Empire of New Castille

[Namayan]

Manifest Destiny

Mexican Republic have quelled multiple rebellions, pacified the tribes Nuevo Mexico. The California Gold Rush has been a great boon to Mexico. The revived Manila-Acapulco was very profitable as Philippine merchants bought Mexican goods and precious metals, while Chinese and Asian goods poured Mexico. The structural deficiencies of the Mexican Republic were slowly resolved. The Mexican army improved and reformed. Mexican army were better trained, tactics improved, gunpowder quality improved, rifles and artillery were slowly upgraded. Peace and stability for the past 10 years brought new migrants and swelled the Mexican Republic to 8.5 million in 1846.

The new president of the United States, James Buchanan, sent a 3,500 US army led by General Taylor at the Mexican border near Sabine River hoping to provoke a response in 1845. The United States and Mexico have not formalized their boundaries in this area. The US believes their border is to the west of Sabine River. The US started making makeshift forts at their side of the border. The Mexicans sent their own army at the other side of the river. Both sides refuse to defuse the crisis.

Simultaneously, the US sent an offer to purchase of California and New Mexico. The Mexicans saw this as an insult and rejected the offer.

Border tensions increased until a skirmish occurred between US and Mexican forces in April 16, 1846.

Having received the news of the skirmish, the United States declared war a month later.

The United States, with a population of 19 million, wanted to attack through Texas and Nuevo Mexico punch thru Mexican lines, while another Army will attack thru the Rockies. The US will send another army to attack Veracruz.

US strategy was also to blockade Mexico in Atlantic and Pacific ports.

The Mexican Navy was small. Mexico had only 1 64-gun ship Congreso, 36-gun frigate Libertad and 30-gun corvette Tepeyac all stationed in the Atlantic, 4 other schooners were also in the Atlantic. Mexico concentrated most of her naval forces in Atlantic and let Philippines worry about the Pacific.

The US also believes the Philippine Navy stationed in San Francisco can be overwhelmed by the US Pacific Squadron. Their last update was still 2 Frigates-fifth rate, and 4 Sloops of war in 1841.

The US Navy acquired information on Philippine Navy assets in Manila Bay to be 4 Third rates, 16 Fifth Rates; 2 Third rates were being built, 4 fifth rates in 1840. US had 12 Ships of the line, 18 Frigates; 6 ships of the line and 12 frigates on stock. However, US notes Philippines having a lot more Sloops and cutters which they cannot count, mostly posted for chasing pirates in Mindanao, Borneo and China.

The US Navy’s main worry are the Imperial Galleons and Clipper ships roaming in packs around the Pacific for trade. Imperial Galleons are roughly the size of their first-rate USS Pennsylvania, with slightly less gun strength. Imperial Clippers were fast. Frequency of Chinese pirates in Philippine trade routes require Philippine clippers to be armed at the expense of a smaller cargo. The galleons are manned by former navy sailors but do not drill regularly like the fleet in Manila. Imperial galleons are state funded but do not report to the Philippine navy, their upkeep is provided for what is earned thru trade. Philippine Clippers were mostly private in nature.

If the US starts counting the Imperial galleons as potential opponent, the Philippine Ship of the line outnumbers US Ship of the line. The US navy does not recommend sending her whole battle line to the Pacific to challenge the Galleons. The US Navy orders the Pacific squadron to avoid the Imperial Galleons.

 

[Namayan]

Buchanan’s Gambit

In Texas, the Mexican army tried to stop General Zachary Taylor’s army at the Battle of Sabine River. The Mexicans dealt more casualties vs the attacking US army but had to retreat as more US reinforcements started to arrive.

The Mexican Army retreated as a larger US army poured in Sabine River. The Mexican Army tried to delay the advancing US army to give Mexico a chance to muster a larger army.

The Mexicans fought Taylor’s army again near San Jacinto River. As the Mexicans were gaining the upper hand, U.S. reinforcements poured in. The Mexican army retreated to San Antonio.

In New Mexico, General Kearny moved southwest from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in June 30, 1846 with about 2,500 men in his Army of the West. Kearny's orders were to secure New Mexico and Alta California.

He was met by a smaller Mexican army. The Mexicans were aided by native American Indians. The two armies engaged at Apache Canyon to delay until a larger army can muster in Santa Fe.

The Mexican army retreated but not after dealing more casualties to Kearny’s army. The native American Indians continued to harass Kearny’s army after battle.

James Buchanan, president of the United States, set goals for his administration.

Some of the goals of his administration were - acquire some or all of Oregon Country and Acquire California and its harbors from Mexico.

Since the signing of the Anglo-American treaty in 1818, the Oregon County had been under joint occupation by the United States and the British Empire. Previous US Presidents offered to divide region along the 49th parallel which Britain refused.

In Buchanan’s inaugural address, U.S. claims on Oregon was clear and unquestionable. He emphasizes his campaign of Fifty-four Forty or Fight!

Early of 1845, Buchanan sent more troops in Oregon Territory hoping to pressure the British and force a better outcome in their negotiations favoring the United States.

Hawkish members of U.S. Congress were calling for war in December of 1845 anything short of Parallel 54-40 north.

U.S. made offers to Britain that were rejected. Negotiations broke down as each party refuse to reach a compromise.

On July 10, 1846 US Army exchanged fire with British troops. Hostilities escalated quickly as more British and U.S. troops fought one another.

Before news of the initial skirmish reaches Washington, US troops have moved above the 49th parallel chasing retreating British troops. Newspapers in Washington blame the British for starting a war and the British are in full retreat.

The British have already recognized hostilities and are pouring in reinforcements.

The North American War begins.

 

[Namayan]

British Bulldog

The United States Army initially had 10,000 men. The U.S. by this time had dropped militia for war purposes. They relied on volunteers early in the war.

The Mexican army started initially with 20,000 men. The Mexican republic’s finances were in good shape. For years, Mexico hired foreign advisors to reform the Mexican army, trained a better officer corps, upgraded the army’s equipment. Tactics and doctrine were also improved. While Philippines recruited Prussian advisors, the Mexicans hired French advisors. Mexico also had their own multiple arsenals that can produce 200,000 modern rifles per annum. They were not as productive as those in Britain or in Manila but had achieved what Spain was producing during the Napoleonic wars, Peninsula war. With the start of British-U.S. war, Mexico also received financial and material aid from the British. Mexico drafted all able-bodied men. Mexico also recruited female soldiers, Soldaderas.

General Taylor’s army had swelled to 10,000. U.S. initially sieged San Antonio only to find a Mexican army arriving before they can take San Antonio. The Mexican army that arrived was slightly larger than the U.S. Army.

Battle was fierce as both armies were well trained and equipped. Neither had gained the upper hand but both had received equal number of casualties.

Then, another larger Mexican army arrived. These were armies that were freed up due to British naval presence and aid.

U.S Army retreated before being surrounded by two Mexican armies.

U.S. tried to delay the Mexican armies on their retreat back to Sabine River. The U.S. Army meant for Vera Cruz did not push thru due to British blockade.

In Santa Fe, the U.S. army also retreated as they were beaten by a larger Mexican army. The battle of Apache Canyon and harassment of Native American Indians gave sufficient time for Mexicans to gather in Santa Fe while whittling down Kearny’s army. Kearny's army retreated back to Kansas.

Mexicans in California also contributed to the war as Mexican troops tried to push north to Oregon territory to help the British.

When the war with United States and Mexico began, Philippine representatives in Mexico and United States did not immediately react to the situation. Philippine representatives verbally promised neutrality to hawkish, expansionist US politicians in the Pacific in a case of a Mexican war. With no declaration of war from Philippines even months after the start of Mexican war, the U.S. felt the Philippine promises were true. But Philippine representatives had orders to wait for British response. After the recognition of hostilities by Britain and United States, the Philippine ambassador sent its formal declaration of war to the United States. Some of the U.S. politicians felt betrayed, all of them that favored war with Britain.

The U.S. newspapers did not see the Philippines in a good light and took jabs at the emperor. The cartoon in the United States newspapers had Queen Victoria holding a leash on a bulldog with Emperor Andes head imposed on the bulldog. Americans called Andres a British pet, a loyal pet and barking whenever, wherever the master commands.

But the pet has a dangerous bite.

Unknown at the time, the Emperor in Manila using the emperor’s eyes already had an extensive espionage network in the United States by 1846. Andres felt threatened by the size United States economy, demographics, influence in the Pacific and the United States Navy patrolling the Pacific for years despite having no ports in the Pacific. He feared future U.S. expansions in Philippine sphere of influence. Philippines believes the Pacific belongs to them and only to be shared with the British.

These espionage networks started with informants, eventually influencing the US elections, US Congress votes, lobbying for politicians that benefits the interests of the Philippines. Philippine interests required United states not having access to the Pacific to the point that Philippines supported US politicians who favored war with Britain. From a U.S. perspective, Philippines donated discretely for politicians who aggressively pushed for US expansion even if it costed a war with the British.

By the time US Pacific Squadron arrive in the Mexican Pacific, the US Navy still unaware of the hostilities with Britain had started. The US Pacific Squadron was deployed before Britain entered the war. The Squadron took a while to arrive in the Pacific passing thru Cape Horn. The US Navy initially engaged the Philippine San Francisco Naval Squadron only to see the Royal Navy engaging them as well. US Naval information was also 6 years late by 1846. The Philippine squadron was reinforced with faster ships, more sloops to complement the Royal navy in the Pacific. The Allies chose to fight the US Navy near Acapulco rather than near Valparaiso, Chile like in the War of 1812.

All of the US Pacific Squadron ships were eventually captured or sunk.

In the Western Pacific, the United States did not fare any better. The Royal Navy and Philippine Navy chased down any ship with a US flag. US trade Ships in China remained in port after the initially reports of boarding by the Royal and Philippine Navies.

Philippine Imperial Galleons joined the fray to chase slower ships. Philippine Clippers were armed to chase down faster US Clipper ships.

Combined Mexican and British forces in Oregon pushed the United States outside of Oregon Territory.

The British plans succeeded using Red River colony as the focal point for British forces that pushed into the lightly colonized Great Plains.

One of the Mexican armies in San Antonio pushed North combined with the army of Santa Fe took Fort Leavenworth.

Another Mexican army sieged New Orleans with the British.

U.S. Congress after receiving reports of U.S. defeat in Mexico and Mexican draft, started their own conscription. The draft was not well received in certain areas. Riots had to be put down by federal authorities while several forts and towns in Great Plains were lost, New Orleans under siege. Mexico also had a head start on the draft and was recruiting female soldiers. US Industry and manpower start to roll but as more and more British forces pour in North America, US forces had to split their forces and defend multiple invaders.

The British blockade was also taking its toll on the US economy. With the prospect of fighting a long-protracted war with both Mexico and Britain inside the borders of United States, Buchanan sues for peace.

The treaty of London was signed by four countries, Britain, Mexico, USA and the Philippines.

The British takes Oregon territory, large swathes of Great Plains lightly populated by the United States. Britain also takes parts of Maine. Mexico was given parts of Great Plains. Mexico wanted more from the United States including reparations. With U.S. threatening to continue the war, Britain negotiates with Mexico.

Britain and Mexico sign a separate defensive treaty in North America in a case of another war with the United States. Britain promises to invest and help Mexico build a canal in Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Philippine was invited to invest on the canal. The canal will be under the control of Britain in perpetuity.

With British assurance, Mexico cancels the treaty with the Philippines expelling their base from San Francisco, including their California extraction rights.

Philippines accepts Mexican decision. They already have extracted a certain amount of Mexican gold and kept confiscated American trade goods as more than sufficient payment. Philippines will also save money (basing San Francisco) since Britain will now act as the protector of Mexico in the Pacific. Mexican California has grown significantly that towns in California can easily replenish, repair Philippine merchant ships without Philippines spending an upkeep for a station.

 

[Namayan]

24. The Silver must Flow 1824-1849

Mexican experience of American colonists was not good. They had ample experience of U.S. colonists and their potential to cause problems after the revolt in Texas.

After the North American war ended, U.S. Citizens were expelled. If they chose to stay, they had to renounce U.S. Citizenship and apply for Mexican citizenship. Those that stayed were usually first-generation European migrants who had no long history of affinity to the United States. Americans who refuse to moved were forced by the Mexican army and herded back to the United States.

John Smith’s first vision, founder of Mormonism​

The Mormons were a religious group formed in 1830. They were pushed away by United Stated started moving west from Illinois were allowed to resettle newly acquired territories by Mexico. A war was fought even by Mormons and Missouri in 1838 which expelled the Mormons from Missouri. Initially these Mormons arrived in Salt Lake Valley during the North American war but will be allowed to practice their beliefs in Mexico. Mexico allowed this religious group due to their lack of loyalty to the United States and propaganda for Europe. Mexico does not allow slavery and is more tolerant to other religions than the United States. The U.S. allowed slavery and discriminates other religions. Mexico made sure to spread this information in Europe.

Veterans of the North American war were given large plots of lands acquired from the United States. Around 150,000 Mexican army veterans of mostly poor background resettled in the areas.

Catholic migrants from Europe flooded in as famine, revolts in Ireland, Spain, Italy and most Europe occurred. Their initial goal was to get to California but some of them settled on the way from Texas to California or were given a large piece arable land to settle in the newly acquired territories.

Mormon Corridor mid 19th century Mexico (OTL Kansas, Colorado, Utah)​

Philippine loss of San Francisco naval base after the North American war, the squadron was reassigned to Callao district in Lima. The Andean Union welcomed the presence of the Philippine navy. Philippines was pivotal in creating Andean Union. During the War of Confederation, Philippine government and merchants aided the Peru-Bolivian Confederation and help defeat Peruvian rebels and exiles, forcing Argentina and Chile into peace in 1838. Philippine representatives supported Andres de Santa Cruz in his authoritarian union, with the people of North, South Peru and Bolivia influenced in supporting and “voting” for a unified state. The Andeans have taken some influence from the Philippines, an autocrat meritocratic system, but instead of the leader being declared by the army like in the Philippines, voted by the people.

The revival of Mexican-Philippine trade, Mexico kept investing, improved mining and continued to provide 60% of the new world silver. The Andes provided a large part of the remaining new world silver. Not stopping in Acapulco in 1824, Philippine merchant ships also went to Central and South America in the Pacific. Philippine merchants replicated the Spanish silver trade port of calls in Panama, Gran Colombia and back then Lima, Republic of Peru.

The policy of Philippines dealing with her Central and South American nations - the silver must flow.

Any stop of the trade may result into Philippine interference. This became more prominent as more and more Philippine merchant ships arrived in the 1830s. Philippine representatives brokered peace deals among Latin American nations that offered them significant trade deals, influenced stability at the South American Pacific.

Battles, wars were shelved or forced into the table by Philippine representatives.

The Philippine Navy was larger than any navy in Central and South America by 1840s. All of their navies (including the Brazilian Navy) had to combine in order to have a fighting chance versus the whole Philippine navy. Even then, the Imperial galleons were more than the Philippine navy at this part of the world. The combined Mexican, Central and South American ship of the lines were fewer than the total Imperial Galleons this side of the Pacific.

If the British can force the Philippines or influence to do their bidding, the Philippines does this with nations with weaker navies.

Imperial galleons are as armed as British first rates, manned by former navy sailors, accompanied by fast armed clipper ships. With the transfer of the San Francisco squadron to Lima, there was even more reason not to anger the Sealion.

Spanish American revolts influenced Andres Novales revolt in the Philippines. However, the influence was never one way. The revival of trade between former colonies of Spain in Asia and the Americas, news spread of an enlightened absolute monarch in the Philippines. This leader does not spend money on elaborate things but spend a lot to provide for his people; News of a stable, orderly, literate, wealthy, developing Spanish speaking nation. Policies of the Philippines that were successful influenced a lot of South American policies. Stories of the conquest of Borneo, the battles in China and defeat of United States spread in these Spanish speaking nations.

With Spain always embroiled in a civil war and shrinking navy, these Hispanic nations looked for inspiration. Mexico’s defeat of United States, Mexico was favored by more democratic Latin American nations and nations with ambitions to have a large army. Philippine meritocratic policies and practice were also favored by Latin American autocrats or ambitious nations who want a strong navy. There was a template of Hispanic democracy and Hispanic autocracy - Mexican idealism and creativity versus Philippine pragmatism and efficiency.

Mexico and Philippines also competed for influence. Most of Central America was influenced by Mexico while those that had a large silver to trade with Philippines and port, Philippines had more influence.

Andresian virtues were being emulated by a section of Hispanics in Latin America - Discipline, love of law and order, punctuality. Even British tourists attest to Andresian efficiency. “The trains in Cebu runs on time. Customs man is quick, Hotels and water works are clean.”

