George Washington II

[Imperolo]

“Однажды я вернусь. Да, я вернусь. До тех пор не должно быть никаких сожалений, слез, никаких беспокойств. Просто идите вперед во всех своих убеждениях и докажите мне, что я не ошибаюсь в своих.

One day I'll be back. Yes, I'll be back. Until then, there should be no regrets, tears, no worries. Just go ahead in all your beliefs and prove to me that I'm not mistaken in my own.”

Konstantin’s farewell to a small girl, unverified sources say she was Vera Ivanova, as he departed Zhemchug back to Russia, 1823

Three British ships arrived in Lisbon on July 21, 1822. The HMS Beagle docked and out came John VI of Portugal. At the beginning of the Iberian War, he fled for Brazil in 1807 along with most of his court. Even after his realm was spared a better fate than many other after Bruges, he continued to stay in the colony. Discussions with the British about his return, as a show of force against the Bonapartes, but John VI had no intentions of doing so just yet. He was beginning to lift up Brazil to a higher status, but as the Latin American Revolutions began to spread he found it harder to work his neighbors. Britain did not love the idea of the Portuguese court being so far away but tolerated it for the moment. However, in 1819 the assassination of George Don, governor of Gibraltar, by rebels linked to the Spanish crown caused an uproar. Napoleon ordered his brother to withdraw his support of such groups, though France too aided them, and to push back military forces from the city. Some thought this would cause another war, Adam Bain, who orchestrated the assassination, stated, “One man for all of Europe? Perhaps if they wished to throw their lives away for that they should perish.”

Napoleon's Infamous Sinistre Six
Top Row-Adrien Gardet, Maximilien Colbert
Middle Row- Adam Bain, Serge Mallet, Quentin Brassard
Bottom- Guillaume Montgomery​

Spain did not learn her lesson and the Portuguese border became active once again. In Couto Misto, Spanish soldiers, off duty, got into a fight with Portuguese soldiers, on duty. Couto Misto was a microstate between Spain and Portugal. After the incident, Joachim I, annex the region. Tensions on the border continued to escalate. Eventually, George IV had enough. He ordered John VI to return to Portugal at the threat of force. To avoid embarrassment and show that the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance was still strong, he claimed that he was homesick and his business in Brazil was finished. He tried to leave his son, Peter, in Brazil but the British demanded he return as well or face this issue again. There were a growing liberal and republican movement in Portugal. To avoid civil unrest, John VI appeased them by adopting a constitution ending Portuguese absolutism. There were many supporters of absolutism and feared a repetition of the Revolution that led to Napoleon’s rise in France. It is perhaps the shifting political structure in Brazil that led Laurent to take refuge in Portugal after his republic fell. Laurent had a negative view of the nation, calling it “a failed Latin Britain that granted fewer rights than the Corsican entire empire.”

John VI of Portugal,​

As Portugal began to reestablish its self in Iberia, George IV moved to court a new royal household in Scandinavia. Charles XIII of Sweden died on April 19, 1822. He had no children so adopted a Danish son, Christian August, who took the name Charles XIV of Sweden [1]. Though Danish, he cut ties with his old house and founded his own House of August. He had fought both France and Great Britain during the Napoleonic Wars, but he had done so when Denmark-Norway’s loyalty changed. Now he was concerned with Sweden and Sweden wanted Norway. The Danish would not allow it, but French support may not be guaranteed for them. George Spencer, British Ambassador to the French, reported to George IV that the French would be unwilling to send military units to Denmark-Norway. However, “actions against the Danes would most certainly bring French into the battle.” George IV was willing to risk it, but Grenville could not. He convinced his king that Sweden could take Norway and that they could broker a peace. Emperor George IV began to feel that Grenville was harboring his goals of taking down Napoleon. Prime Minister Grenville felt that George IV was rushing them into a war that would bring the empire to ruin. The Whigs had been in power for almost a decade and the populace began to turn.

Charles XIV had other issues besides Norway. His adoptive fathers’ predecessor, Gustav IV, was ousted by military officers due to his failures in the Finnish War in 1809 that saw Sweden lose Finland. There were still those who support Gustav IV and his family. Charles XIII’s wife, Charlotte, was a staunch Gustavian. Her husband did not think much of her views but she did visit the exiled royals made it very clear to the former prince of Sweden, Gustav, that he was meant to be next in line for the throne. Charles XIV needed an heir but first, he needed a queen. One was offered during his coronation on March 5, 1822. George IV did not attend but he sent a representative of the British crown, Princess Charlotte of Wales [2]. When news of their engagement reached Napoleon, he suffered a small stroke.

Charles XIV of Sweden​

George IV feared his family losing control of the throne of Britain, but Grenville tried to assure him that this would not happen. As heir, Charlotte would become Queen of the United Kingdom. As Demark was under Salic Law any daughters they had could not assume the throne. Either Demark would have a common king, a son of Charles and Charlotte, or separate under another queen. Grenville’s remark of, “there is a chance she could die first,” set off a rant by George IV reminding many bystanders of his father’s madness. George IV’s ego had also been present by the mental defect of his father and this began to worry many.

Queen Charlotte of Sweden​

Alexander II was worried about his Western border with Sweden. He began performing military drills in Finland. During an exercise, his horse became enraged and began to charge. He attempted to calm him but was kicked off and hit the ground hard. He began to slip in and out of a coma. Konstantin was recalled to St. Petersburg. His brother passed on June 1, 1823. Having no children, the throne passed to Konstantin who was hesitate to take it, but for the good of Russia, he became Emperor Konstantin I.

Emperor Konstantin I​

Remembering his times in the New World he made sure that grain was stored just in case famine ever hit. He also made sure the nobles were not abusing their serfs. He had witnessed the incompetence of many in their American holdings. Konstantin I was seen earlier on as a liberal-minded monarch, but his policies would not affect his own rule. He undid agreements made between his brother and the Russian Orthodox Church. Some of these reforms were unpopular with nobles and military, but those who had served with him in the colonies trusted his knowledge [3].

His most crucial opinion and the one the World held its breathe for was on France. Carlo Andrea Pozzo di Borgo, who became the French Ambassador to Russia, wrote that “the new Tsar is an unhappy one and his loyalties are unsure. He has been gone for too long.” Napoleon who was still recovering from his stroke trusted Borgo to keep Russia happy and in his camp. The marriage between Charles and Charlotte was not favorable, but now he had to focus on his own family. His son was only twelve, but as the only heir to the French Empire, he needed to find a suitable bride soon. He had an ideal candidate, but when Ney was told of his plan he called it mad. “This world will erupt in flames if you do,” he told his emperor, but Napoleon choice to go through with it. “This world perhaps, but not the New.”

Napoleon II, King of Rome​

1-Charles Augustus does not die in 1810
2-Princess Charlotte does not marry Leopold I as he is part of the COR
3-Russian military officers never go to France and take up Revolutionary ideas as they do due to their alliance with France

 

[Imperolo]

Not as long as usually. I'm working on a map with it but it was going to take too long so decided to post.

 

[Imperolo]

“There is one group, one faith, in this Nation that does pray to the God of Abraham, to Christ or even the God of Muhammad. These people pray to Man in Rome. He ignores the Bible and tells him his scripture. There are over a hundred million Latins and Germans who bow before the Corsican because a so-called Pius man told them to. These people will bring this Nation into the Catholic fold if we let them and this Calvert Party is trying to let it happen.”
-Lyman Beecher, 1824
Napoleon and Pope Pius VII were close with the Pope referring to the emperor as his son, but one can not say he forced to Catholics to bow to Napoleon. It is argued that he appeased Napoleon for the good of the faith. The powers of the Church had been curtailed since the Revolution, but now their position was more stable if less power than in the previous century. Still in America, with the annexation of Quebec, many feared a Papist Invasion. “The grandson of the great Minister Jonathan Edwards [Aaron Burr],” said Nathan Philips, a Calvinist revivalist who toured New England during the Second Great Awakening, “has fallen from his place as a man of God and America and now lies with the devils of the North.”

Pope Pius VII​

The popularity or acceptance of Catholic in America varied from time to time given news or stories about the actions of some. The Mallete-Cleaves scandal that caused the creation of Mayne in 1818 erupted in a violence against Catholics but with the death of Clément Gosselin in 1822 public opinion of the religious group improved. Charles Levett now de facto head of Règle Libre considered disbanding the organization but support from public and military officials. Levett had been fighting an uphill battle with George II’s administration since the Adam Corne incident. George II was not too kind to the press and his silent suppression of it was well known in many circles, but Levett was a good friend so he advised him to leave the faith. He was a Jesuit, and George II believed that “a society of such cannot yet exist in this nation. It is too soon.” Levett could not bring himself to. In an open to the newspaper, he wrote that “Many have counseled me to separate my work and my beliefs. I do not think if I were a Puritan or Anglican I would be asked to do such things.” He was respectful as he could as to not bruise George II’s ego. Luckily, he did receive it well. “Hard to startle a man of faith,” he told Burr.

