The Foreign Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

The conflict soon to be raging in the southern portion of the United States is of a sort unprecedented in that continent. The need for mutual understanding between conflicting parties has never been higher, and the consequences of the battles to ensue will not soon be forgotten in the annals of history. The conflict is an internal one, of foremost importance only to the United States herself, and the seceding powers; however, it would be irresponsible of the government in London not to display its stance on the ensuing conflict. It is for that reason that the United Kingdom issues forth the following request to both the central government of the United States and the powers-that-be in the seceding territories: moderation.

Whichever power is victorious in this war must remember, at the ring of peace, the purpose of the battles fought. Brothers do not fight brothers out of hatred and venom. There are causes and ideologies being impressed upon and defended here, and it is utterly essential for the two conflicting powers to hold each other in respect, and make as much an effort to show their civility to the world as they do to show their combat prowess. Great Britain has always been a nation seeing itself responsible for the upholding of order and law throughout the world. We cannot allow an emerging power such as the United States, one with whom we share an extensive land border through our colonial holdings in the North American continent, to fall into chaos and disunity without note. No action shall yet be taken by the United Kingdom on the side of either party of this monumental conflict, but there may well be actions to come, and those actions shall without a doubt be occurring against the interests of the party to the conflict that proves itself to be fighting from moral low ground.

When brother fights brother, there is no victory without honour.

-The Right Honourable The Earl Russell, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom.

An exercpt from the Landtag's debate regarding Polish Policy,

Junker Georg Von Vincke: It is all well and good that we discuss Poland. The continued existence of the Prussian state is, after all, and I make no apologies about saying this, contingent upon its absence. But we must cease this pretense, that we are not arguing on borrowed time. Time which, when compared with the overall length of German civilization, grows very short.

Allow me to recall the days of East Francia, when all or nearly so of our homeland answered to Ludwig, whose very epithet was "the German". Since then we have progressed through various stages, each serving to divide us. From the Holy Roman Empire gradually devolving excessive power to the petty feudal lords (from which we as Prussians benefitted, but we as Germans have not), to interminable wars of religion and succession, to a good number of us being annexed and a greater number almost so by Napoleon, to the present day. 1848 and since have been an abberation. If we do not act, then this happy tide of German unity will die, and slowly these wealthy lands and we industrious people will slowly be absorbed into the orbit of this state or that, eventually becoming as the poor South Slavs, who much rather kill each other in uprisings than unite against their Austrian oppressors.

Junker Gerhardt Schimmel: The gentleman will remember the subject of debate!

Junker Georg von Vincke: I am content to let the gentleman continue his shouting, and am not bothered in the slightest. May I continue if you are finished?

Therefore, if immediate action is to be taken, the German people have two choices. Austria, or Prussia

In Prussia, we see all the good of the German People. We are very industrious, in fact, the most so on all the continent if not the world. We are modern. We are wealthy. We are ascendant. Our army is strong, our state is stable. A Germany with Prussia as its model will do well.

Or, they can choose Austria, and choose all our vices. Austria is greedy for territory, decadent, weak, dynastic, backwards, declining, and dare I say Feudal. An Austrian Germany would merely delay our partition, not avoid it. As we have done to Poland, Russia and France will eventually do us.

Fortunately they know this immutable truth. Germany shall be a great power, or it shall not be. And as in 1848, they will choose us again, and we shall be united as one people as is our right. It is my nightly prayer that it is our destiny as well. Else, my grandchildren's grandchildren, likely in Koln as I have been, will have more in common with the French than their brothers in Brandenburg. We must do all we can to avoid this fate."

Quote from the Qing Emperor, stating is opinion on the Confederacy

I can not currently bother myself with the affairs overseas. I have more pressing matters to worry about within my own country. We have finally gained the upper hand over the longhairs! I do not wish to see anybody's attention averted elsewhere, when we need all eyes on our own army! Soon, they will begin their great march, to end this petty rebellion once and for all! Yet all anyone seems to be talking about is the affairs in America. It is as if they do not even realize that the exact same thing has happened here, in their own home! Just as the Confederacy in America has torn their nation, the longhairs do the exact same here.

