That Sweet Mexican Bourbon Magic

That Sweet Mexican Bourbon Magic (Preamble)


This is a TL based around the idea that Louis XIV gets frisky with his wife instead of a mistress on a night in late 1664/early 1665, and Maria Theresa gives birth to a healthy boy who survives the perils of childhood into adulthood. I’ve done plenty of TLs in my head, but this is the first I’ve committed in such depth on paper. It has given me a new appreciation for the effort that goes into writing massive ongoing TLs, and I applaud the vigor of those who write them. I’ve probably made a few errors along the way in names and terminology, and my formatting is pretty sloppy, but hopefully you’ll understand what I’m going for. I’ve left the same the OTL names of a lot of cities/states/etc. First, I’m not all that imaginative when it comes to realistic new names, and second, in those TLs where others completely go with fresh names, I get hopelessly lost, so I wanted to avoid that in my own TL. I probably give short thrift to some events and hopelessly babble on in others. I’ve attempted to keep things possible if not highly likely. Nothing as crazily never going to happen like the Queen of Russia refusing medical treatment and dying on the verge of victory, only to have her heir completely reverse course in the war and embrace the enemy, only to be killed off in a coup by his foreigner wife who has no legitimacy to the throne and who goes on to become one of the country’s greatest rulers, and meanwhile also kills off the true heir to the throne who has been imprisoned since he was a baby. Keep that in mind if you see something that makes you say, yeah, right, like that’s ever going to happen. Just go with it. I’ve tried to acknowledge major butterflies, but it’s hard to keep track of all the possible ones, so a lot of minor stuff, I’ve just left for sake of convenience. I’ve had fun writing it so far, and hope someone enjoys it.
 
1665: Carlos I born in France to Louis XIV and Maria Theresa. He grows up a semi happy boy. He sees the abusive treatment his father gives his elder brother, and is cautious about revealing his true self. He gets a decent education, and from all indications, there’s not really much remarkable about him good or bad. His hobby is studying the art of military. As he approaches adulthood, his father indulges him, but isn’t about to make Carlos a lifer in the army, or the military. Growing up, he has a good relationship with the dauphin and the two talk affairs of state when no one is around.

1686: Carlos I marries a royal French woman. Doesn’t matter who.

1688: Carlos II born to Carlos I, the first of a large clan of Bourbons.

1688: the start of the OTL 9 years war. Carlos and the dauphin watch things unfold. No one asks them, nor would they have listened if counsel had been sought, but from what they can garner from the daily events, they would have done things differently. As it becomes clear that their father has gotten France into more than just a short war, Carlos agitates for a military command. Instead, the dauphin Louis is sent off to the Rhineland where he has nominal command, but in reality the command is held by Marshall de Lorge. Carlos is set to be an underling to the Duke of Noailles. Luckily for Carlos, Noailles recognizes his ability, and having greater ambitions than his own slated role in a tertiary theater, recommends Carlos as the nominal leader under another general.

1689: Carlos I leads a moderate French force to Catalonia. He has no intention of playing second fiddle to someone he saw as subpar. His landfall is an instant success (as was Noalles in OTL). Gathering the support of the locals (unlike Noailles in OTL), fed up with the demands of imperial Castile, he quickly secures the region. Not content with the OTL method of stagnant warfare, he adopts a warfare of mobility, and sends a force toward Madrid. A superb General, his successes keep piling up. Louis XIV, although annoyed by his son’s audacity – this front was only supposed to be a diversion - begrudgingly sends reinforcements. Wintering in Spain, he begins a campaign much earlier than expected. Already wary about his security, and now in full alarm regarding Spain being over-ran, Charles agrees to a radical plan proposed by Carlos: peace terms would be the vice royalty of New Spain becoming the Dominion of Mexico, headed by Carlos himself. Lands would include Mexico, Guatemala, Florida, and New France region of Louisiana south of Missouri and Ohio Rivers. France would receive the islands of Hispaniola. Upon the death of Charles II, the heir to Spain would be from the Bourbon line, presumably Carlos himself. The dominion of Mexico would then have the option of staying joined with Spain, or separating, but remaining in a special relationship. The expectation was that Mexico would be held hostage to force Charles to name a Bourbon heir. However, Maria Antonia of Austria and Elector Maximilan II of Bavaria gave birth to Joseph Ferdinand, whom Charles named as heir, with Max II as regent. (Joseph Ferdinand lives in this TL, the thought being that he was poisoned OTL by agents of Austria to revert the line of succession to Emperor Leopold I son Charles. Alternatively, the changes of travel by this ATL 9 yrs war butterflies away his exposure to whatever illness felled him. Or, maybe since this is post POD, a different sperm knocks up that egg, and the boy is healthier.) Additionally, Leopold, Duke of Lorraine is to be given governorship of the Spanish Netherlands, which will become an independent Duchy upon Charles’ death. France will take ownership of the region of Lorraine and Bar.

1690: upon hearing the news of Carlos’ dealings with Charles, Louis XIV flies into a rage at the audacity of his son attempting to make peace unilaterally without consulting the King. Throwing things about the room and fuming vulgarities, he suffers a cut to his hand, a small wound, which would portend great consequences. It becomes infected, and within a month, Louis would be dead, succeeded by his son (grand dauphin) Louis XV, a man believed to be of low intelligence. However, his prior actions were more a defense mechanism against the berating suffered at the hands of his father, who had held his son in a contemptuous regard. Louis XV turns out to be a man of moderate abilities, with a knack for knowing how far he could push matters, when to be aggressive, and when to be passive. He sees an opportunity to be rid of a brother he’s always felt inferior to, and this leaves the door open for a son of his own to claim the Spanish Crown while Carlos is languishing away in a savage uncivilized land. Louis XV agrees to terms with Spain.

1690, Savoy, who OTL joined the Grand Alliance, is awed by this fierce turn of events and complies with French demands. French troops fresh from Spain are now free to join with French forces gathered to attack Milan and with Savoyan forces, they pass through Milan to strike at Austria.

1691: Carlos I and family leave for Mexico with enough troops to ensure they’ll be welcomed as rulers. Carlos proves to be as adept at ruling as he is on the battlefield. He does not push for wholesale changes immediately, but builds his power base and slowly introduces reforms. He is adamant about creating a small, but effective military.

1691: Eugene of Savoy is killed in battle. OTL, he came close on at least one occasion. Here, in a different battle, with things altered by the cataclysm in Spain, he isn’t so lucky. French forces make moderate gains. With the collapse of Spain, the Allies are shaken. Inspired by his brothers’ success in Catalonia, Louis XV backs James II in England with troops and supplies. With the prospect of Spanish Netherlands being safe from Bourbon hands, that front is greatly diminished and the United Provinces (dutch Netherlands) reduces support for the war, though they do not withdraw from the fight entirely.

1692: Sensing that victory will not be forthcoming, and with France offering generous terms, the Grand alliance agrees to peace. France settles its eastern border on the Rhine. Austria would love to fight on, but the Augsburg Allies are thinking now is not the time to push France.

1692: there is no repeat of the magnificent Spanish invasion in England. James II admits defeat and retreats to France, where he is given asylum. The flight of the Wild Geese goes on as OTL. Carlos, who has gone to Mexico in 1691, invites them to join him, and many do, starting a migration that will continue for centuries.
 
1692+: French, Irish, and other foreign Catholics allowed to settle in Louisiana, Florida, Texas. Carlos knows he needs to populate the northern portion of his lands. He doesn’t want to rock the boat with Spain, who is still nominally his overlord, but he recognizes that he is well behind the English in populating the northern part of New Spain and Louisiana.

1694: New Orleans is founded.

1700: Charles II of Spain dies, leaving the crown to Joseph Ferdinand of Bavaria. Charles and his ministers were not so adroitly played (bribed) by Louis XV as they were XIV, and they strike at France in their only possible manner – by denying the crown to a Bourbon. New Spain may be lost, but Carlos’ actions in organizing it in a de facto independent fashion were making it clear that it was likely to be lost anyhow. Louis XV (who OTL was eager to take all the Spanish lands) recognizes that he can’t push too far with his fanny in the big chair and agrees to a compromise partition. Milan to Charles of Austria. Naples/Sicily to Philip of France, Spanish Netherlands to the house of Lorraine (which already had possession of it anyhow). Dominion of Mexico declares independence (prodded by Louis, although there was no need of it), but remains in loose union with Spain. Britain’s King William III is happy to see the Spanish Empire dismantled, while Joseph Ferdinand recognizes Spain has no power to keep it unified against the wishes of the power brokers. Austria is still drudging on with their war with the Ottomans (Eugene’s magnificent victory is butterflied by his death), and are ill-disposed to engage in a new war without any allies.

1701: The newly minted Kingdom of Mexico begins opening its ports to international commerce. Mercantilism is slowly ended. Tariffs are high enough to enable domestic growth, but low enough so that the domestic population has access to the goods they’ve been deprived of, except through smuggling. This makes for a satisfied populace. It also helps dampen, though not eliminate, colonial rivalry with the Indian tribes.

1701: realizing the futility of continued fighting, the Austria-Ottoman war winds down and is concluded the following year. Conditions are pretty much OTL.

1702: Huguenots, and other non Catholics allowed to settle in Mobile Alabama region. This riles the church in Mexico, but Carlos hasn’t been getting the immigration he desires, so he opens the gates a little further. The Huguenots bring much needed expertise to the region. Britain, looking to rid itself of large quantities of Huguenot refugees, and to worm their way into the region, back the passage and development of a Huguenot community that had been taking up occupancy in Britain. This community rapidly expands and spills over to New Orleans and OTL Pensacola (which has been butterflied). William III is attending a meeting discussing the migration of Huguenots and Irish to Mexico on the day he OTL took a tumble off his horse, hastening his death.

1708: Carlos II marries Louisa Marie Stuart (b 1692), daughter of James II. She'd have preferred to stay in Europe, but it was doubtful there would be many suitors for an exiled princess of a dead king.

1708: Joseph Ferdinand marries Charlotte of Mexico (b 1790 daughter of Carlos I)

1709-10: France interferes in the Great Northern War. Although Louis does not want to get too enmeshed with the war, he does want to extend French power. Here, he props up the gov’t of Stanislaw I in Poland. Unlike OTL, Stanislaw stays in power.

1710: Joseph Ferdinand II born to Joseph Ferdinand I and Charlotte

1711: Tuscarora War in North Carolina. Florida/Georgia launches punitive strike against Yammasee Indians in upstate Georgia, who have been harassing the missions regions of Georgia (as in OTL this region is held by the Spanish, now Mexicans). South Carolina is unable to aid North Carolina in their war, as they did OTL. Florida/Georgia supplies the Tuscarora Indians with weapons. Escaped slaves are allowed to migrate to F/G where they are assimilated into F/G society/economy.

1711: William III of Britain dies. Succeeded by Anne.

1712: Charles of Austria/Milan dies childless.
 