Pamphlet from Gosselin's Funeral​

The Second Great Awakening was not a Catholic witch hunt, there were many social movements possibly reflect the changing landscape brought by the early Industrial Revolution. Slavery continued as a hot topic, and many believed that there would not only be atonement for it in the afterlife but in the coming years. Henry Allen, commander of New Orleans during the Negro Uprising said that “our sins have come with vengeance. It is a long time waited.” The issue and indecisive of the issue brought down the Democratic-Republicans. The Calvert Party refused to fight the slave issue on the national front believing it was a fool’s errand. Roger Taney, during the Maryland senator election of 1821, was aiming to win the Calvert Party ticket against Nicolas Glover. Glover was raised in Boston but was practicing lawyer in Maryland for most of his life. His policies and support for the rollback of federal government powers and the decrease in tariffs gained him a following, but he was not in support of slavery arguing instead that it was “necessary to find common ground with [the North] as to not fall prey to the Emancipationist.” Taney ran his entire campaign against Glover for his “wavering support for the South’s cause.” Taney would win the ticket.

Senator Roger Taney​

Though as the revivalist celebrated, and bickered among each other, a new way of thinking developed. Bernard Germain de Lacépède, who left his post as the President of the Senate in France, resumed his naturalist studies. He had two main posts, one in Morocco and another in West Africa near the city of Douala. During one of his trips between the posts, he brought with him Moroccan Wall Geckos to Douala to study a change of dietary patterns. For reasons unknown, he had to return to France and would not return to Douala for three years. When he did he was told that the lizards were released near the Wouri River. He discovered that the Moroccan Wall Geckos had thrived in the environment but had made drastic changes. Their scales had become smoother and toes longer and more webbed, but also had grown slightly in size. For four more years, Lacépède brought more Geckos to the Wouri River to see if the changes continued. He noticed that the new Geckos were unable to mate with the old ones after a certain number of generations. It is unknown at the time if the Geckos simply refused to mate.
Lacépède began to see parallels between them and other creatures. He traveled to Mexico to capture the Poecilia sphenops, now called Berry. It was reported that the fish lived in freshwater but was able to live in saltwater. His first experiment was dumping the Berry fish into saltwater, they died. He tried again, but with only a small portion of saltwater in a tub of fresh water. Every few days he would switch them into a tub with a larger amount of saltwater content until they were living only in saltwater.
Though there were many other tests with different animals he eventually developed the idea of “natural modification” known today as Lacépèdism. He never called it his study that at the end of his life it was more commonly called Theory of Lacépède and he rejected that as well claiming that he contributed only a minimal amount to the research. Lacépèdism basic premise when he first published his research in 1829 as was that “a [species] must match to its surroundings. If through natural catastrophe or migration to a new region, a species will have to adjust to it or face extinction.”
Lacépède claims were nothing too bold, many other naturalists claimed and study that species had to adapt to new surroundings, but there was the great debate to how creatures adapted. Soft inheritance, the belief that the use or lack of use of single characteristics by a parent would affect the offspring had been popularized almost two decades prior by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck. Lacépède argued that it would take more for a species to change completely and that, “the trait to be modified most serve a purpose. A hare with dark fur in winter will be caught while the one with a light coat survives and reproduces.”
His theory was harmless for the most part but when he suggested that, “a common ancestor, Adam and Eve, of all humans must have originated from somewhere. If we were to look further back, there may even be a common ancestor with the animal world.” This set the world of fire. Many religious scholar and rulers pointed to the Bible and proclaimed that God made man in his image. Though many did not necessarily believe that Creation took only seven days, some say it was a metaphor projecting the power of God, people could not fathom the idea of man and beast being closely related.
Lacépède true intentions with his original remarks are unknown. He may have meant it in passing through as he wrote his book, but he would defend it from there on due to the crude remarks spoken about him. “Worse than a blasphemer for he does not state his belief in misinterpretation of the Holy Scripture nor in defiance, but that his research, of less than a decade, is wiser. He insults the Great natural philosophers and thinkers of past age,” said Frederick William of Prussia. Catholics as openly detested the theory, though those in the New World were generally warmer to it, but unlikely to support it. Britain was possibly the most supportive, perhaps to spite the Catholics, even if it was a French theory.

Statue of Lacépède at Oxford​

 

[Imperolo]

“When a pillar of a nation is founded on a system of oppression one cannot expect the oppressors to give up their control freely. They have been raised to believe that their status is defined by nature and their oppression is just. To argue that those they rule are equals and should be treated as such is to scream madness and support anarchy.”
John Newman
Stone was founded 1822 with 300 free blacks and 20 whites. Many Emancipationist saw this as an opportunity fir the African race to prove its ability to establish a modern community like Europeans or Americans. Others thought it would be a good way to remove “unneeded members” of American society. Many of the free blacks were well educated being selected to be the founders of the “Negro Jamestown” and to set an example of the equality of the races. Though there were plenty scholars, pastors, and artisans majority were former slaves or field hands that would be able to tend the land, that they would own, in Stone. “We did not seek out freeman only to make them slaves in a foreign land,” said John Newman. Newman, through his memoirs, was born free in Pennsylvania. His father was illiterate but made wax candles for a living. He pushed his children to become educated. “The [white man] will hate you,” his father told him, “whether you’re smart or not. But if you’re smart he may respect you.”

Drawing of John Newman​

Newman would work odd jobs in the morning to pay for tutors at night, he would take whatever he could get. He believed in Emancipation and thought, “fleeing into the unknown wilderness was foolish at best and cowardice at worst.” He believed that slavery could be ended and that equality could be achieved. However, during the Cherokee Incident, a public debate occurred concerning the treatment of the Natives. Following Nicolas Johnson, only a young journalist then, who condemned George II, for trying to cover it up, Newman agreed with him and said: “nothing that was any more radical than [Johnson].” He was quickly booed and had objects thrown at him. After that he saw no place for his people in the United States. He joined the ACL and sponsored himself and several others to establish Stone.
The sovereignty of Stone was complex. Many white ACL members thought Stone as a Protectorate of the United States or even a colony. However, most of the black settles saw stone as an independent city-state. Though the US was funding expeditions into the arena, Stone was located in Native Territory. The Peace of Bruges forbade European or American expansion as a way to prevent a border conflict between Russia and the United States. The US hoped that Stone would collapse and would call for US intervention for aid. Expansion into Native Territory would be justified.
However, the Accord of Stone declared itself “The Free and Independent City of Stone.” All males 20 years old, regardless of race or occupation, could vote. A city council was established as was the position of mayor. After a month of establishing the city, Joseph McGall was appointed as mayor. McGall was a Presbyterian pastor and professor from New Hampshire. Many elite African voices persuaded the voters to choose a white man to represent them first. Newman, who did vote for McGall, protested that they were asked: “to choose a man based on color instead of skill and merit.”

First Mayor of Stone, Joseph McGall​

The city council, once it proved that it could handle domestic affairs, tried to establish foreign affairs. McGall wrote to Congress, the President, the Russian Tsar, Mexican Emperor, and the Governor of Quebec. Friendly relationships were established with Native Tribes at first. However, when news of what the Peace of Bruges declared, they questioned what right Chief Stone had to give away the land.
The Conquest of Hawaii was bloody even to unite the islands and tribes in the region. The British supported King Kamehameha who died in 1819. His son Kamehameha II became king. Though an independent kingdom, Hawaii and the United Kingdom were close with the island nation adopting the Union Jack as part of their flag. Some considered Hawaii as a colony of the United Kingdom, George IV did no. “I am King of these Isles and they see fit to have their own.” Hawaii would be an important strategic point in the Pacific, and especially during the South China Sea War.
The British Empire, however, was stretched thin already. Support for military buildup was waning and the Royal Navy would have to begin to impress merchant sailors soon. The Tories supported restraining Napoleon by economic means and keeping a tighter control on trade, though the Whigs opposed that in favor of free trade they both saw the Hawaiian Islands as the desired territory, they did not have the men to spare nor justification to take them.
The Mexican Navy had been training under Rear Admiral Thomas Cochrane since 1817. Mexico lacked the funds for an impressive fleet and Wilkinson, who was Emperor Agustín most trusted military advisor, never put much focus on the navy. In The War of the Opposition, less than three chapters focused on naval warfare, out of twenty-four. Arthur George, Governor of Cuba, meet with Emperor Agustín to discuss a “joint expedition” to islands.

