New Hegemony Everyday: A Global TL

New Hegemony Everyday



landing_of_columbus_1.jpg

* Image of Columbus' first voyage to the Americas, circa. 1492


DISCLAIMER: This is my first non-ASB, non-map only related TL. I've been developing it for almost a year now, and I am finally ready to write it out. This TL is not... exactly focused on one particular empire, nation, or state, or a particular time period. However, there are a few that will remain big players for quite sometime. I originally estimated the TL would end at around 1900, but if I like this TL... it could go far. Anyways, thanks for reading this paragraph, and hopefully the story! Good criticism and comments are always appreciated, although saying "HURR DURR ASB DERP" is just disruptive, the way I see it. I'm still trying to decide the narrative for the story, although I'd prefer to do it like a history book, but that may be boring for some people, so I'm open for suggestions. One last thing. The first couple of updates will, obviously, seem very close to, or basically are, OTL. The way they are written however, will help you guys understand both the POD and upcoming... suspense and whatnot. ANYWAYS, again, thanks for reading, and subscribe! (And grammatical corrections are appreciated!)

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Prelude: 1492, Isabella's Lucky Number


Accounts say that Columbus witnessed a bright light when he sailed to his island of Hispaniola for the first time, a sign from God that he was protected in what he thought was India. The Indians, apparently, greeted him with an awkward glare, with these men, lighter coloured men, coming off these massive naval transports, to which they've never seen. Little did they know, that for most of these people originally inhabiting the New World, that a lot of their kind would die from diseases, war, and poverty due to the contact they would have after that faithful day in 1492.

Columbus also explored Cuba, who he said was the most beautiful island ever. When sailing back to Castile, Columbus introduced the hammock to Her Majesty Isabella of Spain, something that the Taino used, natives of Cuba. Intrigued, Isabella gave Columbus and other men permission to sail and chart waters for the Spanish Kingdom.

A few years have passed, and they further map out Hispaniola and Cuba, as well as surrounding islands like Puerto Rico and Jamaica. In 1512, the Isthmus of Panama was discovered, and ultimately, the Pacific was open to Europeans for the first time. Spain, on an epic streak of discovery, eventually stumbled on central Mexico and the Yucatan coast in 1523. By this time, Cuba and Hispaniola, as well as Puerto Rico and Jamaica, were fully implemented and conquered.

With Portugal on the rise now, discovering lands south of Cuba (rumoured to be named Brazil), they have made a monopoly on a newly formed slave trade, with Portugal focusing on keeping a lot of African outposts intact, to make sure they sell slaves for affordable prices. The Portuguese had bought Spain's African colonies to optimize this new trade, which granted Portugal a slight economic boost. France also bought some slaves to transport to their colonies, which they were just discovering. Spain, however, needed slaves, and Portugal kept on raising the prices. It seemed like Spain was doomed to have slaveless colonies, unless their current slaves bred.

This turned out not as bad for Spain. Their Reconquista ended before Columbus' voyage, with the few Jews and Muslims in Iberia sighing with relief. However, they were still in the nation, and King Ferdinand II didn't like this. With Portugal raising prices on the slave trade, Ferdinand devised a plan; he planned to give all remaining Jews and Muslims in Spain an ultimatum: Either work in a slave camp in the New World (mainly Cuba), or go to the New World anyways, to die in the wilderness. Any person who was even suspected of being a non-Christian were asked this serious question. Hispaniola and the other island colonies had a good enough amount of Native American/African slaves, but Cuba was lacking; Spain's biggest colony at the time, and Cuba's natives had a horrible immune system. The Taino were going extinct, due to smallpox outbreaks everywhere.

As for the Jews and Muslims, the split was around 50/50, and approximately 1,200 people went to work as slaves all around the colonies, and 1,300 were dumped in an area where all the explores found were an empty jungle, full of hardly anything useful. They named this land Florida. The people, not knowing what to do, went into a pseudo-tribe like people, hoping the Spanish will take them back...

When the Yucatan was discovered, nevertheless, it was deemed just another area, until complex building structures were found, amazing the conquistadores-to-be, and while some towns had no villagers in it, it still amazed the Spanish, who were speechless. After reporting their finds back to the King of Spain, he issued further exploration of the region. What the explorers found were unbelievable, and one of the head explorers, Hernan Cortés, could not believe his eyes on the mystery and beauty of what he saw that day.

