1860s

Centuries:	19th century - 20th century
Decades:	1830s 1840s 1850s – 1860s – 1870s 1880s 1890s

1860

North America

Slavery is still a matter of huge controversy in the United States. The 24-year-old governor of Maryland, Henry Scott, is incredibly popular among abolitionists. Delaware also bans slavery, and Missouri and Kentucky begin having huge debates on the topic. Scott is way too young to be president, but many people think he could be a good president in the future.

Whig Candidate William Temple* barely wins the Presidential election. He is from the more conservative, non-abolitionist wing of the Whig party. Not many people really like him despite the fact that he was elected. A major rift begins to form in the Whig Party.

Knowing that slavery is on its last legs in the US, the idea of secession is becoming popular among white southerners, especially slave-owners.

Canadians call for more autonomy within the British Empire.

American settlers continue to pour into Oregon and Washington.

South America

Argentinians continue to pour into the Chaco region.

The Jews are doing pretty well in Patagonia and the government is fairly nice to them. This causes more Jews to move there from places like Europe where Jews are heavily discriminated against. Some American Jews also move there. The American socialist Robert Geissman** who has Jewish ancestry moves there and starts to spread his views around.

Europe

Austria and France officially become allies. They prepare for a war against Prussia.

George V and his consort have a daughter, Elizabeth, who is next in line for the British throne, for now at least.

Bulgaria drifts into Greek influence.

Africa

Spain conquers Morocco.

Buganda starts to unify its holdings.

Oman has been fully conquered by Persia, leading the East African part to declare itself the Sultanate of Zanzibar. It is unclear whether this will survive against Portuguese and British colonialism among other things, but Zanzibar allies itself with Merina and Buganda.

Asia

Persia fully conquers Oman. The Persians begin to figure out how they can create a colonial empire.

Things shift around in China some more. The Qing are declining in the north and are almost completely destroyed in the south. The Muslims are the biggest victors this year. They take a little of Tibet but decide that conquering Tibet isn't a big priority at the moment.

Russia, knowing that the Qing are especially vulnerable, makes more incursions into China.

Spain annexes part of Borneo.

Oceania

Tensions rise between the various peoples of Hawaii: Mormons, Chinese immigrants, Catholics, Protestants, native peoples, and more.

A new Australian province is created; it's called New Devon.***

• An OTL person, but seeing as he was only 15 at the time of the POD, who knows if his political views are the same.
  • http://www.alternatehistory.com/disc...&postcount=266
    • OTL South Australia and part of NSW and Victoria.

1861

Americas

-Colombian recovery following the recent war with Britain finishes up. Its economy has rebounded since, with its small industry blooming thanks to previous wartime restrictions. Settlement of the south continues along nicely and there are attempts to promote immigration from as many places as possible. Unfortunately, some of it is in the difficult to define border regions between the Republic of Colombia and the Empire of Brazil.

-The Whig party fractures, with conservatives leaving and forming the Liberal Party.

-Tensions reach a boiling point in the USA over the issue of slavery after a Gradual emancipation act was drafted into congress and many slavocrats realizing they have lost their population advantage and thus could not veto any attempts to attempts to free slaves. By the end of the year, 11 slave states and 2 territories (mostly populated by pro slavery settlers) declare independence. President Temple is furious and refuses to accept any attempt at secession. War begins in November.

-Mexico watches the events with trepidation.

-Patagonian settlement continues along nicely.

Africa

-Many a West African states are undergoing an economic decline as they are out competed by their Egyptian friendly neighbors who have adopted more efficient techniques for farming and production of goods. Many are unsure how to deal with this. Some resort to conquering neighbors and others by trying to forge ties with Egypt and adopting their model of success.

-Sokoto, jealous of Egyptian success, tries to break away from Egyptian influence via obtaining another sponsor. Ties are established with the French in Algeria.

-With war beginning in America and the subsequent blockading of Confederate Ports, European powers begin to buy more cotton from Egypt, further enriching the Sultanate. "The Egyptian miracle", after slowing down in the last decade, takes new strides.

