The Foundation of the Empire: Peace, Order and Good Government

1826:
The beginning of the year marks a year long struggle over Reform, with the Earl of Liverpool the First Lord of the Treasury and a Tory making the case for Reform. While a strong supporter of the status quo Liverpool knows that it will happen at some point and it would be better to enact a Reform Act under his terms then let the Whigs have a chance to push through a more radical Reform. This will be the last major accomplishment of Liverpool’s career thus he can afford to use the remainder of his political capital on this endeavour.

On October 7, the first train operates on the Granite Railway in Massachusetts marking the continued growth of train technology from the United Kingdom to North America.

On December 15, Reform Act, 1826 is passed but only just. This Reform Act draws heavily from Erie’s work on British North America. In the United Kingdom numerous ‘rotten electoral boroughs’ are dissolved, and additional Members of Parliament are allotted not to larger urban areas but to the countries the urban areas are in. This avoids creating the precedent that cities themselves should directly have parliamentary representation. It also creates standard franchise requirements for boroughs so that all British subjects who have a freehold valued at five pounds sterling are eligible to vote, or those which hold an annual leasehold or rent of forty shillings per annum. An additional restriction is also enacted, this one with respect to running to be a Member of Parliament. Prior to an election all potential candidate must take an Oath or solemn Affirmation of loyalty to the King, the British Empire, and to the unity of the British Empire under the Crown. They also must be fluent in the King’s English language which is declared the official language of the British Empire. Candidates will also be vetted by a Royal Official, usually a Lord Lieutenant or vice-regal official, prior to being listed on the ballot. Harsh punishments are enacted for Oath Breakers to the Crown.
With respect to British North America, assent is granted for the administrative unification of British colonies and provinces into one Dominion in line with Erie’s proposal. His Majesty is requested by Parliament to summon persons from British North America to the House of Commons once its population reaches three million. The number of constituencies allotted to British North America is half the number a similarly populated part of the United Kingdom would receive, but at the same time its number of eligible voters is higher. This is justified citing that British North America will have substantial autonomy.
The provisional capital of British North America is Montréal, though His Majesty may at his discretion choose a new location in the future. Montréal is chose because of it is a linguistically mixed city and not to far West or East. A less popular provision in Eastern Canada is the amending of the provinces borders, so that North of the Saint Lawrence and West of the Ottawa will be part of Central Canada, while slightly more land is added to Eastern Canada South of the Saint Lawrence. The effect being that Central Canada will now have more French speakers while Eastern Canada will have a higher percent of English speakers then previously.

Also in 1826, work on the Rideau Canal starts. While not necessarily from an economy point of view this canal is still deemed a military necessity in case American forces advance to the Saint Lawrence River.
Additionally, the Crown Colony of the Strait Settlements is established and the British Empire annexes Assam.
 
1827:

Early January celebrations are held across British North America celebrating the passage of the Reform Act. While many, particularly recent American immigrants, would prefer something much more substantive the majority of British subjects are content with the developments. Work is starting to implement the non-franchise elements of the Act relating to British North America. Back in Westminster, now that one area of reform is done the next area starts to open up, that of judicial and legal system reform.
In the newly named Province of Quebec, a divide is starting to emerge between groups of francophone’s those connected with the cities and merchants which have a interested in working with the British, even at the cost of the French language in North America; and those which are more agrarian and less connected to the English speaking populations and the Empire. With considerations being made on what the House of Lords for the new Dominion’s parliament will look like this split is becoming more and more evident, as French speakers which will be appointed will be very much aligned with British interests. Thus, class and urban vs rural becomes the bases of French Canadian politics rather language and cultural identity.

On July 6, The Treaty of London is signed as part of the Greek War of independence.


1828:
On January 22 in 1828 the Duke of Wellington becomes Prime Minister.



1829:

On June 3, the Swan River Colony is founded in Australia.

On December 4, Lord Bentinck makes regulations about suttee in India. Suttee is ritual practice of a recently widowed woman immobilizing herself on her late husband’s funeral pyre. Several prominent Hindu leaders are convinced to publically support the ban when they find out a new order will be used to British military and civilian persona in India to be significantly more respectful of holy places and religious sites… they also receive the gratitude of the Governor-General in return.

[FONT=&quot]Also in 1829 King’s Collage London is founded as part of the Royal Council for the Advancement of Science and Knowledge and the Metropolitan Police is formed.

[/FONT]
 
1830:
On February 3, 1830 the London Protocol is agreed upon and Greek Independence is recognized. On June 26, William IV becomes King. On July 5 France invades Algeria. On November 26 a Whig, the Earl Gray becomes Prime Minister. Earl Gray became best known for his fondness for drinking tea.


On July 1, As the population of British North America now exceeds three million Dominion Day is officially declared for British North America as the final provisions of the Reform Act are implemented. Elections will be held in two months time. The first Senators have now been appointed. The title Senator is ranked bellow Baron and is not hereditary. Holders of the title are permitted to be addressed as befitting a member of the peerage and are permitted to vote in a Dominion’s House of Lords.

By the end of 1830, the official population of Australia is recorded to be eighty-thousand, with almost ten thousand being British subjects of Asian origin. Emigration out of Ireland has started to notably increase. This credited to two causes: the result of National Schools in Ireland which allow more people to learn English and thus would be more accepted in British colonies, and the result of increased enlistment into the British Army which is credited to land grants abroad and shorter terms of enlistment.[FONT=&quot][1][/FONT]

1831:

On March 6, the Crown Colony of New Zealand is formally declared. This is a result of increasing French interest in the region, an increasing settlement of non-Māori in New Zealand, and a larger population in Australia which can be used to provide logistical support[FONT=&quot][2][/FONT] to the colony as needed. The number of Europeans and British subjects on the islands is estimated at 2,150. The declaration of a Crown Colony is based not on treaty but on Captain James Cook’s claim from 1769. In practice this changes very little in New Zealand as the British government is not willing to invest heavily in the islands at this time. While immigration increases slightly, the main actions of the colonial government will be to resolve European trade and commercial disputes rather than facilitate land transfers from the Māori. When land transfers occur at this point they do so on a private basis between parties, and disputes brought to the colonial governor are judged in accordance to British law.


1832:
On May 7 Greek independence is reaffirmed and the Treaty of London creates the Kingdom of Greece.

On May 30, the Rideau Canal is opened.

On September 26, Criminal Law Reform Act 1832 is passed by Parliament; this Act falls short of what Peel had hoped but does bring together almost all Criminal Law and voids most Common Law criminal offences.
Also in 1832, the development of trains continues and in North America new tracks continued to be laid down. In British North America rail policy generally mirrors rail policy in the United Kingdom itself, with the exception of talk of subsiding two lines both from Halifax with one ending at Montreal and the other serving to connect Halifax to New England. In New England there is discussion of a line connecting Boston to Montreal via Vermont. There is minimal New English or British investment in rail lines in the United States of America, with their resources instead focused internally and in British North America.