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Meh, that seemed brutal for me... How did I do for a first update? If I didn't have school tomorrow, I would have done a second update right now, and also add little details like extra pictures, and accented letters ;) but don't worry, those will all be fixed. Probably won't get back to you guys until 4:00 PM EST -ish tomorrow, so until then...
Also, if some names seem... out of context, like Florida, or Jamaica (eg. if that isn't what they were called back then/in that language), then it would be much obliged if someone mentioned this. Again again, thanks.
 
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So the PODs I immediately notice are:
- Treaty of Granada of 1491 is not revoked by the Alhambra Decree.
- Mexico discovered a few years later

This seems to be one of those TLs that sort of fade into being alternate instead of having a clear divergence. Many people on here dislike them but I think they can be good. Turquoise Blue's TL was interesting for one. And people liked Remnants of Rome.

However, is there some justification for some of the differences occurring? Why are Ferdinand and Isabella relenting against the Jews and Muslims when they so easily betrayed the treaty in OTL?

Also, the writing style is a bit weird. It feels like you just skimmed over Wikipedia articles. Though I may be guilty of both of those to some extent in my own TLs :p.

If you don't want to have people complaining about a lack of justification for events, I would suggest either writing in narrative style, or continuing to write in history book style but following certain series of events. Like a certain conquistador's explorations, or a campaign through Italy by the Spanish or French, and mention other stuff on the side.
 
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Yeah I know I know... the writing is a bit.. off. That was semi-intentional, after all, it is JUST a prelude. I plan to have more concise updates later.

As for the Reconquista... well the next chapter will explain most of it, don't worry.
 
Chapter One: The Birth of a Nation


The newly explored region of Mexico was one of the most important regions the Spanish would ever face. Here lied the Aztec Empire, the current rulers of the region, whom had much Gold and wealth to rule with. However, with constant exploration, the Aztecs were, in a series of "domino" effects, spreading the smallpox disease from tribe to tribe, slowly being eradicated and weakened for the inevitable, since the coast was heavily explored before the interior.

Hernan Cortés was given orders from Governor Velásquez of Cuba and Charles V, the new King of Spain (and the Holy Roman Emperor), to lead a grand expedition to explore some fabled areas of wealth, to conquer them too. Velásquez didn't want this, however. He wanted this to only be a purely exploration-only mission to the interior, not conquest as well. It was a bit of an issue too, since Charles V only loosely said "Explore the interior of this land, and with it, bring back goods and greatness for Spain". Cortés interpreted this as a conquest first, with Velásquez thinking it was to at least establish trade with the natives, coming back to Cuba with what trading resources the mainland natives had. Cortés set off for his exploration with what some total 750 people approximately, consisting of soldiers, sailors, doctors, women, explorers, translators, and even some Native American and African slaves on the 27th of March, 1524.

Before the men (and women) were sent off, departing from Havana, Velásquez had second thoughts about the expedition. What was he, a puny governor of Cuba? Sure, it was a big island, the biggest colony of them all. He thought long and hard, and it was the night before that he thought: If Cortés did in fact conquer this Mexico, he would have not only fame, but so much fortune as well. Velásquez, having disputes about the type of mission this was with Cortés not too long ago, had enough. On the morning of the mission, Velásquez pulled out, and ordered Cortés not to set sail, or fear being arrested by the Spanish Monarchy. Cortés, not thinking anything of this, and being angered by Velásquez, set sail, allegedly cursing Velásquez's name in the sky, and shouting positive chants for the monarchy of Spain. Pissed off, Velásquez immediately sent one of his messengers to Spain, where he told the messenger to inform King Charles of "Cortés' Treason", and to await further orders from His Majesty.

Meanwhile (days later), Cortés was already learning of the culture and recent history of inland Yucatan. His translators told Cortés that the Aztec Empire is a bloodthirsty, pagan state, having many cities and nations as tributaries, with their recent expansion becoming a major problem for the locals. Meeting with these different entities, such as Tlaxcala and Oaxaca, gave Cortés an idea. This plan was to get the nearby city-states to revolt against these Aztecs, and then for Cortez to secure the prize and conquer them. This idea was highlighted further when the natives told his translators that the Aztecs were a people whose city was supposedly made out of pure gold. This was high enough of morale for him and his troops.

