milita units, the way the CSA army is described in game, always falls apart, and very esay.. it is something the devs would have to adress in Vic3
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Funny you think that they're so on it with Vicky 3 that this is the thing to fix.
Yeah, this war could not have gone better for Prussia and UK. France just got spanked by US and diplomatically isolated. Plus losing ships just after opening the juiciest naval target this century isnt a good sign.
UK needs to get into Egypt and steal that thing.
Yeah, this war could not have gone better for Prussia and UK. France just got spanked by US and diplomatically isolated. Plus losing ships just after opening the juiciest naval target this century isnt a good sign.
UK needs to get into Egypt and steal that thing.
OMG, we went for active, direct support of the CSA???
I kinda think this will spell an early end to the Second French Empire, as it should cost it any support from Right-wing Republicans. I mean come on, we went to war against the very nation we struggled to help create a few decades ago! Meh, time for a Second French Republic now.
I kinda think this will spell an early end to the Second French Empire, as it should cost it any support from Right-wing Republicans. I mean come on, we went to war against the very nation we struggled to help create a few decades ago! Meh, time for a Second French Republic now.
Plus it encourages the US to listen to that insidious British voice in their ear telling them to remove hati frok french possesion and restore the republic. Plus it also encourages everyone to involve themselves in Amercian affairs, which means the US can't be isolationists which means they'll go after their rivals a lot more.
And france just put themsevles on top of a short list.
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Not just slavery but re-enslavement. Do be careful, remember the first national symbol of independent Haiti was a Frenchman's head on a pike.
That's before you even bring up the United States. They always hated British influence in the Americas, France has pulled off the impressive feat of jumping ahead of them in the queue.
Excellent stuff, very excited to see where this goes.
EDIT: On the Confederacy, the weird thing is they always seem to do better when I'm playing as the US but then I tend to start my Vicky games in 1861 so maybe they get a buff in that scenario. Or maybe a really suck at the game? Bit of both I wager...
That's before you even bring up the United States. They always hated British influence in the Americas, France has pulled off the impressive feat of jumping ahead of them in the queue.
Excellent stuff, very excited to see where this goes.
EDIT: On the Confederacy, the weird thing is they always seem to do better when I'm playing as the US but then I tend to start my Vicky games in 1861 so maybe they get a buff in that scenario. Or maybe a really suck at the game? Bit of both I wager...
A very cunning ploy from PM Lord Britishman there. Now we are free to buy and annex more land for Canada whilst pointing subtly at Haiti and the wicked imperialist French slavers JUST OFF THE COAST OF YOUR COUNTRY OH GOD WHAT ARE THEY PLANNING ON DOING-hey, so, we just bought Alaska and Washington. Obviously we're both cool with that, right? Right. Thanks mate.
I wonder if this means France will have to 'double-down' on their new anti-US arrangement to protect Haiti. Might lead to an actual war between the two or proxy wars elsewhere in the Americas. Which suits the UK just fine. And the little Germanies too, since whilst France is investing heavily in a navy, they can build big armies.
This should be a really interesting few decades to come. Will the new French Empire survive and thrive by scamming more African nations into servitude? Will they be stomped flat by the Americans/natives in the New World? Will Napoleon survive? When and how will Germany form? Who knows!
Exactly, its all very interesting, both literally and in the Chinese sense. Infringing on the Monroe Doctrine and reintroducing slavery just as you give large military support to a slaver rebellion? Its ballsy I'll give you that. Ironically despite the short Civil War such French perfidy might lead to a more radical Reconstruction. The North might be far from a multicultural wonderland but the 'Lost Cause' being attached to Europeans marching on Washington does colour things a bit.
Haiti and slavery, and the efforts France might have to go to in order to maintain them, may very well end up the noose around Louis-Napoleon's neck.
Oh alright, I never noticed that. I guess I never really checked, this being the first time I interfere with the war. Good to know for the future!