1833:
On January 23 in the year 1833 the United Kingdom retakes the Falkland Islands.
On August 1 the Slavery Abolition Act receives Royal Assent; on August 29 assent is also granted for the Factory Acts.



1834:
On July 16, 1834, Lord Melbourne becomes First Lord of the Treasury. He does not last long in office at this time, as by the end of the year Sir Robert Peel is appointed to the post.
On August 15, the South Australia Act is passed applying the concept terrus nullus to all of Australia.
December 11 marks the Sixth Xhosa War.

1835:


On April 18, Lord Melbourne once again becomes Prime Minister.

In British North America, appointments to its House of Lords have died down. Most members are English speakers by birth, but a third is comprised of French speakers by birth. Atlantic Canada and Quebec are over represented for the time being. Most members are Senators. Although new Senators are created by the King typically they will in the future be drawn from persons resident in the Dominion of note.[FONT=&quot][3][/FONT] These appointments will not be made on the recommendation of any member of the House of Commons in the Dominion. A few Senators are Senators by virtue of their office, and for a limited term. These are typically Bishops of the Church of England. It has also been made easier to revoke a Lord’s title[FONT=&quot][4][/FONT] with it now possible for Lords to petition the King to revoke their title’s and for the King to strip titles from people committing treason, aiding a foreign government without consent, in excessive debt[FONT=&quot][5][/FONT], or convicted of breaking a law.

[FONT=&quot][1][/FONT] in OTL a9

[FONT=&quot][2][/FONT] Logistical support in the form of soldiers and maritime traffic

[FONT=&quot][3][/FONT] This does not mean members of the nobility or rich, typically it will be people who have earned a knighthood or achieved certain positions in the military or civil service.

[FONT=&quot][4][/FONT] including Senators

[FONT=&quot][5][/FONT] not defined, one pound sterling of debt could be ‘deemed’ excessive. This provision shall only seldom be used.
 
1836:

In February, the Western Trail is formally opened allowing settlers to cross North America to the Pacific. This trail ends at the mouth of the Columbia River. Currently most British settlers along the Pacific are from India or the Philippines. The initial overland settlement is a trickle, but the route is well surveyed thanks to the efforts of the Royal Engineers and the Hudson’s Bay Company. The Western Territories[1] are recognized into several districts, including Hawaii as its own district. As the population of a district grows it may be transferred to the Dominion government as a new province. There are discussions within British North America about subdividing the former Western Canada into several provinces due to its population compared to the other provinces.

Also in 1836 another wave of settlers is sent to Cape Colony. This time the number subsidised is ten thousand. Concurrent with this is general push for Briton’s to immigrate to the colonies; the area’s most encouraged to immigrate to British colonies are Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, and Scotland.

1837:

On June 20, Queen Victoria ascends the thrown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. She moves her London residence from St. James’s Palace to Buckingham Palace.

On August 6, John Conroy a trusted confidant and advisor of the Duchess of Kent the Queen’s mother has a ‘tragic’ hunting accident. While the Duchess is in morning the Queen is internally jubilant, as she despised both Conroy and her mother. As the Queen is unmarried she is required by social convention to allow the Duchess to live in the Palace, but ensures that the Duchess’s apartment is as remote as possible.

In November there is unrest in the Province of Quebec due to proposals at the Dominion level to harmonize the legal systems across all of Canada. This brief rebellion is by agrarian francophone’s, and is suppressed by the British military including Francophone militia units.

1838:


In January, what is becomes colloquially known as the Patriots War starts in the Province of Ontario and New York State. This series of events is considered fairly minor, but helps to create a bit of friction between British North America and New England on one hand, and the United States on the other. The American ‘patriots’ involved are mostly captured and sentenced to transportation.[2]

On May 6, the Dominion of Canada passes the Legal System Harmonization (Quebec) Assembly Measure[3]. Noting last year’s incident it does not fully abolish civil law, which will remain in force for much of the Province; however, Common Law is extended to predominately Anglophone areas namely the former American land, the Gaspe Peninsula, Eastern Townships, Island of Montreal, and Quebec itself. Furthermore, local governments can petition the Governor of a Province to allow Common Law to be extended to that area, in this way local politicians can be intimidated into conforming by English speakers and Francophone merchants. This sparks minor rioting in Montreal as many English speakers believe this Measure does not go far enough.

In June the Queen Victoria visits Ireland and agrees to accept the offer of a Royal Residence there. Most years she will spend at least one week each in Scotland and Ireland. This helps to improve these regions British identities.


1839:


On January 19, Aden is captured by the British East India Company.

On March 18, the First Opium War between the British Empire primarily through the British East India Company and the Chinese Empire starts. There are several causes of the war, but it is primarily considered a war of commerce with the British Empire having a substantial trade deficit with China and seeking to rectify the imbalance through the sale of opium to China. The other primary goal of the war is to expand British influence in the region through territorial acquisition.

On April 19 the Treaty of London establishes the Kingdom of Belgium.

On August 23 had the British Empire seize Hong Kong as part of the First Opium War.

On September 6, several towns along the coast of Formosa come under British control. The forces keeping control of the coastal towns are drawn from in and around Manila.


[FONT=&quot][1][/FONT] British possessions in North America not part of provinces or Rupert’s Land

[FONT=&quot][2][/FONT] sent to Australia. Yes it is an actually judicial punishment.

[FONT=&quot][3][/FONT] Assembly Measure is the official term for a Law passed by a Dominion Parliament. Can’t let the colonials get it into their heads that they can make law instead of Westminster.
 
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1840:


On January 20, in British North America the Dominion government authorizes local governments and the provinces to extinguish special municipalities. This may only achieved with the consent of aboriginal groups in the special municipalities. Typically when this takes place there is a monetary exchange, and title is given to a piece of land for each family unit. A few honours and even a few titles of Senator will be awarded to accelerate this process. Despite varying levels of government pressure special municipalities will continue to exist in some parts of British North America well through the twenty-first century.

On February 10, there is a great celebration throughout the Empire as Queen Victoria marries Prince Albert. This also means that the reign of the House of Hanover is very much numbered as by social convention the children of a marriage will belong to the house of the father.

On May 21, in New Zealand a series of conflicts which will become known as the Land Wars starts. This series of conflicts is between British settlers and Maori over land ownership and use. The more violent parts of the conflicts will last until the mid 1850s.

