NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: this is the thread for your In Charactor stuff. This is not the Sign up thread.

IC:

The United States of America was torn by a civil war in the first half of the previous decade. The result was that the "experiment in democracy" had failed. The President, Abraham Lincoln, had been elected to the Presidency for a second term in 1864. In late 1865 the USA surrendered to the CSA. The out come of the war was: West Virginia was remerged with Virgina as one state, Kentuky, the Indian Territory, the New Mexico Territory and parts of the Arizona and Colorado Territories went to the Confederacy. While Missouri, Deleware, and Maryland stayed in the Union. The Capital of the US was moved from Washington to New York City. In 1866, just after the formal surrender of Federal troops, Congress had met and decided to rewrite the Constitution. The new constitution, the Documents of Union, outlawed slavery in the USA. It also gave the President more power. The Congress had struggled to keep California and Oregon in the US. California and the other western territories had tried to start a second civil war and become independant in 1867. The United States seemed to be on the verge of collapse. In 1868, a radical new idea entered the Senate. It involved reforming the democratic United States and forming the American Federal Empire, or AFE. Many politions thought that the power of an imperial govenment would be anble to keep the remaining states in the Union. The Union was about to change greatly...

OOC: Map-
http://img474.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ifthecsawon8tz.png

Prime Minister John Russell of England was the Prime Minster during the Civil War. He officially saw the CSA as a country. Russell gave full support of the CSA by sending military advisors, money, and weapons. He signed a alliance with the CSA. After the war was won Edward Smith-Stanley won the spot of Prime Minister. England made trade with the CSA.The Anglo-Bhutanese War in which the Bhutanese resistance forces was crushed.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/28/British_Empire_1897.jpg

At the shores of Cuba the British Ship HMS Captain was blown to pieces. HMS Captain was on it's way to British Honduras when docked at Cuba. During the explosion five hundred people died aboard. The people of Great Britain point to Spain as the problem. Prime Minister Edward Smith-Stanley is sending a division from British Honduras to Cuba. The division is be outfitted with the new Martini-Henry. Prime Minster Stanley has also asked for army support from the CSA to President Lee.

King Leopold had done the deed. He had gotten Henry Morton Stanley to help him. The former newspaper reporter, who had found Dr. Livingstone in Africa had now been secretly been recruited by Leopold to explore and conquer the Congo territory. He had an army full of men with guns and he already knew the terrain.

Leopold felt confident in the instructions he had given him, "Make legal deals with these chiefs. Let these deals be one sided and let us have the territory. Use force only if you have to. Also get from the coast into the interior. We need to export these things."

Leopold now waited for Stanley to get around this giant place of Africa and claim all of it for him and Belgium. Belgium in Africa it sounded good.

Spain won the Chincha Islands War (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chincha_Islands_War), forcing Peru and Chile to pay huge indemnities, which Spain used to fund the building of industrial infrastructure back at home. Low factory wages in the newly industrialized Spain caused the Spanish people to revolt in 1868. Queen Isabella II was forced to abdicate, and the people set up a democracy. The new government did nothing to increase wages, but they did cut taxes, easing hardship on the workers and promoting economic growth.

Spain condemns the actions of the British government and urges the CSA to stay out of this conflict. Spanish President Ferdinand Carlos said about the British, "This is all a British plot to expand their empire. If they want Cuba so badly they can have it... for the right price. The Spanish government offers the colony of Cuba to the highest bidder."

President Lee saw a chance to expand the power of the CSA, however he did not want to nessisarilly get drawn into another possibly bloody conflict so soon. He said he would support the Brittish with wepons and supplies, but nothing else.

The British division has landed Havana. A blockade of ten British ships has surronded Havana. The leader of the army is General Bartle Frere and Admiral Philip Howard Colomb. Also with the British division is twenty experimental gatling guns.

Spanish President Ferdinand Carlos makes a final plea to the British, "For the sake of both our nations please cease this madness! We will not surrender as long as a single Spaniard lives! The cost of this conflict to both our nations shall be far greater than the paltry sum it would take to just purchase Cuba from us!"

Prime Minister John Russell doesn't want blood to be shed. "We will only give you one million pounds for Cuba. If you refuse we will drive threw Cuba. You have a pitful army here. They are no match."

The Spanish President is furious, "Havana alone is worth that much. You bloodthirsty British deserve the entirety of nations to declare war upon you. Spain hereby makes an offer to the people of Cuba: Any of you who fight the British, you and your families shall be made full Spanish citizens. We shall wage a guerilla war that will bankrupt the British Empire."

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario.

The Right Honourable Sir John Alexander Macdonald, Prime Minister of the newly formed Dominion of Canada, stood among his fellow colleagues, politicans and statesmen alike, of the Dominion's grand Parliament. Since July 1st, 1867, the once struggling Province, as it had been termed, blossomed into a Confederacy of states. Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, they all now stood in tandom looking ahead towards a brighter future.

But nonetheless, there was still much to be done. The Government, only 2 years old, was in need of a more structured bureaucacy, an infastructure needed to be expanded and military needed to be created, especially in light of recent events south of the 49th Parallel. In truth, many thing needed to be done, but Macdonald and fellow politicans had confidence that they, in this first government, could set the ground work for prosperity.

"Gentleman! Gentleman! We will have order!" shouted the Prime Minister from his podium in the center of the hall in an effort calm the 103 bickering citizens around him.

At once, the room fell into an eerie calm.

"In this morning's state of affairs, we have two issues in which the Parliament must decide upon at once! The first, in which we have deliberated over in many open sessions, is the construction and appropriation of funds for the construction of a Trans-Canadian Railway to link our own nation with British possessions in British Columbia and perhaps, if your American nieghbors to the south permit, to major railway centres in the United States."

"Now, the following plan, House Bill number thirty five states that 'The Canada Pacific Railway Company and Inter-Ocean Railway Company are to be granted $25,000,000 Canadian Dollars in credit from the Canadian government and a grant of 25,000,000 acres of land. Furthermore, the Dominion is also required to defray all surveying costs and property taxes to both Railway companies in question on the land granted to them by the Dominion for approximately 20 years."

"It is now time, I personally believe, to call this matter to a vote. We have bickered for too long, gentleman. Let us now decide."