-Buganda finishes off its expansion for now; the king deciding to focus on consolidation and modernization of its new territory and imposing hegemony on the surrounding states. The agricultural and livestock techniques that were passed down from Egyptian scholars now enter these lands, slowly but surely increasing their fertility.

-Now left a rump in Zanzibar, what remains of Oman starts building up its power base, strengthening its army, investing in infrastructure, diversifying its economy from mostly slave trade and building ties with the surrounding states. Contact with Buganda and diplomatic relations with Egypt begins late in the year. Egypt is more than happy to send out loans to finance Omani reconstruction.

Asia

-The expansion of the Raj continues, with British forces moving into Baluchistan after a trade dispute between the two nations and Baluchi raids intensify as a result. The Baluchi state puts up a good fight but is no match for the British forces.

-In response, Afghanistan drifts towards her old enemy Persia (and by proxy, Russia) out of fear of future British expansion. Persian companies take this opportunity to begin an economic penetration into Afghanistan.

-Similarly, Persia starts projecting power into Central Asia, trying to carve out their own tiny sphere of influence.

-Spain's colonial empire grows. The Ryukyus are taken and the recent conquest of Borneo continues, with some vassals made and other rajas outright annexed. An invasion of Sarawak is launched.

- A turning point in the Chinese civil war is reached. The Hui of the North strike a deal with Russia, ceding Manchuria (which they don't even control) to Russia in exchange for peace, arms and trade deals. The Russian Empire accepts and proceeds to mop up resistance with little effort. Similarly, Tibet is recognized as independent (for now) by the Hui government in exchange for all occupied territory being ceded to China. Thanks to the closing of the Qing and Tibetan fronts, Hui China is able to transfer more troops to the north and crush all remaining Qing rule in that area and retake land from the Western Rebels. Following that, they push southwards.

-Mongolia is recognized as an independent state to (help) serve as a buffer.

-South China sees gains in the west and in the south against other rebel movements but losses in the north.

-All sides are after a decade of non stop fighting, slowly exhausting themselves.

Europe

-In a "plebiscite" overseen by the German backed Saxon government, the Saxony wishes to join the growing Prussian state. When Prussia annexes the small state, this sparks war between Austria and Prussia, the former claims that the annexation was illegal and a blatant act of aggression to an old Austrian ally. In concordance with the Franco-Austrian treaty of Friendship and alliance, France joins in on Austria's side.

-The War initially goes well for Prussia, who adopts an "Austria First" strategy (the thought being that since Austria is the weaker power, it should be eliminated as a threat first before dealing with France.(1) Prussian advances into Moravia and the Austrian heartlands, trying to grab their industrial centers as much as possible. At the same time, defense is focused on protecting the Rhineland from French attacks. In the west. the War is largely a stalemate, although France does manage to take most of Luxemburg.

-To try to further weaken the Austrians, Prussia attempts to try to get its recent ally Russia to join in, promising them lands in Galicia and Poland. Russia is initially wary wary, believing that having an influx of new ethnic groups may strengthen a future revolt. At the same time, Sardinia is courted to join in, with the promise of Venezia and the rest of the Po valley as their reward. Such a tempting offer cannot go unignored, and when news of the German victories in Moravia come in, Sardinia declares war. They are welcomed in by the native Italians, some of who rise up against Austria once that second front is opened.

-With a friendly Bulgaria near Greece, the two countries approve to reduce trade barriers between the two. This allows Bulgarian coal to enter Greece cheaply, helping the country to begin the first phases of industrialization.

(1) Since France has huge chunks of Belgium, they have access to Belgian coal and therefore should be more industrialized than OTL. Take note of this guys. 1862

Americas:

The American Civil War is in full swing. Both the Union and the new "Confederation of Southern Republics"* initially begin with volunteer fighters, but are forced to begin conscription soon afterwards.

In the west, Union troops advance deep into Texas and Indian Territory. They are assisted by many groups of people in Western Texas, including abolitionists, Whigs, Unionists, immigrants, former slaves, and even some Indians.

Kansas Territory is expanded to include territory formerly belonging to Texas and Indian Territory. Kansas votes to join the Union in March, and becomes a free state on July 4, 1862.