The Aztecs were foretold, first by omens, then by actual peoples, of incoming invaders. Emperor Montezuma was prepared for them, or rather, preparing. He told his loyal cities to ambush the Spanish when they were on they're way to them. He didn't hear back from them ever, which to Montezuma was a bad sign. Either they were lying and didn't do anything, even treason the Aztecs, or they attempted to kill them but the Spanish got to them. Montezuma had his troops extra prepared and organized for the following days, whenever they might arrive at His palace. A sacrifice was in order, Montezuma thought.

Velásquez eventually saw his messenger's ship return from Spain. What the messenger told Velásquez totally threw him off-balance, becoming almost angry at the King. Why did Cortés get to have all of that? What if Cortés became the Governor of... this land? What if he was successful?

Then it hit Velásquez. What if he was successful? What if he was not successful? Velásquez kept thinking to himself. Who knows, Cortés could have died by now! Nobody knows what possible horrors lie in the interior regions. Maybe they have all died out by now, or at least... maybe they'll start to.

Hernándo-Cortés-300x279.jpg

* Hernan Cortés, one of his last paintings as a conquistador, circa. 1520


Cortés pushed and pushed onwards, for the glory of Spain. All that gold meant a lot to him. No more the life of a lowly explorer, not juts him, but almost everyone thought. At the moment, them and their 400 or so Tlaxcalan allies were sneaking up to Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztecs that the Tlaxcala were speaking of. Already, they've lost 255 soldiers (Spanish and Tlaxcalan combined) and 11 sailors to random ambushes from pro-Aztec cities. But they were here now, ready to disarm the Empire of the Aztecs. It was becoming morning, with the sun rising on Cortés's side. He knew that this would be his domain. The Tlaxcalans were told by their military leader to hide deep within the forest surrounding Tenochtitlan, only to come out if their Spanish allies were in trouble.

The Aztecs could do nothing more now than to just prayer. They prayed for the Gods to help them, as always. Montezuma himself, although would never show it, was even a little fearful himself, as his priests had no idea how this would end for the Aztecs. It scared him because his priests always had an answer, always had a why and how. Not today though. Montezuma and his citizens could only wait a possible onslaught. Some scouts were reported earlier that day to get some more men from Tlaxcala.

It turned out that the Gods possibly saved the Aztecs from disaster. Everyone was shouting, claiming that the Gods came from above to aid them. Montezuma was in disbelief. How could they come to help the Aztecs, when the sacrifice was delayed! He got rid of that thought, however, when he did, in fact, see Them hovering around the village. Ecstatic, he ran down to give his regards to Them, hoping to learn the secrets to get rid of the invaders from across the ocean. After discovering being noticed, the Gods started to walk towards the Aztecs. Montezuma, not knowing what to do, gave a bowing gesture to the Gods. They began to speak, but in their language, not Nahuatl. Montezuma had no idea what to do, for once, as the leader of the great warrior nation of the Aztec Empire.

Cortés believed he was facing Montezuma, after all, who else would greet him? Unless it was a person representing Montezuma. Eventually, Cortés was greeted by people who pointed out a building. Via an Aztec who spoke the Tlaxcala language, and then to the Spanish translator, Cortés was informed that it would be their area of residence. Before anything else, Cortés demanded to see the gold that everyone was raving about. A lot of gold was brought out to Cortés, his eyes bulging out. Necklaces, bracelets, ingots, bars, small statues and monuments, and all sorts of jewellery, were brought out to him, being neatly placed out in front. Cortés, trying to keep his attitude at bay and make sure he placed his greedy side away for now, asked Montezuma that he be vassalized and recognized that he be under the Lordship of Charles V of Spain. Montezuma, either not knowing what a Charles V was, thinking it was nothing, or believing it was the leader of the Gods, reluctantly agreed.

Velásquez was watching his personal plantation workers in the field when a ship was docking in the harbour in Havana. On it was a second messenger, who claims that King Charles V had changed his mind. A letter from Charles claims that the economic implications of having another colony would, right now, trigger bankruptcy for Spain, at the worst. With exactly 1,000 soldiers (minus two from scurvy-related deaths), Velásquez was ordered to tell the men where Cortés went, and for them to execute him for treason. With a smile on his face, Velasquez went to work immediately.

