Why the Chinese play cricket (an Imperial Federation timeline)

[Miss Construction]

Another update, needed for later events in Egypt and the Ottoman Empire.

June 1876: The continuing unrest in the Ottoman Empire results in Sultan Abdulaziz being deposed by reformists known as the Young Ottomans in favour of his nephew Murad V. Taking advantage of the situation, Serbia and Montenegro proclaim their independence and declare war. The poorly trained and equipped Serbian and Montenegrin troops are unable to make and progress at the Ottoman regulars, but are able to resist Ottoman attacks despite heavy casualties.

August 1876: The new Ottoman Sultan Murad V has proven to be totally unsuitable for the role. An alcoholic, the stress of the position leads to a mental breakdown, and increasingly erratic behaviour. Realising it is essential to have a mentally stable Sultan in order to bring about reform, the Young Ottomans depose Murad V in favour of Abdul Hamid II who agrees to implement a European style constitution. The constitution creates a parliament consisting of an elected Chamber of Deputies and a Senate appointed by the Sultan. This parliament is to include representation by members of all ethnic and religious groups within the Empire, while the constitution guarantees freedom of religion and speech.

February 1878: Citing civil unrest, Sultan Abdul Hamid II dismisses the Ottoman parliament and refuses to call new elections, effectively suspending the constitution of 1876 and beginning an increasingly conservative personal rule. In order to cement his control Abdul Hamid exiles the leaders of the Young Ottoman Movement, effectively preventing any organised resistance.

=McUpdate=

 

[Miss Construction]

Damn going to have to do some more back tracking. I've put the British in too deep with the Chinese too quickly. Oh well it's 1:20am an I need sleep. Got to take my SO to see her boy tomorrow. So will get into it tomorrow evening. Sigh.

 

[Miss Construction]

One thing this TL has taught me is don't overlook the 'small' places. Things you might think are peripheral seem to have a habit of ending up vitally important. Seems Fiji is one of those ITTL. So the first stage of the update for Fiji and China. Plus a distressingly large number of spelling mistakes fixed (but I've not bothered mentioning them here lol).

Oh and a quick technical jiggery pokery note about Chinese names etc. For the most part I go with Pinyin to transliterate them. The one exception is Chinese warships. Here I follow Conway's which appears to use Wade-Giles. It's so people can look them up if they really feel so inclined.

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June 1871: Since the early the 1860s, Europeans have been settling in Fiji, often obtaining land fraudulently or through violence, This has been greatly eased by the lack of effective government in the Islands. In an effort to control the situation a group of European settlers and Fijian chiefs form the Kingdom of Fiji, with prominent chief Ratu Seru Epenise Cakobau as King. The new Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral legislative body, though Europeans effectively control this body. Over the next year, courts, police and taxation will be established.

April 1872: Since the mid 1840s, a trade in pacific Islanders for labour in the US and Pacific Dominions has developed, usually referred to as Blackbirding. While technically called 'Indentured labour' the practice amounts to slavery, with the victims obtained by deception, coercion or violence. As many as one third of the victims die with three years of being taken. Several attempts have been made to curb the worse excesses through licensing. In the latest effort, the Pacific Islanders Protection Act is passed, yet again tightening up licensing of ships transporting labourers and enabling the Royal Navy to intercept and inspect vessels suspected of engaging in the practice. However Blackbirding will continue, only finally being stamped out in the 20th century.

October 1874: With the new Kingdom of Fiji struggling to control both European settlers and indigenous Fijians, the government appeals to Britain to annex the islands. Disraeli's new Conservative government, anxious to expand the Empire, agrees and the Islands formally come under Imperial control.

June 1875: Arthur Hamilton takes over as Governor of Fiji. He institutes a policy of 'Fiji for the Fijians' devolving much of the day to day administration of the Colony to local chiefs and prohibiting the sale of land by individuals, effectively placing 83% of land Fiji under communal ownership by indigenous Fijians.

March 1876: The Great Council of Chiefs is established in Fiji to advise the Governor on indigenous affairs. It consists of all those indigenous Fijians of chiefly rank.

July 1878: With it felt inappropriate and uneconomic to have indigenous Fijians working in Fiji's sugar plantations, a policy of importing indentured Indian labours is instituted. The first will arrive next year and over the next four decades, tens of thousands will be transported, with a little under half remaining in Fiji.

July 1879: The Chinese navy currently consists of a few composite gunboats built at either Jiangnan or Fuzhou shipyards, supplemented by armed junks. In an effort to strengthen their navy the Qing, two protected cruisers are order from British yards.

=McUpdate=

 

[mudhead]

June 1871: Since the early the 1860s, Europeans have been settling in Fiji, often obtaining land fraudulently or through violence,

Wow. What a surprise.

 

[Miss Construction]

Wow. What a surprise.

Yep who'd have thunk it.

 

[Miss Construction]

Thankfully the update didn't take anywhere near as long as I thought. Hopefully this is all understandable.

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September 1881: The Chinese order two Admiral (1st group) class battleships and a protected Leander class 2nd class cruiser from Britain in an effort to strengthen their fleet. These are the largest and most powerful warship thus far ordered by the Chinese, The two battleships will be named Chen Yuan and Ting Yuen, with the cruiser named Chi Yuan. The original Chinese intention was to order twelve such ships, but even with generous British terms for financing, only three vessels can be afforded. A small naval mission under Rear Admiral Nowell Salmon is also dispatched to reorganise assist in reforming the Chinese Navy

August 1885: Despite it having a number of revolutionary features such as a five round detachable box magazine and rapid short throw rear locking cock on closing bolt action, the Remington-Lee rifle first introduced in 1879 has yet to find customers, even in its improved 1882 version, though it is a strong contender in the ongoing British efforts to find a new magazine fed service rifle. However the 1885 version finally attracts a significant order as the Qing Chinese purchase 6,000 in 0.43” Spanish (11.15x58mmR) for their Guangxi Army. The Chinese will be greatly impressed with the rifle and begin looking at the possibility of manufacturing such rifles domestically. In pursuit of this goal, they will approach the British regarding assistance in the establishment of several arsenals capable of manufacturing such weapons. The British response is initial quite cool, concerned about antagonising other powers such as the French and Russians, But they do agree to allow the Chinese to send representatives to Britain to learn the skills which would be required.