Philippine culture of more equal female treatment starts to creep in these influenced nations. Anti-clerical nature of the Philippines also influenced some Latin American policies. Latin American governments debated if they were to implement a more Philippine style public education including agriculture and more military work ethic among their pupils. Philippine policy of open migration for the Chinese and frequency of Philippine ships that can carry Chinese migrants increased the Chinese migration in the Latin Pacific, from Mexican California down to the Andean union.

Large Tax funded public education became a common sight among Hispanic nations in the Pacific. Philippines even encouraged the Latin Americans to put a large amount in education starting in 1840s, discourage funding in the navy, to prevent any challenge of Philippine supremacy in the seas within the Hispanic world.

Independent South American Nations ​

The U.S. loss during the North American war, the United States was looking for more friendly nations. The U.S. was surrounded by British North America and Mexico. By 1849, U.S. influence and investments increased in Gran Colombia. Slowly, Gran Colombia gravitated away from the influence of the Philippines and Mexico.

 

[Namayan]

25. Duke of Reichstadt 1830-1850

Thanks @Earl Marshal and @Basileus_Komnenos for your respective advice​

In 1830, the Carbonari in Italy took part of the July Revolution in France against King Charles X. The Carbonari were a secret society of revolutionaries. The revolt spread across Northern Italy with the most important capture was Parma and the Duchess of Parma in 1831. The Duchess of Parma, Maria Louise was the daughter of Emperor Francis of Austria. Emperor Francis had to dispatch an army of Lombardy Venetia to Parma. The Duchess’ son, grandson to the emperor of Austria, appealed to the emperor if he can join the army and saved her mother. Against the advice of Austrian Chancellor Klemens von Mettenrich, Emperor Francis agreed to the request of his grandson, Duke Reichstadt, Franz as known in the Austrian court.[1]

During Franz first battle, he was believed to be shot as he fell down with his horse. By the end of the battle, Franz body could not be found. He was reported dead to Vienna until rumors that he had joined his cousin in Switzerland.

Franz and his cousin, Louis, enrolled in the Swiss army. Both acquired Swiss citizenships but were allowed to keep their respective citizenships.

By 1836, having found out that Vienna was in pursuit of Franz, both Franz and his cousin left Switzerland.

Louis went first to Brazil and then to the United States. Louis met several businessmen and politicians from New York to Washington D.C. to gather support for his cousin. Louis then stayed at his uncle Joseph's estate, Point Breeze in Bordentown, New Jersey. Louis eventually joined his cousin in London in 1838.

Franz did not go with Louis to his trip to Americas. Instead, he went to Britain. Franz was welcomed by the British government and charmed the British public. Franz was tall, intelligent, handsome and charming. Every female London socialite swooned over Franz. Everyone even noticed how Queen Victoria was excited and giggled whenever she conversed with Franz especially before her marriage.

Franz slowly convinced British support while he kept in touch from his supporters in France.

Not until 1848 did Franz have a chance. Revolutions across Europe spread from France.

The French have revolted against their King, Louis Philippe I, who abdicated in February 1848 quickly leaving Paris.

The government replacing the French monarchy were republicans and socialists who were incompetent and corrupt. Paris was again in revolt against the republican government.

Franz, hearing the news of the revolt versus King Louis Philippe and another revolt in Paris vs the republican government, gathered his supporters left Britain and landed in France. The republican government hearing of Franz’s landing sent an army to deal with Franz. However, the army instead swore allegiance to him and declared him Emperor. Each army that was sent to him by the Republican government swore loyalty to him until Franz’s army swelled.

With the collapse and failure of the republican government, the support of the people and army, by end of 1848, Franz or Napoleon Francois Bonaparte, the only legitimate son of Napoleon I, was crowned Emperor of France. Instead of plebiscite to become president, he introduced a plebiscite to become emperor, which he won convincingly. This belief of winning the emperor thru plebiscite, Napoleonic ideas, was published in several editions two published in Switzerland in 1833 and 1834, and another in London 1839 that he coauthored with his cousin Louis. Napoleonic Ideas written by Franz and Louis uses universal suffrage as a monarch. It is a monarchy which procures the advantages of a republic without the weaknesses, free from anarchy and despotism.

Napoleon Francois Bonaparte(Franz), Napoleon II, Emperor of the French​

In Poland, Revolts spread across the three nations in control of Polish territories. The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was divided by between Kingdom of Prussia, Russian empire and Austrian Empire.

Prussia sent troops to quell the rebellion in their side, Grand Duchy of Posen but was not successful in March 1848. People in the Kingdom of Poland and Grand Duchy of Lithuania revolted against the Russian Empire. The revolt was fierce. Both Prussia and Russia took more than year that tied the manpower and resources to crush the rebellion in areas controlled by Russia and Prussia. On the other hand, the Austrians had no manpower to stop these rebellions and had to rely on the Russians and Prussians to pacify the Polish and Ruthenian rebels. [2]

The Austrian Empire did not fare any better with these revolts. Multiple revolts sprang on each part of her empire. There was a Polish uprising in Austrian Galicia, Slovak revolt, Serb revolt, Hungarian resistance and then revolt, Italian revolt and a revolt was happening in Vienna.

Initially, the Austrian armies in Italy were successful versus the Italian rebels and Kingdom of Sardinia and Piedmont. However, the Austrian army was beaten in Hungary. [3]

By the end of 1848, Sardinia was pushing back the Austrians to Venice, while the streets of Rome filled an uprising. Pope Pius IX had to leave Rome disguised as an ordinary priest and went to the Kingdom of Two Sicilies.

Chancellor Metternich was forced to resign early 1848. The uncle of Franz, now Emperor Ferdinand was forced to abdicate after 13 years of rule. His brother Archduke Franz Karl was urged to renounce his right by his wife, Princess Sophie, and Prince Felix in favor of his son, Franz Joseph. They were all in danger as the Hungarian army approached Vienna in 1849.

In 1849, Napoleon II, also King of the Romans, sent a French army to restore order in Papal States and reinstall the Pope. The Spanish and Neapolitans also sent aid to the Pope. The French, Spanish Neapolitans reinstalled the Pope’s control inside Papal lands. The French army continued restoring their respective monarchs in central Italy and eventually aided the Austrians.

In 1848, revolts occurred in Grand Duchy of Baden. There was a resurgence of revolt in 1849. Baden requested aid from neighboring states including France. Napoleon II responded and restored order in the Grand Duchy. Napoleon II also restored order in Bavarian Palatine or Bavarian Rhine.

Napoleon II receiving the passionate plea of Princess Sophie rushed his army to Vienna to save his cousins and his very close friend Princess Sophie. Princess Sophie sent letters to Napoleon II passionately asking for help. She also requested his son, Emperor Franz Joseph, to ask help from his cousin Napoleon II. During Napoleon II’s life in the Austrian court, his grandfather then Francis I, treated him like a son. He also a had very close relationship with Princess Sophie. There are rumors that Princess Sophie and Napoleon II had an affair, or that Franz Joseph was Napoleon II’s son. [4]

Princess Sophie, Archduchess of Austria, very close friend of Napoleon II​

Napoleon II’s armies forced the Sardinians and Hungarians into negotiations. He convinced the Hungarians to come to terms rather than fight a battle.

Hungary was to be independent ruling all of St. Stephen’s lands. Kingdom of Lombardia and Venetia will also be independent. However, sons of Princess Sophie will rule all of the former Hapsburg Empire. Franz Joseph will rule Vienna, Maximilian in Hungary, Karl Ludwig in Lombardia and Venetia.

After restoring the Italian monarchs, there was a conference in Rome by the head of state or representatives of Italian states. It was suggested to make the pope head of state of a unified Italian state. It was rejected by most Italian states and the Italians will reconvened in another session. The Neo-Guelphists, a movement that supported Pope as head of state, started by Vincezno Gioberti, and their supporters (which includes the Pope’s ministers) convinced Pope Pius IX of the idea instead of a unified state would be a confederation with the Pope as Head of the Confederation. Then, Neo-Guelphists convinced the Pope to recognize or crown Napoleon II as King of the Romans in order to get the support from France. This would make Napoleon II a member of the confederation. Kingdom of Lombardia and Venetia, Duchy of Parma, Papal states agrees with Napoleon II’s membership. Duchy of Modena and Grand Duchy of Tuscany were convinced as well. Kingdom of Sardinia eventually agreed. The Kingdom of Two Sicilies who lacked any interest of Italian unification did not attend the conference.

In 1850, Napoleon II, Emperor of France, was crowned King of the Romans by Pope Pius IX, member and protector of the Papal Confederation.

The restoration of monarchies in Italy, Pope and pacifying German monarchies, retaining Hapsburg control in former Austrian Empire lands earned Napoleon II the popular nickname among European nobility and clergy as the Gendarme of Europe. [5]

[1] OTL Duchess of Parma was not captured by the Carbonari; OTL Franz was not allowed to join the Austrian armies in Italy with Franz being healthy; In OTL he contracted tuberculosis died in 1832

[2] Larger Polish revolt TTL compared to OTL; combination of OTL 1848 revolts in Posen, November Uprising by Congress of Poland in 1831. TTL November uprising never happened in 1831

[3] Hungarians OTL were beaten by Austrian armies; TTL Hungary wins all major battles 1849, no Russian request for help or intervention in Hungary

[4] Austria in OTL asked for Russian help. TTL due to Sophie and Franz being alive, they asked for Franz help instead

[5] This title in OTL was given to Nicholas I of Russia; But the Russians were limited in Poland and Danubian principalities TTL

 

[Namayan]

26. Prince of the Empire (1845-1850)

October 10, 1850 Imperial Council Manila

Andres had four members in his council - Chief of General Staff from the Army, Chief of Naval Staff from the navy and the two ministers from Civil service; one for home office the other for foreign office.

They were reviewing the update from the foreign office of the situation in Europe.

The Dutch requested again that the Philippine government to stop Philippine merchants from supplying Javan rebels and Balinese with weapons.

The council discussed what options they have…

After the discussion on what to do with Dutch control of East Indies, Andres shares a letter from Queen Victoria accepting his request.

In 1845, Andres was getting old. His children were not interested nor qualified to run the state. His brother Mariano was ageing and his children were also not interested in politics nor qualified. They were more interested in arts, literature and the luxuries of life. Nor they joined the army or navy. One of Andres’ son was even thrown to the prison labor camp for killing one of the naval sailors during a bar fight. Imperial Judiciary found Andres’ son guilty. Andres’ mistress appealed to Andres to release their son. Andres did not interfere in the court’s proceedings. He does not want a rebellious navy. His son was thrown to the prison labor camps which Andres signs off. Andres' relationship with his family was strained. The army and navy won’t allow both Novales’ descendants to take power. Andres knows that if he had chosen one of the members of the army or navy, a civil war might spark.

His plan was to install a person that his army, navy would fear, respect to ensure continuity and stability. The British were feared by his army and navy knowing they can invade Manila anytime. Although they believe they can resist the first British attack, they do not believe they can win in the long run with British blockades. Any ambitious plans by opportunistic locals to execute and takeover a son of Queen Victoria may earn the wrath of the British which both military and economically could be disastrous.

Henri d’ Orleans, Duke of Aumale​

In his letter in 1845, Andres offered the Philippine crown to Queen Victoria’s son Alfred upon his death. Queen Victoria and the British did not respond after 6 months. Then, Andres started inquiring other candidates that had significant navies. He inquired from the French and Russian nobilities. Philippine representatives was in contact with Napoleon II, then in exile in London. No one exactly knows what Philippine representatives and Napoleon II talked about but it was rumored that he was offered the crown. Henri d’ Orleans, Duke of Aumale, was also in contention. He had a distinguished military career during the French pacification of Algeria in 1847. Henri is the son of then, French King Louis Philippe. Grand Duke Konstantin was also considered. He is the son of Czar Nicholas I of Russia.

The Army had their own candidate they were pushing in the absence of a British candidate. Prince Charles (Friedrich Karl Alexander) of Prussia who is the brother of the current King Frederick William IV. Prince Charles served the Prussian army since the age of ten in 1811 and is now the Inspector-General of the army.

Prince Friedrich Karl Alexander of Prussia​

The Home office and the foreign office were very pro-British. The Foreign office policies were very much British aligned. The Home office is also very pro-British with a lot of British capital invested in the Philippines. The Navy was very pro-British with British advisors and naval officers trained by the British. However, in the absence of a British candidate, and the removal of Orleans line from French monarchy, and reestablishment of the Bonaparte’s in French government, the three offices would prefer a Bonaparte than a Hohenzollern.

Louis Bonaparte​

When the British learned about Andres’ French, Prussian and Russian inquiries and the birth of Prince Arthur (third son of Queen Victoria), the British agreed to Andres’ proposal. The British did not want Andres handing over Philippines into the hands of the French or Russians or the Prussians which would push the Philippines away from British sphere of influence. The birth of Prince Arthur gave the British monarchy a spare to the heir, Prince Albert.

Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh​

The Philippines was also not immune to protests or revolts like Europe. There were violent protests in Manila and Cebu in 1849 demanding more liberal laws. The Imperial Police arrested the protesters. In early 1850, there was an orderly protest by army and navy veterans at the streets of Ermita, Manila demanding right to vote. After their service, veterans lose the power or say once they were out of the army or navy. Andres and Imperial police only allowed these people to protest. He does not dare arrest veterans of the army and navy. Any other protesters were disapproved or rounded up as troublemakers.

Andres had a draft of the constitution, made by a committee appointed by Andres, and would form a regency (picked by Andres) upon his death until Alfred arrives and come to age.

The constitution includes all previous imperial decrees, freedom of religion, equality for all citizens, everyone gets a right to vote, and formation of an assembly/parliament. Citizenship can be acquired thru allegiance or birth. Legislation requires confirmation of the parliament and monarch. But the monarch gets to make legislation in case the Parliament is not in session. The Monarch retains most of his/her function including right to declare war, grant pardons, appoint ministers and judges, etc.

Andres tried to make the Judiciary under his reign independent, shielding them from the influence of military and home office. An independent judicial system was vital to the society he was creating. Technically, Andres had the power to manipulate the judiciary but he did not. He preferred the judiciary to practice interpreting with whatever law is written. He wanted this practice to continue after he is gone, with the power of judicial review separate from the monarch. He believes there should be prompt and impartial administration of justice to protect against the arbitrary will of the state.

The aim of Andres in the new constitution was to prevent crime rather than punish it. For that reason, torture was abolished and death penalty dropped for many crimes. Security and welfare of the community was the considered interest.

Censorship in all levels was still to be rigidly imposed except in the academics.

To prevent future repeat of army and navy veteran protests, the Imperial government organized veteran’s association for the army and navy. They will vote for representatives which will have direct access to the emperor and parliament. Right to peaceful assembly was allowed inside private homes or buildings. Political assembly, protest at public areas were not allowed. The police can arrest those who violate public spaces.

The council objects on several clauses on the draft. The army and navy rejects that everyone gets the right to vote. The army was the one who voted Andres in power not the people in 1823. The army and navy brass believes that right to vote should only belong to the people who serve within the military branches, enforce discipline and obedience to the state. Andres resolves the issue by citizens can only vote if they serve in the army or navy for 5 years. The Civil service representatives, composing of a lot of women civil servants, wants women to vote. The Army and Navy did not recruit females. Andres negotiates by forcing the Army and the navy to open both their branches to female recruits limiting them to non-combat assignments from medical personnel to administration and logistics.

Another contention is the right to run for member of parliament. The council rejects the idea that everyone should be able to run for office. Not everyone should be able to run without qualification. They added that the member must pass the civil service exam and serve Civil Service for 5 years (home office or foreign office). Then, one can run for member of parliament.

The Imperial council also wants descendants of Alfred to serve their branches for 10 years. All members of the imperial family should serve 3 years in the army and another 2 years in the navy and will be treated like everyone else with no special treatment. Then, serve another 3 years at home office, 2 years at the foreign office. Everyone must pass the civil service exam. Succession is absolute cognatic primogeniture. If one of Alfred’s descendant refuses service, they were out of succession and were stripped of any title and salary/allowance. If descendant is too young, the succession passes to the next in line who had completed government service.

After the issues were resolved, the army, navy and civil service both supported Alfred and the new Constitution.

With British approval, Spanish was added to Alfred’s curriculum of Latin, French and German. Andres regularly sends him books about the Philippines, laws and history. He also sends him news and updates on the life in the Philippines.

Nearing the end of the council meeting, Andres reminds them of dinner, to celebrate the retirement Jose Azcarraga Secretary of the Foreign office. The dinner will be held at Malacanang river house owned by Johannes Andreas Zobel, Jose’s friend and German migrant, local pharmaceutical mogul.[1] Everybody congratulates Jose in his last day in the Imperial council.