In a small uproar, both conservatives, who were in favor of this more privatized option, voiced their own support while liberals under the charismatic Alexander Mackenzie, who sought to place the construction of the railway under the jurisdiction of the Government, shouted in opposition. However, each man soon got to placing his vote and in a matter of only minutes, they had been cast with the remainder of the hall taking their seats.

"Excellent!" began the Prime Minister, impressed by the body's relative haste in the voting process. "On the topic of House Bill number thirty-five, the following has been counted: 67 'yea' and 31 'nay' with 6 members abstaining. Thus, the Bill has passed and shall be directed To His Lordship, the Governor-General to be signed into law."

With the hammer of the gavel, the Bill was set in stone.

John Russell "Remeber back in 1868 with the Ten Years' War when Cuba wanted to be free of Spain? They have oppressed you for to long. We will rise up and defeat this Spainards. You will give you more freedoms then the Spainards did. If you are granted cizitenship to Spain they will classify you as second class cizitens.'

Back on Cuba General Bartle Frere has met with Carlos Manuel de Céspedez the leader of the Ten Years' War revolution. With Carlos is his 12,000 volunteers. General Frere has outfitted the volunteers with Martini-Henry rifle. The British have taken over Havana and built Fort Frere. The ten gatling guns have been set up inside. 10,000 men have landed at La Fe and are moving there way up to Havana. The rebels are attacking Artemias.

Spain points out British hypocracy, "Cubans, the British say they will treat you better than we have, but their record shows they are liars. Those who fight for us against them shall become our brothers."

Spain has equipped several thousand Cubans and merged them with their own forces. They have began to take potshots at British forces.

John Russell "We are pleased with the new nation of Canada plan to build a railway. We will help extend the railroad threw Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. Also we ask for a regiment to be sent to Cuba to crush the Spainards there. Long live the king!"


OOC: HOw many Cubans are in your army on the island?

I have 14,000 Regular British Troops and 12,000 Cuban Rebels.

British control on Cuba.

http://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cuba4cf.png

Ottawa, Canada

"Mr. Prime Minister, a telegram from the British Consulate." announced a government aide as he placed a lone yellow piece of paper upon the Government Leader's desk.

"Thank you, Chester." MacDonald replied robotically, siezing the telegram from the desk and placing it before his eyes.

So Her Majesty wishes to aid us in the Railway! Jolly Good! he thought in excitement. However, the second part of the telegram surprised him. Military support! Are they mad!

Indeed the outburst was waranted due to the fact that Canada had no real armed forces. Since the turn over of Canada to the British Crown in 1763, the military obligations of the territory had been statisfied, and were still mostly satisfied, by British Colonial regulars. Thus, to expect the Dominion to deploy soldiers to any location was quite perposterous.

Taking up pen and a few sheets of fine cotton paper, the Prime Minister began to scribble his resonse.

TO: London, The United Kingdom
FROM: Ottawa, Canada

To Her Most Imperious Majesty, by the grace of God Almighty, Queen Victoria I of the British Empire,

I write to you on this splendid occasion to offer my deepest thanks concerning your most enlightened government's support in Canada's new railway endevours. Hopefully, through the hard work of both Briton and Canadian alike, the prosperity of Her Majesty's North American territories may be secured.

However, there is one concern that presses me. In light of recent hostilities between the grand British Empire and the Kingdom of Spain, it has been called upon by your most righteous and just of authorities that volunteers of our good nation should be called upon to uphold the Empire's superiority in light of Spanish aggression. Unfortunantely, the Armies of Canada have yet to be formed as the Dominion still lies under responsibility of Her Majesty's armed forces. Yet I am sure with the Crown's support, a new arm of the Empire's defense may be formed.

In God's name,

The Right Honourable Sir John Alexander Macdonald
Prime Minister
The Dominion of Canada

"Oh Chester!" called the the statesman as he signed the document in black ink.

"Yes, Your Excellency?" the lowly aide responded in curt fasion.

"Could you please forward this message to the British Consulate? It is of utmost importantance so do not dilly-dally."

"Of course, Your Excellency!"

OOC: Probably about the same as yours, 12,000. My Spanish force is probably also 12,000 about a third of which are in Havana; which contrary to what you said has not fallen. You are going to have to do an assault or wait quite some time for that to happen.

8,000 Spanish forces along with 10,000 Cubans (armed with surplus weaponry) Intercept the 10,000 men outside Le Fe so they cannot meet up with the other British forces.

London, England

John Russel read the letter from MacDonald. He picked up his pen and started to right.

TO:Ottawa, Canada
FROM: London, England

To Sir John Alexander Macdonald,

I want you to start a army of your own. They will be attached to the current British Regiments and will be taught. Once the training is done we will hand over the defense of your government. We are sending a whole shipment of Martini-Henry rifles and hundred of the experimental gatling guns. Also if American dares intefer we will call on you to attack. We will take the a British-Canadian Regiment to Cuba. Long live the Queen!!!

From Her Majesty's Government,

The Right Honourable John Russell
Prime Minister
England

OOC: Is this a better map of Cuba? IF not tell me what to change.

http://img293.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cuba7mp.png

General Frere sat in his office in inside the Fort named after him. He hadn't made a move of his men since they landed in Havana. Execpt for the rebels they had successful gotten the town of Le Fe. The Spainards had stopped the push there. Also the Spainards still had 2/3 of the town. His men had being holding the line with the gatling guns. The first time they were tested the Spainards were suprised. Frere got up from a chair and saw went up a rampart on the fort. The sun was starting to rise. At 5'o clock he was going to order a bombardment with artillery. Exactly at 5'o clock the artillery comenced bombardement. At 5:10 the artillery stopped and the 10,000 lancers and regular troops advanced.

OOC: The map is fine. I am just awaiting your reply to my attack in the west.

London, England

Prime Minister Russell picked up his pen, but this time to a different country.

TO: Richmond, CSA
FROM: London, England

To President Lee,

The British Government thanks you for giving us supplies, but we also ask one more thing of you are ally. When need one more Regiment of men. We just need one Regiment of Men from you. Once we conquer Cuba we will let your country have plantations.