1712: Charles of Austria/Milan dies childless. Austria, France, Spain lay claim to Milan. France, allied with Savoy goes to war with Austria. Austria makes overtures to Spain, offering parts of France if Spain joins on the side of the Habsburgs. Joseph Ferdinand decides whether to risk war, France discourages him, aided by Naples/Sicily, who threatens Sardinia if Spain gets involved. Spain is still trying to get its act together, and with France’s actions against Britain, decides to lay low. After 2 years of fighting, with Austria seeing no hope of victory, and the Ottomans looking like they will join in, the war ends with Victor Emanuel I of Savoy as head of Milan/Piedmont. Large portions of Savoy proper have been given to France. Spain is assuaged with promises of Ferdinand ( second son of Carlos II and Louisa Marie, b 1711) succeeding Emperor Joseph of Austria, who has only 2 female offspring.

1712: With Britain looking to aid Austria in the Milan War, Louis XV (grand dauphin) sponsors James III Stuart in a massive attack. Anne has been stricken with a debilitating illness (she suffered badly in her final years OTL) and has been unable to effectively rule. There’s a sizeable anti Hanover (the alternative to the Stuarts) faction impeding an effective defense, and the Stuarts are restored to power. James III has promised to marry an English Anglican and raise his children in that faith. His rule is tenuous at first, but grows stronger with time, although never firmly in power. This leads to many compromises that hinder the country’s ability to develop or conduct foreign policy. He doesn’t last long, anyhow. Within a decade, James III is dead, victim to any number of maladies which could have been cured in the modern age of medicine.

1712: An outbreak of measles in Paris claims the lives of the entire dauphin family. Charles, Duc de Berri, is now the dauphin, his elder brother Philip having renounced his spot in the succession lineup. The line of descendants through Louis XV is quite shallow, but there’s quite a few through Carlos.

1712: the Yammasee war starts in South Carolina. Florida/Georgia flips their loyalty. The Yammasee are now allied with F/G and are armed for their conflict with the English. Escaped slaves from north and south Carolina are encouraged to migrate to F/G
 
1713: with the Stuart Restoration, Mexico, whose princess is Louisa Marie Stuart, ceases support of the Yammassee and Tuscarora. North and South Carolina are given a reprieve, but are still on the verge of extinction. Florida/Georgia puts pressure on the various indian tribes to cease fighting. Wars end in 1714. In return for assistance, Britain recognized everything south and west of the Savannah River as Mexican territory. They will not agree to borders between Virginia Northward and Tennessee/Kentucky. European settlement of northern Florida and Georgia coastline continues. State sponsored immigration brings in foreigners from around the world. Irish are a large portion of those migrating. Spanish are feeling discontent with Joseph Ferdinand’s attempts at modernization and centralization and are migrating to a former colony which seems ripe with prosperity now that funds aren’t being siphoned off to Spain.

1714: the first Natchez war begins. It is settled within a year, but the boiler is barely kept under control.

1715: Jaime I, first son of Carlos II born. He was preceded by a sister b 1712, and 13 siblings afterward. Jaime married in 1735. His first son, Carlos III, born 1738. Jaime died 1770.


1717: Victor Amadeus, Prince of Piedmont (b 1699) weds Elizabeth Farnese (b 1692). Their first child is born 1719. They have many children, 6 who survive to adulthood. 4 boys, 2 girls.

1717: after several years of sponsored exploration, the Kino trail (named after Eusubio Kino, the Jesuit Missionary who blazed much of it) is opened to California. Although difficult to traverse and with dangers from Indian predation, emigrants trickle northward to settle California. Mexican policy is to populate rural regions (northern Mexico, Louisiana, Florida/Georgia) with indigents, debtors, minor offense prisoners. A national program of state sponsored orphanages, including foundlings from Spain and France, raises children with the skills needed to settle the frontier.

1721: the second Natchez war commences. An increased military presence has kept the peace, but it also has inflamed the native agitation. Allied with the Choctaw, who are feeling pressure from the Alabama colony, and are looking to take it out on their enemy tribe, the Natchez are wiped out. Although the Choctaw nominally take over the Natchez lands through right of conquest, much land is made available for European settlement. Slave holdings increase exponentially. Unlike OTL, attempts are made to co-exist with the Chickasaw. With New Orleans being declared an open port, goods from all countries can be brought to Mexican run trading posts. Although smuggling occurs on a wide basis, there is still a healthy revenue for the state. This reduces the English drive to pit native tribes against each other or against other Europeans. The English are discovering they can benefit from trade without having to run the country. Still, the Chickasaw resent the inevitable encroachment of white settlement and another boiler situation builds. Mexico tries to extend its northward expansion by going up the west bank of the Mississippi through Arkansas, in the hopes of not putting too much pressure on the Chickasaw. Roads which are more like trails extend northward. Progress is slow but steady. The plan is to make contact with the French in Illinois/Indiana where the French population is slowly building. The Farmers there have been sending grains/crops southward to feed the growing population of New Orleans.

1730: Victor Amadeus II, duke of Savoy/Milan/Piedmont abdicates in favor of his eldest son, Victor Amadeus III. Ambitions of Kingship has been passed from one VA to the next.
 
1730: Joseph Ferdinand II marries Mary of Britain (b 1715 to James III)

1731: Louis XV dies. Charles, duc de berry ascends to the throne.

1731: Antonio Farnese of Parma dies childless. The line of succession runs through his niece, Elizabeth Farnese, who has married Victor Amadeus III. The two duchies join in union.

1735: Maria of Spain born to Joseph Ferdinand II and Mary of Britain

1737: Gian Gastone, Grand Duke of Tuscany dies childless. Europe has been pondering a solution to this one for almost a decade. Victor Amadeus III has been pressing a claim. Spain is willing to back him, providing he returns Milan to Spanish Auspices, which he does not want to do. France is backing Philip I of Naples/Nice who wants to expand northward. Austria promotes a plan to bring the house of Lorraine to Tuscany. Britain will back either Spain or Austria, but will oppose France no matter what. Victor Amadeus III, pushed by his equally ambitious wife Elizabeth Farnese, moves his military in. Both France and Austria are incensed, but are not willing to go to war over it.

1738: Carlos III born to Jaime Bourbon

1740: Carlos I of Spain/Mexico passes. He is revered for establishing an independent nation in Mexico.

1742: Stanislaw I of Poland is assassinated. He has married his daughter Marie to a French aristocrat, and has been trying to make him the first of a hereditary line of succession. Mayhem ensues. Marie and her husband claim the throne, backed by France, but opposed by Austria and Russia. Newly crowned Frederick (the great) of Prussia sees an opportunity and invades Silesia. Austria is ruled by the aging Joseph I (b 1678). His rule has been one of reform, and opposition by the Ottomans. Despite his constant need for military, he has let the ability of his troops degrade. Prussia makes rapid inroads in Silesia. Joseph has only 2 daughters: Maria Josepha (b 1699), whom he has married 1724 to Joseph of Spain (b 1712 son of Joseph Ferdinand of Spain) and Maria Amalia (b 1701), married Charles of Bavaria (b 1697). MJ and J II have a son, aged 16 at the start of the war. Joseph of Spain joins the troops in Silesia, hoping to inspire them, but instead is killed. Several months later his son dies, with strong suspicions of poisoning. The line of succession for Austria is perilous. The direct line would be to Spain, but Joseph Ferdinand has only one surviving son. No one wishes to see a union of Austria and Spain. Although Britain wants to back Austria, they will not do so if Joseph I chooses a Spanish heir. He opts for a Bavarian heir, Charles IV son Maximilian (b 1727). Charles has two sons, it was assumed Joseph would choose the second, Joseph Ludwig Leo. JLL is incensed, and maneuvers for backing amongst both allies and foes. No one is eager to see a larger Austria, so pressure is brought to prevent union. While the war continues and his allies threatening to withdraw war support, Joseph I dies quietly in his sleep late in 1744, bringing the matter to a head. With JLL gaining domestic support, and both Britain and Russia threatening to diminish war support, Maximilian decides to take the throne of Austria and leave Bavaria to JLL. Hence Bavaria joins the war on Austria’s side. The support is timid, though. In Austria, Maximilian shows that he likes the thought of the glory of being head of Austria more than actually leading. Still, he manages to be elected Holy Roman Emperor, and then goes about exploring his new hunting lodges. Max has managed to bargain with Britain in the deal, and Britain switches from strong support to open declaration of war in 1745. Milan declares neutrality at first, but is seduced by the thought of regaining Savoy proper, and joins with Austria/Russia/Britain. Milan is promptly invaded by Naples/Sicily with French backing. Spain makes a pact with France to regain Milan. Lorraine-netherlands is neutral. The Netherlands are neutral. The smaller german states split or remain neutral. Hannover joins with Britain, fearing the emerging power of Prussia. Russia, who has been backing anti-Stanislaw II forces in Poland, finally extricates itself from its war with Sweden, and joins the Austrian coalition. The Ottomans see an opportunity to strike at both Russia and Austria. It has been a long while since the last major continental conflict, and everyone goes at it with gusto. However, it is a long, drawn out affair. Prussia has early success, and looks to make an armistice with Austria conceding Silesia, but Austria will not acquiesce. At sea, the French and Spanish outnumber the British, but the F/S ability is substandard. After several battles, both sides are weary. Ships are rebuilt, but the crews are being diminished. Experience makes them better, but new recruits are dragging them down. Land battles go back and forth. After years of stalemate, the British decide to concentrate on north America, where they outnumber the French exponentially. They supply the weapons, and the colonies supply the manpower. The colonies hold the First Continental Congress to discuss defense, and expansion, of British North America. France manages to send over enough troops to defend, but cannot do much more. Fearing a loss of the colony, they give the central portion: Ontario, southern/western Canada, Ohio, MI, Indiana, Illinois and all points west to Mexico, in return for Mexico’s entry into the war. Mexican troops swiftly march through the Carolinas, which are only barely getting going after the Tusacora/Yammasee wars, and lay into Virginia. The capable General Carlos I, and maintained by his son Carlos II, has built a small, but efficient, army designed for rapid expansion in numbers, which tears through the untrained militias of British colonies.. They incite slave riots and free all slaves they capture, or who make it to Mexican held land. The American southern colonies are looking like a rout. South Carolina is annexed, and North Carolina is declared an independent country under one of Carlos II’s many sons. Since his mother is a Stuart, he is begrudgingly accepted. North Carolina wins back the territory lost to Virginia in return for help in the Tuscarora War, which helps placate NC. Spain, France (who in this TL has the funding to have maintained a somewhat capable navy), and Mexico join their Caribbean fleets and massively destroy the British fleet. Britain is fearful of a home invasion, which is being pushed for heavily by Spain, and keep most of their remaining fleet in home waters. France, Spain, Mexico roll through the islands, capturing one after another. Spain and Mexico join in a joint assault on Jamaica, capturing it, and creating a new nation under a Carlos I son, b 1695, who has been capably heading the Mexican Navy for a couple of decades. A life long Bachelor, he marries a Spanish Princess, Mary (b 1735) to assuage Spanish angst over not regaining Jamaica for itself. Joseph Ferdinand knows Spain is overextended already, and with the island in massive upheaval from slaves rising up, expecting freedom under a Bourbon flag (looking to placate and gain support of the land owners, the new King tries to walk a fine line in stopping the uprising while promising the slaves a gentler rule, with more opportunity to buy their way into freedom). Fearful of an invasion of the homelands (Lorraine-Netherlands is preparing to enter the war on the side of the French coalition), Britain sues for peace in 1750. With the coalition shattered, France/Spain gain the upper hand. Seeing the writing on the wall, with French forces now about to completely conquer Bavaria, JLL switch sides, and oppose Austria. Within a year, the war in Europe winds down. In 1752, the ten year war is over. Britain loses all of Rupert’s land, Maine, and northern Vermont. The western border of the colonies is set at the OTL line of Proclaimation 1763. Spain regains Milan. Piedmont is split between France and Spain. Savoy ceases to exist as an independent nation. Naples/Sicily gains Tuscany. Poland is made a hereditary kingdom under Stanislaw II, but Courland is given to the Russians. Germany gains Silesia. Saxony, which fought on the side of France, is given portions of Bohemia. Bavaria gains portions of Tyrol and Salzburg, which is promptly secularized. The Ottomans are given minor gains, but are mostly the odd man out.

