Fenians, Brits, Mexicans, Canucks and Frenchies....OH, MY! An alternate American Civil War
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Chapter 220
November 1887
Boer Republic
Over the course of the past twenty-five years, the Boer Republican had expanded ever northwards and eastwards, pushing the local tribes out. Eventually, the borders would start approaching that of Mozambique and the "Co-Protectorate". This would largely halt the Boer expansion.
However, the population of the Republic continued to grow with large-scale European immigration mostly due to the goldfields and other mining. The original Boers had been farmers and quietly bemoaned the rapid change of their country but at least the boost in population would ensure the protection of their borders against the British and their Cape Colony.
As the Co-Protectorate evolved, the Boers would look on in concern, believing (probably rightly) that the British would be the dominate partner in that alliance and their Republic terribly surrounded. When the Co-Protectorate invited the primary African Independent Kingdoms (Madagascar, Ethiopia, Egypt and Morocco) to take seats on the Governing Boards of the four Co-Protectorate regions, the Boers would debate for over a year and then demand their own seat. To their surprise, the Americans rejected this before the British.
President Sherman would point out that Africa was "for the Africans" and the Boers particularly brutal oppressors.
Calcutta
Word arrived in India that Lord Lansdowne had been appointed the new Viceroy by Lord Salisbury's government. Though considered an able administrator (he had been Viceroy to Newfoundland) and Under-Secretary of Ireland, Lansdowne was also less than flexible in some ways. He was also a devoted Liberal Unionist and had come to be loathed in Ireland for refusing to budge on local government. Many doubted this was the right man to govern India.
Australia
For the past decade, the Australian-British immigration subsidies had greatly expanded British emigration from the Home Isles to Australia. Nearly 500,000 alone had come in the 1880's, a very welcome demographic boost for the lightly populated region.
Japan
The conquest of the Philippines and East Indies had not been easy on the Japanese occupiers. While badly needed resources WERE to be found on these islands, they had not yet been properly exploited as yet. Mines remained underutilized for lack of workers, rubber and palm oil plantations languished and the expense of empire seemed to outweigh the benefits. Trade already accounted for more inbound materials than the hard-won Empire.
Worse, the islands captured seemed less profitable and wealthy in materials than neighboring lands like Malaya, Australia and even the northern Joseon Kingdom. Some in the Emperor's service started questioning the utility of conquest....while others demanded that the newfound Imperialist continue apace until Japan was self-sufficient.
China
For the first time, the shipwrights of China witnessed something approximating a modern warships leave their drydock. While not entirely the match of the vessels launched in the west, it was a monumental achievement for China which narrowed the gap greatly between east and west. At enormous investment expense, the stout and heavily armed vessels (they remained behind the western equivalents in speed and maneuverability) could be produced in modern foundries and drydock in whatever numbers the Mandarin required....and could afford.
Like Japan a few years before, the Chinese government was adamant of producing their own vessels and no longer being dependent upon foreign sales of warships. Of course, that did not stop China from purchasing warships from Great Britain, America, France or Russia (they had purchased from all four nations in the past 10 years).
Boer Republic
Over the course of the past twenty-five years, the Boer Republican had expanded ever northwards and eastwards, pushing the local tribes out. Eventually, the borders would start approaching that of Mozambique and the "Co-Protectorate". This would largely halt the Boer expansion.
However, the population of the Republic continued to grow with large-scale European immigration mostly due to the goldfields and other mining. The original Boers had been farmers and quietly bemoaned the rapid change of their country but at least the boost in population would ensure the protection of their borders against the British and their Cape Colony.
As the Co-Protectorate evolved, the Boers would look on in concern, believing (probably rightly) that the British would be the dominate partner in that alliance and their Republic terribly surrounded. When the Co-Protectorate invited the primary African Independent Kingdoms (Madagascar, Ethiopia, Egypt and Morocco) to take seats on the Governing Boards of the four Co-Protectorate regions, the Boers would debate for over a year and then demand their own seat. To their surprise, the Americans rejected this before the British.
President Sherman would point out that Africa was "for the Africans" and the Boers particularly brutal oppressors.
Calcutta
Word arrived in India that Lord Lansdowne had been appointed the new Viceroy by Lord Salisbury's government. Though considered an able administrator (he had been Viceroy to Newfoundland) and Under-Secretary of Ireland, Lansdowne was also less than flexible in some ways. He was also a devoted Liberal Unionist and had come to be loathed in Ireland for refusing to budge on local government. Many doubted this was the right man to govern India.
Australia
For the past decade, the Australian-British immigration subsidies had greatly expanded British emigration from the Home Isles to Australia. Nearly 500,000 alone had come in the 1880's, a very welcome demographic boost for the lightly populated region.
Japan
The conquest of the Philippines and East Indies had not been easy on the Japanese occupiers. While badly needed resources WERE to be found on these islands, they had not yet been properly exploited as yet. Mines remained underutilized for lack of workers, rubber and palm oil plantations languished and the expense of empire seemed to outweigh the benefits. Trade already accounted for more inbound materials than the hard-won Empire.
Worse, the islands captured seemed less profitable and wealthy in materials than neighboring lands like Malaya, Australia and even the northern Joseon Kingdom. Some in the Emperor's service started questioning the utility of conquest....while others demanded that the newfound Imperialist continue apace until Japan was self-sufficient.
China
For the first time, the shipwrights of China witnessed something approximating a modern warships leave their drydock. While not entirely the match of the vessels launched in the west, it was a monumental achievement for China which narrowed the gap greatly between east and west. At enormous investment expense, the stout and heavily armed vessels (they remained behind the western equivalents in speed and maneuverability) could be produced in modern foundries and drydock in whatever numbers the Mandarin required....and could afford.
Like Japan a few years before, the Chinese government was adamant of producing their own vessels and no longer being dependent upon foreign sales of warships. Of course, that did not stop China from purchasing warships from Great Britain, America, France or Russia (they had purchased from all four nations in the past 10 years).
Chapter 221
March, 1888
London
William McGregor would gather assorted football team owners, managers, players, etc, with the intent upon forging a professional footballers league, the first of its kind in Europe (though America already had several professional baseball leagues).
Washington
Susan B. Anthony would organize the first Women's Congress in Washington. This would be one of the foundation stones of the international Women's Movement.
Berlin
Wilhelm I of Prussia would expire in March.
June, 1888
Berlin
Three months later, his son and successor, Frederick III, would follow him into death leaving Wilhelm II in command of Prussia.