Before the meeting was adjourned, a Gurkha guard entered accompanying a man and Andres’ personal secretary. He was Andres next meeting.

This man was tall and features similar to a mestizo Sangley Filipino. Andres’ personal secretary presents him as Francisco Mercado.[2]

Andres is planning to build railways and telegraph lines all over Luzon. Francisco will be heading the construction of the railway and telegraph lines. He will begin with the line from Manila to Cavite City with a distance of 25 kilometers. Francisco will be assisted by British advisors and engineers.

Andres looks at the document of Francisco Mercado, combination of public records and research done by the Emperor’s eyes.

Born in Biñan Laguna 1818, Francisco Mercado’s father died in 1826. He attended public primary school, then graduated with multiple degrees of engineering at Varela University. He was part of the team that built the extension of railways and telegraphs in Cebu. He married a woman named Teodora Alonso in 1848, who he met at Varela University, graduating in Commerce. Teodora started several businesses in Calamba. They have a one-month-old child named Saturnina. [3]

[1] Johannes Andreas Zobel migration happened in OTL in 1832 and TTL. He was one of the patriarchs of the current billionaire Zobel-Ayala clan in OTL; Malacanang was not bought by the government TTL

[2] Francisco Mercado retained his name due TTL not having the OTL Spanish Claveria in 1849 decree forcing Filipinos to adopt Spanish approved names. However, due to changes in TTL, public school was more appealing than private school which offered Latin that Francisco took in OTL. He also took Latin and Philosophy in OTL in Colegio de San Jose compared to Varela University engineering TTL.

[3] Teodora Alonso and Saturnina remain as OTL except Teodora enrolls in business in TTL Varela University. In OTL Teodora met Francisco Mercado in Colegio de San Jose. Her education background in OTL was mathematics and literature. She was born in 1827 same as OTL.

 

[Namayan]

27. Filibuster Wars (1848-1856)

In 1848, Caracas born Narciso Lopez was one of those arrested by the Spanish when they were rounding up Cuban Revolutionaries. He was then expelled by Spanish authorities.

Lopez went to the United States planning a filibustering expedition. He started his recruiting in New York city. He gained support from influential Americans- John. L. O'Sullivan, and Senator Jefferson Davis. John. L. O'Sullivan was one of popular columnist with articles publishing United States manifest destiny. Senator Davis recommended one of his friends, a veteran of North American War, Major Robert E. Lee. Major Lee accepted the offer after a month of consideration. Many more Americans contributed financially.

Major Robert E. Lee​

They recruited Cuban exiles, American volunteers and gathered finances, setting sail in 1850 from New Orleans to Cuba.

After the United States loss during the North American war, U.S. eyed expansion southward towards the Caribbean.

United States offered to purchase Cuba from Spain for $10M. Initially the Spanish refused. U.S. threatened Spain with war. With the initial success of Lopez-Lee expedition, the dwindling finances of Spain, Spain just came from the Second Carlist war, Spain sells Cuba and Puerto Rico for $12M.

Cuba was accepted to the United States as a slave state.

After the success of acquiring Cuba, the United States set another target. The French Empire under Napoleon II have been eyeing to reconquer Hispaniola. Louis might have slipped his tongue during his visit in United States to acquire support. With Napoleon II in power, the United States feared another French invasion in Hispaniola.

The island of Hispaniola has been at war since 1844. Haiti united the island in 1822 conquering the Republic of Spanish Haiti. In 1844, Republic of Spanish Haiti, now known as Dominican Republic, declared independence from Haiti. The Dominican Republic had requested aid from the United States. The government was in debt and the war for Independence against Haiti still rages on. The Dominicans even asked for annexation.

In 1851, the United States landed troops in the Dominican Republic and attacked Haiti from the Sea and from the Dominican Republic. By 1854, both nations were pacified at a high cost due to deaths caused by yellow fever. The United States accepted Haiti and Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) as both slave states.

William Walker who became the editor of New Orleans pushed the idea of conquering vast regions of Central America to be unified with the United States and creating slave states. He was supported by the Knights of the Golden Circle. It was secret society with the objective to absorb Central and South America as slave states to the United States.

In 1854, a civil war erupted in Nicaragua between the Legitimist Party and the Democratic Party. The Democratic party found support from Walker as many of the colonists and mercenaries to Nicaragua. Walker brought in veterans of North American war and wars in Europe.

This alarmed Mexico. Mexico sent an expedition to stop William Walker. Eventually Walker and his men were captured in 1856.

Instead of helping reinstall the Legitimist party, the Mexicans conquered Nicaragua and of all Central America. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras were all absorbed by the Mexican juggernaut.

As a Mexican ally, Britain recognize Central America as de jure parts of Mexico. Britain even sold British Honduras and Mosquito Coast to Mexico.

The Tehuantepec Canal was studied but financial, geographic and technical problems delayed the construction of the Canal. However, after United States and Grand Colombia plans were known, to build a railway in Panama, a parallel plan was made by Mexico with the help of the British. They plan to have their own railway at the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The Isthmus railway was completed in 1856.

***

Young Ireland, an organization committed to Ireland’s independence, failed the 1848 uprising against Britain. After 1848 revolts in Ireland and conclusion of the North American war, Irish migrants in U.S. and Mexico started their own filibustering organization. Mexican authorities were more eager to arrest these Irish due to British pressure and as courtesy of British ally. The United States became more tolerant of Irish independence movements. Non-Irish Americans who detested the British supported these organizations. They got financial backing of certain Americans. The plan was to raid Canada and start another revolt in Ireland.

But, the raid of Canada of Irish failed in 1853. The Province of Canada had more stricter border controls than Nicaragua and Spanish Cuba. The revolt in Ireland also failed as British authorities in Ireland were more thorough.

***

European revolts of 1848 did no spare the South American nations. Brazil had the Praieira revolt from 1848-49 but was crushed by the Brazilian Empire’s National guard.

The Andean Union had their own revolts but was stamped out by the authoritarian regime with strict implementation of laws. The Chileans experienced revolts in 1851 with the government stamping out that same year. Philippines aided since both governments were silver suppliers.

Mexico was still in fervor of their win with the United States, a stable democratic regime overflowing with British aid and Philippine trade.

Gran Colombia had no significant uprising with the United States and Philippines helping the government’s growth and stability. United States playing more of a major role in keeping the friendly regime in power.

A war occurred between Argentine Confederation and an alliance between Empire of Brazil, Uruguay and the Argentine Provinces of Entre Rios and Corrientes. There was a long running dispute between Argentine confederation and Empire of Brazil for influence over Uruguay and Paraguay over the hegemony over the Platine region. British fleet blockaded Argentina. The war ended in 1852 with Empire of Brazil as victors.

Crystal Palace, London​

The Imperial Society of Science was founded by Count Varela in 1826. It is a learned society patterned after the British Royal Society.

After Count Varela’s death, Emperor Andres sponsored the society. Part of the sponsorship was to attend scientific fairs in Europe and America. Each demonstrator and contributor had to be recorded thoroughly. Andres initial intent was to copy, hire or license the products of the military demonstrator. This expanded to machines, tools that the empire needed.

The first fair that the society joined was American Institute Fair in New York, 1829. It was followed by 1832, 1838, 1844, 1850 in Turin; 1834, 1839, 1844, 1849 in Paris France; 1846 in Genoa; 1849 in Birmingham and London.

In 1851, the Imperial Society attended the Great Exhibition in London at the Crystal Palace. Britain wanted to outmatch the French expositions and make it clear to the world that Britain was industrial leader of the world. It not only list exhibitors from Britain but from 45 foreign states (including the Philippines), colonies/dependencies.

The Imperial society wanted Philippines to join as an exhibitor. Andres agrees and limits exhibitors of products that Philippines can market and sell around the world. It should never be about bragging the culture nor the technical capability of the Philippines.

Out of the 13,000 exhibits, one of Andres interest was a Firearms manufacturer named Samuel Colt. Colt Demonstrated his prototype Colt Navy and his old Walker and Dragoon revolvers.

The Philippines was very much interested in United States technology. Philippines already have access to British expertise and technology. Interests of U.S. technology ranged from agriculture machines – McCormick Reaper to Newell's Permutation Lock and Key.

All of the information gathered from these exhibits were shared with local engineers and were made available in the Imperial Library in Manila.

A lot of the machines at the exhibit were licensed, purchased or copied by local engineers and some were improved.

Philippines also started repairing the relationship damage with the United States. Most of those Philippines offended were either members of Knights of Golden Circle or the Democratic party or both. Philippines approached members of the Whig, Free Soil and Liberty parties. Philippines started buying American goods especially products of American ingenuity.

Prince Alfred’s Journal in August 1851:

“I was very much delighted when Mr. Benitez of the Philippine Imperial Society of Science visited me this afternoon to give me a most beautiful watch that Emperor Andres sent me. It came from one of the Philippine exhibitors at the Crystal palace. Mr. Benitez told me I make good use of my time, and that I had a watch which would show me how quickly minutes and hours fly away. I feel grateful to Emperor Andres for being so kind as to send me a watch.”

 

[Namayan]

28. Cathedral of the Archangels (1852)

Cathedral of the Archangels, Manila​

Intramuros (0.67 sq km) in Manila has been transformed into a palace complex. For many years, houses, churches, commercial buildings, schools, government offices, etc. were slowly moved outside Intramuros into Manila’s Pombaline Buildings. The movement was hastened after several attempts on the emperor’s life. The movement was decreed by the emperor financed by entities owning properties inside Intramuros. Government buildings were funded by the Imperial Government.

It made sense to move as Catholic Church attendance have been dropping, increased further with the movement of citizens outside Intramuros and composition of Gurkha Guards, which were not Catholic. Materials from Manila Cathedral were moved, Ayuntamiento de Manila (City Hall) or Palacio del Gobernador white marbles imported by Spain from Venice were reused. They all moved to buildings outside Intramuros that were either Pombaline design or approved stone/bricks and wood houses built by locals and Chinese. The Catholic Church insisted on retaining stone materials and baroque design of the churches. The Church gets the exemption approval from Andres on not following the building code.

The new Manila Cathedral was larger. One of the reasons to build a larger Cathedral was to impress and attract more devotees to attend mass in the more anti-clerical Luzon. It also showed the wealth among private citizens in Luzon who donated. All the funding for multiple churches inside Intramuros were also unified. The Shrine of St. Michael and the archangels in San Miguel district in Manila, still in the process of being rebuilt, was chosen as the place for the new Manila Cathedral or Cathedral of the Archangels. The Cathedral will eventually be one of the largest cathedrals in the world. It’s volume and capacity would outclass Milan and Seville Cathedrals. Only St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome was larger.

The wall system of Intramuros have been already improved by this time into a polygonal fort, using concrete casemates. The barracks, work areas and living quarters of the employees were improved or reinforced to building code standards. After demolishing the Palacio del Gobernador, the emperor was living at the Gurkha guard barracks.

After receiving reparations from the Chinese during the Opium war, instead of hiring Portuguese engineers, Andres hired Chinese engineers and workers who were cheaper, migrants flooding from China. Construction materials composed of wooden columns and tiled roof, and brick walls. Very few nails were used. The roof was built using interlocking flower-shaped brackets (Dougong), mortoise and tenon joints. Buildings inside Intramuros became more Chinese architecture than Spanish. Pombaline buildings were more expensive to build than what the Chinese offered.

Andres also built his Gurkhas a temple inside Intramuros. Andres, the Yellow Guards (Amazons) and other employees had a Catholic Chapel inside one of the Chinese designed buildings.

Manila became a melting pot of architectural designs. Government buildings outside Intramuros were Pombaline Portuguese designs; Binondo district, Buddhist temples, Pagodas, Intramuros buildings were ancient Chinese architecture; local Bahay na Bato a mix of local Nipa Hut combined with Spanish Colonial architecture; and Catholic Churches with either Baroque/Gothic architecture.

Chinese architecture in Manila​

Children who were educated in public school spoke and wrote Spanish frequently but early on can speak and understand local native languages at their homes. Those local languages were spoken by their elders. They understood local languages but had no writing to base the languages from nor a dictionary, a written local language system. By the time these children were independent, have their own families and own house, practice of local native language disappeared.

Literature of local native languages in Luzon and Cebu continued but were limited. Native languages were documented but one had to learn Spanish since documentation of native languages that survived were written in Spanish. Those who understand the local native languages were mostly illiterate. And majority of the literates preferred reading Spanish language about Philippine news and events. Success of Mariano and Visayans over the Moros, General Ruiz over the Igorots or the invasion of China were more appealing to the common man of the day. Or Public services that were used or accessed were in Spanish like public education, public libraries and books. Most of the readers of native languages were a very small group of academics and literate elderly. The common man in Luzon and Cebu had more use to learn and use the Spanish than native languages that will not help them in their daily lives.

Private and church schools noticed the drop among even the rich enrollees. Primary public education offered more in geography, agriculture, field medicine, military training, discipline. Private and Catholic schools had more courses on arts, literature, philosophy and theology. Private and Catholic schools start to adapt and include, agriculture, geography and field medicine. Imperial authorities notices this and had gathered data that citizens who enrolled in private schools and Catholic schools had more arrests and were problems for the Imperial society. Imperial authorities starts to require private and Catholic schools to impose loyalty to the Empire with subjects on imperial law, order and discipline. These schools had to comply otherwise will be shutdown. Instead of military training, these private and catholic schools included gymnastics as parents of enrollees in private and Catholic schools complained that their children were less physically fit than public school enrollees.

The building code have positives and negatives. The code provided for guideline for seismic resistant building whether it be a European-Portuguese design, Chinese design or local design. But those approved by the code had more wood materials which made Manila, Cebu and Cavite more fire prone.

This forced the Imperial government to start state funded local fire brigades starting with the major cities. These local brigades patterned after experiences of organized European fire brigades.

Fire hydrants were installed inside the major cities. These hydrants were cast iron and patented by a Philadelphian engineer, Frederick Graff. Horse drawn steam pump fire engines invented in Britain were given to the fire brigades. Protective gear and uniforms were also given.

The Gurkha Guards and Yellow Guards (Amazons) were trained with fire, typhoon and earthquake damage control.

Smog in Cebu​

Due to Cebu’s easy to available industrial resources and population, Cebu has become the most industrialized island of the Empire of the Philippines. Railways are all over the island of Cebu. Coal was heavily mined. Industrial machinery and steam engines were common.

However, progress created certain problems. People started to have respiratory diseases that previous generation had less of, especially among the toddlers, young child and old retirees. Communities in valleys surrounded by hills suffered more deaths as smoke emission became trapped and concentrated.

Coal combustion also affected health of those survived. It led to repeated respiratory illness, slower growth during childhood and shorter adult stature compared to people from rural areas in Luzon.

Mariano had to request increase in healthcare spending from Andres and import more doctors from Europe. Medicine practice start to become common in Cebu due to the affects to local health. European chemist and microbiologist were consulted on how to deal with the health issues.

The Imperial Society of Science recommended the foundation of Medical Research facility. The Imperial Medical Research Institute was founded in Cebu 1852.

Heavy deforestation in Cebu and Luzon were being noticed. Shipyards and industries that demanded wood were the culprits of deforestation. Tropical forests had to make way for farmlands. During Spanish Colonial times, Shipyards were setup to nearest wood source. The local industry demanded less wood during Spanish colonial period. Nowadays, wood is imported from different islands in Visayas, Northern Mindanao and Borneo to complement and preserve wood sources in Luzon.

Philippines had an insatiable appetite for tropical wood. Conquest of the rest Mindanao was carefully considered but after reviewing, conquest was viewed too costly. Philippines must break its treaty with the Islamic states. Carolians which were armed, trained and unified under a confederation, will be harder to conquer. The empire had a good relationship with the Carolians but tensions between the native Carolians and Visayan and Mindanao migrants was increasing. It was cheaper to buy wood from the Sultanates and Carolians. It was also cheaper to buy a large piece of island that is less resistant than conquer a resistant island.

There was a negotiation that started in 1852 with the Dutch to abandon weapon sales in Java and Bali. Philippines was also negotiating with the Sultanate of Tidore. An offer was made to purchase New Guinea. Simultaneously, a parallel negotiation was done with the Dutch to recognize Philippine control of New Guinea. With the rate of deforestation in Luzon and Cebu, Andres’ plan was to supplement Borneo with New Guinea wood in order to slow down deforestation in Borneo.

All the other islands in the empire including Borneo governors were tasked to survey for more coal sites as the empire’s coal demand increases. Incentives were given to find coal inside the empire. British advisors were hired to help in surveying for coal mines.

 

[Namayan]

29. Austrian Masterpiece 1848-57

The Kingdom of Prussia also had their own revolts. Grand Duchy of Posen, a Polish duchy under Prussian control, revolted. Even Berlin had revolts. The King’s brother, Prince Wilhelm, was successful on crushing the revolt. But he became unpopular at the time that he had to leave for Britain disguised as a merchant. He was called Prince Grapeshot for using cannons to quell the revolts.