====
Replaced with

January 1884: Despite it having a number of revolutionary features such as a five round detachable box magazine and rapid short throw rear locking cock on closing bolt action, the Remington-Lee rifle first introduced in 1879 has yet to find customers, even in its improved 1882 version. The only significant order so far has been for 6,000 ordered by the Qing in 0.43” Spanish (11.15x58mmR) for their Guangxi Army in 1883. The Chinese are greatly impressed with the rifle and begin domestic manufacture of an unlicensed version at the Jiangnan Arsenal, though these rifles are much inferior in quality and production is limited to only around 150 per month.

And

August 1885: Greatly disappointing by the high cost, poor quality and limited numbers of weapons their own arsenals are producing, the Chinese approach the European powers for assistance in reforming their system. Most refuse, unwilling to assist in strengthening the Qing. The British however do agree to allow the Chinese to send representatives to Britain to learn the skills which necessary. This will improve the Chinese arsenals performance to degree, though they are still extremely hampered by corruption, bureaucratic inefficiency, nepotism and the poor quality of Chinese steel production.
====

April 1884: With the situation in in Vietnam deteriorating and fearing war, the Chinese order 15,000 modern Martini-Henry rifles, 40 Ordinance 12pdr breach loading field guns and 10 Nordenfelt manual machine guns from Britain.

May 1884: The Fuzhou shipyard which has up till now only built unarmoured warships lays down its first armoured vessel, the armoured cruiser Ping Yuen. While the ship is to be constructed in China, the armament and armour have to be purchased from Britain and Germany. The ship will see a protracted construction, only being completed in 1890.

August June 1884: Despite the Tienjin Accord seemingly settling matters in Vietnam, the agreement is vague about the timetable for the Chinese withdrawal. Expecting the Chinese to withdraw immediately, the French move to occupy a number of positions on the border. The result is a clash between the two sides at Bắc Lệ. The French are furious, claiming Chinese betrayal, while the Chinese extremists demand war. In response to the “ambush” the French demand an indemnity and apology. It is only through the intercession of British ambassador to France, Viscount Lyon, that a compromise is reached. The Chinese will express regret at the incident and immediately withdraw from Vietnam. In return, the French drop claims for an indemnity and take the matter no further. While the Chinese are willing to negotiate, they are unwilling to either pay an indemnity or apologise. The Chinese position is strengthen by the British refusing to bow to French pressure and cut off arms supplies to the Chinese.

August 1884: With negotiations between the French and Chinese dragging on, Admiral Courbet is ordered to take the French Far East Squadron to attack the Fujian Fleet at Fuzhou. The Battle of Fuzhou will see the Fujian Fleet destroyed, with nine of its elven ships sunk with no serous damage inflicted on the French. Courbet will then proceed down the Min River and bombard the Fuzhou naval yard, inflicting severe damage.

October 1884: The French land a 2,000 strong expeditionary force at Keeling in Formosa with the aim of capturing the island. However the French advance is checked by the Chinese at the Battle of Tamsui, confining the French to Keeling. As a result the French will resort to blockading Formosa. However in Tonkin, the French are successful in forcing the Lang Son. Despite their success the French are unable to pursue due to severe logistical difficulties.

December 1884: The Chinese victory at Tamsui has massively strengthened the war faction in the Qing court, who have greatly exaggerated its significance in an effort to prevent negotiations. However British Foreign Secretary Henry Campbell-Bannerman, attempting to mediate a settlement, threatens to cut off British support for the Chinese forcing them to moderate their position. Campbell-Bannerman successfully negotiates a peace treaty where the Chinese agree to withdraw from Tonkin and recognise the French Protectorate in return for the French dropping their demands for an indemnity and apology, The inclusive nature of the war will undermine French support for colonial expansionism for some time.

July 1887: The Chinese navy finally takes delivery of its powerful new warships from Britain. In the past six years Admiral Nowell Salmon's naval mission has been able to bring about significant reform, having replaced the four independent Qing fleets with a central naval administration and developed a new naval base at Fuzhou with an associated naval college. The Fuzhou naval yard has the potential to construct some warships, with three small unprotected cruisers already having been constructed. Admiral Salmon has recommended the purchase of more large armoured warships to further strengthen the Chinese navy. However the naval budget has been significantly reduced due to fears over the perceived “liberal” nature of the navy in conservative circles and the high cost of the new ships ordered in Britain. Therefore only five small 2400 ton armoured cruisers can be afforded, two of which will be constructed in Fuzhou.

Replace with

July 1885: With their powerful new ships under construction in Britain nearing completion and seeking to make up their losses in the Sino-French War, the Chinese order four new cruisers. Two protected cruisers are ordered in Britain while two more armoured cruisers are ordered in Germany.

=McUpdate=

 

[anyone]

Love the timeline, the care you take is astounding

how often do you expect to update?

 

[Miss Construction]

Love the timeline, the care you take is astounding

how often do you expect to update?

Thank you

At the moment every two or three days. I hope to get it to daily.

 

[Miss Construction]

~Jan-June 1889: Making good on promises

January 1889: Since the beginning of the 1880s, many on the right in France have become disillusioned with traditional conservatism. A new right wing proto-fascist populist movement known as the boulangisme has arisen around Georges Boulanger. Included amongst his supporters are many from the para-military Ligue des Patriotes headed by Paul Déroulède. After the government of Pierre Tirard falls in 1888, there are calls for him to lead any new government. But President Sadi Carnot refuses, instead appointing Pierre Charles Floquet. Since Floquet's appointment, his supporters have been urging him to stage a coup. Boulanger, believing France's international standing has been eroded by the growing power of the British eventually agrees. He and several hundred armed supporters march on the Élysée Palace to demand President Carnot dismiss Floquet and appoint Boulanger in his place. The Military Governor of Paris, Félix Saussier, dispatches troops to intercept Boulanger, who's supporters have been swollen by a large number of civilians. The tense stand off develops into a gun battle with Boulanger and 56 of his supporters killed, along with 24 soldiers. As Paris descends into rioting and chaos President Carnot is forced to declare martial law to restore order.