St. Louis
The Democratic Convention would be held in early June in St. Louis. Grover Cleveland would throw his hat in the ring again but his star was plainly in decline.
Thus the Convention focused on former Secretary of State Black, former Secretary of War Hancock and former Attorney General Thurman.
John C. Black would be selected (he had resigned the previous year) and Allen Thurman of Ohio would serve as his Vice-Presidential Candidate. Both had been Cabinet Secretaries under President Hendricks and for a time under the Republican Acting Presidents.
Chicago
The Republican Convention would be held in June (a bit later than previous Presidential Conventions) and a brawl was expected to break out over the nomination for President in 1888's election.
However, James Blaine declined to run, his health having taken for the worse. William Allison of Iowa similarly decided against standing.
Benjamin Harrison was expected to be the strongest challenger to "Acting President" Sherman. However, he would swiftly run out of votes and the Party rapidly settled upon Sherman in only 7 ballots.
Sherman would cast about for a Vice-Presidential nominee and eventually decide between upHarrison or Isaak Gray. A nominee from a larger eastern state (New York, New Jersey or Pennsylvania) which had fallen to the Democrats in 1884 would have been preferred but no ideal candidate came forward.
Thus Sherman begrudgingly settled upon Isaac Gray of Indiana who was best known as a moderate Republican with a strong revulsion of corruption.
It would be the 100th Anniversary of President Washington's 1st inauguration. More than a few people would find America going from George Washington to John Sherman in 100 short years reflected badly upon the nation.
London
William McGregor would gather assorted football team owners, managers, players, etc, with the intent upon forging a professional footballers league, the first of its kind in Europe (though America already had several professional baseball leagues).
Washington
Susan B. Anthony would organize the first Women's Congress in Washington. This would be one of the foundation stones of the international Women's Movement.
Berlin
Wilhelm I of Prussia would expire in March.
June, 1888
Berlin
Three months later, his son and successor, Frederick III, would follow him into death leaving Wilhelm II in command of Prussia.
St. Louis
The Democratic Convention would be held in early June in St. Louis. Grover Cleveland would throw his hat in the ring again but his star was plainly in decline.
Thus the Convention focused on former Secretary of State Black, former Secretary of War Hancock and former Attorney General Thurman.
John C. Black would be selected (he had resigned the previous year) and Allen Thurman of Ohio would serve as his Vice-Presidential Candidate. Both had been Cabinet Secretaries under President Hendricks and for a time under the Republican Acting Presidents.
Chicago
The Republican Convention would be held in June (a bit later than previous Presidential Conventions) and a brawl was expected to break out over the nomination for President in 1888's election.
However, James Blaine declined to run, his health having taken for the worse. William Allison of Iowa similarly decided against standing.
Benjamin Harrison was expected to be the strongest challenger to "Acting President" Sherman. However, he would swiftly run out of votes and the Party rapidly settled upon Sherman in only 7 ballots.
Sherman would cast about for a Vice-Presidential nominee and eventually decide between upHarrison or Isaak Gray. A nominee from a larger eastern state (New York, New Jersey or Pennsylvania) which had fallen to the Democrats in 1884 would have been preferred but no ideal candidate came forward.
Thus Sherman begrudgingly settled upon Isaac Gray of Indiana who was best known as a moderate Republican with a strong revulsion of corruption.
It would be the 100th Anniversary of President Washington's 1st inauguration. More than a few people would find America going from George Washington to John Sherman in 100 short years reflected badly upon the nation.
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Chapter 222
August, 1888
Hawaii
For two months, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass would enjoy the balmy beaches of Hawaii. They would visit the volcano on "Big Island" as well as the rainforests Oahu.
Honolulu's expansive harbor was shockingly well-designed for a naval base and Lincoln bemoaned America not seizing these islands a generation prior. Clearly, this was the most strategic site in the Pacific.
Lincoln and Douglass would be welcomed by the Anglo-Australian government and note the obvious new housing construction in the city. The Americans knew that the Mormons which had been expelled from their faith in Utah for holding onto polygamy had found a home here...and a subsequent rebellion was crushed. Apparently, many natives had converted as a number of Hawaiian girls had married young Mormon men. The Australian government of Hawaii, backed by Anglo-Australian soldiers, had put a permanent end to the polygamy in a manner not even the Americans had succeeded. Men accused of the practice where exiled to Pitcairn Island....where they had NO women to choose from.
The younger, poorer men of the faith would generally be satisfied enough with one wife given that, in the past, the women went disproportionately to the senior men. This was another reason for greater than expected racial mixing.
Just as in Australia, it was apparent that Asian immigration was not welcomed and the Americans would see the forced deportation of 20 Chinese laborers. As American Law solely excluded Chinese immigration by Act of Congress, neither American could feel particularly superior. Indeed, it had been the black migrants to the Pacific Coast who competed for low level jobs that had been prominent in support of the Chinese Exclusion Act. Indeed, both Americans, having been so graciously welcomed in Beijing, felt more than a little embarrassed by their country's bigotry.
September, 1888
Washington
Mohandas Gandhi, a clever student from Indian, would arrive in Washington and enrolled in Georgetown University, one of the first Asians to attend a major American institution. Soft-spoken, Gandhi intended to study to become a barrister (despite the differences between American and British Raj law) and opted to attend University in America when his application to the University of London was rejected.
Georgetown, in the heart of the American capital, had already accepted dozens of black students and Gandhi was more a subject of amused curiosity rather than discrimination. The following semester, Georgetown would also accept two Japanese students and two more Indians.
Though he longed for the company of his wife and young son, the 19 year old was certain of his decision. Intent on studying law, the young Indian would also take an interest in varied topics from biology (he would take a morbid interest in cadavers dissected by the medical students though he never touched them) and the new technologies of the day in telephones, recording devices and the like.
London
During the fall of 1888, the first four of the "Whitechapel Murders" took place in London, leading to a glut of sensationalist press coverage. A man dubbed "Jack the Ripper" would be accused of all such crimes.
October, 1888
Washington
Congressman William McKinley was rapidly gaining a reputation as the nation's foremost protectionist. In anticipation of the election, he would propose a massive increase on tariffs on a wide swathe of goods. This would be ignored in 1888 but McKinley would soon gain more and more of a following.
November, 1888
Illinois
John C. Black of Illinois could read the writing on the wall. There was no way to unseat John Sherman. Having effectively reunited their divided Republican Party in New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, there was little chance that the former Secretary of State could defeat Sherman in the Electoral College.
