The Stuart Restoration
Part 2 - 1814-1866
1814 - Napoleon's invasion of Russia failed miserably: Generals
Wellesley, Jackson, and Blucher capture Napoleon in Southern Germany.
They plan to ship him off to exile, but he takes his own life. The
last Bonapartist units surrender a week later and the Dauphin returns from
exile as King Louis XVII. The victorious powers gather in Vienna
to reshape Europe. It is a grand spectacle: Prussia (King Friedrich
Wilhelm III), England (Wellesley, created Duke of Wellington), Russia (Tsar
Alexander I), and Austria (Prince Metternich) come together to decide things.
Two more powers crash the party, so to speak: Talleyrand comes to speak
on behalf of France, and America is represented by General Jackson.
The four European powers agree to the premise of legitimacy, while rebuffing
General Jackson's call for more democracy. Later that year, King
Victor Emmanuel of Sardinia, who was the nearest "legitimate" heir to the
Stuarts, is made king in Britain and Emperor of America. Since slavery
had been virtually extinguished in Britain by the Napoleonic government,
Parliament decides to make the abolition of slavery official, at least
in the British isles.
1815-1819 - With American help, many Latin American nations
have gained independence from Spain. The Congress of Vienna makes
noises about retaking them; President Monroe opposes this and warns the European
powers not to interfere. The Concert of Vienna calls on America to
be quiet or they will send an invasion force. King Victor may not
have total control over England, but his ministers threaten to revert America
to colony status. America responds by an almost unanimous deposing
of Victor and declaration of Independence. Congress proclaims war
hero Andrew Jackson as Regent of the Empire of America. The charismatic
Edward Charles Stuart (born 1794), grandson of King Charles III, comes
out and declares himself the rightful King of Britain. King Victor
calls on Britain to raise an army to retake America, but they refuse to
fight against their brethren. The King's heavy handed tactics, plus
the fact that he isn't even English, puts Britain into a revolt.
Metternich and the Concert call on a force to crush the liberal revolt,
while Imperial PM Monroe sends another American force, led by General William
Henry Harrison to defend Britain. This show of force prompts the
Concert to think again, not desiring another long war. Edward is
accepted as King of England and Scotland. To prevent England from
being too strong, Victor is reinstated as Emperor of America, but has little
real power. In May of 1819, the young grandson of the former king
is declared legitimized by Parliament, and coronated as King Edward VII
and I. He also cleared up some religious problems, since his father
became a Protestant in America and he followed as well.
1821 - The American Congress attempts to curb more of Emperor
Victor's authority, and he tries to dissolve the body. This attempt
is laughable and is seen as a last ditch grab for power. Congress
unanimously deposes Victor, declares final independence as the "United
Empire of the Americas" and selects Andrew Jackson as the new Emperor.
King Edward of England recognizes the new regime, and Victor's calls to
gather a force to take America fall on deaf ears.
Andrew I, Emperor of the Americas
r.1821-43
1822-3 - Andrew Jackson, hero of the Napoleonic Wars, is crowned
Emperor Andrew I in Philadelphia. The new Emperor promises a liberal
regime, but promises that he will rule in fact. In the ceremony,
Emperor Andrew and Empress Rachel, who have no living children (Rachel's
son from a first marriage was killed in fighting in Britain), adopt Gen.
William Henry Harrison as son and successor. The Continental Congress
calls a convention for a written constitution, which is attended by the
emperor. They put some limits on the monarchy's power, dividing rule
between the Congress and Emperor, as well as a Judiciary. The provinces
(now known as commonwealths) are recognized as autonomous units under the
empire. The Congress divides into two houses: the Imperial Senate,
3/4 of which is composed of two Senators from each commonwealth elected
by the legislatures thereof for six-year terms, and the other 1/4 is chosen
by the Emperor for a life term; and Popular Assembly, equally representing
each commonwealth and elected by the people thereof for two years.
Also, in Britain, under the influence of MP William Wilberforce, King Edward
an Parliament finally outlaw slavery throughout the empire.
North America, 1825
1825 - King Edward VII is welcomed to America by Emperor Andrew
and Mexican Emperor Agustin I. They meet (along with President
Henry Clay) and discuss ways to bring the three nations closer. King
Edward urges Emperor Andrew to end the practice of slavery.
1826 - Emperor Andrew's strong will is making its mark on America.
Differences erupt in Congress over how much authority the Emperor should
have; one group considers the Emperor a mere figurehead, with Congress
in complete charge; other see the monarchy as an equal if not superior
branch. Out of this dispute arises the two political parties which
will have dominance in America for over a century: the American Tories
and Whigs, which are renamed Nationals and Democrats, respectively.
MC Martin Van Buren rises to prominence in the National party; MC John
C. Calhoun takes the lead of the Democrats. However, President Clay is popular
with both, and considered a moderating influence, and remains in his office
for a number of years to come.
1827 - Franklin City, named after America's first Governor-General
and the "Father of the Country", is founded as the new capital of the Empire.