On July 15 the Convention of London was signed over the Ottoman Empire and Egypt. This Convention, to which Egypt itself is not technically a party, would preserve the hereditary rule of Muhammad Ali Pasha in Egypt, Eyalet of Acre, and elements of Damascus Eyalet.[FONT=&quot][1][/FONT] The convention is accepted about a year later and after Austrian and British military intervention.

1841:

On February 6, survey work starts in Nicaragua for a railway and canal. Investors in London envision constructing a transcontinental railway in Nicaragua, which could then support the construction of a ship canal. In British North America a rail line now connects Halifax and Truro with work on the line’s continuation to Monckton expected to be complete by the end of the year. This line uses the same gauge as the Liverpool and Manchester line in the United Kingdom. Railway construction work in British North America continues to benefit strongly from the Military Collage in Kingston, which continues to educate and develop many fine engineers and surveyors.

On June 6, a very strong petition is received in Westminster from British North America to ‘rationalize’ the Pound Sterling into a decimal currency. This proposal is supported within the United Kingdom by the emerging Metric League.

Also in this year General Rosas of Argentina offers to relinquish any claim to sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and its dependencies in return for the relief of the Argentine debt to City of London interests, the British accept his offer.


1842:

On August 18 the First Opium War ends with the Treaty of Nanking. This treaty secures British interests in China through several provisions: legalization of the British exporting of Opium into China, permission for any Chinese person who wishes to leave China to work or live in the British Empire to do so pending the approval of Her Majesty’s government, transfer of sovereignty of the Island of Hong Kong, and transfer of the administration of Formosa with sovereignty to be transferred in thirty years’ time. The Chinese emigration provision is so that Chinese labour can be procured for work on the planned Nicaragua Canal and is also tied to the settlement plans for Formosa. Formosa is considered by many to be a backwater place, and to the Chinese it is considered uncivilized. This will allow for Chinese settlers to move to Formosa to ‘civilize it’ while the interim lack of British sovereignty there will conveniently leave no legal authority to assign land rights to people, and so ‘squatting’ can occur. Mainland Chinese immigrants are expected to settle there in high numbers by the time of British sovereignty is formally established and can provide both a potential market and low-cost labour force.

Also the Income Tax Act 1842 was passed which permanently cements income tax as a means to raise revenue in the United Kingdom. Income tax is seen not just as a means to raise revenue, but also to shift where government revenue comes from. For example, if more money is raised via income tax then internal tariffs within the British Empire can be reduced.


1843:
On February 25, in New Zealand the Waitangi Agreement is reached between the Maori and the Crown. This agreement makes all Maori into British subjects, and grants them political participation on the same basis as other British subjects in New Zealand. In most of the North Island special municipalities will be created along the same basis as those in British North America. This agreement also forces recognition of individual land rights as opposed to group land rights. After the agreement is reached conflicts still break out between Maori and settlers, these conflicts will typically result in land sales and the revocation of the status of some special municipalities.

On March 15, Victoria is established on Vancouver Island.

On April 4, work starts on the Nicaragua Railway. This railway will be completed in two years and use primarily Chinese labour. After the railway is completed the Chinese labourers (and one significant other each) will be permitted to settle in Eastern British North America.

On October 18, the Dominion Parliament abolishes the Seigneurial System in Quebec. Tenants are permitted to buy their land from there seigneur, and seigneur are compensated for the loss of their legal rights. A special court is established to deal with any arising legal issues. This move is somewhat unpopular in Quebec, and rioting occurs in Montreal.

Also in 1844, the railway between Montreal and New England through Vermont is completed. Irish immigration to British North America continues in record numbers as railway labour is needed, though these records will not stand for very long.

1844:

On February 27 of 1844 the Dominican Republic gains independence from Haiti.

On March 4, gold is discovered in the District of California. This prompts the start of larger scale settlement in Western British North America with people from all walks of life trying to travel there. Some travel by ship while others by wagon train. Many though, are surprised that thousands of Asians already live there. As there is already a British government and military presence, the gold rush will be managed by British law. Several taxes are raised on exporting gold, and more soldiers are called in to help manage the expected flow of gold-seekers. British soldiers in the California will receive higher pay during this period.

On April 6, The Western part of British North America is reorganized into three districts by spiting the district of California into Northern California and Southern California.


1845:
The year 1845 is a mixed one for the British Empire, while tragedy strikes in the old parts of the Empire great riches are found by many in the new.

On August 2, news of a Potato Famine in Ireland reaches the First Lord of the Treasury.

On September 13, incidences of potato blight are reported in England.

On October 20, the Nicaragua Railway is completed only several months behind schedule. This railway’s business from its first day in operation onwards is very brisk due to the high demand for its services. The use of this railway is the fastest way for people and goods from Europe and Eastern North America to reach California and its goldfields.

On October 15, Sir Robert Peel’s government almost collapses as it temporarily suspends the Corn Laws as they apply to Ireland and implements a temporary food export tariff on Ireland. The Corn Laws had to this date not been particularly effective given that British North America was exempt from the extra tariffs and that it was a major corn producer. Also a commission is also sent to Ireland to investigate the blight.

[FONT=&quot]On December 29, the United States annexes Texas. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot][1][/FONT] Essentially modern Israel (including West Bank) and a good chunk of Lebanon.
 
1846:

On January 18, a government mint is established in San Francisco to process and collect gold mined in California. Immigration restrictions from British Asian possessions to British North America are lifted by an Order-in-Council. This order also prevents governments from enacting rules, regulations, orders, or measures that would deprive a British subject to any rights that he or she would enjoy on the basis of race or ethnicity.

In February, Sir Robert is able to push through a works program in Ireland to help relive unemployment and provide money for the purchase of food. Among the projects this will sponsor will be the re-gaugeing of rail lines in Ireland to match that of the rest of the United Kingdom. The other measure taken is to heavily subsidize emigration to South Africa, British North America, and Australasia.

In March, the United States bans immigration from the British Empire. This is specifically targeted at the Irish who are predominantly Catholic. While domestically xenophobic in terms of a national policy many Americans do leave there country for fortunes elsewhere.

On April 25, the Mexican-American War starts. This war will see the expansion of American territory to the Pacific Ocean. The United States’ military will suffer desertion rates of 14% as some soldiers leave and reenlist for an additional signing bonus or leave for the goldfields in California.

In October, the representation of British North America is increased in Westminster due to its population growth. Mild Reform is also enacted for the United Kingdom. To facilitate the Reform the number of seats in the House of Commons is redistributed rather than increased.

On November 6, a small community is chosen by Queen Victoria to be the future capital of British North America. This town, Bytown, is located on the Ottawa River at the North End of the Rideau Canal. It is renamed Ottawa, which is considered a much more suitable name for a capital then Bytown. This is in a direct response to the riots that have occurred in Montreal over controversial legislation. While the announcement is made now, it will take more than a decade for the full transfer of government to occur.