Sure enough, several key states lost to the Democrats in 1884 (New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana) fell to the Republicans. Without all or at least most of those electoral votes, Black would be trounced in the Electoral College and by a moderate distance of 6% in the popular vote. Beyond Illinois, New Jersey and a few of the Great Plains states, Black would only carry most of the South.
With expected graciousness, Black would concede early to President Sherman who would return this good will in kind, calling upon America to thank Black for his service.
Washington
Among President Sherman's appointments to the Cabinet (several of his Cabinet Secretaries had resigned in the past months), Sherman enticed Benjamin Harrison of Indiana to assume control over the Department of the Interior (which also oversaw the Freedmen's Bureau). Interior Secretary John Lynch had resigned months earlier to assume direct control over the Bureau where he could oversee progress on a day by day basis. Harrison would be his nominal superior but the Bureau remained largely autonomous.
James Blaine expected to get the Secretary of State office but was, once again, rejected by President Sherman. This would be Blaine's last major attempt at national office and quietly retired home to Maine.
A less publicized appointment would see Theodore Roosevelt appointed to the Civil Service Reform Board. It would be Roosevelt's first public office. As the reform movement had been lumbering forward for over 20 years, much had already been accomplished but Roosevelt would utilize his experience in the Co-Protectorate to major significant contributions to the Board despite his youth. To Roosevelt, public service was an obligation and his father had inspired him with his charitable actions (though he also embarrassed the son by not volunteering for the Civil War, something Jr. vowed never to do).
Roosevelt was already tapped for higher offices in the future.
In another shocking move, Frederick Douglass Jr., fresh from his own term with the Co-Protectorate in Western Africa, would be made an Undersecretary of State.
Hawaii
For two months, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass would enjoy the balmy beaches of Hawaii. They would visit the volcano on "Big Island" as well as the rainforests Oahu.
Honolulu's expansive harbor was shockingly well-designed for a naval base and Lincoln bemoaned America not seizing these islands a generation prior. Clearly, this was the most strategic site in the Pacific.
Lincoln and Douglass would be welcomed by the Anglo-Australian government and note the obvious new housing construction in the city. The Americans knew that the Mormons which had been expelled from their faith in Utah for holding onto polygamy had found a home here...and a subsequent rebellion was crushed. Apparently, many natives had converted as a number of Hawaiian girls had married young Mormon men. The Australian government of Hawaii, backed by Anglo-Australian soldiers, had put a permanent end to the polygamy in a manner not even the Americans had succeeded. Men accused of the practice where exiled to Pitcairn Island....where they had NO women to choose from.
The younger, poorer men of the faith would generally be satisfied enough with one wife given that, in the past, the women went disproportionately to the senior men. This was another reason for greater than expected racial mixing.
Just as in Australia, it was apparent that Asian immigration was not welcomed and the Americans would see the forced deportation of 20 Chinese laborers. As American Law solely excluded Chinese immigration by Act of Congress, neither American could feel particularly superior. Indeed, it had been the black migrants to the Pacific Coast who competed for low level jobs that had been prominent in support of the Chinese Exclusion Act. Indeed, both Americans, having been so graciously welcomed in Beijing, felt more than a little embarrassed by their country's bigotry.
September, 1888
Washington
Mohandas Gandhi, a clever student from Indian, would arrive in Washington and enrolled in Georgetown University, one of the first Asians to attend a major American institution. Soft-spoken, Gandhi intended to study to become a barrister (despite the differences between American and British Raj law) and opted to attend University in America when his application to the University of London was rejected.
Georgetown, in the heart of the American capital, had already accepted dozens of black students and Gandhi was more a subject of amused curiosity rather than discrimination. The following semester, Georgetown would also accept two Japanese students and two more Indians.
Though he longed for the company of his wife and young son, the 19 year old was certain of his decision. Intent on studying law, the young Indian would also take an interest in varied topics from biology (he would take a morbid interest in cadavers dissected by the medical students though he never touched them) and the new technologies of the day in telephones, recording devices and the like.
London
During the fall of 1888, the first four of the "Whitechapel Murders" took place in London, leading to a glut of sensationalist press coverage. A man dubbed "Jack the Ripper" would be accused of all such crimes.
October, 1888
Washington
Congressman William McKinley was rapidly gaining a reputation as the nation's foremost protectionist. In anticipation of the election, he would propose a massive increase on tariffs on a wide swathe of goods. This would be ignored in 1888 but McKinley would soon gain more and more of a following.
November, 1888
Illinois
John C. Black of Illinois could read the writing on the wall. There was no way to unseat John Sherman. Having effectively reunited their divided Republican Party in New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, there was little chance that the former Secretary of State could defeat Sherman in the Electoral College.
Sure enough, several key states lost to the Democrats in 1884 (New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana) fell to the Republicans. Without all or at least most of those electoral votes, Black would be trounced in the Electoral College and by a moderate distance of 6% in the popular vote. Beyond Illinois, New Jersey and a few of the Great Plains states, Black would only carry most of the South.
With expected graciousness, Black would concede early to President Sherman who would return this good will in kind, calling upon America to thank Black for his service.
Washington
Among President Sherman's appointments to the Cabinet (several of his Cabinet Secretaries had resigned in the past months), Sherman enticed Benjamin Harrison of Indiana to assume control over the Department of the Interior (which also oversaw the Freedmen's Bureau). Interior Secretary John Lynch had resigned months earlier to assume direct control over the Bureau where he could oversee progress on a day by day basis. Harrison would be his nominal superior but the Bureau remained largely autonomous.
James Blaine expected to get the Secretary of State office but was, once again, rejected by President Sherman. This would be Blaine's last major attempt at national office and quietly retired home to Maine.
A less publicized appointment would see Theodore Roosevelt appointed to the Civil Service Reform Board. It would be Roosevelt's first public office. As the reform movement had been lumbering forward for over 20 years, much had already been accomplished but Roosevelt would utilize his experience in the Co-Protectorate to major significant contributions to the Board despite his youth. To Roosevelt, public service was an obligation and his father had inspired him with his charitable actions (though he also embarrassed the son by not volunteering for the Civil War, something Jr. vowed never to do).
Roosevelt was already tapped for higher offices in the future.
In another shocking move, Frederick Douglass Jr., fresh from his own term with the Co-Protectorate in Western Africa, would be made an Undersecretary of State.
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Chapter 223
December 1888
Santiago
Though Chile's armed forces were considered quiet superior to their northern neighbors Peru and Bolivia (with whom they nearly warred with earlier in the decade), the Chileans would spend a great deal of treasure updating their Navy. Humiliated by their aggression being stymied by a superior American fleet, Chile purchased several modern ships from European shipyards.
