God is a Frenchman - a Timeline (Seven Yrs War POD)

[George_Apley]

Here are some more brief additions to earlier entries. Original posts are updated.

1763-1766	Virginia Debt Crisis	After the Six Years War the economy of Virginia collapses. The most populous British province in North America had been heavily invested in land speculation in the Ohio Country; land that was now beyond Britain's control according to the Treaty of Paris. The investments of thousands of Virginians evaporates the moment the treaty is signed and some of the province's most prominent families now teeter on the edge of financial ruin as they are overrun with bad debts. Many plantations are parceled off for sale. This causes a collapse in tax revenues in Virginia and depresses commerce, spilling over into other provinces in British America. By the end of the decade, Virginia has gone from being one of the most belligerent British provinces towards France to one of the least. The sting of lost investments in the west causes a shift in thinking among both the gentry and the government, bringing a new focus towards internal improvement and commerce. Some plantation owners begin to think on alternative ways of managing their agricultural and labor practices.
Aug, 1775-Nov, 1776	Repatriation of Acadia	After France's triumph in Acadia, British settlers in Nova Scotia find the shoe on the other foot. France offers to allow British settlers to remain if they declare allegiance to France; if not they will be transported to New England. The vast majority opt to leave and return to British territory. Meanwhile France dispatches agents to assist with the repatriation of deported French Acadians to their homelands. The public face of this effort is the young Marquis de LaFayette who makes four trips between August, 1775 and November, 1776. At New Orleans, Cap-Française, and Baltimore LaFayette repatriates over 7,500 Acadians. His final voyage to Brest returns over 2,700. Many of the Acadians return to same towns they lived in before the expulsion in 1757. Formerly British settlements are renamed and attract mostly new settlers. Halifax is renamed LaFayette, after both the father and son, who are deemed the "sauveurs de l'Acadie."
1776	New York Debt Crisis	New York faces a crisis due to debt accrued from previous two decades becoming untenable. The government's obligations from King Louis's War put the province on the brink of default. Britain is unable to offer relief due to its own debt burdens and New York is forced to turn to its largest creditors. New Jersey is the only province that managed to emerge from the wars with a positive debt balance due to being a major creditor for the others, including New York. When New York seeks forgiveness of it's war debts, New Jersey drives a hard bargain, demanding Staten Island in exchange for forgiving New York's debts. New York also cedes Fishers Island to Connecticut. New York moves its provincial capital from Albany to Brooklyn, due to sentiments that New York Harbor is easier to fortify and secure than the frontier that Albany now sits upon. Albany becomes a glorified garrison town and most subsequent growth in New York comes down the Hudson Valley. New York leads the provinces in petitioning Parliament for assistance in building the fortifications necessary on the coast and the French frontier to secure their remaining land.
August, 1778	Nouvelle-Lyons Founded in New France	New Lyons is founded in August, 1778 by Huguenots from the eponymous French city. The nearly 200 settlers are led by Gaston Boileau and arrive in Quebec City to a cool welcome in March, 1777. The Bishop of Quebec, Yves Delmas, all but expels the Huguenots, delivering a homily raging against religious deviants disrupting the harmony of New France. The Governor-General the Prince of Conti placates both the settlers and the Bishop by offering them a vague land grant deep in the Ohio Country. Boileau then leads his party up the Saint-Laurent through Montreal to Fort Frontenac where they charter a flotilla of bateaux to carry them across Lake Ontario to Fort Niagara and again across Lake Erie from Fort Lotbiniere to Fort Presque-Isle. At Presque-Isle, the settlers hire a team of Métis and Mingo guides to the Allegheny and Fort Duquesne. The large settler party is a fresh sight on the frontier, with French traders and natives alike fascinated by them. From Fort Duquesne the Boileau party travels down the Ohio with a group of Shawnee guides. Conti's grant authorizes Boileau's party to settle up to three towns southwest of Montcalm and east of Fort Le Coud. In July, 1778 Boileau chooses a pair of sites opposite one another on the Ohio. New Lyons is built on the south side and Auvergne on the north side. The Huguenots establish a ferry between the two towns. In 1779 nearly 400 more Huguenots from Lyons arrive, and the numbers are expected to grow once word of the successful settlement reaches Huguenot communities in Europe.

 

[Reyne]

This TL, honestly, is a marvelous read. Very good job!

 

[p0lish_runn3r]

Europe c.1805
I decided to use a Crazy Boris qbam, and my very rudimentary mapping skills, to make a little map of europe that shows all the changes so far (just to help keep track of things). This everything i've seen in the TL and not irl stuff so maybe I missed something somewhere, feel free to tell me.

 

[George_Apley]

What's better for Thanksgiving than an update involving a restive New England? Enjoy!