Thomas Cochrane, Commander of the Mexican Navy​

Cochrane onboard the AIM Caimán, Armanda del Imperio Mexico, set sail on February 2, 1821, from Acapulco. When they arrived they requested an audience with Kamehameha II, who was not on Big Island. Cochrane, under the authority of Agustín blockaded the island. When Kamehameha II returned he demanded that they leave, but Cochrane refused and additional vessels, both British and Mexican arrived.
On March 8, a coup against Kamehameha II was staged by his cousin Keaoua Kekuaokalani who believed that the king had strayed away from the old ways and was causing the nation’s downfall. Cochrane supported Kekuaokalani and Kamehameha II was killed during the Battle of Kailua. The Kingdom of Hawaii was placed under joint British-Mexico occupation as fighting continued between the royalist and rebels. Due to islands proximity to Mexico, power would be transfer to Agustín in 1823 and made a colony of Mexico a year later.

Flag of Colony of Hawaii, Union Jack kept due to strong presence of British naval forces.​

 

[DanMcCollum]

Interesting! I'm glad to see this timeline still going strong, and can't wait to read more.

 

[Imperolo]

“I balance of power has shifted forever and no longer will there be a central being to bring both sides to heel. All that remains is radicalism and despotism.”
Supreme Court Justice John Quincy Adams, 1822
The Midterm elections of 1822 saw the end of the Democratic-Republicans and a rise of the Calvert Party. They never outspokenly claimed to be the party of Catholics but made sure to be as the party of the immigrant, suffrage expansion and states rights. The Nationalist, despite George II best efforts to prevent his party, mostly at the local level, from becoming the party of reactionaries and nativists. “They do not speak for me nor this nation,” he told Nicolas Johnson of the Republican Chronicle before he was “escorted” out of the restaurant he was dining in.
Though the Calvert Party seemed to be emerging as the second largest party it mattered little to George II or most of the other Nationalist leaders. The number of Catholics even with Quebec, was still a small minority. Though the biggest effect to come out of the Election of 1822, known only to few, was the creation of the Baltimore Ravens. The SOC had no issues with Catholics joining their ranks and Benjamin Lamb, President General of the organization quickly invited prominent Quebecois soldiers to the group. However, those whose names lacked the title of an officer were not given an invitation.

Anti-Calvert Cartoon posted in the Republican Chronicle. Title the King Calvert on His Throne.​

The story goes that, a Catholic former Sergeant Leo Hardy, while working in a harbor in Baltimore, went to a meeting with Captain Henry Day. Hardy was not allowed to attend and Day left him outside where he met another man thinking he could enter, Martin Ferguson. Not knowing the man, Hardy invited him to get a drink. He explained who he was and his attempts to join the SOC to no avail. Hardy did not care to join the SOC. He came so with the promise of a “good time”. He also did not judge Ferguson for his father’s action. He explained that his own grandfather had renounced his faith and joined the Anglican Church. His family was ostracized from the Catholics and never truly accepted by the Anglicans. Ferguson was glad to have met someone like himself. After meeting other veterans, in a drunken declaration, he announced that they would form a secret society of Raven. Why a raven was chosen is lost to history. Some sources claim that it Ferguson thought it represented a bird of knowledge from mythology and other say he was drunk and saw one in the distance.
The first meeting contained less than a dozen members, but they promised to meet again next month at Ferguson townhome out. It was meant to be a recruiting day with free drinks and food with a pledge to join the organization and to keep its origins a secret. Their numbers swelled over a hundred. Though people would hear about the Baltimore, or Boston if you lived in the North, Ravens, few knew what they did or who was in it. Edgar Poe, an active member, said that “they keep to the darkest cravens so that lesser men cannot.”

Edgar Poe's initiation into the Baltimore Ravens. The Dance of Birds involved dodging bullets shot at your feet.​

Following Nationalist victory in 1822, George II called Emmitt Doran to Washington. In a meeting with him, Hamilton, Burr, Pike and Henry Lee, he discussed the possibility of invading Florida. “West Florida is rebellious, pressure could be placed on [King] George, to let it go with enough incentive.” Hamilton got up to leave, but Burr talked him out of it. He then went on a tirade on how this was a foolish and deadly plot. Hamilton had an imperialist stroke to him and may have gone through it if he knew they only reason why George II wanted Florida was the cause of his mediocre military performance in the region. “I have enough men die under me in Quebec. I will not have them die in English swamps for you.”
George II “supposedly” accused him of “lying with the British dogs and begging for a treat.” He denied saying this, but the news of planned invasion against Florida set alarms off in the nation and the British Empire. Emperor George IV wrote Military Governor Pakenham to “begin fortifications around the city and Port of [New] Orleans.” When told that New Orleans was some distance from Florida territory, he told them to go through American territory if needed.
The madness of his father seem to present himself more now than ever. Driven by vengeance had made him somewhat sane, but now he was beginning to crack. The conservative stalwarts and the Whig politicians backed the emperor for most of his demands seeing it as a necessity to rule, but if he ended up like his father did a wave republicanism could lead to its abolition. Jory Douglas, infamous for the Corn Riots of 1814, published the British Republic Ordinance demanding the dismantling of the monarchy and all other hereditary to form a unified British republic. Unclaimed sources say that Laurent helped write the document, but these only became popular after Alea Iacta Est was published.
The Ordinance was popular in the urban centers and among businessmen and artisans who tried of unfair representations in Parliament and the place of landed aristocracy who contributed and were worth, less now during the industrial age. In 1823, George IV went before the House of Lords, to “put an end to the traitorous rumors that plague our nation,” and made, “promises to assure the quick end to the disloyal lot.” Douglas fled to Ireland for safety but was found in Kerry. He was assisted by the last remnants of the Society of United Irishmen in a plan to escape to France. Douglas was killed on May 19 while trying to flee.

The Butchering of Kerry​

The United States was quick to denounce his murder, but France and her allies remained silent. Even if they could whip up republican support against Britain it may as well lead to their own uprisings. However, the Irish Legion in France protested violently. Douglas was from Cromwell, but they were reminded of the Irish Rebellion a quarter-century ago. Napoleon’s only commit on it was sending Adam Bain, to London to get a general feeling of the man’s death. “Their love for the man as a leader was paramount, but his ideas too abstract for their taste and fear of revolution too great,” his report said. The stability of the Hanover family was rocked by this moment none the less.
One of the last republics in Europe was Swiss Confederation, under Napoleon’s control. Napoleon was not foolish enough to think that all forms of republican, democratic or revolutionary thinking could be extinguished from the world. “Man, once settled will progress,” he told George II. The Swiss Confederation was in a way an experiment for political ideals. There was a mixture of French, German, Italian, Protestant, Catholic and Atheist elements in the nation that could examine the arena for possible implantation of the wider empire.
Political freedom like that in the Swiss Conf. was unseen in Europe and was something that many intellects admired. Many from Château d'If, would rather have their skills over there than wasting away in prison. However, Swiss developed very strict immigration codes to protect themselves from “unneeded asylum seekers.” Their place in the Empire and the freedoms they possessed could be easily lost if things turned to anarchy.

 

[Imperolo]

“Naples will no grow under France’s shadow. If Europe will no longer be a suitable place for our prosperity I will look elsewhere.”
King Joseph I of Naples, 1826
The Italian Peninsula had been a string of petty kingdoms and merchant republics since the Fall of Rome. Through Napoleon’s conquest, the south was placed under his brother, Joseph, in the Kingdom of Naples. The North formed the Kingdom of Italy and the west, including the city of Rome, was France both ruled by Napoleon. However, the King of Rome, the 15-year-old Napoleon II was given Kingdom of Italy too at a banquet celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Peace of Bruges. Joseph I, who had just brought Sicily back into the Kingdom of Naples told his daughter, heiress apparent Zénaïde, “Italy shall be yours.” Joseph I had planned for Italy to be eventually be reunified with the capital in Rome and the Papacy at his side. He arranged for Zénaïde to marry Archduke Franz Karl of Austria to calm tension between the Italians and Austrians.

Zénaïde with her younger sister Charlotte​

Napoleon II was young and ambitious, once his father died he could unite the Illyrian providences with the rest of his empire by putting the Italian Kingdom under the French tricolor permanently. Joseph I, who to this day has been mocked for riding the curtails of his younger brother, could not let this happen. Though it is true without Napoleon, Joseph I would never be where he was, he proved to be a competent ruler and turned Naples into one of the wealthiest nations after Napoleonic Wars and military power equal to Austria or Prussia.