February 1889: To match the two powerful Chinese battleships ordered in 1881, the Japanese order two battleships from British yards. Slightly reduced versions of the British Broke class armed with 12" rather than 13.5" guns, themselves a version of the earlier Trafalgar class mounting their guns in barbettes as opposed to turrets, the Yakasa and Noto will be the most powerful ships in Asia when completed.

February 1889: After years of conflict between liberals who argue for a British style parliamentary democracy and conservatives pushing for a strong Prussian style Imperial government, the liberals seemingly finally triumph and the new Japanese constitution has an executive theoretically subordinate to the national assembly along British lines. Ōkuma Shigenobu, the leader of the liberal faction successfully argued that contrary to the conservative arguments recent events, particularly the Empires unified response to the US annexation of Hawai'i and Queen Victoria's interventions to resolve parliamentary deadlocks, show the British system does not restricted the power of the monarch nor is it unwieldy. However the conservatives are successful in restricting the franchise to just 5% of the population and ensuring that rules of protocol place effective final control in the hands of a tiny group of just nine powerful elder statesmen appointed by the Emperor known as Genrō.

March 1889: Since Emperor Yohannes IV called off his campaign against the Italians to deal with the Mahdist invasion, his vassal Menelik, who was supposed to contain the Italians, has remained inactive while they occupied much of Eritrea. Sensing weakness in the Emperor another of Yohannes vassals Talke Haymanot has renewed his alliance with Menelik and refused to assist the Emperor in his campaign against the Mahdists. With Abyssinia approaching civil war, Yohannes has resolved to crush the Mahdists, then turn on his domestic enemies and the Italians. He has mustered a massive army of 130,000 men for the task. As the first stage he undertakes to defeat the 85,000 strong Mahdist army at the town of Gallabat. The battles goes well for Yohannes, with his forces inflicting crippling losses on the Mahdists. However with his enemy about to break Yohannes himself is killed. Demoralised by their leader's death, the Abyssinians simply withdraw, allowing the Mahdists to survive. In the aftermath, Menelik declares himself Emperor of Abyssinia and negotiates the Treaty of Wuchale, ceding Eritrea to the Italians in return for arms. The Mahdists losses have been utterly devastating, forcing them to abandon their invasion and retreat to Sudan.

March 1889: Ever since Transvaal restored its independence in 1881, its President Paul Kruger has been trying to achieve a political union with the Orange Free State or at a defensive alliance. All his attempts had been rebuffed by Orange Free state President Johannes Brand. However Brand's death in office in 1888 has allowed Kruger to negotiate with his nationalistic successor Francis Reitz with far greater success. As a first step toward closer ties between the two Boer republics, the Treaty of Potchefstroom establishes a mutual defence pact between the two, followed by a customs treaty abolishing duties.

March 1889: New US President Grover Cleveland is inaugurated. Domestically he is committed to tackling government inefficiency and corruption as well as dealing with the large US corporations ongoing monopolistic practices. In foreign affairs he seeks to further free trade and dismantle the massive US tariff regime which has evolved since the Civil War. He also abandons his predecessor Blaine's policies, rejecting expansionism and seeking to repair relations with the British and Chileans. To this end he orders an investigation into the annexation of Hawai'i and calls for a meeting with the British and Canadian governments to discuss matters of 'mutual concern.' However restoring relations with the Chileans will prove much harder as many in the US are still angered by the Chilean intervention in the Panama Crisis.

March 1889: Since the US acquired refuelling rights at Pago Pago on the Samoan island of Tutuila in 1878, they have been in competition with the Germans, who have right at Apia on the island of Upolo for control of the Samoan Islands. Both have been backing different factions in ongoing political upheaval in the Islands. This has flared into civil war in 1888. The US and Germany both dispatch three warships to Apia to represent their interests in the conflict, monitored by the British corvette HMS Calliope under Captain Henry Kane. Tensions run high and at one point it appears the Germans are moving to engage the US squadron. However Captain Kane manoeuvres his ship into line with the US vessels, causing the Germans to break off. Captain Kane's actions are widely reported and praised in the US, with New President Cleveland going as far as to unofficial thank the British for their “assistance in easing tensions.” Unfortunately several days later Apia is hit by an intense tropical cyclone. Only the Calliope is able to escape to open waters, with all German and US ships being sunk. With neither side in a position to intervene in local affairs any longer, the civil war will resolve itself without outside interference.

April 1889: Boulanger's attempted coup has led to widespread unrest throughout France, with the country approaching civil war and being placed under martial law. Prime Minister Floquet has been forced to resign with Pierre Tirard recalled to the post. With Boulanger's death he has come to be seen as a martyr by his supporters with Paul Déroulède assuming leadership of the boulangists. However after several months order begins to be restored to metropolitan France.

May 1889: Though the ongoing social reforms since 1870 have considerable popular support, there are many in Britain who feel Imperial matters, particularly the navy has been neglected for those reforms. Therefore the Goschen Report into the Royal Navy has been eagerly awaited. While the Toronto Imperial Conference is not mentioned the Report largely echoes the decision made there. It finds the navy has fallen behind in strength relative to other powers and many ships are obsolete needing replacement. It also notes deficiencies in training, equipment and operations, being particularly critical of the lack of training for fleet operations. Its main recommendation is the adoption of a 'two power standard' whereby the Royal naval should equal the strength of the two next strongest navies. It comments a regular continuous program of new construction is necessary to maintain vital strategic industries such as shipbuilding and naval gun manufacture. It finally recommends the Dominions own defences be strengthen to provide time for Imperial forces to be deployed in a crisis. In response the Naval Defence Act is passed accepting all the Report's recommendations. The subsequent naval estimates are one of the largest in peacetime, including eight battleships, eleven large 1st class cruisers, 23 2nd class cruisers and six 3rd class cruisers suitable for colonial stations. The 1st class cruisers include two, the Australia and New Zealand, intended for the Australian Station as are two the 2nd class and four of the 3rd class cruisers.

June 1889: King Milan of Serbia's popularity with his population has been steadily falling due to his pro Austro-Hungarian policies along with his separation frum his wife in 1886 and the suppression of the Timok Rebellion in 1883. In an effort to shore up his position he replaces the conservative 1869 Constitution with a far more liberal document as well as pardoning the leaders of the Narodna Radikalna Stranka, or People's Radical Party. The NRS will quickly come to dominate politics in Serbia, moving the country closer to Russia.