The transfer of government operations will take place over the next three
years. Emperor Andrew arrives at the new Imperial Mansion by Christmastime.
Prince William Henry is granted the title Archduke of New England.
1831 - Revolt begins to seethe in parts of Europe due to the
Vienna Settlement. Poland, split between Russia and Prussia revolts,
but to no avail. Some of the subject peoples in Austria try to fight,
but are too disorganized to do anything. King Louis XVII of France,
having ruled as a reactionary (in response to the execution of his father)
is overthrown. Passing over the conservative Dauphin, the newly elected
National Assembly of France chooses Louis' second son, who has expressed
sympathies with the liberals, as the new king. King Francois III
is recognized by Britain, and no real attempt is made to restore Louis.
Belgium revolts from Holland, and is made independent with King Francois
as its ruler as well. The American Empire, though more conservative
than America of OTL, is still far more liberal than the European nations.
1832 - In response to the European unrest, King Edward persuades
Parliament to accept a Reform bill to expand the franchise. Later
that year, Parliament ratifies the Imperial Alliance between Great Britain,
America, and Mexico, as well as a trade arrangement between the three.
The Mexican Senate and the Continental Congress ratify this treaty as well.
1835 - Emperor Agustin I dies of fever in Mexico. His
son ascends the throne as Emperor Jose I, and pledges strong ties with
America and Britain. He places General Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana
as head of the Mexican armed forces.
1837 - To great fanfare, the 20-year-old Charles, Prince of
Wales, is married to the 18-year-old Princess Victoria of Hanover, descendant
of the "Hanoverian usurpers". The royal wedding is attended by noted
dignitaries from around the world.
1842 - The aging Emperor Andrew decides to retire from public
life and abdicate the throne. The Empire now goes to Archduke William
Henry, who ascends the American throne as Emperor Henry II. Henry
II bestows the title "Archduke of New England" upon his son, Prince John
Harrison, thus making this the title of the American heir apparent.
Henry II, Emperor of the Americas
1843-45
1844 - King Edward VII/I of Britain celebrates his twenty-fifth
anniversary on the throne. Parliament, with popular support, bestows
upon King Edward the new title of "Emperor of the Britons" in appreciation
for his liberal yet great rulership.
1845 - General Santa Ana seizes power in Mexico, as Emperor
Jose and the rest of the House of Iturbide barely escape with their lives.
Santa Ana, who has built up the army to be a great power, proclaims a Mexican
Republic and makes threatening moves toward American settlers in the province
of Tejas, who begin a revolt. In America, Emperor Henry II dies of
pneumonia. His son John takes the throne as the second Emperor of
the house of Harrison, and takes the name of Emperor John I.
1846 - Emperor John puts American troops on alert on the Mexican
border as Mexican raiding parties make some ventures into American territory.
American settlers in California also stir up trouble for Santa Ana.
By early April, with much of Tejas province under American control, independence
is declared and General Sam Houston is made ruler as King Samuel I.
In September, American Imperial troops cross the disputed Oregon Territory
to assist the American revolt in California. Russia, who also has
claims on Oregon, threatens war on America.
1847 - America and Mexico are at full-scale war now, and things
look bad for the Mexicans until March, when Russian gunboats appear off
the coast of Oregon to attack American positions. Congress declares
war, and mobilizes Imperial troops to move in and take Oregon. Russia
has difficulties, though, moving so many forces such a far distance to
attack. The British Empire sides with America and moves part of its
fleet to the Pacific. Russian has moved enough forces to the Americas
to allow the Turkish Empire to take some of Russia's southern provinces.
With only small garrisons left, Poland (including much of Belorussia),
Lithuania (including Latvia), and Finland (with Estonia) declare independence
from the Russian Empire - some of the other provinces are more well protected.
At the Battle of Vancouver, an American-British force annihilates a Russian-Mexican
division, which causes many Mexicans to abandon the army. By fall,
Mexico is in revolt. General Benito Juarez takes Mexico city as Santa
Ana flees. Juarez invites Emperor Jose back into the country to retake
control. Emperor Jose purges some high officials, takes personal
command of the army, sues for peace, and grants independence to Texas and
California while keeping New Mexico. Santa Ana spends the rest of
his life in the mountains, making occasional guerilla attacks but not making
much of a noise. With their Mexican allies out of the war, Russia
also decides to sue for peace. America agrees to pay $5 Million for
Oregon, and Britain buys Alaska. Russia decides not to try to take
its Baltic provinces back (since Britain and France have already promised
to defend them), but retakes its southern provinces from the Turks without
too much of a headache. The Oregon War would become known for its
use of more modern weaponry. Many Indian tribes, having supported
the Russo-Mexican alliance, left America and went into New Mexico.
Other Indian tribes were rewarded for assisting the American Empire.
1848 - Tsar Nicholas I is overthrown in a military coup and
replaced by his more liberal minded son, Alexander II. The military,
however, is in charge but allows the Tsar to free the serfs and begins
a program of industrialization. Prince Frederik of Sweden is crowned
King of Finland; and Duke Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha is chosen as King
of the Polish-Lithuanian Union, who are rejoined after decades of foreign
rule. Other nationalities under foreign rule begin to voice more
discontent.