Joseph I of Naples​

His conversation with Napoleon did not go well and he left the party early to return to Naples. Napoleon was perhaps blind towards his brother’s desire of Italy, he did not want to lose his brother’s affection as both Joachim I of Spain and Louis I of Holland had mixed feelings about French dominance over their “sovereign nations.” If his brothers turned against him, this could spell disaster for the stability of Europe as he was already planning his move against China. Joseph I had his plans as well. He was going to move against the Ottomans. Their ongoing struggle against the Greeks, though it appeared they would be victorious, was draining the old empire even with British support. Their North African territories were already semi-independent and vulnerable.
Neapolitan military advised him that a “war between our alliance and the Turks would bring Britain into the conflict.” Joseph I had no plans of bringing France or any other nations into the battle. He would do this on his own. On the ruse of protecting Neapolitan merchant ships in the Mediterranean against pirates, the RM Costanzi traveled to Tunis and opened fire onto the city. His one ship bombardment went on for nearly an hour. As no real defense had developed, Joseph I assumption was correct, that there was no Ottoman force to oppose, so the rest of the invasion force came through. The bombardment continued and messengers from the Bey of Tunis were killed. Joseph I did not come to negotiate with, “muhammadites and infidels.”

Invasion of Tunis​

On April 1, Neapolitan infantry under Carlo Filangieri stormed the city and killed any who opposed them. Uthman ibn Ali, the Bey of Tunis, surrendered and then was executed by firing squad. The remnants of the Husainid family fled to Tripolitania. The Ottoman Empire could do little while they concentrated their forces in Greece while Muhammad Ali of Egypt prepared for a possible invasion. Napoleon demanded an explanation for this and told his brother to leave the African continent. Joseph I refused and publicly insulted “other monarchs vile negotiations with muhammadites and alliances with Slavic heretics.” Joseph I, saw himself as the protector of Catholicism, and promised that, “before the end of the century will we take Jerusalem.” Bartolomeo Paccan, now Pope Alexander IX, gave Joseph I the title of Guard of Catholicism. Joseph I gathered large amounts of support from the devout Catholics around the world, even the Calvert Party of the United States justified his aggressive stance against the Turks. “For too long have these people been a plagued to Christendom the Fall of Rome was on their hands and now their descendants have their revenge,” said Senator Roger Taney.
In Paris, Napoleon was furious. He wanted to march down to Naples and burn it down. For over a quarter century he had ruled with no enemies of his insulted him so bad and now his own blood did worse. Napoleon though well and hard to whom he could trust in the coming wars. He knew if things went as planned, that the peace would end after his death. Napoleon II would have to sustain a stronger dynasty. His brothers, who only achieved greatest through him, could no longer be trusted. The Rhineland could be turned, and Russia had no loyalties. Soon once again he looked West for an ally for France and a bride for his son.

Italy After Joseph I's conquest​

 

[DanMcCollum]

Good to see this back!

 

[Prince de Pringondani]

I Like this timeline

 

[Imperolo]

“El general James Wilkinson murió la noche pasada en su casa en la ciudad de México. El emperador Agustín ha ordenado una semana de luto por el soldado caído ".
​

James Wilkinson died of a heart attack on February 3, 1823. The news shocked the Mexican elites and Emperor Agustin was greatly troubled by his passing. “We have lost the American, we have lost our Washington,” he told his wife, Ana María, but modern historians view Wilkinson, to Mexico, as a Baron von Steuben. Americans still hold him as one of the biggest traitors in their history and even to the Spanish, who he served after fleeing America. The Republican Party looked to Wilkinson as a guide, though apolitical, he did support the party more than the Tories. He believed in republican principles, but knew he was still, “stranger in a foreign whose customs and people were alien to [him].” In, The War of the Opposition, he made note how the British had the war as soon as an American identity was forged and that there could be no turning back for the general populace. His book would be released after his death, many believe that his book was not complete as notes and drafts of future chapters were in his study, but his children had no interest in finishing it. It became a popular read for military minds in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Joseph I of Naples took note of it when he invaded North Africa, but it was not until the American-Mexican War when people realized the military genius of his work and how much of Nostradamus he was.

“The American people will bring annihilation and civilization to the tribes of the western steeps. And when they discover the lands of Mexico, they will be accustomed to quick and easy victory. The soldiers idle and the leaders incompetent. They may be able to raise a hundred armies, but they have to wage war for a thousand years against a disciple and united force.”

On February 6, his body was being transported through Mexico City with the royal family. Thousands of spectators looked on as the carriages passed through. There was a light military presence for a man of his rank, but Wilkinson was not a man who would have wanted such exaggerate parade for himself. Out of the crowd came, Juan Sainz, a radical Republican from Monterrey. Sainz and five others bearing pistols rushed the streets as the parade passed and fired at the royal carriage. A bullet hit the leg of Ana María, and another in the shoulder of their son Agustín Jerónimo. Imperial supporters would say that “Angels guided the bullets away from His Imperial Majesty,” why they hit his wife and son was never discussed. The would-be assassins fled into the panicking crowd.​

Empress Ana María​

The attack against Iturbide occurred with one against Santa Anna, Thomas Grenville, Juan O'Donojú. Satna Anna was ill and could not attend the parade, but fended off three men with a pistol and a knife while in bed. Thomas Grenville was in the British Embassy where a bomb was thrown but no one was hurt. O'Donojú, who was returning to Mexico City for the funeral, was shot and killed by a guard, Jorge Carita. He would kill himself before exclaiming, “muerte a los tiranos. Mexico es gratis.”

Both Santa Anna and Grenville rushed to the Imperial Palace, which was difficult due to the city being under marshal law. When they did arrive they saw Iturbide, not roaring with anger, but broken down. The prince was injured but would make a recover. Ana María had lost too much blood and they had brought in a priest to give her last rites. Rebel pamphlets had been passed out after the attacks. They called for a democratic-republic and the abolishment of the monarchy. Iturbide consumed by grief had no plan of action, but Jerónimo wanted vengeance. He knew that the Republicans, especially Guadalupe Victoria, had orchestrated it. With no evidence, he wanted to send soldiers to arrest him. Grenville tried to reason with the young heir, but Jerónimo refused to listen. Santa Anna tired and ill-argued that, “no man would stay in the city if he failed to kill your father or us. Either [Guadalupe] is dumb or innocent.”

Santa Anna met with Guadalupe and asked about Jorge Carita. He did not the man, but other Republican leaders knew the name. He tried to gain a party position but was rejected for being “touched in the head with revolutionary fever,” as were several other radicals like Juan Sainz. When Guadalupe learned of speculation against him for the attacks, he demanded to see Iturbide. Guadalupe apologized for the death of the empress but claimed his party had no role in her death. The prince was “asked,” to leave the room when he claimed that “[the Republican party] were filled with Judas followers and silver-tongued devils” attempting to bring down his family.

Iturbide had a chance to remove the greatest opposition to his reign if acted as his son wished. However, Iturbide was not the same man he was after his wife died. The rebels railed behind Wilkinson because they thought he was the only thing standing between him and total control. A show of force would not work so, in perhaps the greatest political movement in his life, he had to show forgiveness. On February 20, Iturbide went to the People’s Assembly with José María Bocanegra, now leading the Tory Party, and Guadalupe. He expressed his great sadness over the deaths of Ana María and O'Donojú but did not hold the Republican Party responsible for the attacks. He asked the Assembly to fund a federal organization to bring the criminals to justice based on the Field Marshals in the United States. The Fuerza Policial Nacional was established, though unlike Marshals, the Assemble had complete power of its abilities and selected their commanders. Anastasio Bustamante was selected as the first commander of FPN.

Anastasio Bustamante​

In Stockholm, Queen Charlotte of Sweden gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Oscar, on June 1, 1824. The news erupted across Britain as a potential heir to the throne would grow up in Sweden. The Hanoverian dynasty was German, but with the rise of the national conscience, a Swedish king did not sit well with many. Though the monarchy was depowered by then, actions of people like Jory Douglas proved that it was an unpopular institution. “There will be an English king, if not that than a Scottish one,” said George Canning, now leader of the Opposition. The nationalism within the Tory Party was matched with the increasing republican presence in the Whig party.

Grenville, whose position as Prime Minister, was beginning to falter wrote to George IV if there was a possibility of skipping Charlotte in the line of succession. This request was private, but it became known throughout the empire after George IV’s public rebuttal of his, “vile betrayal of nation’s value that I believed no man of his rank would ever commit.” This was the last straw between the Emperor and Grenville. When plans were drawn up to create a new succession law George IV would dissolve Parliament on August 26.

