Pride & Providence
A History of the American Empire
Chapter 5: War of the World
The Die is Cast
An ailing man walked up to the podium of the Capitol Building; which housed the Imperial Congress of the American Empire. His oak walking cane barely supported him, but his adopted son, was there to guide him and catch him incase anything ill befell the man. His white and gray hair had not been dulled by these past few months of illness; it still flowed freely and with vigor. The applause of the room was overwhelming; and did not cease until a full five minutes after the Emperor had reached the podium and frailly motioned for it to cease.
“Gentlemen,” he attempted to bellow, but like his health, his voice was departing. The main motioned for his son to take the podium. The son willingly obeyed.
“Gentlemen,” began the son. “My father is not well, and fears he will not see beyond next year.” The Imperial House’s main hall began to fill with a thunderous chant, “Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!”
“My father appreciates the sentiment that his friends and foes both show him. But that is not the reason that today we gather in this marvelous house. War is upon our door step. We, the American Empire have tried endlessly and exhausted all diplomatic possibilities to avoid war; yet war has come,” the Crown Prince’s eyes monitored the reactions of the nearest members of the Imperial Congress.
“The transgressions of the British Empire have resurfaced into reality; many will remember that their seizing and conscription of American sailors during the Napoleonic Wars lead to the War of 1812-1814. Within the past two months, confirmation has been received that two American merchant marine vessels have been seized and forcibly conscripted into the British Royal Navy. Our diplomatic efforts to secure an understanding with the British were quickly rebuffed,” he said in a solemn note at the end, as if almost trying to bury a half-truth.
“It is with a deep heart, and Providence’s blessing, that today, November 19th, 1844, my father, Emperor Andrew Jackson I and I, the Crown Prince, announce a declaration of war against the British Empire.” A thunderous applause filled the room. At this time, everybody was one. Slavery, tariffs, taxes, and any other issue would be hotly debated at this time did not matter, the American people were at war.