1847:

On September 30, the Vegetarian Society is formed in the United Kingdom. The purpose of the society is to "support, represent and increase the number of vegetarians in the UK."

1848:

On February 2, the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo is concluded ending the Mexican-American War. This treaty extends American territory significantly further west.[FONT=&quot][1][/FONT] This war has left the British and New England governments on edge, as the idea that the United States can and will use military force to expand its borders leave them with the uneasy feeling that perhaps the United States might turn its attention to them next.

On February 21, the Communist Manifesto is published by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in London. For many this is seen as the symbolic start of what will be termed the Revolution of 1848. These revolutions throughout 1848 and early 1849 threaten the stability of much of continental Europe. While ultimately almost all crushed, they do reflect an almost universal call for some form of democracy or constitutionalism, and a surge in people leaving the continent for elsewhere.

On March 2, a small incident occurs on the British North American/ United States of America border. A small group of armed men cross the border and proclaim the State of Missouri. This group is swiftly apprehended and eliminated. Officially this ‘raid’ is condemned by the United State’s government.

On March 6, the Imperial Government orders survey work to start for a railway to cross British North America.
On April 6, the Anglo-New England Treaty of 1848 is signed between the British Empire and New England to strengthen economic and military ties. Towards the end of the year a treaty will be reached to extend the defence agreement between the British Empire, Brazil, and Portugal to New England.


1849:
In January, the Second Anglo-Sikh Wars starts.

On March 29, the British Empire annexes Punjab. This marks the end of an independent Sikh state. The Punjab will prove very valuable to the Empire over the next several decades in a large part due to the strength, courage, and determination of its people

On April19, the British Empire reaches an agreement to Nicaragua to formalize British rights over the existing railroad and proposed canal. The agreement also annexes the Mosquito Coast to Nicaragua as an autonomous region and grants the British Empire basing rights in the country. In concurrence with this measure, the British Empire will keep military forces in the country to defend its interests both economic[FONT=&quot][2][/FONT] and political.[FONT=&quot][3][/FONT] The Bay Islands are annexed by the British government to British Honduras.

On October 8, in Westminster it is formally agreed to decimalize the Pound Sterling. It will still take a few months to determine the best way to undertake such a venture. This is the most radical change to the British Empire which has been spearheaded from outside of the United Kingdom so far.

1850:

On January 20, the scheme for decimalizing the Pound Sterling is publicly released and work starts minting new coins. The new coins will enter circulation in early 1851.

On February 4, a curious article is written for and published in The Times.[FONT=&quot][4][/FONT] The article notes that while marriages between Indians and Europeans had previously occurred the frequency of such unions has increased. It has been more common for junior and mid level officers to marry while on deployment to India. The article notes that most wives convert to Christianity, and thus mixed-race marriages might be a favourable tool in a civilizing mission.

On March 6, as part of his measures to reform royal finances Prince Albert has agents purchase large amounts of land in and around Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. In order to facilitate the purchases a great deal of the assets of Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall are leveraged and several notable pieces of the art collection are put up as collateral and reside in the home of Lionel de Rothschild, who subsequently shall be known as Sir Lionel as a knight bachelor.


1851:

On January 1, the new series of coins enters circulation.

On May 1, The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations takes place in the Crystal Palace, Hyde Park, London. The Great Exhibition is opened by Queen Victoria, and is an opportunity for the British Empire to showcase its industry. The largest exhibits are those sponsored by the United Kingdom and British North America. One notable element of the British exhibits is an unveiled route for the first Trans-Dominion Railway in British North America. This railway will be constructed by the private sector, although the Dominion and Imperial Governments are making land grants and lower interest bonds available to help finance the construction of the railway and to facilitate settlement in the interior of the continent.

On June 25, work starts of the Trans-Dominion Railway and Telegraph Line. This railway more often than not is known by its trading name: Southern Pacific. By 1880 it will be one of four railways stretching across British North America from the Great Lakes to the Pacific.

On July 1, in Australasia the Colony of Victoria is created by separating it from New South Wales. All colonies in Australasia[FONT=&quot][5][/FONT] are put under one Governor-General of Australasia.

On August 6, the Catholic Church in the British Empire is given greater autonomy in North America in return for its more active promotion of the English language. This is the result of a development during the Potato Famine in Europe and the unfortunate number of young orphan’s arriving in British North America. When orphans arrive they are placed with a linguistically acceptable family of good religious standing, as opposed to having religion as the sole criteria[FONT=&quot][6][/FONT].


1852:

On January 14, President Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte proclaims a new constitution for the French Second Republic.

On December 2, Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte becomes Emperor of the French as Napoleon III. This is the start of the Second French Empire.

Between December 23 and 29, in China the Taping Rebellion continues to escalate with the Taping army taking Hanyang and Hankou. The ongoing rebellion in China sparks a population boom for British Formosa with people going there to avoid both violence and in some cases starvation. British authorities respond by strengthening their presence on the island.

December is also widely thought of as the end of the Potato Famine and the California Gold Rush. The famine has seen roughly 250,000 people die and over 1,500,000 people emigrate from Ireland mainly to other parts of the Empire and to the United Kingdom itself. The California Gold Rush has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people in the California’s with the California’s now being home to an estimated 500,000 people.

One side effect of the cooperation between the Crown and the Catholic Church has been the settlement of large number of people from Ireland in traditionally francophone or mixed areas, and the relatively high intermarriage rate. These communities tend towards bilingualism, as children of multilingual unions are slotted into Anglophone schools yet French remains as either a home or community language. This is not a permanent balance, but it is one that lasts for several generations in most areas.

1853:

On February 6, the Province of Northern California is created and annexed to the Dominion of British North America. The Governor-General for North America is given leave to gradually admit most of British North America to the Dominion as provinces.

On July 8, Commodore Mathew Perry of the United States Navy arrives in Edo Bay, Japan and requests a trade treaty. France, the British Empire, and the Netherlands had been content to let Japan continue its relative isolation as they had focus elsewhere, the United States on the other hand now with a Pacific port is keen to develop any new trade opportunities and Japan is seen as an untapped market.

On October 4, the Crimean War starts between the Ottoman Empire and Russia. With both British and French intervention expected on the Ottoman side once word of the start of the War reaches Pacific plans are drawn up to try gain control of Russian America when the British enter the war, negotiations with the French for this to happen quickly take place. In the United States, with Britain soon expected to be at war in Europe there are thoughts that it is time for a more forceful implementation of the Monroe Doctrine in the United States’ Near Abroad[FONT=&quot][7][/FONT].