However, I know that until I speak of America, none of you will return your gaze to China. So I have no choice but to give you my opinion.

As a fellow leader forced to feel the waves of sorrow that are brought on by ordering my people to kill their own for the sake of unity and peace, I can and will not support the existence of this Confederacy, lest I become a hypocrite for not supporting such rebels within my own country. Civil war is a nasty thing. But it's existence is the nations way of telling you that something is wrong. It takes something major to force friends, neighbors and brothers to become enemies. I can not support people who turn on their own people, whether it is overseas, or here, in our own home. If you expected any other response from me, you were sadly mistaken.

Now cease your questions, and allow me to return my attention where it is needed. I have already wasted enough time.

Ultimatum to the Kingdom of Denmark

On the issue of Schleswig and Holstein, the Kingdom of Prussia and the Austrian Empire agree to the following:

Frederick, Duke of Augustenburg, has recently petitioned our governments about an injustice we have permitted to stand for far too long. While his father was Duke of Schleswig-Holstein, he sold the rights to that duchy to Denmark while his son was of legal age. It is our collective position that this was illegal. He was within his rights to abdicate, but not sell his son's rights.

Therefore, it is our position that Frederick ought be Duke of Schlewig-Holstein, and assume its position and votes in the German Confederation.

We therefore demand the King of Denmark remove all military forces from the duchies in the next 24 hours and begin negotiations immediately, or we shall be compelled to employ force.

Regno d'Italia (Kingdom of Italy)
"Marcia Reale d'Ordinanza"

I see a vast future for Italy, one that will lead it to prosperity and greater acheivements equal to that of the Great Powers of europe.
Despite this, true Italian Unity has not been achieved. I look to our mighty lands and see a great thorn in Italys side.
Northern land, rightfully Italy's through and through is shackled to Austria. The very people who have fought against Italian unification now stop just that.
I look to the central powers in Europe and ask. Do you not see this? Do you not see that, despite our banishment of slavery Italian men, women and children are forced to be part of the Austrian regime!
I would ask that the countries of the world see that this is not just, and should be quickly resolved with Italy recieving the land it rightfully deserves.

- King Victor Emanuel II , of the Italian Kingdom

Austrian Empire

They say we are a thorn on the side of Italy. But I ask, does a thorn not pester you repeatedly? Is it not the source of discomfort and irritance? Is a thorn not but a mere nuisance that may be torn or cut away with ease? If so, then it is Italy who is a thorn on our side. A thorn that will be cut and disposed of the moment it cuts too deep.

They say we impede Italian unity, and that we oppress those who live under our dominion - claims which have no merit, no foundation. Empty words aimed to incite hostility. We do not force anyone to live under our jurisdiction. Those who remain here do so because they wish to. And good on them, for they are safe here, and well-treated.

They say they are better to look after the Italian population. But by which right does Italy make demands of the Austrian Empire? We hold our land legally; these are our lands by right of law. But you, you are only armed with the "right" of Irredentism. You are only armed with dishonest words.

You say you ought to rule the Italians but there you stand, with empty words and no right, no power. Should Italians really be subjected to the rule of a state which can only resort to the use of lies and a desperate call for the international community to support the unlawful acquisition of land? A powerless state that can only pester its neighbors like a child. A powerless state that can only yell and kick and cry in hopes that it is heard and someone comes to its aid, like an infant crying to be fed. Only this infant cries because it cannot have what is not his. Is this the mighty Italy you speak of?

No, we are not a thorn on Italy's side. We are sword. A sword that you would be wise not to press on.