Missouri and Kentucky experience mini-civil wars between abolitionist, pro-Union forces, and secessionists. The state governments of both Kentucky and Missouri initially declare neutrality in the conflict. However, illegal cross-border raids by Confederate troops seeking to assist secessionists and gain access to the Ohio River push Kentucky towards the Union.

The Missouri state government, under pressure from the Federal government and abolitionists, passes a gradual emancipation bill. This only fuels the secessionist movement in the state.

Liberty and the Republic, an anti-slavery and pro-Union book written by author Abraham Lincoln, becomes popular in the Northern states. It is notable for including religious overtones and making the war against secession and slavery a religious issue as well.

Mexican and Canadian volunteer regiments fight alongside the Union army, to crush the Confederate forces.

Colonel Robert E. Lee ends up in command of the Union Army when General Nathaniel Taylor is killed.

27-year old Samuel Clemens joins the US Army, and fights in Missouri. He is shot and loses his leg, but survives. He would later publish his experiences of the war.

Pro-Union rebellions emerge in the Appalachian mountains, especially in western Virginia and eastern Tennessee. Similarly, anti-slavery protests and riots occur in predominantly Catholic Louisiana and sparsely populated South Florida.

A Unionist volunteer regiment manage to overpower and defeat a much more heavily armed and larger Confederate force by using balloons and establishing aerial supremacy. This inspires President Temple to establish the United States Army Air Corps.

A brief border skirmish between Columbian and Brazilian settlers that leaves one Columbian and three Brazilians dead results in the Buenos Aires Negotiations. The Argentine government mediates a border treaty between Columbia and Brazil.

Inspired by the American abolitionist movement, anti-slavery advocates in Spanish Cuba and in Brazil speak up and begin recruiting new members.

Europe:

The German Confederation is dissolved due to the war between Austria and Prussia.

The British government, led by Conservative Prime Minister John H. King, warns that any incursions into Hanover by either Prussia or France will be considered an act of war.

French forces continue to advance towards the Rhine. However, they encounter heavy resistance from the Rhineland Germans.

France also invades Sardinia, both in support of Austria and to regain territories lost during the reign of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.

Prussian troops continue to advance into Austria proper. However, their invasion of Bohemia is stalled by the Sudetenland mountains.

A 25-year old Austrian man named Alois Schicklgruber** is kicked in the head by a horse. He survives, but is severely brain damaged.

Russia stays out of the war for now, and declines to declare war on either France or Austria. However, Russian "volunteers" are sent to fight for Prussia.

Africa:

Egypt continues to profit from selling cotton, due to trade form the American South being cut off.

Asia:

The ruler of Kashmere agrees to become a British protectorate due to fear of the Chinese Civil War spilling over. Kashmere joins the British Raj.

A British-negotiated ceasefire is agreed on by the Hui and the Han. A temporary DMZ is established between the two. With their forces freed up, the Hui push the Western Chinese rebels back, while the Han attempt to curb the South Chinese rebels.

The Qing remnants in Xinjiang request Russian assistance. Tsar Alexander agrees, hoping to push out the Western rebels and prop up a Qing remnant puppet state in Xinjiang.

Russia begins construction on the Trans-Siberian railroad.

Oceania:

New Munster-born British explorer Henry Kent establishes a colony in New Guinea.

• Name for the alt-CSA
  • Didn't want to take any chances at all. Sure, there's well over a hundred years of butterflies, but you'd be amazed at what people will still bring up.

1863 Americas -The American Civil War continues. Very heavy fighting occurs this year.

-In Virginia, with help from the lower classes, especially in the west, Union forces overrun much of the state and what is left in their way is little. However, the zeal of southern forces is what holds the north back. General Lee acquires a reputation as a shrewd strategist. Some would go as far as suggesting he run for President next year.

-In the West, the Union slowly gains ground.

-The South seems to be losing. At home, there are revolts by Catholic French in Louisiana and Poles in Texas. The Louisianans seem to be trying to contact the US in hopes of arranging some sort of deal. There are also unionists in the Appalachian and some suggest, after the war is over, that a new state is carved out of Tennessee and Georgia of Unionists.

-Peru-Bolivia sends its own settlers into unclaimed territory.