1854:
On February 28, an American vessel named the Black Warrior docks in Havana, Cuba. The vessel refuses to produce its manifests and is seized by the authorities.

On March 18, the American government demands the Black Warrior’s immediate release and compensation for its owners.

On March 27, the British and French Empires declare war on Russia and join the Crimean War. Elements of the British Army are being readied for transport to Crimea from both British North America and the United Kingdom.

On April 18, the Ostend Manifesto is written. This document, inspired by Pierre Soule of Louisiana, calls for the annexation of Cuba by the United States.

On July 3, the Swedish intervention in the Crimean War starts. The Swedish will only be active in the Baltic Theater by participate in the capturing of the Åland Islands, and then by defending the islands and their own territory.

On August 6, the North American Campaign of the Crimean War begins. Considering the relative strength of Russian and British forces in North America the campaign is not considered a great challenge.

On September 8, the United States formally requests that Spain sell its North American possessions it in exchange for dropping the Black Warrior claim and a sizable financial settlement. Spain rejects the American proposal after a short period of deliberation.

On October 4, in Havana an explosion occurs on the Black Warrior sinking the ship. This news is not received favourably in the United States and there is increasing public support for this tarnishment of America’s Honour.

On November 17, the Suez Canal Company is formed without British participation.


On November 24, a large scale filibusters launch a coordinated liberation of Cuba. This mission is actively sponsored by the United States Governments. Many of the filibusters were either involved in the Mexican-American War or served in the United States military.

On December 16, the Spanish Government recognizes the American filibusters as an Act of War and says that a State of War now exists between the United States of American and Spain. In the Western Mediterranean the Spanish Navy seizes several American ships. The Spanish declaration and seizure of further American ships act results in the United States Congress issuing a formal Declaration of War, and the American Military assuming the lead in the invasion of Cuba. The American strategy for the war is to invade and hold Spanish American holdings and prevent Spanish reinforcements from arriving. In Spain itself, this war is an attempt to restore a greater sense of unity to the Spanish people following La Vicalvaradaa. That said Spain’s strength is far from what it once was.

[FONT=&quot][1][/FONT] Historic territories plus the Gadsden Purchase and Sonora. British territories at this point remain British, which includes California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado.

[FONT=&quot][2][/FONT] the railroad itself and the proposed canal

[FONT=&quot][3][/FONT] maintain friendly governments and trying to keep the country internally stable, as a unstable country would impact British economic interests

[FONT=&quot][4][/FONT] The Times is a leading London newspaper, it is right leaning and tends to support Conservative ideology although in recent times it has been tainted by its affiliation with Murdoch.

[FONT=&quot][5][/FONT] including New Zealand

[FONT=&quot][6][/FONT] Historically a lot of very young children arriving in Canada from Ireland were placed with Catholic (Francophone) families, in this timeline they will be placed with English speaking Catholic or Anglican (including Methodist) families. Often children did not become orphan until during their passage to Canada… conditions on ships brining Irish to North America were not very sanitary

[FONT=&quot][7][/FONT] wiki the term Near Abroad, same concept different geographical connotation
 
1855:

On February 5, Lord Palmerston becomes First Lord of the Treasury following the resignation of Lord Aberdeen. Lord Palmerston will never have warm relations with his monarch, but gets along fairly well with Prince Albert.

On June 6, the North American Campaign ends with the capture of the few Russian forts in North America. Meanwhile in Russia a difference has been noticed between the British regiments from the United Kingdom and North America, with the North American officers being slightly more competent as more officers there achieved there rank through merit then by gold.

Also in 1855 the stamp duty on newspaper sales is significantly reduced creating mass market media in the British Empire. While on the surface this is a liberal action it is not, as the same act cutting the stamp duty creates an official licensing body and funds press standards officers to ensure the quality of the emerging mass media market.


1856:
On March 31, the Treaty of Paris is signed ending the Crimean War. This treaty reaffirms France and the Roman Catholic Church’s role in the Ottoman Empire, transfers the Åland Islands to Sweden, and transfers sovereignty of Russian America to the British Empire.

With the conclusion of the Crimean War the Prince Consort and Lord Palmerston are able to cooperate to complete three reforms: army reform, judicial reform, and royal finance reform. Army reform is working to reform the army along more competent and organized lines with an introduction of a more merit based promotion system and the abolition of the purchase of commissions. Judicial reform affirms that Her Majesty is the fountain of justice, and that the monarch is the highest judicial office in the British Empire. The monarch may exercise her powers through the Judicial Committee of Her Majesty’s Privy Council, the members of may be summoned shall to sit in the House of Lords during their term of appointment. Royal finance reform abolishes the Civil List, and thus restoring the Crown Estate to the Monarch. The Monarch is required then to be responsible for all duties directly related to the execution of her office,[FONT=&quot][1][/FONT] and the Crown Estate is to be treated in a similar way to the Duchy of Lanchester and must be financially sustainable.[FONT=&quot][2][/FONT] Rights relating to the foreshore and several functions undertaken by the Crown Estate and Duchies are transferred to the Crown in Right of the British Empire.[FONT=&quot][3][/FONT]

On October 6, the Spanish-American War is concluded. The United States’ forces preformed competently, and faced notable resistance from both Cuban and Peninsular Born. Ultimately, the United States had shorter supply lines then Spain, and prevailed despite high rates of attrition. For a sum on Fifty-Million Dollars Spain relinquished its claims over its American holdings to the United States of America.

On October 8, Qing Dynasty (Chinese) officials board a Chinese owned, but formerly British registered, ship named the Arrow. Officials detain the crew and ship. Although the ships British registration had lapsed, Lord Palmerston uses this incident to ignite the Second Opium war, and in the process is re-elected with a large majority in the Lower House.




1857:
On May 10, the Indian Rebellion of 1857 starts. This rebellion is started as a mutiny of sepoys in the employ of the East India Company; however, it spread and before long threatened the continuation of British rule in India. The Rebellion is gradually suppressed with the assistance ofvarious princely states including Hyberabad, Jaipur, and Kashmir, from Sikhs from the recently conquered Punjab, regiments of recruits from the Philippines, the Kingdom of Nepal, and British government and British East India Company Armies. In North America and the United Kingdom more regiments are raised as part of the standing army, and a few find their way to India before the end of the rebellion.

On August 26, in Ottawa becomes in practice the capital of British North America with the opening of the Dominion’s Legislative Assembly and [FONT=&quot]Rideau[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT]Hall. Some offices are maintained in Montreal. Montreal will continue to be considered British North America’s first city for years to come.


On October 18, in the United Kingdom it is decided to form a ‘greenbelt’ around London. This greenbelt is a region which in theory land must be designated towards non-urban use. This is an attempt to encourage the enlargement of other cities in the United Kingdom and to preserve the character of Berkshire.