The Frankfurt Parliament, the first free elected parliament for all Germany was held in 1848. In 1849, the Frankfurt Parliament offered the German crown to King Frederick William IV of Prussia. The revolts in Austrian Empire and the rest of Europe were still going on. He rejected the offer of the Frankfurt Parliament as crown from the gutter.

First Schleswig War in the Duchies Schleswig and Holstein, Lauenburg. The Duchies were controlled by Danish crown but Holstein and Lauenburg were part of the German Confederation created conflict between the German Confederation and Kingdom of Denmark.

The revolution in France inspired people in Schleswig and Holstein to revolt. Even with the help of German Kingdoms including Prussia, ended with an armistice in 1849. Kingdom of Denmark won by defending the Duchy of Schleswig and Holstein versus the German Kingdoms including Prussia.

However, by 1850, once the winners of revolt were clear, the Prussians proposed their own union in Erfurt Parliament. The Austrians rejected the idea. Prussia held another conference of princes in Berlin was held. There were several disagreements between Prussia and Austria between how to deal with Duchy of Schleswig and Holstein, and Electorate of Hesse.

The shrinking of the Austrian Empire gave the Prussians confidence that they can beat Austria. The Austrian-Prussian War started in June 15, 1850.

The Russian empire has been the ally of both the Kingdom of Prussia and Austrian empire since the Napoleonic wars. This war would put the Russian empire in precarious situation having to choose one from the other.

Prussian diplomats met both the Russian and French diplomats without any success.

The Austrian offered de jure and official control of Austrian Galicia. The Russian were the ones who crushed the Polish rebellion in Galicia from 1848 to 1849. Austria also offered free reign and support of Russian interest in the Balkans. In return, they would stay neutral throughout the war, only helping Austria if Hungary attacks Austria. Russia agrees to these terms.

Most of north German states joined Prussia. Austria led Kingdom of Bavaria, Saxony, Hanover, Wurttemberg and most of the Southern States.

Empire of the Philippines sent observers to both sides - Kingdom of Prussia, Austria and French Empire.

Austrians had another card to play. Emperor Franz Joseph had asked to her mother charm her way to Napoleon II and request aid in the upcoming war with the Prussians. Napoleon II was very adamant to take control of Prussian Rhine. Princess Sophie and Emperor Franz Joseph agree to the proposal without consulting the other German Kingdoms.

Prussian and Austrian battles were mostly in the Bohemian Kingdom. When most of Prussia manpower was tied defending vs Austria, France declared war, flooding Prussian Rhine.

The war ended with Austrian led German states victorious.

Kingdom of Wurttemberg receives Hohenzollern. Kingdom of Hannover takes Prussian Westphalia and Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, Austria takes Prussian Silesia. Kingdom of Saxony takes Prussian Saxony. Prussia will be excluded from Germany and the German Confederation. The main consideration would be Prussian Rhine. There was a dispute between Napoleon II who was promised the Rhine but Bavaria also wanted the Rhine.

Eventually, a compromise between Austria, Bavaria and France was met with the participation of Britain. Britain does not want France receiving most of the Rhine. Austria was not eager for another war with France. France and Austria concluded behind doors a secret agreement that Austria will support France with regards to dealing with the Low Countries in return for France giving up their most of the demands of Prussian Rhine.

The agreed terms - Saarbrucken/ Saarland will be given to France. Part of the Electorate of Trier (Trier-Saarburg) will be given to a Bavarian noble wife of Napoleon II’s choice. She will be a princess-electorate of her own right. Napoleon II will have the right to send representatives to the German Confederation. The rest of Prussian Rhine will be taken by Bavaria.

Kingdom of Prussia only retains Brandenburg, Posen, Pomerania, West Prussia and East Prussia.

Most of the German states who sided with Prussia and against the German Confederation were either absorbed by Austrian allies or had to abdicate.

In 1851, Napoleon II visited Munich to meet King Maximilian II’s sisters. King Maximilian II’s sisters were almost all married. Princess Alexandra was not married. Napoleon II found her to be eccentric. At first, it was tolerable with Princess Alexandra’s fixation of cleanliness. Until she told Napoleon II a story about her swallowing a grand piano made of glass, that made Napoleon decide she was not fit to be her empress.

Not until in 1853 when Duke Maximilian of Bavaria and his wife Princess Ludovika along with their daughters went to Paris to meet Napoleon II and introduce Duchess Helene. Duchess Helene, daughter of Duke Maximilian, was very pious but always late and tardy. Accompanying them was another daughter named Sisi. She was sweet, shy and exquisitely very beautiful, long chestnut brown hair at 5 Feet 8 Inches but Napoleon II towered over her at more than 6 feet. All of the Wittelsbach women were charmed by Napoleon II. Napoleon II eyed Sisi more than her sister and they spent more time with each other. Sisi enjoyed riding in the countryside with Napoleon II remembering the days when she was younger riding with her father. Both Napoleon II and Sisi eventually fell in love with each other.

They married in 1854 and she was crowned Empress of the French.

Elisabeth Empress of the French​

In 1852, a conference was held in London to settle the issue with the Duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. Kingdom of Denmark, France, Sweden, Russia, Britain and Austria agreed that the Duchy of Schleswig would be absorb by the Kingdom of Denmark. The Duchy of Holstein and Lauenburg would become independent and be part of the German Confederation. Prince Christian was chosen by the Great powers as heir presumptive due to King Frederick VII seemed incapable of fathering children.

During the revolts of 1848, Danubian principalities revolted. Russia helped the Ottomans quell these rebellions. The Russians did not withdraw the troops and viewed themselves as protectors of Orthodox Christians.

The Ottomans gave an ultimatum in September 1853 to leave the Danubian principalities. When Russia did not remove her troops, the Ottomans started the war October of the same year.

The Ottoman empire is weak. They have already lost what is now Kingdom of Greece. Egypt is quasi-independent. The Ottoman empire has been politically and economically unstable. The Russian empire have been gaining strength at the expense of the Ottomans. This changes the balance of power and status quo in Europe.

Preferring Status quo, in February 1854, Britain demanded the Russians forces withdraw their troops from the principalities. Britain was supported by the Kingdom of Hungary in the call to remove Russian troops.

Russia expects Austria to give her the same courtesy of attacking Hungary in case they join the war. Austria agrees to these same terms.

France decides not to join the war. Reading stories of his father’s defeat in Russia and with no French interest within the region, the French opted to selling the Ottomans, British and her allies with weapons, supplies, etc. The French also smuggled and sold supplies and weapons to Austria and some made it to Russia.

Napoleon II seeing an opportunity that both Britain and Russia tied down in a war, offers to buy Luxembourg from Netherlands in 1854. Grand Duchy of Luxembourg was sold for 5 million guilders to France.

Before Napoleon II came to power, there was a Belgian revolt led by Belgian emigres in Paris in 1848 but failed due to lack of support by the French government. This gave Napoleon II the idea back then of conducting a series of maneuvers. First move of Napoleon II was to prepare and fund, arm Belgian emigres again in France but to supplement them with French troops pretending to be Belgians. France will then position a large army near the Belgian borders.

Netherlands was invited to the invasion. Since 1830, there was Orangism movement in Belgium to restore Netherland’s control.

Napoleon II, hearing the success of Lee-Lopez expedition and acquisition of the United States of Cuba and Hispaniola, wants to replicate those success in Belgium. By 1854, both France and Netherlands sent their own version of “Filibusters” in Belgium. With the Belgian army in Flanders and Wallonia tied fighting French Belgian Legion and Dutch filibusters, both the French army and Dutch army enters to “help” the Belgians only to occupy and overwhelm the Belgian Army.

Britain tried to blockade French and Dutch ports. However, a lot of British resources and manpower are tied in Russia and the Balkans. Britain now have to decide to fight both Russia and France, Netherlands at the same time.

Napoleon II offered the British compensation and donations in their war versus Russia in return to accepting French and Dutch control of the low countries. France and Netherlands will pay part of the British campaign against Russia, Dutch takes Flanders, France takes Wallonia. Austria, also head of the German confederation, who was part of the treaty in 1839 to keep Belgian independence, supports French occupation of Wallonia. With Britain alone implementing the treaty of 1839 and the ongoing war with Russia, Britain accepts and signs off French and Dutch control of Belgium.

Emperor Napoleon II and Empress Elisabeth paid a state visit to Britain in 1855 to seal the treaty with Britain. Prince Alfred describes the gifts received from the emperor.[1]

“Mama was given a picture of a dog in tapestry by the emperor – to Alice a peepshow which had some views of Paris in it, besides some very pretty landscapes. To Lenchen and Louise a large doll nearly as themselves. To Arthur two tables full of soldiers – to Leopold two figures – a lady playing on a guitar – a doll which is wound up and moves its hands, and a Hussar and Vivandiere of his own regiments, which waltz and both run round the table and play; and to Bertie and me each a small cannon in imitation of the one which he invented himself. “[2]

Napoleon II’s 1855 visit in London​

Most of the Russian and Ottoman campaigns were thru the Danube and Caucasus. The British tried to create another front in Crimea and Baltic. It was an attempt to pin Russian forces in the area and relieve the pressure from the Danube. Sensing Ottoman defeat in the Danube and the view at home might see this a defeat, the British created another front in Russian Alaska.

The end of the Russian-Ottoman war (Crimean war) resulted in the independence of the Danubian Principalities in 1857. Montenegro’s independence was recognized. Both Serbia and Bulgaria gains independence but only takes a small part from the Ottomans. Kingdom of Greece who sent volunteers to help Russia received land from the Ottomans. Russia annexes Southern Bessarabia. Ottomans defended Caucasus and borders would remain the same in the Caucasus front. Britain receives Russian Alaska and hailed by the British at home as a victory over Russia. Russians viewed the war as a victory and success of the Russian army.

North and Central America after the Crimean war

Europe after the Crimean war (these are rough estimates; sorry if borders are inaccurate)​

[1] Replicated Napoleon III’s OTL visit with Napoleon II instead

[2] Alice, Louise, Arthur, Leopold are all Queen Victoria’s Children; Lenchen is the nickname of Helena and Bertie is the nickname of Albert, both children of Queen Victoria

 

[Namayan]

30. Dragonslayer (1844-1854)

After the Opium war in 1843, the Philippines learned deploying troops and logistics, improving the military. The Philippines also learned how to force a very large but weak nation in paying reparations. The British have been excellent teachers since independence in 1823. Not only did they bring trade, shared technology and invested in the Philippines, Philippines learned how to conquer and run an empire.

At the start of 1844, Emperor Andres started drilling the military, combined army and navy. At that time, no one had an idea what they were drilling for.

Andres started inserting Filipino Chinese agents and informants inside Imperial China spreading from the Chinese treaty trade ports and into Formosa. Their goal was to start a rebellion against Qing authorities.

Andres waited patiently until a rebellion started in China 1850. Qing China experiencing famines, disasters, economic problems and recent defeat caused more harm to the Chinese. Farmers were heavily taxed rents drove dramatically, and banditry became common.

Hong Xiuquan, who started preaching his own version of Christianity in Guangxi 1844. And in by 1851, Hong declared himself Heavenly King starting a civil war in China. The rebellion grew steam with victories over Qing forces.

Simultaneously, there was another rebellion in Central Plains Mandarin (Nian in Huaibei dialect) started by Zhang Lexing.

Andres did not act despite the situation in 1851.

Not until 1853 when a Chinese rebellion occurred in Formosa followed by a filibuster expedition, demanding independence from Qing, and Taiping conquest of Nanking did Andres mobilized his forces.

Andres already developed a plan for Formosa. First, insert agents to incite a rebellion. Second phase, the plan was to allow Filibusters or Philippine terminology Filibusteros to move in China. With Filibuster wars happening in Americas, Filipinos also sent their own filibusters. These are military veterans, mercenaries financed privately to invade a nation. They gained support by private businesses in the Philippines including Filipino Chinese and former Chinese who hate the Qing.

In 1853, the Philippine military have grown since 1840s. The payment received from Opium war and inclusion of women; the regular army was enlarged to 50,000 in 1853 in preparation for the Chinese campaign, the army reserves have grown to 50,000. The navy grew to 40,000 regular staff and 100,000 reserves.

Andres, with a secured succession, will be accompanying his army and fleet in China. He will not directly command troops knowing his foreign advisors, his trained officer corps, naval and army staff are better than him. He will be more of motivator for his troops sharing the same food and quarters as his troops. Andres is also risking everything on this campaign. If he died and failed, he prefers to die in the battlefield with his troops.

Before his departure, the British ambassador in the Philippines asked if Andres can send aid to help the British in the Russian-Ottoman war. Andres politely declines at this time due to the current engagement of the Philippines, with resources and manpower tied in his own campaign.

In 1854, another set of multiple rebellions sprang up in China - ethnic uprising of Miao in Guizhou province and Red Turban rebellion in Guandong Province.

The Invasion of Formosa began in March of 1854. The Imperial army and marines took Peng-Hu then landed in multiple coastal areas, taking ports and forts. They eventually joined the Formosan rebels and the Filibuster army.

After the pacification of Formosa, 20,000 Philippine troops were sent onwards to Beijing. Another 20,000 will follow. More than 100,000 invasion troops can be tapped between army, navy and their reserves.

The first 20,000 quickly captured the Chinese island Zhoushan and ports Yantai and Dalian. Garrison were left at the ports.

On August 3, troops were landed at Beitang near the Taku forts.

20,000 combined Philippine Imperial Army and the Philippine Imperial Marines stormed and captured multiple Taku forts defended by 7,000 Chinese in August 21, 1854. Philippine forces proceed to capture Tianjin in August 23. [1]

Alarmed by the loss of Taku forts and Tianjin the Xianfeng Emperor sent ministers to discuss peace terms with the invading Philippine army. Andres rejected the peace negotiations.

Philippines also sent a small detachment of Gurkhas ahead of the main force to capture the Chinese Emperor or at least make sure he does not escape.

Philippines sent 4,000 troops ahead of the main army.

Sengge Rinchen, who had just repulsed 80,000 Taiping army a few months back, was ordered to stop the Philippine forces in the town of Zhangjiawan near Tongzhou in August 25 but was defeated by 4,000 Prussian and British trained Philippine infantry/marines, artillery and cavalry. His 30,000 Chinese troops and Mongol Cavalry were unable to stop or even significantly slow the advancing Philippine forces.

Philippine Imperial Army marches to Beijing​

Despite the territorial losses of Prussia during the Austrian Prussian war, Philippines was still committed to the Prussian system. Philippines was after tapping a larger percent of the population, well trained but with an acceptable cost rather than French system of mass conscription. One of the advisors that were sent by Prussia was then Colonel Helmuth von Moltke. Moltke had experience advising the Ottomans in 1830s. His assignment in the Philippines was timely, that he joined the campaigns in China to advise the Philippines and to observe in behalf of the Kingdom of Prussia. Moltke accompanied the Philippine forces including Emperor Andres. Emperor Andres and Moltke had a lot of common including both despising the notion of a republic and soldiers being the cure to democratic and liberal aspirations.

Philippine Imperial Marines takes one of the Taku Forts​

Sengge Rinchen had another chance and brought a much larger army of 50,000 troops. The climactic battle took place on the morning of August 28, 1854. The Chinese army was well established in front of a canal which connected Beijing and the Peiho river, near two large stone bridges at Palikao.

10,000 Philippine troops arrived in the evening of the August 27 and took up positions opposite the Chinese forces. On the morning of August 28, Sengge Rinchen launched the first series of massive frontal attacks on the Philippine positions, led by his Mongol cavalry and supported by waves of infantry. The Chinese army was mostly annihilated. Unable to retreat because of the canal behind them, units were forced to fight until they were wiped out. By the afternoon of August 28, there was no Chinese army that can prevent Andres to take Beijing.

Philippine forces prepared storming Beijing. Engineers built entrenched positions for artillery batteries and methods to break the city walls. In September 14, just as the assault was ready to being, the city gates were opened. Beijing surrendered to Philippine forces with Chinese Prince Gong responsible for negotiations.

Philippine troops entered Beijing. Both Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace were captured. Looting was not permitted by Emperor Andres. [2]

Xianfeng Emperor tried to escape to the Imperial summer palace in the mountains of Chengde but was ambushed by the Gurkha detachment sent ahead of the main force.[3]

With the Emperor Xianfeng captured, Andres dictated the terms.

Reaffirmation of extraterritoriality of Philippine citizens.

Philippines gained the right to station permanent diplomatic legations in Beijing.

China cedes (Penghu) Pescadores Islands, Formosa Island, Zhoushan, Qingniwa/Dalian to the Philippines in perpetuity.

