The State of Revolution

Okay, I am going to attempt to re-write my ill-fated “We’ll Rally Once Again, which died young (perhaps for the better…) due to a case of writer’s block and laziness. The original thread can be found here:
https://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=81087 There will be some-actually many-changes from the original timeline. Please, constructive criticism is greatly appreciated. POD is that in the Peace of Amiens, the British give in to all of its demands, and they evacuate Malta (which was one of the prime "indirect" reasons that tensions escalated until the War of the Third Coalition was declared in 1805). This results in the War of the Third Coalition beginning a bit later, and France never sells Louisiana in 1803. Resulting butterflies will result in larger changes as time marches on…and so, I give you, not “We’ll Rally Once Again”, but instead something else. Welcome to…THE STATE OF REVOLUTION.

*****

The First Decade: 1800's

1802
***POD***
The Peace of Amiens is signed, ending the War of the Second Coalition. Britain agrees to follow the Peace more truthfully, and evacuates its presence from Malta. This prevents the escalation of tensions, which in OTL, led to war in 1804/1805.

1803
The French colonial army in Haiti decisively defeats the Haitian rebels at the Battle of Vertieres, in mid-November. Over the next few months, the French colonial army shall sweep through Haiti, defeating all resistance, and consolidating the colony for France.

In result of these victories, Napoleon realizes that there still might be hope for his secret North American empire, and talks of the US buying Louisiana are again scuffled.

1804-1805
These two years are marked by escalating tensions throughout Europe, as the major powers again become concerned of France, and the defeated begin to resent the charges pressed upon them at the Peace of Amiens. In the meantime, US President Thomas Jefferson allocates several thousand dollars for the Expedition of Lewis-Clarke to reach the Pacific and explore Louisiana, despite the fact that the territory is not American. The French, distracted with other matters pay no attention to the small expedition.

1806
Despite the Peace of Amiens, war finally breaks out in 1806, and a belated War of the Third Coalition finally begins.

In late summer, British troops land in Louisiana, and capture New Orleans, effectively cutting off the scant French forces in the interior, basically eliminating the French presence in Louisiana, and giving them control of the Mississippi as well. The US government condemns this move.

In September, one of the war’s most decisive battles, the Battle of Cabo de La Roca (Cape of the Rock in English) occurs in the waters off of Portugal’s Cape of the Rock. In it, the British fleet manages to decisively defeat the combined Franco-Spanish fleet, and secure their control of the oceans.

Napoleon, now realizing that he has lost most of his navy, decides to sell Louisiana, knowing that it is not doing him any good, and that with most of his fleet at the bottom of the sea, or in British hands, he will not be able to live up to his dreams of an “American Empire.” The US buys it for about $17 million (including interest, and the cancellation of debts), but with British troops already there, and unwilling to leave, tensions rise. The US demands for the British to leave, to no avail.

1807
A British attempt to invade Rio de La Plata is soundly defeated. This defeat signifies the end of further British attempts to take South America from Spain, as they realize that the costs outweigh the potential benefits.

In North America, across the Mississippi, border skirmishes break out between Britain and the US near the Louisiana border. The British consider raising taxes for boats traveling through the Mississippi, creating uproar with the US population, and straining relations between the two.

In May, the War of the Third Coalition is ends with France and her allies victorious. However, Prussia fears that the French will only grow stronger thanks to the defeat of the Austrians. A new war seems imminent.

In November, Portugal is invaded by a joint Franco-Spanish Army; the Portuguese government is captured, and Portugal is split into two kingdoms; both of them cede some of their lands to Spain. Spain, the (rump) Kingdom of Portugal, and the Kingdom of Northern Lusitania thus join the Continental System. Spain also gains the Algarves and most of the Alentejo (central Portugal) in the process. Brazil is also de jure split between Spain and France.

1808
The Finnish War ends with a sound Russian defeat, though some minor border adjustments are made to appease the Russians. Finland, however, remains a part of Sweden.

Throughout the rest of continental Europe, the War of the Fourth Coalition rages in a perpetual stalemate, with neither side able to break the deadlock.