Also, the nation hired the Prussian officer Emil Korner to modernize its army procedures. Previously, most officers were promoted on social standing. The recently embodied War College would greatly prosper by his expertise.
Tokyo
Korner's old friend Jakob Meckel from the Prussian Army Staff College would also pursue a career overseas as he similarly reformed the Japanese Navy.
Beijing
Albert de Brethon was a former French naval officer who had raised the European contingent of the Ever Victorious Army during the Taiping Rebellion. Promoted to General, de Brethon would spend the next 20 years upgrading the Chinese Army to European tactics and standards. The Imperial War College was established and the Chinese army greatly improved.
Charleston
In one of the more surprising developments of 1888, South Carolina had once again requested readmission to the Union. The Freedman's Bureau, Secretary of the Interior and Army oversaw the election....which shockingly proved to be relatively fair and free. It was obvious that the Republican government in Washington was never going to allow a return to the past.
Thus, the South Carolinian Whites and Blacks glared at one another as they took to the polls....but glaring was all they did.
The outcome proved to be a shock. With whites now slightly outnumbering blacks, it was assumed that the Democrats would take most seats in the reestablished Legislature (which naturally selected the Senators) and Congress. But the partial collapse of the old agricultural industry and the industrialization of South Carolina's textile mills would bring new political elements into the State. Also, there was, by southern standards, modest immigration to the Charleston area of foreign settlers and northerners.
Merchants, lawyers and doctors suddenly found themselves elected in a Legislature previously almost completely comprised of plantation owners.
Black versus white was no longer the sole conflict in South Carolina. There was urban versus rural. Farmers versus factory worker. Hourly worker versus manager.
Against all expectation, the Republicans would gain slight majority in both Houses of the Legislature and half the Congressional Seats. With control over the State Senate, this meant that the Republicans would send two Senators to Washington.
Santiago
Though Chile's armed forces were considered quiet superior to their northern neighbors Peru and Bolivia (with whom they nearly warred with earlier in the decade), the Chileans would spend a great deal of treasure updating their Navy. Humiliated by their aggression being stymied by a superior American fleet, Chile purchased several modern ships from European shipyards.
Also, the nation hired the Prussian officer Emil Korner to modernize its army procedures. Previously, most officers were promoted on social standing. The recently embodied War College would greatly prosper by his expertise.
Tokyo
Korner's old friend Jakob Meckel from the Prussian Army Staff College would also pursue a career overseas as he similarly reformed the Japanese Navy.
Beijing
Albert de Brethon was a former French naval officer who had raised the European contingent of the Ever Victorious Army during the Taiping Rebellion. Promoted to General, de Brethon would spend the next 20 years upgrading the Chinese Army to European tactics and standards. The Imperial War College was established and the Chinese army greatly improved.
Charleston
In one of the more surprising developments of 1888, South Carolina had once again requested readmission to the Union. The Freedman's Bureau, Secretary of the Interior and Army oversaw the election....which shockingly proved to be relatively fair and free. It was obvious that the Republican government in Washington was never going to allow a return to the past.
Thus, the South Carolinian Whites and Blacks glared at one another as they took to the polls....but glaring was all they did.
The outcome proved to be a shock. With whites now slightly outnumbering blacks, it was assumed that the Democrats would take most seats in the reestablished Legislature (which naturally selected the Senators) and Congress. But the partial collapse of the old agricultural industry and the industrialization of South Carolina's textile mills would bring new political elements into the State. Also, there was, by southern standards, modest immigration to the Charleston area of foreign settlers and northerners.
Merchants, lawyers and doctors suddenly found themselves elected in a Legislature previously almost completely comprised of plantation owners.
Black versus white was no longer the sole conflict in South Carolina. There was urban versus rural. Farmers versus factory worker. Hourly worker versus manager.
Against all expectation, the Republicans would gain slight majority in both Houses of the Legislature and half the Congressional Seats. With control over the State Senate, this meant that the Republicans would send two Senators to Washington.
Chapter 224
February, 1889
Preston, England
Preston North End would win the inaugural Football League, the first of many.
Tokyo
The new Constitution was approved and the first Diet formed in Japan.
Apia Harbor, Samoa
By happenstance, three American warships - the heavy cruiser USS Nevada, the light cruiser USS St. Maartin and the aging USS Powhattan. would be in Apia Harbor at the same time in February, 1889.
All three would capsize during a particularly vicious cyclone. It would take over a year before the vessels can be refloated.
The surviving American sailors would spend months waiting in Apia among sullen Samoans until transport could be arranged. The American hand on the islands was relatively light compared to some colonial ventures but resentment remained high despite prospering agricultural exports.
Apia itself housed roughly 2000 Americans, roughly half the 4000 on the Samoan Islands. In order to expand the labor force, the Americans would invite thousands of Chamorro, Tahitian and other American Pacific Islanders to work the plantations. By 1889, these amounted to another 6000 new residents. Thus, in only two decades nearly a quarter of the Samoan population was "foreign", deeply upsetting the traditional way of life.
Still, most of the actual land was owned by Samoans or was tribal land and the proceeds of the sales were to locals....or they would be if the American firms did not control the exports. This allowed merchants to purchase on the cheap and make great profit on the copra and cocoa bean exports.
The cyclone would indirectly lead to a momentary breakdown in American authority due to damaged facilities in Apia. The native Samoans would...instead of foolishly rebelling....take a different tack.
They boycotted, refusing to work the fields or allow the foreigners to work on their own land, the Samoans simply halted most economic activity on the island through 1889.
In truth, the Governor of the island, William Howard Taft, would sympathize with the Samoans and loathed the obvious exploitation by the merchants. For the past two years, Taft had encouraged political participation by the Samoans, reestablished a local Legislature with elements of the old tribal councils and brought many young Samoans into the Administration and into shipyard employment.
When the Companies complained to Taft, he would shrug and state "labor disputes are not his business". Complaints to Washington were largely ignored as Taft publicly backed the Samoans. Intent on a policy of non-violence, the Samoans wisely kept on the Government's good side. It helped also that the Samoans had generously aided the American sailors and 60 Marines of the Apia garrison after the Cyclone. Indeed, Taft even encouraged (with success) that President Sherman publicly thank the Samoan people for their compassion. Several articles were written in influential newspapers detailing the exploitation, ensuring that the labor movement publicly supported the planters as well.
When the local manager of one of the export companies publicly threatened to bring in "strikebreakers", the Governor had the man arrested (though released a day later). He also pointed out that the Marine garrison would not take kindly to strikebreakers assaulting island residents. The Republicans in Washington were quietly accepting the need for Unions provided that both Union and Ownership kept violence and destruction off their agenda.
