America - Albion's Orphan - A history of the conquest of Britain - 1760
- Thread starter Alt History Buff
- Start date
Agreed. While the Americans in 1798 would be 1500 miles away from the Spanish or Russian settlements, the American population increase would likely vastly outstrip the Russian or Spanish population of the OTL population demographic trends remain in place here.
Chapter 144: Reestablishing the Old Order
1798
Paris
King Louis XVI was getting fat in his middle years (as was his wife) and was getting a touch of the gout. Forty-four years old, he already exceeded most average lifespans. Fortunately, his son Louis was looking quite healthy at age 13 and it was perhaps time to start looking for a wife. Louis was the second son whom only became dauphin upon the death of his elder brother in childhood. Though the Royal Couple had produced four livebirth children, only two survived. Should the new dauphin fail to produce an heir quickly enough...well, then it was likely that the King's brother Charles' line would eventually inherit (the middle brother had failed to provide legitimate heirs).
Charles was becoming perhaps too extreme in his opposition to the reforms of the Ministers. Louis XVI was quite popular as his Ministers had balanced the budget, paid down half the debt, improved schooling, softened the legal system, lowered taxes on the poor, raised taxes on the aristocracy and church and acquired neighboring territories with little expense (Liege, Nice, Savoy, Vaud, Geneva, other parts of the Swiss Confederacy, etc). Louis feared what would happen if Charles was put on the throne.
The "war" in the Swiss Confederacy had stalemated as the remaining Cantons (Bern, Zurich, etc) had fortified the mountain passes, making further incursions perhaps not worth the effort. At least the French forces had conquered most of the French-speaking (though partially Protestant depending upon the region) areas of the Confederacy. In truth, both Louis XVI and his Ministers had received what they wanted from the war. Now it was a matter of ending it on French terms.
It didn't help that the Palatinate and Duchy of Orange were at war and that the Swabian nations, Baden and Wurttemberg, had also invaded the southern (Swabian) regions belonging to the House of Wittelsbach (formerly Further Austria). By 1798, the Swabian and Rhenish Circles of the Holy Roman Empire were in chaos, something inconceivable under most circumstances. The Habsburg Emperors had kept the peace in the Holy Roman Empire for centuries. While larger wars would wage, smaller battles like this tended to be prevented with a few well-worded threats. However, the Habsburgs had been economically and politically shattered by a three year civil war which was only in 1798 ending. Worse, the Protestant northern regions of the Empire were banding together along religious lines for the first time in decades, allying with Denmark and, to a lesser extent, the Dutch Republic.
In 1798, the Austrians simply lacked the resources to march on Swabia and the Rhineland, not with the potential of a French/Northern Alliance/Northern Italy/Swabian unified resistance. Several of the local Habsburg Diets had openly expressed their opposition to any Imperial war in Germany. Too many still resented the attempts by Francis' father and uncle to "Germanize" the other Imperial possessions.
King Louis XVI would receive a dispatch form Vienna with a quiet undertone of threat which implied that a greater war may be on the horizon if this blatant and craven opportunism was not called to a halt. The Emperor was willing to allow France, Italy and the Swabians to conquer what they wanted in the Confederacy. But allowing petty princes of the Empire to wage war upon one another was unacceptable.
Louis would write back (coached by his ministers) that a general European war could be avoided if compromise could be found.
Manhattan
John Wood the Elder and John Wood the Younger were father and son architects whom, early in the previous war (the war of Prussian Aggression), had received the contract for a beautiful design called "The Crescent" in the city of Bath, England. However, the war would slow construction to the point that it effectively halted. Then the nation was conquered and all funds disappeared. By this point, John Wood the Elder was dead and the younger would take his wife and most of his ten children to America where he pitched "the Circus" to King Henry XV of British North America (some still called him Henry I of America but he opted to follow the British conventions). Henry was not in a financial situation to build such an ambitious project but would hire John Wood the Younger for several smaller projects, including the relatively modest (by European standards) "Amsterdam Palace" which was named somewhat ironically after the old Dutch colony (no one exactly recalls why).
John Wood the Younger would die in 1782 before the Palace was completed (see below).
By 1798, the two sons of John Wood the Younger would brush off the old design created by their grandfather for "the Crescent" and pitch the design to dozens of potential customers. Few Americans had the funds for such a development. The Wood brothers would seek to gain a series of investors but largely failed. As it so happened, the growth of the nation would be the trigger for the belated approval to build the design.