Andres wanted a very large amount of indemnity based on Philippine experience on the Opium war, compared now- the capture of Beijing and Tianjin, Chinese Emperor. The indemnity demand (including emperor’s ransom) by Philippines was too high for the Chinese who are currently fighting multiple rebellions. The amount was negotiated in return for the following:

Zero tariffs to all Philippine goods. All Chinese ports were to open trade to the Philippine merchants. However, a clause would state that these rights will only be given to the Philippines, and if they request it to Britain and Kingdom of Prussia. Britain and Kingdom of Prussia will stipulate their expanded “request” on a later date. The inclusion of Britain and Kingdom of Prussia were due to presence of British and Prussian advisors and observers.

Philippines promises to aid the Qing in case another nation other than Britain or Kingdom of Prussia demanded a new treaty or a revised treaty with China. France, United States, Kingdom of Sweden and Norway, Russia have current treaties patterned after the Treaty of Nanking with Britain and Philippines. Andres does not want his current advantage in China spill over non-allied nations just like after the Opium war.

Right to travel was also given to Filipino citizens, allowing entrance to anywhere in China.

Recognition of the independence of Kingdom of Korea as tributary/or Philippine sphere influence and not anymore part of Chinese tributary or sphere of influence. All the reefs, atolls and islands of Nan Hai and Dong Hai will belong to the Philippines.

The demand of Philippine ransom was still high so negotiations led to 450 million taels of silver (around 18,000 tons) to be paid to the Philippines with an interest of 4% per annum until debt was amortized.[4]

There was also an issue on piracy on Chinese waters. The Chinese lacked a large enough navy to get rid of the pirates. Philippines, who was patrolling Philippine trade routes in China, offered to patrol all Chinese waters for the sum of another 10 million taels of silver per annum. The Chinese wanted to add coastal protection from foreign navies. The Philippines only agreed to protect from all foreign navies that were not the British Royal Navy. This clause will be reviewed and renewed every 10 years.

The Chinese also brought up the issue with the Portuguese in Macau. The Portuguese stopped paying rent after 1843 and have occupied the island of Taipa. The issue with the Portuguese happened before 1854 but Philippines was willing to expel the Portuguese if China cedes to the Philippines Macau, Coloane and Taipa in perpetuity. The Chinese were reluctant to agree due to losing the rent. Despite never in the Philippines initial demands, Emperor Andres pressured the Chinese to give Macau, Coloane and Taipa up in perpetuity for free.

An agreement was made on how to handle the Chinese rebels. Philippines will recruit, train and lead a new Chinese army patterned after the Philippine army. The Chinese will fund this new army.

With the treaty of Beijing ratified by Xianfeng Emperor and Emperor Andres Novales, Philippines starts aiding Qing forces in pushing the Taiping rebels south.

Taiping rebels who were expecting to attack Qing controlled Tianjin in October was shocked to see Tianjin occupied by Philippine troops and Philippine flag flowing, greater firepower thrown at them. Taiping forces retreated as they were chased by Qing and Philippine forces.

The Philippines also started training local Chinese troops, financed by Qing government. It is a Qing Imperial army led and trained by Filipinos. They were trained in European techniques, tactics and strategy.

[1] All of the battles in TTL replicates British and French success. Third battle of Taku Forts was replicated by the Philippines since British and French under committed in the first two. Philippines was totally committed with manpower and resources. The British had an ongoing rebellion in India in OTL 1857.

[2] Old Summer Palace was destroyed and looted OTL

[3] OTL Second Opium war, Emperor Xianfeng was not captured/escaped.

[4] TTL Treaty of Beijing 1854 is a combination of OTL Treaty of Tianjin 1858 and OTL Treaty of Shimonoseki 1895 with the indemnity equivalent OTL 1901 Boxer Protocol (emperor’s ransom) with some changes on my part.

 

[Namayan]

31. Unequal treaties (1851-1855)

The British have signed their new treaty with Qing China. China will cede territories to expand British Hong Kong. The British will receive all economic and diplomatic rights as the Philippines. Opium was also legalized.

The British concurs with the British-Philippine duopoly of most favored nation status with China, promises to aid China if another European or Great power demands a new treaty.

The British also agrees to aid the Qing vs all of the Chinese rebels.

The Kingdom of Prussia also signs a treaty with China and will be able to trade in 5 Chinese ports plus Nanjing, Shantou, Haikou, Zhifu, Yingkou and same rights as France, United States, Russia and Sweden-Norway.

The defeat of China caused fear among Asia nations and increased the prestige of the Empire of the Philippines in Europe.

Gangha Island Deokjinjin Fort, Kingdom of Korea​

When Philippine ships began surveying Korea and reached Ganghwa Island, Korean forts opened fire on Philippine survey ships. The survey ship left only to return with a larger force, which was bound to return to Manila, coming from Tianjin.

The Koreans have been rejected trade with Western vessels. British East India company requested trade in 1832. a British warship in 1845 surveyed the coast of Cheju-do and Chŏlla province which the Koreans protested thru British authorities in Guangzhou through the Chinese government. In 1846, three French warships dropped anchor off the coast of Chungcheong Province and conveyed a letter protesting persecution of Catholics in the country.

Philippine Imperial Naval ships started bombarding forts in Ganghwa Island, the Philippine Imperial Marines started landing troops in Ganghwa island and Yeongjongdo island. The Kingdom of Joseon, which heard the news of the capitulation of China, immediately negotiated with the Philippines.

Philippine-Korean treaty of Amnity of 1855

Korea is under the protection of the Philippines and not a tributary of China.

Philippines right to station permanent diplomatic legation in Seoul; Korea will also send diplomatic legation in Manila

Korea opens all ports to Philippine trade

Secure aid and support for Philippine ships stranded or wrecked in Korea

Permission to conduct survey of Korea

Permission of Philippines merchant’s residence, unhindered trade, and the right to lease land and buildings for those purposes in the open ports.

Guaranteed the freedom to conduct business without interference from either government and to trade without restrictions or prohibitions.

Grants Philippines the right of extraterritoriality

Philippines will return Ganghwa and Yeongjongdo islands to Korea; Korea cedes Jeju Island in perpetuity.

Landing of troops by Brooke-Gomez Expedition in Japan​

Japan also heard of the news of Chinese demise. Japan had been rejecting demands to open their country despite several attempts of European nations.

When a Philippine fleet of twelve ships a mix of steam frigate and sloops arrived in Edo Bay, Admiral Carlos Gomez of the Imperial Philippine Navy and advisor James Brooke refused to leave until a treaty with Japan was signed.

The fleet fired blank shots on July 2 with their Paixhans shell guns. Admiral Gomez claimed it was to celebrate Emperor Andres declaring independence from Spain. Japanese guard boats tried to surround and board the fleet but was repelled.

Fearing of a possible invasion and the demonstration of Philippine naval technology to the Japanese, negotiations with Japan started.

The expedition landed 500 sailors in the village of Yokohama. After a month of negotiation, diplomatic gifts were given. Philippines presented to the Japanese – a miniature steam locomotive, a telegraph apparatus, small arms from Santa Mesa, watches and various items and books about the Philippines. On August 11, a treaty was signed between Philippines and Japan in Yokohama.

Philippine-Japanese treaty of Amnity of 1855

Opening of the ports of Nagasaki and Hakodate

Assistance to be provided to shipwrecked Philippine sailors; Shipwrecked sailors not to be imprisoned or mistreated

Freedom of movement for temporary foreign residents in treaty ports

Trade transactions to be permitted

Japan to give the Philippines any favorable advantages which might be negotiated by Japan with any other foreign government in the future

Opening of a Philippine consulate at Nagasaki

Ryukyu Kingdom will be under the protection of the Philippines

***

The Philippines offered 10 million silver coins to help fund part of the British Crimean War and to recognize new or upcoming Philippine territories, Formosa, Zhoushan, Dalian, Jeju Island, New Guinea including free hand and recognition of Portuguese Macau as Philippine territory.

The British rejected the idea of Philippines taking Portuguese Macau. Instead, they want the Philippines to refocus on the Dutch East Indies.

Instead of invading occupying Macau, Philippines offered Portugal to purchase Macau and her peripheries for 5 million silver coins. The Portuguese rejected the offer. Then, the Philippines occupied the southern island of Coloane which the Portuguese haven’t occupied. However, Portuguese will have to pay a higher rent and sign a new treaty with China due to their occupation of Taipa Island. The British supports resumption of payment of rent. It was triggered by the British treaty with China.

The British accepted the offer of 15 million silver coins in recognition of Philippine territories, Formosa, Zhoushan, Dalian, Jeju Island. The British accepts Philippine protection of Kingdom of Korea with Philippines to negotiate favorable trade in their behalf. The British also accepts Philippine protection of Ryuku Kingdom.

The British will also be given favorable trade in Kingdom of Korea, which is under the protection of the Philippines.

***

Formosa was given autonomy, a self-governing state, with only national defense, foreign affairs, official language, international trade remained with the Philippine Imperial Government. However, the Formosan government must use Spanish as one of the official languages and pattern public education after the Philippine public education system.

Empire of the Philippines 1855

Red –those that follow Imperial law (Luzon, Cebu, Bohol, Coloane, Zhoushan, Jeju Islands; Dalian, Marianas and Caroline islands, Bonin Islands); not in the map(Pearl Harbor)
Aqua – other Provinces of the Empire of the Philippines (Visayan islands, Northern Mindanao, most of Borneo)
Orange – Responsible Government of Formosa
Purple – Philippine Protectorates (Sultanate of Brunei; Kingdom of Korea, Ryukyu Kingdom, Kingdom of Hawaii)

 

[Namayan]

32. Trouble in Saigon (1854-55)

Crusaders and Filibusters/Filibusteros capture Citadel of Saigon​

After the treaties with Philippines and Britain were concluded, the Qing government became more and more brutal with the rebels especially those who are suspected to be supporters of the Taipings. In Canton, one can see both sides of the road had headless human trunks piled up in heaps waiting to be taken away for burial. The bodies were left exposed to the burning sun. The atmosphere of a radius near two kilometers of the execution ground heavily smelled with poisonous and pestilential vapor, saturated with blood and from heaps of corpses which had been left.

The executions forced some of the 1 million people in Canton to move out and become refugees in British Hong Kong. These are not just suspects threatened by the Qing but also wealthy Chinese merchants seeking a stable environment which to run their business. This drove up rents on existing structure in Hong Kong. New arrivals-built houses, founded new training companies that made Hong Kong more vibrant than before the Qing executions.

Philippine trained Chinese armies started pushing the Taiping. There were recruitment centers in Canton, Shanghai and Tianjin. Each recruitment center goal was to arm and train 10,000 troops.

The Chinese armies were trained and led by Filipino officers. They were led by Filipino Chinese Alfonso Huang, Miguel Chan and Bernardo Lim. The new Chinese armies were very loyal to the Filipino officers. The Filipino officers took orders from Qing authorities. The Qing’s view these new Chinese armies as loyal to the Qing.

The Chinese army was armed with the Philippine surplus Santa Mesa Rifle Model 1852. The new Chinese armies had also heavy and light artillery components. Ammunition was also imported from the Philippines.

Artillerymen wore light blue uniforms with red facings and trouser stripes. Infantry wore dark green in winter dress with red facings and shoulder straps in regimental colors. In summer, all branches wore white uniforms with scarlet facings. All units wore green turbans.

Philippines will export 12-armed paddle steamers and 30 gunboats that will be used by the new Chinese army.

New Chinese Army​

In 1855, the Philippines also made a treaty with King Rama IV(Mongkut) of Siam patterned after the Bowring treaty between the British and the Kingdom Siam.

King Rama IV(Mongkut) started modernizing their armies after hearing the defeat of China in 1854. Kingdom of Siam hired British and Philippine advisors to update the Siamese armies. Kingdom of Siam started importing British and Philippine weaponry. But due to distance, Philippine goods and weapons were more available than British goods and weapons.

King Mongkut also considered Philippine education system along with European education.

King Rama IV(Mongkut)​

The Imperial government in Manila, unaware of the events in Borneo, received the news that Filipinos and the Order of Saint Joseph sent a combined Filibusteros and Crusading force in Vietnam. The expedition happened while Andres and most of the army and navy was busy with his Chinese campaign. The expedition was privately financed with contribution from Catholic orders. They also hired merchant ships and armed clipper ships to aid in bombardment and transport the expedition.

The persecution and execution of Catholic missionaries in Nguyen controlled Dai Nam/Vietnam in late 1830s were totally unacceptable to devout Catholics in the Philippines. The brutality reached Manila but Emperor Andres did not do anything about it. Devout Catholics from the around the Empire contributed to the expedition. It took more than a decade to plan and finance the expedition. After being recruited in their respective islands, they were shipped to Kuching before being sent to Vietnam. Some of these Filibusters or Filibusteros were veterans of Sino-Philippine war. The goal of the expedition is to put Nguyen Phuc Hong Bao in power.

Hong Bao, who regards himself as heir presumptive of the Vietnam Empire, hope to seize the throne from his brother Emperor Tu Duc. He tried to seek the support of Catholic missionaries promising to convert Vietnam into a Catholic nation. In 1851, Hong Bao escaped to Manila with his sons and daugthers. He requested to Emperor Andres to put him in power. His requests were rejected. Supporters of Hong Bao advised Hong Bao and his family to go to Cebu.

Before the expedition, the crusaders forced Hong Bao and his family converted to convert to Catholicism.

The Crusaders and Filibusteros captured Da Nang and Saigon. They eventually abandoned Da Nang due to Crusaders unable to defend both Da Nang and Saigon. The Crusaders consolidated their positions and was currently being siege in Saigon. A 1,000 Crusader/Filibuster force was outnumbered and defending the Citadel of Saigon from 4,000 Vietnamese force. But the Crusaders had superior firepower and controlled the seas.

The Crusaders in Saigon sent messengers to the nearest Catholic power in 1855. Messengers reached Manila and begged for Andres and Imperial help. Emperor Andres, who had no plans to go to Vietnam, nor was Andres a devout Catholic nor had any love for Catholic crusaders, nor did he plan to install Hong Bao in power, contemplated if he will aid the Crusaders in Saigon…

 

[Namayan]

33. Mariano and the Last Crusade (1855-1856)

After talking to the messenger of the Crusaders of Saigon, Emperor Andres was informed that Mariano Novales was inside Intramuros and requested a meeting with Andres.

Andres have not seen his brother for quite some time and was eager for a reunion with his brother. Mariano informed Andres that Hong Bao and his family who arrived in Cebu a few years back tried to appeal to Mariano, which Mariano rejected.

However, Andres was also informed that Mariano’s son, Alejandro, and daughter, Elena, joined the Crusade. Mariano’s son and daughter left a letter to Mariano. Alejandro was offered to be married with one of Hong Bao’s daughters, while Elena, who was an excellent physician, joined to help his brother.

Alejandro had no formal training in the military nor joined the military nor had a public education. However, Alejandro had the Novales name which can tap donations, recruits which the expedition needed. Alejandro had also excellent people’s skills. Mariano requested if he would be allowed to lead imperial troops to lift the siege in Saigon and bring home his children.

Andres had just demobilized the reserves and a large part of the army. The standing army shrank to 15,000. The rest were demobilized to the Army reserves.

Instead of using the Imperial army and navy, both Andres and Mariano funded a private expedition using their own personal money and donations. Andres believes this is a personal matter rather than the Empire’s problem. Using their combine wealth and the wealth of their family selling their own personal items, they were able to muster 3,000 troops, who were all veterans of Sino-Philippine war and enough ships for the expedition. Mariano will lead the expedition personally.

Mariano’s forces attacking Dai Nam/Vietnamese​

The Dutch have been stalling the recognition of the New Guinea purchase despite the Sultan of Tidore willing to sell their New Guinea territories to the Philippines.

The trade routes to British India passes thru Dutch influenced Sumatra. Andres, frustrated with the Dutch, focused his attention to Sumatra. Andres wants threaten the Dutch in Sumatra while securing the trade routes for the Philippines, bases near the strait to deal with piracy in Straits of Malacca. Andres demanded control of certain areas which the Dutch rejected. Andres threatened the Dutch with invasion and expulsion from the East Indies. Andres sent a Philippine Imperial Navy fleet with steam Frigates and Ship of the lines both to deal with piracy and threaten the Dutch.

The recent collaboration between France and Netherlands in Belgium was not well received in Britain. Britain wants to limit Dutch and French Expansion in Asia, and make sure the Sultanate of Aceh, which produces half to the worlds pepper, continue to trade with the British.

The British spread the news to the Dutch that 200,000 Prussian and British trained Filipinos, with more than 1000 ships invading China. That 200,000 will invade the Dutch East indies if they do not sign the deal with the Philippines. The British warned the Dutch to sign the deal with the Philippines.