George IV had little hope to remove the Whigs from power but had other plans in mine. A new party was formed among the landed elite, and well-off farmers. They feared the loss of revenue by the tearing down of protectionist policies for food. The Traditionalist Party also found support in Protestant Ireland who feared the growing political power of the Catholics. When the new Parliament formed in early October, Grenville may have lost a few seats, but the House of Lords gained a few as George IV added a small member, but a vocal bunch to it.

The results were not as George IV had planned and Grenville promised to change the line of succession. George IV promised to fight it, but on October 9 he fell down a staircase and fractured his skull. Word was sent to Charlotte, but by the time she arrived he would-be dead-on October 12. His last words, “Britain prevails. Long live the Queen.” A motto that would live on pass Charlotte and her children, Britain Prevails. She would arrive in London on October 14 to a crowd of mourning supporters to the crown. John Croker, leader of the Irish Traditionalist, would inform her of the king’s passing. As she made her way to Buckingham Palace, the residents of London came out with shouts of “Long live the Queen.” Grenville could do nothing to take the crown away from Charlotte, but he would have to act to prevent Oscar from taking the throne already placing her at odds with the new monarch.

Queen Charlotte and Lord Grenville (looking up) and John Croker after she arrives at Buckingham Palace.​

 

[Imperolo]

“Let us not search for European answers for our problems nor Protestant nor Catholic. Let us find American answer and may God aid us in our pursuit of a better tomorrow.”

George II

The election of 1824 would be the first Presidential Election the Calvert Party participated in and was the only real competition to the Nationalist Party. Their nomination was Charles Carroll Jr., son of the Founding Father, Charles Carroll. He was a divided candidate, though he came from an influential political family in Maryland, his own political experience was limited to only the Maryland Senate. Some did not like that his wealth and fame were tied solely to his name similar to what they accused George II off. “I’ve never seen a race where there is only one horse, but people placing bets against one another,” said Edgar Poe about the election of 1824, he was 11 at the time. There was also an alleged drinking problem, but they had planned for him to run for some time and had been trying to “contain his demons.” Carroll was not meant to win the election, many of the Calvert elites knew he would not, but he was there to show that the Calvert Party was on its way to becoming the new dominant political party in America. “North, South, Americans, immigrants, believers, and non-believers are joining our ranks,” said Roger Taney, his actions during the election of 1824 would help lead him to Maryland’s governorship in 1825.

Charles Carroll Jr.​

The Nationalist had more difficulties selecting their candidate. For many, Hamilton was going to be President, though quite a few loathed the man, they knew he would, “wrestle with God and pact with Satan to get his way,” but others saw Burr as the better candidate. He had an impressive political and military background but was not hated by as many as Hamilton. “To run Hamilton is to lose every Catholic vote in the nation and Quebec,” Vice President, Henry Lee III, told George II. Some argued Lee to run, but he had “dealt with enough politics and politicians to last three lifetimes.” Hamilton was favored, but George II’s support to either man would guarantee their nomination. George II’s popularity had slipped, but not his role in the Nationalist Party. As Arnold before him, he would have large sway over the next candidate.

George II and Hamilton were family after George III married Eliza, Hamilton’s youngest daughter. Their rivalry had always existed, but there was mutual respect between the two despite the political differences. He knew Hamilton had the skill to be the man in charge but was not sure if he had the character to match it. Napoleon worried too given Hamilton’s anti-French bias. Adam Bain was traveling to China and was unable to visit the United States, but Guillaume Montgomery to investigate. Montgomery often disguised himself as a priest and would run into Charles Levett, leader of Règle Libre, who was close friends of Burr and Hamilton. He wrote back to his emperor, “without a handler Alexander will be rabid and set loose on us all.”

Guillaume Montgomery of the Sinistre Six​

Burr met with George II privately and began to discuss his opinions on Hamilton and the presidency. Burr supported Hamilton to be the party’s nomination. Though he did have his doubts that they would keep Catholic states like Quebec or Massachusetts, it would still seem a likely victory. Burr, in his last few days, claimed that George II told him that, “ believe you are the better man than Alexander to lead our nation. I support you.” Burr on his deathbed said many controversial things and most believe this was true, but George II’s support for Hamilton was very much contested.

Nicolas Johnson of the Republican Chronicle found out about the meeting and wrote a slandering article against Hamilton, “General Burr won us Quebec, without him, Hamilton would have turned back at the sight of the first snow.” Johnson was no fan of the Nationalist, but initially liked the prospect of a Burr presidency. By 1824, the Republican Chronicle was the largest newspaper in Washington and sold through the Chesapeake Bay. Johnson, by then, was already known to ruffle the feathers of powerful individuals namely George II, but his efforts against Hamilton backfired this one time. Hamilton wrote a public address about his intentions to run for the presidency.

“I love this nation that I have served in both the state house and battlefield. And I can think of no higher honor being given the opportunity as to be in the same position as such great men as the Good General [George I] and Mr. Arnold. If the people’s faith is behind me than I will pursue the office with great vigor and honorable intentions, but if they see another fitter for the Presidency than I shall let him carry the people’s voice.”

“Many have said they see Mr. Burr as best man suited for the position. I have been his companion since the conception of our fair nation. It has been a pleasure to serve with him and despite what many have accused me of I do not think of him as a man of lower talent nor as an aide to me. We have been equal and perhaps two of the same kind. If he were to be elected as our President, I would know our nation would be good hands.”

Many were surprised at Hamilton’s calm and mature actions towards the rising popularity of Burr. Though many knew of their rivalry, perhaps hatred, in their youth, it had faded to a healthy relationship. “Perhaps it is a façade,” George II wrote his son, Benedict, at Fort Arnold, “but do not doubt he would support Burr either way for his country’s sake.” Many looked to Burr, but he gave no reply. He spent most before the Nationalist Assembly Meeting, in which the nominee would be selected as would other important business such as the party’s platform, attending the theatre and studying his scripture. His faith had grown stronger since his days in Quebec, and during the Second Great Awakening, he became a leading voice of Christian values in the military.

On June 1, George II gave a speech to the Assembly about his choice as the nominee. “I know no man here is bound to follow in my stance. I have struggled to pick my successor, and in my life, I have met and fought with many good men, but without hesitation, I stand behind Alexander Hamilton of New York, as a loyal man and superior statesman.” The halls erupted in cheer and curses. As the crowd began to quiet down, due to the tiresome efforts of George II, Wolfred Nelson, a congressman from Quebec, shouted, “I nominate General Burr for the Nationalist ticket.” A vote was to be held the next day, with two representatives from each state to vote on their candidate. Hamilton won with 25 votes of the 46, but he lost most of the Southern states and Catholic ones. “The Oracle does appear to us today,” Henry Lee told George II.

Nationalist Assembly Meeting​

After his victory, Hamilton was quick to announce Burr as his running mate. This may have eased to the feelings of the Catholic groups, but not the South since both me were Northerners. Many did call out the hypocrisy since there were already two Southerners in the current administration, but it did not mean they would gain votes for taking turns. Hamilton’s message for the American people was the bringing of a new order. “Our cities will be the envy of the world, from the streets of Moscow to the islands of the Pacific, America will be known as the land of prosperity.”

The Calvert Party orchestrated Carroll Jr.'s approach to the election. They knew Carroll Jr. would probably lose the election, though he had a chance at the Vice Presidency so instead they aimed to weaken the Nationalist Party’s control of Congress. He attacked the Nationalist policy of land requirements for voting. Nationalists defended their stance by believing that those who owned property would be more invested in the state and that it would generate interest for people who inquire land. Western states did not typically have this requirement for voting, but poll taxes were common. “The gateway to democracy will not be burden by a man’s fortune,” Carroll Jr. declared while in New Orleans. Hamilton did not bother to travel that far South, knowing his southern countrymen wanted no part of his political ambitions. He traveled from Mayne to Kansas only going to York in Quebec while Burr handled the rest of the state.

Hamilton and Burr​

There were two main surprises for the many observers of the election. One was how close Carroll came to win the election. The final results, announced on December 2, was Hamilton 149, Burr 147, Carroll 127, and Clayton, Carroll’s running mate, 123. Quebec was a shock too many prideful Nationalist who thought the state was loyal to the party. The Nationalist carried less than 10% of the popular vote in Quebec and only gained two electoral votes for Burr. Many openly bashed the state and claimed that “Catholic conspirators aimed to bring down [the Republic].” George II was in Virginia for election with his family. His wife, Lucy, had been feeling ill for some time and he thought the warmer temperatures of Mount Vernon might help. Benedict Washington had returned from his third year at Fort Arnold as did Robert Lee for his first year to celebrate the winter season. George III and Eliza stayed in New York with her family along with Richard Arnold. Hamilton told the young man to take care of his family’s resource now that his father was leaving office. “I’ve seen him handle the nation’s means, he has good intentions, but results,” Hamilton told him. Richard confirmed such notions, “These are the times that can break men like us. [Hamilton] was elected the captain of sinking ship.] A new order would new to take place as the old one faded, but it would not be Hamilton’s.