By 1798, the number of Dominions (and members of Parliament) had expanded greatly. The small Parliamentary Building erected only 20 years before would be deemed obsolete (and would later be given over as a home for the new National Gallery). The nation also had more funds available for such construction, particularly in the capital. A new segment of Manhattan would be set aside for a new Parliamentary Building along the East River. Several square blocks of development would be knocked down as would a portion of a local park a few local farms. There would be just enough land left for high-end housing for the ranking bureaucrats or Parliamentarians which were now flocking to the rapidly developing city.
The old "Crescent" once intended for Bath would fit nicely into the architectural preferences of the nation which still tended to look towards Britain culturally. The "Hanoverian" style had been stamped among many public and private buildings over the years in Manhattan and the "Crescent" would prove perhaps the blueprint for Manhattan development for the next half-century.
Paris
King Louis XVI was getting fat in his middle years (as was his wife) and was getting a touch of the gout. Forty-four years old, he already exceeded most average lifespans. Fortunately, his son Louis was looking quite healthy at age 13 and it was perhaps time to start looking for a wife. Louis was the second son whom only became dauphin upon the death of his elder brother in childhood. Though the Royal Couple had produced four livebirth children, only two survived. Should the new dauphin fail to produce an heir quickly enough...well, then it was likely that the King's brother Charles' line would eventually inherit (the middle brother had failed to provide legitimate heirs).
Charles was becoming perhaps too extreme in his opposition to the reforms of the Ministers. Louis XVI was quite popular as his Ministers had balanced the budget, paid down half the debt, improved schooling, softened the legal system, lowered taxes on the poor, raised taxes on the aristocracy and church and acquired neighboring territories with little expense (Liege, Nice, Savoy, Vaud, Geneva, other parts of the Swiss Confederacy, etc). Louis feared what would happen if Charles was put on the throne.
The "war" in the Swiss Confederacy had stalemated as the remaining Cantons (Bern, Zurich, etc) had fortified the mountain passes, making further incursions perhaps not worth the effort. At least the French forces had conquered most of the French-speaking (though partially Protestant depending upon the region) areas of the Confederacy. In truth, both Louis XVI and his Ministers had received what they wanted from the war. Now it was a matter of ending it on French terms.
It didn't help that the Palatinate and Duchy of Orange were at war and that the Swabian nations, Baden and Wurttemberg, had also invaded the southern (Swabian) regions belonging to the House of Wittelsbach (formerly Further Austria). By 1798, the Swabian and Rhenish Circles of the Holy Roman Empire were in chaos, something inconceivable under most circumstances. The Habsburg Emperors had kept the peace in the Holy Roman Empire for centuries. While larger wars would wage, smaller battles like this tended to be prevented with a few well-worded threats. However, the Habsburgs had been economically and politically shattered by a three year civil war which was only in 1798 ending. Worse, the Protestant northern regions of the Empire were banding together along religious lines for the first time in decades, allying with Denmark and, to a lesser extent, the Dutch Republic.
In 1798, the Austrians simply lacked the resources to march on Swabia and the Rhineland, not with the potential of a French/Northern Alliance/Northern Italy/Swabian unified resistance. Several of the local Habsburg Diets had openly expressed their opposition to any Imperial war in Germany. Too many still resented the attempts by Francis' father and uncle to "Germanize" the other Imperial possessions.
King Louis XVI would receive a dispatch form Vienna with a quiet undertone of threat which implied that a greater war may be on the horizon if this blatant and craven opportunism was not called to a halt. The Emperor was willing to allow France, Italy and the Swabians to conquer what they wanted in the Confederacy. But allowing petty princes of the Empire to wage war upon one another was unacceptable.
Louis would write back (coached by his ministers) that a general European war could be avoided if compromise could be found.
Manhattan
John Wood the Elder and John Wood the Younger were father and son architects whom, early in the previous war (the war of Prussian Aggression), had received the contract for a beautiful design called "The Crescent" in the city of Bath, England. However, the war would slow construction to the point that it effectively halted. Then the nation was conquered and all funds disappeared. By this point, John Wood the Elder was dead and the younger would take his wife and most of his ten children to America where he pitched "the Circus" to King Henry XV of British North America (some still called him Henry I of America but he opted to follow the British conventions). Henry was not in a financial situation to build such an ambitious project but would hire John Wood the Younger for several smaller projects, including the relatively modest (by European standards) "Amsterdam Palace" which was named somewhat ironically after the old Dutch colony (no one exactly recalls why).