1858:
On June 20, the Indian Rebellion is ended and a semblance of normalcy returns to the Indian subcontinent.

On July 18, Bahadur Shah the now late Mughal emperor arrives in Westminster. He takes part in a short ceremony to formally surrender and give his crown to Empress Victoria, Empress of the British Empire, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and her Dominion and territories beyond the sea, Lord of Manx, Defender of the Faith. As part of the ceremony Royal Assent is formally granted to Government of India Act 1858. This marks the end of the old Mughal Empire and the ascendance of Britain with its sovereign’s style changed to reflect its succession of the Mughal Empire and the replacement of Company Rule with Crown Rule in India.

On September 16, in India leave is granted to loyal princely states to fund railways and telegraph lines. Such projects can extend outside of the sponsoring state with the consent of the Governor-General. The British government is keen for a system of railways to be developed in India both for commercial and military reasons.



1859:

On June 6, the Great Clock at the Palace of Westminster starts operations. The greatest bell of this clock will in time be affectionately referred to as Big Ben. The chimes of Big Ben itself will start on July 11.

On June 6, the administration of Australasia is changed slightly with the creation of Queensland from part of New South Wales.

On August 27, the first oil well in North America is drilled near Titusville in the Province of Ohio.

[FONT=&quot]On November 24, Charles Darwin publishes The Origin of Species which argues for gradual evolution of species through natural selection. Despite strong opposition Darwin will eventually be knighted for his contributions to science. Also on this day the first ocean going ironclad is launched by France. New England is interested in the potential of iron ships and the development of a joint Anglo-New England ironclad is ongoing in the Provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot][1][/FONT] monarch will not receive public funds for own staff, palace upkeep, ect.

[FONT=&quot][2][/FONT] only low risk or long term investments, most revenue raised is to be reinvested to ensure that the Crown will have its official operations well financed into the future

[FONT=&quot][3][/FONT] Essentially the Crown Estate and Duchies will be more traditional landed estates and investment organizations, seabed and mineral rights (and other similar things) will be owned by the Government rather than the Crown Estate
 
1860:

On March 4, the territories of Sonora and Chihuahua become States of the United States of America. In accordance with the principle of popular sovereignty the people of these states can decide if slavery should be permitted as a particular institution in their states. These two states elect to prohibit slavery. This brings the number of States in the United States banning slavery to five. This is not at all welcomed by the majority of states; however, the principle of popular sovereignty continues to have broad support as it is recognized without such a principle the secession of several northern and perhaps western states is likely. While slavery is prevalent throughout most of the United States there continues to be issues with slaves running away, often to British North America where they would be considered free. This is facilitated in part by a large network of abolitionists within the United States, New England, and the British Empire. The desire to end slavery for Americans in some states is at least as much an economic issue as it is a moral one, with the northern states wanting higher tariffs to help with manufacturing and encourage industrialization and southern states being agriculture based with a preference for low tariffs and prices with less concern for where a good is manufactured.

On May 1, the last spike of the Trans-Dominion Railway is driven by British North America’s Governor-General and will allow goods to be shipped by rail from Sacramento to Halifax. The completion of a railway and telegraph network linking both sides of the continent will be a great boon for settlement efforts and ease of governance. Many feel that it took long to be completed; however, the Crimean War and other wars did significantly reduce the number of people in certain areas needed for construction[FONT=&quot][1][/FONT].


On October 18, the First Convention of Peking ends the Second Opium War.


1861:

On February 18, Victor Emmanuel becomes the King of Italy.

On March 19, the First Taranaki War ends.

On November 8 the Trent affair happens.

On December 14, His Royal Highness the Prince Consort passes on. His wife and many family members are in attendance at his passing. The Empress will remain in mourning the rest of her long life. Royal finances will now be attended to primarily by Lord Rothschild, as per instructions in the Prince Consort’s will while the Empress does not approve of Rothschild she acquiesces to her now late husband’s wishes and under Rothschild’s guidance the family finances will flourish.

Also in 1861, the British Empire establishes a base in Lagos, Nigeria and in the United States there is unease at both their neighbours may be monarchies and the potential the end ‘raiding’ along the Western border.


1862:

On February 14, two reforms related to the Indian Rebellion of 1857 are unveiled both of which are cause for controversy within the United Kingdom and British North America. They will be enacted by the end of the year.

One reform is to grant the Philippines a greater degree if home rule. This is not independence, or taking legal power away from the Governor, but rather giving a stronger voice to a mostly nominated advisory council. One of its first acts will be to oversee the implementation of an almost universal elementary education system in the colony. The council’s main purpose to work to co-opt local elites to varying degrees into continuing their support of British rule and to foster economic growth within the Empire. While at the beginning of British rule in the Philippines, British rule was tenuous it is fairly stable now and the Philippines have furnished troops for most major British wars in Asia and the Pacific.

The reforms for India include the creation of advisory councils for the Raj itself and the Provinces. The councils are comprised of a combination of wealthy Indians and members of Indian nobility in addition to Europeans. These criteria of admission to the councils ensure they are conservative in nature[FONT=&quot][2][/FONT]. Members of the Indian nobility and wealthy Indians are being permitted to advance through the civil service and military according to merit on the same basis as British subjects of European heritage; in order to achieve this they must be proficient in the English language in both its written and spoken forms. The final reform for India is bringing the leaders of major princely states into the British peerage, so that their legal role in India is contingent upon there British title. The succession of each title will be prescribed in its issuing Letter Patent, while the Indian ruler may request a form that of adoption is not accepted. Minor princely leaders are either ignored, offered baronets, or one off knighthoods.

On March 12, the War Office notes a increase of American military personal and weapons being shipped to the Western United States via both the Trans-Dominion and Nicaraguan Railways. Since there openings both railways have been used to various degrees for American settlers to reach Sonora

1863:

On May 18, the Congress of the United States of America votes to declare war against Mexico citing Mexico’s lack of willingness to secure its border with the United States. In capitals around the world that message and one of non-European interference in the Americas are widely spread. At home the messages also resonate, but so too does a desire to form a more natural border along America’s Western coast. The United States will work very closely with the ‘Liberal’ factions in Mexico in their efforts against the Emperor and the French.

On July 24, partially in a response to American aggression against Mexico work starts on a railroad through the southern ends of Nevada district to Los Angeles and San Diego.[FONT=&quot][3][/FONT] This railroad will provide faster service to Southern California for goods, passengers, and if needed soldiers.

On August 8, another treaty is reached with Nicaragua to reaffirm Britain’s commitment to Nicaragua’s security and affirming British sovereignty over any future canal through Nicaragua.