Election Map of 1824

Elector results​

 

[RoyalTwinFangs]

So when is George Washington III?

 

[Imperolo]

So when is George Washington III?

The TL will continue on here. I've been kinda late with writing due to school and some personal things happening. George II is still alive and though retired his story isn't finished quite yet. He still has a few more adventures before his children take the more dominate role in the TL.

 

[Imperolo]

“I have seen the coming of a new age, father. No longer are we bound by God’s creations to cross continents nor are beast of burden needed to plow fields and other such work. I have seen the future and I expect grand wonders.”
George III’s letter to his father, 1825
The coronation of Queen Charlotte was perhaps the greatest in British history. Grenville had refused to pay for a grand festival, as she was not the one, he intended for the crown to go to, but Charlotte did not desire an expensive coronation in her name. The Traditionalists did not like the idea of Whigs meddling in such an ordeal but were able to convince of a number of wealthy elites and industrialists to make the event spectacular.

Queen Charlotte​

Scientist, writers, painters, engineers and more were called in attend the coronation to give an elite appearance. Entertainers and performers from all over the Empire were called in to put on acts for adoring crowds. Five Indian elephants were brought in and marched through the streets of London. A game of tennis was played by two machines that when a lever was pulled would swing. Magicians made themselves disappear and cut other people in two, but the most intriguing to all was the Leviathan.
William Hedley and George Stephenson were tasked by William Gordon, former Tory turned Traditionalist, to build a railroad for the coronation from the River Thames to St. James Palace. Both me argued it would take at least two years to construct it, but were given only nine months. They went to work straight away to complete the task. At the end, the railroad, the first ever constructed, was 20 miles long and the locomotive, the Leviathan, mounted to it could go up to 15 miles an hour. The carts attached to it could hold nearly 200 people. When Charlotte was informed that she was to ride in it to her coronation she was somewhat unwilling. Her husband, Charles XIV of Norway, was fascinated and quickly boarded the machine. She reluctantly went along too as did many other important guests to her coronation.

The Leviathan after being retired, 1862​

The Leviathan broke down twice but was repaired quickly. The crowd was in awe at the machine as were the occupants. Charlotte despite her hesitation congratulated Hedley and Stephenson personally for their contraption. Their impact that day would be greater than the reign of the new queen to most, especially to a young man visiting. George III and Eliza came to London on an invitation. He hesitated on going to a nation that had so much scone for his family, but once he realized who else was to attend he left Virginia. His mother was making a steady recovery, and he felt that he needed a vacation.
His father had given control over Mount Vernon’s enterprises, and it was a mess, to say the least. While in Washington, George II had attempted several new startups at Mount Vernon namely wine and cotton. Both sold poorly, and grain prices plummeted. George III made his fortunate independently but feared the disgrace his father may face if news like this broke out. He was able to get a contract with Joseph McGall, mayor of Stone, for a shipment of grain. He had made quick work to bring things back to order but had his eyes on grander things than being a plantation owner. After witnessing the Leviathan, he wrote to his father, Hamilton and Richard Arnold to discuss plans he had for such a device.

George III and Eliza​

 

[GaBeRock]

I'm really enjoying this TL! Especially the not-so-veiled references to modern stuff. (Looking at you, Florida Man.)

 

[Imperolo]

“If the man does not turn tyrant within a year, I shall be most impressed. I do pity the republic you left for him to devour.”

Letter from Thomas Jefferson to George II

Hamilton’s Cabinet

Vice-President-Aaron Burr, NJ

Secretary of State- Maxwell Stephens, OH

Secretary of the Treasury- Harrison Gray Otis, MA

Secretary of War-James Barbour, VA

Secretary of Navy- Louis McLane, DL

The economy was headed for disaster as far as President of the National Bank, Richard Horn was concerned. The National Bank had been loaning the United States sizable loans to pay for the expanding military. George II believed that if war did come would pay for itself and if it did not increase military protection would facilitate trade. Neither happened. Though trade with continental Europe did increase, Britain and Latin America did not and even in some places, such as Cuba and Mexico, it fell. This is not to say that trade was in a downward spiral after the Second Quebecois War, it just never materialized to the degree that the Nationalist thought it would.

There was also the speculation of land in Quebec. Loans had also be given to land speculators who sought to make a profit buying up large amounts of land and selling it at a higher price. Quebecois landscape near the land St. Lawrence River was the most arable, but it was also the hardest to purchase as the US and state government claimed domain over and refused to sell it. York did push for more settlers in the region to tip the balance of power to the English speakers. However, the further north and west you, the more reluctant people were to go preferring the areas of the Arkansaw or Yosemite. The National Bank had a tough time setting up a location in Quebec due to strong opposition that placed one in York.

Richard Horn, President of the National Bank​

The previous administration arms expansion made men like Martin Ferguson, Richard Arnold and George III very wealthy it also created some of the earliest industrialist cities in the North. However, Hamilton could continue this course. “Rifles and bullets are needed when they can be fired at enemies. As we have none, we most focus on textiles and other necessities.” On the first day of Congress, he requested the paying of the remaining loans to the National Bank, and to bring the force of the American Army down to 5,000 compared to its current 20,000.

The South was glad to shrink the military due to their distrust of Hamilton, for both Nationalist and Calverts. There were debates on how so many men would reintegrate into the workforce or how to pay for their pensions. Vice President Burr proposed that they do as the Romans had and promised them land in Quebec as payment with lower or even no pension. The land speculators opposed this deal as they would sell for less than what they had paid for. “They may lose a penny today, but prefer to lose a quarter next year,” Secretary of the Treasury told Hamilton.

As the military was to be downsized, Hamilton would have to make new arrangements to American diplomacy. As many in France feared, he began to rekindle a relationship with Great Britain. Edward Pakenham, George II’s adversary during the Second Quebecois War, was transferred from his position in Florida do Mosquito Coast. His replacement, John Thomas Jones, did not serve in the Americas during the Napoleonic Wars so Hamilton believed that a friendship or more realistically a trade ship could emerge.

Jones traveled to Washington in July of 1825. His visit was mostly peaceful and welcomed. His skills as a cricketer were entertaining to the American politicians. Jones admitted that his assignment to Florida was due his engineering expertise as construct defendable fortifications if a war was to occur. “The days of unprovoked conflict are behind us,” Hamilton told him, “The American populace is here to be equal to the great powers, not to dominate.” The Treaty of Washington or the Treaty of Mutual Trust was signed July 28 and promised that both sides were removed regular army soldiers from the border and would escort foreign ships to their respective waters, not attack or imprison. The Mississippi became further relaxed in their trade, but American commerce still held the area. Though the army did leave the border, American militias still guarded it as did Floridians and their Native Allies.

Statue of John Thomas Jones in Jackson North Florida, constructed 1850​

Hamilton would send an ambassador, Andrew Stevenson, to Mexico as both Arnold and George II refused due to Wilkinson being connected to the ruling class. Hamilton believed in a warmer approach to Latin America, especially the democratic Gran Colombia. Hamilton did not believe in the stability of the regime in Mexico and thought it best to keep close eyes on their western border. He acknowledged the rule of Carlos I of Hispaniola despite the complaints of many Emancipationists. “There is no way around it. Either we do busy with the exiled monarch or send forces to depose him,” Hamilton had to remind them including that he abolished slavery in his kingdom.

The Anglican Confederation to the north was more difficult. Unlike Florida, the population of the A.C. made up of those who had fought America since the War for American Dominion. They were deep wounds between the groups. George Ramsey, who served in the Iberian War, was made Governor-General of the A.C. The position made him a representative of the crown and wanted little to do with the Americans. Sadly for Hamilton, he would be the easier of the two to deal as James FitzGibbon, Second Quebecois War veteran from Ireland, was Speaker of Assembly. Hamilton’s wishes to lessen tensions on the border would not be easy to achieve, but for the moment he did not view the A.C. as a threat.

He worried about Russia however, their new Tsar had done much to build up their presence in the Americas and despite their progress in Columbia, there was too much land between them to state their claim if an emergency occurs. “Our reliance on possible allies is too great for comfort. Nations may make pacts, but their wills may break them. Spain once had a king that trusted the Corsican [Napoleon}, and now they have a new king,” Hamilton told Burr. Stone was also a conflicting matter, George II never acknowledged the city’s sovereignty or that the territory it resided in belongs to Native tribes in the area as the Peace of Burges required. Most foreign powers did not and Hamilton could not just yet either. Many saw it as an American power grab in the area, if he were to begin official diplomatic relations, he could risk a harsh international reaction.