John Wood the Younger would die in 1782 before the Palace was completed (see below).
By 1798, the two sons of John Wood the Younger would brush off the old design created by their grandfather for "the Crescent" and pitch the design to dozens of potential customers. Few Americans had the funds for such a development. The Wood brothers would seek to gain a series of investors but largely failed. As it so happened, the growth of the nation would be the trigger for the belated approval to build the design.
By 1798, the number of Dominions (and members of Parliament) had expanded greatly. The small Parliamentary Building erected only 20 years before would be deemed obsolete (and would later be given over as a home for the new National Gallery). The nation also had more funds available for such construction, particularly in the capital. A new segment of Manhattan would be set aside for a new Parliamentary Building along the East River. Several square blocks of development would be knocked down as would a portion of a local park a few local farms. There would be just enough land left for high-end housing for the ranking bureaucrats or Parliamentarians which were now flocking to the rapidly developing city.
The old "Crescent" once intended for Bath would fit nicely into the architectural preferences of the nation which still tended to look towards Britain culturally. The "Hanoverian" style had been stamped among many public and private buildings over the years in Manhattan and the "Crescent" would prove perhaps the blueprint for Manhattan development for the next half-century.
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TheLoneAmigo
Donor
It's always good when an ATL author considers things beyond the procession of kings and presidents - architecture, culture and science. I think this ATL is a prime example of that!
My question is - what will fashion look like the ATL 19th century? Without the influence of Beau Brummel in the Regency Period, the modern men's suit seems unlikely to evolve in its current form.
My question is - what will fashion look like the ATL 19th century? Without the influence of Beau Brummel in the Regency Period, the modern men's suit seems unlikely to evolve in its current form.
Last edited:
Thanks for the comments.
I agree that the huge cravats which served to hide George IV's waddle neck probably would not evolve. Good question. Maybe the French style under Louis XVI would prevail. He would have at least another decade or rule (thus far) in this TL. Without the French Revolution which distracted the rest of Europe (or made them deliberately refuse to dress in the French Style), the long-held French domination of cultural affairs would continue.
Chapter 145: Surplus of Earnest, Surfeit of Capacity
1799
Madras
Baron Manuel de Godoy (his lover Queen Maria Louisa had seen to his ennoblement prior to departing Spain) had spent the past year in transit to the Far East. Historically, Spain had kept its trade with China to the Annual Galleon which traversed the Pacific each way from Acapulco to Manila and back. Few Spanish expeditions circled Africa for direct trade with the east. Indeed, more foreign ships supplied Manila over the years than Spanish. Arguably, Spain's enemies had done more to develop Manila than Spain itself.
Nearly three years prior, the Chinese Emperor had ordered his fleet to invade the Philippines, of which only the Manila region was governed by the Spanish, no matter how nominally. Probably fewer than 1000 pureblood Spaniards resided there when the city fell. So shocked by the poor state of defenses, the Chinese Admiral whom occupied the region courteously allowed the Spanish and Nipponese residents to depart in peace with their personal possessions. He even allowed records, silks and silver to be carried off by the Spanish officials. They would be bundled aboard a series of BEIC and FEIC vessels whom happened to pass through to trade supplies (food, manufactured goods, etc) and shipped to Jakarta, Saigon and Madras.
It was in Madras that de Godoy found the former governor whom was "too sick" to travel. More than anything, de Godoy suspected the man simply did not want to answer to the King for his lack of defense of Manila. Indeed, the man had apparently intended to keep the bounty of goods he'd planned to "return to the King" and live on in Madras as a wealthy foreigner for the rest of his days. However, he would die within weeks of de Godoy's arrival and his pilfered assets seized de Godoy "in the name of the King".
De Godoy would attempt to negotiate with the new regional head of the British East India Company (BEIC), Francis Levett. Levett was one of the old connected British merchant families whom had fled Britain after the invasion and later 2nd British Civil War. Levett inquired why, if the BEIC was to invade the Philippines, would they do it for the benefit of Spain? Why not conquer it for themselves?
The Spaniard knew the truth: that the BEIC was on the back foot against the Chinese. Indeed, the FEIC, augmented by the French government, was also effectively at war with China. In 1798, the Chinese Army had overrun most of northern Vietnam, pressing the ruling dynasty further south. As an ally of France, or at least France's eastern interests, the King of Vietnam would demand support which was not particularly forthcoming.
