All this for a few lousy croissants? - An alternate Pastry War - 1836

Alt History Buff

1828 - The Republic of Mexico had long since cast off the Spanish King, then a local Emperor. The initial President's term (Guadeloupe Victoria) went well enough largely because the 1st President had borrowed like there was no tomorrow to maintain the necessary funds to control the country. However, within a few years, the state debt had grown exponentially.

Assorted coup d'états became the norm and no President after Guadeloupe Victoria managed a peaceful office without facing a (usually successful) coup by various Generals or the political opposition.

Naturally, this unrest harmed the country's economy. Violence was routine and riots became the norm in the larger cities of Mexico. Looting was common, as was the occasional targeting of foreigners. A French pastry chef named Remontel was among the victims. Indeed, he claimed, it was Mexican military personnel of one faction or another whom had done the looting. While the loss of some bread wasn't the end of the world, a great deal of expensive cooking equipment had been stolen or damaged and Remontel was forced to order more from France. The Frenchman approached the government for reimbursement given it was allegedly Mexican soldiers that did the deed. However, he was laughed out of the office. Such things were common and the bankrupt nation could hardly be expected to pay off cases of looting to anyone whom approached it.

While foreigners were not necessarily a specified target, many Frenchmen, Britons, Spanish, Americans, etc, eventually would complain to their Ambassadors, Councils or whomever would answer a letter of their plight. Few recipients cared. No one was forced to live in that rapidly collapsing nation. If one didn't like it, they were free to go home.

However, by 1836, it was becoming increasingly plain that Mexico could not (nor would not) repay the huge debts they owed to French, British, Dutch, American, etc banks and, about that, the foreign governments most certainly DID care. King Louis Philippe I of France was repeatedly badgered by his subordinates to approve some sort of intervention against the Mexican Government. Initially, he desired it to be in conjunction with the British or Spanish. However, the diplomats failed and his ministers were determined to flex France's muscles. Though it had been Louis Philippe's predecessor, the loathed Charles X, that had initiated the invasion of Algiers years earlier, Louis Philippe continued to give the colonization of North Africa tepid support. Many (including some Britons whom were wary of a resurgent France) viewed this as a threat and opposed any such partnership for such limited gains. Had they agreed, it is possible that the turmoil of the 1830's and 1840's may have been avoided as Britain would be in a better position to keep the French aims restricted to financial reimbursement of debt.

In the end, in 1836, France decided to act upon its own. Britain's attention would soon be shifted elsewhere anyway.

France dispatched a fleet with 5000 troops intent on occupying the primary port of Mexico, Veracruz, and blockading all trade until France received satisfaction. Oddly, the justification of the act was not the repayment of loans offered to Mexico in good faith but a silly claim by a Pastry Chef demanding restitution for his losses. French "negotiators" would demand 600,000 pesos for damages to Mr. Remontel's shop, a figure even the baker thought absurd given the average baker made 1 peso per day. Even the highest valuation of his equipment loses were in the hundreds of pesos, not 600,000.

With this flimsy pretext, the French fleet arrived off the coast of Veracruz.
 

Alt History Buff

July, 1836, Veracruz



Portrait of Veracruz decades after the Pastry War




Fort San Juan de Umua


Mind you not to embarrass your father!

Francois d'Orleans, the Prince de Joinville recalled his father's, King Louis Philippe I, cant that the 18 year old boy recall that his is a Prince and cowardice or shirking was not acceptable. France was only now recovering from the Bonapartist Regime, both economically and socially. After Charles I's deposition from the throne and the ascension of his father, the Prince knew that the monarchy remained unstable. The Bourbon Dynasty's relations with the public were paramount. If that included ensuring that an 18 year old boy was front and center in an invasion of Mexico, then so be it.

The seizure of most of Veracruz was swift. The all-important Mexican port conducted nearly 90% of Mexican foreign trade. Once cut off, the nation would be at France's mercy. The feeble Mexican Navy was captured or sunk en masse in the harbor. The Fortress of San Juan de Ulua, which nominally protected the harbor, was easily enough silenced and the first of the 5000 French troops put ashore.

