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Have you considered what a nice feeling you would have as a result of having a dominion called New England?
 
After the successful conclusion of the war with Aldjazair, diplomatic overtures were made to France to exchange some of the captured land for French colonial claims and or £. A deal was brokered where the inland lands annexed by England would be turned over to the French for a large sum of money. Funnily enough that exact same month a number of new railroads and factories were constructed in Britain under generous government subsidy. This was the measure of the times. The economy of Britain surged ever forward in front of the rest of the world. Generous credit terms provided by the government provided for cheap money that was used to build factories.

The efficiency and scale of the economy meant England’s products were so cheap in relation to foreign competitors that British firms could in virtually any market on earth undercut the local producers and take control of the market. This was the nature of Britain’s empire in the 1800’s. Except for the white colonies and India and the bordering regions, England did not directly that much. While she used to have formal direct control of her empire, case in point the American colonies. After their successful rebellion against the United Kingdom it found it could reap all the trade benefits without the cost of directly ruling and thus spending considerable sums. The Royal Navy stood ever vigilant on the waves ensuring Britain’s commerce could get into any port in the world. It also kept the sea lines clear of any pirates or anyone else with designs on British merchantmen. The British economy guarded by the Royal Navy was the greatest in the world and truly spanned the globe.

In the government of the United Kingdom a disturbing split had occurred between the Prime Minster Lord Russell and his foreign sectary, Lord Palmerston. Many saw that Palmerston was too powerful his positon and exerted too much control over official policy. Many MPs of the Whig party had become fed up with him. Although not many knew it, Palmerston had forced the Aldjazair war on the Russell ministry, this move had angered the proponents of indirect empire while supporters of the direct empire school of thought supported Palmerston. All in all the political situation in England towards the end of 1851 was not quite as rosy as the economy or state of the Empire would have you believe. Something could trigger a crisis in the Russell government. But would could cause a popular ministry to fall?

The beginning of the end for Russell’s premiership would not be in England but in France of all places. With an elected President in office, Louis Napoleon launched a coup against the government of France. He then proceeded to install himself as President of France. While this instability in France has hardly unexpected after the closeness of the previous election, the British government’s reaction or lack there forth would provide the ground for which Palmerston would unknowingly bring down the government. While the newest Bonaparte solidified his grip on power in France, cabinet members in England were caught flat footed. No one knew what to say or do. Enter Palmerston. While at a party in the French embassy in London, he expressed to the French ambassador in London, without the concurrence of his colleagues, his personal approval of that act.

It was this simple off hand remark that resulted in the most unlikely governments to come to power in England. After this so called gaffe by Palmerston, Lord Russell was forced to act. He finally saw how skillfully Palmerston maneuvered him into the Aldjazair war and then sidelined him from finding out how it was begun without his approval. Palmerston had grown all too powerful and the Prime Minister knew all too well that now was the time to act before it became too late. On December 1st 1851, Lord Palmerston resigned from the cabinet. Many knew that the resignation was a face saving measure and that he had been forced out. Lord Russell may have thought his problem solved but it was far from it. For in booting out Palmerston, he allowed him to speak against the government. Palmerston did just that. By December 15th enough Whig MPs and Tory MPs had been convinced by Palmerston to vote against the government. When the Russell government introduced a new bill into the house it was soundly defeated and Russell resigned as Prime Minister. All because of the French.

The new ministry was led by the Earl Derby of the conservative party. This was one of the most interesting governments the Westminster system could produce, minority government. This meant that Derby had a plurality of support not a majority of support from the MPs in the house. This meant his government could fall at anyone vote on a bill. His government’s first session in power opened in February 1852. Northing controversial was passed as he had to please his own party and cater to Whigs who were close to the Tories in their stances. This meant that every bill was mild and middle of the road not much happened in England.

But in Africa new developments occurred that would change the United Kingdom for ever. In Africa, England ruled South Africa directly and a fair number of claims along the coasts of Africa. France had a similar standing except they ruled Algeria and Tunisia. This began to change on July 4th 1852, in the Lower Cameron region, three British trading posts dominated the coast, and on July 4th the era of direct empire began. England claimed her first colony on the Dark Continent. Africa and the world would never be same again.

