Britain into the Southern States 1803

Would it have been possible for Britain to have gained a foothold in Florida or Louisiana in 1803 at the end of the Peace after Amiens? What would they have met? (If you know of any figures here it would really help) They gained in the West Indies, and had a sizeable force in the area. Could this conceavably have been used against the mainland?
Also, what would the States have done had Britain endeavoured to gain such a base? Given that the States had the right to trade through New Orleans, could they conceivably done so with the agreement of a British Govenor of the City?
 
Given that the States had the right to trade through New Orleans, could they conceivably done so with the agreement of a British Govenor of the City?

Couldn't comment on the other issues with much accuracy.

I see no reason why the British would refuse the Americans trading privileges there. The British held nothing against the Americans, despite the numerous "WI Britain invaded the USA to get its colonies back" threads here, and both the UK and the USA knew that they needed each other for trade. If anything, a British-held New Orleans would only benefit both sides. Of course, the major problem is that the USA wanted Louisiana and was prepared to invade to seize it, and whoever actually owned it at the time was no consideration. If the UK can take that area at a time when the USA is too weak to contest it, or knows that they can't afford to fight the British, then the Brits could probably create an agreement which would settle the issue, though not without some discomfort from the American side. However, even if they are granted trading privileges by the British, if the Yanks want to flex their muscle they will probably regard even the most worshipful treatment by the new British governors to be irrelevant in their quest to annex the area.
 
The British had planned to use the island of Hispanola as a platform from which to invade French Louisiana in 1801. However, the garrison there suffered huge losses due to malaria and dysentery and the invasion was postponed. But before a second attempt could be mounted, the French sold Louisiana to the Americans. The British attempted to capture New Orleans and Mobile in 1814 but resistance was stronger than anticipated and peace was made between the USA and Britain before the British Army could arrive in force.
 
Thank you for your response Gent's

I am now more sure of my timeline and where it will go. Britain is given a much more open scope on the world scene beause of events in Hanover. (see The Only Man In Prussia)

The force assulting the West Indies is used, instead, to take the Louisianna coastline in April and May of 1803, with more forces turning up later in the year, Louisianna will become a British territory.

Also, considerations will be given to British claims in the North and West of the North American mainland. The Native American people will also be rewarded for their help and support over the years with Great Britain establishing recognised nations for these people, and treaties of defence to provide future support for their continued existance.

What the USA will make of all this is quite obvious, however, they can do little in the short term due to lack of military resource and cash.

Spain will be in a similar position with it's empire in the Americas.

Big trouble brewing!

and lots of fun for this meglomaniac :D
 
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