Rampaging through the streets of Veracruz, the French Army proved rapacious, especially when in their cups. However, the Prince, nominally commanding a Regiment (with a more experienced Colonel at his side for "consultations") marched for the residence of General Arista, the governor of this port city. Leading fifty men into the open courtyard, the Prince looked up to the second floor terrace just in time to see several Mexican soldiers firing downward. A sharp pain erupted through his thigh and the Prince collapsed. Ignoring the agony, the Prince called for his men to clear the upper floors of enemy fire. His vision dimmed and the Prince was unable to sit up. The bullet that nicked his femoral artery killed him in less than five minutes. The third son of the French King had been killed by a nameless Mexican soldier. His death would echo throughout Europe.



The death of the Prince de Joinville


August, 1836, Outside of Veracruz

Santa Anna knew his star had nearly waned. After surrendering the Province of Texas to the Texicans (without the slightly scrap of authority to do so by the Mexican Government) a bare four months ago, Santa Anna had been persona non grata throughout Mexico City. In hindsight, the soldier should have been happy he wasn't shot. As it was, the opportunity for redemption was soon enough at hand. When the French invaded Veracruz, the Mexican Army was preparing for another invasion of Texas. These forces could easily be diverted southeast to meet this new threat but the central Mexican Government was weak. The elected President was dead and his Congress-Appointed successor, Corro, was inept (in Santa Anna's opinion). Uncertain what to do and having expected to serve only a few months until new elections were called, the second-rate Interim President Corro proved unequal to the task. He dithered, writing to his many sponsors for insight while the French consolidated their hold on Veracruz.

Why the hell didn't he just order all available troops to Veracruz, Santa Anna thought despondently.

Worse, Corro had been of multiple opinions as to who would lead the defense. General Aristo had been captured, Bustamante was attempting to restore order to the southern provinces breaking off to form their own nation or join the dysfunctional United States of Central America. The latter was so chaotic that they looked to Mexico for inspiration in stability. That said a great deal.

As it was, Corro appointed, recalled, reappointed multiple officers to command the ragtag army of volunteers forming west of Veracruz. Worse, Congress started appointing officers, kicking off a fresh uproar. Eventually, most officers returned home or departed for Mexico City to deal with the situation personally. Santa Anna suspected one or two would attempt a coup. This was Mexico, after all. No President since Victoria survived a full term without a coup.

As it was, Santa Anna found himself the senior experienced officer among the confused rabble of Mexican soldiers, militia and general volunteers. Desperately seeking guidance, they accepted Santa Anna as their commander despite the man having no legal authority whatsoever. He was an experienced soldier and was willing to fight. That, for the moment, was good enough for many of the Mexicans.

Santa Anna convinced about a thousand men to follow him from Puebla and march on Veracruz, picking up 3000 more along the way. Most were peasants, poorly armed with pitchforks or scythes. However, knowing his reputation and posterity was on the line, Santa Anna charged forwards through the hills towards the coast. Presently, the starving and confused mass were confronted by what appeared to be 1000 French soldiers atop a hill blocking the road to Veracruz. Knowing his men were at a disadvantage in experience and organization, Santa Anna nevertheless ordered a charge. He had a 4 to 1 advantage and the odds were not likely better against the walls of Veracruz.

However, the French had a surprise for him. There were nearly two thousand more French hiding just behind the hills. When the Mexican forces charged valiantly into the French fixed positions, a thousand well-armed, well-trained French infantry charged from around each side of the hills. Within minute the attack faltered and the entire army collapsed into a mob as they attempted to flee the double-envelopment. Most made it but threw away their weapons in terror, many not stopping until they reached home.

In the chaos, Santa Anna attempted to bring order. While screaming for his men to halt their flight, he took a musket ball to the temple and collapsed lifelessly from his saddle. His terrified horse bolted, dragging the General by his stirrups away from Veracruz.








November, 1836, Washington DC

Vice-President Martin Van Buren scowled. Damned Jackson! The man has never backed down from a fight in his life and, here, with the election at hand, he does nothing regarding this French invasion?!!!!

The fact that the President had been cripplingly ill for months did not stymy the Vice-President's ire.