June 1889: After the government of João Correia de Oliveira abolished slavery in Brazil in May 1888, his government has come under increasing attack by powerful land owners outraged by abolition. Eventually they successfully get a vote of no confidence passed and Correia de Oliveira's government falls. Emperor Dom Pedro II eventually appoints Afonso Celso, a staunch monarchist, as Prime Minister. Celso embarks on an ambitious program of reform to address the serious issues which have been plaguing Brazil for the last decade. He advocates increasing the franchise by abolishing the income requirement for the vote, ending lifetime Senate tenures, turning Brazil into a fully federal state and under the advice of the US military mission, addressing the indiscipline which has been growing in the Brazilian army and navy. To head off a conservative republican backlash, Celso makes massive loans available at very favourable terms to landowners and lavishly grants titles and honours to win over important figures.

June 1889: George Westinghouse purchases the rights to the Swan AC power distribution system in US. He forms a new company, General Electric, to directly compete with Edison and his DC power distribution system. The advantages of the AC system results in Westinghouse rapidly gaining a solid foothold in the market. However will spark an extreme reaction from Edison, who launches a series of vicious public attacks on the supposed danger posed by high voltage AC power distribution. This will lead to a brutal and exceptionally acrimonious battle between Edison and Westinghouse in the media for public opinion. This will come to be known as the War of the Currents.

 

[mudhead]

With Abyssinia approaching civil war, Yohannes has resolved to crush the Masochists

Crikey!
Edit: I've never seen this as a war aim before. This is real Alternate History.

March 1889: Since the US acquired refuelling right at Pago Pago on the Samoan island of Tutuila in 1878, they have been in completion

rights
competition

 

[Word Bearer]

However Captain Kane manoeuvres his ship into line with the US vessels, causing the Germans to break off.

On a far less pedantic note. Good to see you posting again Miss C. I hope to see you complete a version of this timeline that you can be happy with.

 

[Miss Construction]

Crikey!
Edit: I've never seen this as a war aim before. This is real Alternate History.

rights
competition

On a far less pedantic note. Good to see you posting again Miss C. I hope to see you complete a version of this timeline that you can be happy with.

Thank you both. I truly hate my dyslexia lol. And this version is looking better than the previous. I have to avoid pushing the US British hostility at the moment. There's a Biggie coming up in Venezuela soon, so will see how that goes.

 

[Miss Construction]

Miss C's Design Notes #6 – The Cutting Room Floor, part 2

Well actually got to game out a naval battle yay. The ITTL Battle of the Yalu River. It went rather worse for the Chinese than in the OTL. Of course this meant I needed ship data, resulting in another cutting room floor. This contains the details of all the ships involved plus the South American naval arms race, along with a rifle I kind of like.

Qing Navy Chao Yung class unprotected cruiser
1,400 tons, 2 x 10" BL turret, 2 (4) x 4.7” BL, 0" belt, 0.25" Steel deck, 16.5 knots SE FT Coal, low freeboard
- Chao Yung, ordered 1879, commissioned 1881, lost Sino-Japanese War
- Wang Wei, ordered 1879, commissioned 1881, lost Sino-Japanese War

Qing Navy Ting Yuen class battleship
8,000 tons, 2 (4)x 12' BL barbette, 4 (8) x 4.7' BL, 2 (4) x 14” TT, 16" Compound belt, 3" Compound deck, 15 knots SE FT Coal
- Ting Yuen, ordered 1881, commissioned 1886, lost Sino-Japanese War
- Chen Yuan, ordered 1881, commissioned 1886, lost Sino-Japanese War

Qing Navy Chi Yuan class protected cruiser
3,000 tons, 2 x 8” BL, 3 (6) x 6” BL, 2 (4) x 14” TT, 4" Compound slope, 3" Compound deck, 17 knots CE FT Coal
- Chi Yuan, ordered 1881, commissioned 1887, lost Sino-Japanese War

Qing Navy Ping Yuen class armoured cruiser
2,200 tons, 1 x 10" BL turret, 1 (2) x 6” BL, 2 (4) x 18” TT, 8" Compound belt, 2" Compound deck, 10.5 knots TE FT Coal
- Ping Yuen, ordered 1884, commissioned 1890, lost Sino-Japanese War

Qing Navy Chih Yuan class protected cruiser
2,300 tons, 2 x 8" BL, 1 (2) x 6” BL, 2 (4) x 18” TT, 4" Compound slope, 2" Compound deck, 18 knots TE FT Coal
- Chih Yuan, ordered 1885, commissioned 1887, lost Sino-Japanese War
- Ching Yuan, ordered 1885, commissioned 1887, lost Sino-Japanese War

Qing Navy King Yuan class armoured cruiser
2,900 tons, 2 x 8" BL barbette, 1 (2) x 6” BL, 2 (4) x 18” TT, 8" Compound belt, 1.5" Compound deck, 15 knots TE FT Coal
- King Yuan, ordered 1885, commissioned 1888, lost Sino-Japanese War
- Lai Yuan, ordered 1885, commissioned 1888, lost Sino-Japanese War

Qing Navy Hai Chen class battleship
18.5 knots TE FT Coal, shallow draft
- Hai Chen, ordered 1891, commissioned 1896, sold to Britain 1896
- Hai Nan, ordered 1891, commissioned 1896, sold to Britain 1896

Qing Navy Hai Tien class protected cruiser
4,300 tons, 2 x 8" BL, 5 (10) x 4.7”, 2 (5) x 18” TT, 1 bow, 3" slope, 1.5" deck, 24 knots TE WT Coal
- Hai Tien, ordered 1896, commissioned 1899
- Hai Chi, ordered 1896, commissioned 1899

Imperial Japanese Navy Kongo class battleship
2,200 tons, 2 (3) x 6.7" BL, 3 (6) x 6" BL, 1 (2) x 14” TT, 4.5" Iron belt, 0" deck, 14 knots CE FT Coal
- Kongo, ordered 1875, commissioned 1878
- Hiei, ordered 1785, commissioned 1878, lost Sino-Japanese War