God is a Frenchman: 1804 - Politics and Unrest​

4 May, 1804	William Pitt Becomes British Prime Minister William Pitt had recently returned from his stint as the first President-General of the Dominion of America, where he managed to rehabilitate his family's reputation after his father's disgrace in the Six Years War. Pitt leads a political faction made up of modernist Tories and disaffected Whigs who call themselves "Pittists." The Pittist program supports leveraging Britain's overstuffed population into industrialization, while taking a realist position on foreign relations. Pitt denies the "war hawk" label, but pledges full support for rebuilding Britain's military, while working to build alliances on the Continent that can compete with France's Holy Alliance. Pitt takes full advantage of the collapse of the Whig government as a result of the Treaty of Portsmouth and he leads the Pittists to an astounding victory in the House of Commons. Already a favorite of King George III for his navigation of touchy American politics, he is selected to form a government. Pitt soothes the nation and reminds that, despite the dissatisfying treaty, Britain has gained its restitution from the humiliation of King Louis's War and moves into the new century in as enviable a position as any nation in Europe. As time puts the Portsmouth Treaty at a distance, Pitt's assurances help turn British public opinion back towards triumphant, remembering their great victories over the French and swelling with pride over the performance of their military. Pitt's reputation is less glowing in the Dominion of America, where Whig newspapers decry his "cowardly" abandonment of the provinces in the middle of a war to return to Britain and enhance his own political fortunes in the mother country. American Tories, particularly outside of New England, hold Pitt in some esteem for his steady leadership and prevention of any further losses to the French. In either case, American concerns are of little import to freeholders in Britain, who view Pitt as a refreshing change from the previous generation of political leaders.
May, 1804	"Dignity and the Body Politic" Published "Dignity and the Body Politic" is written by John Adams in Boston after yet another disappointing treaty result negotiated in Britain concluding a fairly disastrous war for New England. Adams argues against both Parliament’s abandonment of British America as well as the ineptitude of the Dominion Congress. He says that Parliament has abdicated any responsibility for American interests since creating the Dominion and that the provinces must be more prepared to defend and assert themselves. He writes that the New England provinces stand at the vanguard of the American confederacy, under constant threat of French attack from all angles by land and sea. Britain, he argues, passed the Government Act and decided that American affairs and defense would no longer trouble them. While Adams's frustration with Britain is palpable, he saves his strongest ire for Congress. Before the War of 1800, Adams had served as the first First Minister of Congress. In 1799 he resigned, deeming the partisanship and corruption in the Congress too great for him to bear. He expands on this in his narrative, particularly his feelings that recent taxation schemes have been venally appropriated. He also thrashes the process that created the Continental Army, blaming nepotism and cronyism among Congressmen for the poorly structured organization of the Army and its barely functional relationship with provincial militia. The body politic, Adams argues, has eroded over the previous three decades, threatening the longstanding democratic institutions of New England. He suggests that the Dominion of America is not working and in need of reform and restructuring. He even wonders if New England might be better served as its own “great commonwealth” responsible only for its four provinces. Adams’ expression of frustration gives voice to the sentiments of many in New England, and the pamphlet is a major inspiration for the New England uprising later that year.
Jun, 1804-Feb, 1806	New England Revolt The Treaty of Portsmouth leaves New Englanders with little to show for their great suffering in the War of 1800. The rising jubilance and newfound confidence in Britain as peacetime progresses is greatly contrasted with the malaise that has spread through the American Dominion, particularly among the four provinces of New England. The writings of John Adams successfully put words to the sentiments of people across the social and political spectra of New England. When Congress levies a new property tax in June, 1804, Rhode Island protests and refuses to send any tax remittances to Congress in July. The other NE provinces follow suit by September. In August, the Massachusetts and New Hampshire delegations to Congress walk out of a session, while pro- and anti- Dominion representatives from Rhode Island and Connecticut physically fight one another during a contentious debate over Congress's response. Several duels occur in consequence. In September Congress, with most of the NE delegates having withdrawn, votes to withhold spending from the NE provinces until tax remittances resume. In October, political leaders in New England convene the Worcester Convention, which produces formal petitions to Congress and Parliament with lists of grievances. Congress rejects the Convention's petition and Parliament demures, punting the matter to President-General Lygon. In December, reacting to the inaction of Congress, the Worcester Convention announces a New England embargo of the other Dominion provinces, though remains open to trade with Britain and the Caribbean. The closure of the nascent textile industry in New England to the other colonies is pronounced and Congress declares the embargo to be an illegal disruption of provincial trade. Continental Navy ships are dispatched from the Chesapeake to occupy New England harbors and resume business. The Worcester Convention disputes Congress's characterization of the embargo and implores New Englanders to stand firm in their protest. Dominion forces begin to arrive at New England ports in late-February, 1805. In Newport, residents and the local government refuse to resume trade despite the threat of arrest by Dominion agents. In New Haven, a mob attacks the Dominion sloop Deliverance, wounding her captain and carrying off her stores of powder before burning her sails and rigging. In Boston and Portsmouth, artillery from defensive positions fire across the bows of approaching Dominion ships, warning them away. In May, Continental Army units based in New Jersey are marched north commanded by General Frelinghuysen. Their progress is halted by a tense armed standoff with Connecticut militia under Colonel Ezra Lee at Norwalk. The confrontation escalates into a brief firefight that sees eight men killed. The violence shocks both the Dominion and New Englanders. The Continental Army refuses to march onward, fearing more violence as well as being cut off from retreat by militiamen. 5,500 soldiers make camp at Stamford and General Frelinghuysen writes to President-General Lygon imploring a political solution to avoid more bloodshed. President-General Lygon writes Parliament declaring New England to be in rebellion and requesting British intervention. In mid-July Royal Navy-flagged ships commanded by Lord Nelson are dispatched to Boston carrying Royal Marines and instructions from the Crown to endeavor to find a peaceful solution to the conflict within the Dominion. When the flotilla arrives in Boston in late-August, New Englanders dare not fire upon British vessels and are awed by the arrival of Admiral Nelson. The Worcester Convention and other NE political leaders acquiesce to a meeting with Lygon and members of Congress at Harvard mediated by the British.
12 November, 1804	"Petition on Necessary Actions" Sent to Congress New England Revolt: Under the authorization of the four provincial assemblies of New England, the Worcester Convention convenes in October, 1804 made up of notables from throughout New England. Chaired by Lord Bowdoin, the convention drafts a petition for Congress and Parliament containing a justification for the region's tax rebellion and lists of grievances and proposals for reforms to the Dominion of America's structures and laws. Their demands include: altering the methodology for determining representation in House of Representatives altering the composition and powers of the House of Lords altering the tax remittance rules altering the structure of the Continental Army and its relationship with provincial militias drafting anti-corruption rules for members of Congress. The petition is sent to Congress and the Parliament, with a forward for Parliament containing further complaints about the Congress. In January, 1805 Congress returns the petition with a response rejecting the grievances and demanding that New England resume paying its remittances before any reforms will be discussed. Parliament's response comes in April unhelpfully directing New England to resolve the matter within the structures of the Dominion government.
December, 1804	Louis XVII's First Cabinet King Louis turns his frustration at the outcome of his first war into resolve to fix the labyrinthine and unaccountable French government and military, which he partially blamed for the blunders of the 1800 War. Louis's first attempt involves the creation of a formal Cabinet of ministers led by a Premier meant to coordinate work and communication across departments. Louis sacks most of his current advisers, who were largely holdovers from the days of Regency governance. Louis selects a number of reformers for his new cabinet, particularly in the ministries of Finance and War where he chooses Claude Antoine de Lessart and the Marquis de LaFayette respectively. He tasks Lessart with fixing land tax rules, streamlining other onerous taxes, and reining in predatory private duty collectors. LaFayette is tasked with shaping the French military into a meritocratic example for French society, a task that the Marquis firmly believes in. Louis selects the relatively conservative Prince de Condé as his Premier whos is tasked with working closely with his domestic minister of the Maison de Roi, the reformist Duc d'Otrante. Louis realizes quickly that his government is quietly doing battle behind the scenes, with his ministers stocking their departments with like-minded staff and working to undermine others. Frustrated, Louis reopens his correspondence with Talleyrand, seeking advice from the man who oversaw Louis's political education. The old diplomat is thrilled to receive the King's letters and impressed by Louis's resolve writing "the day you sacked the regents is the day you truly became king." Talleyrand helps Louis navigate working with conservatives in his government for several years.