The Democrats were expected to win the 1836 Presidential Election in a walk. The obnoxious "Whig" minority party had been growing for years after the schism of the Democratic-Republicans however were not anticipated to pose a challenge to the party that dominated Washington DC for 36 years straight. Granted, their strategy of running "regional" candidates had been novel and many wondered if it would be enough. But the Democrats were still expected to win the damned election until the double-damned French invaded Mexico and the thrice-damned Andrew Jackson appeared disinclined to do nothing. Calls that the Democrats had cowered before France in "abandoning the Monroe Doctrine" shifted, by best estimates, over 100,000 voters, more than 5% of the electorate. A comfortable win suddenly was a dead heat....then a loss.

The vote was thrown to the House of Representatives where the Whigs were able to vote in General Harrison, the largest Whig vote-getter. Seeking a balance to the Whig hierarchy, John Tyler, the Vice-Presidential Candidate for two of the four Whig Presidential Candidates was selected fro the Vice-Presidential office.

Van Buren lost the election by a bare 22 electoral votes and 50,000 votes in the overall nation.

Damn Jackson!
 
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Alt History Buff

Thanks, all.

I am kind of running out of steam on my "Quasi-War TL" as I've reached WWI, of which I have less knowledge/interest.

My "What are but two votes?" TL is also almost done.

I never knew much about the Pastry War and looked back and realized that if France goes through with a real invasion, it could have some serious consequences on Anglo-French Relations, the Crimean War, etc.
 

Alt History Buff

September, 1836

Paris

The nation was in official mourning. The third son of King Louis Philippe was dead. The King of the French was inconsolable and largely withdrew from public life even more. As it was, his popularity had long since waned since assuming (the Legitimists would call it "usurping") the throne from the senior Branch of the House of Bourbon. He was accused of monarchism and standing too close to his Conservative Ministers. Complaints were common that the Revolution had turned to nothing.

However, the loss of the Prince de Joinville gave the Monarchy a boost in popularity. Besides, despite the French affection for claims of "Liberty", the people as a whole were not opposed to colonialism. France, in Bonaparte, forced all of Europe to tremble under their boot. Having lost much of their Empire to the British in that war, the nation desired to regain their former footing and generally supported the conquest of North Africa and this campaign in Mexico (though the grumblings at the cost were already forming). If France were to assume power over the assorted collapsing states of the former Spanish Empire, the nation's glory may be regained. Indeed, Spain itself was even considering reasserting authority over whatever they could in the New World. Failed states like Mexico, the Central American Republic and others further south were already proving that the New World could hardly live without European rule.

Almost without bothering to consult the King in whose name they acted, the Ministers escalated the "Intervention" in Mexico. 24,000 more French soldiers were dispatched to the New World to bring this chaotic nation under heel.

This time revenge at the death of the "Martyred Prince" joined unpaid debt as the nominal justification.

What was worse? The capture of a Mexican transport of British powder. As the leading supplier of munitions to the nascent Mexican Republic, Britain continued to ship in powder through the years. The bill of lading proved that the British continued to ship armaments to Mexico even after the blockade of Veracruz had been initiated. After the capture of the governor's palace in Veracruz, it was proven that the modern muskets that killed the Prince had been delivered via an offshore inlet only weeks prior to the Prince's death.

Within days, an uproar had spread throughout the nation as the people raged against Great Britain.

October, 1836

London




William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne and First Lord of the Treasury, couldn't comprehend why the French were being so antagonistic. Really, the two nations had grown closer in recent years. Britain had done nothing while France "avenged their honor" by conquering Algeria after some idiotic diplomat incident involving a flyswatter. France quietly allowed Britain's influence in India to strengthen.

But such a naked invasion of Mexico? That was vulgar even by colonial standards.

The unassuming Aristocrat was vaguely affiliated with the Whig reformists though no one would consider him a radical. Still, the old fat King William IV had tried to dismiss him in favor of the Tories. That had failed and the King grudgingly agreed to accepting Melbourne back into office, his majority in Parliament relatively secure.

Still, the matter of France continued to fester.

Hopefully, in a few months, the people of France would allow their blood to cool and see that blaming Britain for the Prince's death was an exorcise in futility.

How wrong Melbourne would prove.


December, 1836

Quebec, Lower Canada

The grievances had been building for years. Though nominally granted a representative Parliament, the body was superfluous to actual governance as the British-appointed governor and his Council could (and too often DID) veto any legislation written by the natives of Lower Canada.