Imperial Japanese Navy Naniwa class protected cruiser
3,700 tons, 2 x 10.3" BL barbette, 3 (6) x 6”, 2 (4) x 14” TT, 3" Compound slope, 2" Compound deck, 18.5 knots TE FT Coal
- Naniwa, ordered 1883, commissioned 1886
- Takachiho, ordered 1883, commissioned 1886

Imperial Japanese Navy Chiyoda class armoured cruiser
2,400 tons, 7 (10) x 4.7”, 1 (3) x 14” TT 1 fwd, 4.5" Nickel belt, 1.5" Nickel deck, 19 knots TE FT Coal
- Chiyoda, ordered 1887, commissioned 1890

Imperial Japanese Navy Matsushima class protected cruiser
4,200 tons, 1 x 12.6" BL barbette, 6 (11) x 4.7”, 2 (4) x 14” TT, 2” slope, 2" Compound deck, 16.5 knots TE FT Coal
- Matsushima, ordered 1888, commissioned 1891
- Itsukushima, ordered 1888, commissioned 1891
- Hashidate, ordered 1888, commissioned 1894

Imperial Japanese Navy Wakasa class battleship
12,200 tons, 4 x 12" BL barbette, 4 (8) x 4.7", 1 (4) x 14” TT 1 fwd, 1 stn, 18" Compound belt, 3" Compound deck, 16 knots TE FT Coal
- Wakasa, ordered 1889, commissioned 1893
- Noto, ordered 1889, commissioned 18937

Imperial Japanese Navy Akitsushima class protected cruiser
3,100 tons, 3(4) x 6”, 3 (6) x 4.7”, 2 (4) x 14” TT, 3" Nickel slope, 2" Nickel deck, 19 knots TE FT Coal
- Akitsushima, ordered 1890, commissioned 1892

Imperial Japanese Navy Yoshino class protected cruiser
4,200 tons, 3 (4) x 6”, 3 (6) x 4.7”, 2 (4) x 14” TT, 4.5" Harvey slope, 2" Harvey deck, 23 knots
- Yoshino, ordered 1891, commissioned 1893

Imperial Japanese Navy Idzumi class protected cruiser
2,900 tons, 2 x 10” BL, 3 (6) x 6” BL, 2 (5) x 15” TT 1 fwd, 1" Steel belt, 0.5" Steel deck, 18 knots TE WT Coal
- Idzumi (ex-Chilean Esmeralda), ordered 1881, commissioned 1884, purchased 1895

Imperial Japanese Navy Fuji class battleship
12,500 tons, 4 x 12", 5 (10) x 6", 2 (5) x 18” TT 1 fwd, 1, 14" Compound belt, 2.5" Compound deck, 18 knots TE FT Coal
- Fuji, ordered 1894, commissioned 189
- Yashimo, ordered 1894, commissioned 1897

Imperial Japanese Navy Suma class protected cruiser
2,700 tons, 2 x 6”, 3 (6) x 4.7”, 1 (2) x 15” TT, 2" Harvey slope, 1" Harvey deck, 20 knots TE WT Coal
- Suma, ordered 1892, commissioned 1896
- Akashi, ordered 1892, commissioned 1896

Imperial Japanese Navy Shikishima class battleship
14,800 tons, 4 x 12", 7 (14) x 6", 2 (5) x 18” TT 1 fwd, 1, 9" Harvey belt, 2.5" Harvey deck, 18 knots TE FT Coal
- Shikishima, ordered 1896, commissioned 1900
- Hatsuse, ordered 1896, commissioned 1900

Imperial Japanese Navy Asama class armoured cruiser
9,700 tons, 4 x 8”, 7 (14) x 6”, 2 (5) x 18” TT 1 stn, 7" Harvey belt, 2" Harvey deck, 21.5 knots TE FT Coal
- Asama, ordered 1896, commissioned 1899
- Tokawa, ordered 1896, commissioned 1899

Imperial Japanese Navy Takasago class protected cruiser
4,200 tons, 2 x 8”, 5 (10) x 4.7”, 2 (5) x 18” TT 1 bow, 4.5" slope, 2.5" Harvey deck, 24 knots TE WT Coal
- Takasago, ordered 1896, commissioned 1898, lost Russo-Japanese War

Imperial Japanese Navy Yakumo class armoured cruiser
9,700 tons, 4 x 8”, 6 (12) x 6”, 2 (5) x 18” TT 1 stn, 7" belt, 2" deck, 20.5 knots TE FT Coal
- Yakumo, ordered 1897, commissioned 1900

Imperial Japanese Navy Adzuma class armoured cruiser
9,300 tons, 4 x 8”, 7 (14) x 6”, 2 (5) x 18” TT 1 stn, 7" belt, 2" deck, 20 knots TE WT Coal
- Adzuma, ordered 1897, commissioned 1900

Imperial Japanese Navy Chitose class protected cruiser
4,800 tons, 2 x 8”, 5 (10) x 4.7”, 2 (4) x 18” TT, 4.5" slope, 2.5" Harvey deck, 24 knots TE WT Coal
- Chitose, ordered 1897, commissioned 1899
- Kasagi, ordered 1897, commissioned 1899

Argentine Navy Patagonia class protected cruiser
1,500 tons, 1 x 10” BL barbette, 2 (3) x 3", 1.5" Steel slope, 0.5" Steel deck, 14 knots CE FT Coal, low freeboard
- Patagonia, ordered 1884, commissioned 1887

Argentine Navy Independencia class riverine battleship
2,300 tons, 2 x 9.4” BL barbette, 2 (4) x 4.7", 1 (2) x 18” TT, 8" Steel belt, 1" Steel deck, 14 knots TE FT Coal, shallow draft
- Independencia, ordered 1886, commissioned 1889
- Libertad, ordered 1886, commissioned 1889

Argentine Navy Veinticinco De Mayo class protected cruiser
3,600 tons, 3 (4) x 6", 4 (8) x 4.7", 2 (5) x 14” TT 1 fwd, 4.5" Steel slope, 3.5" Steel deck, 22 knots TE FT Coal
- Veinticinco De Mayo, ordered 1887, commissioned 1890
- Nueve De Julio, ordered 1887, commissioned 1890