Europe - With rumblings of discontent amongst the Hungarians, and Prusso-Sardinian forces gaining land, Austria sues for peace. The Sardinians gain Venice, while the Prussians make off with parts of Bohemia.

-With Prussian forces no longer occupied in the east, the ones not on occupation duty are sent to fight the French, where their experience allows them to make gains. This war is seen as horrific to civilians, and there are many books written about the destruction in the Rhineland.

-The French, however, continue to advance in Sardinia.

-Russian forces annex that state in Caucasia.

Asia -Russian supported Qing troops push back rebels, but not very much. However, the issue of Russia supporting the Hui and the Han becomes a problem. However, Russia still supplys both sides.

-Han forces manage to smash Guangdong, and defeat most of the Yunannese troops.

Africa -The van der Merwe Incident occurs in which Afrikaans farmer Rudi van der Merwe has one of his cows shot by an English farmer. This prompts a drop in relations between the Boers and British. Though war does not come, its chances have vastly increased.

-Dutch merchants begin to take an interest in the markets of cities in the Horn of Africa.

Oceania -Nothing much of note. 1864 America Commanding General, Robert E. Lee, declined running for President stating, "That just like George Washington, not standing as President of the Continental Congress until after the Revolution was fully over, I will not stand for the President, until after this Civil War is over."

C.G. Lee is victorious in two major battles that sees his home state - Virginia - becoming more Unionist, while his second in command, Ohio, General Ulysses S. Grant wins one decisive battle before being dismissed after he was found drunk by journalist, Charles Anderson Dana.

The Republicans won a landslide of 55% of votes with Hannibal Hamlin as the new President and Andrew Johnson as the new Vice President.

- The young Liberal Party, with Charles Anderson and Daniel S. Dickinson wins more votes then the Democrats becoming the second main party with 33% of the national votes and Democrates only 12%, represented by Thomas H. Seymour and Horatio Seymour.

The Union seems to be gaining more men, as European immigrants, slaves, freed slave and even more native join into Hamlin's Volunteer Regiment, lead by General John C. Frémont.

Louisiana, South Florida and Texas revolt against the CRS.

Europe - Denmark, joins the alliance of France and Austria, (now know as the Triple Alliance), fearing that if Prussia becomes to strong, it will turn its attack on them.

- This alliance backs fires as Prussian forces begin attacking major foreign cities that are near their border and pushes France back to the original border line.

- Britain and Hanover's stationed armies are put on alert fearing they may need to join in on another European war.

- France has continued its advance in Sardinia.

- After arguments where he calls his father, a soft-hearted, liberal, Grand Duke Alexander Alexandrovich of Russia is sent to Unalaska, Alaska. While his older brother, Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich has been sent to Prussia.

Asia - Russian continues it's supported of Qing troops push back rebels, but only around their shared border. However, Russia is also still supporting the Hui and the Han.

- Chinese peasants cant understand why they are fighting against their government with the Russians, when the Russians are meant to be their historical enemy called máo zi guǐzi, (Fur Devils) some fell the máo zi guǐzi, wont leave and just be the new tyrant.

Africa - With Egypt's economy on the same level as many European nations, Egypt begins at expand its southern and eastern borders again to accommodate the increasing population.

- King Lungemba Mmaeyegave I joins the two Buganda kingdoms into one united. He also marries his son to an Egyptian noble woman, cementing his alliance with Egypt, who now share a strong border.

- Alfred de Rothschild, Great-Grandson of Mayer Amschel Rothschild, via the British Family, moves to Egypt to set up the first bank in Egypt.

- The Boers and British are improving their border defences, war is now on the cards, its just a roll of the dice to see who fires the first bullet.

-Dutch merchants have gained a grant from King William III, to start building a large trading settlement on the very tip of the Horn of Africa, and a few trade post along the coast to trade with the markets of cities.

Oceania -Nothing much of note.

1865

Americas

During the battle of Danville the CSR suffers heavy casualties. General Lee personally kicks out the CSR of his home state and continues quickly into North Carolina, facing no heavy resistance.

Catholic Lousianan politicians decide to rejoin the Union.

Meanwhile the Union bargains South Florida: they will unite Florida under the leadership of the Southern part if they rejoin the Union.

