Passing Days: The Empire of Brazil
The year is 1914. Two-score and nine years ago, the roaring cannons over the fields of Sharpsburg and Antietam fell quiet. The election of McClellan brought an end to the 'War of Secession' and the independence of the Confederate States of America was guaranteed. Since then, leaps and bounds have been made. The United States have found solace in Germany, adopting Prussian training, rationing, and conscription, whilst the Confederates looked to Britain for guidance, all while maintaining their 'peculiar institution' even into the 20th century. Ties were fostered with Brazil, the sole remaining slave nation in the world.
Now that 1914 has come, the world is divided into two armed camps. On one side stands the Central Powers of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the United States. The Entente Powers consist of Britain, France, The Confederate States, and Russia. Brazil is neutral in this armed world, but looks to Germany for industrial and military guidance, all while this world heads slowly towards war.
Brazil is led by the dashing Empress Cecília, grand-daughter of Empress Isabella, and Empress of the nation since 1899. 1910 spelled an end to her regency, and she assumed the command of Brazil, the nation where thirty percent of the souls dependent upon her benevolence still remain in chains. The world is changing, and Brazil plays a vital part, as the great armed camps attempt to garner her support, all as the world prepares to be tossed into the hell that is war..
Will you join this young Empress, so naive yet so wise, in the chaotic times to come ahead? There are not only court cabals and gossips, but talk of rebellion, of revolution, from the fanatic Republicans, to those who wish to better the lot of those still enchained on the vast Haciendas in the interior. Cecília has come of age in a violent time, attempting to maintain the a-political outlook of a monarch, yet holding a nation together, to avoid it being torn asunder.
NOTE: This is loosely based off a Victoria game I played, but mostly it is an independent story, taking the reader through the idyllic Brazilian empire, still entrenched in the 19th century with it's slavery and social institutions, all while the world around it marshals modern armies and factories to fight the 'War to end all Wars.' Updating will be sporadic; one of my main problems is updating too quickly and losing interest. I may update 1-2 a week, maybe even thrice. I hope you enjoy this twist on the Great War.