I mean, Russia is still my friend so maybe the Russian navy will... *breaks down sobbing*
I apologize, it's just that I get my energy from Lafayette spinning in his grave.
Nah! Cuba is still in the way if the US chooses to go all golden circle. As far as France being aggressive, I guess it depends on the future development of the balance of powers
That is a pretty kick-ass symbol (also probably the unofficial symbol of England). Besides, what's suffocating a little slave revolt between friends!
Hmmmm, I could see that. I could also see a Southern "We didn't lose, it was the French who gave us up" kind of mentality developing.
I'm looking forward to showing you what will happen to our mustachioed friend!
Mwhahahaha!
In both cases they hate your guts so thats good. But also means they're going to go at each other again because this wasn't a proper civil war...
Catching up and wow... was that an unfortunate alliance! I hope the French Empire can bounce back at sea and on land.
I also hope the treacherous slave driving evil empire of France bounces back. If only so we can kick it down again!!!
(Kinda odd how sometimes these AARs put you in the viewpoint of the 'bad guy'. Really, we should all be hoping Haiti gets independance quickly).
Blanc
Chapter VI: From the “Just restoration of King Henri V”
Starting from the disastrous American War, the so-called Empire was in shambles. An understaffed army provided a constant threat to the sovereignty of France and the loss of prestige had greatly limited France’s ability to garner international attention.
The usurper’s Foreign Minister Édouard Affré attempted to continue the policy of colonial aggression to prop up the failing regime. To do this, he attracted the sympathies of the Greeks, whose desire for Ottoman land was well known, in the hopes of expanding the African possessions. In the meanwhile, he courted Russia with the desire to have them open a second front against the Ottomans.
With the annexation of Libya in mind, Bonaparte discussed war. His Prime Minister de Valence and Minister of the Interior Brousseau, fearing to be called craven at refusing another war, fervently supported the initiative while Minister of War Fétique and Foreign Minister Affré were well aware that the nation could not sustain any conflict, however paltry. This should have dissuaded Bonaparte, but he insisted in pitiable imitation for his uncle and, with the support of his Prime Minister, he declared war on the Ottoman Empire on the 25th of August 1861 under the pretext of giving Cyprus to the Greeks.
War is declared.
The conflict began with clear signs of disapproval from the rest of Europe and soon the foreign ministry received the news that Russia had refused to join in the war and that the North German Federation had decided to join on the side of the Ottomans.
In reaction to this news, the French armies on the Rhine attempted an attack on German lands and appeared to be having some success but bad coordination of the Bonapartist regime made it so German reserves reached the front before victory could be achieved. The enemy broke through the front lines and was only halted at Melun, 50km from Paris, on the 26th of January 1862.
Despite the best attempts of the French people, the leadership of Bonaparte allowed for a decisive German victory on the 26th of February with over 60.000 French soldiers left on the field at Fontainebleau. With Paris open to occupation and his folly evident, Bonaparte surrendered to the enemy forces.
Ottoman Foreign Minister Mehmed Emin Ali Pasha and King Wilhelm of Prussia met Bonaparte at Versailles and, on the 11th of March 1862, they forced him to capitulate to surrender Alsace-Lorraine to the Prussians and respect Ottoman sovereignty in the Balkans. The people of Paris were then forced to witness the Prussian King being proclaimed Kaiser of the German Empire with authority over the previous North German Federation and all German lands outside of Austria.
The German menace becomes fully manifest.
Having thus handed France to a foreign power, Bonaparte was forced to abdicate by the more reasonable elements of government who then clamored for the restoration of the rightful monarchy.
Europe on the eve of the Second Restoration.
The head of the Provisional Government Fabien de Privas, Foreign Minister for King Louis Philippe, saw rightly that the only legitimate heir to the throne could be Henri Count of Chambord, grandson of Charles X. The ministers begged the Prince to save the nation in its hour of need and he gracefully accepted on the simple condition of doing away with the dreaded tricolor that had caused France too much bloodshed. This decision was opposed only be Aldolphe Thiers, the radical exile, who was hoping to ingratiate himself with the more revolutionary foreign countries. This blatant attempt to oppose the will of the country, however, fell flat as no-one outside of radical socialist fringes gave heed to these provocations.