Spanish money would be helpful against the Chinese. De Godoy asked Levett to name his figure and nearly choked. De Godoy had been close enough to the Spanish finances to know that the quantity was impossible given Spain's financial dysfunction. Even a generation of peace and an honest attempt to modernize its industrial and financial systems would not allow for the sums required.
De Godoy knew that he'd fallen into Aranda's trap. The Prime Minister knew that he would fail in his mission. The stigma of this failure, along with the probably loss of de Godoy in Maria Luisa's affections after at least a two year absence, would probably end his career. He didn't begrudge losing his place in the Queen's bed. Though considered attractive in her youth, Maria Theresa had aged badly after many pregnancies. By thirty, after so many childbirths, her figure was lost, her skin sallow and most of her teeth lost. She was not short and frumpy nearing age fifty. It was possible that some of her later children were fathered by de Godoy but he knew better than to speak of such things publicly. Fortunately, the woman had lost her interest in sex over the past few years. Thank god shameless flattery had become acceptable to Her Majesty.
Seeing no reason to go back, de Godoy would look at the chests of silver he brought with him (and what he seized from the former Governor of Manila), calculated his prospects back home and inquired if the BEIC was looking for new investors.
Naturally, the answer was yes. De Godoy would move into the former Governor's residence and even assume possession of the man's 19 year old mistress. The silver bought de Godoy a seat on the BEIC board. By 1800, he was one of the leading voices in the Company and even served as Consul in the company's trade mission to Saigon where the BEIC was allying with France, the FEIC and the King of Vietnam against the Chinese.
While the Chinese conquest of Manila had been total, it was soon determined that the remote port was too far removed from Vietnam to be useful in the current war. Utilized for centuries entirely as an entrepot for an annual galleon, the Chinese Navy would leave only a token force to govern the now-stagnant city. In short order, the Chinese Treasury would come to regret conquering the place not for the cost of administration but by the fact that the Emperor had deliberately cut off the flow of silver from the Americas to China. While, in the general scope of things, losing the silk, porcelain and tea exports for a few years would matter little.
China had to teach these barbarians a lesson. The Emperor determined to put an end to the Opium trade and any other offense to the throne. Had the Emperor known anything about western politics, he would have been disgusted by de Godoy's treason (and theft of King Carlos IV's silver).
His loyalty to the King of Spain forgotten, de Godoy happily transferred his allegiance to the BEIC and left his family back in Spain to answer for his crimes.
Bourbonia (Great Southern Island)
By 1799, the "recruiting" vessels plying the Pacific islands would provide adequate labor for a significant sugar export industry (still valuable enough to justify export to Europe despite the great shipping costs). However, many of the Pacific Islands were being emptied of people, at least the young and healthy ones. The French colony and the FEIC would turn its attention towards the Zealand Islands, the Solomon Islands, New Guinea and even as far north as Luzon in the Philippines.
While official edicts came from Paris to curb the worst of the abuses, these were generally ignored. Only regions under the protection of other powers (Hawaii under Russian, the East Indies under the BEIC) were exempt from this trade.
Eventually, "recruiting" would be sanctioned by the King of Vietnam, though under more nominal legal protections. Many of the Chinese and Nipponese settlers which had been evicted from Manila arrived in Bourbonia, representing the first major arrival of those peoples on the vast island. Eventually, these "Mainland Asiatics" (though Nippon was not actually "Mainland") would become part of a rising middle class between the French settlers and the Melonesian/Polynesian laborers. A handful of East Indies and Maratha settlers would arrive as well. Even government subsidized transport of French and other peoples would do little to halt the demographic shift away from the French and the native Bourbonian peoples.
Madras
Baron Manuel de Godoy (his lover Queen Maria Louisa had seen to his ennoblement prior to departing Spain) had spent the past year in transit to the Far East. Historically, Spain had kept its trade with China to the Annual Galleon which traversed the Pacific each way from Acapulco to Manila and back. Few Spanish expeditions circled Africa for direct trade with the east. Indeed, more foreign ships supplied Manila over the years than Spanish. Arguably, Spain's enemies had done more to develop Manila than Spain itself.
Nearly three years prior, the Chinese Emperor had ordered his fleet to invade the Philippines, of which only the Manila region was governed by the Spanish, no matter how nominally. Probably fewer than 1000 pureblood Spaniards resided there when the city fell. So shocked by the poor state of defenses, the Chinese Admiral whom occupied the region courteously allowed the Spanish and Nipponese residents to depart in peace with their personal possessions. He even allowed records, silks and silver to be carried off by the Spanish officials. They would be bundled aboard a series of BEIC and FEIC vessels whom happened to pass through to trade supplies (food, manufactured goods, etc) and shipped to Jakarta, Saigon and Madras.