Finally, after several years of tension, saber-rattling, and border clashes, James Madison asks for Congress to give him a declaration of war on Britain. Congress narrowly concedes, though much of the US populace is unsure if going to war with such a strong power as Britain is safe. However, many cite the fact that the US has agreed to pay over $20 million dollars for the land, and that it was stolen from them.
Some people also begin to think that it was not a fair deal in the first place, considering that the British already had control of New Orleans, the territories economic and cultural hub.

Along the Mississippi, the border clashes intensify. Britain, in response, also declares war on the US, and initiates a blockade. However, Britain’s navy is too far stretched, and blockade runners and raiders continuously wreak havoc and slip through. In the Great Lakes region, fleets of gunboats battle for control of the waterways. US Army elements, combined with gun-toting settlers, begin encroaching upon Louisiana.

1809
The US launches a full-fledged invasion across the Mississippi (in OTL present day northern Louisiana), overwhelming the initial British force at the Battle of Vidalia Landing. They quickly march southwards, intent on encircling New Orleans.

By April, the Americans have laid siege to the city. However, the Royal Navy lands reinforcements, and a British counter-attack succeeds in routing them, freeing southern Louisiana. The US, however, maintains control of the rest of Louisiana state, and the US government encourages settlers to move in and claim their rightful lands. Hundreds flock to Louisiana and Arkansas.

In the Great Lakes, US and British ships continue to battle for control of the region by sea, while troops on the ground clash. An American attack on York (Toronto) ends in a decisive victory, yet a few weeks later, they are bloodily repulsed from Montreal. Following British campaigns push them back out of Canada.

In Europe, the French score a decisive victory over Prussia and Russia, at the Battle of Luckenwalde, and capture a good sized portion of the Prusso-Russian army. After nearly two years of war, and having lost a large army, the Fourth Coalition agrees to peace.
 
It seems a little odd that there are many settlers willing to immediately settle in a warzone. Other than that, it looks very well-done and is interesting.
 
The French colonial army in Haiti decisively defeats the Haitian rebels at the Battle of Vertieres, in mid-November. Over the next few months, the French colonial army shall sweep through Haiti, defeating all resistance, and consolidating the colony for France.
By Haiti You mean the entire Island, as France bought the Spanish Half in 1795

In result of these victories, Napoleon realizes that there still might be hope for his secret North American empire, and talks of the US buying Louisiana are again scuffled.
Napoleon knew that the Territory was Undefendable if the US attacked, And the US was in the process of preparing a attack in 1803.


1804-1805
These two years are marked by escalating tensions throughout Europe, as the major powers again become concerned of France, and the defeated begin to resent the charges pressed upon them at the Peace of Amiens. In the meantime, US President Thomas Jefferson allocates several thousand dollars for the Expedition of Lewis-Clarke to reach the Pacific and explore Louisiana, despite the fact that the territory is not American. The French, distracted with other matters pay no attention to the small expedition.
Remembre the Spanish in Mexico City Protested the Expedition, and sent a force to Arrest lewis and Clark.
This in Spite of the Purchase. Here ITTL a could see a larger more determined Force bing sent.
1806
Despite the Peace of Amiens, war finally breaks out in 1806, and a belated War of the Third Coalition finally begins.

In late summer, British troops land in Louisiana, and capture New Orleans, effectively cutting off the scant French forces in the interior, basically eliminating the French presence in Louisiana, and giving them control of the Mississippi as well. The US government condemns this move.
1806 is two years after the US had already captured the Territory.

1808
The Finnish War ends with a sound Russian defeat, though some minor border adjustments are made to appease the Russians. Finland, however, remains a part of Sweden.
?Now how do whe get Sweden to capture Norway ?
 
Why wouldn't Brazil just declare independence or ignore Lisbon's demands? Britannia rules the waves, after all.

This is very interesting.
 