The nations of Europe are exhausted, financially, and materially.
 
Mexico is looking to a bright future. Their first war, started with a bit of reluctance. This wasn’t their war. They were resentful of the money spent on the military. However, a short, magnificent war, which brought them glory and gains. A huge new territory was added. They had created two new countries, and could be proud that they were being led by one of their own, and trade could now commence with them. their borders were defined. Having shed the need to supply mother Spain with money and goods, they could spend those funds on internal development. Roads were being built, ports developed, industry created. A national bank loaned money to those in need, or for them to start, or better, businesses, homes, farms. The Catholic Church was a problem. It didn’t want to lose its monopoly on the people, and resisted introduction of science and technology. The allowance of non Catholics in Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, and California, rankled, but the crown insisted that tolerance was the path of Jesus, and true conversion was only possible by enticement, not force. The crown started reform slowly, not wishing to rock the boat, but ever so steadily, the crown was growing its own authority over the church. Pressure, gentle at first, but gaining strength, was brought to bear to create townships in mission regions, and not merely de facto plantations enriching the church on the backs of virtual native slaves. Criolles, those born in the country, were expected to be leaders. Foreigners were encouraged to come and join in a growing community. Native Americans were invited to be a part of that community. Prejudice was discouraged. Joining the ‘white mans way’ was encouraged. Living a tribal life was tolerated if it was peaceful. Violence was met with military strength. Carlos I and Carlos II preached harmony and peaceful coexistence on an ever expanding frontier. The philosophy was that both cultures could live together, but both sides needed to compromise. There would be no denial, though, that the ‘white mans way’ would ultimately prevail. There was also no denial that it did not automatically follow just because the crown willed it to be so. The only question was whether the natives would merge and add their considerable contributions to the community, or resist and be conquered. While many preferred the latter, the crown advocated for the former. Trade and pioneering influence was encouraged in the hinterland, preparing the way for the frontier to advance. Florida/Georgia was a profitable region. Sea Island Cotton was introduced. Indigo, rice, and tobacco grown. Naval Stores industry was slowly growing. Louisiana region was also growing. The climate was deadly, but people persevered, and made their way north. Natchez was a growing hotspot. The Huguenots had built a thriving community in Mobile, bringing crafts, trades, and agriculture to the region. They spilled over into New Orleans, while was becoming a bustling port. Texas was slow to get started, as the natives (comanche and apache) protected their turf. But a road was built to link by land Mexico with Louisiana, and towns/farming built up along it. California was still a de facto colony, with a tenuous link along the Kino Road, but the route was becoming more secure yearly. Ships traveled from Western Mexico to Asia, and returned to the northern coast. Trading ports were established at Vancouver, Portland, and San Francisco. A vibrant fur industry was developing. Russia and Britain wanted to contest, but they were worn out by the Ten Year War. Mexico had a reasonably open trade policy in the Caribbean ports, but did not tolerate foreign ships visiting the western ports. Spain, being held close as a special partnership was given limited access, and in return Mexico was allowed limited access to South American colonies. It was a relationship that benefitted both, although the southern Spanish Colonies were envious of the freedom of Mexico, and there was an underground sentiment growing that if Mexico could do it, so could they. Overall, a middle class was encouraged, and efforts were made to integrate cash crops, such as sugar and coffee, into medium sized holdings. Co-ops were started. The crown, and the ever growing Bourbon family, struggled to ensure fair dealings by all, but it was a difficult task.
 
A new World Order: Prussia is ostracized by the larger powers. Britain decides upon a policy of Isolation. France distances itself from the unreliable Frederick, and forms a relationship with Spain, and Naples/Sicily/Tuscany (henceforth to be called Italy). Austria resumes an alliance with Russia. Prussia assembles an assortment of minor powers – Saxony and Bavaria being the two biggest. Bavaria, under the uber ambitious Joseph Ludwig Leo, begins putting pressure on the Swabian Circle. Frederick, still ambitious for more gains, lays low for a while, but encourages JLL. Hanover, which escaped from the ten years war virtually intact, stays with the Austrian HRE sphere, but is nervous of the specter of Frederick. France, Spain, and Mexico have a Caribbean pact of mutual defense.

1752: Georgia gold rush. Soldiers involved in the Ten Year War, pursuing British allied Indians, discover gold in the interior mountains of Georgia. Persons of all shapes, sizes, and nationalities enter the region. Mexican troops are on hand (from the war) to keep order, but between desertions and the aftermath mayhem of the war, keeping control of immigration is difficult. Minor gold deposits are found in nearby Kingdom of Carolina.

1753-55: Cherokee War. Incensed by the blatant invasion of their lands, the Cherokee attempt to repel the intruders. After a couple years of war, they sign a treaty pushing them into eastern Tennessee.

1760: Mexican ‘discovery’ of Hawaii. Exploratory expeditions attempted to exploit the trade winds travelled west and then north to the eastern bound winds. One of these trips stumbled across the islands. Trading expeditions began. Mexico tentatively claimed sovereignty, but it was a hollow claim. Attempts were made to keep the discovery quiet, but this was merely a futile attempt to delay the inevitable.

1761: King Carlos II dies and is succeeded by James I.

1762: Elizabeth (Russia) dies, and is succeeded by Peter III. Peter immediately forms an alliance with Prussia. Austria maintains an alliance with Russia, but is fearful, and puts out feelers to France. Austria is seen as weak, and ripe for destruction. France fears for the growing power of Prussia and Bavaria, and reluctantly brings Austria into the France/Spain/Italy sphere.
 
1763: Peter seeks to regain some of his german holdings, and requests permission from Poland to allow troop passage, expecting them to say no. Poland unexpectedly grants permission. France backs Denmark and sends troop support. Prussia invades and conquers Saxony. No one knows quite what to do, as Saxony was not on the side of the Bourbon-Wittelsbach sphere. Russia is repulsed, and due to its infamous supply (lack of) coordination, and to retrench for a breather. Poland gets rich selling agricultural goods, bleeding Russia’s finances. Prussia encourages Russia to withdraw, hoping to quickly end the war. Joseph Ludwig Leo wants his piece of the pie, and launches through Augsberg and takes Wurttemberg. Austria dithers, but cannot allow this transgression and declares war on Bavaria. France formally enters the war and marches against Bavaria and Prussia. Spain chooses to remain neutral. Britain remains neutral in Europe, but begins preparations to retake Jamaica. Russia and Prussia move against Austria, who is staggered but resilient. Russia again is hampered by its ability to only fight one battle, then rest. Pressured by both France and Hannover, Prussia cannot attack too deep into Austria. As in the ten year war, it is going to be a long wearying war.

1765: Britain strikes at Jamaica with dual purpose. They hope to recapture the island, while at the same time drawing Mexico into the war. Wary of the trap, Mexico sends aid and assembles its navy, while building up troop strength in Florida/Georgia/Carolina. Britain has been sending army units to Virginia. Jamaica turns out to be a fiasco for both sides. Not used to the climate, disease takes its toll on the British. They siphon off troops from Virginia to bolster Jamaican effort. The Bourbon King has been unable to establish a firm backing from either planters or blacks. His attempt to walk a tightrope between the two fails, and he is forced to abandon the island. What support he has flees the island with him. He leaves behind him rebelling slaves and a ruling planter class welcoming back the British, but having had a taste of freedom, expect greater autonomy. They are mistaken. The British troops slowly disintegrate in a cauldron of disease. Meanwhile, Britain has invaded the Kingdom of North Carolina. Mexico has been preparing for a joint defense. Carolina falls, but not as quickly as expected. The colonists have been watching the freedoms of the kingdoms to their south and are envious. The King of Carolina is of Stuart lineage, and with the taxes imposed by Britain to pay off the debts of the Ten Year War chafing at them, there is a growing sentiment that maybe joining him, or forming their own kingdom, would be preferable. They won’t outright rebel in the middle of a war, but they don’t have to be helpful, either. Britain is forced to be aggressive in demanding support, which is only given begrudgingly, but also worsens the relationship. Britain prioritizes sending support to the Jamaican morass, believing Mexico will wear itself out in Georgia. Kenneth Ulysses Cornelius O’Shea is a Mexican warrior descended from Irish immigrants who has spent time amongst the indian and studied their methods of warfare and the Mexican methods of warfare against the Indians, as well as contemporary modern methods of European warfare. He blends the three together to create a marauding army which harasses the British in conjunction with the main Mexican army arena of facing the British. The previously pro British Cherokee nation, having been beaten in the Cherokee War, at first again back the British, but are flipped into opposing them with promises of a Cherokee Nation homeland .. The British make headway in the Ohio region, but bog down with distance and the French and Indian resistance. Without the French and Spanish Fleets (they are not at war with Britain), the Mexicans are outnumbered by the British on the seas. Britain was financially strapped between the wars, and hence its rebuilding efforts were curtailed, but they still had a decent navy. Mexico still had enough to keep the Brits from total domination. Britain attack and burn several ports, but do not attempt full scale conquest from the sea. The dam finally burst when a British sea captain mistakenly fires upon a Spanish vessel. The incident causes outrage in Spain, and causes her entry into the war. The Spanish fleet combine with Mexico’s and hold back the British. On land, the main British army was surprised by O’Shea’s marauders and a Mexican army. The affair was so one sided that Mexico was able to recover the Kingdom of Carolina and all Mexican territories before an armistice was struck in 1768. They are aided by Britain’s nervousness of having France enter on the part of Mexico. France was worn out, and unlikely to have done so, but they postured in an aggressive stance. When the dust had settled, Jamaica was lost to Britain, and the eastern half of Ohio, as well as West Virginia.
 
1769: Britain rues the day it retook Jamaica. The island is a large pit of misery, taking up British resources and money.

1766: Peter III is deposed in Russia. His son is declared, under a regency. Russia withdraws from the war, with borders status quo from ante bellum.

1767: Frederick’s troops are defeated in the field, and Frederick commits suicide. His son succeeds him, and seeks peace. He loses East Prussia to Poland, and Silesia is restored to Austria. Saxony is restored, minus the piece of bohemia taken in the Ten Years War. Bavaria is stripped of Salzburg and Tyrol, but given Augsburg and Wurttemberg. France and Austria were generous because of war weariness and also because France was looking to posture on the Mexican-British war and possible enter it, and needed to finish in Europe.