A few days were spent in the Aztec capital, with Cortés thinking of plans on how to get the gold back to Iberia. It was of the sad news, that an Aztec revolt occurred, against the addition of a cross and removal of a Quetzalcoatl statue, that got Cortez attention. Four Spaniards were killed, and two more were injured. Cortez, furious, went to Montezuma's palace and kidnapped him and held him hostage, holding him up for treason to Charles V. He demanded that more and more gold were given to him, to make him change his mind. Gold was given, and Montezuma was not in return, making the Aztecs even more weary of the "Gods".

From Tlaxcalan scouts, Cortés learned that a second party of Spaniards were in the Yucatan, making their way to Tenochtitlan. Apparently there was a massacre in a town very close to Tlaxcala, with the men demanding where Cortés was. Concerned that Velásquez had something to do with this, Cortés told 300 of his Tlaxcalan allies and 500 of his Spanish allies to go subdue this attack force, that surprise attacks would work well against them, with the conquistadores having the advantage of knowing the environment, and native allies, with them. Cortés wished them well, and the priest blessed them all once more before they went on their ways.

cortez-montezuma-mexico-city.jpg

* Royal painting of Cortez and Montezuma meeting for the first time, circa. 1525


Religious conversions were attempted ever since the Yucatan was discovered in 1523. It was successful at first, with more than the majority of a town converting, although most scholars expect this was due to the presence of men with advanced weaponry and guns. It was much harder to convert the Aztecs, especially since many of whom believed still that Cortés and his men were Gods, although getting skeptical about it. The Tlaxcala were open to Christianity, with primitive propaganda-like stories saying that Christianity taught to be anti-Aztec, and lead the Spanish to be great allies with Tlaxcala, which further lead the Tlaxcalan war machine.

Cortés, counting how many times he counted how much gold he had, finally saw an army march towards Tenochtitlan. It was a Spaniard army. With horror that it could be Velásquez, it wasn't, and it was his original army, although smaller than before. What was said to Cortés about the fight was that indeed, Velásquez sent the troops. What was more surprising, however, was that the invaders had Imperial clothing attire to them; they were a part of Charles' V personal troops. Cortés, initially confused, finally put the puzzle piece together. He knew know that Velásquez must've tarnished Cortés' name to the King, prompting him to commit treason. Scared on the inside, he tried to figure out a way around this. It seemed that this journey was no longer for the court of Spain, but rather, for himself and his troops. He knew that Charles, and even Velásquez, would attempt to squish Cortés many times over. He would be executed, especially now that several hundred Spaniards lay dead in a whole different part of the world that Charles V was foreign to. Cortés, however, became quite cunning and even a better battle expert than from before, and thought of a devious plan in case this did happen, which it would. Cortés just wondered how long until it did.

He needed to formulate a plan, fast. As he no longer respected the King of Spain, he rallied up his allies and all anti-Aztec cities, and he ordered all to sneak up on the city. On the night of November 11th, 1525, the Siege of Tenochtitlan had begun. The 1,400 or so Tlaxcalan allies lead the Native Americans to kill Tenochtitlan's citizens who resisted against Cortés. Some actually welcomed the Tlaxcalans, mainly out of not wanting to die. These numbers were very few, and most people perished. However, a city of seemingly millions of people would be hard to kill. The Spaniards, unknowingly possibly, scared a lot of citizens away to their death in the wild by using cannons, which shot and destroyed many buildings. Montezuma escaped in the process, retreating to the depths of the forest. Unfortunately, he was never heard of again. The siege lasted for two whole days, and with the citizens of Tenochtitlan either dead or scared away, Cortés could finally rest for a second, conquering the Aztecs, and Cortés declared himself ruler of Mexico, which he established a day later. Tenochtitlan's name was kept in honour of the Tlaxcalan allies, who still said that Tenochtitlan's name was of importance to them. Mexico City, however, was allowed to be the official European and documentation name.