From Her Majesty's Government,

The Right Honourable John Russell
Prime Minister
England


Le Fe, Cuba

The rebel forces had been stopped by the militia of Cuba. They were commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Henry Pulleine. They had fallen back to Le Fe. He they had set up defense in inside the city with his two gatling gun crews. They had lost 200 men when they were ambushed by the Cubans, but they had also got some slaves who had left the plantations.

The Spanish troops in Havana had been setting up barricades in the streets, placing snipers in high places, and anything else they could think of to keep the city safe. The British artillery had killed a few dozen and wounded and disoriented many others. As the British advanced the Spanish waited until just the right moment to start firing from behind their makeshift defenses.

Meanwhile the Spanish transport artillery to La Fe and begin and bombarding it.

Back in Spain the Spanish Navy cuts off British access to the Strait of Gibraltar, forcing the British to go around the tip of Africa to get to most of its colonies, costing them much time and money.

OOC: Oh, I didn't know you were going to post that; forget part two of my last post then. Instead my forces will head north to attack your other forces (where are all your forces again, I thought you had three armies but your map only showed two.)

IC:
In the early 19th Century Napoleon Bonaparte set up several client Republics on the Italian Peninsula. With his rise to the status of Empire these Republics were reformed into Kingdoms under the command of his family. After his fall the citizens of these Kingdoms quickly rose up against their weak Monarchs and reclaimed them as the Republics they once were. With the threat of Austrian invasion these weak republics banded together under a single Federal Republic with its capital at Rome.

In the mid 19th century many small conflicts occurred between the Kingdom of Two Sicilies and the Roman Republic; as tension raised between these two nations groups of Italian Nationalists on both sides began to dream of a United Italian Republic. In 1860 the Young Italy political party took the seat of First Consul and quickly began to mobilize the Italian military in support of the Redshirt Revolutionaries in Southern Italy. Under the command of General Giuseppe Garibaldi the Kingdom of Two Sicilies and its new ally Sardinia were admitted into the Federation in 1866 and the countries’ title was officially changed from the Roman Republic to The Roman Republic of Italy.

In 1866 Giuseppe Garibaldi ran for and won Consul seat under the new United Italy Political Party, Formed largely from the old Young Italy Party, which had the goal of fully uniting the Northern and Southern states as well as exporting the Italian Republic to other European and African Nations. Shortly later he was given the possition of President for Life by the Senate.

In 1869 the Vatican was officially granted to the Catholic Church to ease growing tensions between the Republic and the Clergy. This move was not supported by many members of the United Italy, but proved to gather the support of many pro-Catholic groups in Italy.

OOC: I'll start RPing later, not in a good enough mood to do anymore writing on the subject for now.

Le Fe, Cuba

Lieutenant Colonel Henry Pulleine saw that the Militia had left. He ordered the men to slowly make their way up.

Havana, Cuba

General Frere got the word that the troop had breaking out in one point and were attacking the Spainards. He hoped that they would break threw.

After a long fight and many shots fired by both sides the British manage to break two of the three main barricades, the left and right ones. The Spanish behind those barricades flee back to their second and last line of defense; a few of the Spanish seem to be going into the sewers though.

Based on when they started their Journey it seems that the Cuban Militia and other Spanish forces should arrive at Havana in less than a day's time.

The Spanish also send 10,000 more troops from Africa.

Havana, Cuba

General Frere got the reports from the front they broke threw the right and left barricades. Now the British surronded the Spainards in the center. He had given them a chance to surrender and be taken to a prisoner camp. Also the ten ships had been reinforce with ten more. They were going to form a blockade between Cuba and Spain.

Guane, Cuba

Lieutenant Colonel Henry Pulleine hadn't seen the Spanish in a couple of days. He had left some men back in Le Fe with two british ships. Now they were in Guane. They had encountered some ambushes, but they were making there way along.

http://img28.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cuba2qz.png

Unfortunately for General Frere and his troops the Spaniards that went into the sewers were heading to set off all the explosives in Havana, which had been placed there just prior to the British assualt. For a fifty meter radius around the trapped Spanish troops the street was ripped apart and caved in, anyone standing in the area was likely to be crushed to death. Even several dozen of the trapped Spanish (who were in the safety of the "eye" of the blast) were killed, and more were wounded.

Havana, Cuba

About fifty men were killed or wounded. General Frere got reports of twenty Spanish soldiers found. He ordered them to be placed in Fort Frere. They were put inside and were tended by the doctors. Now General Frere has gained control over the whole city execpt for the outskirts. He also has made ten gatling guns up to the front line were the regular troops are loacted. General Frere has asked the Spanish General to be present at a meeting in between the two armies. He has set up the point with a white flag.

http://img22.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cuba7gd.png

The Spanish general agrees to meet.

General Bartle Frere made his way to the point where the white flag was located. With him was Colonel John Rouse Merriott Chard. He waited with Colonel Chard until he saw the Spanish General.

"Might I ask who you are?"

"I am General Juan Miranda, Supreme Commander of all Spanish forces in Cuba," said the heavily decorated man, formally.

"I wish for a cease fire from your forces for two days General Juan Miranda." Frere stared at Miranda.

"And I wish for a permenant cease fire between our two nations," Miranda retorted. "Can't you see that this war is going nowhere? I urge you to send a message to your Prime Minister telling him that all this war can end in is death and bankruptcy. If he wants Cuba so badly he should pay for it with money, not blood." With that General Miranda swirled around and walked back to his men.

The Kingdom of Bavaria over the course of the middle of the 9th century began to spread its power throughout southern Germany. Realizing that the only way to survive the spreading power of the great powers around, especially Prussia and Austria, Bavaria had to gain more size and power.

The Kingdom gained legitimacy with the incorporation of a two-house parliament, and capitalized on rising popular support by increasing the size of the military. Leading officials tried to copy the Prussian bureaucratic and military systems of efficiency to gain power to rival the other European states.

The King of Bavaria and his Prime Minister agreed on expansive policies that meant the incorporation of several small bordering states, including Hesse-Cassel, and Baden-Wurtemberg. The rest of the states of Southern Germany have been or are being tried to organize into a sort of alliance, the Southern German Confederation.

For now, friendly relations with Prussia, Austria, and France are being maintained.

London, England

Prime Minister Russell sat in his office. He got the recent reports from Havana. This war was going no where. Picking up his pen he started to write.

