, Congress unanimously confirmed Edward’s grandson, Edward Thomas, as King Edward II of Albion.
There were two royal weddings in Great Britain during 1816. On May 2, Princess Charlotte, daughter of the Prince of Wales (future George IV) married Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld (future Leopold I, King of Greece) at Carlton House in London. Charlotte and Leopold were very much in love with each other; in stark contrast to the caustic and bitter relationship between her own parents. After two miscarriages, Charlotte conceived a 3rd time and on November 5, 1817 gave birth to a boy, who was named George Leopold (future Leopold II, King of Greece). This would be their only child, as Charlotte died of cancer on October 7, 1818.
In the 2nd wedding, also at Carlton House, Charlotte’s twin brother Prince William (future William IV) married Princess Henrietta of Nassau-Weilburg on September 26. Henrietta and William were 3rd cousins. Both were great grandchildren of King George II of Great Britain. Henrietta had been engaged to Archduke Karl of Austria, but he died just prior to their wedding as a result of an epileptic seizure. They would have five children together: William, Henry (future Henry IX), Charlotte, Alexandrine and Frederick.
On February 3, 1817, the king suffered a massive stroke. Two days later, the royal cabinet informed Congress that “beginning this day and until the king’s incapacity resolves itself, the Royal Cabinet will be acting collectively in the name of King Edward, in accordance with powers granted to it under Section 1, Article 2 of the Federal Constitution.” One month later, on March 6, he died at the age of 77. Ten days after his death King Edward I was buried at Rock Creek National Cemetery on the north side of the Federal City of Americus. Chancellor James Monroe officially announced the death of King Edward I to Congress on March 7, 1817. That day, Congress unanimously confirmed Edward’s grandson, Edward Thomas, as King Edward II of Albion.
Albion's trusty steward finally shuffles off the mortal coil. <<sniff>>
You know, I quite like how Albion has developed a multi-party system. Did you note that you have an un-even number of Senate seats? Also, it might help comprehension if you present election results like this:
House: (213 seats)
Commerce 57 (27%)
Federalist 17 (8%)
Patriot 106 (50%)
Populist 33 (15%)
Senate:
Commerce 10
Federalist 4
Patriot 13
Populist 2
You could also add the number gained or lost by each party since the last election. This makes it easier to keep track of the coalitions.
Accordingly, does the Patriot Party have to count on a coalition to elect Monroe Chancellor? Is the Chancellor subject to a no-confidence motion?
You know, I quite like how Albion has developed a multi-party system. Did you note that you have an un-even number of Senate seats? Also, it might help comprehension if you present election results like this:
House: (213 seats)
Commerce 57 (27%)
Federalist 17 (8%)
Patriot 106 (50%)
Populist 33 (15%)
Senate:
Commerce 10
Federalist 4
Patriot 13
Populist 2
You could also add the number gained or lost by each party since the last election. This makes it easier to keep track of the coalitions.
Accordingly, does the Patriot Party have to count on a coalition to elect Monroe Chancellor? Is the Chancellor subject to a no-confidence motion?
Thanks for the suggestions!
Two senators were elected from Wabash, as it was a new province in 1816. One will serve a 4 year partial term and one an 8 year full term. It makes it so that each province has only one senate seat open each election. The US Senate does it this way in OTL. When a new state joins the union 2 senators are elected in the next election cycle, one for a partial 2 or 4 year term and one for a full 6 year term.
Regarding coalition government and no confidence votes:
The Federal Constitution simply says that the king will choose a Chancellor from among the members of the House of Representatives. Also, there is no provision made for notes of no confidence. As the system grows and becomes more institutionalized these issues will be addressed and mechanisims put into place.
What do you think of my Great Britain & Greece/Belgium butterflies?
Two senators were elected from Wabash, as it was a new province in 1816. One will serve a 4 year partial term and one an 8 year full term. It makes it so that each province has only one senate seat open each election. The US Senate does it this way in OTL. When a new state joins the union 2 senators are elected in the next election cycle, one for a partial 2 or 4 year term and one for a full 6 year term.
Regarding coalition government and no confidence votes:
The Federal Constitution simply says that the king will choose a Chancellor from among the members of the House of Representatives. Also, there is no provision made for notes of no confidence. As the system grows and becomes more institutionalized these issues will be addressed and mechanisims put into place.
What do you think of my Great Britain & Greece/Belgium butterflies?
Alas Edward of Albion. He represented that all too rare breed of an honest and competent politican, may his progeny honor him with their deeds.
Well, the Royalty is diverging, Albion's monarch is Albish born and raised unless I miss the mark. Also it looks like the Hanovers have plenty of heirs, so no personal reunion.
I imagine that Albion and Britain will continue to drift apart as the young nation asserts his place in the world. Enemity seems unlikely but the alliance will become less brotherly and more business as the two grow apart I suspect.
Well, the Royalty is diverging, Albion's monarch is Albish born and raised unless I miss the mark. Also it looks like the Hanovers have plenty of heirs, so no personal reunion.
I imagine that Albion and Britain will continue to drift apart as the young nation asserts his place in the world. Enemity seems unlikely but the alliance will become less brotherly and more business as the two grow apart I suspect.
- Status