Politics here was complex and no longer simply British versus the French Majority. Key issues in Lower Canada included Church control over the education system and the domination of the local politics (those not British controlled) by a handful of old Aristocratic French families. Both institutions often sided with the British in order to maintain their own privileges. Many British/Protestant residents, conversely, ardently supported greater home rule (though some desired a Protestant Ascendancy while others preferred equal cohabitation with the French Catholic Majority). Few openly supported secession, even the French Canadiens knew that would not be accepted.

The end effect was a divided an ineffectual opposition to British rule. However, the time appeared ripe for change.

Several of the more Radical politicians were already considering Home Rule by force. While the British Army in North America consisted of only a few thousand professionals and a largely ineffectual militia, there seemed little opportunity for a rebellion to succeed.

That was, until arms, shot and powder began to arrive from France disguised as "Bibles", the weapons dispatched by outraged French aristocrats whom held Britain accountable for the death of the Prince de Joinville. Similarly, weapons trickled into Ireland via quiet harbors. For the most part, this was not enough to threaten British rule.

Yet.

December, 1836

Cairo

Muhammad Ali Pasha of Egypt was infuriated at the latest outbreak of rebellion in the Levant. Having long since cast off direct Ottoman Rule in Egypt, the Pasha had also effectively brought the Sudan and Syria under his authority. Only the most nominal tribute was paid to the Ottoman Sultan. In 1830-31, he'd defeated his nominal master so thoroughly that RUSSIA, of all nations, had to step in to keep Ali from conquering Anatolia. A deal was made to maintain the Sultan's dignity. But little else.

However, the natives of Syria, which had originally accepted the Pasha as a liberator from backward Ottoman governance, now revolted, without a doubt at the behest and with the full support of the Sultan.



Under Muhammad Ali, Egypt's defacto Empire exceeded that of the Pharaohs of old.

He would not give it up. He ordered his painstakingly built modern army back into the Levant.
 

Alt History Buff

March, 1837

Republic of Texas

Sam Houston was uncertain what to do. The French had apparently invaded Mexico with the intent to conquer, their initial goal of "receiving past arrears on their debts" apparently forgotten. Initially, many Texans were pleased with the situation. Mexico was plainly not intent on accepting Texan Independence and it was broadly assumed that Mexico would invade again once the political order was restored. The death of the previous President and the appointment of a lightweight interim did not put the nation in a favorable condition when the French arrived.

By most recent intelligence, French forces were already approaching Puebla, having defeated the Mexicans at every turn.

This put Houston in an awkward position. Trade with Mexico continued to flourish and he knew his own fragile Republic did not need a jolt to the economy. However, much recent trade was in powder and arms despite Texas' official neutrality. The French were not ones with which to trifle. It was not out of the realm of possibility they France may determine to blockade Texas' coast or, much worse, invade. Their army was legendary.

Houston was forced to crack down on Mexican smugglers in order to preserve Texas' autonomy.

But what would happen if France managed to conquer Mexico? Would France start to see Texas as their province as well?

Houston could take no chances. He had always intended on bringing Texas into the American fold. Emissaries were already paving the ground in Washington while he and other American-admission supporters were rallying the voting base. Now, he was running out of time. Houston ordered his latest emissaries to request immediate admission into the Union while Mexico...and France...were occupied.

Upper Canada

William Lyon Mackenzie had made his career as a rabble rousers. Seeing the British-appointed governor so intent in supporting Tories for office, the printer turned politician had organized a "Constitutional Convention" in 1836 that produced a series of radical recommendations for ending the monopoly on power in Upper Canada by the British Governors and their elite colonial families. Though some that knew him viewed Mackenzie as somewhat erratic, others viewed him as a hero.

Throughout the winter of 1836-37, Mackenzie's thoughts drifted from reform to revolution. He needed only look south for inspiration.

Moscow

Czar Nicholas wondered why he was actively attempting to prop up the decaying corpse of the Ottoman Empire. In 1831, he'd actually dispatched troops to protect the Sultan from his vassal, the Pasha of Egypt whom had conquered half the Ottoman Empire. Long rotting, the Ottoman only actively ruled a fraction of their nominal provinces, most being self-governing in fact if not name.