1768-1774: the Russo-Turkish War. Russia had no sooner extricated itself from the 4 Years War, when it found itself bound up with another war, this time against the Ottomans. Results as OTL. Austria looked on with interest, but she was still exhausted, and Maximilian would rather go back to the thrill of hunting game which couldn't shoot back.

1770: Jaime Bourbon dies of testicular cancer. He is father of Carlos III (b 1738)

1770: The second Continental Congress convenes in British North American Colonies. The colonists agitate for home rule. They are fed up with British attitudes toward the colonies. All they see is the British taking, and offering no greater security than the colonists can provide for themselves.

1771: British North America is not the only part of the empire getting antsy. Although the Crown has been weak, and growing weaker, since the days of James III restoration, it still makes a handy scapegoat. The insurrection begins in London. Peter Finley had served as the top aide to the top General in North America during the recent war. He had been present during the glorious early days of the war, but on sick leave during the sudden, catastrophic crash. He is nonetheless cashiered out of the army, tainted by the army’s collapse. His efforts at a civilian life end in failure, and he begins agitating against the government in general, and specifically on the Crown. A capable administrator and a good orator, he captivates the masses. Partly out of conviction/bitterness, and partly out of simply looking to milk an opportunity, he organizes an opposition. The movement blossoms rapidly.

1772: The British Crown is deposed. The King and Queen were riding to an opera, when they are spotted by a crowd, which rapidly grows agitated. They seize the royal couple. Peter Finley calms the crowd, and sends the royal couple unceremoniously packing for foreign shores. Across the country, mobs storm the castles/homes of anyone of royal blood close to the King. Aristocrats lie low, lest they be next. Enough blood runs in the streets to paralyze the ruling class. Many of the Stuart family follow the royal couple into exile. Some who remain meet an unfortunate end, or imprisonment. Some renounce all claims to the throne in return for being allowed to keep their estates. Peter Finley forms an interim gov’t, and after going through the motions of forming a new government through popular vote, forms a dictatorship under the guise of being a republic. At first he lives a modest lifestyle, but soon begins confiscating sumptuous palaces and castles for his delight, and for the delight of his growing harem of mistresses.

1773: The British North American colonies declare independence and set about forming its own republic. Fearing a strong central leader, they band together in a decentralized Confederacy. There is sentiment for bringing a Crown, with some looking to join with Mexico, or the Kingdom of Carolina. Mexico discourages any thought of joining with them, fearing too large a foreign population being next to a growing, but still sparsely populated Mississippi River region. Carlos III offers a Mexican prince, but the colonies have decided on republicanism.
 
1774: Ireland is quickly finding that they are still going to be treated second class in the Finley government. They begin thinking of independence themselves. The North American Colonies were let go with nary a peep, and they begin thinking they could do the same. Correspondence with Mexican-Irish compatriots have them believing in the Mexican Bourbon magic. Many Irish have been emigrating there. O’Shea, Ken U. C. (as he has been signing his letters) acts as a conduit between the Irish and the Bourbon Crown. He convinces both sides that if Ireland can achieve independence, a Bourbon prince, and Mexican support, will come to the island. Ireland declares her independence, and is met with an English army.

1775: Pedro Bourbon is the 20 year old son of the exiled Jamaican King. Feeling adventurous, he gathers together a band of fellow adventurers, including many fellow exiled Jamaicans (many of Irish descent), O’Shea, and even a few native americans. Mexico can’t afford to supply them with much, but she gives what she can and gives them safe passage across the seas and lands them on the Emerald Isle. It’s enough to swing the balance, as England was on pretty slim footing itself, still reeling from two consecutive defeats, and bogged down in Jamaica.

1776: Ireland is recognized as an independent kingdom with King Cloch I.

1777: the rise of the republics continues with Corsica finally gaining its independence from Genoa. Republican clubs spring up around the globe. Depending on the degree of control from heads of state, these clubs are either brutally repressed, or allowed to quietly exist as long as they didn’t radically sponsor overthrow.

1778: After several years of creating a new gov’t, and attempting to iron out differences, the North American Colonies erupt in warfare. Connecticut has border disputes with New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. New York has border disputes with Massachusetts and New Hampshire, as well as Virginia. The only constant coalition is that of New England. NY, PA, and VA at first partner to defeat New England, and then set upon each other. France happily provides aid to whomever is fighting Massachusetts (they’ve been agitating to regain Maine) and/or the Iroquois. Mexico looks mostly to stay out, but they are also looking to have the Iroquois diminished. They convince Virginia to accept the borders set by the British (basically confining VA to OTL prior to separation of West Virginia), including the Kingdom of Carolina, in return for moderate aid. When the dust settles, there exists a republic of New England, and two new Kingdoms. New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania have merged into a single Kingdom, under the loose rule of one of the exiled Stuart Princes. They name themselves the Northern Kingdom. Aristocracy shackled by the oppressive Finley regime follow him. Virginia and Maryland join with Carolina. Mexico has loaned money to Carolina, who in turn loaned to Virginia and Maryland. To prevent financial collapse, the new kingdom is formed under the Bourbon Carolina king. In a stroke of inspiration, the new kingdom is named the Southern Kingdom. In return for a reduction of debt, Mexico is given trading advantages. Pennsylvania has taken ownership of it's disputed lands with Connecticut, including the Connecticut Western Reserve west to the Scioto River. Virginia holds all Ohio lands south of the Reserve west to the Scioto River. New York settles it's border as OTL with PA, and sets it's eastern border as OTL with MA and CT. NY gains disputed Vermont territory. The western and northern boundary is still in dispute with New France. New France claims the southern shore of Lake Ontario/western NY, but has no presence there. The Iroquois have been seriously diminished in the colonial wars, which allows NY to populate lands to the west. Maryland and Delaware have mostly tried to remain neutral in the wars and retain their OTL boundaries.


The Republic of New England is the smallest of all the British North American countries. It has previously lost most of Northern Maine, northern New Hampshire and northern Vermont to New France. New York blocks any direct connection with the western claims, which dampens the enthusiasm to spill blood to make good on those claims. They reluctantly accept the borders, but also suffer minimally in the wars. they will be a small, but powerful industrial country. Their maritime industry, having abundant access to the rich grand banks fisheries, thrives.
 
1784: the decline of the republics. Peter Finley is a fine administrator within the rigid confines of the military, or a dictatorship, but he proves to be a poor politician, and a man of poor vision. His policies and methods have made a mess of the country, and with hunger comes unrest amongst the populace. He attempts to bolster his regime by pursuing a religious war against the Catholics, but the people have had enough of disarray. His favorite mistress is bribed, and upon entering her boudoir, instead of a delightful tryst, he finds himself naked, staring at his wine, wondering why it tastes odd, and why his body was having a dreadful reaction.

The conniving mistress was last seen heading for the nearest port. No convincing evidence of the conspirators was ever found, though no one looked very hard for either. Yet another British attempt at a republic has failed. As quickly as the movement caught fire, it was extinguished. The American experiment had apparently failed as well. Democracy had failed, replaced by rifle power enforcing the notion of might makes right. Ireland, which rejected republican ideals in favor of a monarchy was stable, if not entirely prosperous. Monarchy was back in vogue. Republican theorists argued in vain that the theory was sound, but the voices echoed in empty salons. It was OK for small nations, with small scale problems, but for the big boys, with manly problems, a King was needed. In this new age of Enlightenment, the people were not mere pawns for a feudal overlord. It was recognized that they should have a say in their daily lives and governance, but the ultimate authority was divined from above, through a King. Provisions were made to restart Parliament, and an invitation was sent to the Stuarts to return. Yes, they said, but not as feeble figureheads. Some negotiations went back and forth, and when the new royal couple (the previous, exiled, couple having passed away) stepped foot on British soil, it was as strong sovereigns. Gone were the days of worries of a Catholic Monarch (the last one anywhere near the throne was James III, and he was long since deceased), but Catholics were also going to be granted protections.

1780’s:

with the death of republicanism comes the rise of constitutionalism. The ideals of Enlightenment are still as strong as ever. The notion arises that a constitution would magically make everything better. Transfer of ideas and ideals is possible now in many parts of the world. People are realizing they have rights, and they accept the right of Kings to reign. The solution, therefore, is to share government, and document it, so that no one can be denied or abused. When the Stuarts are reinstalled, the people insist on a strong constitution that shares power between the Crown/aristocracy and the people. the Bourbons in Mexico, strong advocates for the rights of man from the very beginning, adopt a constitution which allows for a bicameral house of legislature, a separate judiciary and a strong executive arm of the Crown. A balance is struck between a strong centralized gov't and the realistic necessity of allowing the far flung varied regions to have their say. The three new countries formed out of the prior British North America all have Constitutions. North America is not of much importance globally in a material, or military sense, but the impact of her theories is far greater than her standing in the power ranks. The salons and cafes of Europe fill up again, this time with talk of the fantastic marvels of a constitution, and press for it in whatever country they may be in.


Spain follows suit. When Joseph Ferdinand arrived, he found a country quite decentralized. Early attempts at centralization met with failure, but gradually Joseph and his successors managed to form a stable central government with strong regional rule. . Spain is the largest country in Europe to fall prey to the allure. A large population of Spain has come to idealize their offspring colony, now center of the North American continent. It seems backwards for the long civilized mother land to look with such starry eyes upon a child who has broken free from the nest and done so well, but such it was in Spain. Frontier fashions from the savage continent were a rage, as were some of the colloquial expressions. Mexico became the destination of choice for emigration, and it was quite a steady stream that went to join in the grand adventure. A constitution is declared in 1789.


New France has continued being treated as a minor colony. The big money and attention is on the sugar islands of the Caribbean. The King was more than willing to part with the Illinois-Indiana region to Mexico, it was of such minimal importance, and had considered giving up more at the time. The main industries are fur and fishing. Immigration is minimal, but internal growth is strong. With such a low population base, though, the numbers remain low. by 1800, the population of white and mixed blood numbers around 200,000.


Circa 1790: World Update:

The Industrial Revolution is delayed by a decade or two. OTL, Britain had led the way, having all the ingredients necessary. Here, they’re broke, but they still have the rest of what it takes. The revolution is more of an evolution. France had the money early in the 18th century, and a long period of peace. They got started a little earlier, as did Spain, but France has been sent into a tailspin by two lengthy, expensive wars, for very little gain. Lorraine-Netherlands got in on the action, with a growing cooperation with the United Provinces of the Netherlands. Mexico is drastically different. Carlos I and Carlos II had very strong convictions on the power of science. Though it involved an ongoing battle with the Church, they introduced secular schools with strong technological curriculums. They had the minerals/products necessary, as well as the money. OTL, the church accumulated up to half the wealth of the viceroyalty. Here, banks are introduced early to provide for capital distribution. Without the need to send much of the wealth to Spain, Mexico is able to focus on developing itself. The biggest issue is transportation. The crown built roads and canals (where possible), but It was still expensive to move goods about the country. A true bloom would have to wait on the age of steam, which here is delayed a bit.