-- Count Johann Bernhard von Rechberg und Rothenlöwen, Foreign Minister of the Austrian Empire

The Union of Sweden and Norway

On the issue of Schleswig and Holstein, the opinion of the United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway is as followed:

As a signatory of the London Protocol of 1852, as indeed the Kingdom of Prussia and the Austrian Empire were, the United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway upholds that the union between the Kingdom of Denmark and the Duchies of Schleswig-Holstein is an "European necessity and standing principle".

As King Frederick VII of Denmark also assumes the role of Duke of Schleswig (which is a Danish fief and has never been associated with the German Confederation), the Duke of Holstein and Lauenburg (who do belong to the German Confederation), Holstein and Lauenburg already possesses its "position and votes in the German Confederation". Therefore, there is no need for the transfer of the Duchies of Schleswig-Holstein from one Frederick to another.

If the Kingdom of Prussia and the Austrian Empire resorts to the usage of military force against the Kingdom of Denmark, the United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway, as a signatory of the London Protocol, will immediately intervene on the behalf of the Kingdom of Denmark.

The Kingdom of Denmark categorically rejects the claims of Prussia and Austria and rejects any further call for negotiations concerning this issue. The London Protocol, mentioned by the Swedish-Norwegian missive issued of late, firmly sets out the integrity of the Danish realm and her associated states -- including Schleswig-Holstein -- and this was duly ratified by both the Austrian and Prussian crowns. Such warmongering is beneath the dignity of your sovereigns and is, indeed, beneath the dignity of such a supposedly great and mighty entity as the German Confederation. It is a shame that instead of fostering an atmosphere of peace and brotherhood between nations Prussia and Austria only seek their own jingoistic aggrandisement at the expense of weaker parties. For shame gentleman. History, and your own grandchildren, shall not look kindly upon your aggressive acts here today.

With Sincerest Regards,

Carl Christian Hall
Council President of Denmark

on the behalf of

His Majesty Frederick VII, by the Grace of God King of Denmark, of the Wends and of the Goths; Duke of Schleswig, Holstein, Stormarn, the Ditmarsh, Lauenburg and Oldenburg

We signed that protocol in 1852 on the mistaken assumption that Augustenborg's son had been consulted and had consented to his father selling his rights, which his father led us to believe. Why Frederick waited so long to inform us we are endeavoring to discover. Be that as it may, we have learned this assumption was not true. Therefore, a central premise of our signing, as the King of Denmark well remembers, that there was no other claimant, was categorically false. Therefore, we renounce the protocol.

To the point of Sweden, the Treaty of Ribe clearly states the duchies cannot be separated. He who holds Holstein must hold Schleswig too.

In recognition of the King of Denmark's refusal to withdraw his forces in the allotted time, the Kingdom of Prussia and the Empire of Austria announces that a state of war now exists between them and the Kingdom of Denmark.

~Wilhelm I, King of Prussia
~Franz, Emperor of Austria

Difficult are the times in which we live, and saddening too. Looking towards the Americas, we note that the issues they suffer from there are not so different from the ones we suffer from here: rebellious subjects, anti-reformist blocs and those who wish to bring about chaos and destruction for no greater purpose other than to watch our world burn. In these difficult times, we must be firm and strong in our endeavours towards progress and advancement, we must fight staunchly for unity and oneness of purpose in all our respective nations, and we must struggle, against all the odds, to eradicate any chaotic and destabilising forces within our societies. For the sake of unity and strength, I say to the United States, do what you must to ensure the continuing oneness of your esteemed nation, and tread carefully should the path of war become the only path: if it is unity you seek, then bloodshed and force will only create an eternal divide. I beseech the rebels; put down your weapons and use that great tool and gift bestowed upon you by your Founding Fathers, the gift of democracy, the gift which has unified and strengthened you through the decades, let it unify and strengthen you once more.