It was in Madras that de Godoy found the former governor whom was "too sick" to travel. More than anything, de Godoy suspected the man simply did not want to answer to the King for his lack of defense of Manila. Indeed, the man had apparently intended to keep the bounty of goods he'd planned to "return to the King" and live on in Madras as a wealthy foreigner for the rest of his days. However, he would die within weeks of de Godoy's arrival and his pilfered assets seized de Godoy "in the name of the King".
De Godoy would attempt to negotiate with the new regional head of the British East India Company (BEIC), Francis Levett. Levett was one of the old connected British merchant families whom had fled Britain after the invasion and later 2nd British Civil War. Levett inquired why, if the BEIC was to invade the Philippines, would they do it for the benefit of Spain? Why not conquer it for themselves?
The Spaniard knew the truth: that the BEIC was on the back foot against the Chinese. Indeed, the FEIC, augmented by the French government, was also effectively at war with China. In 1798, the Chinese Army had overrun most of northern Vietnam, pressing the ruling dynasty further south. As an ally of France, or at least France's eastern interests, the King of Vietnam would demand support which was not particularly forthcoming.
Spanish money would be helpful against the Chinese. De Godoy asked Levett to name his figure and nearly choked. De Godoy had been close enough to the Spanish finances to know that the quantity was impossible given Spain's financial dysfunction. Even a generation of peace and an honest attempt to modernize its industrial and financial systems would not allow for the sums required.
De Godoy knew that he'd fallen into Aranda's trap. The Prime Minister knew that he would fail in his mission. The stigma of this failure, along with the probably loss of de Godoy in Maria Luisa's affections after at least a two year absence, would probably end his career. He didn't begrudge losing his place in the Queen's bed. Though considered attractive in her youth, Maria Theresa had aged badly after many pregnancies. By thirty, after so many childbirths, her figure was lost, her skin sallow and most of her teeth lost. She was not short and frumpy nearing age fifty. It was possible that some of her later children were fathered by de Godoy but he knew better than to speak of such things publicly. Fortunately, the woman had lost her interest in sex over the past few years. Thank god shameless flattery had become acceptable to Her Majesty.
Seeing no reason to go back, de Godoy would look at the chests of silver he brought with him (and what he seized from the former Governor of Manila), calculated his prospects back home and inquired if the BEIC was looking for new investors.
Naturally, the answer was yes. De Godoy would move into the former Governor's residence and even assume possession of the man's 19 year old mistress. The silver bought de Godoy a seat on the BEIC board. By 1800, he was one of the leading voices in the Company and even served as Consul in the company's trade mission to Saigon where the BEIC was allying with France, the FEIC and the King of Vietnam against the Chinese.
While the Chinese conquest of Manila had been total, it was soon determined that the remote port was too far removed from Vietnam to be useful in the current war. Utilized for centuries entirely as an entrepot for an annual galleon, the Chinese Navy would leave only a token force to govern the now-stagnant city. In short order, the Chinese Treasury would come to regret conquering the place not for the cost of administration but by the fact that the Emperor had deliberately cut off the flow of silver from the Americas to China. While, in the general scope of things, losing the silk, porcelain and tea exports for a few years would matter little.
China had to teach these barbarians a lesson. The Emperor determined to put an end to the Opium trade and any other offense to the throne. Had the Emperor known anything about western politics, he would have been disgusted by de Godoy's treason (and theft of King Carlos IV's silver).
His loyalty to the King of Spain forgotten, de Godoy happily transferred his allegiance to the BEIC and left his family back in Spain to answer for his crimes.
Bourbonia (Great Southern Island)
By 1799, the "recruiting" vessels plying the Pacific islands would provide adequate labor for a significant sugar export industry (still valuable enough to justify export to Europe despite the great shipping costs). However, many of the Pacific Islands were being emptied of people, at least the young and healthy ones. The French colony and the FEIC would turn its attention towards the Zealand Islands, the Solomon Islands, New Guinea and even as far north as Luzon in the Philippines.
While official edicts came from Paris to curb the worst of the abuses, these were generally ignored. Only regions under the protection of other powers (Hawaii under Russian, the East Indies under the BEIC) were exempt from this trade.