Andres did not follow up on his threat of invasion in 1855 and 1856. After demobilizing his army, he was more focused on consolidating whatever gains he acquired from East Asian nations, eliminate Chincese piracy and Chinese rebels, make China prosperous and squeeze Chinese wealth. However, he kept this information to himself, while making sure the Dutch believe British exaggeration and the threat of Philippine invasion.

He also started setting up naval posts in small islands, reefs in Dong Hai (East China Sea) and Nan Hai (South China Sea) to intercept pirates and control the seas.

Cheoljong of Joseon/Kingdom of Korea​

Kingdom of Korea was setup near the status quo with the exception of Philippine and British traders, investors roaming the Kingdom. Kingdom of Korea was also encouraged to purchase British/Philippine goods.

Cheoljong ascended to the Korean throne in 1849. He was chosen by the Andong Kim clan. He was illiterate and made him easy to manipulate and control.

The Philippines let the Andong Kim clan dictate the Kingdom as long as British and Philippine interests are protected.

In Ryuku Kingdom, Satsuma daimyo, Japanese shogunate and their citizens were expelled by Philippine authorities. Qing China accepted Philippine control of Ryuku Kingdom.

The New Chinese armies along with the Qing Banner armies attacked Anqing in 1855. They were supported by a British-Philippine naval blockade of the city. Anqing which fell to Taipings in 1853, returned to Qing control with British and Philippine help in 1856.

The Qing Banner armies started reconquering Taiping strongholds along the Yangtze River. One New Chinese army was assigned to besiege Nanking in 1856. By end of the year, Qing forces retook Wuchang.

The Red Turbans tried to capture Guangzhou but the British intervened to defend Guangzhou. With the Red Turbans failing to capture the city of Guangzhou, they retreated to Guanxi Province chased by Qing Banner armies and a new Chinese army.

French, Crusaders and Mariano’s army in Dai Nam/Vietnam​

The arrival of Mariano in 1856 and his army in Saigon lifted the siege. After a couple of days, the French also arrived with 2,000 troops and 14 ships sent by Napoleon II. Napoleon II does not want to alarm the British by sending a larger army nor does France have the logistics to support a larger army in Asia.

Instead of returning home to Cebu with his children, Mariano was convinced to continue the campaign to install Hong Bao encourage by his son and the arrival of French forces. His son Alejandro promised benefits for the Philippines including favorable trade to the Philippines and basing rights to the Philippines. The allied army, Crusaders, Mariano’s army and French forces attacked north until they reach Dai Nam capital of Hue. The French tagged along and de facto recognized Mariano as the allied leader since the Filibusters/Crusader army and Mariano’s army followed Mariano. Mariano had the reputation among Crusaders of eliminating Catholic enemies with his campaign versus Moro sultanates.

During the siege of Hue, Mariano died. He was last seen alive the previous evening dining with the French but did not wake up the next day and was declared dead. There was much speculation with his death, some believed he died of old age, some overeating, some believe it was an unknown sickness, while others believe he was poisoned.

With the death of Mariano, there was no employer for the private army except located in Manila whose orders was to bring Alejandro and Elena back home safely. The Crusader loyalty went from Mariano to the French. Alejandro attempted to convince Mariano’s private army that he was now their employer. The private army was mostly Philippine veterans of the Chinese war, and very loyal to Andres. He also tried to convince the Crusaders to follow him instead as the son of Mariano.

The French made a deal with Emperor Tu Duc. Tu Duc was to cede Saigon, the island of Poulo Condor and three southern provinces (Biên Hòa, Gia Định and Định Tường) to the French. Emperor Tu Duc legalize the free practice of Catholic faith within his territory. In return, the French will hand over Hong Bao and his family to Tu Duc and the withdrawal of the allied army.

The allied armies withdrew. The Crusaders have achieved their goal of protecting Catholics in Dai nam/Vietnam. The orders who joined and funded the Crusade was allowed to stay by the French in their new colony. The French also acquired a colonial territory. Tu Duc stopped the rebellion, taken Hong Bao and his family.

The body of Mariano was recognized as valuable and dangerous by both the French and Emperor Tu Duc since Mariano was seen a hero in the Philippines nor do they want Emperor Andres invading both Dai Nam and the new French colony in Cochinchina just to retake the body. It was decided that the body should be safely taken back to Manila. Alejandro had to be dragged to the ship in chains since he refused to return to Manila nor abandon Hong Bao and his betrothed. Elena, blamed herself for his father’s death and in tears, wished to accompany his father’s body back to Manila.

 

[Namayan]

34. Of Family Matters (1856)

With Mariano’s body in Manila, both the Emperor and the Church announced a month of mourning.

Mariano’s body can be viewed by the public at the new Manila Cathedral, Cathedral of the Archangels. He is both popular among the church authorities and the people.

However, his death has created a great divide. The French have their own version of their story. This story was dictated by the French in continental Europe. The Death of the crusader Mariano was the fault of the pagan Vietnamese who sneaked poison to kill him and stop the crusade.

The Church supported the French story. A pagan killing a Christian was more believable than a fellow Christian killing another Christian once the news reaches Manila and Rome. The Church also did not want Philippines attacking French colonial possession in South East Asia nor was the Church happy about the current ruler of the Philippines.

The veterans had a different story to tell, of French dining before Mariano’s death.

The Empire of the Philippines, which is considered the leading Spanish speaking nation in the world, with Mexican development more focused internally and focused with their army facing the United States and Spain’s economic woes with constant internal strife. News and stories of the veterans of Mariano with the support of British propaganda, that it was French betrayal and poison during dining with French that killed him. Stories were written about him from Mexico and South America as martyr for the Hispanic and Catholic cause only to be backstabbed in the name of French colonial ambition.

Emperor Andres wanted to take revenge but wanted to do so with minimal losses and that would benefit the state. France was too far, and too big to attack. Instead, he enlisted the help of his British friends by winning thru a stroke of pen instead of the fires of war.

However, at this side of the world, Philippines had more forces and power to pressure the French.

The Vietnam Crusade, as it was called, revealed a new colonial power within region, the French. Although the French have been present in Asia for quite some time, the French never really controlled a large piece of land in South East Asia until now. This puts the defense of Manila from another European power by intercepting invading fleet from Straits of Malacca or Singapore to Nan Hai/South China Sea.

The French also complicated Andres dealing with Netherlands. France supported the Dutch control of Sumatra. The French do not want both sides of Straits of Malacca too friendly to the British. The French wanted more friendly territories going towards their South east Asian colony.

Pope Pius IX supporting the French version of Mariano Novales’ death

Emperor Andres wanted to bury Mariano near Manila but Mariano’s children and the people of Cebu wanted his body buried in their Island.

Emperor granted the request and will send Mariano’s body to Cebu, in return, Elena was to serve as a military doctor. The military viewed Elena’s experience in battlefield conditions as valuable despite the circumstance how it happened.

Emperor Andres was still figuring out what to do with his nephew, Alejandro, who is currently locked up by Gurkha Guards in Intramuros Palace complex. If the Emperor frees him, he might leave and cause trouble again which may a start a war again with Vietnam or worse, France.

There was a mob in Cebu wanted Alejandro hanged for leading their beloved Mariano to death if not sent to prison labor camp. The people blamed Alejandro for taking their hero away from them. To the people, Mariano was the protector of Cebu and Visayas, scourge of the Moros. The justification of sending one of the Novales’ children to labor prison camps had basis but that was Andres’ son committing crimes against the law of the empire.

Not knowing Andres’ decision nor the request of his husband Mariano, Alejandro’s mother appealed to spare his life instead. His decision was not influenced by the mother but rather from Mariano himself. Before Mariano left for Vietnam, he wanted Andres to give Alejandro immunity in case of his demise

Emperor Andres will send Alejandro back to Cebu. However, for the meantime, Alejandro will remain in Manila until the mob in Cebu demanding Alejandro’s punishment dies down.

Having no local laws violated by Alejandro, Parliament refused to interfere nor comment citing Alejandro as part of the imperial family, domestic issue among the Novales.

However, Parliament debated what to do with filibusters, to prevent any future Alejandro cases wherein Filipino citizens were starting wars privately without the consent of the government making it illegal to filibuster.

Rail in Cebu

Mariano had an extensive estate to distribute. Mariano owned a large house in Cebu City and Manila, he owned several shares in private companies in Manila and Cebu. Despite land reforms in Luzon and Cebu, Mariano owned a total of 100 square kilometers of land in Cebu and Bohol Islands, accumulated after the land reforms. These properties were either purchased by Mariano or confiscated from Spanish loyalists during independence, and local traitors deemed by Andres. His land in Cebu is well developed containing the coal mines or premium locations in the island of Cebu. Since Mariano was the one in charge of implementing infrastructure and business in Cebu, most of the development happened inside or adjacent to his land. He also owns 400 square kilometers of land in Northern Mindanao acquired during his conquest. His estate in Norther Mindanao contains farm estates that export crops to either Luzon or outside the empire.

Mariano had 4 children, 3 daughters and 2 sons. He was quite the opposite of Andres who had multiple consorts but never married. Mariano regularly attended the Church, practiced Catholicism, had married a daughter of one of the British owners of the rail company in Cebu. All of his daughters had red hair and green eyes taken from their mother. While both sons had more similar features with Mariano.

The Philippine Parliament interfered with the Mariano’s estate inheritance. They posthumously gave Mariano Ducal title, Duke of Cebu, which can be inherited. Diego, the eldest child of Mariano, will inherit the title. 50 square kilometers of land in Cebu Island owned by Mariano will remain with Duke Diego. Andres approved both Parliamentary motions.

In the reading of Mariano’s will in Manila, the wife, all of Mariano’s children and the emperor were present. The large urban house in Cebu will be given to the wife of Mariano. The urban house in Manila will be given to the children. All Company shares owned by Mariano, the 50 square kilometers land in Bohol, will be given equally divided among the wife and the children. The 400 square kilometers of Northern Mindanao land will be donated to Mariano’s workers, loyal staff, military personnel in Norther Mindanao.

***

Andres was viewing the new palace construction at Plaza mayor, looking where the Manila Cathedral, Palace of Governor General, City of Hall Manila used to be. He hired British engineers and architects to make sure the palace had everything needed for Alfred’s reign. Emperor Andres started reading a letter from Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, about Alfred:

“He has a great inclination for natural history and mechanics and all that belongs to it. We gave him an Engineering officer as instructor, hoping to interest him in this branch, but his love for the Blue Jackets always turned up again, and always with greater force. “

 

[Namayan]

35. East Indies Conference 1857

The Dutch were particularly terrified after receiving news that Empire of the Philippines winning a war versus China, defeating a very large Chinese army, capturing Beijing and their emperor. Diplomats from the French Empire, Kingdom of Netherlands, Portugal, Britain and Philippines were present in Paris to craft an agreement on the division of East Indies. Napoleon II was particularly eager to host the conference due to his own interest in South East Asia.

Initially, The French and Dutch were very aggressive on their negotiation knowing that the British were embroiled with an Indian rebellion. French and Dutch bluffed their position and capacity to enforce their holdings in East Indies. By 1857, both the French and Dutch could possibly send 10,000 troops each in the region fighting an outdated medieval Asian military without a modern navy. The Philippines have proven they can logistically send tens of thousands of troops to Beijing, equipped and trained like Europeans. Tianjin to Manila was roughly the same distance as Manila to Singapore. While the French and Dutch reinforcements would be challenged by the Royal Navy in French/Dutch journey of more than 16,000 kilometers. Although still smaller than the French Navy, the Philippine Navy by this time was already larger and had more newer ships than the Dutch Navy. Most of the Philippine Navy was concentrated in South East Asia while the French and Dutch navies were spread around the world.

Sepoy Mutiny in India​

The Dutch and French believed the representatives from the Philippines had two options expand west- Riau islands, Sultanate of Siak to be turned over to their sphere of influence or control; expand south to gain Celebes, Moluccas, and New Guinea. The French did not want Philippines to control Riau or Siak and preferred to focus east to New Guinea. The Dutch did not want Philippines expanding towards their East Indies colony. Dutch east indies control was primarily consolidated in Java with control in Moluccas. There were few holdouts in Celebes and parts of Sumatra. Dutch retaining control of both Sumatra and Moluccas was ideal but considered by the Dutch as prelude to war especially since Britain got a reliable partner that may go to war in behalf of Britain.

Moluccas was already devalued due to the British transplanting several of trees during the Napoleonic war when the British took the islands from the Dutch colony but returned Moluccas after the war. The profitable part of the Dutch Indies was Java. After that long drawn out Javan rebellion, the Dutch have imposed the Cultivation system in their colony. This required natives requiring a portion of agricultural production devoted to export crops or if they did not have land, work for government plantations for more than 60 days. The Dutch also issued a new copper coinage which less than half the value. This new coinage was made to pay the cultivators. This made the Dutch survive bankruptcy. However, this resulted famine in many areas due to little food crops being grown replaced by export crops.

The French did not want Philippines and Britain controlling both side of Straits of Malacca towards their new Cochinchina colony. The Dutch wants to gain full control of Sumatra and remove Philippine expansion towards southward to their colonies in Moluccas.

The British wants to secure Aceh pepper trade while also punishing the Dutch for collaborating with the French during the Belgian invasion while the British resources were tied fighting Russia.

Although the French blocked any Philippine control in Riau islands, nor will the British leave control and influence of Riau and Siak to the Dutch or the French, a compromise was met with promises made to the Philippines. Riau-Linga Sultanate and Siak Sultanate will be released from Dutch influence and protection. They will act be an independent buffer nation between Aceh Sultanate, British Malaya and Dutch Sumatra.

The Dutch will not be allowed to expand further north in Sumatra. Sultanate of Aceh will be protected by the British and the Philippines.

With British support, Portugal will retain the whole Timor island, Flores Island. Sumba Island will be ceded to the Portuguese. All Dutch possession east of Sumba will transfer from the Dutch to the Portuguese. All islands south of Ambon would be transferred to Portuguese control or influence, Tanimbar Islands, Aru Islands.

Sultanate Tidore and Sultanate of Gowa will remain independent.

In return for giving up Riau and Siak, the Philippines asked zero tariffs in French and Dutch markets; the French ceding Mayotte or Reunion island to the Philippines.

The Philippines have learned since 1852 when they initiated purchase of New Guinea. Their experience on the Chinese invasion have taught them that trade concessions are more advantageous than territorial expansion. If there was any territorial expansion, a sensible port, small island or coaling station was acceptable. Or in the case of Formosa, known to have an economy that can support territorial expansion. In the case of the undeveloped parts of East indies, Philippines would rather let the Dutch or any nation develop them while Philippines trade with them. It would be too costly and will take a long time for the Philippines if they were the ones to develop New Guinea from scratch. Dutch and French representatives were unaware of this change of desire.

Parallel to the conference in Paris, Philippine diplomats were negotiating with Spain.

Philippines wanted to acquired Fernando Po island from Spain to be made as a coaling station to Europe. Spain has been continuously embroiled in civil strife and badly needed the coin which Philippines was willing to offer.

By the end of the conference, after much haggling, proposals and counterproposals, the Dutch, French and Philippines had to give up to gain something.

The French will sell Mayotte Island to the Philippines. The French choice of Mayotte island was due to the Mayotte sugar plantations were less than stellar compared to island of Reunion. This will be viewed by Emperor Andres as a victory over the French gaining French holdings.

Claims in Moluccas Islands, Celebes island and purchase of New Guinea were “given up” by the Philippines in order to get a trade advantage.

Dutch East Indies and French colony of Cochinchina will agree to zero tariffs and no quotas but not in the Dutch nor French metropolis nor other colonies. Philippine products and merchants can enter either colony while Filipino merchants can buy from the Dutch and French colony in South East Asia without any tariffs nor quotas.

By the end of the same year, Spain sold Fernando Po Island (Bioko Island) to the Philippines.

 

[Namayan]

36. Overseas Philippines (1855-1858)

The Conference of 1857 and pact with Spain included new two African islands for the Philippines.

Mayotte island and Fernando Po island’s slaves that were not freed were emancipated. Slaves especially the people from the jungles of Africa were more in demand than the Europeans for Philippine labor. This should not be mistaken the more populous and easier to access Chinese or Indian labor force which are more resistant to tropical diseases than Europeans. But Africans, those who came from the Jungles of Africa, were more favorable migrants than Europeans especially as farm laborers due to better resistance to tropical diseases based on Philippine experience.

Sugar plantations were abandoned in Mayotte island in favor of producing vanilla, coffee, copra, sisal, vetiver, citronella, sandalwood and ylang-ylang. Fernando Po island cash crops were also developed like cocoa. However, Philippine authorities required fishery and farming of basic food consumption to produced using modern farming techniques and equipment. The priority was to keep the populace well fed and alive, with cash crops supplementing funds coming from Manila and needs of the local populace.