 

[George_Apley]

View attachment 698411
Europe c.1805
I decided to use a Crazy Boris qbam, and my very rudimentary mapping skills, to make a little map of europe that shows all the changes so far (just to help keep track of things). This everything i've seen in the TL and not irl stuff so maybe I missed something somewhere, feel free to tell me.

This is amazing! Generally it looks great! Maybe a few things on the western edge of the HRE but not anything I'm going to look closely enough to quibble over. We can compare more when I get to the era of some of the Euro maps I've made.

Truly terrific work! Thanks so much for making and sharing!

 

[p0lish_runn3r]

This is amazing! Generally it looks great! Maybe a few things on the western edge of the HRE but not anything I'm going to look closely enough to quibble over. We can compare more when I get to the era of some of the Euro maps I've made.

Truly terrific work! Thanks so much for making and sharing!

No problem, merry thanksgiving! 🦃

 

[George_Apley]

No problem, merry thanksgiving! 🦃

Same! The biggest thing I'm noticing that's missing on the map is that Hanover is not included as its own kingdom in union with Britain.

 

[p0lish_runn3r]

Same! The biggest thing I'm noticing that's missing on the map is that Hanover is not included as its own kingdom in union with Britain.

oh yeah. forgot about that one

 

[George_Apley]

Here' the conclusion of the New England Revolt, and the start of rising tensions in Europe between Austria and France...

God is a Frenchman: 1805-1806​

1805

Apr-Dec, 1805	Saumarez Australia Convoy The British dispatch a convoy of settlers to West Australia under naval escort commanded by Admiral Saumarez. The escort is less for protection than it is to display British naval pride and parade for their colony at New Edinburgh. The convoy carries over 2,000 settlers and is the largest single colonization mission in British history. In the following decade, the flow of settlers to New Edinburgh will continue at an impressive pace.
5 May, 1805	Battle of Norwalk New England Revolt: President-General William Lygon reacts to New England unrest by dispatching units of the Continental Army as a show of force. In late March, he orders General Frederick Frelinghuysen to muster 5,500 men and march from Brunswick, New Jersey to New England. The Continentals arrive in Connecticut in late April moving up the coast road in full regalia with fife and drum. Their progress sparks an alarm through the Connecticut countryside and Norwalk militia colonel Ezra Lee assembles his men on the Norwalk River Bridge, blocking the advance of the Continentals. Leading companies of Frelinghuysen's army arrive at the bridge at 10:00 on 5 May. Continental Lt. Colonel Robert L. Hooper orders the Connecticut men to lay down their arms and disperse. Colonel Lee refuses to acquiesce, standing his ground. When Hooper orders his men to disarm the roughly 200 militiamen, a shot rings out on the militiamen side. Brief disorder runs through the Continental ranks as a set of incomplete volleys is fired towards the militia, who respond in kind. To the credit of both Lee and Hooper, they manage to regain order before the shooting devolves further into violence. Two dozen men from both sides are hit, eight are killed. Hearing shots ringing out ahead of him, General Frelinghuysen rushes to the head of his column and finds the carnage. He immediately orders the column led back to Stamford and hold there while he consults with Hooper and Lee on the circumstances of the firing. Deeply regretful of the bloodshed, Frelinghuysen returns to Stamford and writes the President-General that the New Englanders are intent on defending their provinces from any military incursion by the Dominion. He submits to Lygon that a diplomatic solution is necessary to avoid a bloody civil war. Later, both Frelinghuysen and Lee will be credited for preventing the New England revolt from a precipitous escalation.
14 August, 1805	Imperial Proclamation on Principal Allegiance Habsburg Kaiser Franz II moves to punish the Duke of Westphalia, the Prince of Hesse-Kassel, and several other rulers in western Germany for siding with France in the recent war between France and Britain. Franz proclaims that, absent an imperial decree releasing imperial states to form alliances, they are to remain neutral in conflicts and defend against territorial violations. As punishment, Franz appoints plenipotentiaries loyal to the Habsburgs to oversee governance in the named territories. The purpose of the proclamation is to tighten Habsburg control over the Holy Roman Empire, arguably to a degree not seen in centuries, in the face of increased French power on the continent. The Kaiser believes that France is weaker than was thought after King Louis's War. He insists that a strong hand is what's needed to keep French ambitions in line, rather than appeasement. The proclamation causes consternation across Germany, with even those unaffected by the punishment fearing a new era of lost sovereignty. It is not without a sense of irony that French envoys begin efforts to draw many of the western princes away from the Kaiser.
2 Oct, 1805-23 Feb, 1806	Harvard Conference New England Revolt: Harvard University is chosen to host a conference between the opposing parties in the New England revolt. New England's delegation is led by Lord Bowdoin, John Adams, Gov. John Langdon, Gov. Jonathan Trumbull, Jr, and Gov. Elbridge Gerry. The Dominion's delegation is led by President-General Lygon (Lord Beauchamp), First Minister Aaron Burr, James Madison (Lord Montpelier), and John Rutledge, Jr (Lord Stono). Admiral Nelson presides over the meeting with the assistance of government ambassadors. Seeking a meaningful and lasting solution to the points of contention, Lygon and Burr commit to creating a select committee to revisit the structural matters, while Burr suggests that legislative solutions to New England's grievances are amenable if its delegates return to Congress and tax remittances continue going forward - without back taxes. The deal is agreed to by all parties and the New England Revolt is ended peacefully. A convention will be convened in the following year to revisit structural metters, subject to approval by both Congress and Parliament. Admiral Nelson returns to Britain with another feather in his cap.

