Sorry for the double post, but I just got hit with an angle on foreign policy.
Talking about reaction to Texas annexing the DR, I don't think we have considered how much an impact that could have in Hispanic nations. Because this is Texas annexing a sovereign Hispanic nation, and subsequently fighting a war to hold it against an insurgency of Dominican patriots.
Because even if Texas plans to hold the DR as equal footing to the other commonwealths, that will not matter to many. It will be seen as imperialism and have the same knee jerk reaction that the Spanish return did. What's more it may be seen as a betrayal, with Texas turning its back on the legacy of heroism it may have cultivated fighting against Walker to preserve Hispanic freedom from American Imperialism. A massive case of "What the Heck Hero?!"
Mexico will of course cry foul and use it to vilify Texas.
The Yucatan will likely officially support the move but have a vocal minority protest. With France turning its attention elsewhere, Merida needs Austin as a firm ally if they hope to retake Chiapas. Besides they could say Texas' expansion is much like their own, necessary war to build a better peace after the conflict.
The biggest impact may be with the Central Three. Any wariness over Yucatan and Texan domination was likely waved in part by the fact those nations have fought to preserve Hispanic liberty in the Filibuster Wars. Texas' actions and Yucatan's endorsement though remind them that these are ambitious conquering nations and they may be seen as ripe fruit in the future. Given the power disparity I doubt they will do little more than officially protest; but that behind closed doors and maybe among the public there will be renewed incentive to unite the three republics into a Confederation of Central America to safeguard against aggression.
For Latin America at large i think it will see a souring of views and relations. The Dominican victory over Spain seen as a grand deed before, and now Baez seen as a traitor who sold out his nation; and the Texans as his accomplices crushing Dominican liberty for the sake of imperial ambitions.
Talking about reaction to Texas annexing the DR, I don't think we have considered how much an impact that could have in Hispanic nations. Because this is Texas annexing a sovereign Hispanic nation, and subsequently fighting a war to hold it against an insurgency of Dominican patriots.
Because even if Texas plans to hold the DR as equal footing to the other commonwealths, that will not matter to many. It will be seen as imperialism and have the same knee jerk reaction that the Spanish return did. What's more it may be seen as a betrayal, with Texas turning its back on the legacy of heroism it may have cultivated fighting against Walker to preserve Hispanic freedom from American Imperialism. A massive case of "What the Heck Hero?!"
Mexico will of course cry foul and use it to vilify Texas.
The Yucatan will likely officially support the move but have a vocal minority protest. With France turning its attention elsewhere, Merida needs Austin as a firm ally if they hope to retake Chiapas. Besides they could say Texas' expansion is much like their own, necessary war to build a better peace after the conflict.
The biggest impact may be with the Central Three. Any wariness over Yucatan and Texan domination was likely waved in part by the fact those nations have fought to preserve Hispanic liberty in the Filibuster Wars. Texas' actions and Yucatan's endorsement though remind them that these are ambitious conquering nations and they may be seen as ripe fruit in the future. Given the power disparity I doubt they will do little more than officially protest; but that behind closed doors and maybe among the public there will be renewed incentive to unite the three republics into a Confederation of Central America to safeguard against aggression.
For Latin America at large i think it will see a souring of views and relations. The Dominican victory over Spain seen as a grand deed before, and now Baez seen as a traitor who sold out his nation; and the Texans as his accomplices crushing Dominican liberty for the sake of imperial ambitions.