Area under to come under direct rule is highlighted in red, also note the alliance in effect with Portugal.
FirstAfricanColony.png


While this new back England helped prop up the Tory ministry, the evitable happened. In November a bill was narrowly passed, this signaled the death knell for the government and as the next bill came to vote the government fell and a new government was formed.

It was led by the Earl of Aberdeen a moderate Tory who broke with the party with the Peelites after the free trade bills of the 1840s. It was he who lead a coalition ministry of Peelite Tories and Whigs. Both Russell and Palmerston where in the cabinet and members of the coalition but how it would play out between these two adversaries was uncertain.

Earl of Aberdeen’s Cabinet:

Lord Aberdeen - First Lord of the Treasury
Lord Cranworth - Lord Chancellor
Lord Granville - Lord President of the Council
The Duke of Arygll - Lord Privy Seal
Lord Palmerston - Secretary of State for the Home Department
Lord John Russell - Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
The Duke of Newcastle - Secretary of State for War and the Colonies
Sir James Graham - First Lord of the Admiralty
William Ewart Gladstone - Chancellor of the Exchequer
Sir Charles Wood - President of the Board of Control
Sir William Molesworth - First Commissioner of Works
Sidney Herbert - Secretary at War
Lord Lansdowne - Minister without Portfolio

The Inner Cabinet( Includes the Prime Minster):
Lord Palmerston - Secretary of State for the Home Department
Lord John Russell - Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
The Duke of Newcastle - Secretary of State for War and the Colonies
Sir James Graham - First Lord of the Admiralty
William Ewart Gladstone - Chancellor of the Exchequer
Sir Charles Wood - President of the Board of Control
 
Thanks everyone for the kind comments,

I hope everyone had a merry christmas or relaxing break.
 
With the new Colony of Inner Cameron under firm British rule a new age in the saga of English Empire began. From the first colonies in Ireland under Elizabeth to the American settlements under James I, to the British East India Company, North America, Australia and New Zealand. And now Africa would come under British Rule, there was not a continent that did not now British rule. The Sun never sets on the British Empire was never more true at the dawn of the 1850s. An new era for Britain beckoned. But would the politicians and administrators in numerous Imperial cities recognize the chance and seize it? Only time would tell.

Africa was the unclaimed land. A few native states existed like Sokoto and various Boer states but they were all weak and if any moderate European power desired it could be easily conquered. The three main powers in Africa were France, England and Spain. Spain was confided their Moroccan enclaves, Canary Islands, Western Sahara and Maurentia. These areas were poor quality and the reason Spain ruled them was because no other power desired them. The French possessed Algeria and Tunisia as bases in the North. They also had a lot of informal influence with the rulers of Egypt. The traditional English areas of concern were the Cape Colonies and the West African Coaling stations for the Royal Navy.

Before the 1850s England and France rushed to build trading posts, coaling stations, missions and forts along the African coastline from the Congo Basin river to Spanish Sahara. England was the first to claim a colony in this belt along West Africa. France still had not. By 1853 the entire African coast and some inland areas had been completely occupied by British and French claims. But due to the fact the each side had built claims to block each other, a colonial stalemate ensured. Politicians in both countries wanted to gain Empires in Africa for their peoples. Diplomatic overtures were rejected by both sides to settle the dead lock. The situation grew tenser as public feelings called for a settlement favorable to home country. It was in this atmosphere that Aberdeen’s government ruled. The inner cabinet soon split into two distinct factions. One lead by Palmerston, included the Colonial and War Secretary and the First Sea Lord. The other was led by Lord Russel consisted of the Chancellor of the Exchequer and President of the Board of Control. With three members in each faction the Prime Minister held the tie breaking vote. Funding for the army and navy were increased. Reserve ships were activated and reinforcements were dispatched to the various Royal Navy postings around the world. Army divisions were marshaled on the south coast of England. The United Kingdom and France both seemed bent to rule Africa and the two great powers of Europe seemed ready to go to war. With Public support behind both countries, it seemed inevitable. All it needed now was a spark.

