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Any plans for the French Speaking Countries of the world?

Also did you fix that bug where you crash at a certain point in time that ended the Pride and Providence?
 
Any plans for the French Speaking Countries of the world?

Also did you fix that bug where you crash at a certain point in time that ended the Pride and Providence?

Sadly, no.
 
Hmn - what an interesting set of diplomatic affairs unfold. This will only lead to a divergent future indeed. I like the realigning into diplomacy of France's former allies and clientele (notice the lack of swishy there. Curse my American keyboard!). Ah, the sunflower thing is a personal one - I find that they are one of Nature's best inventions ever. :D Sunflowers are a symbol of birth, life, and death - when they bloom, it is a sign that change and good is in the air.

In my crazy opinion, anyway. Also sunflower oil is great for cookin'!
 
The Son of the Emperor
Prince Imperial
An Alternative History Affair




Chapter 3: Stoking the Furnace
Part One


Within the capital of Constantine, Algeria, a delegation of French diplomats met with their Islamic counterparts to discuss the recent concessions Napoleon II sought from the backward country. It was highly unlikely that Algeria would cave into demands to hand over the Setif region and the drums of war were growing ever louder. France had been prepared for such a possibility, as over fifty thousand troops had been amassed in French Algeria for a possible campaign. On August 2nd, the campaign would become a reality, as Algeria flatly refused a peaceful handover of the Setif region.

On August 5th, the Corps de Anthonie, led by Marshal Pierre Anthoine marched into Constantine and was prepared for a protracted siege. What followed was an elongated battle that played minimal affect on causalities of Anthonie’s corps. By August 15th, the walls of Constantine were stormed and the French flag was raised over the capital. The looting and destruction that was so prevalent in the invasion of Algeria in 1830, was nowhere to be found. Harsh penalties were in place in case any soldier felt the urge to get out of line.

Immediately after the fall of Constantine, representatives from Algeria requested a peace treaty returning to the status quo. However, France’s position was quite clear; the Setif region would have to be handed over to French control to ensure the continued protection and existence of the people of the land. Discussions were futile, as neither side was willing to back down, so the occupation of Algeria by the military continued to proceed, relatively unhindered by an organized resistance.

Meanwhile in Paris, Emperor Napoleon II was playing host to King Charles Albert of Sardinia-Piedmont; who had served as a lieutenant in the dragons of the First French Empire. The main purpose of the royal visit, the first in the reign of Emperor Napoleon II, was for the signing of a declaration of understanding between France and Sardinia-Piedmont. A military alliance would be brokered which unbeknownst to the public called for French aid in case a war broke out with Austria. Although a large part of loyalty remained towards the land of his grandfather, the former prince understood that Austria was an obstacle in the way of France’s return to glory.


France and Sardinia-Piedmont sign a military agreement on September 16th, 1836.​

In the latter parts of 1836, as the year was winding down three impressive feats were announced to the public. Firstly, the railroad construction which at this point was funded entirely by capitalists would receive government funding to complete the project throughout the continental Empire. Secondly, on December 25th Algeria agreed to peace terms, ceding the Setif region. Thirdly, rumors were spreading that Empress Sophie was pregnant with a third child.



 
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The Son of the Emperor
Prince Imperial
An Alternative History Affair


Chapter 3: Stoking the Furnace
Part Two


A new year had officially arrived, and France’s glory was beginning to really feel heightened. In six years of reign thus far, Emperor Napoleon II had greatly increased the nation from the disgraced child of Europe to a formidable power, second only to the British Empire; but even those standings were in question. The British Empire was relatively weak; yes it had triumphed over the first Napoleon, but only with alliances.

Napoleon II had learned from the mistakes of his father, instead of installing new kings over established countries and new kingdoms, a policy of building up relations with the ruling government was preferred. Much of this policy had begun in 1836 and was being continued with haste in the beginning of 1837. However, Britain was alarmed by the rapid increase of influence that the revitalized France was showing and began to spread lies about French intention. This was most notable in early January when the Danish minister of state accused the French ambassador of plotting to overthrow the Danish monarchy. Later it was found out that British spies had spread the lie, and relations with Denmark and France continued to soar to new heights.


In the month of April, a great blessing would begin unfolding itself to the sole benefit of France. In late parts of the month, Austria and Denmark agreed to a peace treaty, with the Emperor’s grandfather obtaining control of Schleswig. This formidable act of aggression and outright disregard of balance of power by Austria, once the master of arguing for the balance of Europe, began throwing countries into France’s fold. Before the end of April, Switzerland, fearful of aggression signed a military alliance with France. The announcement was quickly followed in a rapid fire, as Denmark, joined the alliance, along with increased relations with Sardinia-Piedmont and Egypt.