Cortés knew, that if he hadn't gotten rid of the Aztecs now, that he would never have, especially with the Spanish coming for him. He had a meeting with his translator, best soldier, military strategist, and the Tlaxcalan leader Xicotencatl the Younger (was heir, until Father died during Imperial Massacre) about possible secession from Spain. Cortés was dead serious about it, but needed to make sure he had support from those who would easily assist him. He had die hard loyalists, and he needed to make a speech to win over the hearts of his soldiers. He convinced Xicotencatl that the only way his people would live, and his culture, would be to join him, as the Spanish would wipe him out, giving him examples of what happened to the Taino people in Cuba, as well as various coastal people of the Yucatan. His military advisors said that if we can rally enough natives and teach them about Charles V army, that we could prove that we are a force to be reckoned with. The strategist suggested that Cortés ask France or Portugal for help to deter the forces that were to come. A lot of things were said from everyone, and Cortés finalized his plan to isolate himself from his so-called King and his so-called Empire.

Immediately, Cortés ordered 10 soldiers and one messenger to travel to France (as well as Portugal) to ask for aid. Meanwhile, Cortés gave the "Innocent Speech" that morning to his soldiers and Native allies. A scribe translated the speech, but that was lost in history, most likely from the Battle of Mexico City. That speech was supposedly highly charismatic and emotional, that it made everyone eager to fight for Mexico. A constitution was laid out, for the people governed under Mexico. The official name at the moment was the Empire of Mexico and Tlaxcala under Cortez I. The "borders" consisted of the old Aztec Empire, the Tlaxcala City-States, and de facto rule on a small path from Tenochtitlan to the Atlantic Coast (on the Yucatan). Xicotencatl said the same speech (with minor differences) to his people, and the Tlaxcala and Spaniards united together, and began to rally up other previously oppressed people for the inevitable attack.

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I know there may be some spelling errors right now, and *technically* the chapter isn't done (to my liking), but my laptop is about to die and I needed to share this with AH.com before it dies on me! :(
 
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Most Aztecs didn't believe the Spaniards were gods. In addition the Aztec Empire isn't a literal term. It was (as you probably already know but saying this anyway) just an alliance of three cities to which other cities and regions payed tribute. I'd only refer to it as a Empire when not going into detail about what is happening.

Also, Mexico might only be the name of the capital region. If Cortés wanted to get everyone's loyalty he would include all of them by calling it a Kingdom of the Nahua.

But we'll see how Cortes' kingdom develops. You could ask Cuauhtemoc about this subject.
 
Most Aztecs didn't believe the Spaniards were gods.
IIRC Didn't Montezuma assume they were? At the very minimum?

In addition the Aztec Empire isn't a literal term. It was (as you probably already know but saying this anyway) just an alliance of three cities to which other cities and regions payed tribute. I'd only refer to it as a Empire when not going into detail about what is happening.
Yes, I know this. It just gets a little tiring writing out the Aztec Triple Alliance every time and explaining something almost exactly OTL. But I'll remember this for next time, for other nations.

Also, Mexico might only be the name of the capital region. If Cortés wanted to get everyone's loyalty he would include all of them by calling it a Kingdom of the Nahua.
The Kingdom of Nahua? Or a Kingdom of the Nahua (if it matters.)? I see the logic in this one. What would denizens be called? Nahuans? Or would it be something completely different?

But we'll see how Cortes' kingdom develops. You could ask Cuauhtemoc about this subject.
Not a bad idea. Perhaps I'll read his Navaltica (spelling?) series for some inspiration. As for this TL, I can reveal this: Expect more information regarding Florida, Spain, East Asia, South America and the general politics of Europe. Maybe I'll have a chapter in the near future dedicated solely to a certain topic (Religion, alliances, culture, etc.) rather than a general history of a region or so forth.
 
IIRC Didn't Montezuma assume they were? At the very minimum?
Only Spanish or Spanish-influenced sources state that the natives though the Spaniards were gods, and there is little evidence that Mesoamericans believed Quetzalcoatl would return in human form.

Yes, I know this. It just gets a little tiring writing out the Aztec Triple Alliance every time and explaining something almost exactly OTL. But I'll remember this for next time, for other nations.
Well saying Aztec Empire makes it seem you don't know about the subject, unless you are mentioning it briefly like when the word 'Aztecs' is used. 'Tenochtitlan empire', 'Aztec alliance', 'Triple Alliance', 'the Mexica', or 'Aztecs' (which you used) are all alternatives.

The Kingdom of Nahua? Or a Kingdom of the Nahua (if it matters.)? I see the logic in this one. What would denizens be called? Nahuans? Or would it be something completely different?
The Nahua are the people inhabiting Mesoamerica except the Mayan lands and everything southward. So it would be Kingdom of Nahuas, or Kingdom of the Nahua. Unless Cortés invents a name like New Spain.