France: the late 80’s, early 90’s have seen several years of poor harvest. The people hold rallies crying for bread and a constitution of their own. Louis the umpteenth shakes up his gov’t attempting to appease them, and enact reforms. The treasury is not as dire as OTL, though it is still shaky from the massive expenditures of fighting two major continental wars, and relief efforts are attempted. They are of limited success, and the people are getting uppity. The aristocrats are aloof, as is the church. Both are mostly about accumulating wealth and preserving their positions in the hierarchy. The Church has their own relief efforts, but they block any attempt by the government at reform. The people want a constitution and a say. The aristocrats and Church fear any change whatsoever, fearing a diminishment of their position and power. The return of a couple good years of harvest quieted things down, but the pressure pot was still simmering, waiting for the event that would cause it to blow.

South America: So far, everything is going more or less as OTL. The Wittelsbach reforms take on different forms, but are still there, implemented differently, and in different times. The big difference is that the vice royalty of Rio la Plata does not come to pass. Buenos Aires was allowed to be a semi-open trade port, which stimulated growth, but it remained a virtual city-state, with no authority beyond the immediate area. Portugal attempted to expand through the Uruguay region, but with Britain (Portugal’s main security alliance partner OTL) faring poorly through most of the 18th century, Portugal was forced to make nice with Spain. Portugal still expanded beyond the line of Tordesillas in the hinterlands, but Spain turned a blind eye to a situation that would be difficult to rectify. Eventually, the two countries made a treaty, whereby Portugal moved out of Uruguay and most of Rio Grande do Sul, and in return was recognized in Mato Grasso and the upper part of Mato Grasso do Sul. Portugal tried delaying leaving Uruguay, whereupon Spain sent a naval squadron to threaten them. As Portugal had no major military friends willing to help, they backed down.

Jamaica: Britain under Finley had cut ties, tiring of sinking money, resources, and manpower trying to pacify a seemingly unwinnable situation. The slaves finally gained the upper hand, sending the minority planter class running for the ports, packing what they could, and leaving the rest to be ravaged by the hordes left behind. Having limited formal education, the black masses were quickly taken advantage of by the few blacks with education and means. This situation only lasted so long before the cycle of uprising started again. Meanwhile, the plantations languished in a fluctuating state of being inefficiently run or lying fallow while the latest revolution went on. Now, some 20 years later, an uneasy equilibrium exists. Some prior slaves and their offspring have eked out a middle ground of middle class small holdings. Others scrape by in subsistent farming. Others dejectedly reprise their roles of the ages, toiling away as exploited laborers, finding that overlords of their own skin color are no better than overlords of any other color.

The Jamaica situation affects slavery in the new world. The New World is increasingly fearful of slave revolt. Mexico had instigated it in British America in their part of the ten year war, which had ripple effects in Jamaica, where slaves similarly expected Bourbon support. Now that Jamaica showed the worst of what could happen in a full fledged revolt, everyone else who has slaves react in varying ways. Spain sets limits on the degree of slavery in Cuba and Puerto Rico (and throughout their empire), which in turn discourages investment in the sugar industry. France keeps a close watch on their own slave situation in Haiti, where the slave population massively outnumbers the whites. In prior British North America, each of the three countries adopt a different approach. New England, having few slaves, is affected the least, and the only argument is whether it’s worthwhile to formally abolish a practice that doesn’t really exist. The Northern Kingdom has more slaves, but not enough to worry about. An abolitionist movement exists, but is thwarted by a middle ground of enacting laws regulating treatment, and allowing slaves to purchase their freedom. The Southern Kingdom embraces slavery as wholeheartedly as ever. The Bourbon King, although raised in a far more permissive family (see below), pragmatically gives in to the harshness of the situation. He’d have preferred to lighten the burden on the slave class, but has virtually no backing for such a radical change. Mexico, following the footsteps of Spanish tradition has always struck the middle ground on slavery. It is allowed, but encouraged to be of a moderate nature. Slaves were not to be abused, and they could purchase their way into freedom. Once free, they had all the advantages afforded to any free man, regardless of color, bounded mostly by status of class. If you were poor, you were poor. If you were rich, you were rich. Life is never quite that simple, as racism is still a widespread thing, but that was the general gist of things. A large percentage of the population is free black and mixed races.
 
1794: The French Revolution. King Louis the umpteenth is stubbornly refusing the constitution demanded by the people. He’d like to take the aristocrats and Church down a peg, as their own obstinance is preventing the country from moving forward. This year is another poor harvest, and the people go beyond being restless and actively agitate for bread and change. Young Dauphin Louis the umpteenth + 1 is a student of enlightenment, and is a firm believer that the crown will be removed from power if something isn’t done. He has had enough of watching his father freeze in inaction. seizing the backing of the people, he rails against the status quo, and implores his father, the King, to abdicate and allow him to form a constitution limiting the privileges of the aristocracy and the church. The King refuses and attempts to confine his son to house arrest. the younger Louis escapes and attempts a coup. He almost pulls it off in a quick fashion. But his father outwits him, and they settle down for a long battle of supremacy. It goes on for nearly a decade, until Louis the umpteenth is stricken by meningitis. In his final months in the year of 1801, his ailment has many thinking he is insane. When he finally passes on, the country is worn out and ready for a peace. Louis the umpteenth + 1 is crowned as the constitutional monarch, Leonard I (he has grown tired of explaining to people exactly which Louis he is and wants to denote a new beginning to the nation). The Aristocrats are forced to accept taxation, but they get their own council in the gov’t. The Church has been badly bruised, and has to accept restrictions on their power, as well as some confiscation of their lands.

1799: The New France-New England War. During the revolution, New France has contemplated independence. they have been left completely unattended and rudderless. Although they’ve been mostly de facto self governing, the laws and direction have come from the Crown. They are low in number (200,000ish) in a large land, but look with envy at the independence of their southern neighbors. They also fear their neighbors. Both the Republic of New England and the Northern Kingdom contest their boundaries. As long as France looms overhead, the neighbors glances are only covetous. Now that France is otherwise occupied, the story is different. Some call for a colonial monarchy, seeking to emulate the southern neighbors. Others are fearful of the ambitions of the much stronger Northern Kingdom and Republic of New England. There are mixed opinions on how the colony will be treated under a constitutional regime if the dauphin wins the revolution. Some feel that they'll be treated fairly, as an equal province of the empire. Others hold the opposite, that their representation will be dwarfed by the mainland, ending their current status of being unofficially self governing while being overseen by the Crown. In 1799, their fate is decided for them. During the height of the confusion of the revolution, the Republic of New England marches in with an ‘army’ (mostly a mob of citizen soldiers and their families) to occupy and settle Maine. New France has done nothing with the region, except for some minor settlement at the mouth of the Penobscot River. With no expectation of help from France (it’s unsure which faction actually holds the crown at the moment), New France accepts the border at the Penobscot. Most of northern New Hampshire is regained as well. The Northern Kingdom uses this opportunity to press for recognition of its claims as well. New France presses for retention of the Champlain Valley, but the Northern Kingdom, led mainly by the desires of New York, wants it as well. The war consists mostly of settlers proclaiming themselves a militia moving into contested territories. Real attacks on the few forts are avoided. Knowing it will only get help from a foreign source, New France declares independence, mobilizes what army it can muster and asks Mexico for mediation. The new Kingdom of Canada opens its port to foreign trade with the hope of foreign aid and investment. Mexico sends aid, and forms a small army on the western bank of the Scioto River in Ohio (Mexico has been looking to increase its presence there anyhow) and threatens intervention if mediation is not accepted.



1798-1799: Mexico mediates a settlement. New York (Northern Kingdom) gains OTL western NY and all of OTL Vermont, but Canada gets the Champlain Valley, and both banks of the Saint Lawrence. the Northern Kingdom will pay a small indemnity, but will gain trading privileges. The Republic of New England gains Maine south of the Penobscot River, and northern New Hampshire. The compromise seems reasonable to all sides and peace is restored. In return for their assistance, Mexico receives fishing rights in the rich north atlantic fisheries, and a couple of small islands in the mouth of the St Lawrence to dry their catch.

1799: Canada searches for a King. They eagerly offer it to any one of the Dauphin’s (now King) several brothers, but none are interested in such a miniscule throne. Not many in France even realize, or care, that they’ve lost a colony. The rest of Europe similarly lacks interest. Perhaps a Bourbon from a different direction, then. They ask the King of Mexico if perhaps one of his sons, or nephews, would be interested. The king asks his youngest son, Pedro, to take on the solemn duty of protecting the people, and the land, the northern reaches of the continent. Pedro, after being assured that he’ll have a lifetime supply of very, very, warm fur coats, accepts and is crowned Pierre I.


1810’s: The south american colonies of Spain are dissatisfied. They had been expecting an advance of autonomy/dominion status with the motherland's constitution. Instead, they've been left as colonies to be exploited. With the entirety of North America as independent countries, it should have been obvious that the south continent would seek to be the same, but Spain was oblivious. The Vice Royalty of New Grenada was the first to rebel. Chile followed suit. Peru/Bolivia/upper Argentina (aka Vice Royalty of Peru) remained loyal, as did Uruguay, but Buenos Aires and Paraguay were agitating for independence. With this explosion of rebellion, and fearful of losing the South American colonies as they had lost Mexico, Spain came up with a plan of partition. Named the Andres Plan after the fellow who suggest it to the King, Andres the Small. Andres was a person afflicted with dwarfism, quite witty and personable, who was kept in the Spanish court for the king's amusement. The King had discovered that Andres was quite rational and practical, and often talked of matters of state when the two were alone. When the King lamented the situation, Andres merely said, "if you can't beat them, join them", and reminded that although Mexico's sovereignty was lost to Spain, their trade situation and military alliance was a definite positive. tis better to get something out of the situation than nothing.

The South American colonies were to be turned into something akin to a dominion, fully autonomous in home rule, but foreign affairs would be the province of Spain, and their head of state would be the King. All would pay yearly tribute to the mother country. There were to be four of them: New Granada (comprising Venezuela and Columbia), Peru (Bolivia, Peru, Equator, and the northern provinces of Argentina), Chile (Chili, plus the lower half of the southern cone of Argentina) and Parana (Paraguay, Buenos Aires, Uruguay, Rio Grande do Sul). Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other miscellaneous small islands, were to be kept in colonial status.


The vice royalty (now Dominion) of Peru was given a special place on the continent, and provided with a prince (against his will) to rule. As the most loyal of the colonies, and centrally located, Peru was to act to enforce the will of the crown. With the troubles happening on all sides, it was of limited efficiency. Still, most of the heartland of South America was kept within the empire.

The Andres Plan was a mixed bag of failure and success. Chile only acted as a special partner when it suited them. At other times, they acted in their own interests as a virtual independent nation. The tribute expected of them was only sporadic.


Buenos Aires wanted to be the capital of Parana, which was set in Montevideo. Paraguay was tired of being treated as a rural hinterland whose desires were ignored by the La Plata region. Rio Grande do Sul identified more with Portugal than with Spain. The region was mostly of pastoral economy, which benefited mostly the minority land owner class. In 1812, Buenos Aires declared independence, followed in 1813 by Paraguay. Entre Rios made a play for separation, but was quickly put down by Uruguay.


the Dominion of New Grenada immediately degenerated into chaos, which required intervention from Peru. Venezuela split off as an independent country, while the remaining dominion (Columbia, Ecuador) was under the thumb of Peru.