1806

Jan, 1806-Jun, 1807	Second Maratha War Resistance to French influence in Hyderabad leads to fighting in southeast India. Hyderabad is powerful constituent state of the Maratha confederacy and the Nizam has jealously guarded his sovereignty as the French become more assertive in eastern India. The Governor-General in Pondicherry attempts to leverage the France Trade and Mysorean expansionism to exact tribute payments out of Hyderabad. The Nizam resists the French extortion and throws French envoys out of his court. Raising his armies and calling on the Maratha for further support, the Nizam of Hyderabad chooses war over capitulation. While French armies in India are small, they have a growing number of constituent states and allies they can call on for support, in particular states that have a history of resisting Maratha expansion. Armies from Odisha and Bengal are marched south to support the French, while Mysore seizes on the opportunity to weaken its rival to the northeast. France has managed to make loyal subjects out of the elite classes in the client states of northeastern India by creating heraldic military orders, involving them in local and regional governance, and building institutions of higher education that teach recent western advances in science and engineering. Mysore has managed to keep its independence and be a trusted partner of France in the region. The native support gives France more than enough manpower to even the playing field with Hyderabad and the Maratha. Modern French arms and tactics also contribute to the ultimate victory of France and Mysore. A punitive treaty is enforced on Hyderabad, with France gaining strong influence over the Nizam's court and receiving tribute paid in the form of cotton and other trade products. The treaty effectively neuters Maratha influence in eastern India.
February, 1806	Political Justice Published British publisher and philosopher William Godwin releases his book Political Justice criticising the political institutions of Great Britain. Godwin is an admirer of Thomas Paine's earlier work and is a proponent of the radical Truthist movement, so-called after Paine's work Plain Truth. 1800s Britain is increasingly overpopulated and communities struggle to provide for all. The landed gentry hordes an increasing portion of wealth and food staple imports from the colonies are the only thing preventing famine. A bad harvest in America would spell disaster. As soldiers are decommissioned after the Restitution War, jobs become scarce as the government's programs take time to get off the ground. Godwin's writing targets the overbearing institutions of British life and argues for a more diffuse power structure with more democracy for more people. Specifically, Godwin argues for land reform, tax reform, and an end to the Corn Laws. While some ministers in Pitt's government agree with the arguments in Political Justice, the government relies on significant support from conservative Tories to remain in power and progress on such matters is slow.
May, 1806-1810	Savannah, Georgia Rebuilt by William Thornton The Dominion Congress and the Province of Georgia hire architect William Thornton to lead the reconstruction of Savannah, Georgia after the War of 1800. Thornton works with dozens of residents, both powerful and common to get a picture of the old city, which he had never visited. He meticulously drafts a master plan around the historic street plan, squares, and gardens. The Georgia Assembly provides multi-year tax break for those who purchase lots and build homes and businesses. By 1808 many displaced residents return to find many civic buildings and residences rebuilt largely as they were in the 18th century, again with Thornton's assistance. Thornton builds a grand neo-classical building to serve as Georgia's Assembly House, as well as a more delicately designed manor for the Governor. The Georgian Bazaar in the central commercial district is considered a masterpiece of Thornton's style. Notably, Thornton refuses to incorporate provisions for chattel slavery into his designs, though a large number of the workers who implement Thornton's plan are themselves enslaved.
Sep, 1806-24 Dec, 1807	Geneva Uprising Liberals in Geneva revolt against the city-state's government. King Louis XVII orders French forces to occupy Geneva to maintain the peace, but the move is largely seen as a land grab by France, particularly in Austria. Austrian Kaiser Franz II sends a harshly worded letter to Louis accusing the latter of violating the spirit of the Peace of Westphalia. The unrest in Geneva continues in spite of the French presence, spilling over into neighboring regions of Switzerland across Lake Geneva. This continues to alarm Austria, which fears that France may be so bold as to attempt to annex French-speaking cantons of Switzerland.
November, 1806	Flights of Finery Published Young British writer Elizabeth Austen, the daughter of a prominent family of merchants and C-of-E officials, becomes the first known woman to publish a work of popular fiction. Having released work anonymously or under male relatives names, Austen wants society to know that her words and stories are of female origin. Before his death, her father supports her effort and she manages to release Flights of Finery in November 1806 first attributed as "written by a lady." The novel is social dramatic satire of adolescence, relationships, and marriage in the bourgeoisie and gentry of British society. It leads book sales in Britain for several years, though Austen's publisher collects the bulk of the proceeds. Austen's subsequent books are similarly successful and she manages to negotiate far better book deals with her publishers. Austen becomes known as the mother of modern British fiction.
28 Dec, 1806	Cobenzl Letter In keeping with Kaiser Franz's strategy of confronting French allies, he instructs his government to pressure the Venetian Republic. In the final days of 1806, the Doge of Venice receives a letter from Austrian foreign minister Graf Cobenzl, issuing an ultimatum that the small state must withdraw from the Holy Alliance with France, or face invasion by Habsburg forces in Austria, Milan, and Tuscany. Franz's expectation is that Venice will capitulate swiftly and Austria will have successfully checked the expanding hegemony of France.

 

[George_Apley]

This TL, honestly, is a marvelous read. Very good job!

Thanks! Let me know if you have any questions or requests as it builds

 

[George_Apley]

Just one year, but it's jam-packed. If you like war, enjoy! If you don't, there are some other tidbits in there too...