Nahuatlacatl (singular) or Nahuatlacah (plural) mean the Nahua in Nahuatl.

So:
Kingdom of the Nahuatlacas
Kingdom of the Nahua
Kingdom of Nahuatlacas
Kingdom of Nahuas

Anahuac is also a possibility, but that's the cliche alternate-Mexico name.

Not a bad idea. Perhaps I'll read his Navaltica (spelling?) series for some inspiration. As for this TL, I can reveal this: Expect more information regarding Florida, Spain, East Asia, South America and the general politics of Europe. Maybe I'll have a chapter in the near future dedicated solely to a certain topic (Religion, alliances, culture, etc.) rather than a general history of a region or so forth.
It was Nahuatlacas. The earlier one was Navatlacas, I think.
 
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Only Spanish or Spanish-influenced sources state that the natives though the Spaniards were gods, and there is little evidence that Mesoamericans believed Quetzalcoatl would return in human form.

Oh really? Okay, this I didn't know; I thought they would to some extent. Hmm... well I will work around this. The Aztecs did after all, offer them hospitality in OTL.

Well saying Aztec Empire makes it seem you don't know about the subject, unless you are mentioning it briefly like when the word 'Aztecs' is used. 'Tenochtitlan Empire', 'Aztec alliance', 'Triple Alliance', 'the Mexica', or 'Aztecs' (which you used) are all alternatives.

I guess it would sound like I'm new to alternate history in general, wouldn't it? Also, I've never heard of the "Tenochtitlan Empire" ever, so probably won't use that. I'll probably use the Mexica, the Aztecs, or the Triple Alliance.

The Nahua are the people inhabiting Mesoamerica except the Mayan lands and everything southward. So it would be Kingdom of Nahuas, or Kingdom of the Nahua. Unless Cortés invents a name like New Spain.

Nahuatlacatl (singular) or Nahuatlacah (plural) mean the Nahua in Nahuatl.

So:
Kingdom of the Nahuatlacas
Kingdom of the Nahua
Kingdom of Nahuatlacas
Kingdom of Nahuas

Anahuac is also a possibility, but that's the cliche alternate-Mexico name.

Anahuac? That is weird, since I've never heard of it. I think people maybe thought what you thought about that word (and its usage) so much that it isn't in use anymore. Still, I trust you on this and won't use that name. I'll probably stick to "the Nahua" or "Nahuas", considering I don't want it to seem like I'm taking Cuauhtemoc's idea for a nation name or anything, especially since his TL's aren't the first time I've seen the name "Nahuatlaca" or a similar variation of it that isn't shortened.

Also, if I use Nahua or a native name, would that upset the Spanish soldiers who don't seem to have representation? Or would they not really care at all?
 
Oh really? Okay, this I didn't know; I thought they would to some extent. Hmm... well I will work around this. The Aztecs did after all, offer them hospitality in OTL.
Well the Aztecs knew the Spaniards were powerful foreign people--a group typically offered hospitality by basically everyone in the world at that time.

I guess it would sound like I'm new to alternate history in general, wouldn't it? Also, I've never heard of the "Tenochtitlan Empire" ever, so probably won't use that. I'll probably use the Mexica, the Aztecs, or the Triple Alliance.
'Empire of Tenochtitlan' is used. Since you wanted it to be short, I said 'Tenochtitlan Empire'. Though I meant to not capitalize 'Empire'. As that does make it seem like an actual term. It isn't, but would still be valid.

Anahuac? That is weird, since I've never heard of it. I think people maybe thought what you thought about that word (and its usage) so much that it isn't in use anymore. Still, I trust you on this and won't use that name. I'll probably stick to "the Nahua" or "Nahuas", considering I don't want it to seem like I'm taking Cuauhtemoc's idea for a nation name or anything, especially since his TL's aren't the first time I've seen the name "Nahuatlaca" or a similar variation of it that isn't shortened.
I suppose Nahua still makes sense since the Spanish wouldn't want to pronounce that long word, especially with the 'tl'.