Ylang Ylang in Mayotte​

The favoring of African, Chinese or Indian labor did not stop hiring European professionals for the benefit of the Philippines nor runaway females, or females who had the coin to travel and migrate to the Philippines. European females heard of the right to vote, with the same rights as male in the Philippines. The Island of Fernando Po, or the port Santa Isabel (OTL Malabo) was the first port of entry coming from Europe among Europeans. Although the Philippines stopped encouraging mass migration of Europeans due to experience of tropical diseases, Philippine authorities did not stop privately funded migration to the Philippines.

Both islands were treated as an extension of the Metropolis of the Philippines and was not given autonomy like the Borneans or the Formosans. Philippine Andresian style education was imposed, requirements for military service enforced, regular free medical checkups. Philippines understood the country’s smaller manpower than any great or minor power. The country valued each life, especially those that are loyal, productive and obedient citizens. The military education of Africans in Fernando Po or Mayotte, just like in the Philippines, resulted in free food for children (the pupils farmed themselves as part of the curriculum) which was welcomed by African (now Filipino) children.

There was no African segregation in these territories like in the Anglo-American countries nor discrimination of caste treated by Spain among her colonies. But there was mockery among new migrant children like Europeans and Africans among Andresians Filipinos ranging from bad smell due to not bathing daily, or if known to take regular siestas teased as lazy. These mockeries continue until these new migrants adapted to Philippine Andresian culture or heard by the teacher who will punish mockers with caning/rattan sticks in either their buttocks, hands or feet; for undisciplined conduct/mouth.

Common crimes and vagrants will result being thrown into workhouses in Manila or prison labor camps across the empire. Rules were strictly enforced, Time even more so. African workers who got used to Spanish siestas during workhours were initially beaten with rattan when caught skipping work, or expelled from work which resulted into vagrancy (vagrants ends up in prison labor camps). Harsh punishments were given for small mistakes, with little to no slack given to any citizen. The Africans living in Philippine territory also had to learn self-responsibility learned by Andresian Filipinos in school. Civic duties instilled among new Filipinos like cleaning the surroundings, being sure on time for class or work, service in the military, making sure to pay timely and accurate taxes. Even daily bathing was taught in schools as part of Philippine culture and habit.

Forced removals of shacks, huts or cabins in government land were common. People were relocated into government approved buildings that had better sanitation, engineered built public housing ranging from houses made out of wood or pombaline buildings.

Jeju Island besides being a port and coaling station was encouraged to farm those that were not found in Luzon or any part of Tropical Philippines or Borneo. Olives, Olive oil, grapes and wine were some crops grown in the island due to the demand of Philippine Andresian elites. Jeju Island just like Mayotte and Fernando Po island was directly managed by the imperial bureaucracy rather than given autonomy.

Coloane Island, Zhousan island, and Dalian were maintained primarily as a naval base and coaling station that is within striking distance of major Chinese Cities and ports. Dalian in the North near Tianjin and Beijing. Zhousan Island near Ningbo and Shanghai, Yangtze River to Nanking. Coloane near Macau, opposite of Hong Kong Island that is near Guangzhou.

Filipino School in Fernando Po Island​

After the Crimean war, the Russians after hearing the loss of China to the Philippines accompanied by multiple internal rebellions, Russian Governor General of the Far East Nikolay Muravyov-Amursky camped tens of thousands of troops on the Chinese border preparing to devoid Treaty of Nerchinsk and expand Russian borders south of Amur River.

Muravyov, back in 1855, already sent 3,000 Russian soldiers and settlers down Amur River. The Chinese protested and could do nothing due to recent loss to the Philippines and was tied down by the Taiping Rebellion.

By 1858, there were still stragglers and supporters left with the Taiping rebellion. However, the rebellion was nearly crushed as British and Philippine support came in along with the New Chinese army backing up Eight Banners and Green Standard army.

The Qing sent 100,000 of their banner armies and 20,000 New Chinese army expel the Russians inside Chinese border and counter the tens of thousands of troops on the Chinese-Russian border.

The Russians, both soldiers and settlers, inside Chinese borders retreated or killed by the Chinese armies.

When both the main Russian army and the Chinese armies met, there was a sense confidence among the Russian initially knowing they had just beaten the British and Ottomans in the last war, the Chinese losing to a minor power like the Philippines.

But, after several skirmishes, fighting the New Chinese armies was more difficult than expected since the Chinese had better discipline, better and longer weapons (rifles and artillery) [1]. The maneuverability and tactics of these Chinese are more similar to the Prussians as some Russians note.

The end of the Qing-Russian war in 1858 mauled the Russian army underestimating the Chinese strength and capability.

The Russians sued for peace. Both the British and Philippines, as the only nations with diplomats allowed in Beijing during this time, advised the Chinese to demand a large reparation in coin from the Russians. The British advised such to weaken Russian power in the Far East. Philippines wanted Chinese to have the cash to rebuild their economy to be able to pay Philippines and to earn more good tidings from China. The Russians also had to give up their claims and possessions in the whole Amur basin/Outer Manchuria, Sakhalin island which Qing China considers a tributary.

Green – Russian Empire
Purple – Qing China
Orange – Joseon Korea (Philippine Protectorate)
Light Yellow – Tokugawa Japan
Aqua – Chinese tributary of Sakhalin
Red – Philippines/ Port Novales (OTL Lushunkou District/ Port Arthur)​

With the advent of steamships, the need for coaling stations became a reality for Philippines. Before the transfer of the Naval squadron to Lima, Philippines have been negotiating with Gran Colombia to sell Galagapos islands to the Philippines. By 1858, both nations agreed on the sale.

Galagapos Islands will be a great coaling station both for Philippine merchant ships and naval base for Philippine Imperial Naval Squadron due to its near geographic center between Acapulco and Lima, the major trading ports for buying American goods by Philippine merchants.

[1] Due to Russia winning ATL Crimean War, there was no Russian military reforms like OTL nor abolition serfdom and still had a Russian serf-army.

 

[Namayan]

37. Imperial Scrooge (1825-1859)

A Christmas Carol written by Charles Dickens, published in 1843, is how critics described Emperor Andres in 1859.

Emperor Andres “Scrooge” as described by critics​

Just like Ebenezer Scrooge, Emperor Andres Novales, according to the critics, hoarded so much wealth for the Philippines. Despite this, the emperor welcomes diplomats in his sleeping robes, that his palace is rotten fit for a street peasant.

Philippines adopted the gold standard early on, two years after independence upon the return of Count Varela, with the Bank of Luzon founded as the central bank of the empire based on the Bank of England. Bank of Luzon is the sole issuer of the legal tender of the empire. British pound is the main reserve currency of the Empire of the Philippines.

The Imperial Mint of the Philippines minted both gold, silver and bronze/copper coins. Gold for the main currency, the Philippine Aureus. Silver was also minted patterned after the weight and finesse of Spanish real. The silver minted by Bank of Luzon, the Philippine peso (trade dollar), used to trade with China, East Asia and East Indies. Bronze/Copper coins were patterned after the British Penny and used internally by the Philippines.

Philippines barely used their gold bars and coins. Most of the trade conducted in East Asia and Latin American were done using silver. Only if the British demanded it or if a technology that the empire wanted demanded by the United States and France that gold was even parted with. Even then, trading with the British most of time resulted in using British Pound bank notes instead of Philippine Aureus bank notes, gold coins or gold bars. Sometimes even, the United States and Europeans accepted Philippine peso silver or any trade dollar silver acquired by the Philippines.

Japanese Gold Coin​

According to critics, Andres hoarded gold that he was termed by some as Emperor Scrooge. The Old madman from Intramuros had lost his nerve that he went from a blood thirsty conqueror to a greedy miser. Accumulating Gold or natural resources had some basis.

The Philippines took advantage of the Japanese exchange rates between silver and gold. The exchange rate of gold to silver in Japan were different from international rates. International exchange rates were 1 Gold coin for 15 Silver coins. 1 Philippine peso silver coin or any trade dollar silver coin can be exchanged for 3 Japanese silver coin (Tempo Ichibugin coins). Trade dollar silver coins were minted by several nations patterned after Spanish real/ Spanish dollar (Mexico, Philippines, Spain, etc.). 4 Japanese silver coins can be exchanged for 1 Tempo Koban/Ryo gold coin (Japanese gold coin).

Foreign entities, especially the Philippine government, took advantage of this by exchanging their silver with Japanese silver coin, then exchanging Japanese silver coin for Japanese gold. The Philippines with lots of silver at hand acquired thru trade with Latin America or heavy mining inside their empire abused this flaw in the Japanese system. In 1859, Philippines acquired 3 million Japanese gold coin or roughly around 50 tons of gold, exchanged for 12,000,000 trade dollars/silver coins instead of 45,000,000 silver coins for the same amount of gold coins using international rates. Filipinos collectively gained more than 300% profit by abusing the Japanese exchange rates.

This was abused further when 1 Japanese gold coin was exchanged outside Japan for 4 silver trade dollars. Then, Filipinos went back to Japan to exchange their trade dollars in Japan starting the cycle all over again.

The Bakufu, Tokugawa shogunate, responded by debasing their gold content of its coins by two thirds. Japanese historians blamed Emperor Andres for the cause of the financial crisis in Japan leading to a Japanese civil war a decade later. Although this happened during Andres’ reign, it was Philippine Trade Company who decided to abuse the Japanese system flaw. Philippine Trade Company happens to be owned by the Philippine government.

This happened across East Asia wherein Philippines invested and took advantage of local market flaws ranging from parity trade rights of colonial masters in Dutch East Indies and French Cochinchina wherein manufactured goods of the Philippines outcompeted Dutch of French goods due to proximity or flaws like in the Japanese system. Market collapses and depression in East asian countries were also taken advantage wherein the Philippine East Indies company bought at low prices and sold later on to gain profit.

The profits taken were either put back to these kinds of trade investments to make another cycle of profit; some allocated to complement the Philippine budget in infrastructure like state owned Telegraphic lines, railroads; some profits were bought and stocked as gold reserves; or used to buy British currency as a reserve currency.

Indian Mutineers executed by the British thru blowing of the gun​

The Qing, having defeated the Russians and Taiping rebellion, decided to disband the New Chinese army, which was equipped, trained and led by Chinese-Filipinos using Filipino made weapons. The New Chinese army’s loyalty was questionable at best. The army which had been directly led by Filipinos but had no loyalty to the Qing nor was directly reporting to the Qing. The Qing did not want any army loyal to Philippine officers that may threaten Beijing or the emperor again. The weapons of the New Chinese Army - gunpowder, artillery and rifles were transferred to the Eight Banners.

The British have quelled the rebellion in India with the end of East India company rule in India. British rule in India was reorganized as the British Raj.

The death of King Ferdinand II of Two Sicilies in 1859 led to the ascension of Francis II as king. Napoleon II’s influence in the Papal Confederation and the attempts of the Papal Confederation and Napoleon II were noticed by the British.

Francis II’s father, Ferdinand II had a falling out with the British back in the 1840s with the disruption of British most favored nation states, Sulphur trade dominance in Sicily.

Francis II negotiated issues with the Swiss Guard. Prime Minister of Francis II, Carlo Filangieri, convinced Francis II constitution, which the King agreed.

In order to stave off any attempts by Napoleon II to unify the Italian Peninsula with the Papal Confederation, Francis II and Carlo Filangieri, offered to restore trading dominance of the British in Sicily in exchange for support.

 

[Namayan]

38. Realm Divide (1850-1863)

The United States slavery issue was left unsettled since the framing of the Constitution. The division among free and slave states have never been more profound. The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, southern states fearing Lincoln presidency will result to the end of slavery, cotton states secede from the Union in March 1861.

U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, 1861​

Napoleon II wished the revival of French-American alliance since 1855. With the gradual urbanization of France and industrialization helped by the acquired Rhine territories and parts of Belgium, France started complementing French agriculture by buying American grain and products. Slowly under Napoleon II’s rain, British capital in the United States was replaced by French capital and investments. French as an export market started to compete with British market as the destination of U.S. products.

French influence in the Americas did not stop in the United States with moves on courting and investing Gran Colombia. The plan was to bypass British influence in Latin America by investing a canal in Gran Colombia partnered with the United States.

British capital in the Americas slowly moved to Canada or to their ally Mexico. Mexico which lacked the geographic advantage of having rivers to navigate goods, like the United States, relied on railroads invested by the British. Despite having less railroads than the United States, Mexico had more rail tracks than Confederacy.

At the beginning of the Civil war, the United States had a population of roughly 19 million. The Confederate States of America had 8 million. The Mexican republic numbered around 13 million. Mexico has been competing with the United States on attracting European migrants. The Mexican literacy rates, improved much like the rest of former Spanish American colonies, were at 30% far below the United States. The manufacturing capability of Mexico, slightly better than the Confederacy, is still no match for the United States.

The Confederacy was hoping for international help from the British and France. The hope for foreign intervention increased when the U.S. navy captured Confederate envoys from a British Royal Mail steamer, RMS Trent.

Britain heavily protested the U.S. boarding of a neutral ship which provoked outraged in Britain. The British started preparing for war and requested Mexico to do the same. Philippines declared its neutrality and opted out of the British request as the war was expected to be a land war and limited to the Atlantic.

On June 3, 1863 around 31 minutes past seven in the evening, a strong earthquake rocked Manila. Houses and buildings that did not comply to the building code suffered the most damage or worse totally collapsed with people inside dead. The Cathedral of the Archangel was heavily damaged and the archbishop of Manila killed with falling debris.

Late next morning Emperor Andres was found dead in his bed. Doctors say he died peacefully and of natural causes. Doctors noted his body was already cold and stiff. His sleeping quarters and the building he slept at was checked for damage. The building had minimal damage due to earthquake.

When news of the death emperor reached the rest of empire, all the Visayan governors outside Cebu and Bohol met in Iloilo in June 10 and declared their independence from Manila forming a republic.

When the Taiping Rebellion began in China, Andres approved Civil service suggestion on increase taxation to fund his expedition rather than incurring external debt. The Civil Service patterned the taxation after the British taxation during the Napoleonic wars. Taxes were raised reached around 15% of the GDP. This includes Land and assessed taxes, stamps, excise, customs and income tax.

After the Sino-Philippine war, taxes were not brought back to pre-1850s level. This caused dissatisfaction among Visayans, thinking it was a temporary increase. The Visayan governors did collect the additional taxes but did not send it to Manila nor was it used to improve lives of their locality. This further increased dissatisfaction among the Visayans. The Visayan governors agitated the population further by choosing which information were spread by town criers by blaming bad news to the Andres and the Empire while stating the local governors did all they can for the benefit of their citizens.

After 40 years of independence, instead of improving, the Visayan adult literacy rates went down by 5%. This limited the talent pool for civil service, who can run for member of parliament. This created an imbalance in the Imperial Parliament wherein it is dominated by Luzon and Cebu representatives.

The land reform pushed by Andres in 1825 was not successful in the Visayan Confederacy. Church lands forced to sell the government intended for the farmers were instead bought out by the landed elite, ranging from former Insulares, Mestizo or Principalia. The people Emperor Andres assigned to distribute these lands were also landed elite. The sale to the landed elite got away by giving Imperial auditors false documents that church lands were sold to poor farmers. Positions of governor and mayor revolved around very few families and all of them rich landed elite. This caused power and wealth to concentrate on very few people in the Confederacy. Andres and Mariano did not even bother to visit these other islands except for Mariano’s short stint in Norther Mindanao during the war with the Moro Sultanates.

The ordinary people of Visayas supported the secession, blamed Imperial Manila for high taxations and unequal representations. They were told that Imperial Manila was pocketing the money from Visayas and used for the development of Luzon and Cebu. This angered the Visayans even more. The people also blamed Andres and the Imperial government for the failed land reform program in their respective islands which the local landed elite encouraged.

The Visayan Confederacy representatives tried to convince Duke Diego Novales to become interim president but the duke rejected. Visayans then tried to convince Alejandro Novales, to capture Cebu and join the confederacy from his estate in Bohol. Instead, Alejandro, along with his supporters in Cebu and Bohol, took Cebu Imperial police and loyalists by surprise, entering Cebu in disguise. They captured key areas. Instead of joining the Visayans, Alejandro declared himself Emperor. Alejandro deemed Alfred unworthy protestant and a foreigner while considered the Visayans concept of republicanism, chaotic anarchists and unacceptable. The Bishop of Cebu, knowing Alfred as a protestant supported Alejandro, crowning Alejandro as Emperor of the Philippines.

