The World in 1877
The Great War in Europe is over, but the world is a precarious jumble of competing alliances and irreconcilable ideologies. On every continent, tensions fester. In places, 'minor' conflicts continue, as of yet unnoticed by the great powers in their constant dance of shifting Balance of Power.
North America.
Shattered by civil war, the old United States is still reeling from the aftermath. Though Victorious over the Confederates, subsequent British and French intervention had forced them to let the Confederates States of America secede much to their Humiliation. Renewed American Nationalism has taken root. One rooted in industry, Revanchism, and Radicalism. Allied towards Prussia and Russia
The Confederates States of America has turned inward, lashing out against Abolitionist, Union sympathizers, and Runaway Slaves real or imagined. Its economy is only kept alive by foreign investors since it has yet to recover from the scorched earth policy of Union generals and falling cotton prices. Attempts to centralize the Confederacy has failed every turned with states proclaiming secession whenever the issue is brought up. Talk of war with Mexico is in the air. Allied towards Britain, France.
Imperial Mexico, Under the benevolent guidance of Maximilian I, Mexico has for the longest time in its history been (somewhat) stable and prosperous; bringing in European investors in order to efficiently mine silver and coal, creating jobs for the poor displaced by war and lawlessness, build the railroads, and develop the infrastructure. The assassination of Benito Juarez in Monterrey of 1864 fractured the already waning rebels. With none to lead them, the majority of the rebels simply turn to banditry in the rural areas.