The British, French, Austrians, etc were so worried about the "balance of power". Should any one nation (presumably more competent then the Ottoman rulers) control the entire Empire then that nation might control the Mediterranean. The British, always fearful of Russian power, had done their best to keep the Russian Navy from the sea. Due to global interests, the Czar had supported this agreement.

Perhaps it was time to change.

Once again, the Egyptian princeling was making moves to invade the Levant and, possibly, Anatolia. Only Russian forces and the Treaty of London stopped him in 1831. If there was ever evidence of the weakness of the Ottoman Empire, it was that. Perhaps it was finally time to put the rotting Ottoman down like a lame horse. Let the Pasha control the Levant. The Czar didn't care as long as rights of the Christians were respected. If he changed his mind later, well, he would change his mind and take control of Jerusalem himself.

In the meantime, Russia might move into the Ottoman's Armenian, Assyrian and Greek areas in order to preserve their faith against the erratic tolerance policy of the Empire. In Europe, he could expel the Turk from Bulgaria (and perhaps, he fantasized, even Constantinople), the last real European puppet state of the Porte. The Serbs, Bosnians and Romanians were independent in all but name and Greece had been freed a generation before.

The last had always grated on the Czar. Greece had bee liberated by the British, not the Orthodox Russians. It should have been the Slav nation that protected the interests of all Orthodox and Slavic peoples. From Poland to Armenia, the Czar should either directly rule or rule by proxy.

He knew that the Ottoman could not stop him in any meaningful campaign. No, Russia's only fear would be from abroad. France had a pseudo-alliance with Egypt. If Louis Philippe supported the Pasha in invading the Levant, would Britain interfere with their powerful navy?

And how would Austria react if they witnessed Russian troops entering the Balkans? Probably not well.

No, the Czar must be careful and pick his alliances wisely. He could not simply attempt to conquer in all directions lest an alliance form capable of defeating his forces. It helped that Britain was openly condemning France's invasion of that faraway America colony which broke away from Spain. The two foremost naval powers of Europe at odds could only help Russia. With the Ottoman routinely outclassed by Egypt, Nicholas was hardly fearful of them.

That left Austria and Prussia. One or the other could be dealt with but certainly not both. He must come up with a way to divide the two nations whom were enmeshed in their own rivalry for control of Germany. Prussia would care little about the Levant or the Balkans but knew they could throw their weight around. Austria most definitely cared about the Balkans but faced challenges in every direction.

Nicholas must approach one or the other and offer an alliance to buy their consent. The Czar decided on Austria. He just need to offer the right boon.
 

Alt History Buff

May, 1837

Puebla

General Bustamante knew that he was likely the next President of Mexico. That idiot Corro had finally gotten around to scheduling a vote for an election, not that anyone thought it would take place given that the east coast of Mexico was being occupied by France. It took some time for the French reinforcements to arrive and consolidate their hold. By most estimates, over 30,000 professional French troops were in the country.

Mexico had never faced such a challenge. Even the war for Independence from Spain was more of a civil war as the former mother country, after occupation by France, had been unable to provide much in the way of troops as they might have in previous years. Eventually, the Patriots overwhelmed the Conservatives and the King of Spain was eliminated as the nation's sovereign.

With the fool Santa Anna gratefully dead and in the ground, Bustamante was left to pick up the pieces as his bankrupt country attempted to form a viable army. Lacking much in the way of formal trade with the loss of Veracruz, arms were tough to come by. Most were second hand British or American, both nations nominally neutral but neither apparently willing to intervene directly in the conflict. Evidently, Mexico was not worth a war with France.

Bustamante gathered his 17,000 troops in order to make a stand before the gates of Puebla. French forces of approximately equal quantities soon arrived. Bustamante knew damned well his poorly trained and armed men were no match on an even footing for the professionals but attempted to slow the invaders by a series of ambushes along the mountainous path to Puebla. This gave him time to prepare his defenses. Perhaps the hills and valleys would give him an edge. Bustamante had studied Wellington's Spanish campaign and came away impressed with the General's ability to use terrain to his advantage in a defensive war.

The terrain may be the only advantage Bustamante had.

London

Melbourne received the unhappy news with equanimity. William IV's time was almost up. Having been ill for months, the doctors were now giving him weeks, maybe days.