God is a Frenchman: The Austro-French War of 1807​

1807

1 Feb, 1807-Jan, 1808	Austro-French War of 1807 Contrary to the Kaiser's hopes, Venice does not bow down to Austrian threats, but rather publishes the Cobenzl letter and publicly calls on the Holy Alliance to honor their treaties. In fact, France is eager to fight Austria and reassert itself in central Europe and the Holy Alliance declares war as a bloc in February, spending the remainder of winter mobilizing in anticipation of a spring campaign. In Italy, Venice, Genoa, Parma, and Naples side with France, while Savoy-Sardinia, Modena, and Habsburg Sicily, Milan, and Florence side with Austria. The Papal States decline to become involved. Of the four German kingdoms outside of Austria, Prussia, Saxony, and Hanover maintain neutrality in the conflict; only Bavaria fights alongside Austria. In the west of Germany some principalities even side with France, most significantly Hesse-Kassel, Köln, Baden, and Württemberg. The war is marked by innovations in cavalry tactics and infantry formations, particularly on France's part.
March, 1807	Atlantic Slave Trade Abolition Act in Britain After years of advocacy from many in Parliament, King George III signs a law banning British and Dominion flagged ships from participating in the transAtlantic slave trade. The law is celebrated by most anti-slavery activists in Britain, but gets some criticism for failing to outlaw slavery in the American and Caribbean colonies. It causes some unrest in regions of the Dominion south as well as fairly minor protests in Bristol.
1 Apr-16 May, 1807	Joint Committee on Reform in Congress Select delegates from the thirteen provinces of the Dominion of America meet in special committee in Congress to build on the Harvard Agreement. The proceedings are unexpectedly dominated by the abolition of the Atlantic slave trade. After a month of argument and debate, the committee agrees to put forward a package of proposals. There will be one representative for every 50,000 people in the Dominion; each province determines how to allocate their representatives and who may vote for them; there will be a census every decade to track population shifts; enslaved persons will count as 1/2 for purposes of representation. All provinces must reciprocate property rights, even for slavery. The House of Lords may only accept, reject, or amend legislation from the Representatives by a majority vote; they cannot originate their own legislation. The Continental Army will be composed of select units of each province's militia; the Dominion will create clear standards for such units and dispatch officers to drill; designated units will rotate through garrison duty in fortifications; the President-General has sole power to call the Continental Army into Dominion service; militias may be seconded to Continental command if permission is given by the provincial governor. Congress may levy taxes upon the provincial governments, not directly upon the people; Congress may not stipulate how provinces levy taxes in order to meet their remittance requirements. A system of Dominion Circuit Courts will be set up to travel the provinces hearing disputes under Dominion laws; a High Court will hear disputes between provinces, or between provinces and the Dominion government. Due to the nature of the proposed changes, both Congress and Parliament must approve of the scheme. The package is not approved by Congress for over a year and surprisingly word of Parliament's assent arrives before Congress's own. The biggest point of contention is in the Carolinas and Georgia, which conflate several reforms with their anger over the closure of the Atlantic slave trade.
3 Apr-1 May, 1807	Siege of Nice War of 1807: French victory. A French fleet under Admiral Rosily bockades the Savoyard port of Nice. Rosily bats away several attempts by the Sardinian Navy at relieving the city; Nice capitulates in May.
28 April, 1807	Battle of Chambéry War of 1807: French victory. General Dumouriez and the Marquis de Beurnonville lead a large French army into Savoy and meet the Savoyard forces at Chambéry. The French formations make quick work of their opponents, with 8,000 Savoyard soldiers captured. A week later, Grenoble surrenders without a fight.
20 May, 1807	Battle of Portogruaro War of 1807: Austrian victory. The Austrian army thrusts into Venice under Archduke Joseph and General von Auffenberg. The garrison at the border town of Portogruaro quickly falls to the Austrian forces.
24 May, 1807	Battle of Rivoli War of 1807: French victory. The French army in Savoy quickly moves through the Alps descending into the piedmont by mid-May. They are blocked by the Savoyards at Rivoli northwest of Turin. Again the French manage to defeat the defenders, opening up the road to Savoy's capital. Turin surrenders in the first week of June.
May, 1807-April, 1808	Carolina Planter Rebellion Planters in Carolina and Georgia revolt against the closure of the transAtlantic slave trade. The proposals in the congressional Committee on Reform, which weakens the power of gentry planters in Congress, also stokes anger. In the summer of 1807, four customs cutters are torched in Charleston Harbor. In Savannah the new Customs House is ransacked. President-General Lygon calls in elements of the Royal Navy to occupy the port towns with detachments of Marines. Several minor incidents occur on plantations leading to fears of mass uprisings among the enslaved population and additional overseers are brought in to maintain fear and order. Petitions to Congress and Parliament are drafted, raising the specter of economic downfall for the entire British realm if cash crops cannot be produced at increasing rates. Planter and militia commander Morris Simmons of Charleston organizes an armed march on Philadelphia by angry planters led by elements the provincial militia. The rogues are dispersed by the Virginia militia and Continental Army units in North Carolina. The rebellion is finally ended from within the southern provinces. Population growth in the backcountry has exploded primarily with settlers who want little to do with the plantation economy. When the rebellion disrupts needed trade to the hinterlands, counter-insurgencies spring up in the late winter of 1808. To avoid an outright revolution against their power, the planters concede to the reforms.
30 May, 1807	Battle of Treviso War of 1807: Austrian victory. Austrian forces in Venice split, with one column moving south towards Venice itself. Defending forces meet them at Treviso on the Sile River. The Austrians cleanly outmatch the Venetians, who carry outdated arms. The invaders encounter little opposition as they continue to move toward the capital.
3 June, 1807	Battle of Dachau War of 1807: Austrian victory. French and German forces cross into Bavaria and encounter little opposition in Swabia. Led by General Bonaparte, the French first meet the Austrian and Bavarian forces in Dachau. The Bavarian-Austrian forces are led by generals Raglovich and Schwartzenburg. The Austrian cavalry manages to cut off a flanking maneuver by the French cavalry saving the Bavarian vanguard and forcing the French to quit the field.
10 Jun-5 Jul, 1807	Siege of Venice War of 1807: Venetian victory. The Austrian Navy blockades Venice as elements of the Army's invasion force block the roads around the lagoon. The Venetians, always prepared for being cut off from the mainland, determine to outlast the Austrians and are rewarded when a combined Holy Alliance fleet enters the Adriatic and the Austrian warships break to defend Triest.
18 June, 1807	Battle of Freiburg War of 1807: Alliance victory. The army of Baden, alongside units of French cavalry, move down the Rhine Valley into the Habsburg Vorlande in Breisgau. They're met with little opposition until they reach the city of Freiburg. A pitched battle occurs west of the town and the allied troops are victorious.
1 July, 1807	Battle of Padua War of 1807: Austrian victory. Austrians fight a difficult battle against Venetian and Parmesan forces at Padua. The Italians are forced to quit the fight but Austrian progress is slowed and news of the Alliance invasion fleet in the Adriatic leads the Archduke to turn his column around and march back towards Austria.
14 July, 1807	Battle of Mühldorf War of 1807: Alliance victory. After successfully completing an astonishing run-around the defending forces in Munich, General Bonaparte's army engages the Austrians in Mühldorf. This time, Bonaparte's flanking tactic works perfectly and the Austrians are pinned between French cavalry and artillery. 17,000 casualties result from the battle, over 12,000 of them Austrian.