Indeed, a year later, a young Georgetown student would utilize this incident as part of a treatise on labor law. His name was Mohandas Gandhi.
Preston, England
Preston North End would win the inaugural Football League, the first of many.
Tokyo
The new Constitution was approved and the first Diet formed in Japan.
Apia Harbor, Samoa
By happenstance, three American warships - the heavy cruiser USS Nevada, the light cruiser USS St. Maartin and the aging USS Powhattan. would be in Apia Harbor at the same time in February, 1889.
All three would capsize during a particularly vicious cyclone. It would take over a year before the vessels can be refloated.
The surviving American sailors would spend months waiting in Apia among sullen Samoans until transport could be arranged. The American hand on the islands was relatively light compared to some colonial ventures but resentment remained high despite prospering agricultural exports.
Apia itself housed roughly 2000 Americans, roughly half the 4000 on the Samoan Islands. In order to expand the labor force, the Americans would invite thousands of Chamorro, Tahitian and other American Pacific Islanders to work the plantations. By 1889, these amounted to another 6000 new residents. Thus, in only two decades nearly a quarter of the Samoan population was "foreign", deeply upsetting the traditional way of life.
Still, most of the actual land was owned by Samoans or was tribal land and the proceeds of the sales were to locals....or they would be if the American firms did not control the exports. This allowed merchants to purchase on the cheap and make great profit on the copra and cocoa bean exports.
The cyclone would indirectly lead to a momentary breakdown in American authority due to damaged facilities in Apia. The native Samoans would...instead of foolishly rebelling....take a different tack.
They boycotted, refusing to work the fields or allow the foreigners to work on their own land, the Samoans simply halted most economic activity on the island through 1889.
In truth, the Governor of the island, William Howard Taft, would sympathize with the Samoans and loathed the obvious exploitation by the merchants. For the past two years, Taft had encouraged political participation by the Samoans, reestablished a local Legislature with elements of the old tribal councils and brought many young Samoans into the Administration and into shipyard employment.
When the Companies complained to Taft, he would shrug and state "labor disputes are not his business". Complaints to Washington were largely ignored as Taft publicly backed the Samoans. Intent on a policy of non-violence, the Samoans wisely kept on the Government's good side. It helped also that the Samoans had generously aided the American sailors and 60 Marines of the Apia garrison after the Cyclone. Indeed, Taft even encouraged (with success) that President Sherman publicly thank the Samoan people for their compassion. Several articles were written in influential newspapers detailing the exploitation, ensuring that the labor movement publicly supported the planters as well.
When the local manager of one of the export companies publicly threatened to bring in "strikebreakers", the Governor had the man arrested (though released a day later). He also pointed out that the Marine garrison would not take kindly to strikebreakers assaulting island residents. The Republicans in Washington were quietly accepting the need for Unions provided that both Union and Ownership kept violence and destruction off their agenda.
Indeed, a year later, a young Georgetown student would utilize this incident as part of a treatise on labor law. His name was Mohandas Gandhi.
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Chapter 225
April, 1889
Washington
President John Sherman would coordinate the various anti-monopoly laws on the books into a centralized law, the Sherman Anti-Trust Act (though no longer a member of Congress, Sherman had been working on this so long that the bill retained his name) was approved. This would clarify most ambiguities in the previous laws and allow for treble damages to be levied among violators. Already Standard Oil had agreed to break up their enormous holdings into separate, more accountable companies. Various banking and railroad concerns were also being heavily investigated (though the railroads had largely already been broken into reasonable chunks). Sherman would place a talented young lawyer from the Justice Department named William Jennings Bryan in charge of these lawsuits.
The legislative session had gone well for Sherman but he had other open challenges.
As a Midwesterner, he knew how badly Midwestern Republican farmers wanted an increase in money supply to pay off their debts as well as low tariffs (so they may purchased cheaper goods and also encourages foreign nations to lower their tariffs so Midwestern produce would find a wider market).
Sherman, a compromiser, would not agree to the "Free Silver" movement but did agree to purchase as much gold as possible in order to increase the amount of paper in circulation.
He also was willing to hold off Congressman McKinley's tariff hikes. Tariffs had been generally lowered in the past four years (mostly down to 10-15%) which ensured adequate government revenue but still allowed for exports. McKinley's 50% tariff proposal only appealed to Unions and Industrial concerns.
On the whole, the continued prosperity of the country would maintain Sherman's popularity.
Sherman also approved the new "Navy Act" which guaranteed investment in modern ships over the next decade. The rapid expansion of naval might throughout the world was leaving many in Washington concerned. Reportedly, the latest American ship designs were already proving to be the match of the best of the British, Italian and French vessels.
May 1889
Eritrea
Emperor Yohandes of Ethiopia would formally assume control over Eritrea in May of 1889. He would also start looking to exert his authority over the predominantly Christian and Animist southern Sudan.
Washington
President John Sherman would coordinate the various anti-monopoly laws on the books into a centralized law, the Sherman Anti-Trust Act (though no longer a member of Congress, Sherman had been working on this so long that the bill retained his name) was approved. This would clarify most ambiguities in the previous laws and allow for treble damages to be levied among violators. Already Standard Oil had agreed to break up their enormous holdings into separate, more accountable companies. Various banking and railroad concerns were also being heavily investigated (though the railroads had largely already been broken into reasonable chunks). Sherman would place a talented young lawyer from the Justice Department named William Jennings Bryan in charge of these lawsuits.
The legislative session had gone well for Sherman but he had other open challenges.
As a Midwesterner, he knew how badly Midwestern Republican farmers wanted an increase in money supply to pay off their debts as well as low tariffs (so they may purchased cheaper goods and also encourages foreign nations to lower their tariffs so Midwestern produce would find a wider market).
Sherman, a compromiser, would not agree to the "Free Silver" movement but did agree to purchase as much gold as possible in order to increase the amount of paper in circulation.
He also was willing to hold off Congressman McKinley's tariff hikes. Tariffs had been generally lowered in the past four years (mostly down to 10-15%) which ensured adequate government revenue but still allowed for exports. McKinley's 50% tariff proposal only appealed to Unions and Industrial concerns.
On the whole, the continued prosperity of the country would maintain Sherman's popularity.
Sherman also approved the new "Navy Act" which guaranteed investment in modern ships over the next decade. The rapid expansion of naval might throughout the world was leaving many in Washington concerned. Reportedly, the latest American ship designs were already proving to be the match of the best of the British, Italian and French vessels.