With the peace of France secured, a grand coronation was organized in Reims where the sin of revolution could finally be washed away by the chrism of coronation.
Finally, on the 28th of March 1862, His Royal Majesty King Henri V was anointed as the lawful sovereign of the Kingdom of France to the widespread rejoicing of the French people who had finally been reunited with their father.
His Majesty, King Henri V of France.
With the collapse of the Bonapartist system, the King saw fit to call upon his people to draft a new constitution for the Kingdom that would ensure the prosperity and future success of France.
First among the deliberations was that of extending the length of military service from one year to ensure the physical safety of the nation. While the motion was widely approved by all members, there remained the decision of how much to extend the service and former Prime Minister Médard de Valence emerged as a prominent voice. Having witnessed the fall of the Empire first hand, he argued that France could only be protected if every citizen was ready to take up arms at any moment and that could be only achieved by a compulsory period of yearly practice for every man of age. No Deputy could find any objection to these arguments and the resolution was the first to be written into law.
Next, former Foreign Minister Édouard Affré advocated, as he had done nearly twenty years earlier, for the restriction of Upper House membership to only those who were of the Prime Minister's party. This way, he stated, the strong hand of the King could properly guide the constitution and protect it from the abuses of short-sighted demagogues. The Légitimiste Deputies wholeheartedly approved this motion and petitioned the King to ensure Affré's position as a Senator in the new Upper House, a motion that was gladly accepted by His Majesty.
The final issue that required reform was that of freedom of the press. While Bonaparte had attempted to limit this evil, he did not go far enough and allowed extremists to publish seditious news that, while not attacking the government directly, greatly contributed to fray the unity of the French people. King Henri demanded that the peace of France be preserved by allowing only approved journalists to communicate the news that the King saw fit and that any other publication would be closed immediately. The Assembly applauded this royal design and finished the writing of the constitution in an emotional ceremony where they all declared their undying devotion to King Henri V and all his successors.
The King's subjects make their vows.
In the direct matter of government, the King rewarded Privas for his loyalty by nominating him Prime Minister within the conservative Orléaniste party. King Henri also assigned the Foreign Ministry to Léon de Cahors, entrusting him with the goal of returning French prestige to its former greatness.
The Comte de Cahors was born in 1825 to an impoverished noble family who had been unable to buy back its lands after the Revolution. For this reason, he was enrolled in an engineering college where he might learn a trade that could rebuild the family's fortunes. Léon proved to be an effective student and he graduated in 1844. Through familial connections, he managed to become a secretary in the Department of Colonial Affairs where he consulted upon the development of infrastructure for Algeria. In 1856, with the conquest of Hispaniola, Cahors decided to open a private enterprise where he would buy the new undeveloped land at low price and then, after having organized it into efficient plantations, he would re-sell it for an astronomical profit. It was for this acumen in dealing with the colonies that the King named him Foreign Minister
In keeping with his experience, Cahors identified that the Wolof and Futa Jallon of West Africa had long been a nuisance to the French colonies on the coast and that something had to be done for the safety of the colonists.
Reports had come in from the border towns that described numerous unmentionable atrocities perpetrated by the savages and there was no sign that these incursions might cease.
After sending a couple of brigades to these settlements, on the 6th of July 1863 the order was given to attack the savages and pacify Gambia.
The African Pacification is announced.
The war was quick and decisive as the men advanced for their King, by the 7th of September, the savages had capitulated and accepted to relinquish the borderlands to a proper French colonial governor.
The new borders of French West Africa.
The news of the victory was greeted by spontaneous demonstrations of gratitude towards the King who had taken France from humiliation and raised it back to its rightful place. Finally, after the Bonapartist regime, the people could rebuild in the hope of a brighter future.