TO: Madrid, Spain
FROM: London England

To President Ferdinand Carlos ,

Since this war is getting nowhere we are willing to buy 3 million pounds. If you do not accept this offer we will have to resort to more measures. If the offer is accept will give ten days for your army to leave. Also all police personal shall stay.

From Her Majesty's Government,

The Right Honourable John Russell
Prime Minister
England

Ferdinand Carlos responds:

To Prime Minister John Russell,

My government needs some time to consider your proposal. We are going to have a referendum so the people can choose. I only ask that we have a ceasefire until such a time as the referendum can be completed.

Havana, Cuba

General Frere rest in his office in Fort Frere. During the cease fire move defenses are put on the Fort. Also the barricades have been improved. The gatling guns are still pointed at the Spaniards.

Guane, Cuba

Lieutenant Colonel Henry Pulleine got the orders from General Frere about the cease fire. His army has stopped in the town and made defenses in the town. The rebels in Le Fe are building a temporary fort.

OOC: What type of rifle does Spain use on Cuba.

The Spanish forces in Havana also impove their defenses, setting up barricades made from rubble from the street. In addition they place the cities heavy artillery in postion to fire upon the British if the war resumes. The 10,000 Spanish forces from Africa arrive to reinforce the garrison in Havana.

President Ferdinand Carlos sends another message to England, saying that the people will not support selling Cuba to the British unless there are no substantially better offers from other nations. President Carlos asks that the British let him briefly see if there are no other offers as otherwise the people will demand a return to war.

OOC: The two Americas. Either of would profit greatly from possessing Cuba, especially the North since they are somewhat lacking in agriculture at this time. It could also give you political influence, not to mention that it is much closer to you than it is to Britain which is quite benificial. I estimate the value of Cuba to be at least five million dollars, so anything below that yet above what Britain is offering would be a very good deal.

Pinar Del Rio, Cuba

Since most of the Cubans have moved toward Havana Lieutenant Colonel Henry Pulleine and some former slaves have joined his army. Usallly they get attacked by some one, but them make their way on. The army made their way threw the different villages. He has outfitted the former slaves with Martini-Henry and some Snider-Enfields. Also some slaves uprised in Nueva Gernoa. There fate is still determined. The La Demajagua Army is the name of the rebel army.. Lieutenant Colonel Henry Pulleine is the military leader while Carlos Manuel de Céspedes is the political leader. He tells the slaves to rise up against the Spainards. After this push forward Prime Minister Russell ends the cease fire and fighting still begins again in Havana. Also a division of Afrikaners from South Africa is coming to Cuba. That will raise it to 20,000 regular British troops.

OOC: http://img41.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cuba0uc.png

OOC: You keep on saying what has happened to my forces and my former slaves. If I invaded Ireland I wouldn't arbitrarily decide on a number of Irish that joined me in my fight and then go on to say I had taken Dublin (especially without even assaulting it.) I also wouldn’t decide your casualty figures, or deflate my own.

OOC: I changed it.

IC:
The president stepped into the meeting hall where regional governors were already waiting at a semi-circular table.

“Alright gentlemen, I have called you here to discus a matter of great importance to Italy.” He paused for a moment to look at the leaders “I had hopeds you all would have begun this process yourselves at the end of the re-unification, but it seems the central government will have to step in. It is time for several steps to be taken to bring southern Italy up to par with the North; they are detailed on this notice” He stops to hand out a paper to each govenor which reads:

A ) Establish railines that connect each regional capital to the capital of neighboring regions.
B ) Drain and clear any swamp or marshland in your region and sell it for the production of grains.
C ) Call up a regional guard to compliment the Arma dei Carabinier.

“I expect these commands to be begun in a timely manner and be accomplished by the end of the following year.

OOC:
This IC sucked…I’ll try to do better on the next one which should be posted tomorrow.

The 8,000 Spanish forces and 10,000 Cubans from the west reach Havana and block all retreat from the forces beseiging it. Together with the 13,000 forces inside Havana they began bombarding the British with artillery.

The American Federal Empire was an Empire in name only. The AFE was determined to amend themselves with their "brothers" to the south. Emotions were cooling off from the war. The AFE also wished to establish a friendly relation to their neighbors to the north, Canada. During the Spanish-British conflict over Cuba the AFE chose to remain neutral. While the war was in its peak the AFE offered Spain 3,500,000 American Dollars for Cuba in this letter:
Dear General Juan Miranda,

The American Federal Empire is greatly distraught at the way your colony of Cuba is being destroyed in a pontless war. The AFE would like you to consider the offer of 3,500,000 American Dollars for the island and all its citizens.

Thank You for you time,
George McClellan, Imperial President, AFE


ooc: bet no one expected him to be my president huh?

OOC: I am not sure about the Pounds to Dollars conversion during this time. Can we all just pretend that every currency has the same conversion rate for the sake of simplicity?

Spain accepts the American Federal Empire's generous offer:

Dear Imperial President McClellan,

We accept your generous offer, and are prepared to vacate the island upon your arrival.

Sincerely,

Ferdinand Carlos, President of Spain

OOC: Crap, i missed a chance to match the US's bid. Oh well, i can wright an IC reason for it.

It is still 1870, right?

IC: President Lee has taken ill in Richmond. Durring this period, time was lost that the CSA could have matched the bid.

OCC: One British Pound-Sterling at this time is worth roughly $4.90 United States Dollars (rough estimate), I believe. However, I am sure you could find a more specific conversion for this time period.

ICC:

Ottawa, Canada

With the eruption of the Second Anglo-Spanish War and the susequent request for Canadian Volunteers, Parliament was motivated towards its next major decision: the formation of a armed service. As a Dominion (the first of its kind in the history of the British Empire) the Canadian people were intended to place matters of defense into their own hands, with the Crown providing only limited assistance in the event of war. However, this initial objective had been subverted with the degradation of tensions between Great Britain and the United States during the Civil War. Thus, even as Canada moved ahead as a somewhat independent nation, its armed services still composed of only British Regulars, and not too many at that, which worried many Canadians.