Hamilton was never a cautious man. Bold and every going, but once he became president he began to think of the moving parts on the national stage and how fast they could go before breaking apart. In a letter to George II, he described a constant dream of his. He wrote that in bed the Devil appeared to and proclaimed and rejoiced for America was a nation plagued by the blackest sin and that like the Serpent in the Garden of Eden would be cast down. George II had always rest easy, except for things involving Quebec, he recommended talking to Burr. “A religious man and trusted like him would clear your mind of paranoia and melancholy.” Hamilton would begin to feel the pressure of the title he finally obtained.

 

[Imperolo]

“Paris will be not France’s capital, not Europe’s, but the world’s.”
Napoleon letter to President of the Senate Jean Maximilien Lamarque
The peace in Europe was beginning to wane. New monarchs in Russia, Denmark, and Great Britain worried Napoleon, but he was not ready for. He sought dominance, but not on the fields of Europe. The scene of Queen Charlotte’s coronation was one of unequal sensation. It was the talk of the year. From local tavern in Berlin to the Hall of Mirrors in Paris, the coronation was on everyone’s tongues. Napoleon, for all of his skills as a military genius, was a very petty man and could not stand being outdone. He called the greatest artisans, poets, sculptures, musicians, singers, actors, inventors, and every other man of talent he could get his hands on. Several political enemies were released from Château d'If if they had any use for Napoleon for his Quarta Pars.

Late 19th Century painting of Paris' Quarta Pars, The Dancing Musicians​

It was to be hosted December 11, 1825, as a review of the previous quarter century. He invited all the great monarchs to Paris, even Carlos I of Hispaniola, who rejected as did Queen Charlotte but sent George Spencer, the current ambassador, in her place. Konstantin I of Russia was unable to attend but sent his younger brother, Grand Duke Nicolas in his place. Frederick William III of Prussia and Francis I of Austria attended in person. They used the event to discuss the important political agreement, but little was expected to be accomplished between the two especially with vom Stein and Metternich continued bickering over military aide. The success of the Serbs and extended freedoms to the Greeks worried Austria of what could happen to her multicultural empire. The High-King of the Rhine Maximilian I and von Montgelas had less to worry about. The COR was kept closed by the French and the cultures began to collide bring about the distinct Rhinish atmosphere known today.

Hamilton was sent an invitation, but had no time, nor did he want to go. The ambassador to France, Michael Longworth, represented the United States along with George II as a personal friend to Napoleon. His last time in France healed the bonds of their alliance and this trip would seal the relationship between the families Washington and Bonaparte. Away from the crowds and entertainment, they discussed the positions both men were placed in each other’s nations. Despite the misgivings of the Revolution 30 years prior, Napoleon was seen as a brilliant man who made his enemies melt and a worthy friend to fight beside. George II, understandably, was less admired but was respected for his devotion to enlightenment principles and national zeal. “Your children and their children will be called upon to act as you have. They will be looked as leaders of the nation as mine will be.” Napoleon told him, “We must look to each other if our friendship is to last.” He offered his most prized possession, his heir apparent, Napoleon II. He was young and he would be made King of Italy until a year later. His proposed bribe would be Martha Washington, slightly older than the prince. If George II had been a king, he would have accepted it, but he was not. He was a retired elected figure and did not like the idea of forcing his daughter into a situation. He wanted to be with his family, not send one across the ocean. He did not reject Napoleon’s proposal, not outright, only that he needed time to discuss such decisions. He did not write to his wife about it, she would never agree. “She [Lucy Washington] would not trade her for the touch of Midas,” Robert Lee said about his aunt.

George II at Quarta Pars​

On December 13, three plays of Tartuffe occurred outside at the same time, one in French, Spanish and Italian. While Frederick William III, who viewed and understood the French version, complained that there should have been a German one, Adrien Gardet, a member of Sinistre Six disguised as a French noble, told him “Perhaps develop a culture worth speaking off.” Though there are many tall tales about Sinistre Six and the adventures this one is given any merit but the number of times Gardet told people of how “dishonored the Germanic thug.” Some have argued that this was the birth of German identity. That the Prussian king’s aim after his visit to France was to establish a German culture. However, some forget that though the German states were divided, there was common language and history between them. German thinkers like Kant and Hegel were discussed and Beethoven and Mozart were adored. Still, the works of Germans were few in both Charlotte’s coronation and Napoleon’s Quarta Pars. William Cody stated that, “The Frenchmen showed him his tricolors and portrait and the German brought him his flag and museum.” To the unite the Germans, they would need more than a common language and past centuries years old, they would need to see themselves as Germans first and Prussian and Austrians second.

During the play, an actor whose real name was unknown, but played Monsieur Loyal in the Spanish stage throw two bombs into the crowd. He proclaimed the “The Revolution is not over,” though a few say he said, “The Revolution has begun.” He drew a small blade before he was shot by soldiers. People quickly dispersed the scene and Napoleon ordered Paris to be closed, He soon realized that many monarchs and statesmen would stay in his city for much longer and after quickly searching their carriages and luggage allowed them to leave. Among the dead were King John VI of Portugal and his heir Pedro. No more bombs were thrown that day and it is believed that Monsieur Loyal was alone on his endeavor. His was not the main performer for the role, but the original was ill and poet at Quarta Pars, Henri Leloup, recommended him as a quick replacement. Leloup was found dead in a hotel room the next day with a tore off page from Alea Iacta Est-

The moral decline of a state is brought by the failings of a people to bring about worthily leaders that may better the lives of those in the state. In a republic or any government with a representative body, this is done so by the vote. However, in a kingdom, there is no choice for the massive in who will be the next leader. The few men who with linage interconnected between siblings has the best requirements for leadership in the eyes of the Church. The decline of the state matched with their leadership will force the people to bring about changes by one or two ways. Through the vote or rifle. In a republic, the former is easier than the latter but in a kingdom, the former is only possible after the latter.
I predict a number of monarchs to be disposed of soon such as we saw in the Revolution. Louis XVI was an ineffective man in every degree of life. Unable to fix the problems with absolute powers he gave it up for constitutional ones. His people still restless and quickly anger by his betrayal, saw fit to remove his head and the Bourbon dynasty in France. It is not easy to bring men to murder, most see it as a necessary evil. So the extent to which people will endure starvation, taxation, warfare, is hard to conclude. However, when there are no signs of better standards or the return to normal ones the people will see the necessary evil and take it gleefully. The decline of the states of Spain, Portugal, and perhaps Austria are apparent. How far their people are from Revolution is unknown but it would be surprising if it was soon.

French Cuirassiers arrived to discover the bodies of John VI and Pedro.​

 

[Imperolo]

“Let the hand that strikes us from our land, be struck down and wither away.”
John Newman
Before the Peace of Burges, European powers had established their presence in Hudson Bay and near Stone Territory. French fur traders had operated in the area and settle with Native women before the territory was handed over to the British following the Seven Years’ War. At the beginning of the Second Quebecois War, there were two dominated organizations the North West Company and the Hudson Bay Company. The descendants of the French traders, the Métis, sided with the NWC and the British settlers of the Selkirk near the Red Rivers sided with the Hudson Bay. With both companies now technically defunct, they continued their operation. The land that comprised Stone was once Cree, but also Hudson Bay who returned it to the Cree as a gesture of peace. Both companies now lacked the protection of the British military. It took time for them to regain their strength, but with a sizeable influx of immigrants from Quebec and Europe, things began to return to normal in the mid-1820s.
However, the establishment of Stone was unsettling for both parties. By 1825, there were nearly half a thousand inhabitants of the city. They also were tolerated by the Natives as the Métis claimed that Stone was not there to enter the fur trade. Though it later proved their toleration was limited, and many tribes saw this as incursion onto their land.
A meeting between the two groups began on July 20, 1825. Thomas Douglas, the previous Earl of Selkirk whose title was revoked due to his continued presence in Native territory, brokered a peace between the remnants of the NWC and Hudson Bay alongside the Métis. The declared themselves the Red River Republic and like Stone sent letters of friendship to their neighbors and Europe. The Anglian Confederation responded and acknowledged their existence as a “Native born and created nation.” The Métis presences gave them leverage over the Peace of Burges that the people of Stone did not have. Many people were not pleased with this move. “I believe this makes America, an African nation due to the presence of her children on their lands,” George III told the Republican Chronicle.