The usurper’s Foreign Minister Édouard Affré attempted to continue the policy of colonial aggression to prop up the failing regime. To do this, he attracted the sympathies of the Greeks, whose desire for Ottoman land was well known, in the hopes of expanding the African possessions. In the meanwhile, he courted Russia with the desire to have them open a second front against the Ottomans.
With the annexation of Libya in mind, Bonaparte discussed war. His Prime Minister de Valence and Minister of the Interior Brousseau, fearing to be called craven at refusing another war, fervently supported the initiative while Minister of War Fétique and Foreign Minister Affré were well aware that the nation could not sustain any conflict, however paltry. This should have dissuaded Bonaparte, but he insisted in pitiable imitation for his uncle and, with the support of his Prime Minister, he declared war on the Ottoman Empire on the 25th of August 1861 under the pretext of giving Cyprus to the Greeks.
War is declared.
In reaction to this news, the French armies on the Rhine attempted an attack on German lands and appeared to be having some success but bad coordination of the Bonapartist regime made it so German reserves reached the front before victory could be achieved. The enemy broke through the front lines and was only halted at Melun, 50km from Paris, on the 26th of January 1862.
Despite the best attempts of the French people, the leadership of Bonaparte allowed for a decisive German victory on the 26th of February with over 60.000 French soldiers left on the field at Fontainebleau. With Paris open to occupation and his folly evident, Bonaparte surrendered to the enemy forces.
Ottoman Foreign Minister Mehmed Emin Ali Pasha and King Wilhelm of Prussia met Bonaparte at Versailles and, on the 11th of March 1862, they forced him to capitulate to surrender Alsace-Lorraine to the Prussians and respect Ottoman sovereignty in the Balkans. The people of Paris were then forced to witness the Prussian King being proclaimed Kaiser of the German Empire with authority over the previous North German Federation and all German lands outside of Austria.
The German menace becomes fully manifest.
Europe on the eve of the Second Restoration.
The head of the Provisional Government Fabien de Privas, Foreign Minister for King Louis Philippe, saw rightly that the only legitimate heir to the throne could be Henri Count of Chambord, grandson of Charles X. The ministers begged the Prince to save the nation in its hour of need and he gracefully accepted on the simple condition of doing away with the dreaded tricolor that had caused France too much bloodshed. This decision was opposed only be Aldolphe Thiers, the radical exile, who was hoping to ingratiate himself with the more revolutionary foreign countries. This blatant attempt to oppose the will of the country, however, fell flat as no-one outside of radical socialist fringes gave heed to these provocations.
With the peace of France secured, a grand coronation was organized in Reims where the sin of revolution could finally be washed away by the chrism of coronation.
Finally, on the 28th of March 1862, His Royal Majesty King Henri V was anointed as the lawful sovereign of the Kingdom of France to the widespread rejoicing of the French people who had finally been reunited with their father.
His Majesty, King Henri V of France.
First among the deliberations was that of extending the length of military service from one year to ensure the physical safety of the nation. While the motion was widely approved by all members, there remained the decision of how much to extend the service and former Prime Minister Médard de Valence emerged as a prominent voice. Having witnessed the fall of the Empire first hand, he argued that France could only be protected if every citizen was ready to take up arms at any moment and that could be only achieved by a compulsory period of yearly practice for every man of age. No Deputy could find any objection to these arguments and the resolution was the first to be written into law.
Next, former Foreign Minister Édouard Affré advocated, as he had done nearly twenty years earlier, for the restriction of Upper House membership to only those who were of the Prime Minister's party. This way, he stated, the strong hand of the King could properly guide the constitution and protect it from the abuses of short-sighted demagogues. The Légitimiste Deputies wholeheartedly approved this motion and petitioned the King to ensure Affré's position as a Senator in the new Upper House, a motion that was gladly accepted by His Majesty.