March 24th 1853
Somewhere off Southern France.

The steam powered Merchantmen SS City of Portsmouth was off the coast of Toulon port when ordered to stop by a Frigate of the French navy to heave too and submit to a customs inspection. The City of Portsmouth was smuggling guns into Southern France for sale into revolutionaries hands all over Europe. Lord Palmerston acting outside the government orders had ordered it done and to what it is unclear. After the French ship repeated the warning and told them to standby for a customs ship, the master of the City of Portsmouth panicked. He ordered an about course, and full steam towards Malta. The French Frigate knowing it could not catch the steam powered merchantmen signaled Toulon Naval base for support. Three Screw powered Frigates of the French Navy set sail in a wild chase. The Frigates caught up to the City of Portsmouth just when she was in sight of Malta. The City of Portsmouth signaled the Navy base in Malta that she was under attack by French ships. Two English Frigates, HMS Madras and HMS Surprise who where on maneuvers sailed towards the lone merchantman, seeing the English ship rapidly entering Maltese waters the French ships fired shots on her in an attempt to slow her down. The Captains of the English ships saw the cannon flashes and arrived on scene thinking that a war had started. The two frigates exchanged broadsides with the Three French Frigates until five ships of the Line. HMS Agincourt, HMS Black Prince, HMS Pitt, HMS Wellington and HMS Saint Vincent. The Ships of the Line formed up and unloaded a boardside each at the French ships who then and turned and ran for home.

It the short engagement 103 British sailors died with 53 wounded, on the French side over 200 killed and wounded were counted. Furious accusations flew between London and Paris. The English government accused the French of attack and the French of the English firing without warning. If war came, the fate of the British and French empires in the 19th century would be determined.

HMS Agincourt, one of the ships involved in the So called 'Battle of Malta'
hmsagincourt.jpg
 
July 1st
Cabinet Meeting Room
London

In a atmposhere of growing war, the Inner Cabinet of the British Empire met. Only one thing was on the agenda, France. “ The French must be taught a lesson, you do not attack a British ship without consequence” declared Palmerston.

“ No, we do not need to go to war over a simple misunderstanding, gentlemen we are all educated, we not a factory worker advocating war cause his father fought them or anything like that. We must step back from the Abyss that is war “countered Russell. Once again the two political foes were at it. But this time more then the government of the United Kingdom was at stake, war between two Great Powers was.

“Sir James what is the Admiralty’s view on war with France?” asked the Prime Minister.

“Sir, the Navy is ready, however I must warn you, both we and France are working on ironclad warships that will render the wooden ships completely obsolete. Once France starts building Ironclad ships our naval superiority is effectively ended until we can build a lot of the new ships. With that in mind, the time to go to war with France is now! The Royal Navy can blockade the entierely of the French coast and defeat the French navy.

“ Thank you Sir James, Mr Gladstone what is the state of our finances? “ inquired Lord Aberdeen, Prime Minster.
“ While I am opposed to a war personally, the state of the National Debt is excellent and the budget has room to increase funding for the Royal Navy.” Said Gladstone.

“ About that” interrupted Sir James, “ The Royal Navy is currently operating on three quarter optimal funding level, if the Navy is to get to full operational ability we will need to ramp up the funding right now!”

“ Gentlemen” began the Prime Minster “ I know we are divided on this issue, but can we argee that increasing the funding of the Royal Navy is a precautionary step?” When no one objected, The Royal Navy was put on wartime standing.

And with that move, Great Britain inched ever closer to war. Lord Russell as Minister responsible for Foreign affairs was dispatched to Paris to mediate with the French. The was a last ditch attempt by the doves in the cabinet to forestall war. Russell as leader of the dovish faction seemed eager to deal with the French. He boarded a fast steamer at Dover a bare three hours after the Cabinet meeting in London. A day later he was at the personal residence of the Emperor Napoleon. Meanwhile the press in England was calling for war with Boney Junior. Increasingly the Prime Minister was unsure of which policy to pursue. When Russell met with Napoleon, he had one thing to say, make recompense for the dead sailors or there will be war. To which the Emperor replied, I shall try but elements in France believe that we should not compromise with les Anglo Saxons. Russell left Paris hot on the news, that the French government had demanded recompense for their dead sailors and damage to their ships.