17-18 July, 1807	Battle of Munich War of 1807: Alliance victory. Realizing the French tactically bypassed Munich, the Austro-Bavarian forces begin plans to decamp from the city and give pursuit. Before Raglovich and Schwartzburg can make their move, they receive word on 15 July of the disastrous defeat at Mühldorf and the next day are informed that a second Franco-German force is approaching from the west. Now trapped between Bonaparte's force in the east and Bruneteau's in the west, the Austrians decide to leave the Bavarian infantry as a rearguard with cavalry support to engage Bruneteau's brigades, while the bulk of the force will leave Munich and confront Bonaparte. The French cavalry surprises the Austrian columns as they march east out of Munich, creating great chaos as the horses smash through the marching formations. In Munich's west, the Bavarians do well with the cavalry support, but soon realize what's happened on the other side of the city. Schwartzenburg's troops retreat into the city and urban fighting commences in the evening, lasting until morning light reveals the Bavarians surrounded in Marienplatz. Schwartzburg surrenders at 8:00 that morning.
24 July, 1807	Battle of Livorno War of 1807: Alliance victory. French and Neapolitan ships bombard and blockade Livorno and land marines in a bid to keep Tuscan forces pinned down defending their territory rather than invading into Parma.
2 August, 1807	Treaty of Turin War of 1807: With all its major mainland cities occupied by the French, Savoy-Sardinia sues for peace, dropping out of the fighting. In the Treaty of Turin, much of Alpine Savoy and all Savoyard lands west of the Alps are annexed into France. Turin and the Piedmont east of the Alps are formed into the Duchy of Lower Savoy in personal union with the Kingdom of Sardinia, which joins the Holy Alliance.
11 Aug, 1807-4 Jan, 1808	Siege of Trieste War of 1807: Alliance victory. The Holy Alliance fleet turns the tables on Austria, blockading Treiste and hammering the Austrian fleet. The city never capitulates, and the blockade remains in place until peace is declared.
25 August, 1807	Battle of Udine War of 1807: Alliance victory. The Duc de Lauzun supervises the landing of 25,000 allied troops at Marano and proceeds north to the city of Udine. The Archduke Joseph makes a stand with his 30,000 men in a major clash outside the city. The Austrians are nearly encircled when the Archduke orders his men to quit the engagement and retreat. By avoiding capture, Joseph saves Austria even more embarrassment. The French do not make chase but move to siege Trieste, supporting the naval blockade.
Oct, 1807-Feb, 1808	"The Way Forward" Pamphlets Published Liberal French merchant and jurist Rene Malreaux publishes a series of pamphlets collectively called "La Voie à Suivre" in which he diagnoses a number of problems in French political and economic systems and offers his considered solutions. Malreaux is hoisted up by the Tricolor Society and other reformist groups for his well-written arguments, skillful consideration of existing conditions, and synthesis of earlier works. Malreaux unexpectedly attracts the attention of the young King Louis XVII, who appoints him to the Maison de Roi and assigns him a portfolio as a secretary of state. The King is quite taken with Malreaux and he quickly becomes one of Louis's most favored advisers.
11 October, 1807	Battle of Linz War of 1807: Alliance victory. Before pushing into Austria, the armies of generals Bonaparte and Bruneteau are joined by a third force under the Marquis de Lafayette. Now nearly 50,000 strong, they march into Austria. A column is detached to occupy Salzburg while the rest of the army moves east. Just west of Linz the massive French force meets a similarly-sized army under the Archduke Joseph. French tactics completely outstrip the abilities of the Kaiser's brother and in less than two hours, over 15,000 Austrian soldiers have been killed or wounded, while 18,000 are captured. The Archduke again escapes capture and retreats with the rearguard back to Vienna.
27 October, 1807	Battle of Tar River Carolina Planter Rebellion: When their petitions go unheeded, the gentry and planter class of the Dominion south stoke anger and violence among their people. Race politics, economic anxiety, and the specter of outsider control, are used to inspire common men in the coastal south to rally to the banner of the Planters. Maurice Simmons, a minor planter from the Charleston area calls up his militia and declares they will march on Philadelphia to make Congress see reason. A non-binding vote among some members of the South Carolina legislature endorses Simmons's mission. The governor, Lord Pinckney, speaks out against the march, but as a leading planter himself does nothing more to discourage it. Simmons marches north from Charleston in September after gathering over 9,000 men to his command, many of whom are not active in the militia. In Philadelphia, Dominion officials express great frustration with having solved one regional revolt only to face another. While several delegates to Congress from the south have withdrawn, not all southern delegates sympathize with the rebellion. In particular, the esteemed Laurens family of South Carolina is firmly in the Dominion's camp. John Laurens (Lord Mepkin) is both a General in the Continental Army and a member of the House of Lords; his brother, James serves in the Representatives. Both men are leading proponents of a nascent movement in the planter class to gradually emancipate and enfranchise the enslaved population. They have little patience for what Lord Mepkin calls "driveling, short-sighted men, too blinded by prejudice and the easiest dollar to see that slavery portends our doom." General Laurens leads 3,500 Continental Army men from Philadelphia, meeting a contingent of 2,000 Virginia militia in Alexandria who join him on the march south. General Laurens's forces find Simmons's rebel militia at the small village of Tar River in North Carolina. Words are exchanged between an Army officer and Simmons. As the two forces form up, Laurens orders an artillery volley to be fired over the heads of rebels. Several of the rag-tag formations break upon hearing cannonballs whirr overhead, but the core militia stands their ground. Laurens then orders a volley at the leading lines of Simmons's force followed by a general attack. The Continental cannons cause mass casualties and the rebel lines break as Laurens's army presses forward. Simmons is captured and ultimately hanged in Williamsburg for treason. The "Simmons' Army" flees in a disorganized manner back to the south.
3 November, 1807	Armistice of St. Valentine War of 1807: As France trounces Austria and they begin to close in on Vienna, the British and Russian foreign ministers each send letters to Paris, warning of their grave concerns should France make moves against Vienna. The letters are understood as they are intended, as a threat to enter the war on the Austrian side. Many French conservatives see this as a bluff, and a poor one at that, but Louis XVII expresses satisfaction with the spanking Austria has received. He orders military advances to halt and dispatches envoys for a peace conference in Prague. The French army makes camp in the Austrian town of St. Valentine for the duration of the conference. The armistice also stops fighting between the northern Italian states.
Nov, 1807-Jun, 1808	Truthist Rising Impoverished residents of southern and eastern England revolt against government policies that have failed to deal with overpopulation, food production and distribution, and the largesse of the landed gentry. The revolt is largely inspired by the "Truthist" school of English radicals, which has been preaching in the press against government's policies as causing society's ills. The first riot occurs in Crawley, sparked by the brutal beating of a boy stealing food from a market. Other significant riots occur in Brighton, Tonbridge, Portsmouth, and Chelmsford. Militia are called up and some regulars are engaged to quell the violence. While the government characterizes the protests as an organized rebellion orchestrated by radicals, in truth the riots are spontaneous and have no identifiable leaders. The fear of general unrest among authorities is palpable as Truthist orators are arrested and publications shuttered. This overreaction calms down by the end of 1808, but it simply fans the flames accusing the government of behaving contrary to its stated program and proving themselves tyrannical.
Dec, 1807-May, 1809	Levant Revolt The Ottoman Empire's attempts to recover from the Balkan Wars leads to internal turmoil. Taxes are raised and peacetime conscription is instituted to rebuild the empire's coffers and expand and modernize the military. This puts severe pressure on the peasants in Syria, who rise up against imperial officials in late 1807. Tax refusal and violence against the Sultan's agents runs rampant across the eastern Mediterranean from Aleppo to Jerusalem. Several local notables and even the Sanjakbey of Damascus throws support to the peasants. Damascus brings Bedouin nomads into the rebellion making crossings between regions of the Ottoman realm dangerous. Finally, in 1809 an army of Turks and Albanians lands at Beirut and brings order back to the region.