At the end of the year the CSR begins to crumble. They begin to call for a cease fire.

The USA itself already starts to re organize the reconquered territories out west. With the Kansas act the size of Kansas is cut down and the Indian territory enlarged (because of the many natives siding with the Union there is much more sympathy for the native cause). The territories of Lakota (next to Dakota) and Nebraska are created.

The Unionists in Tennessee join the union as the State of Franklin. (OOC: I hope I gave it the right shape on the map)

Deep in the South, from Mississippi to Georgia, white farmers begin to call for a guerilla war against the Union if the CSR surrenders...

Many Liberals call for splitting up Texas, because of the electorial system it would become way too powerful. And Texas isnt known for its progressive Republican toughts.

Russia, which is in financial troubles because of it's ongoing adventures in China, sells Alaska to the British. The USA showed no interest because they are in a civil war. (Really, where did they got the money from?)

Europe

With Austria gone France sees no point in fighting on and quickly wants a white peace with Prussia before the Prussian war machine rolls into France.

Prussia.... refuses. They know they are much stronger. And France has got something they want. Alsace.

Prussia convinces the Netherlands in joing against France. France has something the Netherlands wants back. Brussels.

France starts to overstretch. They dont have enough man to fight a front that takes up their whole eastern border.

Hungarians are becoming fed up with the Austrians, who just messed up an entire war.

A golden age starts in Bohemia due to industrialisation and immigrants from whole over Germany come to work there. (OOC: No Czech take over of Bohemia, but instead a German).

Africa

Incidents between British and Boers are becoming more and more common. However a real war isnt just there yet. The Boers however do massively arm themselves up.

Asia

Eastern China continues to be a mess.

The Christians south China are smashed. Many find refugee in Northern Mexico. Mexico welcomes everybody with open arms.

Tasmania becomes it's own colony. Because of it's attractive climate and no natives (not anymore at least) it recieves a good amount of immigrants.

The Dutch invade Borneo too and team up with Spain and divide the island.

The Russian city of Port Aleksandrovskiy is founded (OTL Dalian), giving them a good port in the Pacific. (OOC: be my guest if you can make up a better name, I suck at Russian).

1866

Europe

Prussian Minister-President Alexander von Pfuel realizes (at the urging of more cautious politicians in the Assembly) that much further Prussian expansion would significantly upset the balance of power and possibly draw negative attention from Britain and Russia. Meanwhile, France just looks for a graceful exit from a war they're poised to lose. This leads to the Treaty of Strassburg, the peace treaty between Prussia, France, and their respective allies.

The treaty is thus milder than the goals von Pfuel had recently pursued. France cedes Alsace to Prussia, but keeps Brussels - Netherlands only receives a few small Flemish-majority towns on the border and token reparations. Sardinia also receives some reparations and avoids losing any territory.

With the victory in the Prussian-Austrian war, Prussia's power in the German lands is now unmatched. It is, therefore, able to press the other German states into giving up their remaining sovereignty, and the members of the Confederation formally declare the German Empire in late 1866, with Wilhelm I becoming the first Kaiser of Germany. Two coronation ceremonies are held, one in Prague, the erstwhile capital of the Holy Roman Empire, and one in Berlin itself - signifying a continuity between the First and Second Reichs, and also snubbing Austria.

Following the war, Germany begins focusing inward, rebuilding the destroyed Rhineland and trying to convince the rest of Europe that they have reached the limit of their ambitions. While Hannover is an ugly blemish on the map, the time is not yet right to reclaim it through force.

Netherlands is understandably angry about the perceived Prussian betrayal - they thought they would be able to reunite the Netherlands as it stood pre-1830, but the reparations they got barely outweighed the costs of mobilization. However, the people took their anger out on the King, demanding liberal reforms from the reactionary monarchs. Following a popular revolt that ends with the abdication of Willem III (towards his son Willem IV), a liberal constitution is proclaimed with universal male suffrage, a secret ballot, and representatives now elected instead of appointed. Due to Unionist pressure, a 10-hour work day is also installed. By the standards of the era, the Netherlands is now among the most democratic countries of Europe.