Also, if I use Nahua or a native name, would that upset the Spanish soldiers who don't seem to have representation? Or would they not really care at all?
I doubt they could get mad at the fact that their Catholic, official language Spanish, kingdom, which they are the ruling class of, is named after the native people.
 
Chapter 3: Heathens in our Backyard


In terms of religion, Europe was getting to be pretty interesting during the late 15th century to the mid 16th century. The Eastern Roman Empire was no more, engulfed by the Ottoman Empire, spreading Islam in the east, albeit not all too well, while the invention of the printing press sparked both amazement and chaos into Europe. The general politics of Europe were still dominated by the Papalcy, by the Pope, and his greed. Pope Paul III became increasingly greedy, thinking of ways to make Rome rich and wealthy. He started heavily increasing taxes, and even gave out indulgences -- more than ever. While he and his Cardinals enjoyed much property, sex, and wealth, eventually it stopped.

Catholicism, already weakened by prior events such as the Avignon Papalcy and the West-East Schism, became less and less powerful in certain parts of the continent. However, one man, Martin Luther, was upset by the way the Church was handling things. He had an idea; one that involved the Printing Press. He single handedly printed many brochures of anti-Papalcy documents, as well as how Christianity should be; between Man and God, nobody else in-between; just like a normal religion. Why should someone else govern the way you and God's relationship goes? Luther attempted to print as many copies as possible, and he placed them near doors of churches and other sites of Christ. Obviously this angered the Pope and his men.

Luther got to some people, in fact his whole town was, but the bishops and other priests were not amused by this. The Pope, learning about this scandal, decided to simply arrest Luther for blasphemy. His Papal's Guards were most surprised to see the town armed with pitchforks, simple bow and arrows, and iron swords, as well as a few muskets. According to witnesses, a drunkard got hold of a musket and shot the leader of the Pope's group, killing him. This sparked an outbreak, and the Battle of Wittenburg took place. The guards were pissed; it was kill and get arrested later, or get arrested now. People took their chances, and the guards were killed. Wittenburg was under shock now, not knowing what to do.

When news spread to other Germanic states, they were scared of Rome, since most of them were beginning to receive and believe in the pamphlets printed out. When news spread to Rome, a very angry Pope Paul III, who lost many of his personal best men, not only excommunicated Martin Luther, but called a Crusade against the "Luther states". However, by now, it was a little late. Luther's ideas had spread from Germany to Scandinavia, England, France, Austria, and even Spain. Once again using the printing press, the convinced people of Wittenburg made an informative pamphlet calling the Pope "A Fake", and an awful representation of God, as well as citing the Battle of Wittenburg as a source.

Different areas of Europe were receptive to this. The French Monarchy supported Mercantilism, which gave them a lot of income, therefore, they weren't bothered by taxes that much, although the lower class, which was around 45%, liked the idea of not paying the Pope. Spain, while having not a great economy at the time, was Catholicism's best friend, and was second only to Rome in terms of nations or states with importance to the religion, and the nation, after undergoing the Reconquista, was not ready for another religious crisis. England was alright to this idea, it's people more or less neutral on the situation, for now.

The situation that arose from this was a religious war, known as the Fifty-Years War, starting in the year 1563 and ending in 1603. This conflict could start even earlier, during the Dutch War of Independence, starting in 1544 and ending when the Fifty-Years War ended.


Chapter 4: Economic Warfare


Spain was doing fairly well in these years, what with having new colonies, and seemingly endless amounts of money pouring in from their colonies. However, it wasn't enough, and Spain needed more money to fund their colonies which seemed to grow at rapid rates.

Charles V did have multiple advisors to aid him on governing his new country, and one such advisor helped with the economy. He eagerly protested against the Expulsion of the Jews and the Muslims to the Americas, wanting it to end. He explained to Charles V that those two sets of people were a large part of the mercantile class, one that is important to Spain's economic backbone. The funding of ship(ment)s to the Americas, as well as keeping the colonies, was starting to go into the negatives, and they weren't making as much money as they did when they first went into the Americas. The only thing that Charles V could do, besides stop shipping so much people to the Americas, were to raise the taxes on their colonies and and other areas of influence.