 

[George_Apley]

God is a Frenchman: 1808​

1808

January, 1808	On Constitutional Monarchy Published The Marquis de Chambray pens La Monarchie Constitutionnelle, which becomes a favorite of King Louis XVII, who appoints Chambray to a position as a secretary of state under the Duc d'Otrante. The book is a study on the importance of checks and balances on monarchs inspired after the works of Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu. It obliquely praises the British constitutional model, bringing Chambray under attack by French conservatives. While serving in the Maison de Roi, Chambray becomes close friends with Rene Malreaux and helps him to navigate the complex politics of the French court. The book circulates throughout Europe, though Russia bans it and a counter-narrative is published in Vienna in 1810 by Graf Johann Franz von Lamberg entitled Die Bedeutung der Sozialen Ordnung (On the Importance of Social Order), which is a defense of absolutism.
12 January, 1808	Treaty of Prague (1808) War of 1807: Envoys meet in Prague to settle the war and Austria is in a very weak position. According to the Treaty of Prague: French supremacy over the Holy Alliance is affirmed. Venice shall remain a member of the Alliance. Austria loses dynastic control of Sicily, Milan, and Tuscany. Duchy of Milan is granted to the Duke of Parma Sicily and Tuscany are unified with the Kingdom of Naples. Modena will also join the Holy Alliance. Swiss independence and perpetual neutrality is codified with both France and Austria pledging their respect and support . Geneva is recognized as being an integral part of France. A secondary conference is required to reorganize the territories of the Holy Roman Empire (some of which France will surely dominate) greatly weakening Habsburg control outside of their directly controlled realms. Following the War of 1807, French supremacy in Catholic Europe is cemented and Habsburg control of the Holy Roman Empire is proven to be tenuous. The map of the European continent changes the most since the Six Years War. Despite the great victory, hawkish conservative elements in France are displeased that Louis XVII agreed to an armistice rather than pressing the fight to Vienna and calling the British-Russian bluff. The Prague treaty, they argue, is no consolation for the poor performance in the War of 1800. Louis is forced to sack his Foreign Minister, the Comte de Montmorin, and temporarily replaces him with the reactionary Duc de Lévis. The King's frustration with the conservative faction becomes palpable to those in court.
Mar-Sep, 1808	Great German Reorganization In accordance with the Prague Treaty, a conference is held in Cologne to restructure the archaic patchwork of territories that make up the Holy Roman Empire. More than 200 states of various type make up the Holy Roman Empire and France is eager to simplify and modernize the system. Called die große deutsche Umstrukturierung in German, the conference completely alters the map of central Europe and greatly diminishes the power of the the Habsburg dynasty and the Church in Germany. All Prince-Bishoprics are secularized and distributed among various German states. All small city-state and enclaves are disbanded or severed and reallocated. Nobles who lose territory in one area negotiate compensation with the Cologne Conference, usually swapping for church land which will be privately held. By the end of 1808, The hundreds of principalities, dukedoms, and diocese of the Holy Roman Empire are neatly consolidated. The main beneficiaries of the reorganization are Saxony, Hessia, Cologne, Westphalia, the Palatinate, Baden, Württemberg, Bavaria, and Franconia. The Church is compensated for losing civil control over vast by once again being allowed to foster independent orders, such as the Jesuits, in Catholic kingdoms and colonies. Kaiser Franz II's gamble that France is a paper tiger turns into a disastrous failure for the Habsburgs. Though the Holy Roman Empire is not officially dissolved, the German states are now much more independent from Vienna than before the war and France, not Austria, now holds more sway in the western German states.
Apr, 1808-Sep, 1810	Mamluk War The Mamluk Beys of Egypt enjoy essential autonomy from the Ottomans in Constantinople in the early 1800s. Muhammad Bey, recently taking power, is even more assertive about Egyptian sovereignty. This is viewed as a threat by the Sublime Porte, which designs to bring Egypt under tighter control. The Levant revolt is seen as a prime opportunity to accomplish this. As was done during the Balkan Wars, Egypt is told to raise an army to deliver in service of the Sultan, but Constantinople believes that Muhammad will use the army to wrest Egypt, and perhaps Palestine and other viyalets into independence from Turkish rule. Secret orders are sent for the imperial guards accompanying the courier to kill Muhammad Bey and his allies. Mamluk spies in the capital manage to inform Mohammad before the courier arrives and he dispatches riders to kill the messenger and his guard. He then raises an army and declares Egypt's independence from Constantinople. The Ottomans bring their navy to Egypt's shores, blocking trade and focing Egyptians to travel west along the African coast for commerce. After the Levant revolt is pacified, the Turkish-Albanian army moves into the Sinai. A decisive battle is won at Mansoura by the Ottomans in 1810 and the Mamluk power structure is dismantled. Sultan Mahmud defies longstanding tradition and appoints his brother Samir as governor in Egypt.

 

[George_Apley]

Now that I've had a bit more time to take a closer look, here's a little more info re: this awesome c. 1805 map made by @p0lish_runn3r. Some of the info I'm posting is already shared somewhere on the TL, other info is fresh to this post.

Shifts in the timeline on the map (bold italicized entries are not reflected on the map)

Treaty of Prague (1761)

• Silesia to Austria
• Prussia/Hohenzollerns lost lands west of Elbe (to other HRE states)
• Western Pomerania to Sweden
• East Prussia to Poland
• Courland to Russia
• Brandenburg Prussian lands west of the Elbe and east of Hanover are granted to Saxony

Treaty of Burgaz (1769)

• Cossack hosts northside Black Sea to Russia (to the Dnieper River)
• Russian hegemony over Khanate of Crimea
• Circassia to Russia
• Russian protectorates in western Georgian kingdoms

Treaty of Trieste (1771)

• Istrian Peninsula granted to Austria from Venice
• Austria/Venice border adjusted to the Tagliamento River
• Milan/Venice border adjusted to Lago di Garda

Treaty of Exmouth (1775)

• Gibraltar to Spain
• Channel Islands to France (undone in 1804).