On October 26 the Football Association is formed.

Also, the number of Indian’s attending Public Schools in the United Kingdom has seen a notable rise. By 1890 roughly fifteen percent of all British Isle public school places will be filled by non-European British subjects. In India itself, the number of students attending preparatory schools will be even higher than the number of students that make the cut to be sent abroad.


1864:
On January 21, the Second Mexican-American War expands in scope as the United States launches an invasion of Guadeloupe from its naval bases in Cuba. The United States will continue to consider French assets in the Americas to be legitimate targets during the war due to French involvement in Mexico.


On March 16, The United States’ Navy intercepts an defeats a large French force between the North American Mainland (Cancun) and Cuba, this will mark the end of France’s ability to reinforce Mexico at will directly from Europe or its holdings in the Americas as the United States will maintain a tight blockade of Mexico’s east coast for the remainder of the war.

On October 6, American and Liberal forces enter Mexico City. They control most of Northern and Western Mexico. French and Conservative resistance is centered on Veracruz and the east coast of Mexico.

On October 16, United States Territorial governments are established for Sinaloa and Nayarit[FONT=&quot][4][/FONT].

On December 21, a treaty is signed between the United States, the French Empire, and the Mexican Empire ending the Second Mexican American War. French possessions in the Caribbean are restored to France, the modified states Sinaloa and Nayarit are ceded by Mexico to the United States, and the United States is to withdraw all forces from Mexico, and the Mexican Empire will honour all its external debts.

On December 22, as it withdraws from Mexico the United States transfers its positions and a great deal of arms to the Mexican Liberal faction and signs an agreement with the Liberals recognizing the American gains during the war. Three thousand Americans are dismissed from the United States’ Army and continue to work to restore Liberal rule to Mexico.

[FONT=&quot][1][/FONT] Historically a large percent of engineers and surveyors in North America (Canada and US) were military trained or graduated from a military academy (e.g. West Point), and the UK did have trouble with manpower during the Crimean War.

[FONT=&quot][2][/FONT] conservative meaning non-reactionary, willing to change but only at a slow pace or for the right reasons (e.g. British Government tells them to, or commercial incentive to change)

[FONT=&quot][3][/FONT] The intended route is essentially I15, and as economic conditions allow I70 will be developed

[FONT=&quot][4][/FONT] state borders are adjusted to better reflect geography
 
1865:

On February 18, Liberal forces take Veracruz from Conservative forces. The War in Mexico is now a low intensity conflict without major foreign involvement and will remain as such for three more months, with the exception of the Yucatán, until liberal gains are consolidate.

On September 18, the final orders for machines to assist in constructing the Nicaragua Canal are placed with British companies. The Nicaragua Canal Company is also busy organizing its labour supply from China.

In the United States work has started on its Transcontinental Railway. This railway is going ahead over the heads of southeastern states in a bid to tie the nation together. In Pennsylvania while the railway is supported it is also strongly opposed because it does not have domestic manufacturing of supplies as a requirement, consequently in a bid to save money a clear majority of the steel and industrial equipment that will be used will be purchased from British North America. This also has the side effect of discouraging a proposed increase in British tariffs on certain goods from countries permitting slavery.


1866:

On May 10, the British railways in the California’s connect to Puerto Penasco in Sonora. This provides additional business to British North American railways and facilitates American settlement of its southern States and territories. Private companies plan to swiftly extend the railway to Guaymas.

On May 18, work starts on the Nicaragua Canal. The Nicaragua Canal Company is a Limited Company traded on the London Stock Exchange, and is not receiving government funding for constructing the canal.

On July 27, the Atlantic Cable is completed. This is the first permanent, working, telegraph cable between the Americas and Europe. Consequently the two representatives per constituency feature for British North America is eliminated as communications issues was the driving factor in its creation.


1867:

On April 1, the Strait Settlements are separated from India and become a Crown Colony.

On August 6, The Imperial Government establishes a Bureau to keep track of fringe groups and foreign agents within the Empire.[FONT=&quot][1][/FONT] This Bureau will not be officially recognized, but what will be recognized is the creation of Special Branches which are attached to most major police forces. Also the post of Private Secretary to the Sovereign is established, the creation of this post marks as check on the Government’s power and along with HM’s other secretaries allowed the sovereign greater influence over the Government if not in policy then in administration and the administration of policy.


1868:
On January 3, the Meji Restoration was declared in Japan. This is a restoration of the Emperor’s power at the cost of the shogunate.

On June 18, Maryland holds a constitutional convention.

On July 16, Maryland’s constitutional convention concludes and includes a ban on slavery based on the idea of gradual emancipation and apprenticeships. This will be less expensive for the state to implement, and is a compromise which pleases neither the abolitionists nor the slave owners though both factions will live with it.

On August 18, the American Transcontinental Railway is completed.

On August 19, Sinaloa, Nayarit, and Cuba become States of the United States of America. Under the concept of popular sovereignty Sinaloa and Nayarit choose to become Free States while Cuba becomes a Slave State.

On October 8, East Tennessee, West Virginia, and Oklahoma become slave states[FONT=&quot][2][/FONT]. As a condition of East Tennessee’s accession as the State of Franklin it must remain a slave state for ten years, thus ending the notion of popular sovereignty. Counties from states bordering Franklin are permitted to join the new state.[FONT=&quot][3][/FONT]

On October 18, the British Empire and New England sign an economic agreement in which British intellectual property law will apply to New England. A branch of the British Patent office opens in Boston. The agreement also imposes a rather high tariff on products from countries permitting slavery on products produced by slavery or using inputs from slavery. The tariff also applies to goods shipped or partially assembled in third countries. This law is heavily supported by the Province of Missouri which holds the largest black population in British North America and has its own cotton industry.

On November 3, Reuben Fenton is elected President of the United States. He ran on a Republican ticket, promising not to force Franklin to remain a slave state and to maintain the continuation of popular sovereignty for all states. He won all the Free States, Delaware, Cuba, and Franklin.

On November 28, Britain receives a formal protest from Brazil, its largest ally in the America’s and a country which permits slavery. Britain grants Brazil a ten year exemption and the promise of a review of the law at that time[FONT=&quot][4][/FONT]. British investment in Brazil continues, and Brazil is the largest recipient of British investment in the Americas.[FONT=&quot][5][/FONT]

On December 24, Delaware becomes a Free State as its slaves are declared emancipated. Pennsylvania and New York agree to cover compensation to slave owners for their lost property. This move had been planned for some time, but was delayed so that the South would consent to a transcontinental railway and permit the accession of two new Free states. The remaining states permitting slavery are finding that the British are less reliant on their cotton and tobacco then they had hoped, and their economies are in a relative decline, while tariffs on British and New England goods are proving beneficial to the Free States in the North East.