Eventually, "recruiting" would be sanctioned by the King of Vietnam, though under more nominal legal protections. Many of the Chinese and Nipponese settlers which had been evicted from Manila arrived in Bourbonia, representing the first major arrival of those peoples on the vast island. Eventually, these "Mainland Asiatics" (though Nippon was not actually "Mainland") would become part of a rising middle class between the French settlers and the Melonesian/Polynesian laborers. A handful of East Indies and Maratha settlers would arrive as well. Even government subsidized transport of French and other peoples would do little to halt the demographic shift away from the French and the native Bourbonian peoples.
Chapter 146: Tentative Steps into the Greater World
1799
South Zealand Island
Funded by the first American non-Royal Millionaire (Johann Astor), the American expedition would establish a colony upon the a natural harbor on South Zealand Island. Astor had made his money in the fur trade, almost dominating the Great Lakes fur trade while also trading extensively with the Spanish and Russians to the west via ships. However, many regions were being "furred out" of beaver, mink and seal and Astor quickly diversified his interests into shipping and whaling.
King Frederick, perhaps enticed by dreams of riches in whale oil as well as the social cachet among monarchs of having colonies, would approve the dispatch of several hundred whales and a similar number of colonists past the Straights of Magellan to the south Pacific. American whaling ships had plied these waters for years but it was quickly determined that local colonies would be preferable. The French had not bothered to colonize many of the local islands, being more interested in unfree labor.
The American colony on South Zealand Island was barely acknowledged by the French despite its proximity to Bourbonia. Surely enough, this new colony would greatly expand American whale oil production, some was shipped back to America while the rest shipped to Asia. Also, some of the emptied islands would prove rich in assorted woods or guano.
The colony would have less problems with other colonial powers as it would with the fierce Maori people whom resented the French "recruitment" of their young. Conflict was common and raids devastating. Still, the wealth generated from the area would ensure more and more American settlers. By 1810, over 5000 Americans would call the south island home while a smaller colony of 800 was already set up on North Zealand.
Unfortunately, the relations between America and Spain would degrade by this time over the border in North America and the right of transit past the Straights of Magellan would be put at risk.
Kyoto
The Nipponese Emperor would naturally not receive the Emissary from the Emperor of China. Why should he? The Chinese had been expelled from Nippon long ago.
However, Nippon had been cut off from the world for too long. The China of 1799 was not the China which had succumbed to the Divine Wind under Kublai Khan over 500 years prior. The Chinese has modernized their navy and army with western weapons (modern artillery, modest improvements in naval technology, rifled muskets, etc) which were at least a generation beyond the Nipponese arms which were often provided by the Dutch.
The Mandarin demanded that the Nipponese Emperor expel any western presence from Nippon. This alone would not be devastating as the trade was largely irrelevant to the Nipponese. But the harsh and commanding tone of the communication would anger both the Emperor and the Shogun in Edo. There was even an insinuation of "tribute" to the Middle Kingdom.
This was even more infuriating. A blunt refusal was sent back to Beijing.
South Zealand Island
Funded by the first American non-Royal Millionaire (Johann Astor), the American expedition would establish a colony upon the a natural harbor on South Zealand Island. Astor had made his money in the fur trade, almost dominating the Great Lakes fur trade while also trading extensively with the Spanish and Russians to the west via ships. However, many regions were being "furred out" of beaver, mink and seal and Astor quickly diversified his interests into shipping and whaling.
King Frederick, perhaps enticed by dreams of riches in whale oil as well as the social cachet among monarchs of having colonies, would approve the dispatch of several hundred whales and a similar number of colonists past the Straights of Magellan to the south Pacific. American whaling ships had plied these waters for years but it was quickly determined that local colonies would be preferable. The French had not bothered to colonize many of the local islands, being more interested in unfree labor.
The American colony on South Zealand Island was barely acknowledged by the French despite its proximity to Bourbonia. Surely enough, this new colony would greatly expand American whale oil production, some was shipped back to America while the rest shipped to Asia. Also, some of the emptied islands would prove rich in assorted woods or guano.
The colony would have less problems with other colonial powers as it would with the fierce Maori people whom resented the French "recruitment" of their young. Conflict was common and raids devastating. Still, the wealth generated from the area would ensure more and more American settlers. By 1810, over 5000 Americans would call the south island home while a smaller colony of 800 was already set up on North Zealand.
Unfortunately, the relations between America and Spain would degrade by this time over the border in North America and the right of transit past the Straights of Magellan would be put at risk.
Kyoto
The Nipponese Emperor would naturally not receive the Emissary from the Emperor of China. Why should he? The Chinese had been expelled from Nippon long ago.