July 14st
Cabinet Meeting Room
London

“ The Navy sets sails. “ ordered the Prime Minister.

“ At once sir, the ships will depart on the evening tide. “ replied Sir James, First Sea Lord.


July 23th
Cabinet Meeting Room
London

“Gentlemen The Royal Navy is now place to begin the blockade of France. I believe it is time to vote.”

“ Lord Palmerston?” asked Aberdeen

“ Aye” voted Palmerston

“Lord Russell”

“ Nay”

“ Lord Newcastle”

“ Aye, and we’ll let them Frenchies have it.

“Sir James”

“ Aye, and I share Newcastle’s feelings.”

“Mr. Gladstone”

“ Nay”

“Sir Charles “

“ Nay”

“ well It appears that I have the deciding vote, Gentlemen, I feel in light of the French actions of Malta, we must do something to teach them a lesson, a colonial war will teach them just that. Gentlmen, I vote Aye.” Finished Aberdeen.

And with that a note was delivered to the French Ambassador in London. It read simply “ The government of the United Kindom of Great Britain and Ireland declare war on the Empire of France” The two powers of Europe were faced off in war for the first time since 1815. And like the Seven Years War, before the Napoleonic conflicts, determined the future of the Empire in America and India, the War of Portsmouth as it was being called in the papers would determine the master of Africa. Royal Navy ships still in port slipped their lines, and set sail out of Portsmouth Navy base. Army divisions in England and India marshaled on the coasts and were ready to be embarked in transports to their fates.

Halifax station, blockading Brest, engages a French squadron of three Frigates and a Ship of the Line, this was the first engagement in the war;
FirstAnglo-FrenchWar.png
 
July 25th 1853
Anglo-French War,
Despite ominous rumblings in the East as Russia rattled her saber at the Ottoman Empire, the United Kingdom at her Empire found themselves at war with France under Napoleon III. Although both countries ruling elites had been opposed to war with each other the groundswell of support for war from the lower classes forced the two countries leaderships into dangerous position. In England , the Prime Minister, Earl Aberdeen was dominated by the hawks in his cabinet to go to war while in France, Napoleon III only recently securing power could not go against public opinion. The natural rivalry and historical wars between the two powers only fueled the general public. But another factor only the more astute political observers would notice was the impact cheap newspapers and magazines had on the lower class opinion. Jingoistic nationalist press fueled the public’s cry for war and was good for business, for those who owned the papers. Another war group in England was the colonial lobby, consisting of companies chartered to colonize Africa, they called for war to drive the French from the Atlantic coast of the Continent and secure for British domination.

The two government forced into war, both realized that this was not a war of conquest, and both exchanged notes promising to invade each others homelands. The Anglo-French war was to be confided to Africa and the high seas where open combat would be fought.

July 26th
London

“Gentlemen began Earl Aberdeen, I have decided to reorganize the cabinet to improve the running of this war. Lord Newcastle, I am splitting the Colonial and War offices, you will remain in the cabinet with full privilege as the Sectary of War henceforward immediately. Please do not take this as an insult on your management ablities, truth be told I was considering this move for a time as the number of colonies is increasing as is the size of our armed forces.” Newcastle nodded his ascent to the change. “ As such the new position of Sectary for the Colonies will be filled by Sir George Grey. I’m sure you all know him as he has served in many Whig cabinets.

“ Furthermore, to conduct the war I have decided on another change” continued Aberdeen. “ I am forming a special panel to advise us and me on the running of the war, it will sat on by the First Sea Lord, Sir Hyde Parker, Henry Hardinge, 1st Viscount Hardinge and Lords Newcastle and Palmerston. As you hopefully noticed, these gentlemen are the heads of the army and navy and cabinet officers for war and the Home Office. These gentlemen will convene in a suitable place and report to me and occasionally the cabinet. The special committee will met for the next several days, to discuss and lay out war aims to present to the cabinet and the House of Commons.