Treaty of Brussels (1775)

• Austrian hegemony over Bavaria
• Austrian Netherlands to France
• Bishopric of Liége to France
• Bishopric of Würzburg to Habsburgs

Treaty of Warsaw (1778)

• Krakau and Galicia to Austria
• East Prussia to Prussia
• Lithuania, Belarus, Podlaskie, and Lubelskie to Russia

Treaty of Cologne (1776)

• Bavaria is made a kingdom
• Saxony is made a kingdom
• Hanover is made a kingdom

Treaty of Calais (1790)

• Flanders made a Grand Duchy

Treaty of Belgrade (1803)

• Vojvodina and Banat to Austria
• Dalmatia (mainland) to Austria

Treaty of Bucharest (1803)

• Bessarabia to Russia
• Khanate of Crimea annexed to Russia

Treaty of Portsmouth (1804)

• Channel Islands to Great Britain

---

Changes made between 1805 and 1810 (not on map):

Treaty of Turin (1807)

• Alpine Savoy to France (essentially OTL France/Italy border)

Treaty of Prague (1808)

• Milan to Parma
• Sicily and Tuscany to Naples
• Geneva to France

Cologne Conference (1808)

• Münster, Paderborn, of Minden, Lingen, Osnabrück, Ravensburg to Westphalia
• Bishopric of Cologne, Duchies of Kleve, Berg, Mark, Jülich to City of Cologne
• Trier to The Palatinate
• Habsburg Breisgau to Baden
• Bishopric of Mainz, Hesse-Darmstadt, Frankfurt, Solms, Seyn, Isenberg to Hesse-Kassel (Hessia)
• Hildesheim, Braunschweig, Eichsfeld to Hannover
• Saxe-****, Schwartzburg-****, Anhalt-**** to Saxony
• Habsburg Würzburg, Bamberg, Ansbach, Bayreuth, to Franconia (Nürnberg)
• Many bishopric and small states in Swabia divided by River Ulm between Württemberg and Bavaria
• Bishopric enclaves w/i Bavaria to Bavaria
• Salzburg to Austria
• Mecklenburg-Strelitz to Prussia

 

[Takisian]

Very good TL, I have always preferred the format you use to tell stories (chronology style). Keep it up!

 

[George_Apley]

Very good TL, I have always preferred the format you use to tell stories (chronology style). Keep it up!

I appreciate it! I always like the chronological style too. It helps me keep track. Still pondering using all of this to write some actual narrative fiction.

Let me know if you have any questions or requests.

 

[p0lish_runn3r]

c. 1808
lots of fixes to make, especially the (now condensed) HRE. Alot of the maps I had conflicted so take that area with a grain of salt. Everything else should be accurate though.

 

[George_Apley]

c. 1808
lots of fixes to make, especially the (now condensed) HRE. Alot of the maps I had conflicted so take that area with a grain of salt. Everything else should be accurate though.

Pretty damn close! Thanks for your time and effort.

 

[George_Apley]

Quick update, but an important one!

Marriage of King Louis XVII to María Joaquina of Spain
​

Ever since his tour of Europe in 1796, King Louis XVII has exchanged lengthy letters with the Crown Princess of Spain, María Joaquina. In 1806 he tells his mother that he wants to officially court the young princess but knows that the match will be disapproved of. The Queen Mother is in complete agreement with Louis's assessment and advises another match. She believes that a marriage with one of the German states, or even Austria itself, would suit French interests and help to maintain a peaceful Europe. Louis values and respects his mother's counsel, but his infatuation with the Spanish Princess is consuming and he strategically seeks other opinions that will affirm his desires.

Louis goes to his Premier Louis-Joseph, the Prince de Condé, who confirms that a French-Spanish royal marriage will, sooner-or-later, create discord in Europe; after all, a child from such a union may well be heir to both crowns and violate the 18th Century Treaty of Utrecht. That said, Louis-Joseph encourages the King to make the dangerous match. He argues that France should openly and bravely challenge foreign imposed restrictions from the last century and that a victory in such a confrontation would solidify France's rightful place as the master of the European continent. King Louis feels he has finally find a use for his hawkish and conservative Premier and he determines to pursue María Joaquina. Upon receiving Louis's letter requesting a courtship tending toward marriage, her father King Carlos of Spain finds the match risky, but acedes to the French King's request.

In the autumn of 1808 the betrothal is announced and the diplomatic world of Europe explodes in shock, anxiety, and anger. Holy Alliance signatories celebrate the match; the Pope in particular raves in favor of the union. Britain, the Netherlands, and Austria express tacit congratulations while still showing their apprehension over the Utrecht Treaty. Tsar Alexander in Russia is highly amused by the entire situation and privately writes Louis to congratulate his "audacity and manliness" in his pursuit of his wants contrary to political expectations. The wedding itself is held on 14 February, 1809 at Versailles with all of the expected opulence of a Bourbon royal wedding. Louis gets along famously with his bride and many attendees are moved by what they see as true love and affection. Stories of the "Latin Lovers" on the French throne help to superficially soothe concerns that the marriage is out of pure French ambition, though the succession issue remains an undercurrent in diplomatic circles.

 

[Gentleman Johnny]

Quick update, but an important one!

Marriage of King Louis XVII to María Joaquina of Spain
​

Ever since his tour of Europe in 1796, King Louis XVII has exchanged lengthy letters with the Crown Princess of Spain, María Joaquina. In 1806 he tells his mother that he wants to officially court the young princess but knows that the match will be disapproved of. The Queen Mother is in complete agreement with Louis's assessment and advises another match. She believes that a marriage with one of the German states, or even Austria itself, would suit French interests and help to maintain a peaceful Europe. Louis values and respects his mother's counsel, but his infatuation with the Spanish Princess is consuming and he strategically seeks other opinions that will affirm his desires.

Louis goes to his Premier Louis-Joseph, the Prince de Condé, who confirms that a French-Spanish royal marriage will, sooner-or-later create discord in Europe; after all, a son from such a union may well be heir to both crowns and violate the 18th Century Treaty of Utrecht. That said, the Premier encourages the dangerous match. He argues that France should bravely challenge imposed restrictions from the last century and victory in such a conflict would solidify France as the master of the European continent. Finally finding a use for his hawkish conservative Premier, Louis decides to pursue María Joaquina. King Carlos of Spain also finds the match risky, but acedes to the French King's request.

In 1808 the betrothal is announced and the diplomatic world of Europe explodes in shock, anxiety, and anger. Holy Alliance signatories celebrate the match; the Pope in particular raves in favor of the union. Britain, the Netherlands, and Austria express tacit congratulations while still showing their apprehension over the Utrecht Treaty. Tsar Alexander in Russia is highly amused by the entire situation and privately writes Louis to congratulate his "audacity and manliness" in his pursuit of his wants contrary to political expectations. The wedding itself is held on 14 February, 1809 at Versailles with all of the expected opulence of a Bourbon royal wedding. Louis gets along famously with his bride and many attendees are moved by what they see as true love and affection. Stories of the "Latin Lovers" on the French throne help to superficially soothes concerns that the marriage is out of French ambition, though the issue remains an undercurrent in diplomatic circles.

Ah yes, the beginning of the end....

 

[George_Apley]

Ah yes, the beginning of the end....

Fortunately, just the end of an era. And a ways to go yet to get to it!