The final issue that required reform was that of freedom of the press. While Bonaparte had attempted to limit this evil, he did not go far enough and allowed extremists to publish seditious news that, while not attacking the government directly, greatly contributed to fray the unity of the French people. King Henri demanded that the peace of France be preserved by allowing only approved journalists to communicate the news that the King saw fit and that any other publication would be closed immediately. The Assembly applauded this royal design and finished the writing of the constitution in an emotional ceremony where they all declared their undying devotion to King Henri V and all his successors.
The King's subjects make their vows.
In the direct matter of government, the King rewarded Privas for his loyalty by nominating him Prime Minister within the conservative Orléaniste party. King Henri also assigned the Foreign Ministry to Léon de Cahors, entrusting him with the goal of returning French prestige to its former greatness.
The Comte de Cahors was born in 1825 to an impoverished noble family who had been unable to buy back its lands after the Revolution. For this reason, he was enrolled in an engineering college where he might learn a trade that could rebuild the family's fortunes. Léon proved to be an effective student and he graduated in 1844. Through familial connections, he managed to become a secretary in the Department of Colonial Affairs where he consulted upon the development of infrastructure for Algeria. In 1856, with the conquest of Hispaniola, Cahors decided to open a private enterprise where he would buy the new undeveloped land at low price and then, after having organized it into efficient plantations, he would re-sell it for an astronomical profit. It was for this acumen in dealing with the colonies that the King named him Foreign Minister
In keeping with his experience, Cahors identified that the Wolof and Futa Jallon of West Africa had long been a nuisance to the French colonies on the coast and that something had to be done for the safety of the colonists.
Reports had come in from the border towns that described numerous unmentionable atrocities perpetrated by the savages and there was no sign that these incursions might cease.
After sending a couple of brigades to these settlements, on the 6th of July 1863 the order was given to attack the savages and pacify Gambia.
The African Pacification is announced.
The war was quick and decisive as the men advanced for their King, by the 7th of September, the savages had capitulated and accepted to relinquish the borderlands to a proper French colonial governor.
The new borders of French West Africa.
The news of the victory was greeted by spontaneous demonstrations of gratitude towards the King who had taken France from humiliation and raised it back to its rightful place. Finally, after the Bonapartist regime, the people could rebuild in the hope of a brighter future.
Wow, an opening sentence ripped straight from the London press.
"Go on, tell me again."
The aide sighed. "Yes Prime Minister. France is a broken nation, financial unstable, with a poorly outfitted and trained army, a navy of few ships and little prospects in the world. Also all the new arrivals in Haiti have caught Malaria and Smallpox. The United States is struggling after the false start civil war, with the south being most ingracious and the north cracking down upon it. In practice, this means quite a lot of that nation is currently on fire. Aside from our glorious liberal and democratic empire, only the Germans are in rude health, but they do not particularly count until next Thursday, when we all suddenly become pro-Prussia again."
"Ah, tis music to this man's ears! Advise the Palace another bank holiday may be in order."
"Sir?"
"Pay me no mind Benson. I'm writing current French history and I wouldn't want to become unbiased."
PM Britishman looked blankly at the report. Ringing for Benson, he pointed at the funny name.
"Greece?"
"Yes sir, it's that horrible little country that many of our young lords went to fight for against the brutal Turkish regime."
"Ah, right, so it's like Italy only even less important?"
"Essentially. They do not like us and we hate them for adding to the Balkan fires. Also we were trying to secure as many Ottoman Islands for ourselves, which they buggered up by leaving the empire so suddenly."
"Those bastards! Allying with the French and stealing from the Royal Navy? Prepare the fleet!"
"Do you think that's wise, sir?"
"Probably not. Eh, I'll have a smoke and think about it tomorrow, what ho?"
"So, tell me again Benson." PM Britishman said, trembling in his seat.