Argentine Navy Buenos Aires class protected cruiser
4,800 tons, 2 x 8", 2 (4) x 6", 3 (6) x 4.7”, 2 (5) x 18” TT 1 fwd 5" Compound slope, 1.5" Compound deck, 24 knots TE FT Coal
- Buenos Aires, ordered 1891, commissioned 1895

Argentine Navy General San Martin class armoured cruiser
6,800 tons, 2 x 8" barbette, 3 (6) x 6", 3 (6) x 4.7”, 4" Harvey belt, 1" Harvey deck, 18.5 knots TE FT Coal
- General San Martin, ordered 1891, commissioned 1896
- General Belgrano, ordered 1891, commissioned 1896

Imperial Brazilian Navy Alagoas class battleship
6,900 tons, 3 (4) x 9.4” BL turret, 4 (8) x 4.7", 2 (4) x 18” TT, 12" Steel belt, 2" Steel deck, 18 knots TE FT Coal
- Alagoas, ordered 1886, commissioned 1889, sold to Spain 1897
- Mato Groso, ordered 1886, commissioned 1889, sold to Spain 1897

Imperial Brazilian Navy Amazonas class protected cruiser
6,900 tons, 3 (4) x 9.4” BL turret, 4 (8) x 4.7", 2 (4) x 18” TT, 12" Steel belt, 2" Steel deck, 18 knots TE FT Coal
- Amazonas, ordered 1886, commissioned 1889, sold to Spain 1897
- Almirante Abreu, ordered 1886, commissioned 1889, sold to Spain 1897

Imperial Brazilian Navy Vital de Olivera class protected cruiser
4,100 tons, 8 (12) x 6", 2 (5) x 18” TT 1 fwd 0" belt, 2" Nickel deck, 19 knots TE FT Coal
- Vital de Olivera, ordered 1887, commissioned 1892
- Silvado, ordered 1887, commissioned 1892

Imperial Brazilian Navy Pedro II class armoured cruiser
8,200 tons, 5 (6) x 8" BL turrets, 6 (12) x 4", 1 (3) x 14” TT 1 fwd, 4" Nickel belt, 3" Nickel deck, 20 knots CE FT Coal
18.5 knots
- Dom Pedro II, ordered 1891, commissioned 1896
- Dona Isabel, ordered 1891, commissioned 1896

Imperial Brazilian Navy Minas Gerias class protected cruiser
3,800 tons, 3 (6) x 6", 2 (4) x 4.7", 1 (3) x 18” TT 1 fwd, 2” slope, 1" deck, 20 knots TE FT Coal
- Minas Gerias, ordered 1893, commissioned 1896, sold to US before completion
- Sao Paulo, ordered 1893, commissioned 1896, sold to US before completion

Chilean Navy Esmeralda class protected cruiser
2,900 tons, 2 x 10” BL, 3 (6) x 6” BL, 2 (5) x 15” TT 1 fwd, 1" Steel belt, 0.5" Steel deck, 18 knots TE WT Coal
- Esmeralda, ordered 1881, commissioned 1884, Sold to Japan 1894

Chilean Navy Capitain Pratt class battleship
7,200 tons, 4 x 10" BL turret, 4 (8) x 4.7", 2 (4) x 18” TT, 12" Steel belt, 2" Steel deck, 18 knots CE FT Coal
- Capitain Pratt, ordered 1885, commissioned 1888

Chilean Navy Presidente Errazuriz class protected cruiser
2,800 tons, 2 (4) x 6", 2 (4) x 4.7", 1 (3) x 14” TT 1 fwd, 2.5" slope, 1.5" Steel deck, 18 knots TE FT Coal
- Presidente Errazuriz, ordered 1886, commissioned 1889
- Presidente Pento, ordered 1886, commissioned 1889

Chilean Navy Angamos class protected cruiser
4,100 tons, 2 x 8”, 5 (10) x 6", 2 (5) x 18” TT 1 fwd 3.5 Nickel slope, 2" Nickel belt, 3.5" Nickel deck, 22 knots TE WT Coal
- Angamos, ordered 1887, commissioned 1892
- Blanco Encalada, ordered 1887, commissioned 1892

Chilean Navy O'Higgins class armoured cruiser
8,500 tons,3 (4) x 8" turrets, 5 (10) x 4", 2 (4) x 4.7”, 1 (3) x 14” TT 1 fwd, 7" Harvey belt, 3" Harvey deck, 21.5 knots TE WT Coal
- O'Higgins, ordered 1891, commissioned 1896
- Santiago, ordered 1892, commissioned 1897

June 1890: The Lebel rifle has proven unsuitable for modification into a carbine version for cavalry and other uses, therefore the Carabine de Cavalerie Modèle 1890 dit “Carabine Berthier” is introduced to replace their existing single shot Gras carbines. Using the same action as the Lebel with a shorter barrel, the Berthier fires the same 8x50mmR cartridge as the Lebel but loaded via a three round Mannlicher style en-bloc clip. The Berthier will eventually be developed into a wide range of version for different specialist and colonial troops.

 

[mudhead]

October 1891: The Russians introduce the Pekhotnaya Vintovka Obrazca 1891-go goda, or Infantry Rifle Model 1891, more commonly known as the Mosin M1891. Designed by Sergei Mosin, the rifle is a conventional turn bolt action weapon using a 7.62x53mmR cartridge fed by a five round stripper clip. The rifle is unusual in being sighted assuming the bayonet is fixed. While the bolt mechanism will be shown to be somewhat complicated, the Mosin will prove to be a dependable service weapon and equip the Russian army

Apparently the rather complex bolt was necessary to avoid patent problems. The actual operation is pretty smooth.

I think scabbards weren't issued - hence the permanently fixed bayonet.

 

[Miss Construction]

Apparently the rather complex bolt was necessary to avoid patent problems. The actual operation is pretty smooth.

I think scabbards weren't issued - hence the permanently fixed bayonet.

Every Mosin I've tried (only about four or five to be honest) was a little 'sticky' to operate, not as bad as a Carcano (again I'm working on a sample size of exactly two), but definitely not as smooth as a Mannlicher M93, Mauser, Lee-Enfield or Arisaka. Never had the chance of working a straight pull Mannlicher so not sure on those. However ANY rifle which can last over 130 years in service simply CAN NOT be that bad.