Admiratly House:
The_Admiralty_28now_the_Ripley_Buid.jpg


July 27th
Admiralty House
London

A young Signal Lieutenant ran to the office of the Sea Lord, pushed opened the door, and entered his office. “ Sir, I have dispatches from the Channel Squadrons, Brest Blockade Squadron, as well as the Bordeaux Blockade Squadron.” The young officer stopped out of breath…. “ Go on boy” growled Viscount Hardinge. “ Yes Sir, all report, Ports blockaded and all report successful engagements, in total we sunk or captured 10 Frigates and Three ships of the line, the rest of the French navy is bottled up in port Milord”.

And with the opening shots of the Angl0-French war being fired on the seas around France in England, troops were mobilizing in Southern England and Western France for the coming campaigns. But on August 1st, Russia declared war on the Ottoman Empire. The Sick Man of Europe had run out of time and it was uncertain how they would fare. Aberdeen’s cabinet reconvened to discuss the situation.
 
As it happens I have been reading through this little gem, nice work.
 
HI Player said:
I definitely look forward to reading this AAR again. I love its flavor of Cabinet meetings. In fact, I think I'll reread it again to return to speed.

Thanks, HI player, there will be plenty of writing on the Cabinet meetings.

Sir Humphrey said:
As it happens I have been reading through this little gem, nice work.

Thanks Sir Humphrey for your kind comment.

I will try and have an update up later today. The Anglo-French war will start to move into High gear :cool:
 
July 28th
10 Dowding Street, London
Meeting of the Special Committee on the Conduct of War

“ Gentlemen,” began Lord Palmerston “ We must remember that we are raging this war under certain restrictions from the Prime Minister, Mainland France will not be attacked, the only forces allowed near are the blockade squadrons of the Navy. On that note I’d like Sir Parker to give the Admiralty’s report on the early conduct of the war then the long term aims and abilities of the Royal Navy.

“ Thank you, Lord Palmerston” began Sir Parker. “ The Royal Navy due the fortunate timing of the cabinets discussion to mobilize the fleet and have it set sail before the war began gave us great advantage of location and readiness over the French Fleet. We have been successful in blockading the main Atlantic ports of Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Lorient and Brest. The Channel Fleet maintains control over the Channel. This fleet cannot be moved from the channel, despite France’s promise to respect our homeland, I will not be the First First Sea Lord to leave England open to invasion. In the Mediterranean, squadrons from our base at Malta have closed the Ports of Toulon and Marseille. The French fleet save lone ships out of France at the time of the beginning of the war is trapped in harbour. The blockade will serve two twin advantages, closing the French to trade and preventing imports of any goods, and more importantly to my army colleague here it will allow the British Army unhindered advantage as the entire French army is currently in France and will be unable to sail and protect the overseas interests of France. This make the army’s job so easy a child could conquer the French overseas claims and territories. The Royal Navy despite the amount of ships it takes to close of the French coastline is and ready to support the army in attacking the French in Africa and the other outposts. However I must caution if the French finish an Ironclad ship of the line, or many then we will be in a bad spot. However I am told that the Exchequer has authorized the laying of HMS Warrior, HMS Black Prince and HMS Royal Sovereign, the first of the Royal Navys Ironclads. In summary, the Royal Navy will continue the blockade and support Army campaigns wherever needed.

“ Excellent, excellent, Sir Parker you have done well, the fleet was ready when needed” stated Palmerston. “ Now for the state of the army” asked Palmerston.

“ The British Army is ready, all regiments report combat readiness” began Viscount Hardinge. “ The Army is ready to fight in Africa and in the French islands in the West Indies. At least 50 000 men can be deployed overseas, and if absolutely necessary there are Regulars and Sepoys in India that could be called on to fight. Although given that we believe other some token garrisons around the African coastline the French have no large formations outside of mainland France.” Concluded the Viscount.