By the end of the first quarter of the 19th century, the whole region was a mixed bag of muddle.


The Spanish gov't was torn on how to handle the situation. Some resisted sending troops, arguing the whole point of the plan was to eliminate that need. Others wanted to send in massive troops and return the dominions to colonial status, while still others argued that it was too late to put that genie back in the bottle. By the time the first quarter of the 19th century closed out, Spanish South America was a hodgepodge of newly minted countries, and dominions of varying loyalty to the crown.


Looking for a feel good foreign success to buoy morale at home, Spain spies what seems to be an easy target. In 1823, Spanish troops in Milan, find an excuse to invade the Republic of Genoa. This is a minor military move was to have enormous consequences.

1823: the Genoa War. the initial conquest was easy. Italy was not amused. The pope was not particularly enamored with Spain of late, with Spain allowing the divine right of kings to wither in South America. The King of Italy was a devout believer. Italy had resisted a constitution. God gave kings the divine right to rule, and the Italian Bourbon king was not going to give that up. This resonated well with the Pope, who was tired of seeing the religious rights diminished, even those of faiths non Catholic. The Jesuits were diminished or expelled around the world in the century gone by. The Church had suffered greatly in the French Revolution. Mexico had cut the power of the Church greatly. True, the awful republicanism turned out to be a passing phase, and God was put back in power with the return of Monarchy inspiration. The Pope encourage Italy's invasion of Milan, with the added bonus of bringing a long time republic Genoa back under the leadership of God.


Gaining the blessing of the papal states, Italy made a stand, and came to the defense of Genoa. They swiftly swept through Milan, surprising the unprepared Spanish, and aided by a populace that was not particularly enamored with their Spanish overlords. Simultaneously, they invaded and conquered Sardinia. They demanded a quick peace after this, but Spain was not so easy to dismiss. They geared up for a war with a country far smaller. Europe had settled into a state of loose alliances which shifted almost yearly. Gone were the days of rigid alliances lasting decades and enmities lasting longer. Italy was under Bourbon rule, but a century had passed since the Bourbon ruler was a son of France. France under Leonard I might have remained neutral, but Austria saw an opportunity to regain influence in Italy. France wanted neither Spain or Austria to gain power, and joined in with her cousin Bourbons. Britain continued the policy of isolation that had served it well. Military intervention seemed to only bring misery. Trade was good with North America and growing in South America with every country emerging.

Austria had done well since the 4 years war. With the return of Silesia into the fold, Austria had money to accomplish her goals, which was basically to make life well for the populace. Serfdom had been abolished decades ago. Maximilian II had done minimally his duties as Holy Roman Emperor, and had allowed the whole arrangement of the Empire to slowly erode. His successor, Maximilian III had made feeble efforts to reassert Austria's authority (having barely been elected Emperor over the aging Joseph Ludwig Leo of Bavaria), but ultimately acquiesced to a slow decline of the HRE. Now the new king, Francis I, was eager to show his mettle. Spain was seemingly doing poorly in Northern Italy and could use a hand. Southern Italy was a smaller state, would make a nice addition to the Austrian sphere.

Having no choice but to capitulate to Austrian demands, the Republic of Venice ,played a passive role in joining with Austria, and allowed passage of Austrian troops so that they might defeat the Bourbon Italians now in possession of both north and south Italy, separated only by the Papal States.


Spain was surprised by Austria's entry in the war, and was both delighted to have an ally, and worried about Austria's intentions regarding the region. They made a pact, whereby Austria would receive southern Italy, and Spain would gain northern Italy.


France had also done well since her devastating revolution. The aristocracy was still doing fine, albeit knocked down a peg since their heydays of the 18th century. The church had taken a beating. They had sided with the old king. In truth, it still was a very powerful institution, but it would be a long time until the bitterness of the reduction of power dissipated. But, the people were happy, and prosperous. the Industrial Revolution was emerging from the ashes of the old order. France could have kept on being fat and happy. Italy was important in world affairs, but not so important that France should risk itself being enmeshed with a war against two very large and much more important countries. But rational thinking often has no seat at the council of war. France joined the war, seeking to protect a Bourbon family member in need of protection.

French Aristocratic society had watched with horror the debacle of the British Revolution happening across the channel. They didn't want this happening to them and were determined to prevent it from happening to them. This helped precipitate the French Revolution. During the fray, many found the British response of nobles (mostly minor, but some of the medium to higher noble families) moving to the new world to be appealing, but where to go? The Caribbean sugar islands were hotbeds of . New France seemed cold and for disease and pestilence. New France looked cold and desolate. Mexico, with its healthy population of French looked inviting. They already had an aristocratic presence including a few French nobles who, being of minor stock in Europe, could be bigger fish in the pond, and had already made the move. The variety of the massive country ensured that one could find somewhere that would suit his needs. there were plenty of destinations for the French diaspora, but Mexico was one of them.

Northern Mexico had always been a polyglot of peoples, but now, slowly, southern Mexico was becoming more varied, as well.

This aristocratic movement was not unnoticed around the world. It would seem the world was a changing place. The once seeming rock solid foundations of society/government were shifting. Not necessarily crumbling. Peoples around the world, of all classes, were observing, wondering where it all was leading, and if they were clever types, looking to mold it and shape it for their own ends, or for what they saw as a betterment of mankind. The bloodshed and devastation of the British and French revolutions worried many. some, while not reveling in guts and gore, saw it as a necessary evil to effect a more positive change. Most, though, sought to avoid this, and agitated for a more gentle, gradual change. This was to be a multi generational evolution. Some peoples of all types kept their heads firmly planted in the sands of delusion, believing that if they ignored the signs around them, nothing would change, but most could see change as inevitable. Everything was a constant shift of multiple currents of change, swirling about in ever changing patterns. Peoples and classes were islands in those currents, working to steer their direction, affecting the direction of others, who in turn responded and whose actions affected the directions of those islands who impacted up them. On and on this slow dance went.



Truth be told, though, Italy was still doing quite nicely. The Spanish were still recovering from the shock of being tossed out of Milan, Genoa, and Sardinia with such unnerving ease, and Austria had rushed in a little too unprepared and had suffered a bloody nose on their first engagement. The Bourbon Italian king was eager to strike a peace while Italy was at its peak, but Austria and Spain weren't about to give in that quickly. Leaving Austria to deal with Italy, Spain put forces across the Pyrenees. The mountains made for a very nice defensive barrier, and although the struggle was hard, they were making bloody headway. France sent troops to bolster Italy in the Milan region. Details are boring, but suffice it to say, it was a long arduous slugfest.

No part of Italy was left unscathed. Austria and Spain tried from all angles to defeat the Bourbons. they gained footholds, then lost them. Were glorious victors in some battles, and thoroughly beaten in others. Spain never made it far over the Pyrenees when they were push back, it was finally the dual defeats of the Basque region of Spain and the loss of Cuba that caused Spain to lose the war. In the former, French forces pushed over the Atlantic side of the Pyrenees and through Pamplona into the Basque country, taking Bilbao and looking like there was no stopping the French troops, with more spilling over the mountains daily. In the Caribbean, French held Haiti had long been a prime jewel in the French nest. They, too, had toyed with independence during the dark years of the revolution. home governance and freedom was happening all around them, and the lure was strong. The slaves were getting uppity, as well. Magnificent sums were being tallied on the credit side of the ledger, while sweat, misery and death balanced it out on the debit side. But the overseers kept control with a firm whip. The overseers in Haiti bartered with their own overseers who were busy bickering in France. The landed class in Haiti gained a measure of home rule, while the slaves received their share of the bargain with more heaping portions of sweat, misery and death.


Now, some 20 or more years later, it was Haiti's turn to serve the mother country. Slaves were promised freedom, given rifles and a wee bit of training, boarded on to ships and sailed to nearby Cuba. There they served as canon fodder to soften up the Spanish defenses. With their twisted, bullet torn bodies still washing out to sea, French regulars waded ashore and took control of Cuba. Cuba had missed out on the dominion status of the Andres Plan, and now she went from being the colony of Spain to being the colony of France. France gave up its gains in the Basque country in return for a steep indemnity. Italy now resembled the Italy of OTL. France nibbled off a little bit here or there, but Italy was now a unified state under the Bourbon king. Genoa, Milan and Venice, as well as the island kingdom of Sardinia were added to Tuscany, Naples, and Sicily. Previously, Italian states such as Modena, Mantua, and Parma had already been assimilated. The Pope, although he was on the winning side, suffered as much as the losers. The Papal States, which had been trampled during the savage back and forth fighting, were mostly added to Italy, with only the small enclave around the Vatican remaining. The Bourbon King who started the war had sought to lead his glorious Christian troops in battle had been struck down by a canon ball late in the war. His final thoughts were despair that his was not a noble death, run through by a saber in personal contest amongst foes, but smashed from far away by an unseen hand lighting a fuse. The new King took the mantle of all of Italy, but was far more pragmatic and accepted a constitution to unify his realm.


The Scramble for Germany:


Austria lost far more than just a war against France and Italy. The descendants of Joseph Ludwig Leo of Bavaria continued his dream of a strong Bavarian state. Seizing the opportune moment, Joseph Ludwig Leo II, grandson of his namesake, and now King of Bavaria, discouraged the members of the Holy Roman Empire from joining with Austria in the war. Instead, he created a zollverein in the former Swabian Circle region. the east bank of the Rhine was now practically a Bavarian state. Joseph Ludwig Leo II outright annexed some of the bishoprics, coerced some of the Dukes into joining, and enticed some duchies to join by letting them swallow up other small german states who weren't so eager to join.

The House of Lorraine also benefited from the Genoa War. Now seated in the former Austrian Netherlands, she had enjoyed a century of peace. She had joined sides here and there, but her actual military efforts were minimal. King Johann I watched as King Joseph Ludwig Leo II expanded his kingdom. Here was a possible threat, and also a possible opportunity. Johann's country, the Kingdom of Lorraine-Netherlands, had been on good terms with the United Provinces of Netherlands for decades. Finally, it seemed a propitious moment to join the two together in a closer union. While they were at it, they would pull in a few smaller neighbors, and called it the Kingdom of Holland..


All the German states were in a whirl as they watched the dissolution of the HRE. Bavaria had grabbed a portion of it, and the newly formed Kingdom of Holland had nibbled away at it. Hanover, Saxony, and Brandenburg were the other big members of the empire. since it appeared the name of the game was conquer or coerce thy neighbor, a mad scramble ensued. Tiny duchies, bishoprics, and states sought protection under the umbrella of one of the big states, or tried banding together for protection against the big states. There was a great deal of statesmanship and saber rattling, but surprisingly little bloodshed from a skirmish here or there. Electorates now fancied themselves Kingdoms. In end, Austria was left holding close its Bohemian Crown lands and Hungary, while groups of states in varying degrees of union centered around Bavaria (the largest), Holland (next largest), Hanover, Saxony, and finally Brandenburg, who had been squeezed out by its more powerful neighbors.