Austria is another place where popular discontent brews. Here, the situation is interesting: the Hungarian populace is openly defiant, but their conservative elite is much more cautious and desires only more autonomy.

However, the elite cannot put this genie back into the bottle. On the 20th of February, the arrest of several Hungarian separatists triggers an uprising in Buda, quickly followed by uprisings throughout the country. Led by a charismatic intellectual, Jenő Marossy (who is quickly proclaimed interim president of a Hungarian Republic), the revolutionaries take control over major cities.

The republic is quickly subverted by the Unionists (renamed to "Hungarian Workers' Republic" at the zenith of the uprising), who have been agitating in Austria among the minorities ever since the unsuccessful 1855 uprising. They declare a 8-hour work day, abolishing serfdom in their territories and trying to set up a communal farming system and trade union rule. Later, in May, a Polish "sister republic" is also proclaimed in Galicia-Lodomeria.

The revolutionaries decide to use a black flag with a red sun in the middle, drawing from the colors of the Hussites among other sources of inspiration - there are many Czechs fighting for the Republic who had fled Bohemia, fearing Germanization.

The republic is suppressed in the end, with many forced into exile, but the brief revolution has a profound effect on the Unionist movement. The poor urban workers and the peasants fondly remember the brief taste of power they had, while the international Unionist movement now has a flag and some experience. However, splits are also starting to develop in the movement. Some say that the failure of the Hungarian revolution means they must be more cautious in the future and focus on short-term reforms for the time being, while others argue that the revolution did very well and it was only because it didn't spread that it failed to achieve its goals.

For Emperor Franz Josef, this is a wake-up call: the minorities cannot be oppressed forever without any concessions. Yet he doesn't want to begin reforms himself - and so, regarding his reign as an all-around failure, he resigns in favor of his brother, Maximilian.

The new Emperor immediately begins a reform of the Empire, seeking to quell the discontent that's still brewing. He plans to establish a 'Habsburg Federation', with the lands of Galicia-Lodomeria, Hungary, Croatia and Bosnia established with a degree of autonomy. Its constitution is to be finalized next year.*

Americas

The American Civil War ends this year as the CSR is unable to resist anymore and its remaining armies collapse rapidly. The victorious Union proceeds to redraw the state boundaries - Oklahoma territory is expanded at the expense of Texas, and Florida is reunited under the control of the Unionists. Further changes are considered.**

The settlement of the Chaco region is proceeding apace. Argentina and Peru haven't clashed so far.

Africa

Portugal begins sending settlers into the Angolan and Mozambique interior, encroaching on native kingdoms. This is the beginning of their attempt to connect Angola and Mozambique overland, enabled by a good economic situation and using the turmoil in Europe and the conflict in South Africa to their advantage to try and reach their ambitions uncontested.

Asia

The borders between the Hui and Han imperial factions slowly stabilize as years of war leave the two sides exhausted. While they don't recognize each other and still claim all of China and the Imperial throne, for now there is an unspoken ceasefire in effect. Han China uses this opportunity to consolidate. The remaining Christian zealots in South China are destroyed, and Yunnan also returns to the rule of the Han. Meanwhile, Nanjing is established as the new Imperial capital - also intended to be a permanent capital even after the "imminent" reconquest of Beijing.

The Hui Imperials, under Tang Lao, wish to reunite the Hui lands under themselves. To that end, they begin encouraging defections among the Huijiang on the border. They are somewhat successful. Meanwhile, the Qing achieve some successes - but are dismayed to find that the Russians are taking over more and more of their lands' administration, all to fight the Huijiang rebels of course.

• Essentially, like Austria-Hungary IRL, just with most minorities (instead of only Hungary) thrown a bone. It still has a sham parliament, Austria is still overrepresented, and the Emperor still controls most of the Imperial politics. However, now the minorities have some control over their finances and military and it's harder to ignore what they want. Also, did I do it right by using Bosnia's color for the federal lands, or should I have done that differently?
  • Frankly, I'm not very good at the way the states are set up, so I decided to implement a part of Superman's suggestions and leave the rest for next year.