Duke Diego who was in his Cebu estate retreated to Fort San Pedro, thinking it was a foreign invasion or the Visayans. When Duke Diego found out it was his brother’s troops, he tried to negotiate with his brother. However, Alejandro demanded Duke Diego to accept him as emperor. Duke Diego rejected the offer, stating his oath of allegiance to Alfred and Andres during his ascension after the death of their father Mariano. After a day, the loyalist garrison in Fort San Pedro decided that Duke Diego should retreat to Manila due to Fort San Pedro ill prepared for a siege and short in supplies with less than 50 troops defending the fort without naval support versus a trained armed force led by Alejandro. It was decided to go hiding in one of the mountains in Cebu Island. Duke Diego still had supporters in Cebu. Under the cover of darkness, the duke, several members of the Cebu civil service and the loyalist garrison escaped Fort San Pedro.

With both Mariano Novales’ sons rejecting the interim presidency, Hermenegildo Araneta was voted by his governor peers as president of the Visayan Confederacy. The confederacy had the loyalty of the local garrison, local populace and easily took docked naval ships ranging from Iloilo to Zamboanga.

Sulu Sultanate, who wanted to retake Basilan ever since the invasion of Mariano Novales, believed it was the ripe time with the death of Emperor Andres, the declaration of independence of the Visayans and Alejandro taking Cebu. Sulu Sultanate invaded Basilan Island.

Lanao, Maguindanao Sultanates started attacking western Northern Mindanao provinces in order to retake lands they lost. The Pagan Carolians are attacking Filipino settlers inside their lands. In order to stop this continuous flow of illegal settlers, Carolians were convinced by the Moro Sultanates to attack and burn towns in North Eastern Mindanao.

Red – Loyalists, Empire of the Philippines
Orange – Visayan Confederacy
Grey – Alejandro’s Empire
Yellow - Sulu Sultanate
Green – Confederation of Lanao Sultanates
Lime – Maguindanao sultanate
Purple – Confederation of Carolians​

 

[Namayan]

39. Long Live the Emperor! (1861-1863)

The British threat of war was a potential problem for the United States as it may be a repeat of North American war with United States losing. However, the French have promised to aid the United States in case a war with Britain. Supporters in the U.S. Congress were calling for the renewal of the Franco-American alliance.

The diplomatic crisis ended in 1862, when both Britain and Mexico backed down, after French arbitration released the Confederate envoys from United States custody.

While still in crisis with Britain in December 1861, New York stock exchange fell across the board with suspension of trade eminent. The Philippine Trade Company started buying selected cheap stock prices in New York Stock exchange which they were hoping to have a high chance of recovery.

New York Stock Market, 1861​

During the first year of the civil war, there were shortages in the United States due the U.S. army exhausting immediately weapon and gunpowder supplies. The British, French and other European nations were willing to supply these short-term shortages in the United States.

After the diplomatic crisis, called Trent Affair, the prospect of another war disappointed Mexican ambitions and interest to further divide their nemesis, the United States. After recognizing the Confederacy, the Mexicans were lobbying for the recognition of the Confederate States of America (C.S.A).

France and the Philippines did not recognize the C.S.A. The British also did not recognize the C.S.A. However, the British supplied the C.S.A. British weaponry from rifles to ships being built in Britain that was used by the C.S.A.

The United States with its larger navy easily took Confederate islands Cuba and Hispaniola.

By 1863, a new Franco-American treaty of alliance was approved by the U.S. Congress and signed by both nations. The treaty will be reviewed every five years. Britain was wary of the treaty but was not prepared to fight a highly secured France. France was friendly with all of her neighbors. The Dutch navy will most likely side with the French and U.S. Navy in an event of war. The German confederation and the Austrians were friendly to Napoleon II and would not attack France. Papal confederation is under Napoleon II’s control. Spain was not in a position to fight a continental war with France nor does the Spanish want to. Russia’s interest is currently aligned with the French and cannot be relied upon to attack France.

With the help of France both men and material, the United States Civil war ended in 1864.

Prince Alfred, 1863​

In August of 1863, the Philippine naval fleet arrived in London along with Gurkha Guards and Amazonian Guards. They were duty bound to escort back their sovereign back to Manila. The fleet was composed of 4 screw frigates and 1 Ironclad, HMS Cebu, along with the Royal steamer.

France’s first Ironclad Gloire sparked a new race for battleship. However, this meant every nation had to start from scratch. This gave opportunity for the Philippines to be at parity with the great powers at the start tapping her competitive advantage of shipbuilding to use. The Philippines had its own program started, focusing on long-range, ocean-going ships that can ram other ships. HMS Cebu is the first of her class commissioned in 1862. Cebu class ironclads is iron hulled and it had an armor 4 .5 to 5.5 inches of wrought iron backed up by 18 inches of tropical wood. The armor covers the whole length of the ship with the ends covered with 4.5 inches of armor and the machinery and battery covered with 5.5 inches of armor. The quality of the manufacturing of the wrought iron was the same as the British plate. The Cebu class weighed more than 7,700 tons with a compliment crew of more than 500. The ship is capable of more than 12 knots using steam while using only the sails, the ship was capable of 11 knots during sea trials. It had a range of 5,700 kilometers cruising at 10 knots.

Copper sheathing below the waterline was installed to protect from corrosive effects of salt water and biological fouling. It is armed with 40 smoothbore muzzle-loading 68 pounders. Her guns were 9 feet above the waterline observed by the Royal Navy when she docked in Britain. The Cebu class is fitted with a purpose-built ram with ram bow, the bow being plated with 4.5 inches armor. The ship class also have a balanced rudder installed wherein eight men could apply full helm in 27 seconds compared to HMS warrior could only replicate this in 90 seconds. It is a broadside ironclad just like HMS Warrior but was shorter than HMS Warrior with a length of 340 feet at the waterline, with the beam at 58 feet and draught at 27 feet. The habitability was better than British contemporary ironclads expecting the assignment on mostly hotter, tropical areas. It was designed to have good ventilation with very tall living spaces. Even the engine was designed for ventilation keeping the temperature equal or below 42 degrees Celsius.

HMS Cebu​

Prince Alfred was still in the middle of his three-month cruise in the Scottish coast. After that, his plans were to enter the university in November. His plans were cut short with the death of Andres.

Upon his return to London, the Philippine delegation brought the Imperial Regalia. Andres made one for Alfred fitted when Alfred became an adult. The Imperial Crown was made of a golden frame. It has multiple golden mounts for gemstones, diamonds and pearls mined from Borneo and other parts of the empire. The Crown was fitted with a Tyrian purple cap. The Imperial mantle is Tyrian purple color silk cape embroidered in gold(goldwork). The Imperial Scepter was short and made of gold - adorned with diamonds, gemstones with a Golden Sealion (head of a Lion and body of a dolphin) on top. The ceremonial sword was made of out steel, 38 inches long 7 inches wide at the handle, blunt edges and squared. The scabbard was made of gold and encrusted with diamonds and gemstones. The Hilt Guard was very comfortable, ergonomic in design. The pummel was also made out of gold.

Alfred had to give up his rights and privileges in the British Royalty. He also had to give up the line to British throne after his brother Bertie.

His brother Bertie, future Edward VII, was just married to Princess Alexandra of Denmark early this year. Queen Victoria, was looking for possible brides for Affie, Alfred. Their sister, Vicky wife of Prince Frederick of Prussia, was keen that Alfred should be given a chance to consider Alexandra’s sister, Dagmar. But the Queen disliked the idea of two brothers marrying two sisters.

The first coronation of Alfred, his mother, Queen Victoria, crowns him Emperor of the Philippines. A symbolic move that the British made it looked like the Emperor of the Philippines was subordinate to the Monarch of Britain.

Then, both monarchs had to resolve negotiations started during Andres’ reign by the Philippine diplomatic service. Philippines wanted to buy Socotra from Mahra Sultanate which was blocked by Britain. Socotra Island purchase goal was to position Philippines with a coaling near the Red sea. The British will only agree upon ascension of Alfred with certain conditions. The most important condition was sale or lease to another country or private entity of Socotra will not be allowed unless with the consent of the British government.

The next leg of journey of Alfred was to Rome, Papal Confederation. The Philippine government tried to negotiate with the papacy to give Andres the right to appoint or remove bishops hoping they can be convinced with enough “donations”. The Papacy rejected, of course, due to the history of Andres treating the Catholic Church. But the Papacy was willing to give this on the condition during the reign of Alfred and if Alfred converts to Catholicism.

The Pope’s goal was to keep Philippines or at least the emperor’s religion as Catholic. With the Philippines too far to impose Papal power, and judging by experience with how Andres and most his military, Catholics, treated the Catholic clergy, the Pope can only imagine how a protestant monarch will move the Filipinos away from Catholic faith. It was ideal to convert the Philippine Monarch to Catholicism than forever lose the Philippines to Protestants, the Church of England. Centralization of Papal power in the Philippines was next to impossible and was sidelined for appeasement and keeping Philippines Catholic.

Upon hearing Emperor Alfred coming to Rome, Napoleon II raced to Rome. It may be the only chance that the Emperor of the Philippines will be under his influence, within his reach and gain some concessions. Former Emperor Andres was too far to pressure while Alfred visiting Rome meant that this will give Napoleon II an opportunity, if not the only opportunity, to insert French influence and French agents inside the Philippine Imperial Court.

After the conversion of Alfred to Roman Catholicism, his coronation with the Pope was delayed along the promised of right to appoint and remove local bishops. Napoleon II’s influence made sure to block Alfred’s coronation and Philippine requests.

Napoleon II demanded the Philippines to give up trade concessions he gave in Indochina and support French status as most favored nation in China equal to Britain and the Philippines.

St Peter’s Basilica​

Napoleon II gave another proposal. He wanted to bring the whole Vietnamese Empire under French influence and make sure Philippines does not interfere nor invade whatever the French will do in Dai Nam. In addition, Napoleon II lays out his plan for royal engagement. He wants Alfred to marry his eldest daughter. However, Napoleon II’s daughter is still 8 years old. This would mean Napoleon II’s daughter, Marie Sofie, will be sent only to the Philippines once she reaches the age of 15. French marriageable age for females during this time was 15, while for Philippines it was 14. Initially, Emperor Alfred disagreed to such proposal. She was too young, nor has Alfred seen her nor her image.

The Pope and Napoleon II were willing to craft a treaty that will recognize Alfred not only the right to appoint and remove bishops within his empire, but to control Catholic Church assets within his empire, make the local clergy swear allegiance to Philippine monarch, naming Alfred Emperor of all the Indies, full condemnation and non-recognition of Visayan Confederation and Alejandro’s Empire. Assuming Alfred accepts Napoleon II’s proposal.

The offer had precedence. Napoleon II enjoys the same privilege with the Catholic Church which was signed by his father, Napoleon I, with the Papacy back in 1801.

Philippine contingent advised Alfred to accept the deal of marriage, to make it easier to control the Church in the Philippines and to remove all claims of Alejandro and all of Alejandro’s clergy supporters. Giving up Chinese trade advantage and the trade concession in French Indochina was too big a blow. Giving the French a free hand in Indochina was acceptable, even favorable, due to the low tariffs and low quotas given to the Philippines during East Indies Conference. Any expansion of the French colony would benefit Philippines greatly.

After a week of consideration, Emperor Alfred agrees to the marriage proposal.

Alfred of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, son of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, was crowned as Emperor of the Philippines and the Indies by the Pope.

 

[Namayan]

40. Nations in Flames (1863-1864)

In 1863, United States President Abraham Lincoln had declared the emancipation of slaves. The French intervened and distracted in the U.S. civil war. With all their main backers distracted with their own wars, the differences in Gran Colombia caused an impasse causing their own civil war. To prevent the dissolution of Gran Colombia during her foundation, several autonomous states from the different regions were formed. This was then governed by the Congress of Gran Colombia. The current government of Gran Colombia became more centralist contrary to the wishes of the states wanting more autonomy. Regional sentiments had sprung up against the federal government. Sensing the opportunity to eliminate their competitor for a canal, Mexico increased border patrols with their southern neighbor. This eventually led to skirmish and war with Mexico. With their ambitions in helping the Confederacy stifled, Mexico declared war on Gran Colombia invading Panama.

United States, France and the Philippines gave their formal protest against the invasion.

The Visayan confederacy of around 2 million people had mostly an agriculture economy with limited manufacturing. Of the 2 million population of the Visayan Confederacy, very few had Andresian public training and military training. Almost all the educated went to private schools. The Visayans have 100,000 militia with very few professional soldiers spread around their multiple islands.

Its notable manufacturing capability were the legacy private shipyards capable of building sailing ships or hand craft items, with little to no capability to manufacture small arms using machines. Most of the manufacturing of the empire is centered around Cebu or Luzon with the Visayan GDP contributing only 10% of the empire.

The Visayans, united in hatred for Manila and love for their independence, were content to remain within their islands. Each former governor formed their owned fiefdoms, imposing their own set of rules. Iloilo as capital and the Visayan president were merely symbolic. The Visayans did not attack the empire nor had to capability to attack the empire. Problems of one island were not seen as problem of another island not unless their island was affected by that problem. Mindoro island who had little revival of Moro raids, did not send aid with what is happening in Northern Mindanao. However, Northern Mindanao and Panay Island, who both were experiencing Moro raids, aided one another.

Visayans had taken over the ships of Imperial navy meant to patrol seas in Sulu. But they had killed the sailors of the imperial navy. The Moros emboldened with the disruption of Imperial naval patrols started raiding again. With the empire’s fleet for patrols captured by Visayans, the Visayans had to take over patrolling Sulu Seas. The ships the Visayans captured were the familiar the old sailing ships with several wooden screw sloops meant to patrol Sulu Sea for pirates. They even captured 1 Imperial galleon with 120 guns of 32 pounders.

It is not the only problem they faced. When they were under Manila, Manila sent funds to build the local programs from schools to roads while the Visayans sent taxes. However, Imperial Manila sent more money to these islands than Visayans sent taxes to Manila. The landed elite had to fund their own islands. No one was willing to lend money to the Visayans.

What the Visayans have are immense amount of cash crops. However, their main buyer was Luzon who then sold it to different parts of the world. The British and the French even Alejandro refused to recognize the Visayan Confederacy or even buy goods from them. Nor can the Visayans sell north to China or the Americas. The Imperial navy patrol those areas and still controls Luzon all the islands in South China Sea, Pacific islands. The Dutch were willing to buy their crops but at a lower rate. The Imperial navy was not patrolling the way to Java thru Celebes. However, that route is plague with Moro Pirates. The Visayan traders were willing to take the risk of the Southern route due to Visayan ships still outgunning the Moro ships.

Alejandro, with a smaller land area and smaller population than the Visayans, had the resources of Cebu. He controlled the highest quality coal mines within Visayas and Luzon, modern factories, extensive railroad network, modern shipyards, a highly educated populace. He has more professional soldiers and trained reserves than the whole Visayan Confederacy despite half of Cebu still loyal to Manila, along with his brother Duke Diego. What he lacked are metals to manufacture goods. Unlike Luzon which had the option to import coal even from outside the empire, Cebu highly relied on Luzon’s or Borneo metals. Nor does Alejandro have the ability to break the Imperial blockade for trade to acquire metals from outside the empire. Thus, he invaded and captured North Eastern Mindanao controlled by one of the fiefdoms of the Visayan confederacy, Surigao - gold mines, iron mines and Subbituminous coal.

The loss of Cebu coal, due to Alejandro’s rebellion, for Luzon meant coal was in short supply or at least good quality coal within Luzon and Visayas.

Luzon had already discovered abundant coal and mined the coal in Cagayan Valley, North Eastern Luzon. However, the coal was of low quality, Lignite.

The Philippine Imperial navy which was setting up naval stations in small islands around the empire, had setup in Caluya archipelago west of Panay Island in 1840. This led eventually to discovery of coal in one of the islands- Semirara island, which had a bit more acceptable Subbituminous coal. Loyalists still control this coal mining island.

These newer coal mines were not as good as Cebu coal which was Bituminous coal. This forced to ramp up coal mining in Formosa especially in the fields near Keelung and Tamsui which had the same quality coal as in Cebu, Bituminous Coal.

An image expressing the Expel the Barbarians sentiment​

There was an anti-foreign sentiment in Japan. The Sonnō jōi (Revere the Emperor, expel the barbarians) was a slogan and rallying cry among in Japan during this time period. This was compounded by the Japanese emperor, Emperor Komei, issuing an edict in March 1863 to expel the barbarians. Emperor Andres promised to support the British and put troops in Japan. Andres planned to tap army reserves and force harsh concessions to Japan similar to China. However, the Philippine Civil war coincided with British military action in Japan along with the death of Andres. This limited Philippine help with a few ships available in Japanese waters for the campaigns against the Choshu domain. The Philippine military was prepared for war, just not the war they were expecting.