May 1889
Eritrea
Emperor Yohandes of Ethiopia would formally assume control over Eritrea in May of 1889. He would also start looking to exert his authority over the predominantly Christian and Animist southern Sudan.
Chapter 226
July, 1889
Fort Garry, Winnipeg Territory
The Territorial Legislature of Winnipeg had endlessly debated applying for statehood. Only internal resistance and rivalries kept the Territory from formally requesting admission to the Union by this point.
Fortunately, some key political issues like finalized borders for Indian Reservations, Territorial Parks and the like had been approved and the Territory would formally request statehood. The population had long since passed the 100,000 now required for statehood.
Few expected that President Sherman and Congress would hesitate to approve.
August
Havana
King Alphonso of Spain would approve the new Cuban Constitution which effectively expanded suffrage to all males and turned over most local issues to the Corte. Foreign policy, tariffs, immigration, etc remained the province of the Viceroy.
The King was toasted throughout Havana as well as Hispaniola and Puerto Rico as this was seen as a precursor to their own political reform.
Many of the King's Ministers in Madrid were dismayed as this effectively meant a reduction of THEIR power of the colonies as well but the popular monarch still managed to maintain support in the Spanish Cortes.
Washington
The Lodge Act, written by Congressman Henry Cabot Lodge, would further codify the Suffrage Act of nearly two decades prior. There seemed to always be ways to circumvent the Suffrage Act so Congress begrudgingly approved yet another Civil Rights Bill to clarify.
Supported by new Interior Secretary Harrison and Freedman's Bureau Chairman Frederick Douglass II would wholeheartedly support, testifying to many ingenious methods used in past elections to keep black men and immigrants away from the polls. The Lodge Act clarified that only proof of residence for 3 months entitled a person to vote in any state or territory in the Union (though foreign born would also have to swear allegiance to protect and defend the Constitution...blah, blah, blah if they hadn't already).
October
Gran Chaco Region, South America
Over the past 400 years, the Gran Chaco Region, a lowland region of the Rio Plata Basin, had largely been ignored by the Spanish as well as the local residents as being largely unimportant.
However, Bolivians in particular would commence migrating to the northwestern Chaco and suddenly five neighboring countries (Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, the Argentine and Chile) who had long sought to finalize their borders would begin verbally jousting over this land as well. Brazil was interested mainly on behalf of its client state of Paraguay while Chile which had the weakest claim, was more interested in using a claim on the Chaco to get territorial concessions elsewhere from the Argentine or Bolivia.
With a long list of border disputes, the Gran Chaco feud would threaten the already tenuous regional peace.
Paris
The summer maneuvers of the French army over the summer were poured over in detail by the French General Staff. After the French humiliation by the Germans the previous decade, the Emperor ordered a formal review of all facets of the French Army and most conceded that the Prussian model was superior in organization, planning and logistics.
Almost sullenly, the French General Staff reorganized to mimic this successful model with the reminder that anything was better than suffering yet another defeat to Germany.
Attempts by the Emperor to entice Spain and Portugal into alliance had, once again, failed. The Czar seemed disinterested as well. But the Franco-Italian Latin Alliance seemed strong enough to guarantee French borders....and maybe even see the reconquest of Luxembourg and the lost lands of Alsace and Lorraine.
In the meantime, the French Navy would......at long last.....begin receiving warships capable of matching the British.
With Italian angered repeatedly provoked by Britain's efforts to hinder Italian expansion into Africa (many were outraged that Britain had "recognized" Eritrea and the Horn of Africa under Ethiopian Sovereignty in order to keep it out of European hands), the Italians were looking more and more like a natural ally to France. The Germans helped this along by adding Croatia (which had several border disputes with Italy) to their own series of alliances.
Fort Garry, Winnipeg Territory
The Territorial Legislature of Winnipeg had endlessly debated applying for statehood. Only internal resistance and rivalries kept the Territory from formally requesting admission to the Union by this point.
Fortunately, some key political issues like finalized borders for Indian Reservations, Territorial Parks and the like had been approved and the Territory would formally request statehood. The population had long since passed the 100,000 now required for statehood.
Few expected that President Sherman and Congress would hesitate to approve.
August
Havana
King Alphonso of Spain would approve the new Cuban Constitution which effectively expanded suffrage to all males and turned over most local issues to the Corte. Foreign policy, tariffs, immigration, etc remained the province of the Viceroy.
The King was toasted throughout Havana as well as Hispaniola and Puerto Rico as this was seen as a precursor to their own political reform.
Many of the King's Ministers in Madrid were dismayed as this effectively meant a reduction of THEIR power of the colonies as well but the popular monarch still managed to maintain support in the Spanish Cortes.
Washington
The Lodge Act, written by Congressman Henry Cabot Lodge, would further codify the Suffrage Act of nearly two decades prior. There seemed to always be ways to circumvent the Suffrage Act so Congress begrudgingly approved yet another Civil Rights Bill to clarify.
Supported by new Interior Secretary Harrison and Freedman's Bureau Chairman Frederick Douglass II would wholeheartedly support, testifying to many ingenious methods used in past elections to keep black men and immigrants away from the polls. The Lodge Act clarified that only proof of residence for 3 months entitled a person to vote in any state or territory in the Union (though foreign born would also have to swear allegiance to protect and defend the Constitution...blah, blah, blah if they hadn't already).
October
Gran Chaco Region, South America
Over the past 400 years, the Gran Chaco Region, a lowland region of the Rio Plata Basin, had largely been ignored by the Spanish as well as the local residents as being largely unimportant.
However, Bolivians in particular would commence migrating to the northwestern Chaco and suddenly five neighboring countries (Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, the Argentine and Chile) who had long sought to finalize their borders would begin verbally jousting over this land as well. Brazil was interested mainly on behalf of its client state of Paraguay while Chile which had the weakest claim, was more interested in using a claim on the Chaco to get territorial concessions elsewhere from the Argentine or Bolivia.
With a long list of border disputes, the Gran Chaco feud would threaten the already tenuous regional peace.
Paris
The summer maneuvers of the French army over the summer were poured over in detail by the French General Staff. After the French humiliation by the Germans the previous decade, the Emperor ordered a formal review of all facets of the French Army and most conceded that the Prussian model was superior in organization, planning and logistics.
Almost sullenly, the French General Staff reorganized to mimic this successful model with the reminder that anything was better than suffering yet another defeat to Germany.