"France just got the shit kicked out of it by the Germans, Napoleon is exiled in disgrace, and a new balance of power has arisen in Europe. Also the Russians didn't get involved and just looked stuffily at everyone."
"Oh joy," the Prime Minister moaned. "Benson, fetch a cloth for my face. And some brandy and cigars. And then tell everyone we are fully pro-German anytime they are kicking France's arse from now on, and at all other times maintain a shared respect and admiration filled relationship undercut by strong mistrust and hatred."
"Yes Prime Minister."
Huh...so basically everything went right back to the dying days of the old feudal monarchy...
Well...that's odd. Lots of absolute monarchs in Europe these days. PM Britishman better watch out! At least the French have a better flag now. And the scramble for Africa is coming up...oh wait, they don't have any ships. Mwhahahahha!
Well...that's odd. Lots of absolute monarchs in Europe these days. PM Britishman better watch out! At least the French have a better flag now. And the scramble for Africa is coming up...oh wait, they don't have any ships. Mwhahahahha!
Ah, a nice easy way is always the traditional way to restore lost prestige
Yes, the bank of Africa is always a good place to withdraw some prestige. But I'm sure you understand it was a purely defensive war with no ulterior motives whatsoever!
London's always a good place to spend your exile.
I think you just started three different world wars.
This made me wish for an alternate history where Victoria locks the doors to Parliament and burns everything down. I now need Mad Victoria!
Well...red is also the color of blood and fire and rage so maybe France will just burn to the ground. You'll have to wait and see how the monarchy goes.
It's hilarious. The younger generation of nobles and lords following lord byron were really into Europe, the grand tour and independance wars in italy and greece. But the UK government didn't give a shit. So whenever one of them died or did something impressive in these wars, the offical british reaction was absurdly understated.
Chapter VII: From the “Account of the rebirth of France”
The later years of the 1860s were characterized by the successful efforts of King Henri V and his cabinet in restoring the glory and honor of France from the state in which Bonaparte had left it. 1864 brought the opportunity to clear some more savages who had been harassing the West African colonies after a particularly vicious raid where a dozen French citizens were killed. On the 26th of May, Foreign Minister Léon de Cahors gave the order for French soldiers to cross into Futa Tooro.
The taming of Africa begins
The savages offered little organized resistance, and, by the end of July, their raiding positions were firmly in French hands and colonists started building the first civilized settlements in that land.
The West African colony spreads French civilization
The next years found Cahors spreading foreign goodwill for the restored France and assuring the other great powers that the rule of King Henri V would be long and prosperous, far from the instabilities of the past decades. Cahors’ skills were proven in 1865 when a shift in the power balance of Italy caused the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies to fall out of international favor due to the ascension of the Kingdom of Sardinia who had long been a faithful ally and aid to France.
The Piedmontese cause ripples in international politics
While certain factions in the new power advocated a break with France, Cahors managed to convince the court of King Victor Emmanuel II that the only way for their Kingdom to stand strong on the world stage was with the aid of France as a shield against German imperial ambitions.
The Foreign Minister continued to serve the King in the Orient as well and, in February 1867, he promptly responded to the expulsion of French missionaries from the Kingdom of Joseon under orders from their Qing masters. A declaration of war was issued with the clear aim of expelling Qing officials from the Kingdom of Joseon and the demand of reparations for the insult to France.
The expeditionary force was organized by the new Minister of War Georges Fétique who had been recommended by Prime Minister Fabien de Privas since they both had counseled Bonaparte against the disastrous Ottoman War. Fétique ordered the 42.000 men of the Army of the Alps to embark at Marseilles and head for the Orient. The expeditionary force landed near Shanghai in early December and quickly occupied the main fortresses of the area. The Qing emperor attempted to resist by sending an overwhelming force four times that of our men, but French spirit triumphed over the Eastern masses and victory was assured by mid-January 1868. The Treaty of Shanghai provided the total capitulation of the Qing with the passing of the Kingdom of Joseon under French tutelage and the ceding of the port of Shanghai in reparation of war expenses.