Chapter 1
A Presentation To The Better

April 12, 1810
Near the Tahquamenon River
Michiganian Upper Peninsula

Dear General Hull, March 29, 1810

The Situation up here in the Upper Peninsuler is precarious. The British are amassin forces on the Canadian side of Lake Superior as this is written, and will most likely be attempting a crossing with what appears to be battalion of several hundred in a week or so. To add to the situation the Ojibwa Indian army that Chief Buffalo promised us is nowhere to be seen, while it is believed that the British have gathered an extra several hundred Ottawa warriors with them. General, the situation is fast becoming untenable. If my men and I stay here, we will most likely be annihilated, as we have no means of escape once the British take Sault Ste. Marie, which will most likely be their main target. I implore you to receive my message with the utmost haste, and treat it with the utmost importance. If a fast action is not taken, I fear that not just will the Upper Peninsula be lost, but the whole Territory as well. I have made this letter short just for this purpose-this war is fast, and fast decisions need be made. Time is of the essence.

Sincerely,

Colonel William James Shepherd,



Dear Colonel Shepherd, April 6, 1810

Your orders are to hold the area fast, and steady. The rest of the Army of the Northwest is getting hampered by this bastard Tecumseh and his Indian allies, and the Indian presence just across Lake Michigan. I am uncertain as to when help can arrive. The 4th Infantry Regiment is being dispatched now, but it may be a time before they can get to you. Colonel, you know this as well as I do-the Upper Peninsula is vital. Do not lose it. And the Ojibwa-we have not had an audience with them in a time, but it is my personal belief that they will probably sit this one out, despite our previous agreements. We must assume for the time being that they will not be here when we need them. Colonel, you must not panic and flee-morale would be crippled if your men were to find out they were led by a coward.

Best regards,

General William Hull, Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Northwest, Michigan Territory Governor



Dear General Hull, April 12, 1810

I do not have the slightest inclination of eloping from my soldiers, and I can not comprehend what gave you that idea. As things are, the British landed near the mouth of the Tahquamenon River last night, approximately 10 miles away or so from Sault Ste. Marie. There is no doubt know in my mind that this is their target, and to further disprove my “cowardly” disposition, I am leading an attack force there of my finest and most well-trained men at the conclusion of this mailing. It appears as if I will have to take them on by myself.

Colonel William James Shepherd, 7th Michigan Regiment

April 12, 1810
Near the Tahquamenon River
Michiganian Upper Peninsula

Colonel William James Shepherd dismounted from his horse to get a better view of what he was about to go up against. The British camp could be seen, along the banks of the river and the large clearing in the forest, a few hundred yards away, camp fires illuminating the early night, their smoke partially blotting out the stars.

He heard rustling in the leaves behind him. He turned, pistol at the ready. It was his assistant. “Sir,” he whispered. “All forces in position. Nearby sentries have been eliminated, sir. Awaiting firing order.”

The Colonel nodded. “Where are my lights?” the Colonel asked.

“In your hands, sir.”

The Colonel smiled in the darkness. “Then let there be light.” That was the code. The Sergeant saluted, and turned to face the battery of cannon positioned just a few feet away. The Sergeant lifted up his arm-the guncrew, having already loaded their pieces and aimed, prepared to fire. Colonel Shepherd put his fingers in his ears, and turned away from the weapons.

The Sergeant brought down his arm.

With a tremendous roar, the six cannons leaped back, fire and shells spitting from their barrels. Their shells raced across towards the British camp, and impacted with devastating force. There was no way they could miss. One round found a large stockpile of gunpowder, located right in the middle of the camp, and the subsequent fireball engulfed everything nearby, and rose a hundred feet into the sky. His horse spooked and nearly took off into the forest, yet Shepherd grabbed it just in time. He quickly mounted, and raced through the smoke, along with three dozen other cavalry soldiers who rode in from other parts of the forest. More than 150 other soldiers also appeared, running out of the brush, and charging towards the enemy. The light cannons fired a second volley towards the British, catching those soldiers who scrambled for their weapons and the officers who tried to rally them. Colonel Shepherd drew out his saber as he entered the camp, cutting down those who got in his way. “Cavalry!” he yelled, trying to gather the other horsemen. “With me!” A bullet cracked past his head, and without another second of wait, he turned and continued through the camp at full gallop.