This assortment of unions quickly proved unworkable and trade patterns were interrupted. Trade arrangements were worked and reworked. Tiny states lost their identity within the larger unions. Bishoprics were the easiest to dispatch, having no hereditary rulers. Duchies disappeared within the Kingdoms. If they were strong enough, they managed to hold on to a bit of power. If not, farewell. Only the small entities wanted to lock in to a constitution, with the larger powers wanting to hold off til they were in the strongest position possible. The constitutions that were written were quickly rewritten, then written again, until, as someone scoffed, they were only good for finishing business after a bowel movement (more vulgar language was used by the author)

1830’s

The decade was dominated by the uncertainty of Germany. Austria seemed content to stay above the fray. It now styled itself a kingdom, and it set about revamping its military capability and licking its wounds from the Genoa War.

The ottoman empire had a rough start to the 19th century. In the opening years, Serbia rose up in rebellion, was put down, and rose up again. This time, they were joined by Greece. Again the Turks managed to put them down, but the natives were restless, as they say, and it wasn't long before they rose up again. The world powers looked on eagerly to see what would become of the sick man. Some backed the rebels covertly, or even openly. The Turks were not without their backers, not because they favored the Ottomans, but because they sought to prevent potential enemies from carving out too much of the dying empire.

Russia was quietly modernizing. They had tangled with the Ottomans on more than one occasion, and though they always came out on top, or fought to a draw, the Russians saw that reforms were necessary. Peter III's successors (I left Catherine - not her original name - to wither away in obscurity, yet another princess married off into a minor duchy or principality. Peter got a less ambitious bride, who attempted to work with Peter rather than Catherine's method of opposition and deposition. This alternate bride is tossed by the wayside when Peter is assassinated and their son put on the throne under a regent) have more or less muddled through the years. The son had to fight to wrestle power from the regent, who had grown rather cozy in the role, and then had to find his way. Just when he was settling in, Russian ways of opposition happened and he died in mysterious circumstances, replaced by an underaged son of his own, who needed a regent, and that regency was fought over by several factions. Through it all, Russia lurched and sputtered forward, modernizing and seeming to freeze in ability all at the same time. When the 19th century dawned, Russia was looking to make its mark on the world, and taking the lead on the Eastern Question seemed like a good place to do it. They cajoled the Ottomans to give up concessions in return for inaction, but backed and encouraged the rebels wherever they rose up, and looked for opportunities to take more themselves.

It was during a lull in the decades long struggle (the rebels seemingly content with the amount of suzerainty they'd managed to wrest away from their masters) that Austria decided they could take their eyes off that side of the empire and entered the Genoa War. Russia pounced on the opportunity and encouraged the rebels once again. With both Serbia and Greece rising up again, the Russians threatened the borders once more, hoping for more gains.

In the Austrian sphere, the Magyars of Hungary looked on the Genoa War with apathy, while eyeing the rebellions with interest. Perhaps now was the time to gain the independence of their own that they had so long yearned for.

As the Genoa War dragged on, the atmosphere in Hungary was changing, and Austria had to diminish its role in Milan. France, rather than pouncing, let up on her efforts to vanquish the foe. As long as Austria kept reducing troop force in Italy, she would be not be contested elsewhere. It was necessary to leave Austria in good enough shape to check the Russians. The Genoa War wound down, and Austria concentrated on pacifying a Hungary that wasn't in open revolt, but not far from it. The Holy Roman Empire fell apart, and in declaring itself a Kingdom, Austria gave major concessions to the Magyars. S Secure, Austria sought to tear off a few pieces of it's own off the Ottoman Empire. Austria, though reeling from the stalemate war against France, was still a potent fighting force, especially now with peace with the Magyars. They watched as Russia struggled against the Ottoman forces. They did not want Russia getting too much, but they also wanted to get some for themselves. Russia was finding it was not such an easy go of it, as it would seem the dying man was not dead yet. They signed a treaty with Austria, and both countries geared up to throw massive forces against the Ottomans. The Sultan quickly sued for peace and gave up territory and concessions to both. Each power nibbled off a little bit,and jockeyed for influence in Bosnia, Herzegovina, Serbia, Rumania, Bulgaria, and Greece. Egypt arrived to bolster the Ottomans, and for a while it looked good for the Turks. All but Greece, who got full independence and a King from one of the minor European families, settled for massive amount of home rule/autonomy in return for protection of staying in the empire. Independence held its charms, but the large vultures circling overhead looking to take advantage of them gave them cause for concern. When all is said and done, you have OTL results. Austria had to give up a lot of power to Hungary earlier than OTL.



Mexican relations with the natives:

The Indian issue was much greater in the northern half of Mexico. in the southern half (previously known as New Spain), the natives had been conquered for centuries. In earlier days, they had been useful as slaves, until Spain, and then Mexico, had outlawed the practice (slavery was still acceptable for blacks). Ways were developed to use them as virtual slaves, and while that still presented a problem, it was diminishing slowly. Carlos I had preached the notion of treating them as equals, and encouraged whites to do so. It took a bit of doing, but gradually, Indians assimilated and became business owners and merchants working along side those of European descent. Indian reservations/communal lands were discouraged on the basis that it would hinder assimilation. The crown attempted to protect land rights of the natives by ensuring they got their fair share, but this was difficult where prejudice was accepted as a virtual law of society.


The north was a different story. Here, the tribes still held rule over the lands. Whites were still getting to the point of having enough power to conquer the tribes. Until then, Whites had to hunker down by forts, or beg for coexistence. Some tribes were more accepting of the whites living in harmony as long as the whites were willing to be harmonious. It was easy to sympathize with these tribes as inevitably, the whites began to outnumber them and their ways were lost in the assimilation. This was the fate of the Choctaw of southern Mississippi. Ever faithful allies of the Mexicans, they had fought side by side in vanquishing the Natchez (pretty much removing them from the face of the Earth) and in diminishing the Chickasaw. True, both of these were traditional enemies of the Choctaw, but the Choctaw were rewarded by seeing their lands shrunken further and further, early victims of having the misfortune of living in a spot conducive to early encroachment. Other tribes were bitter enemies, unaccepting of the whites under any circumstances, except, perhaps for trade for a few necessities such as guns. Most were of the 'we'll get along as long as you don't get too close, and pay us tribute' variety. As the white population grew, the tensions grew, too. When the Southern Kingdom was formed, Mexico sought to protect the border by populating western Ohio and middle Kentucky. The region was claimed by the Iroquois, but with their decimation in the Colonial Wars, they were unable to project power that far. Tribes that had been pushed by the Iroquois into Illinois/Indiana began to return and did not appreciate whites taking up residence on their hunting grounds. The Shawnee were being pushed from West Virginia by the whites encroaching from the east coast. Peace had been made with the Cherokee by allowing them a homeland in eastern Tennessee. the Cherokee called it a sovereign nation, but as they had no delegates/formal diplomacy with anyone but Mexico, the reality was more of a reservation. The Chickasaw in northern Mississippi had slowly lost power, and had given up lands in treaties and encroachment. they and the Creek to their east had been cajoled into letting the whites use and expand the Natchez Trace as a major highway into Kentucky and on into Ohio. Over the decades, various tribes had risen up in defiance of the encroaching whites, and the result was always the same. The Indians could snatch a small victory here or there, but the whites had the numbers and the guns. Mexico tried its hardest to coexist. they cracked down on white transgressions, but there was one basic undeniable truth: the white way of life and notions of land ownership was diametrically opposite. When population density was low, there was hope for compromise, but the Indian way of life called for large quantities of land for hunting. What the whites saw as empty space, the Indians claimed as living necessity.


Some tribes in close contact with whites looked to adopt a lifestyle straddling the two worlds. The Creek bordering Georgia and the Cherokee were two of these. They started farming and dressing as the white man did, but retained their notion of communal living. The mexican crown sought to encourage them, and punished whites who broke tribal laws, and rewarded those who dealt with them in a civilized manner. When the Creeks erupted in a civil war with some tribes looking to dominate those who they saw as turning into stooges of the whites, Mexico backed those were assimilating, including with troops. As a result, much of central Alabama was opened to white penetration in the early 1800s



Mexican exploration westward:.The Kino Trail had been the main land route to California for decades. Still, alternate routes were sought. A good jumping off point seemed to be Santa Fe. Exploration continued northward to Colorado and throughout the Rocky Mountains, searching not only for travel access, but also trade. The notorious mountain men of American lore have their counterparts here. They trapped for furs, traded with natives, and intermarried. They were a varied group. Mexicans of Spanish descent, Frenchmen, Europeans, Irish, Blacks, even Indians who, despairing of a dying way of life and not really liking the prospects of shooing cows or pigs around or clerking in a store, joined the call of the wilderness. By the late 1830’s routes were blazed through the mountains and to Oregon, Washington, California, and on up into (OTL) British Columbia, which showed no sign of belonging to anyone but the natives and Mexico.

1835: The California Gold Rush. You’d think it would have happened earlier. Whites were settling the entire coast much earlier than OTL. Mexicans, going back to the days of New Spain, had a rich (pun intended) history of discovering mineral wealth. Somehow, though, the great deposits of the west had remained undiscovered (by whites, that is. The natives had known of many of the deposits for generations). Now a chance discovery uncorked the bottle.


In the mid 18th century, when Mexico was linking up with their newly acquired lands of Illinois, they had explored westward along the Missouri River. OTL, the french did a little bit of exploration, and then were interrupted/expelled by the French and Indian War. The region was then given a reprieve as the Spanish did not do much with Louisiana, and then it took a while for the US americans to go a whole lot with it. Here, the exploration and settlement westward along it continues unabated. As with the rest of the northern Mexico, the advance is slow, but steady. By the early 19th century, a fort and small settlement was established at Kansas City, putting pressure on the Osage Indians. The Santa Fe trail was blazed, providing for a route for goods from Mexico to reach the Illinois region. It also provided for continued exploration west. Mexico was well established in California, and had a solid trading port/settlement in Vancouver, and sought an overland route. such a route was pioneered in 1798, but remained little traveled for a few decades. the Indians were still in command of that quarter of the country. Few whites may have traveled, but they carried a major impact. Smallpox and other infectious European diseases blossomed in their wake and decimated the indigenous population. For those whites who made repeat journeys on the trail, it seemed each year found another Indian village was no longer in existence. In the 1830’s, with more and better routes established a movement west began. The crown didn’t really encourage it. Mexico wanted a reasonable presence on the west coast to keep sovereign control over it, but she really needed a healthy presence in Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee to protect against encroachment from the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. She also needed to occupy Upper Ontario, as well. In the early part of the 19th century, with steamboats making the journey easier than wagons, it was easy to entice and move people there. A steady stream of Spaniards, fantasizing about life on the frontier, made the journey across the Atlantic, and found a rude awakening of reality waiting for them. They nonetheless made the best of it, and wrote home glorious letters exaggerating the splendors of North America, justifying a decision made in haste or against the wisdom of their parents. Irish were always a plentiful source of immigration. Ireland was finding that self rule did not preclude land barons from abusing their position, nor did it make arable land more plentiful. That land was to be found on distant shores. French, too, came in a large wave during the horrors of the revolution, and for a few years afterward til things settled out. Germans of all stripes, displaced, or disgusted, by the power shifts and grabs of post Holy Roman Empire, were found. In ever increasing numbers the immigrants came, threatening to outnumber the Mexicans.