So in an open session of Parliament, the topic of conversation was devoted to the establishment of the Canadian Armed Services. At first, it was professed by members of the Conservative party that the service, labeled the 'Royal Canadian Army' would be a force of professional soldiers that would serve until proper discharge. However, due to the costs associated with the establishment of a volunteer force of that sort, Liberals argued in favor of a conscription-based system in which all male citizens 18-40 could be called up at any time and citizens annually reaching the age of 18 serving in an 'Active Militia' until the age of 20, although they still were required to participate in annual training excersises until the age of 40. Of course, as the conscription plan offered the greatest amount of protection against any possible agression at a lower cost to the taxpayer, which were quite few in this time, Moderate Conservatives sided with the Liberal faction and the 'National Conscription Act' was passed on February 1, 1870, followed shortly after by the 'National Defense Act' which appopriated funds to the maintenence of the Canadian Armed Services, along with the establishment of a Canadian military-industrial complex to produce ordinance for the ever evolving Dominion.

At once, following the signing of the acts, the call was issued for all males 18-40 were to report to post offices, newly established recruiting stations and other government centres around the country where they were given a prompt physical exam, a designated weapon and uniform (mostly surplus British Colonial Uniforms from the previous decade), along with a concise pamphlet explaining the National Defense Act and National Conscription Act. Along with these actions, all doctors, teachers and lawyers, in accordance with the National Defense Act, were given an officer's commision, along with any volunteering British-Canadian colonial regulars who were also promoted to Non-Commisioned Officers within the Royal Canadian Army to provide a fully staffed chain of command. Then, once the more offical processes of registration had been completed, all 18-20 year olds in attendence were schedueled for training at one of the 4 new training camps scattered around the country with 21-40 year olds schedueled for secondary training semeniars .

It was projected by the end of the year that Canada was to have an Active Militia force of nearly 40,000 trained citizen-soldiers with 100,000 others either in training or in secondary/tetiary reserves. Of course, overtures were made by Ottawa to London asking for advisors, ordinance and advice in which the new nation desperately needed. Also, messages were sent to various arms manufacturers such as Enfield, Holland & Holland, Vickers, Scott & Websley, Remington, Winchester, Smith & Wesson and Colt offering sutable land for development in return for various arms contracts and agreements.

Of course, the total expenditure of these large projects was a horrendous $65,000,000 Canadian Dollars, exhausting most of the national reserves. But the changes were needed for a better, brighter Canada.

Havana, Cuba

The Artillery had killed some men, but the British were in their defenses. General Frere had just gotten word that the Afrikaner Division had just landed at Caimanera and made a beach head. Sitting inside his office in Fort Frere, he wondered if all the Spaniards were trying to attack just Havana. It didn't matter. Fort Frere was being rebuilt to made into a long lasting fort.

Guantamnamo, Cuba

Commandant-General Joubert let his men rest. He knew soon that they were going to be fighting the damnyankees. Much of the Island was under Spanish rule execpt the capital.


OOC:
http://img3.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cuba5sb.png

London, England

John Russell made Enfield, Holland & Holland, Vickers, and Scott & Websleyabout the deal. All of the compaines agreed and will start to make factories in Canada. All the weapons will be at half price. Also Russell told Canadian government how the British Troops would stay and teach the Canadians until they got the hang of things. Also the British Troops will still kept there places inside the forts for now.

OCC: I asked in the OC thread, but I think it would be prudent to ask here as well; how much do you think 3.5 million dollars/pounds/whatever should be worth (adjusted for inflation)?

OCC: Keep in mind Cad that Winchester and Remington are American-based companies.

ICC:

Federicton, Canada

"Alright chaps, sit around! Don't be shy!" shouted Staff Sergeant David Townsfield, summoning forth the motley band of Canadian recruits around him.

For the past three weeks, since the inception of the National Conscription Act, the small town of Federicton, Canada had been flooded with thousands of new recruits from across the nation, most of them only 18 years old and barely out of secondary schooling. The reason: Federicton was the sight of the new Canadian National Military Arsenal by Parliament. The sight itself was that of the old Fort Henderson, a backwater fortifacation from the early 19th Century, orginally staff by less than a hundred colonial soldiers and not highly valued by the Crown which had invested its money into bigger fortifacations closer to the St. Lawrence River. As a result, the fortifacation itself was a tad bit outdated, wtth crumbling walls of brick and stone, wooden quarters filled with rats and all sorts of mold, along with a half-flooded magazine-room towards the bottom of the central blockhouse. But with the remainder of the forts near Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Quebec all working hard to satisfy other objectives, it was required that this old backwater centre be renovated into something actually usable.

Nonetheless, even with the citadel (if you could even call it that) still undergoing renovation, a mountain of recruits, officers, staffers and NCO's had piled into the area, immedeately establishing another training camp in which the conscripts of the Dominion could regularly drill at. And drill they did. In the frigid temperatures of only 3 Degrees Celcius, ranks and columns of red and blue uniformed soldiers marched in rank and file, sluding through snow and ice with little contempt, as those who whined were quite badly harassed by their respective Drill Master. Within the fort, towards the far-left wall by a collection of old, green painted barracks, lay a makeshift rifle firing range where recruits would practice daily firing drills in formation against the dreaded enemies canvas and dirt, painted in a dazzling array of red warpaint which conviently could be interpreted into something of a bulls-eye. At 100 yards, then at 75, then at 50, companies of cold, battered recruits would fire their rifles in succession, although not with the proficency as their British insructors. But to Staff Sergeant Townsend, they were making some progress.

"Now." he begun after the entire company had assembled before him. "What I have in my hands is what we Brits like to call the Snider-Enfield Mark 1 Breech-Loading rifle. As you can see here, this little doll sports a 54 inch long steel barrel, rifled in a hexagonal pattern with a nice wooden frame and a latch locking breech block."

Waiting a moment so that each soldier could examine the rifle-musket himself, David refrained from speaking further.

"Now, as I will demonstrate, The action operates by the firer cocking the hammer, flipping the block out of the receiver to the right by grasping the left mounted breech block lever, and then pulling the block back to extract the spent case. There is no ejector, the case being lifted out or, more usually, the rifle being rolled onto its back to allow the case to drop out."

Again, David stopped speaking, instead placing a .577 cartridge into the block, closing the reciever and pulling back the hammer.

"Now, as this little bastard fires a .57 caliber solid lead shot, she gives one hell of a kick when you pull the trigger. Thus, I advise that those of you who have yet to fire a weapon in your life place the rifle square against the shoulder, so as not to break your collar bone when firing, and put your feet in a strong, reinforced stance."