The British were finally beginning to organize themselves. One of their cannons sent a shell hurtling back towards the forest, but it was way off target. A hundred British soldiers began forming into rows to counter the approaching infantry. A third volley from the American cannons, however, stopped them, tearing through their ranks. The US soldiers, already arranged, shouldered their weapons and fired, decimating what remained of the British force, with the cavalry coming in quickly after.

Within minutes, the battle was won. The last British soldiers surrendered, while the two British sloops anchored off shore quickly departed for aid and reinforcements. Colonel Shepherd assessed the damage. A hundred fifty British prisoners, many wounded, and as many as a hundred killed. He had taken less than 20 casualties, with only two dead. He had also captured half a dozen cannons, large amounts of food, bullets, rifles, and shells, as well as more adequate clothing than his troops were equipped with, and a dozen horses. A great victory indeed-and then British had been driven out to sea.

Later on, he surveyed the prisoners. There were a dozen officers between them. He spotted a Colonel, his hands bound, slumped against a tree. He looked up as Shepherd approached him, and straightened himself. “You must be the commanding officer of this here unit.” Colonel Shepherd said, halfway asking him and halfway declaring it. “I was.” he responded.

“What is your name, Colonel?”

The captured Colonel held is head high. “I am Colonel Alexander Mark Travis, subordinate of the great Brigadier General Isaac Brock, commander of the 16th Canadian Foot.”

“So tell me, Colonel, what were your intentions here in Michigan?” Shepherd asked.

“I’m afraid I can not discuss such matters openly.”

“Of course, Colonel. You do know, however, that I will find out…afterall, your letters are available to my pleasure.”

“Yes. But I am a prisoner, not a servant.”

“So you are.” Shepherd peered across the still water of the nearby lake. The sun was approaching. Already, a faint pink glow could be seen coming from the east. It was getting late-no, it was getting early, but it was late for him. “You will come with me to Sault Ste. Marie, Colonel Travis, where you and your men shall stay until a ferry can take you down to Fort Detroit. When you arrive there, you will no longer be under my jurisdiction, but rather under the jurisdiction of the Territory of Michigan and the United States government as Prisoners-of-War.”

“What will happen to me?” Travis asked.

“I wouldn’t worry about your safety, Colonel. You shall live a hospitable existence, until you are traded…I would however, worry for your men, who will not be open to such options. Now, up you go.” The Colonel struggled up.

“My defeat will not go unavenged,” he said. “This will not be America’s land for long.”

“Is that what they told you?” Shepherd said indifferently. He turned to his men.

“Back to the city now!” he called. “Gather yourselves, and report to your Sergeants! I want the prisoners separated into groups of fifty!”

“What about the wounded, sir?” a Sergeant asked.

“Keep the British to themselves. We only take care of our own.”

“Of course, sir.”
 
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It seems a little odd that there are many settlers willing to immediately settle in a warzone. Other than that, it looks very well-done and is interesting.

Well, it's not really "so many"-most of the settlers come in far away from the actual fighting, like in Arkansas, Missouri, and further up. Furthermore, the settlers tend to stay grouped together, or near already established settlements.

By Haiti You mean the entire Island, as France bought the Spanish Half in 1795

Yes. (Is this a question or a statement?) Yes, I do mean the entire island-which was called Hispaniola, but when bought by France, was known as Haiti.

Napoleon knew that the Territory was Undefendable if the US attacked, And the US was in the process of preparing a attack in 1803.
Uum...really now?

Remembre the Spanish in Mexico City Protested the Expedition, and sent a force to Arrest lewis and Clark.
This in Spite of the Purchase. Here ITTL a could see a larger more determined Force bing sent.

What would make it more sucesful this timeline? Just because it had more men?

1806 is two years after the US had already captured the Territory.
I don't think so. The entire territory?

?Now how do whe get Sweden to capture Norway ?

Britain still wins the Gunboat War, hence Denmark still cedes Norway. But that hasn't happened yet. :)

Why wouldn't Brazil just declare independence or ignore Lisbon's demands? Britannia rules the waves, after all.

This is very interesting.
Well, that's kind of a given. And Brazil still recognizes Portugal as legitimate. It will declare independence later on, though.
 
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