1869:

On February 16, a three separate proposed amendment to the United State’s constitution are put before Congress, and two fail to pass the Senate. The failed amendments would end the three fifths rule and ban slavery in the United States. The one amendment that passed enshrined the concept of popular sovereignty.

On September 16, the popular sovereignty amendment becomes enshrined in the United States constitution as enough salve states still support the concept. Supporting states include Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Cuba, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

On October 18, Franklin becomes a free state.

On November 17, The Suez Canal is inaugurated.

[FONT=&quot]On December 1, the Dominion of British North America expands with the dissolution of Rupert’s Land and the transfer from the Imperial Government of all of the British territories in North America. It does not take long for the Dominion government to start subdividing its new territories with a new bilingual province inaugurated by the end of the year. This is a rarity as most new provinces are unilingual English, while bilingual ones previously only formed from the Provinces of Canada[FONT=&quot][6][/FONT]. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot][1][/FONT] e.g. Irish republicans, Indian nationalists, Republicans generally (anti-monarchists rather than US Republican Party)

[FONT=&quot][2][/FONT] Oklahoma contains parts of northern Texas, thus is larger than RL.

[FONT=&quot][3][/FONT]Essentially it is the state of Appalachia and does not include any parts of Virginia, West Virginia is larger and extends southwards

[FONT=&quot][4][/FONT] Brazil is less dependent on slavery then RL and has a smaller slave population and is more industrial then historically, but there is fear on the part of the monarchy if it forces abolition then it will lose power. The transformation of Brazil to a Republic is deemed undesirable to Britain, hence the exemption.

[FONT=&quot][5][/FONT] because of Brazil being in a military and economic alliance with the BE, NE, and Portugal it receives the most investment in the Americas excluding British North America and British colonial holdings in the Americas. British investments include heavy industry and transportation infrastructure (railways, shipping, transportation)

[FONT=&quot][6][/FONT] pre-Dominion Canada
 
1870:

On September 4, Emperor Napoleon III is disposed ending the Second French Empire.


On October 6, a number of patent offices are opened further afield in the British Empire with offices opening in Cape Colony, the Philippines, Australasia, and in Northern California at Stanford. The intent behind opening more offices is to encourage innovation in the British Empire outside of the Home Isles.


1871:
On January 18, the German Empire is declared. Germany is now one country, one sovereign state, and now under one leader. The German Declaration and the treaty signing ending the Franco-Prussian War takes place in the Palace of Versailles, one of the few places in France long associated with France’s glory and is a symbol of France’s decline in Europe and Germany’s rise.

On March 29, Royal Albert Hall is opened. This much loved concert hall is named after the late, and still much loved Prince Consort.


1872:

On September 16, German troops leave France as France has completed reparation payments owed as a result of the Franco-Prussian War.

1873:

On March 22, the Rio Tinto company is formed.

Also in 1873 there was also a war in Ghana and the Gold Coast Colony is established, and the Metric System becomes legal in the British Empire. The adoption of the Metric system is not universally popular, but is understood as necessary for the advancement of science for ease of measurement and its greater consistency between units then the Imperial system of measurement.


1874:

On January 20, the Treaty of Pangkor is signed between the British Crown and the Sultan of Perak. This is the first major treaty solidify British control over the Malay states.

On October 24, In the British West Indies, colonies begin to admit non-White British subjects into the civil service. This is done as it is believed at some point it might be wise to annex these colonies to British North America, and that starting a more merit based system for governance there now will pay dividends later as it will encourage all British subjects to apply themselves to learning and knowledge, particularly if they wish to be employed by the Crown. While racial equality is not a widely popular idea, the idea of a professional civil service is.

1875:

On March 18, Asia’s first stock exchange is founded in Bombay.
Also, calls are growing stronger in British North America, Australasia, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom for a separation of the Imperial Parliament and the United Kingdom’s Parliament and for greater representation before Parliament. Only the United Kingdom and British North America have representation in the House of Commons, and representation for British North America is less than that for the United Kingdom on a per person basis.


1876:

On May 16, the Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli rejects the Berlin Memorandum. This reflects a British rejection of German influence in the Ottoman Empire.

On October 8, in the Philippines and India the British Liberal and Conservative Political Parties have greatly increased their level of organization.

1877:


On February 8, the Russians threaten to occupy Istanbul, but are deterred by the nearby British fleet.

On March 3, Bulgaria regains its independence from the Ottoman Empire. Cyprus falls into British administration on June 4 with the Cyprus Convention. On November 21 the Second Afghan War.

On April 12, the South African Republic is annexed by the British Empire. The British Empire claims the annexation is to protect the Boers in the Republic from the Zulu. This claim is greeted with much scepticism, but it is widely considered possible.

On August 18, numerous trade restrictions and monopolies are revoked in India in an attempt to boost industrialization slightly.

On September 8, the Empress’s speech is read before Parliament. Amongst those sitting among the Lords for the first time is a non-white British subject, the Duke of Hyderabad. Lord Khan is received warmly and treated respectfully, but does not impress many during his brief stay in London.


On November 18, gold is found in the Witwatersrand Basin in the Transvaal Colony.[FONT=&quot][1][/FONT] This prompts a gold rush, to the colony. Despite the risks, tens of thousands of Europeans heed the call of potential riches and flock to the colony.

1878:


On September 16, the Nicaragua Canal is inaugurated by His Royal Highness Prince Albert-Edward, the Prince of Wales. After crossing through the canal he tours Western British North America.

On October 20, the Prince of Wales arrives in Hawaii to formally annex it to British North America.

On November 8, in the Philippines the Prince of Wales proclaims that the first elections will be held there, and announces the expansion of funding for infrastructure and education there. These have been agreed to by Disraeli, who hopes that his Conservative Party will be able to capitalize on this in the future.

On November 24, the Prince of Wales sighs on behalf of the Empress signs a proclamation inaugurating the Dominion of Australasia. After his stay in Australasia, the Prince will return to the United Kingdom via the Suez with a brief tour of India.

1879:


On January 11, the Anglo-Zulu war begins.

On May 26, Russia and the United Kingdom sign the Treaty of Gandamak establishing an Afghan State. Russia remains active in the region it calls East Turkestan and in Mongolia.

On June 1, Napoleon Eugene (Napoleon IV) dies in Africa during the Anglo-Zulu War.


On July 4, the Anglo-Zulu War ends in a successful conclusion for the British.

[FONT=&quot][1][/FONT] former South African Republic
 
Good entry. And this is quite the Brit-Wank. I'm hoping it doesn't take too long for the Imperial Parliament to get established.
 
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