David then pulled the rifle up to his shoulder and pulled the hammer back to full cock.

"After that, just aim down the center of the barrel, concentrate on your target and squeeze the trigger."

POP!

With a sudden flash of fire and smoke, the rifle belched forth a lead slug from its long steel barrel at blinding speed, cascading into one of the marauding canvas invaders with a solid THUD!

At once, the grizzled sergeant turned to face his fellow conscripts.

"See its not that hard. Now if you would please take a rifle and a box of cartridges from the armory to your left, we can begin your rifle drilling phase. Dismissed!"

OCC: I asked in the OC thread, but I think it would be prudent to ask here as well; how much do you think 3.5 million dollars/pounds/whatever should be worth (adjusted for inflation)?

OCC: As I said above, a British Pound around this time was worth $4.90 United States Dollars. Thus, 3.5 million Pounds in 1860 would equal around $17,150,000 United States Dollars.

Of course, this is only a rough approximation.

OOC: I meant how much would that money be worth today (adjusted for inflation); that way I can know how usefull it is.

Ottawa, Canada

Colonel Charles Pearson was training the 13th Battalion Volunteer Militia. They were going to be trained with the new Martini-Henry. He stood in front of the battalion.

"Okay men, we have picked you to be the first Canadian Troops to be trained with the Martini-Henry rifle. The Martini-Henry has been used in the Anglo-Spanish War."

Picking up a rifle Pearson, he aimmed at a target at 1,200 yards. He pulled the trigger and fired.

"You men better get ready for some hell the next couple of weeks."

IC:
Dear King Amadeo I [I am only assuming he is King as the Previous ruler died in 1870

We are sorry to hear of the current state of chaos in your overseas empire caused by the British attacks on Cuba and the purchase of the Island by the American Imperials. Because of these events the Roman Republic would like to purchase from you the island of Puerto Rico for 1,000,000 Lira.
Best of luck,
President Giuseppe Garibaldi

OOC: [I am only assuming Amadeo I is King as the Previous ruler left the throne in 1870.]

OOC: Edited for current rules regarding money.

Spain responds:

We thank you for your kind words and assure you we will take your proposal into consideration.

Sincerely,

President Ferdinand Carlos

OOC: Before making any other sales I am trying to get an idea of the actual worth of my colonies.

OOC: we can move at fluid time...(meaning I could be RPing in 1872 while someone else is in 1870-1. It should be close to every one elses time for simplicity though.)

With President Lees failing health the northerners saw this as a chance to reconcile with the south. They offered for him to be buried on any ground on the fact that he had also been a brilliant northern general as well. The north did not expect their offer to be accepted but it was a start to the healing process between the two nations. Meanwhile the AFE continued making friends. Italy was now an ally of the AFE, though no treaty had been signed yet. They were also looking into have Prussia as a friend.

Baracoa, Cuba

Commandant-General Joubert had moved in the last couple of weeks. He had caputured Baracoa from a Cuban force. They were no match for his men.

Havana, Cuba

Since the artillery started General Frere had placed a order for his men to build a trench to protect their part of Havana. The Spanish only had the the outskirts of the town. He still had the port open and was getting supplies. Fort Frere had been made into a real fort. They had contrusted real walls, barracks, and a officer for him. While looking at a map of Cuba the British Artillery opened fire on the Spanish.

OOC: Is this map okay Elite Battle Hordes.

http://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cuba1kh.png

The new Southern German Confederation based in Munich has decided to make its first expansive move, annexing the German state of Hessen Nassau. The current alliances that exist with Prussia and Austria gives the Confederation a free hand and it is playing on German pride to see this even occur. In addition, the state of Baden has been incorporated within the kingdom of Bavaria and Cassel into the kingdom of Hesse.

The army has been called up and mercenaries put into action in preparation. This will be the first time the new Bavarian-led Confederation will be working as a unit since its inception and incorporation of Prussian style-tactics and bureaucracy.

The American Imperialists sent a letter to the British Parliment:

Dear Pime Minister,

Now that The American Federal Empire contorls the island of Cuba, We, the Congress of the AFE, respectfully request that you cease hostilities upon our newest citizens. We wish for the peaceful withdrawl of your soliders.
Respectfully yours,
Imperial President, George Mclellen

Richmond, Virginia June 21, 1870

Vice president Judah Benjamin walked down the front hall of the White House of the Confederacy. He was one of the few people that knew that President Lee was dead. He paused a few moments at the doorway and went outside to anounce the news to the country.






http://www.scv674.org/benjamin.j.jpg

(President Judah Benjamin)

London, England
June 1870

John Russell heard about hearing their ally the CSA loosing their Preisdent Lee. Russel knew that Lee was a good man and general. Having only met Lee once during the War of Sucession. He recieved the letter from the President of the USA. John Russell didn't care they were going after the strongest country in the world.

TO: Richmond, CSA
FROM: London, England

To President Judah Benjamin,

I have gotten a letter from the President of the USA. They have told us to get off Cuba. We will never leave. Do you really want to have a US island that could attack your ports during a war. We need your help. Please send a Regiment of men. They can have their own General command them. Once we conquer the island we will set land aside for plantations.

From Her Majesty's Government,

The Right Honourable John Russell
Prime Minister
England

IC:

The Italian Government is shocked by the news of the death of your leader. We offer our condolences to the Government of The Confederate States and the great people of your nation. May the term of President Judah Benjamin lead your people to great prosperity.

Giuseppe Garibaldi, President for Life, Roman Republic

Havana, Cuba

General Frere in his office had given the orders for the artillery to open fire on the Spanish lines for the next couple of days straight. The conditions in Cuba had changed for the Cubans. He had set up martial law to make sure they didn't cause any trouble. During this month he build a military hospital and regular hospital for the people. He also had a election for a mayor of Havana. The elected mayor was José Julián Martí Pérez, who was thrown in jail by the Spanish for treason.

The order had came for the Spanish forces to evacuate Cuba. Spanish President Ferdinand Carlos sent a final message to Spain's Cuban allies:

I advise you to support the Americans, as you can already see that the British are bloodthirsty brutes by their recent declaration of martial law. I wish your people the best of luck.