The old man's death could not come at a worse time. With relations with France at yet another low ebb after several promising years of cooperation and peace, now crisis were brewing in China, India, Canada, the Levant, Anatolia and, of course, Mexico. Melbourne knew he would not be a great wartime leader like Pitt but the monarch on his deathbed, even if William IV and his elder brother, George IV, were relatively weak leaders whom had deferred to their Ministers more than any other previous monarchs. In a time of crisis, the nation must have a strong leader. Sadly, Britain did not have one.

With William IV on his deathbed, the politics of Britain ground to a halt. The inexperienced teenage girl whom would soon ascend to the throne would soon be besieged by one crisis after another.

He prayed Victoria would prove worthy.

Aleppo, Syria

Ibrahim Pasha knew his father's will quite well. The great Muhammad Ali Pasha was no longer willing to play the vassal to the decaying Ottoman Empire. The Levant was promised to Egypt's Pasha in full governance after Ibrahim crushed the Ottoman Army five years earlier at Konya. Indeed, he might have marched on Constantinople, if he wanted. There was nothing to stop him. However, Egypt was halted by European fear of the Ottoman collapse. The Levant was promised to his family, in fact if not necessarily in name. However, the Ottoman Sultan continued to instigate rebellion and reportedly was forming an army to retake the Levant.

This was unacceptable.

The painstakingly built Egyptian Army (in the European model) marched 20,000 strong through the Holy Lands into Syria, crushing the local resistance before reaching a typically miserable excuse for an Ottoman Army of 25,000 at the city of Aleppo.

Much as he did years earlier, Ibrahim Pasha scattered it to the four winds, capturing their suppliers, baggage and artillery. This was quite emblematic of the pathetic Empire. This time, Ibrahim would not allow politics to get in the way of his father's rise to power. Prior to his departure, Muhammad Ali Pasha informed his son that the French government had given nominal support for formally kicking the Ottoman out of the Levant. Both men were certain of two things: 1. They could not trust a European Power to act in anyone's interest but their own. 2. The Ottoman Sultan would never allow Egypt to govern the Levant in peace.

Despite being the bogeyman under Europe's bed for so long, the European powers had spent an inordinate amount of energy propping up the decaying institution. Whenever Austria, Russia or Egypt were on the verge of conquering the Ottoman, some other nation rushed forward to "preserve the balance of power".

Ibrahim marched north, intending to put an end to this grotesque mockery of an Islamic power that was the Ottoman Empire. His only fear was a western force, perhaps the British Royal Navy or the Russian Army, would rise up once again to

What Ibrahim did not know was that his father was hastily working on a secret treaty with Russia and their new cohort: Austria.

With France already alternately referred to as Egypt's "friend" or "ally", the Ottoman was running low on potential saviors this time.


Muhammad Ali Pasha, founder of the Dynasty

 

Alt History Buff

June, 1837

Mexico City

General Bustamante's crippled and battered force crawled backward towards Mexico City. The Battle of Puebla had been a disaster. The French regulars were able to flank the strongest Mexican positions and hit the untrained volunteers. No one knew the number casualties: Bustamante guessed at least 2500 with an equal number captured. Perhaps worse was the 5000 plus that simply fled, often throwing down their precious weapons as they ran home. Much of the artillery train, baggage and supplies had been lost. Bustamante was fortunate that there remained 10,000 "soldiers" in his shaken army.

The French forces took the time to "occupy" Puebla, allowing Bustamante additional time to escape.

Upon his arrival in Mexico City, the General knew his future as President ended with his defeat by the French. Guadeloupe Victoria, the aging and epileptic founder of the nation, had been granted command of the army. The fact that the ailing man was no more happy with the fact than Bustamante was little consolation. Against his expectations, Bustamante was requested by Victoria to remain and command a division of the army. Always willing to serve his country and hopeful of redeeming his failure, Bustamante accepted.

Lower Canada, June 2nd

The Society of the Friends of Liberty drilled again and again. Their commander, Wolfred Nelson merely awaited the response to Papineau's beseeching request of Lord Melbourne's ministry to grant true home rule, not the twisted farce that existed in Lower Canada. On June 15th, the word came that the British government rejected any such entreaties and condemned anyone whom demanded such representation.

Papineau gave the word and the military arm of the Society of Friends of Liberty gathered across Lower Canada and marched.