France gains a presence in the Far East
More recent years provided another test of France’s diplomatic prowess. On the 9th of February 1868, Queen Isabella of Spain was expelled by violent extremist republicans who proclaimed the so-called Spanish Republic. The liberals of Spain disputed Queen Isabella's right to take an active role in government and claimed that the role of a ruler was to meekly wave at crowds as is the custom in Britain. Preferring to stand tall rather than be a puppet, the Queen attempted an armed resistance but was soon overtaken by the unruly mobs. Seeing no possibility for victory, Queen Isabella, Prince-Consort Francis and their son Alfonso, Prince of Asturias fled to France to their Bourbon relatives seeking shelter.
The cabinet urged King Henri to prepare an invasion of Spain to restore his family to the throne but, in his wisdom, His Majesty chose not to risk the lives of French citizens on a people so ungrateful as to refuse their God-given monarch. Instead, he hosted the members of the Spanish royal family as permanent guests of the court in Paris.
Dynastic matters were further addressed when in February 1868, with no children of his own, King Henri chose Louis Philippe Albert, Duke d'Orléans and grandson of King Louis Philippe, as his Dauphin. The thirty-year-old Prince, however, had not yet married and it was becoming increasingly obvious that a match was needed to continue on the royal line.
Louis Philippe Albert, Dauphin of France
With the shifts in the Italian political sphere, the King decided that it would be wise to gather the peninsula under French protection and avoid any foreign encroachments. To this end, he sent the Dauphin, to the court of King Francis II of the Two Sicilies with the aim of securing a bride for the Prince.
The Neapolitans provided a lavish welcome for the Dauphin as it was clear that their fall from grace in favor of the Piedmontese had opened them up to unitary insurrections and foreign control. King Francis, only a couple of years older than Prince Philippe, was well aware of the purpose of the visit and chose to present his sisters to him at the first possible occasion. At the grand feast in his honor, Philippe was presented with Francis' two eligible sisters: the nineteen-year-old Maria Pia and the thirteen-year-old Maria Luisa. The latter was first to court the Dauphin and began to extoll the virtues of her country and treated him as an equal member of the Bourbon dynasty. This familiarity, however, did not sit well with Philippe who reacted with offense at the suggestion that the true Bourbons of France were in any way equal to the cadet branch of a cadet branch that is the house of Bourbon-Two Sicilies. At this point, King Francis tried to control the situation by presenting the Dauphin with Princess Maria Pia. The elder sister proved to be more understanding of her position and praised the virtues of King Henri and those of King Louis Philippe. After this introduction, it is said that the two got on excellently with each other, so much so that they were betrothed within the week. It was like this that, in May, the Dauphin Philippe and Princess Maria Pia of the Two Sicilies were proclaimed husband and wife during a lavish ceremony in Notre Dame Cathedral.
The Dauphin and Dauphine shortly after their marriage
The taming of Africa begins
The savages offered little organized resistance, and, by the end of July, their raiding positions were firmly in French hands and colonists started building the first civilized settlements in that land.
The West African colony spreads French civilization
The next years found Cahors spreading foreign goodwill for the restored France and assuring the other great powers that the rule of King Henri V would be long and prosperous, far from the instabilities of the past decades. Cahors’ skills were proven in 1865 when a shift in the power balance of Italy caused the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies to fall out of international favor due to the ascension of the Kingdom of Sardinia who had long been a faithful ally and aid to France.
The Piedmontese cause ripples in international politics
While certain factions in the new power advocated a break with France, Cahors managed to convince the court of King Victor Emmanuel II that the only way for their Kingdom to stand strong on the world stage was with the aid of France as a shield against German imperial ambitions.
The Foreign Minister continued to serve the King in the Orient as well and, in February 1867, he promptly responded to the expulsion of French missionaries from the Kingdom of Joseon under orders from their Qing masters. A declaration of war was issued with the clear aim of expelling Qing officials from the Kingdom of Joseon and the demand of reparations for the insult to France.