Sincerely,

President Ferdinand Carlos

Santiago, Cuba

Commandant-General Joubert was setting up a army hospital. He recieved the message that the Spanish were leaving soon. It was very humid and hot, but his men were getting use to it.

Havana, Cuba

General Frere had heard about the Spanish evacuation. He stopped the artillery for the Spanish to escape. When the Spanish left it would take sometime for them to leave. This Anglo-Spanish War had lasted for seven months. They were doing pretty good. They had some deaths, but most of the army still lived.

OOC: http://img86.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cuba2rs.png

President Benjamin imediatly had a deciosion to make and he deliberated with the Cabinit. He replies with this telegram:

To: London, Brittish Empire
From: Richmond, Confederate States of America

Though you are our ally, I am reluctant to go to war with "those people" (ooc: using something General Lee would often say) because of a lack of a casus belli or a cause for us to join in your war, and since the War of Sucession only ended 5 years ago. I will send weapons and supplies over to you, but I will not commit my country to a war over Cuba when their is a chance to lose all we have achieved.

Regards,

President Judah Benjamin

London, England

John Russell read the message from the new President of the CSA.

TO: Richmond, CSA
FROM: London, England

To President Judah Benjamin,

We were in need of supplies. We thank your government very much. We will crush the Americans and will liberate the Cubans. They will have their own War of Sucession.

From Her Majesty's Government,

The Right Honourable John Russell
Prime Minister
England '


Havana, Cuba

With the Spanish going to leave soon General Frere send out the message to all the people on Cuba. It had been written in Spanish

TO CUBANS

Your Government has sold you off. They have abandon you and have gotten money for your lives. Now you will live under the Americans you will supress your every action. We have come here to free your people. Fight against the Spanish and the American Scum. Rise up and Fight!

General Frere

He was going to get ready for a major advance. Lieutenant Colonel Henry Pulleine had made a major push and getting close to Havana. Also Commandant-General Joubert had made some major pushes too.

OOC: http://img83.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cuba7hp.png
Does anyone even look at the maps I make?

IC:
To: London, England
From: Rome, Italy

To Prime Minister John Russell,

The government of Rome asks that you remove your troops from the Island of Cuba. The invasion was propmted by the destruction of a British ship by the Spaniards; as the Spaniards have left the island your troops no longer have any right to be there.

If you deem it necessary the Roman Republic will mediate negotiations between the British Empire and thr American Imperials.

Giuseppe Garibaldi, President for Life, Roman Republic

After two months of waiting for an English Reply and seeing their blood thirsty advances on American soil(Cuba) The Imperial Americans sent another Letter to the English Parliment:

Dear Prime Minister Russell,

The American Federal Empire politely requests that you cease hostilities upon our newest citizens. If the British Empire does not stand down in the Cuban Island, Imperial America will be forced to act. We firmly belive in the Monroe Doctrine, which you have violated, and the fact that we will have the support of our allies, namely the Roman Republic of Italy.

Regards,
AFE(no signature)


To Cuba they sent this message:

Dear Interim Head of State,

The American Federal Empire sees the people of the Cuban island as our own citizens. Fight against the brute-ish British tyrrany. Your Island will be made a state of the American Federal Empire, with the full statehood rights. Rally your troops and do not listen to British propaganda.

Your Fellow Citizen,
George Mclellen, Imperial President, AFE

General Frere heard about the Americans threats but he had yet to see any Americans. He told his two other generals to build a trench and defend the land they have. Also Frere also has gotten a Navy of fifty battleships to defend the island. The fifty gatling guns have been set up around the British held land. Another division was being sent to Lieutenant Colonel Henry Pulleine. A 5,000 men British loyal milita had been formed in Commandant-General Joubert sector. General Frere wanted revenge against the American for the Revolution and the War of 1812.

Spain sends a message to the AFE:

Although now that Cuba is in your possession we have no need to continue our war with Britain, we are interested in a permenent alliance with you.

Sincerely,

President Ferdinand Carlos

John Russel tells President Ferdinand Carlos that the war with them is over, but the Anglo-Spanish War still active.

IC:
Berbera, Abyssinia
Frederic Dominici sat opposed to an ornately dressed Abyssinian. Behind him stood two guards.
"I must say that this is the finest meal I have eaten since I arrived in this town of yours your Majesty."

"Why thank you Mr. Dominici, but lets just get down to business. What is it you are after?" Inquired the Sultan "After all, you Romans don't just come out to the middle of nowhere to eat a meal and talk to me." he added with a grin

"Well your majesty, the Dominici-Belloumini trading company would like to purchase your port for our use and to prevent other companies and nations from using it...aside form yours of course."

"Go on."

"You will continue to be the figurehead and your current laws will apply in the city." he continued, "You will also be considered the owner in regards to diplomatic relations. And a portion of the town's taxes will continue to go to you."

"I may be interested, what do you have to offer me?"

"10,000 Maria Theresa Thalars."
[OOC: I am using the actual currency rates of 1970 since I don't know the 2006 equivalents. I chose the MTT due to it's popularity in Abyssinia (they wouldn't use anything else) and because it was used to purchase other cities in the area for a similar price.]

"And I would retain use of the port?"

"Yes your majesty."

"You have a deal Mr. Dominici. Bring the money to my treasurer and he will give you the deed to the town."

"Thank you your Majesty.”

Imediately after leaving Frederic Dominici went to draft a telegram to his father in law.
To: Taranto, Italy
From: Berbera, Abyssinia
Father, I have struck a deal with the Sultan. I will return home with the deed to the city soon.

OOC: Not the most accurate, but I don’t quite know how these deals were don’t between trading companies and local rulers, so I improvised.

Ferdinand Carlos responds to John Russell:

We will continue this war until you pay sufficent indemnities for your unprovoked attack upon the former Spanish colony of Cuba. We request one million pounds for an end to the war and the reopening of the Strait of Gibralter to your ships.

John Russell tell the Spanish do they want to shed more blood.


OOC: You don't control the Strait of Gibraltar. I control Gibraltar so I pretty much control the strait.

OOC: Sorry, for some reason I was thinking the British didn't get it until later. And are you sure you want to the pay the one million pounds, that is over 30 billion modern dollars.