However, Nippon had been cut off from the world for too long. The China of 1799 was not the China which had succumbed to the Divine Wind under Kublai Khan over 500 years prior. The Chinese has modernized their navy and army with western weapons (modern artillery, modest improvements in naval technology, rifled muskets, etc) which were at least a generation beyond the Nipponese arms which were often provided by the Dutch.
The Mandarin demanded that the Nipponese Emperor expel any western presence from Nippon. This alone would not be devastating as the trade was largely irrelevant to the Nipponese. But the harsh and commanding tone of the communication would anger both the Emperor and the Shogun in Edo. There was even an insinuation of "tribute" to the Middle Kingdom.
This was even more infuriating. A blunt refusal was sent back to Beijing.
So a Japan that may make connections to the West and open trade just as a spit in the face to China? I like where this is heading.
All Japan is doing is maintaining the isolated Dutch settlement on Dejima, which had been in place for decades. This is more China flexing its muscles rather than Japan attempting to reenter the world.
Chapter 147: Faith
1799
Dublin
Though only a Catholic Rebellion augmented by French and Spanish support had put the House of Stuart on the throne of Ireland in the 1760's, that did not meant that King Charles III or his late father, Henry, had loathed all Protestants. Indeed, it had been the two Kings whom had championed what Protestants remained in Ireland after the first big purge of the 1760/70's. Most of the Anglicans were gone but the Presbyterians were eventually granted full political rights in Ireland. By 1780, the percentage of Protestants had dropped to about 10% and were no longer a threat to the House of Stuart or the Catholic Majority. Perhaps more importantly, many of the Presbyterians would serve the nation well by preserving the once-lucrative shipbuilding and linen trade which had both threatened to disappear in the chaos of the previous generations.
By 1799, Protestants had full right to hold office, gain educations, etc, rights the House of Hanover and its (ironically) Stuart and Tudor predecessors had denied the Irish and what existed of British Catholics.
The late 18th century was a relatively peaceful and prosperous time for Ireland. The initial chaos after the fall of the old order had caused many problems but by the 1790's, these had worked themselves out. Internal peace and free-ish trade would see a steady increase in the Irish population after decades of decline after war and mass population movement. But the Irish birthrate was resilient and the fertile nation would feed all mouths under the wise leadership of the House of Stuart. On the rare occasion of a failed harvest, the King would pull large amounts of grain from storehouses and distribute through the churches (even the Presbyterian ones) to the poor and hungry. While the old Protestant landlords had been replaced y new Catholic landlords (the % of land ownership remained largely constant), overall the Irish people were pleased with the direction of their country.
However, the rise in population could not entirely be consumed by the nascent manufacturing of Ireland's cities. Irish Catholics would begin migrating out Ireland in numbers for the first time (including over 40,000 in 1800) mainly to Brazil (and other parts of the Spanish Empire), India, Bourbonia, France and America. Despite the open loathing of Catholics throughout much of America, the Irish still found the economic opportunities enticing.
The Irish Diaspora had truly begun in earnest.
Britain
The situation in Britain was more dire than Ireland.
Over the past few years, the division of the island had broken long-established economic and transport arteries which Britons had utilized for centuries. Now, transporting coal or food or manufactured goods was often more difficult or forced to use less efficient methods. The economic stagnation would continue for the entire island which proved that the parts were less than the sum had been under the old order.
Perhaps nothing spelled out the disintegration more than religion. Historically, the monarchs by definition had protected the national faith. By 1799, large swathes of Britain had migrated to Methodism (especially Wales, Cornwall, Mercia and Anglia), Presbyterianism and other sects. With no single King representing "Britain's" faith, the assorted monarchs would usually following the path of assuming the old role of leader of the national church. Mercia, Anglia, Northumbria's churches were assumed by their assorted monarchs and became the "Church of Mercia, Church of Anglia, Church of Northumbria, etc, etc". Cornwall simply renamed its national church the "Diacanate" Church akin to the old Anglican church in America being referred to as "Episcopalian".
Any churchmen whom disagreed with these edicts were turned out and invited to go find employment with King William IV in London. Many opted to resign but most remained. A few hardcore clergymen attempted to encourage their flocks to resist any attempt to change the Church of England but few generated significant interest. It was obvious to all that the splintering of Britain would have far more devastating consequences than leadership of a church.