1867

Americas

-The Civil War is over and the Rebelling states are placed under occupation, with the exception of Louisiana, Texas, Franklin and the new state of Florida.

the Western Virginians also want to separate from the rest of Virginia: Terrain means that they are geographically separate from the rest of Virginia and have been functionally independent.

-That said, Rebel guerrilla movements have popped up around the south and in the relatively untamed west. Other die-hards have fled to Mexico and Brazil.

-An assassination attempt by Confederate diehards fails to kill the President. They do, however, manage to mortally wound the Vice President.

-While never officially freed in the war, the President, along with Henry Scott work on something to permanently end slavery in the USA.

-The US Air corps, despite it's decent wartime record, is reduced in size. For the most part, the balloons are too reliant on the wind to be of major use.

-Argentina and Peru continue to send settlers. While there appears to be a well defined line, the settlers are ignorant of it.

-Pedro III is now in charge of the last slaveholding nation in the Western Hemisphere. He sighs and watches what the USA does, unwilling to put Brazil into a Civil War.

Europe

-Germany, the Netherlands, Sardinia and France continue to rebuild.

-Emperor Maximilian reveals the 1867 Constitution, which grants the Croats, Hungarians, Bosnians, Poles and several others more autonomy.

-Elsewhere, the French, Danes, Austrians and British meet in to discuss recent events. While Germany claims to be satisfied, all four nations agree that they each have territory that makes them a prime target for further German expansion. Couple with Germany's alliance with Russia, the four make a secret agreement to protect one another's interest.

-Taking notes from the Hungarian uprising, German scholar Adolf Von Bismark begins work on what will eventually become his Magnum Opus.

-Within the Papal states, a conspiracy is born. While they have no interest in overthrowing the Pope or joining with one of the other Italian powers, they wish to establish a stronger government capable of holding off an invasion by one of, or both, of the Italian powers.

Africa

-Sicilians continue to enter Tusinia.

-With Greek control over the straits, and their favorable relationship with Russia, the British turn their attention back to Egypt and Turkey.

-skirmishes between the Boers and British continue.

Asia

-the UK and Turkey establish new diplomatic relationships.

-With the treasury depleted, the Russians pull out of western China: Manchuria is of greater worth, and the Muslims in Western China fight with both the Qing and Russians. With that, the remains of the Qing find themselves outnumbered, and are defeated.

-the Rebel faction under Ma Liu has functionally united Western China under his banner. Leaders from his clique and the new Tang Dynasty continue to clash. Advisers on both sides suggest that peace might be favorable: the two are far too large to defeat at the moment, and after years of Civil war, China is in desperate need of stability.(1)

-Likewise, the Han under Fang Cheng focus on recovery efforts. the group have considered asking one of the Foreign powers in the region for assistance, be it the French, British or Spanish.

-Japan continues along. Rebel movements are put down by the Shogun, as Anglo-French influence continues to worm it's way into the country.

-Korea, on the other hand, has embraced Modernization under King Gojong.

-Hawaii under Kamehameha V has continued to do well for itself. the nation has signed a treaty with Great Britain, France, the USA and Mexico, and has grown relatively prosperous. Land and political reforms have kept the natives in a relatively high amount of power.

-The head of the Mormon Church in California arrives in Hawaii, wishing to see what sort of life and church those of his faith have carved out for themselves.

---

1: the Chinese Civil war is now...16 years old, give or take. I can honestly say that China is one hell of a mess right now. I have also changed the Tang Dynasty's color back to the regular Chinese green. 1868

Americas

-Despite the length of the civil war, it did not turn out all that bloody. For the first two years, there was a period of uncertainty, and after a brief campaign by the Union in 1863 the CRA no longer really mounted any real defense besides scattered attacks.

- It is a time of change in America. All year, Congress has been debating heavily on slavery. The support for either side is fairly even, until the war hero Robert E. Lee comes out against slavery. There was probably some sort of backroom deal involved, however, as immediately after the 13th amendment is passed, Lee's home state of Virginia is re-admitted into the Union with all the rights it had before, besides slavery of course.

-The Thirteenth amendment declares the practice of slavery immoral and illegal for good, outlawing it in every single state and territory and freeing any slaves. It does not handle much else on the issue.