They came, not only for land, but for jobs, which could be found in the factories of southern Mexico, or the bustling docks of a multitude of docks. Indentured servants came to work in the cotton fields, or the coffee and sugar plantations, or any number of agricultural or factory pursuits. Some found themselves treated well, some were exploited, and others broke bond as soon as the ship closed in on shore.

And now, in the far reaches of the Mexican Kingdom, lie riches of the likes boys dreamed of as they wearily trudged behind a plow dragged by the steady pace of a mule. Lying in streams, waiting only for young men hunting and exploring to stop all that and simply pick up more wealth in a week than could be made in a lifetime of selling wheat or toiling behind a counter or in a factory. People of all ages, and sexes, and from around the world, took up that dream and rushed west to the coast.

On the east coast, people hemmed in by the Mexican nation, and unable to expand, had crowded together more and more. They were driven by lack of land to begin a movement of urbanization, moving to the existing cities, and creating new ones. Now, their pillows imparted images of an escape to a faraway land where empty land brimming with gold and silver beckoned. So they made their way to Ohio and up the Missouri River and joined up with a group of similarly minded folk heading west on one of the newly minted trails, or they hopped on board a ship and made their way to the isthmus of central America, took the short hop to the Pacific and then on board another ship heading north. There, they struggled to stake a claim to a plot of land and panned from sunup til sundown. A few struck it rich. A few more struck it rich selling supplies to those trying to strike it rich. A lot made enough to live for the year or so until they gave up the quest, and a lot barely stayed alive long enough to find something else to do for a living out here in the western reaches of a rural land.


The 1840’s:

The world was shrinking. Steam power gave rise to steam locomotion on both land and sea. Even the non steam powered locomotion was becoming more sophisticated and faster. Roads were built smoother. Fewer parts of the world were a black mystery. There was certainly a lot of exploration left to do, but long gone were the days when a new continent or major island was going to be found.

Their hold on California and north to Vancouver firmly in hand, Mexico begins in earnest their push to Alaska. They’d been going at it tentatively for 50 or more years with Russia. Both claimed the region. Neither country really had the zeal to push hard against the other. Without OTL’s Catherine the Great to officially promote Russian advances in North America, Russian efforts were mostly fur traders looking to make a buck. Mexican fur traders had done the same, setting up trading posts here and there, and fending off attacks by both Russians and natives. Russia threatens war, but both sides know the other lacks means to attack each other, so threats remain threats, for now.


The 1850s:


1852: the German War. for close to two decades, the region of German states had been in flux. The end of the Holy Roman Empire had seen the rise of german blocs. Brandenburg emerged as one of the two weakest. From near extinction at the end of the 4 years war, it had slowly recovered. Saxony likewise had faced extinction, and had slowly recovered. They had each managed to make themselves the center of small blocs of states. Careful not to upset any of the bigger powers next to them, they grew bold when facing each other. Some small squabble grew bigger, and chest thumping way out of proportion to the issue at hand. One misstep sparked the flame, and the two welterweights went at it. Two seasons of fighting like bantam roosters saw them ready to call the whole thing off, when their respective blocs broke apart. The neighbors started grabbing pieces and jockeying themselves against each other. Suddenly it was Bavaria facing off against Hanover. Bavaria 'backed' Saxony, although they weren't really concerned about Saxony. Likewise for Hanover and Brandenburg. the House of Lorraine tightened its hold on the Netherlands, while Poland continued its century long attempt to remain a viable nation. the entry of two fresh faces gave Brandenburg and Saxony renewed energy, but it turned out to be just a temporary surge. The two were quickly exhausted worse than they ever were. Two more years of fighting, and Hanover came to an agreement. Saxony and her bloc would be absorbed into Bavaria, while Brandenburg would be part of Hanover.

German nationalism and sense of unity was growing. Lorraine-Netherlands seemed content with the extent of their domain, and weren't interested in being part of any large German state. Austria was a polyglot of nationalities, and had a hard time holding on to their new Kingdom. That left Hanover and Bavaria facing off against each other. Each were tired, and busy consolidating their new gains. Sooner or later, though, everyone knew that there would be a day of reckoning.


around the world, the abolitionist movement grows. Mostly, those who live in an economy dependent on slaves, want to keep them. Those who don't, want the others to give up their way of life. New England formally bans slavery in 1851. The Northern Kingdom hems, haws and debates, and finally declares an end to the practice in 1857. The Southern Kingdom has no intention of giving up slavery. All three prior British countries had a vibrant trade going between them, and with Mexico and Canada (who had done away with the virtually non existent practice years ago), for that matter. New England and the Northern Kingdom had voices crying for trade sanctions on those countries who still had slavery, but they were ignored. It was enough to outlaw it in the home country. If goods came in cheaply on the backs of slaves, a blind eye sees nothing.

Mexico has a mixed economy, slave vs free labor. Even in what would be called OTL USA south, Mexico's labor force is mixed. Small and medium farms have found that they can be a going concern. The problem is that an owner of one couldn't get fabulously rich. For that you needed a large plantation, which typically conjured up visions of slave labor. This plantation class of landed gentry fervently opposed any abolition, but their voices were gradually drowned out. 1860 saw the enactment of freedom of the womb laws, promising freedom to anyone born a slave at the age of 21. This would allow a generation for large plantation owners to find a new way.

France held tight to the institution. Though they espoused the ideals of the enlightenment at home in Europe, for the far away colonies, profits counted for more. In Cuba, acquired not that long ago, they were busy bringing in black masses to fill the island to the brim, while Haiti, already full, had a steady stream to replace those worn out in the fields and buried in overcrowded black cemeteries.

Spanish South America had done away with the practice. Portuguese South America embraced it tightly. the southern portion didn't have much, but throughout the north, Slavery was a diehard staple of life.
 
The far east: the European powers, and Mexico sought to make inroads into the sleeping Giant of China. It was a difficult task. China preferred to keep reasonably closed, keeping tight control on trade and contact. Both sides were foreign to each other, and considered each other barbarians. Mexico, controlling the profitable fur industry on the west coast of North America, had a regular commerce with China. They added cotton to the exports, and a few manufactured goods. In return, they bought silk, tea, mercury, and mystical goods of the far east. Although Mexico desired asian goods as much as anyone, tariff barriers, and careful management of trade relations kept the balance somewhat equal. Other countries were not so fortunate.


Chinese trickled onto ships for some of the voyages to the west coast and made homes there, intending to return home when enough money had been accumulated. With the age of steam and increased industrialization, the chinese were welcomed as cheap labor to be exploited. Government policy could only regulate the exploitation to a certain degree. concern for human dignity had to be balanced with the profits to be made. Though the application of christian values to include more than just whites had been encouraged for a century in Mexico, faith and goodwill to man all too often took a backseat to profit. This was true around the world.



Britain, despite its rocky start, as in OTL, led the industrial revolution, and had plenty of goods to sell, but China was a closed market. Other countries wanted to get into the closed Chinese market as well. They all had significant inequity in trade balance, as asian goods were in high demand everywhere. France and Britain shared the Indian subcontinent with the Indians, with France and India holding the lions share. Frequently at odds with each other on a variety of trade arrangements (and, in the case of France and Britain, in the global power arena as well), they all agreed to cooperate in selling opium to China.


When China had had enough of state sponsored drug trafficking and closed the trade, France and Britain, in a rare instance of cooperation, joined forces in a pair of Opium wars, conducted in the 1840s and 1850s, defeating a China equipped with an antiquated army and navy. The first cracked the door open, and the second swung it open further. Britain and France wrangled trade ports out of China, and other nations followed suit in squeezing trade ports or concessions. Mexico joined the rest of the vultures in grabbing their share of the spoils. China finally wised up to the necessity of modernizing.


1856: Japan opens its doors. France took advantage of having a sizeable military presence in Asian waters and demanded the door be opened. What france lacked in finesse in oriental diplomacy, they made up for in brute force. Though they had intended the door to only admit French wares and ways, Japan opened the ports to the world powers, hoping to play one against another while frantically playing catch up in the military/industrial world.



1858: you asked for it. You’ve got it. British Argentina.

With the loss of the North American Colonies, Britain needed a place to send its excess population. They were still technically allowed to migrate to the former colonies, but with those countries hemmed in by Mexico, land rapidly became scarce. Canada, once it became independent, was fiercely Catholic, and not very welcoming of British still seen as the enemy. The population could go to Mexico. After all, there was a lot of territory to fill. But the British were used to a less polyglot population. OTL’s Australia had gone to the French in the latter part of the 18th century when Britain was foundering under the devastation of the Finley era. Why Buenos Aires is somewhat of a mystery, as it was quite a ways out of the way. South Africa, with its roots in Kimberly was a popular destination, too, but Argentina seemed to really hit the spot. Increasingly, waves of English swamped the native Spanish population. Finally, they simply took over every aspect of government. It was a bloodless takeover. One day, the Spanish were in charge. The next, they were second class citizens of their own country, and the institutions became increasingly British in nature. It was a democracy, but one which took its cues from Britain, who invested in the region. They called it the revolution of the Pampas.

Argentina continued its golden path of prosperity, the British firmly in control. It should be noted that the British weren't better racially than the Spaniards, they merely brought with them from Britain new and more efficient administration and methodology. The pampas became bilingual, and increasingly English became the dominant language. the new city of Rosario was almost entirely English, and in Buenos Aires, still dominated by Spanish, English was practically mandatory if one wanted a civil service job. The British brought with them a culture of education, and the new schools springing up around the country had the oddity of teaching English as a second language, while teaching most classes in English.

Across the Plata estuary, the Spanish Empire dominion of Parana (consisting of Entre Rios, Corrientes, Missiones, Uruguay, and Spanish Rio Grande do Sul) looked on with worry. They had their own english problem' to worry about, having absorbed a large number of English as an overflow from the British 'invasion' of Argentina. As a reaction, Parana tightened its immigration policy to limit English migration, and protect the rights of Spanish, at the expense of the British minority. Naturally, this did not sit well with the British, who began agitating against the Spanish gov't. Argentina probably would have gone to the aid of the British, but that would have meant war with Spain, and the ever loyal dominion of Peru (which included Bolivia and the northern region of Argentina) had an army ready to enter the fray. Argentina instead decided to expand southward. long plagued by the pampas Indian groups, there had been several major skirmishes between the Indians and the Argentinians.

1865: the Argentine Indian Genocide.

The British had also brought with them a rather biased view of anyone non British. The Spaniards of pure blood were tolerated as almost equals. Pure blood for Negros or Indians meant pure scorn. the mixed bloods weren't held in much higher esteem. Not all the pampas Indians were antagonistic toward the encroaching white man, but many were. Encouraged by Spanish from both the dominions and the mother country, the Indians made constant raids on the British (and the Argentine Spanish as well). First the Spanish, then the British, had made slow progress at driving the Indian back. Now, using modern artillery and the latest in small arms technology, with brass cartridge bullets and repeating rifles and side arms, the British led Argentinian gov't organized an army of conquest. Indian blood ran just as red as British or Spanish, but the predominant flow spilt on the ground came from Indian veins and arteries. later historians would condemn the one sided affair as a genocide, and even many contemporaries were revolted. But, the job being done, the British made excuses for their actions and smiled as they moved into the newly opened lands of the southern pampas.
 
Top