 

[Word Bearer]

Every Mosin I've tried (only about four or five to be honest) was a little 'sticky' to operate, not as bad as a Carcano (again I'm working on a sample size of exactly two), but definitely not as smooth as a Mannlicher M93, Mauser, Lee-Enfield or Arisaka. Never had the chance of working a straight pull Mannlicher so not sure on those. However ANY rifle which can last over 130 years in service simply CAN NOT be that bad.

The reason the Mosin Nagant was the weapon of choice for the Imperial and Soviet states from the late 19th century to the middle of the twentieth as the service rifle of choice, is that the Mosin was cheap and the design was good enough to handle the laxness of Imperial Russian industrial standards.

Pretty as soon as revolution got going and even before designs on a new service rifle was in the works. With the experimental Fedorov Avtomat in 1915 an LMG which was one of the first automatic rifles invented. The Soviet army of the twentieth century was supposed to be armed with the semi-auto SVT service rifle but Herr Hitler spoiled those plans.

But really the Mosin is at the bottom of pile when compared to any contemporaneous rifles especially during the WW1 and was obsolescent in WW2. It hung on for so long because it was there and it was easily mass produced.

If you want an account of the Mosin then here is a video by C&Rsenal.

 

[Miss Construction]

The reason the Mosin Nagant was the weapon of choice for the Imperial and Soviet states from the late 19th century to the middle of the twentieth as the service rifle of choice, is that the Mosin was cheap and the design was good enough to handle the laxness of Imperial Russian industrial standards.

Pretty as soon as revolution got going and even before designs on a new service rifle was in the works. With the experimental Fedorov Avtomat in 1915 an LMG which was one of the first automatic rifles invented. The Soviet army of the twentieth century was supposed to be armed with the semi-auto SVT service rifle but Herr Hitler spoiled those plans.

But really the Mosin is at the bottom of pile when compared to any contemporaneous rifles especially during the WW1 and was obsolescent in WW2. It hung on for so long because it was there and it was easily mass produced.

If you want an account of the Mosin then here is a video by C&Rsenal.

I'm a great fan of C&R lol, however Othais is not a big fan of the Mosin. But hate to say it if you want millions of rifles, is already there (aka we have the tooling in place) and easy to mass produce are close to the top of the list. It's the really huge plus of the Carcano, it's easy to make and the downside of say a Mauser or even Lee-Enfield. It's cartiridge interupt is pure brilliance when you're dealing with a rimmed round and stripper clip.

 

[Miss Construction]

~July-Dec 1889: The perfect rifle

July 1889: The sanctions imposed on Chile by President Blaine have had only a limited effect on the Chilean economy, as they have either found alternative markets, used third parties to circumvent the increased tariffs, or in the case of Nitrates, continued to export, forcing US consumers to deal with the higher prices resulting from the tariffs. Regarding the ban on US investment in Chile, the British have simply replaced the lost US investment. However they have led to significant increased costs for US manufacturers. After an unsuccessful attempt to Congress lift the sanctions President Cleveland is able to convince Congress to pass the Smith amendment, allowing sanctions on specific items to be lifted. Cleveland will use this to remove the increased tariffs barriers on nitrates and copper.

July 1889: Since 1881 European communists and socialists, led by French and German activists, have been working to reform the defunct International Workingmen's Association, or First International. After many years it is decided to hold the First Congress of the new Second International in Turin, relocated from Paris in the wake of the coup in France, on the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille. However this results in two competing congresses, with the socialists attending one and the communists another, though many delegates do attend sessions at both. While Europe's anarchist movement have refrained from participating in these attempts, a delegation of anarchists from the IWPA or Black International do attend the communist congress, however both congresses are hostile toward them. The most notable resolution from the split Congress is to declare 1st of May, International Workers Day and to hold a Second Congress in Brussels in August 1891.

July 1889: With unrest continuing in the wake of Boulanger's attempted coup the French government seizes the Lebel rifles being manufactured for Brazil for compulsory purchase. However they only offer the current purchase price of 85 francs {£3.81} per rifle as compensation. In the resulting scandal in Brazil, the bribe paid to Minister of War Deodoro da Fonseca comes to light. The Brazilian public is outraged and demand the military be reformed to deal with its long decline. Seeing an opportunity to deal with his opposition, Prime Minister Celso immediately replaces de Fonseca along with ordering the revitalisation of the moribund National Guard to protect against a military coup, recruiting heavily from the 'Black Guard,' former slaves committed to defending the monarchy.

August 1889: Regardless of their failure in Abyssinia, the Mahdists have not abandoned their goal of extending their interpretation of Islam to Egypt. In an effort to achieve this, the new Khalifa Abdullah Ibn-Mohammed dispatches an 8,000 strong army to invade Egypt. While this force attempts to evade the main Egyptian Amy, a force of some 3,000 Egyptian troops engage them at the town of Toski. The Egyptians now armed, trained and officered by the British, annihilate the Mahdists, with less than 1,000 escaping the battlefield. The Battle of Toski conclusively demonstrates the quality of the reformed Egyptian army and permanently ends any Mahdist threat to Egypt.

August 1889: Seeing their power being eroded by Prime Minister Celso's reforms, a number of senior officers led by General Benjamin Constant determine a coup to institute a military dictatorship and overthrow the monarchy is necessary to preserve their position. However head of the US military mission, General Wesley Merritt, becomes aware of the planed coup. Risking his career, he alerts Celso. Celso immediately acts to forestall the insurrection , ordering the arrest of the leaders, However as these arrests begin, the remaining plotters resolve to act immediately. Hastily gathering several hundred troops, most unaware of the plotters intentions, to seize the army headquarters. Loyalist Admiral Saldanha da Gama organises a a force of sailors and National Guards to oppose them. In the resulting battle the rebels are are forced to retreat, throwing the coup into disarray. As news of the attempted coup spreads, the Brazilian public rallies to the monarchy and the leaders of the rebellion flee overseas. With the coup put down,the leaders are tried for treason and sentenced to death, though only six sentences will actually be carried out, with the Emperor commuting many to terms of imprisonment. Celso also formally thanks the US for its role in thwarting the uprising, with General Merritt being made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Southern Cross for his part in the defeat of the coup.