“ Very well then, Lord Palmerston,” started Newcastle, “ the Army and the Navy are ready to defeat the French, now we must decide how and where to due so.
“ I argee Newcastle” interrupted Palmerston. “ Due the the changing shape of the European political reality this is the last time we shall need to fight France as she could become a useful counterweight if the German states and Prussia go through on unification or union and Russia is developing fast as well. It is therefore of utmost importance we secure enough in this war to prevent another. Therefore Gentlemen, I propose we strike with troops in the Senegalese interior to protect our coaling station at Bathurst there and to secure the rest as a colony. This will guarantee us a secure naval base on the West African coast. Anyone else have objectives in mind?

“ The French Leeward Islands, would secure our naval dominace in that area save for Spanish held lands, and would bring an economic benefit of securing the sugar production as well as the rum.” Observed Newcastle.

“ If the navy can transport and give support in the form of a few Frigates and Ships of the Line, one division of troops should be more then enough to accomplish this” began Viscount Hardinge, “ 10 000 men should be able to accomplish this, on the Cabinets approval I will order the muster of 1st Division in Portsmouth ready to embark” finished Hardinge

“ The Navy is able to spare sufficient ships and transports for an expedition, it will take about a week after cabinet approval to be ready to sail” reported Sir Parker.

“ Very good gentlemen I will bring that proposal to cabinet” stated Palmerston. “ As to an expedition to Bathurst, thoughts?” asked Palmerston.

“ Easily doable” stated Sir Parker, looking at his army counterpart and getting the affirmative nod, continued, “ A squadron of Frigates and Transports will be ready in about a fortnight.”

“ I will give notice for the 3rd Division and 1st Cavalry to be ready to march to embarkation” added Hardinge.

“ Does the army and navy have enough resources to protect our colonial interests in the Niger delta, Ivory coast?” asked Newcastle.

“ The West African Station and South Africa station can be deployed to protect these from marauding French ships that slip past the blockade if needed” reported Sir Parker.

“Very good, send your fastest dispatch ship to Bathurst and Capetown and make it so” ordered Newcastle.

“ The French maintain a coaling station and missions in the interior of the Northern Congo coast and the Guinea region, we should make attempts to seize these” offered Palmerston.

“ The Fleet will be able to transport troops from the Senegalese campaign and after the Guinea region is secured” answered Sir Parker.

“ Alright Gentlemen it is a late hour, and myself and Newcastle have a cabinet meeting tomorrow, Sir Parker and Hardinge begin the preparations for the campaign in the West Indies and Senegalese interior and the defense of our colonial interests in Western Africa. We will seek the Prime Ministers approval tomorrow. The meeting adjourned with campaigns on two continents and the beginning of the land war of the war that would decide the future of Great Britain in Africa.

July 29th
10 Dowding Street, London
Inner Cabinet meeting.

“ Gentlemen, you have all understood the campaigns put forward by Lords Newcastle and Palmerston?” asked the Prime Minister. When no said no, he continued, “ Then I give my permission for these to go forward. Now with the war in capable hands we have to turn the matter of Russia’s declaration of war on Turkey. I favour not getting involved as we are fighting France. However it is my opinion and shared by the Foreign Office that we must not allow the Straits into Russian control, to affect this I want you Newcastle, to send naval and army officers to advise the Turks and try and aid them in their war effort. Gladstone suspend collection on the government debt and make arrangements for credit for them to buy weapons and supplies. Any objections to these steps?” asked Aberdeen.

“ Prime Minister if I may?” asked Palmerston. After receiving a nod he began, “ I support these moves but if the Russians ever threaten Constantinople then we must act until then we must use our diplomatic influence to prevent Ottoman collapse. I fear we may have committed to a war with France too easily and could cost us the sick man of Europe.” Finished Palmerston.

“ Gentlemen we have a government to run and a war to fight, please return to your offices and aid in our two goals of humbling France in Africa and supporting Turkey. God speed” finished Aberdeen.


As the summer continued, Russian troops advanced into the Ottoman ally states of Walachia and Moldova. The Ottoman Empire with help from France stopped them in province of Constana, in the other front of the Russo-Turko war, the Caucasus, the Ottoman Armies held firm in the mountains and fortress and inflicted grievous losses on the Russian attackers. With the coast of France blockaded, several neutral merchantmen were stopped and turned back, among these were several American flagged ships, this hurt relations between Whitehall and the Whitehouse. With the Oregon Treaty and California annexation still fresh in American minds, relations continued to sour along with the American public’s support for France, strong among Irish immigrants who disliked Great Britian.