Napoleon II paid close attention to what seemed to becoming a trend amongst lesser nations, and that was bankruptcy and the inability to afford necessary materials. Three nations all declared bankruptcy in rapid succession, Egypt, Algeria and Tripoli; which had managed to survive reincorporation into the Ottoman Empire. All three countries were of great interest to Napoleon, and the bankruptcies provided ample opportunity to strike and demand concessions; however the timing of such events would not work in favor of the Emperor.


Denmark after the peace with Austria.​


 
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Hum, interesting, as always!
 
The Son of the Emperor
Prince Imperial
An Alternative History Affair


Chapter 3: Stoking the Furnace
Part Three


During his visit to France, King Charles Albert of Sardinia-Piedmont had misread the willingness of Emperor Napoleon II and the generals of the host. He sensed that with the recent signing of the military alliance between the two nations that an unspoken blessing had been received for him to begin piecing together a unified Italy under the flag of his nation. While this was the goal of Emperor Napoleon II, it was earlier than expected. On August 2nd of 1837, Sardinia-Piedmont declared war against the Kingdom of Two Sicilies; which had a military alliance Spain. Outraged at the incident, Napoleon II threatened to revoke the military alliance with Albert and leave him to whatever fate transpired.

Throughout the next few days, events seemed to favor the Albert, as Spain declared it would not honor its alliance with Two Sicilies. The sudden declaration of Spain’s unwillingness to aid Two Sicilies was not wholly unexpected, as the nation was still being torn apart by the Carlist rebellions. On August 6th, the Papal States another French ally within the Italian states declared war against the Kingdom of Two Sicilies. Though at this point, French intervention seemed unlikely. Six days after the declaration of war by the Papal States, Napoleon II through France behind the war against the Kingdom of Two Sicilies.

The sudden change of heart had stemmed from the fact that a diplomatic message had been intercepted from Vienna, stating that Austria would be willing to aid Two Sicilies if France did not intervene. The horror of a unified Italy, loyal to the will of Austria was a threatening prospect. Emperor Napoleon II fully knew the majority of the royal courts dislike for all matters French; thus a decision to intervene on the behalf of Sardinia-Piedmont and the Papal States was granted. Within days 36,000 troops were to be dispatched to the isle of Sicily to occupy the island in the name of King Charles Albert.


The French invasion of Sicly. The Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont was getting the better deal here, as none of its troops were actively fighting the Kingdom of Two Silicies.​

Sicily it turned out would prove to be rather uneventful, as the French navy blockaded the Straits of Messina, preventing reinforcements from the boot. Meanwhile, the Papal Army defeated Two Sicilies army that relied heavily on mobilized farmers; which proved to be rather ineffective against the French-trained army of the Pope. The war would progress without a shot being exchanged between the French forces in Sicily and any organized resistance. Just mere months after the declaration of war, Sicily would be annexed into the lands of Sardinia-Piedmont.



 
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Gregory XVI should be looking over his back as well - the Papal States are now going to be caught in a noose between Sardinian armies. I wonder how Napoleon II will deal with that conflict of alliances? Nice work though - a strong, pro-French Italy will surely be an asset against Austria.

Tunis next?
 
Hmn. This move places the ball firmly into the hands of the French. That being said, I cannot say if it will be to the benefit of the young Bonaparte. If Princess Sophie is pregnant... Well, I have my concerns. They seem to be have been wavered by the lack of resistance to Sardinia-Piedmont's forces, but I'll be wary, nonetheless.
 
The Son of the Emperor
Prince Imperial
An Alternative History Affair


Chapter 3: Stoking the Furnace
Part Four


In the month of October a plague would break out in Angouleme. The plague, which was later identified as a potato plague would be quickly dealt with by officials from Paris. While there was a quick response the damage had already been done. With a shortage of food, the death rate climbed among the elderly and the young. The least of the problems was the slight increase in militancy the local population was showing towards the officials.

If a plague breaking out in France was not enough, a new war was declared between the Spanish state and Morocco. A victory for Spain would greatly hamper Napoleon’s secret ambition for the control of the coasts of Africa. Unbeknowst to the Spanish officials, the government of Napoleon began subsidizing Morocco’s war effort. If the people of France would find out about the expenditure, it was sure a grave consequence would be paid.

While the war in Morocco was raging, the administration began to focus on the highlights of the home front. On November 16th, a joint venture between the state and the private sector saw the opening of a lumber mill outside of Paris. Meanwhile, in a more general perspective of the home front, the relations with Switzerland were increased to a friendly status, just a step closer to being officially within the Napoleonic ‘sphere of influence’. Lastly, in late December, the first railroad of the French nation was complete in Paris. In the first official train ride of the nation, Napoleon II and the Royal Family rode across the city to much fanfare.





 
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