The American Imperialists chose to try one last time for peace before leting violence erupt in the western hemisphere again. They were reluctant to go to war so soon after the Civil War. This letter was sent in a diplomatic packet to England. Meanwhile the American Navy moved towards Cuba though not directly. They were loaded quite heavily. Many ships had at least some iron plating. Something that had worked well during their Civil War.

Dear Prime Minister Russell,

The American Federal Empire will not stand for the continued aggression into the Western Hemisphere. Although it defies the Monroe Doctrine, we are willing to split the Cuba Island with the British Empire. We do not wish to get into another entanglement so soon after a major war. We only wish for your government to cease attacking innocent citizens of the American Federal Empire.

George Mclellen, AFE I.P.

OOC: RED=BRITISH, BLUE=AFE
http://img81.imageshack.us/my.php?image=howtosplitcuba2sv.png

We refuse to accept this conditions. We control most of blue parts you have showed and we will never accept. During the time before the Americans came General Frere captured the rest of Havana and built the trench to defend the city. Also a fort has been built on the city of Le Fe on the island south of Cuba.

OOC: Red=British http://img87.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cuba2my.png

Spain has a proposal for Britain:

To cement our newfound peace with you we would like to make a trade. We will return to you the million pounds you recently gave us, plus another million, in exchange for Gibraltar.

Sincerely,

President Ferdinand Carlos

To Spain

We thank you for the offer for Gibraltar, but we will have to denied the offer for now. Now that we have peace we will open trade with you again.

From Her Majesty's Government,

The Right Honourable John Russell
Prime Minister
England

The Southern German Confederation, recently founded, is looking for powerful allies in possibly France or Spain to aid in the rise of the Confederation

IC:
Rome, Italy
Secretary of state Carlo Facta sat behind his desk across from the President Garibaldi and the secretary of Defense, Luigi peano.

“With Britain’s attacks against our allies in America I fear that we may be drawn into a war with Britain, the greatest Naval power on Earth.” Said The President “I want you to begin building a larger Naval force as quickly as possible.”

Defense minister Facta added “Based on our reaserch and our experience at the Battle of Taranto we believe our focus should be on building new Ironclads as well as armoring older vessels.”

“You are free to offer contracts to any and all companies you see fit, just get them out there.”

“Yes Mr. President. I will takie care of it immediately.”

OOC:
This basically opens up an Austro-Hungarian-style shipbuilding sector where the companies build ships on a constant basis and the Government buys them up as they receive the funds. More or less allows the Government to always have ships available, but these are often a year or so behind in technology, but this wont be much of a problem since nothing major really happens for another 20 years. Ships not purchased by the Government will go to the Italian trading companies [I thought about making that an IC of its own, but it seems to trivial].

To Southern German Confederation

We would like to form a alliance with your country. We would help you in any way you would need it.

From Her Majesty's Government,

The Right Honourable John Russell
Prime Minister
England

Spain responds to the Southern German Confederation:

We would like to join you in an alliance, but can't if you join Britain. As long as Britain is at war with the American Federal Empire and has land on the Iberian Penninsula (Gibraltar), we cannot join them in an alliance.

Sincerely,

President Ferdinand Carlos

OOC: If Britain either ends its war with the AFE OR sells me Gibraltar I will be willing to be in the same alliance with them.

IC:
The Roman Republic would like to offer an alliance with the Southern German Confederation, agreeing to come to each other's aid in the event of Austrian or French agression.

Sincerely,
Giuseppe Garibaldi, President for life in the Roman Republic.

An informal letter sent to the British Empire from the AFE said:

to: John Russell, Prime Minister of Great Britain:
Since you have rejected our proposal how would you have Cuba split.
-George Mclellen, Imperial President, AFE

In an effort to stop Italian expantion, the Confederate government raises the bid on Puerta Rico by 50,000 Confederate dollars.

OOC: Titicus, in my first response I forgot to include a mention of the kind of alliance of which Voxio spoke. So even if you do ally with Britain I might be willing to have a non-full alliance in which we pleged mutual defense in the case of the aggression of only certain nations.

To AFE

Dear President Mclellen

To end this war we will just want to own the western part. If you agree we will move the division out of the eastern part.

From
John Russell

OOC: Meaning that blue=British. Also can we post the deaths of the Anglo-Spanish War?

Mr. Russell, The American Federal Empire accepts the proposed split. Maps will be drawn up and sent to meet your approval. We would also like to create a friendly attitude, if not alliance, towards each other.
Regards,
George Mclellen, AFE.

OOC:http://img64.imageshack.us/my.php?image=howtosplitcuba6lc.png
RED= British

go ahead just note that the Americans never landed so there are no AFE casualties.

Due in part to the longtime enemity of the German race with the French, the Southern German Confederation has decided to ally itself with Great Britain for the time being. The King and parliament have decided that more benefits could be accrued from an alliance with such a major player and so have decided to ally for a space of 7 years. We wait for Britain's response

The Confederation still thinks that it could be possible to be close friends with the Spanish and Italian crowns, and wishes above all to have excellent relations with them. The King especially is interested in possible future alliances with these great nations, but due to current instances cannot. The King is willing to pledge some sort of defensive pact with Spain and Italy that doesn't conflict with this new alliance.

The Confederation wishes Great Britain to know that it will give aid when needed, but has little ability to send troops overseas, such as to Cuba. We hope The Prime Minister will support us in several endeavors in cementing our leadership in Germany

*****************

Finally, the Confederation, in offering something to its continental brethren, wishes to sign some sort of economic pact to improve trade between our nations - specifically Spain, Italy, Austria, and Russia

TO SGC

We are thank for the alliance and we are willing to help you in any way.

Best Regards
John Russell


To AFE

The English Government is pleased with the maps and we accept them. Also we will have alliance with you for ten years. This alliance will end in 1881.

Best regards
John Russell

Spain is pleased with the end of the war between the American and British Empires. We are now willing to consider entering a full alliance with the SGC and Great Britain. We would however like Britain to consider selling Gibraltar to us, or trading it for one of our colonies.

We will not be able to sell Gibraltar at this time. The British Empire might consider in the future to sell Gibraltar.

OOC:Elite Battle Hordes can you post how many people were killed on your side of the fighting of the Anglo-Spanish War?

OOC: I was thinking like two thousand Spaniards and about two more thousand Cubans. By the way, if we are in an alliance you really don't have to worry about me having Gibraltar.