-The economics of the freed slaves is where the real debate stems. Henry Scott is a huge supporter of the bill " An Acre and a Donkey" with the goal of giving all freed slaves the potential to live economically independent. In the end, it passes. It will be the first of many laws that defines reconstruction in the Deep South.

-Robert E. Lee is elected president of the United States in a landslide. He is anti-slavery, but not pushing quite as far as abolitionists like Henry Scott. He runs as a Democrat with strong Whig leanings.

-In California, the Time of Peace is coming to an end with the death of prominent pro-Mexican leader Moses Johnson. The Californians have had a great deal of autonomy, and are sick of taking any orders from Mexico City. Things could get ugly soon.

Europe and Surrounding areas

-Piedmont Sardinia, eager to unite Italy, signs a treaty of alliance with both Germany and Greece and invades the papal states, who are unstable due to a revolution. Neither Austria or France do anything, for they aren't sure Britain will join them. By the end of the year Rome is under Piedmontese control.

-Greece does not ally itself with Prussia or Russia because of their interests with Britain, but it does become more and more aligned with those two states. It's really looking for help from Russia in case a war with Turkey breaks out.

-Meanwhile, Greece reaps the benefits of its baby boom it has been experiencing since the recapture of Constantinople. There are many young people willing to work, fight, and possibly even colonize.

-Meanwhile, Turkey trades increasingly with Britain, cooling Greek-British relations even more. Their rival is also doing well, and invasion fear is a major threat felt in Constantinople.

Africa

-Ideas coming from buganda are making their way around Africa, even to the distant Angola.

-Egypt, eager to flex its growing muscles, invades Ethiopia. It does not turn out as planned, as the smaller christian state uses unconventional tactics and furiously defends their homeland. By the end of the year, though, Egyptian manpower is beginning to show, and the two powers will soon make peace. It will not be quite the peace Egypt would have liked, but it would still be favorable to them.

Asia

-Korea modernizes more and seeks independence, but many still wish to continue their relationship with Britain after seeing the mess China is in.

-The civil war in china is technically still ongoing, but it is basically over. After years of bloody death and destruction, many settle down to rebuild what they can.

1869 North America

Representatives from Upper Canada, Lower Canada, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland meet in a small town on Lake Erie to talk about the possibility of a confederation between them.

Kentucky and North Carolina are readmitted as states. In addition, there is a new state called Jefferson that is created out of Oregon Territory.

In December, Robert E. Lee suffers a sudden stroke and becomes the first president to die in office.* Lee is remembered as a great general, even though he didn't get to accomplish much as president. He is replaced by his vice president, Josiah Begole of Michigan, also a Democrat.

Slavery is illegal, but the social problems caused by it remain, as well as the widespread discrimination against black people. This will be a contentious issue in the early 1870s.

South America

Brazil finally frees its slaves.

Settlers continue to pour into the Chaco region, as well as the region variously described as eastern Ecuador or northern Peru. In the Chaco region, Peru and Argentina agree upon a line between them, while Paraguay, by far the least powerful of the three, continues to claim a big chunk of what was Peru.

Europe

Piedmont finally conquers the Papal States. They allow San Marino to remain independent because of a favor they did for them once.**

Worried about what Sardinia is up to, France and Austria send supplies to Sicily.

Asia

A rebellion erupts in Syrian Kurdistan against the oppressive Syrian government.

Britain conquers two small states in eastern India, which it incorporates into India.

The states that formerly made up China begin to rebuild, which is hard with so many people dead. The Europeans look on with interest.

Korea becomes more independent, while Japan becomes more European-influenced.

Oceania

Spain sets up a colony in New Guinea.

Africa

The Egypto-Ethiopian War ends with a peace treaty, moving the border between the two nations slightly eastward.

European powers, especially Portugal, ramp up their colonization efforts.

The situation in southern Africa continues to heat up.

• Apologies to anyone who wanted Lee to be an important president, but Lee died in 1870 IOTL, and we haven't had any presidents die yet, so I felt like it was about time.

• • I know this is convergent, but come on, it's San Marino. It would be a pretty lame TL if San Marino weren't independent.

I gave Wallachia, Ecuador, and Mongolia their own colors, and I made Montenegro and Moldavia gray instead of white.