General Gordon who in command of the British force in Senengal made easy process in securing the interior capturing several isolated French forts and trading forces. In the Guinea region, the area was formally claimed and controlled by the United Kingdom as the Guinea Coast Colony on September 18th 1853. In British North America, the rest of the region north of established British Control in the province of Canada East(Ontario) was incorpated into the Empire. The Hudson Bay Company still ran most of this area known as Ruperts Land. This new addition aslo gave the Empire a secure a link to the Oregon lands and California overland, British North America strechted from sea to sea.

Scottish Highlanders advance in Senegal:
HighlandGuard.jpg


New Colony in Africa:
FirstAnglo-FrenchWar.png


Ontario and British North America:
Ontario.jpg


In England the success of the Royal Navy on the high seas brought public jubilation and increased the navy’s popularity to new heights not seen since Nelson. And after public newspapers began to show the areas beginning to be brought under British control in Africa, the Army also had a surge of support. The antics of the 11th Hussar Regiment commanded by Lord Cardigan, in charging outnumbered French forts and trading posts soon became a joke among the public. The low cost in causalities and the gains made the war very popular.
 

1854
The Year of the Empire

The Anglo-French war continued on land and sea. The main land campaigns consisted of British and Native levies marching inland from the coast in French areas of colonial interest and securing the trading posts, missions, ports and forts for Britain. In this manner the war in Africa was conducted. Endless marching from the troops and disease and lack of water were the major threats to a soldier’s life not French bullets or swords. As the troops marched and sweated under the hot African sun, the navy relentlessly blockaded the French ports and patrolled the coast of West Africa. With complete naval supremacy, the French presence in West Africa was piece by piece brought into the British Empire. In London the stock exchange rose day after day as numerous companies were founded to exploit the mineral wealth of the newly added lands.

The Cabinet realizing the opportunity at hands, ordered the dispatch of Sepoy’s from India and squadrons detached from the East Indies Station and Calcutta station to seize French claims in the Somalia region south of British held Djibouti. The British presence on the Horn Africa, was begun by the raising of the Union Jack over the French fort on the Indian Ocean at Berbera. With a month the Indian forces had seized the entirely of France’s colonial possessions in the Horn of Africa. Elsewhere the Union Jack was being raised by soldiers over new lands for the first time.

January 10th 1854
To Sectary of Colonies, Sir Grey
Dispatch from, Governor of Gold Coast Colony, Officer of the Royal Gold Coast Company
Concering status of Gold Coast

Dear Sir Grey

It is my distinct pleasure to inform you that British influence is secure in this region, British trading posts and forts control the interior while Coaling stations flying our flag dot the coastline. I am writing you to inform you that Her Majesty’s lands now include the Gold Coast Colony and I HM’s most humble servant have begun the process of opening the colony of trade and the collection of taxes, once the war is concluded the exchequer can look forward to receiving the colony’s treasury and receipts.

Gold Coast Colony
GoldCoast.png


April 16th 1854
Dakar, Senegal

1st Division stood to attention in the coastal plain outside Dakar, chief town of Senegal. 10 000 Recoated soldiers stood in their Regiments while the band played God Save the Queen, while the band was playing, the at the just captured throat, General Gordon presided over the first raising of the Union Jack over Dakar’s fort. The Flag reached the top when God Save the Queen finished and Gen. Gordon led his men in three Huzzas for the Queen and Great Britain. British rule had come to Senegal and a colonial governor and administration officals were dispatched from England to rule over this newest addition to the Empire’s African colonies. The following days the 1st was embarked on RN transports to head to one of France’s last areas of influence in Africa. The Ivory coast was next and would soon see the presence of Redcoats.

Colony of Senegal:
Senegal.png


June 10th
Dispatch to Colonial Office, London
From Viceroy India

We have completed the colonization of the Aden coast. We have built several protected harbors for the Royal Navy to operate in and for trade from Arabia be conducted. We have also built several garrison forts inland to project the power of Great Britain and show the desert tribes that we are here to stay and to make them think twice about fighting us.