Attempts by the Emperor to entice Spain and Portugal into alliance had, once again, failed. The Czar seemed disinterested as well. But the Franco-Italian Latin Alliance seemed strong enough to guarantee French borders....and maybe even see the reconquest of Luxembourg and the lost lands of Alsace and Lorraine.
In the meantime, the French Navy would......at long last.....begin receiving warships capable of matching the British.
With Italian angered repeatedly provoked by Britain's efforts to hinder Italian expansion into Africa (many were outraged that Britain had "recognized" Eritrea and the Horn of Africa under Ethiopian Sovereignty in order to keep it out of European hands), the Italians were looking more and more like a natural ally to France. The Germans helped this along by adding Croatia (which had several border disputes with Italy) to their own series of alliances.
Nice, I wonder what the population will be like when the 21st Century comes around.
Chapter 227
November, 1889
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Territory
Having seen Winnipeg apply for statehood, Saskatchewan also prepared for its own application for entry.
Vancouver
While Winnipeg and Saskatchewan would prepare for their future, Vancouver Territory continued to be fought over by Columbia and Yakima, both of which demanded that their representatives in Washington support their case for annexing the Island.
However, as a Territory, Vancouver sent a non-voting Representative who repeatedly opined that Vancouver wanted to remain independent until ready for statehood itself. Given that Vancouver had yet to reach a fifth of the population requirement for statehood, this may be some time.
February, 1890
Eastern France
As tensions ebbed and flowed with Germany, the French Emperor would demand that new defensive fortifications be erected along the German border. For centuries, France had sought to form an ideal geographic defensive system based around natural formations. With the loss of Luxembourg, Alsace and Lorraine, this natural defenses now favored the Germans.
Thus the Emperor's General Staff began to develop a system of defenses called the Napoleonic Line.
Napoleon IV would also seek once again an alliance with Russia. However, the Czar was not inclined to get involved in European squabbles. Well protected in his vast lands, the Czar felt he could sit behind his borders from the Baltic to Anatolia (with much of the Balkans defacto client states) and concentrate on internal matters.
April, 1890
Nova Scotia
Freshly married to his wife Mary of Teck, Prince Albert Victor (grandson of Victoria and 2nd in line for the throne) would arrive in Nova Scotia to serve as Viceroy. Though only twenty-five, the Prince was now respectfully married and needed an actual job to keep him busy.
Somewhat lazy.....both physically and intellectually....the Prince required some responsibility in his life and it was assumed he could do no damage in Nova Scotia.
Of a remarkably bland personality with few strong interests, the Prince was often dismissed as dull in mind as well. He cared little for intellectual pursuits (his tutors despaired of actually getting him to read at Cambridge to the point of just assuming he could not pass any exams) nor of the manful physical hobbies of the British upper classes.
In truth, Albert Victor was something of an empty suit, no one truly knowing what....if anything.....was passing through his head any any moment.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Territory
Having seen Winnipeg apply for statehood, Saskatchewan also prepared for its own application for entry.
Vancouver
While Winnipeg and Saskatchewan would prepare for their future, Vancouver Territory continued to be fought over by Columbia and Yakima, both of which demanded that their representatives in Washington support their case for annexing the Island.
However, as a Territory, Vancouver sent a non-voting Representative who repeatedly opined that Vancouver wanted to remain independent until ready for statehood itself. Given that Vancouver had yet to reach a fifth of the population requirement for statehood, this may be some time.
February, 1890
Eastern France
As tensions ebbed and flowed with Germany, the French Emperor would demand that new defensive fortifications be erected along the German border. For centuries, France had sought to form an ideal geographic defensive system based around natural formations. With the loss of Luxembourg, Alsace and Lorraine, this natural defenses now favored the Germans.
Thus the Emperor's General Staff began to develop a system of defenses called the Napoleonic Line.
Napoleon IV would also seek once again an alliance with Russia. However, the Czar was not inclined to get involved in European squabbles. Well protected in his vast lands, the Czar felt he could sit behind his borders from the Baltic to Anatolia (with much of the Balkans defacto client states) and concentrate on internal matters.
April, 1890
Nova Scotia
Freshly married to his wife Mary of Teck, Prince Albert Victor (grandson of Victoria and 2nd in line for the throne) would arrive in Nova Scotia to serve as Viceroy. Though only twenty-five, the Prince was now respectfully married and needed an actual job to keep him busy.
Somewhat lazy.....both physically and intellectually....the Prince required some responsibility in his life and it was assumed he could do no damage in Nova Scotia.
Of a remarkably bland personality with few strong interests, the Prince was often dismissed as dull in mind as well. He cared little for intellectual pursuits (his tutors despaired of actually getting him to read at Cambridge to the point of just assuming he could not pass any exams) nor of the manful physical hobbies of the British upper classes.
In truth, Albert Victor was something of an empty suit, no one truly knowing what....if anything.....was passing through his head any any moment.
Chapter 228
April, 1890
Heligoland, British Territory off the coast of northwestern Germany
The Island of Heligoland (or Helgoland) had been a Danish possession prior to the Napoleonic Wars. Ceded to Britain after Britain's assault(s) on a "neutral" Denmark who longed to keep remote from the fray, the Danes begrudgingly handed them over.
Initially expected to be some form of advance naval base against France (and her continental allies of the time, Prussia), the Royal Navy would prove less than useful as the Navy deemed it "too close" to the mainland to be protected. A Royal Navy Base on Heligoland would also be seen as provocative politically and not worth the effort.
Thus, for the past 80 years, Heligoland was best known as a small island which attracted German refugees from the various uprisings against the less Democratic German states (1848, in particular, saw a wave if immigrants). Though the island was ruled by a British officer for most of the 19th century, life changed very little on the remote region.
Heligoland was considered another potential posting for Prince Albert Victor but eventually the man prevailed upon his Grandmother and Father to give him the more populous Nova Scotia. Hearing of how boring the Heligoland posting was, Queen Victoria would regret never posting her son and heir to the backwater when he was Albert Victor's age. Maybe the Prince of Wales would have gotten into less trouble.
In 1890, the island would be the setting for a meeting between Foreign Secretary Northcote and the representatives of the German Confederation. French and Italian aggression could be read into recent policies as both seemed intent on expanding into Africa, where most of the African coast was dominated by the Co-Protectorate or British (and American) native allies in Morocco, Egypt, Ethiopia and Madagascar.
An alliance with the Confederation made sense as this would easily ensure France and Italy's resources would always be drawn landward rather than overseas.
It also made sense for Germany as the British Empire would ensure the flow of raw materials from abroad in any conflict.