September 1889: The Imperial Forces Act brings the second part of the Hofmeyr Compromise into effect. The act provides for Imperial assistance for the Dominions to develop their military forces, The act specifically entourages the creation of standing military units, both to aid in training local volunteers, as well as too provide a cadre in the event of war. The act makes available training by British instructors and if requested, regular inspections regarding efficiency. Provision is also made for Dominion troops to train and operate with British forces to gain experience in a variety of conditions. It also enables the Dominions to purchase arms, ammunition and equipment as part of the British procurement process, thereby reducing the costs. Finally it recognises the potential danger of the concentration of the Empire's arms industry in Britain. To this end it provides subsidies to establish ammunition, small arms and artillery factories in the Dominions. In a statement to the house during the act's passage, Secretary of State for War Herbert Asquith states the government wishes to see three small arms factories in India, two in Canada, one each in southern Africa and the Pacific, all supported by at least two ammunition factories, along with an artillery factory in Canada.

September 1889: In the wake of the failed military coup, Brazilian Prime Minister Celso embanks on a program of reform to prevent a re-occurrence. His first action is to purge the army's officer corps with over two thirds dismissed including the entire military academy. He also requests the US enlarge its military mission to provide new instructors for the academy. The average soldier's terms of service and enlistment are to radically improved, with increases in pay, The reforms to the navy, who largely remained loyal are far less drastic, with only around 20% of its officers dismissed. His planned extension of the franchise and abolition of lifetime senators will be implemented as soon as possible. At Emperor Pedro II's request a Court of Imperial Powers is to be established, consisting of senior statesmen and jurists to 'advise' the Emperor on the use of his reserve powers, effectively transferring them to the new body. Finally the civil service is to be purged of republicans.

October 1889: With the Egyptian army proving they can defend the country from the Mahdists many in Cabinet wish to withdraw from Egypt, in accordance with the Occupation of Egypt Act. Foreign Secretary Chamberlain and Secretary for War Asquith raise concerns about such a move. They argue the Mahdists are religious fanatics, and inevitable such fanaticism spreads and causes unrest in neighbouring regions, pointing to the invasion of Abyssinia as an example. They suggest Egypt can never be secure until the Mahdists are eliminated. This argument finds much support. Eventually it is decided a campaign to reconquer Sudan is a prerequisite for any withdrawal. However, in light of the Toronto Doctrine, it is decided to discuss such an operation at next year's Imperial Congress and also to attempt to enlist the Dominion's participation.

October 1889: The Belgium army adopts its first small bore smokeless rifle. The Mauser M1889 is a German design by Paul Mauser using a rimless 7.65x53mm cartridge, to be domestically produced by the new company, Fabrique National in Herstal. Using a new extremely strong front locking bolt, making the rifle highly accurate, It is fed by an integral five round in line magazine, loaded by a radical new development known as a stripper clip or charger. These clips are a cheap disposable thin piece of metal holding five rounds by their base. The clip is simply inserted into a guide in the receiver, the the rounds stripped from the clip into the magazine by pressing down with the thumb. While not quite as fast to reload as an en-bloc clip, The used clip is then ejected from the rifle when the bolt is closed and discarded, it allows for individual rounds to be added to top up the magazine at any time. The stripper clip will go on to become the most common rapid reloading device in military rifles. Unfortunately the Belgium M1889 will not enter production until 1892 due to difficulties in procuring production tooling. The M1889 will be the first in a series of improving Mauser rifles which will become the most common military bolt action rifle of all time.

December 1889: After many years of trials the British finally adopt a magazine rifle to replace the single shot Martini-Henry. Based on the Remington-Lee, the new Lee-Metford rifle uses an improved Lee action with an ergonomically designed turn down bolt with only a 60 degrees throw as opposed to the normal 90 degrees, coupled with an eight round detachable box magazine. No provision is made for rapid reloading, but each soldier is issued with an additional magazine, though in practice troops carry as many extras as they can obtain. While superintendent of the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield, John Rigby, had pushed strongly for a rimmed cartridge, the new 0.303” (7.7x56mm) British is a rimless round like the German Patronne 88. However the British have yet to develop a smokeless powder, so in the intern compressed black powder is used until a suitable smokeless powder is developed. The rifle is placed in production not only at RSAF Enfield, but with a number of private companies, as well as the small arms factories now being set up throughout the Dominions. The Lee-Metford and its successors will prove to be one of the best military rifles ever developed.

​

 

[Miss Construction]

A very minor update, but kind of really important too

December 1884: The Chinese victory at Tamsui has massively strengthened the war faction in the Qing court, who have greatly exaggerated its significance in an effort to prevent negotiations. The war party is successful in gaining the ear of Dowager Empress Cixi, leading her to remove Prince Gong as head of the Qing Grand Council. However British Foreign Secretary Henry Campbell-Bannerman, attempting to mediate a settlement, threatens to cut off British support for the Chinese forcing them to moderate their position. Campbell-Bannerman successfully negotiates a peace treaty where the Chinese agree to withdraw from Tonkin and recognise the French Protectorate in return for the French dropping their demands for an indemnity and apology, The inclusive nature of the war will undermine French support for colonial expansionism for some time.

=McUpdate=

 

[Miss Construction]

Another very minor update, trivial actually

July 1881: Secretary for War Hugh Childers, one of Gladstone's ministers, continues the earlier Cardwell reforms of the British Army by grouping cavalry and infantry into new 'county' regiments. These new regiments will be assigned a recruiting district from which they will usually take their name. Each line regiment will consist of two regular battalions and two militia or four yeomanry battalions, with the volunteer battalions attached to regiments associated with their county. It is intended one of the regular battalions will be deployed overseas, while the other will provide drafts to keep that unit up to strength. The reforms are not applied entirely strictly. The allocation of militia and yeomanry is uneven and some regiments only consist of a single battalion. The reforms result in the creation of three regiments of foot guards, two regiments of horse guards, seventy of numbered line infantry and fifteen of numbered line cavalry. As before, the changes are fiercely opposed by the head of the army, the Duke of Cambridge, preventing the further reform.

=McUpdate=