Thomas Douglas​

Joseph McGall, mayor of Stone, a patient, and calm man, sought friendly terms with the RRR. Though no letter was sent to Stone, he welcomed them and aimed for “peaceful coexistence in the eyes of Heaven.” This was not to be. The beginning of the first Stone War is not entirely known, though both sides documented the side greatly they give contradicting reports. However, both agree that three young men from Stone attempted to sell furs to the traders at Fort Douglas near Lake Winnipeg on October 8. The three men, Alexander Cooke, Jacob Wallace, and Edward Freeman, offered a price for the furs that claimed were beaver, but the traders said that they were some other rodent. After a heated debate and racial slurs, the Stoners either attempted to leave or drew their weapons. Wallace and Freedman died in the fight and Cooke was arrested and sent to Selkirk for trial.
Protesters led by John Newman demanded Cooke’s release but were not listen and threaten with expulsion from the city if they continue to disrupt the court. The verdict was given on October 16, death by hanging. The Stoners rioted, and soldiers and Métis militias were called in. Douglas claimed that the RRR soldiers did not fire onto the crowd, only the Métis, but Newman said it was both. Four men were killed and half a dozen more injured. When they returned to Stone, they demanded action be taken by McGall, but he could not. He was a pacifist and did believe that violence was good for the city. “If you will not lead our people in a time of war, you are not fit to lead them a time of peace,” Newman declared and demanded his resignation. His calls were heard from all over Stone and he did oblige. In a letter addressed to the people he wrote, “If violence you do seek then you will find it. And then destruction will consume you.”

Protests at Selkirk​

The city council passed the Required Militia Service bill that required all able body men from 18 to 45 to serve in the militia for a period of two years and be in reserves for the remainder. They did not declare war officially through this who endeavor nor did the RRR. The one issue of the militia was that they had no trained soldiers to lead them. There were a few hunters and sharpshooters, but none had fought in battles. However, they had allies. A small company of men had taken refuge in Stone shortly after its founding. Described as “men of various colors and creed and with no home or habitat to call their own.” Most had served in one capacity or another. Their ring leader William Foster, whose former occupation and life was vague and misleading, was asked to take command. He demanded a plot of land, pardons for any crimes he may have committed in Stone and annual pay larger than any other member of the city’s government. “My bill is set, and it cost less than your sons’ funerals,” he told the council. He was their only hope.
It was clear the Foster had not come to Stone due to his belief of a race-free society. “They would hang me in [Nova] Scotia, shoot me in Kentucky, and God knows what in Mexico,” he said. He was harsher on the black soldiers than white, who made up to four-fifths of his force. He made only white men officers, though the council made their own too of all races. He was luckily able to gain three 13-inch mortars from one of Ferguson’s factories. They were old, outdated and possibly stolen, but they would suffice for this ragtag militia.

A Stone militiaman (leftover British uniforms from Quebec were cheap and typically wore by both sides)​

On December 3, a small party of RRR fur trappers cut through Stone land on their way back to Selkirk. They were arrested for trespassing and news was sent. Douglas did not want a war, but he did want domination. He ordered fifty men to march down to Stone and retrieve those who were captured. Near Parks Creek a Stone patrol told them to turn back and when they refused Foster and 100 militiamen ambushed them. The RRR forces were split into two companies and when the mortars fired, the rearguard fled. Foster captured another twenty men and offered a ransom for their lives. The council offered the capture men in exchange for the return of Alexander Cooke and treaty between them. Boundaries would be set, and nonaggression pact agreed to. Cuthbert Grant, a leader of the Métis, warned both groups that the Native had not agreed to any of these territorial agreements and were becoming restless.
The outcome of the First Stone War showed that Stone was not there to roll over to any threat. For the outside world, many realized that they might soon need to get involved. Hamilton expanded the American Colonization League’s effort to move more families to Stone, roughly 300 more by the end of 1826. Likewise, Queen Charlotte brought down trade barriers between the RRR and Great Britain and persuaded her husband to allow more Danish immigrates into the area. Some would label this a proxy war between greater powers, but Newman claimed, “this was not a conflict of American and European states, but between independent peoples and their right to claim that.”

Battle of Parks Creek​

 

[GaBeRock]

RIP brazilian empire and Pedro

 

[Imperolo]

“An elite fighting force comprised of our nation’s finest men and united by common virtue and brotherhood.”
Willy Sherman on Morgan’s Men
First referred to as Morgan’s Riflemen, later shorten to Morgan’s Men and MM, this special unit of the US Military is considered the oldest and prestige in American history. The beginning of the War for American Dominion began with a call of arms for volunteers to fight off the British forces. After Congress announced they needed 10 rifle companies for Siege of Boston, Virginia agreed to send two, and Daniel Morgan was made the captain of one. Morgan had served in the First Quebecois War and developed a dislike for the British during the conflict. He set up a test, requiring his men to hit a 7-inch circle on a plank at 250 paces before he would enlist them. He wanted the best of the best and would settle for less. With less than 100 men, including the young George Washington II, under the alias Lawrence Jorg, they made the journey to Boston.
Morgan’s Riflemen were then sent with Benedict Arnold to launch an invasion against Quebec in hopes to turn the colony to the American cause. It was a difficult journey that would ultimately end in an American defeat. The American forces barely managed to escape capture and took with them Quebecois rebels such as Clément Gosselin. Quebec Campaign, a strong bond between Arnold and the company, requesting that they are transferred to the commands he took. It is argued that George I allowed this due to his son advocating as well, as to continue under his role model in the war. Regardless, Morgan and his riflemen were valuable components to Arnold’s war efforts, especially at Bemis Heights. The British looked down on the riflemen and guerilla tactics they used, but Arnold wanted results, and the riflemen gave it to him.

Daniel Morgan at Bemis Heights​

They served throughout the war at Bemis Heights, Hannah's Cowpens, and New York. Following the victory at Yorktown and beginning of British surrender, the company continued to operate. Once the war ended, Morgan retired and left the men in George II’s hands. However, George II would soon depart from the army, but planning with Gosselin he made sure the unit was still intact. He would pay for their equipment and spend so long as they could continue to operate. The MM was an essential factor in reconnaissance of Quebec leading up to the Second Quebecois War.
During the Adams’ Administration, in 1799, Congress passed the National Riflemen Act to establish the creation of national riflemen regiments. MM was expanded and one of three regiments located in Virginia. The other two in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. By this time, George II no longer privately funded the group but kept close tabs. Unlike other units, these national riflemen regiments were selected by the best officers and enlisted men in the nation. Their goal was primarily to train and develop a national fighting force. Some argue they were created in case of war with Britain.
George II, once he became Secretary of War, continued to usher in more resources to the national riflemen, including its expansion to five regiments. MM would total more than 2,000 men by the beginning of the Second Quebecois War. The most famous soldier from that time was Emmitt Doran, Washington’s War Dog. Little is known about the man; he was born in Kentucky in 1788 the son of a Virginian militiaman. He had no known record of service before joining MM, most who entered the rifle regiments had at least two years of experience. He got shot, and he could kill, and his loyalty to George II was well known. Even while he was Secretary of War, if unkind words were spoken about him, there was a fight. He was court-martialed three times for striking a superior and each time his case was resolved with no punishment.

Emmitt Doran before joining MM​

Once war broke out, MM only served a short while on Quebec front in York salvaging the remnants of Règle Libre before being sent South to Florida. They were, however, encouraged by the presence of George II and would soon admire Andrew Jackson. Despite defeat after defeat in Florida, MM proved to have some of the finest soldiers in the war. “The first to engage, the last to withdraw and never to lose more men or ground than they took,” Jackson wrote.
Following the war, many would go on to join US Marshalls and the Society of the Cincinnati. The former was a well-paying job after Arnold began to wind down on the military that promised some action while maintaining law and order. The SOC was, for many, a way to show honor and prestige. Most just took the membership and pin and only on occasion went to events they hosted. Though some, those desperate for wealth, power or even in trouble with the law were hired for their skills. Sometimes for protection and others as a mercenary or even assassins.
During George II’s administration and military build-up, the regiment would total nearly 3,000. For the most part, MM guarded the Southern border with Florida. However, they did fight along Doran and other Marshalls during the “Cherokee Situation” as it was called. It was a revolt by some Cherokee warriors against the Treaty of Dog River and relocation of tribes to Missouri. It has been regarded as one of the greatest military cover ups and massacres in history. Officially only ten men had died, but discoveries of the battlefield estimate nearly 200 dead.
Once Hamilton took office, the military cuts would reduce MM down to 1,000 men and be one of the two remaining rifle regiments, at its height there were 15. They had acted as protection for the president, and several members of his cabinet, since Arnold, but Hamilton had dismissed them. Doran, who was not a political man, described it was, “leaving the doors unlocked with back turned and the safe open.” It would become a fatal mistake as seen by many.

Doran leading the Marshals and Georgian militiamen against the Cherokee before MM arrives​