Within days, 900 Canadian/Canadien Patriot militia, armed with modern French weapons, crushed a small force of British regulars at St. Denis on June 10th.

Immediately, Nelson marched northeast towards Quebec knowing that he must reach the walled city before British reinforcements are summoned from the metropolis. Barely 2000 British regulars were stationed throughout British North America from Newfoundland to Lake Erie. They were not to be feared. It was the Loyalists of the establishment, the ones placed above others by the minions of King William IV.

Upper Canada, June 19th

"They are marching?!" William McKenzie Lyon demanded, equal parts excited and amazed. "The Frenchies and the other Lower Canadians have formally announced their independence?!!"

His messenger could not swear to what the Upper Canadians intended but could verify that 300 regulars had been defeated at St. Denis, west of Montreal.

Lyon was of two minds. It may behoove his cause to wait and see how this turned out before committing himself and his Upper Canadian allies to rebellion. However, waiting would give the Crown Representatives and their cronies time to assume greater control over Upper Canada. For the moment, the Province was virtually devoid of troops as the handful normally stationed there had been largely ordered east to help put down the Lower Canadian rebellion.

Torn, Lyon made his decision.

"Gather the men! Tell them now is the time! Oh, I must pen a letter to our American friends! So many have volunteered to help us if we were but to ask."

Elated in the moment, the more sober portion of Lyon's soul knew that the fight had only begun.

Wallachia, June 19th

The first of the Russian troops entered the Balkans through Wallachia. Like Moldova, Wallachia was still a nominal tribute state of the Ottoman Empire but the Romanian peoples longed for unification. Per the Secret Treaty of Budapest, they were to get it.

The terms were quietly appealing to all involved. Austria would cede Transylvania to a new Romanian Kingdom where it would merge with Wallachia and Moldova. Transylvania redefined the word backwater anyway. She would also cede the small predominantly Serb area under her control to a newly independent Serbia, also a nominal Ottoman vassal.

Austria would then, in the peace, gain additional territories of Bosnia and northern Albania. With outlets to the sea, this was far more attractive than Transylvania. Just as importantly, Russia would gain no further (large scale) territory in the Balkans that in any way bordered Austria.

With the defeat of the Ottoman, a new Bulgarian state would emerge.

Greece the fourth signatory of the Treaty of Budapest, would gain southern Albania and southern Thrace, excluding Constantinople. This last would belong to Russia. Austria cared little if Russia had such an outlet to the sea.

In the end, this was a rare moment of unity in southeastern Europe. Russian, Romanians, Serbs, Austrians, Greeks and Bulgars would soon join forces against the ancient Turkish menace.

Austria would offer no soldiers for any campaign beyond their own "occupation" of Bosnia/Northern Albania except for releasing a few thousand Transylvanians whom would not learn of the foundation of their new nation until they were well along the march. They joined fellow Romanians and Russians as they broke through the Ottoman border to the Bulgarian lands. With news of their own impending statehood spreading like wildfire, the Bulgars soon rose upon in rebellion en masse. Greek forces marched into Thrace from the south.

By the middle of June, under scorching heat, the final battles the Ottoman Army would ever fight on European soil commenced in southern Bulgaria and Eastern Thrace. So unexpected was the assault and so overwhelming in its scope, it took the Ottoman Army weeks to simply gather together in suitable numbers. It did not help that so many of their local troops in the Balkans were Christians whom defected en masse to the Austrians and Russians.

On June 29th, the Ottoman Fleet guarding the Black Sea and the Dardanelles was shattered by a swift and utterly unexpected Russian attack. Reinforcements to European Constantinople went from a trickle to a utter halt as Russian ships took position about the great city.

By August, the extent of Ottoman Rule was the besieged forces of Constantinople and a handful of remote and cut off Thracian fortress garrisons.


London, June 20th

The bells of London intoned for over an hour in mourning for the loss of King William IV. Though expectations were low for his reign, his seven years on the throne had been good ones and the man died more respected than his predecessor, George IV.

The government of Great Britain, led by Lord Melbourne, knew that they must follow the custom of elections are called whenever a new monarch is crowned. Melbourne was not worried about the result. His majority in Parliament seemed secure.

Thank god, he thought, that our new eighteen-year-old Queen should ascend to the throne in such a quiet time.
 
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