Point of Difference: 1881, when Spain decides to modernize and strengthen its military and colonies.
Effects of POD: Spain is able to put up a much stronger opposition to the United States and last longer, changing the war.
1881: After hearing reports of American atrocities in their recent civil war, the Spanish King Alfonso XII sees the true potential of American strength, and seeing that has eyes on several of its Caribbean colonies, he orders modernization of the military and infrastructure around Spain and its colonies.
1882: Spain begins constructing new roads, harbors, weaponries, shipyards, and fortifications around the empire, with all of them receiving new forts and harbors, while only Cuba and the Philippines are actually given the new shipyards and weaponries. This is because only these two possessions can support such works and the things they will produce. Meanwhile in Europe construction of a new navy begins.
1883: Construction continues throughout Spain and its colonies, which are set to be completed by 1886. A new law is passed ordering every able bodied male to register for military service if they are between the ages of 18-45. The Armies peace strength is also set to 135,000 men, and training of these new forces begins.
1884: Modernization of the empire continues, and the newly trained army sends 35,000 troops to the colonies, with 10,000 going to Cuba, 15,000 to the Philippines, 4,000 to Puerto Rico, 1,000 to Guam, and 5,000 to various other colonies.
1885: The Spanish Navy launches its first new warships, the HMS Sana, Barcelona, Honduras, and Catalonia. These 4 ships are then organized into the Havana Squadron, which is immediately sent to Cuba where it docks.
1886: Construction is completed in most of the empire, and they begin turning out guns, cannons, artillery, and warships. The first gun is produced in Cuba, and it is immediately shipped to Madrid, where it is given to the commander of the army.
1887: The Havana Squadron departs from its base in Cuba and begins its trip around the world, which the Spanish government decides would be a good way to show off its new navy and power. By the year’s end the ships will have docked in the Philippines, where another few ships, the Pinto, Isabella, Santa Maria, and Carpel have just been completed. These ships are then organized into the Manila Squadron, as well as the core of the new Spanish Pacific Fleet.
1888: The Havana Squadron leaves the Philippines and sails around the tip of South America through the Straits of Magellan, and then onward to Barcelona, where they are welcomed and celebration ensues. After nearly a week of festivities, the fleet departs with 3 new ships joining them, the Corpus Christi, Madrid, and Santiago. These 3 new ships are then organized into their own Puerto Rico Squadron, which docks on the island of its name and begins active duty.
Effects of POD: Spain is able to put up a much stronger opposition to the United States and last longer, changing the war.
* Timeline *
1882: Spain begins constructing new roads, harbors, weaponries, shipyards, and fortifications around the empire, with all of them receiving new forts and harbors, while only Cuba and the Philippines are actually given the new shipyards and weaponries. This is because only these two possessions can support such works and the things they will produce. Meanwhile in Europe construction of a new navy begins.
1883: Construction continues throughout Spain and its colonies, which are set to be completed by 1886. A new law is passed ordering every able bodied male to register for military service if they are between the ages of 18-45. The Armies peace strength is also set to 135,000 men, and training of these new forces begins.
1884: Modernization of the empire continues, and the newly trained army sends 35,000 troops to the colonies, with 10,000 going to Cuba, 15,000 to the Philippines, 4,000 to Puerto Rico, 1,000 to Guam, and 5,000 to various other colonies.
1885: The Spanish Navy launches its first new warships, the HMS Sana, Barcelona, Honduras, and Catalonia. These 4 ships are then organized into the Havana Squadron, which is immediately sent to Cuba where it docks.
1886: Construction is completed in most of the empire, and they begin turning out guns, cannons, artillery, and warships. The first gun is produced in Cuba, and it is immediately shipped to Madrid, where it is given to the commander of the army.
1887: The Havana Squadron departs from its base in Cuba and begins its trip around the world, which the Spanish government decides would be a good way to show off its new navy and power. By the year’s end the ships will have docked in the Philippines, where another few ships, the Pinto, Isabella, Santa Maria, and Carpel have just been completed. These ships are then organized into the Manila Squadron, as well as the core of the new Spanish Pacific Fleet.
1888: The Havana Squadron leaves the Philippines and sails around the tip of South America through the Straits of Magellan, and then onward to Barcelona, where they are welcomed and celebration ensues. After nearly a week of festivities, the fleet departs with 3 new ships joining them, the Corpus Christi, Madrid, and Santiago. These 3 new ships are then organized into their own Puerto Rico Squadron, which docks on the island of its name and begins active duty.