The expeditionary force was organized by the new Minister of War Georges Fétique who had been recommended by Prime Minister Fabien de Privas since they both had counseled Bonaparte against the disastrous Ottoman War. Fétique ordered the 42.000 men of the Army of the Alps to embark at Marseilles and head for the Orient. The expeditionary force landed near Shanghai in early December and quickly occupied the main fortresses of the area. The Qing emperor attempted to resist by sending an overwhelming force four times that of our men, but French spirit triumphed over the Eastern masses and victory was assured by mid-January 1868. The Treaty of Shanghai provided the total capitulation of the Qing with the passing of the Kingdom of Joseon under French tutelage and the ceding of the port of Shanghai in reparation of war expenses.
France gains a presence in the Far East
More recent years provided another test of France’s diplomatic prowess. On the 9th of February 1868, Queen Isabella of Spain was expelled by violent extremist republicans who proclaimed the so-called Spanish Republic. The liberals of Spain disputed Queen Isabella's right to take an active role in government and claimed that the role of a ruler was to meekly wave at crowds as is the custom in Britain. Preferring to stand tall rather than be a puppet, the Queen attempted an armed resistance but was soon overtaken by the unruly mobs. Seeing no possibility for victory, Queen Isabella, Prince-Consort Francis and their son Alfonso, Prince of Asturias fled to France to their Bourbon relatives seeking shelter.
The cabinet urged King Henri to prepare an invasion of Spain to restore his family to the throne but, in his wisdom, His Majesty chose not to risk the lives of French citizens on a people so ungrateful as to refuse their God-given monarch. Instead, he hosted the members of the Spanish royal family as permanent guests of the court in Paris.
Dynastic matters were further addressed when in February 1868, with no children of his own, King Henri chose Louis Philippe Albert, Duke d'Orléans and grandson of King Louis Philippe, as his Dauphin. The thirty-year-old Prince, however, had not yet married and it was becoming increasingly obvious that a match was needed to continue on the royal line.
Louis Philippe Albert, Dauphin of France
With the shifts in the Italian political sphere, the King decided that it would be wise to gather the peninsula under French protection and avoid any foreign encroachments. To this end, he sent the Dauphin, to the court of King Francis II of the Two Sicilies with the aim of securing a bride for the Prince.
The Neapolitans provided a lavish welcome for the Dauphin as it was clear that their fall from grace in favor of the Piedmontese had opened them up to unitary insurrections and foreign control. King Francis, only a couple of years older than Prince Philippe, was well aware of the purpose of the visit and chose to present his sisters to him at the first possible occasion. At the grand feast in his honor, Philippe was presented with Francis' two eligible sisters: the nineteen-year-old Maria Pia and the thirteen-year-old Maria Luisa. The latter was first to court the Dauphin and began to extoll the virtues of her country and treated him as an equal member of the Bourbon dynasty. This familiarity, however, did not sit well with Philippe who reacted with offense at the suggestion that the true Bourbons of France were in any way equal to the cadet branch of a cadet branch that is the house of Bourbon-Two Sicilies. At this point, King Francis tried to control the situation by presenting the Dauphin with Princess Maria Pia. The elder sister proved to be more understanding of her position and praised the virtues of King Henri and those of King Louis Philippe. After this introduction, it is said that the two got on excellently with each other, so much so that they were betrothed within the week. It was like this that, in May, the Dauphin Philippe and Princess Maria Pia of the Two Sicilies were proclaimed husband and wife during a lavish ceremony in Notre Dame Cathedral.
The Dauphin and Dauphine shortly after their marriage
Mm...Victoria interfered whenever she felt like it to be honest. Appointing PMs and cabinets even. But yes, certainly not the head of government nor consulted on every issue.
Oo...personal union may be in the works. Bet the germans won't like that.