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The year is 1530[1]. William of Orange is doing many princely things, but the same thing keeps striking him; the amount of taxes his people must pay to Spain. The Netherlands and Spain weren't even from the same language or ethnic family, yet the latter ruled the former even though the land was European? The Netherlands were the highest tax paying colony to Spain that wasn't directly on the Iberian peninsula. A shame really. The Netherlands seemed to become more and more separate from Spain in every way: Lutherism was becoming popular with the peasantry and even landowners, who knew of Spain's close connections to Rome. William knew that something would arise out of this; something just had to. Sure enough, some of the people from the many provinces came to William asking for help. He knew of the Compromise of Nobles, knowing that mostly everyone wished for the oust of Spain. William knew that change was coming, and at the cost of people's lives.

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Charles V was shocked to say the least when he heard that riots were occurring in the Spanish Netherlands. Charles V wasn't pleased, that's for sure. Having much bad news on his part with wars around the world now, Charles needed to decide where his troops would go, as he already sent a big task force to Mexico with the revolting colonists there, and explorers to the Lazarus Islands[2] have been equipped with soldiers. Charles V thought Spain could never gain any foothold in the world. It was then decided that he would send the rest of his army to the Netherlands, to protect the interests there. He halted further transportation of military and exploration to anywhere, except economic trade, to Spanish-ruled colonies. It was going to be a bitter battle between the two factions.

Nahua ships arrived in the Portuguese harbour in 1526. Foreign flags reign supreme on the ships, and Spaniards seemed to inhabit it, as well as strange looking people. It turned out that a group of people seceded from Spain, and requested Portuguese help. Portugal was neutral on almost everything now, ever since the Reconquista years. The Lutheran Reformation didn't really hit Portugal, and so, they were isolated. Portugal was also enjoying her economy, benefiting from the slave trade and many delicacies and resources from Brazil. They said no to the people, and ushered them out.

Ships all the way from the de facto independent Nahua state arrived in the French harbour of Brest, requesting aid from Spain. This prompted the King to think of this option. France was becoming more and more alienated from Catholicism in general, and Spain was the protector of that faith, it seemed. However, the King declined the offer to the Nahua state, but also wrote that France officially recognized the Nahua state.

French citizens were still confused about the Lutheran Reformation going about silently. Lutheran ideas were popular in France, who at the time, citizens felt somewhat alienated since culturally, they were linked to both Germanic and Latin areas, but France was not as "liked" by the Catholics in Rome as much as Spain, who also just relinquished two ethno-religious populations. Serious believers in Lutherism were concerned with the cleansing of non-Catholic people in Europe, especially since this group is new, therefore, weak. Henry IV himself was a Lutheran, feeling a stronger connection to God.

After hearing of a revolt related to religion, France didn't declare war on Spain, but stopped Spanish troops from sailing in the English Channel. England was also informed of this, and the English, for once, were cooperative only because Queen Elizabeth was Lutheran as well. A bond began between England and France, but their enmity for each other still was high for each other, hardly bonding at all. The Spanish were naturally angry at this, and their ships sailed back to Castile. Charles V, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, and Pope Paul III, called a Crusade against those "who were against God". France and England were declared war against by Spain and Rome, as well as other Italian city-states. The HRE also declared war against the two, but many Germanic states refused to do anything, with them being the homeland of Lutherism.

Meanwhile, the Dutch had de facto independence, ousting (with the help from France) Spanish officials. The United Provinces were now an entity. The Netherlands were now attempting to liberate the southern part of the Netherlands, still under Spain's Iron Fist. Spain and the other alliance declared war on the Netherlands once independence was claimed. All of this in the year of 1553, the Fifty-Years War only just begun. Sweden, Denmark, and Austria all joined in the war a year later, on the Lutheran side, although Austria is on the Catholic side.

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[1] In 1530, riots began, but only a true, major independence war began in 1544.
[2] OTL Philippines

-- I know it is quite blocky in some areas, but I'll make it smooth, just you wait! Also, should I combine the two chapters, or... what?
 
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It depends what you mean. The current "goal" in OTL's Mexico? If so, yes, a "native-appreciated" state will occur, but I don't have plans for it to become purely or majority native (that is basically almost impossible, especially with what I have written already).

If you mean overall for the whole TL, then no. This TL covers more than just the independence of Nahua. I know I've said I will post other things around the world, and it seems like Spain is the majority in all the posts, but trust me, Spain... actually I won't say anything. Just know that there will be a lot of other plots in this TL to follow, each diverging or merging further and further together or apart during certain points.
 
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