1849-52 - The dam bursts across Europe. The Habsburg Empire
nearly falls apart as many of their subject peoples revolt. Hungary,
under freedom fighter Lajos Kossuth leads them free of Austrian rule.
The masses proclaim their leader King as Louis (Lajos) III, though Kossuth
himself has republican tendencies. (With Russia having been defeated
in the Oregon war, and under the less reactionary Alexander II, the Russian
army is in no place to subdue the Hungarian rebellion as in OTL)
Many Balkan territories break from the Ottoman Empire, and numerous Italian
peoples cast their Habsburg rulers out. Italy becomes fragmented
between Republican and Monarchist governments: the Papal States (except
for the area near Rome, which remain under Papal rule) and the Kingdom
of the Two Sicilies are united into the Italian Republic (known as South
Italy), while Northern Italy unites with Piedmont into the Kingdom of Italy
(North Italy). Lombardy and Venetia, however, remain in Austrian
hands, but barely. Austria is able, with Prussian help, to suppress
the revolts in Czech and Slovenian territories under their new ruler, Emperor
Franz Josef. Austrian Galicia is taken by Poland-Lithuania.
Prussia and the Germanies, however, maintain their strong central governments.
1860 - Emperor-King Edward VII, having reigned for over forty
years, dies in London. A huge funeral takes place, with millions
lining the streets to see the procession. Emperor Edward would be
remembered as one of Britain's greatest rulers. His son, named Emperor-King
of England and Scotland as Charles IV takes the throne. Charles has
been raised with a good liberal education, and hopes are high that his
reign will also be successful. He is joined by his wife, Empress-Queen
Victoria; and sons, Princes James, Charles, Henry, and Princesses Anne
and Victoria.
1861-1864 - The slavery issue has been brewing for years and
reaches the breaking point when an anti-slavery National-Democratic coalition
elects radical abolitionist Charles Sumner as President of Congress, over pro-slavery
Democrat J.C. Breckenridge, moderate Democrat Stephen Douglas, and moderate
Nationalist Abraham Lincoln. Many of the southern states openly talk
of secession and formation of a new empire. A speech by Sumner in
which he calls for almost immediate abolition sets off a wave of secession,
as the southern states declare the formation of the "Union of States in
America" and declare Senator Jefferson Davis (West Fla.-D) as regent of
this new empire. Union forces line up under Generals Johnston and
Jackson, while Imperials get behind Generals Sherman and McClellan, readying
for war. Generals Lee and Grant meet to try to head things off, but
neither can stop the from breaking out along the border of southern and
northern commonwealths. Sumner calls for a large force to crush the
"infernal rebellion", but only a few thousand answer his call. Lincoln
and Douglas try to get a compromise in the Congress, but both are promptly
arrested as traitors and slanderers of the government. Generals R.E.
Lee and U.S. Grant appeal to the Emperor himself to stop the nation from
tearing itself apart. In his first direct involvement in the government
in a long time, Emperor John dismisses the radical government and calls
on Lincoln and Douglas (freed by agents of Lee and Grant) to form a new
government and compromise the sides. Sumner calls on a coup, but
the majority of the nation from both sides join in support for the Emperor.
A plan is formulated which will phase out slavery over a period of fifteen
years, giving compensation to slaveowners and assisting them in the transition.
While a few radicals on both sides denounce the agreement, most of the
nation supports it and the situation is diffused.
North America in 1865
1866 - Prussian Chancellor Otto von Bismarck goads Austria into
war to gain control of the Germanies. Prussia overruns the shrunken
Austrian Empire, and the King of Prussia is declared Ruler of all
Germany in the Imperial palace at Vienna. Prussia awards Lombardy and Venetia
to the Kingdom of (North) Italy. Under the terms of peace, Emperor
Franz Josef is reduced in title to King of Austria and Bohemia. Prussia,
which has annexed most of North Germany, restores the German Holy Roman
Empire with Bavaria, Saxony, Baden, Wurtemburg, Austria, and Bohemia.
King Wilhelm of Prussia is confirmed as Holy Roman Emperor and Emperor
of Germany, making Prussia dominant over the other states. The Franco-British
coalition is assured that Germany wants no non-German territory.
Also, upon the death of King Samuel, the Texas Senate decides to offer
the royal title to Emperor John, who accepts the title. From now
on, though Texas does not become an official commonwealth of the Empire,
the kingship of Texas is held by American Emperors. Also, the Kingdom
of California decides to end its "regency" and declare itself a republic.
Central Europe after 1866
1868 - Emperor John I dies in Franklin City. His son, Archduke
Benjamin, takes the Imperial and Royal thrones as Andrew II and is seen
as a stronger man than his father and with the potential of more involvement
in the government.
Part
3
Part
4 (America)
Part 1
Alternate
History Home
Email
Copyright 2000