July 22nd

After British regiments had marched into the Ivory Coast interior overland from the Guinea colony, French residents and the natives knew that the death knell for French influence, trade and power in this section of Africa were over. Little fighting encountered the British Armies as they marched to the coast to link up with Gordon’s troops who had secured the coast. The process was complete by mid July and the colonial capital of Rooktown had the Union Jack flying on July 22nd and Gordon was able to send another dispatch back to England reporting another colony was captured for the Empire.

Ivory Coast and West Africa:
IvoryCoast.png


August 23rd

Barely a month later news arrived in London the the colony of Gabon had been secured. After the 3rd Division had landed at Libreville they marched inland, troops from Lower Cameron colony marched into the interior and secured the colony on the 23rd. Regiments were sent inland to drive the French from the Congo basin and install British forts and trading posts.

With the fall of Gabon, the last large area that felt the French presence was gone from the Africa continent save Algeria. Some in Cabinet mainly the hawks, Newcastle and Palmerston wanted it seized but, the dovish Lord John Russell was able to persuade the Prime Minister Aberdeen that now was the time to seek peace. Aberdeen always torn between Russell and Palmerston, had favoured the hawks and had been allowed to push him into the war with France. He now realized this and got them back by opening peace talks with the French.

Gabon:
Gabon.png


The talks began in mid February of 1855,in the British port of Portsmouth, Lord Grey along with Lord Palmerston were the British negotiators while Alexandre Colonna, Count Walewski the French Foreign Minster came for France.

Palmerston was able to bully Russell into letting him set the British positions and talk for Britain. Palmerston having pushed for war and had been one of the chief British setters of the Imperial strategy in Africa and the West Indies, rode on an huge tide of public support in England with many seeing him as a new Pitt in defeating the French. He was determined to hold onto the Empire’s conquests by whatever means necessary. By the opening of talks the French coats had been under blockade for almost two years, the French public was restless and opposition to Louis Napoleon was growing over the perceived bungling of the war with England. The economy was in shambles to due the blockade and there grain shortages throughout the countryside. Count Walewski attempted to regain some of France’s lost colonial interests and nearly succeeded when he negotiated with Russell. Palmerston would have none of it. He stated England would accept peace only on two conditions, all English colonial claims in Africa captured during the War were to be accepted by France and the cessation of the French islands in the West Indies. Count Walewski was in no position to negotiate. The British Fleet maintained the blockade through the talks and Palmerston threatened France with blockade until she surrendered by God. Walewski eventually gave in and signed the Treaty of Portsmouth on March 3rd 1855.

The Anglo French was over and England had gained an Empire in Africa. The vast Dark Continent lay open to British settlers, missionaries and traders. The Navy protected the sea lanes and the army policed the interior. Civilization was being brought to Africa. Most importantly Admiralty planners noted the fact, that Britain now controlled the opening of the Red Sea into the Indian Ocean, the possibility of a canal through the Suez peninsula in Egypt was raised. The Empire now spanned North America, India, China, Asia, Australia and Africa.

The Chief British Architect of the War its peace, Lord Palmerston:
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Ladislav said:
I dont know, will anything be able to stop you at this point? I'm not sure. Try DOWing all the major powers and see how you fare. Otherwise thsi aar will succumb to the mopping up phase already. Not much of a challenge, but other might enjoy this ;)

While that may be true, I will still have the Russian beast in late game craziness, certainly in the colonial race Britian has grabbed the lead but their are still great powers left. Furthermore, I've using a political viewpoint in this AAR, so there still be politics left to debate.

Since my uni just had homecoming, this is the first time since Fri afternoon I've been sober so expect an update sometime later today.
 
Globe and Mail said:
While that may be true, I will still have the Russian beast in late game craziness, certainly in the colonial race Britian has grabbed the lead but their are still great powers left. Furthermore, I've using a political viewpoint in this AAR, so there still be politics left to debate.

Since my uni just had homecoming, this is the first time since Fri afternoon I've been sober so expect an update sometime later today.

i dont know, whether AI Russia will be able to resist :p