But these were the initial talks. In truth, they would have more impact on France than on Germany or Britain.
May, 1890
Pennsylvania
A series of strikes called by the United Mineworkers Guild would call for a mandatory 8 hour day. President Sherman would publicly offer support for the idea, much to the dismay of some of his supporters.
June
Berlin
Czar Nicolas II and his younger brother, Prince Alexander, would visit Berlin and meet his cousin King Wilhelm for the first time. Like the Anglo-German meeting on Heligoland, the French would read too much into this and quietly redouble their efforts to protect their border.
July
Auvers-sur-oise, France
Vincent Van Gogh, having produced 70 paintings in as many days, would enter into a dark depression and shoot himself in July, dying two days later.
It would be many years before his greatness was widely appreciated.
Heligoland, British Territory off the coast of northwestern Germany
The Island of Heligoland (or Helgoland) had been a Danish possession prior to the Napoleonic Wars. Ceded to Britain after Britain's assault(s) on a "neutral" Denmark who longed to keep remote from the fray, the Danes begrudgingly handed them over.
Initially expected to be some form of advance naval base against France (and her continental allies of the time, Prussia), the Royal Navy would prove less than useful as the Navy deemed it "too close" to the mainland to be protected. A Royal Navy Base on Heligoland would also be seen as provocative politically and not worth the effort.
Thus, for the past 80 years, Heligoland was best known as a small island which attracted German refugees from the various uprisings against the less Democratic German states (1848, in particular, saw a wave if immigrants). Though the island was ruled by a British officer for most of the 19th century, life changed very little on the remote region.
Heligoland was considered another potential posting for Prince Albert Victor but eventually the man prevailed upon his Grandmother and Father to give him the more populous Nova Scotia. Hearing of how boring the Heligoland posting was, Queen Victoria would regret never posting her son and heir to the backwater when he was Albert Victor's age. Maybe the Prince of Wales would have gotten into less trouble.
In 1890, the island would be the setting for a meeting between Foreign Secretary Northcote and the representatives of the German Confederation. French and Italian aggression could be read into recent policies as both seemed intent on expanding into Africa, where most of the African coast was dominated by the Co-Protectorate or British (and American) native allies in Morocco, Egypt, Ethiopia and Madagascar.
An alliance with the Confederation made sense as this would easily ensure France and Italy's resources would always be drawn landward rather than overseas.
It also made sense for Germany as the British Empire would ensure the flow of raw materials from abroad in any conflict.
But these were the initial talks. In truth, they would have more impact on France than on Germany or Britain.
May, 1890
Pennsylvania
A series of strikes called by the United Mineworkers Guild would call for a mandatory 8 hour day. President Sherman would publicly offer support for the idea, much to the dismay of some of his supporters.
June
Berlin
Czar Nicolas II and his younger brother, Prince Alexander, would visit Berlin and meet his cousin King Wilhelm for the first time. Like the Anglo-German meeting on Heligoland, the French would read too much into this and quietly redouble their efforts to protect their border.
July
Auvers-sur-oise, France
Vincent Van Gogh, having produced 70 paintings in as many days, would enter into a dark depression and shoot himself in July, dying two days later.
It would be many years before his greatness was widely appreciated.
Chapter 229
August, 1890
Honduras
President Luis Bogran had, like several of his predecessors, sought to unify the Central American Republics into one country for he feared that the individual nations would prove unable to support themselves. Usually led by Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua, these attempts over the past 70 years had largely failed, usually when one or more of the constituent countries' strongmen pulled out for internal political reasons. The constant upheaval caused endless anxiety in all classes and the former soldier Bogran never felt comfortable with his nation's security.
Honduras was relatively lightly populated next to her neighbors and less developed. Honduras missed on most of the coffee boom and was now better known for exporting bananas. But the nation always seemed to be underdeveloped and at risk from neighbors.
When the final attempts to unify Central America failed, Bogran would look to Mexico (now a neighbor with Guatemala's annexation) and worked to convince his nation's ruling class that becoming a state in the powerful, peaceful Mexico would be in his nation's best interests.
September, 1890
Cordoba, the Argentine
For years, the citizens of the Argentine had resented Brazil for preventing the Argentine from consuming more of Paraguay's territory after that nation's defeat by a regional coalition. The nation still held claims on the remnant of the Gran Chaco region not currently under the Argentine's control (nominally under Paraguayan and Bolivian control, though neither had done anything with the land).
Brazil continued to support Paraguay's position. That was the only reason why the Argentine did not simply march northwards and seize the remnant of the Gran Chaco from her neighbors.
The Argentine would seek out the only ally she could reasonably expect to entice, Chile.....which itself was having border disputes with Bolivia and Buenos Aires. Chile was also perhaps, after Brazil, one of the most stable nations in South America, both politically and economically.
November, 1890
West Point
The first "Army-Navy" Football game would take place in 1890.
Honduras
President Luis Bogran had, like several of his predecessors, sought to unify the Central American Republics into one country for he feared that the individual nations would prove unable to support themselves. Usually led by Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua, these attempts over the past 70 years had largely failed, usually when one or more of the constituent countries' strongmen pulled out for internal political reasons. The constant upheaval caused endless anxiety in all classes and the former soldier Bogran never felt comfortable with his nation's security.
Honduras was relatively lightly populated next to her neighbors and less developed. Honduras missed on most of the coffee boom and was now better known for exporting bananas. But the nation always seemed to be underdeveloped and at risk from neighbors.
When the final attempts to unify Central America failed, Bogran would look to Mexico (now a neighbor with Guatemala's annexation) and worked to convince his nation's ruling class that becoming a state in the powerful, peaceful Mexico would be in his nation's best interests.
September, 1890
Cordoba, the Argentine
For years, the citizens of the Argentine had resented Brazil for preventing the Argentine from consuming more of Paraguay's territory after that nation's defeat by a regional coalition. The nation still held claims on the remnant of the Gran Chaco region not currently under the Argentine's control (nominally under Paraguayan and Bolivian control, though neither had done anything with the land).
Brazil continued to support Paraguay's position. That was the only reason why the Argentine did not simply march northwards and seize the remnant of the Gran Chaco from her neighbors.
The Argentine would seek out the only ally she could reasonably expect to entice, Chile.....which itself was having border disputes with Bolivia and Buenos Aires. Chile was also perhaps, after Brazil, one of the most stable nations in South America, both politically and economically.
November, 1890
West Point
The first "Army-Navy" Football game would take place in 1890.
If I recall correctly, I did so in order to give America a bit more access to coastal towns at the north end of the Bay of California.