Dublin
Though only a Catholic Rebellion augmented by French and Spanish support had put the House of Stuart on the throne of Ireland in the 1760's, that did not meant that King Charles III or his late father, Henry, had loathed all Protestants. Indeed, it had been the two Kings whom had championed what Protestants remained in Ireland after the first big purge of the 1760/70's. Most of the Anglicans were gone but the Presbyterians were eventually granted full political rights in Ireland. By 1780, the percentage of Protestants had dropped to about 10% and were no longer a threat to the House of Stuart or the Catholic Majority. Perhaps more importantly, many of the Presbyterians would serve the nation well by preserving the once-lucrative shipbuilding and linen trade which had both threatened to disappear in the chaos of the previous generations.
By 1799, Protestants had full right to hold office, gain educations, etc, rights the House of Hanover and its (ironically) Stuart and Tudor predecessors had denied the Irish and what existed of British Catholics.
The late 18th century was a relatively peaceful and prosperous time for Ireland. The initial chaos after the fall of the old order had caused many problems but by the 1790's, these had worked themselves out. Internal peace and free-ish trade would see a steady increase in the Irish population after decades of decline after war and mass population movement. But the Irish birthrate was resilient and the fertile nation would feed all mouths under the wise leadership of the House of Stuart. On the rare occasion of a failed harvest, the King would pull large amounts of grain from storehouses and distribute through the churches (even the Presbyterian ones) to the poor and hungry. While the old Protestant landlords had been replaced y new Catholic landlords (the % of land ownership remained largely constant), overall the Irish people were pleased with the direction of their country.
However, the rise in population could not entirely be consumed by the nascent manufacturing of Ireland's cities. Irish Catholics would begin migrating out Ireland in numbers for the first time (including over 40,000 in 1800) mainly to Brazil (and other parts of the Spanish Empire), India, Bourbonia, France and America. Despite the open loathing of Catholics throughout much of America, the Irish still found the economic opportunities enticing.
The Irish Diaspora had truly begun in earnest.
Britain
The situation in Britain was more dire than Ireland.
Over the past few years, the division of the island had broken long-established economic and transport arteries which Britons had utilized for centuries. Now, transporting coal or food or manufactured goods was often more difficult or forced to use less efficient methods. The economic stagnation would continue for the entire island which proved that the parts were less than the sum had been under the old order.
Perhaps nothing spelled out the disintegration more than religion. Historically, the monarchs by definition had protected the national faith. By 1799, large swathes of Britain had migrated to Methodism (especially Wales, Cornwall, Mercia and Anglia), Presbyterianism and other sects. With no single King representing "Britain's" faith, the assorted monarchs would usually following the path of assuming the old role of leader of the national church. Mercia, Anglia, Northumbria's churches were assumed by their assorted monarchs and became the "Church of Mercia, Church of Anglia, Church of Northumbria, etc, etc". Cornwall simply renamed its national church the "Diacanate" Church akin to the old Anglican church in America being referred to as "Episcopalian".
Any churchmen whom disagreed with these edicts were turned out and invited to go find employment with King William IV in London. Many opted to resign but most remained. A few hardcore clergymen attempted to encourage their flocks to resist any attempt to change the Church of England but few generated significant interest. It was obvious to all that the splintering of Britain would have far more devastating consequences than leadership of a church.
Slowly deteriorating though slow reforms helped mitigate the worst of the Spanish colonial incompetence.
Keeping the non-European criollos (Spanish descent born in the Americas) and the European Spanish on a same legal level and with equal chances of reaching the top jobs in the colonies will allow the Spanish crown decades of contentment as the criollos are the only important opinion in the colonies with the rest of the native population under the colonial boot.
It's good to see Ireland doing well! I wonder if the Irish language is similarly making a comeback over English.
Hmm... I wonder if Ireland will start trying to get its own colonies...
Hmm... I wonder if Ireland will start trying to get its own colonies...
TheLoneAmigo
Donor
I still think the rise of industrialisation and soot is likely to push people away from bright colours and towards black - but elaborate, colourful court dress for men could still remain standard formal wear for high society.
As a Kiwi I'm happy to finally see mention of "Zealand". I think that in the timeline you've created I wouldn't mind being part of British North America.
Agreed. Economic changes would not be enough but political reform needed. I would think that the acquisition of Brazil and the concessions necessary to maintain order there would lead to similar localization of authority in other colonies.
I agree, the age in industry would make most European cities a soot-stained hellhole.
Maybe a more dour Louis XVII would have an effect on such things (Maybe he was a boob man and wanted more open collars).