We are shocked by the escalation of matters in Europe and request that all concerned parties remain calm and composed. The question of Schleswig-Holstein is a truly complicated one and another war over the matter will not resolve it. We understand that the German Confederation has the interests of the German population of Schleswig-Holstein at heart while Denmark would like to see the unity of its ancestral lands. This is an issue which old men and politicians have failed to solve for generations, and the only way to truly resolve it is through a peaceful and internationally monitored plebiscite. We see no reason to war over to whom belongs the land and people of Schleswig-Holstein, when the land and people can quite clearly, and without doubt, tell us. We call upon Prussia to be a model of civilisation and rescind its declaration of war, offer a formal apology to Denmark while endorsing a plebiscite. We call upon Austria, Denmark, Sweden-Norway and all the nations of Europe to endorse a plebiscite in order to avoid bloodshed and settle this issue once and for all.

Closer to home, we are appalled by the recent Montenegrin attempts to stir up unrest within our borders, such actions will not be tolerated. The instability and unrest in Herzegovina caused by your selfish actions has led to great suffering for our subjects and military officials. We are thankful that the one true God has blessed us with efficient military men, like Omar Pasha, who managed to deal with the rioting effectively and with very little bloodshed.

Such low and dishonourable acts, aimed at causing strife and unrest in other nations must be shunned and punished. We demand an immediate apology from Montenegro and compensation for the damage caused by their foolish actions. Failure to comply by this basic courtesy will be considered as the greatest of affronts and Ottoman steel will have to defend Ottoman honour and dignity.

Having, with the help and support of our allies in the Concert of Europe, dealt with the saddening and sickening situation in the Mount Lebanon region, we would like to assure all concerned nations that what occurred was in no way typical of our esteemed nation. This recent phenomenon, caused by the rise of ugly new ideologies which I would prefer not to disgrace myself by uttering, shall be put down, and with the greatest discipline and professionalism. There is no place in the Eternal State for those who would fire up sectarian violence and hatred towards their fellow Ottomans, and just as was pledged in the Imperial Reform Edict of 1856, our nation will become a better, more advanced and tolerant one, where such thoughts and ideologies will not exist and will have no reason to exist. We acknowledge that our society has been conductive to the rise of ugly ideologies and fanatical thought, and this we shall fix, and swiftly.

We would therefore like to honour a man who truly embodies the ideal Ottoman subject to whom we strive to emulate, with all his virtues and wisdom and humanity, and abiding fear of God and a most severe punishment and eternal bliss in the hereafter. A man who has looked beyond ethnic, religious and tribal affiliation and accepted himself and all those with whom he co-exists as humans and brothers in love and humanity. To the esteemed and honourable Abd al-Qādir ibn Muḥyiddīn El Djezairi, who fought to aid his Maronite brothers when they needed him most, knowing that they shared the greatest and most powerful bond of all, the bond of humanity, we award the highest and greatest awards the Eternal State has to offer, and we fear that before his humble glory, these awards are found lacking. To him goes the Order of the Medjidie, First Class, and the most elevated of all awards, the Nişan-i Imtiyaz (Order of Distinction) for his outstanding and honourable services to the state and to humanity.

Further to this, we would like to establish the Order of the Djezairi in his honour, awarded to all Ottomans and non-Ottomans who embody the spirit and soul of the ideal, elevated and wise Ottoman. May the one true God bless these efforts, and our nation, and our people, and keep us ever and eternally on his one, straight path towards glory, advancement and progress. Peace upon all who seek it, and the mercy and blessings of the Most High.

His Sacred and Imperial Majesty, Sultan Abdülmecid Khan I, by the Might and Will of the Almighty, Emperor of the Ottomans, Sovereign of the House of Osman, Sultan of Sultans, Khan of Khans, Commander of the Faithful and Successor of the Prophet of the Lord of the Universe, Custodian of the Holy Cities of Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem, Emperor of Rome and many other countries and cities.

The Union of Sweden and Norway

The Treaty of Ribe is an obscure medieval text that has little relevance to any past and/or present discussion on the issue of the Schelswig and Holstein issue.

In recognition of the King of Prussia's demands upon the Kingdom of Denmark, which placed upon the latter a ridiculous time limit of 24 hours, the United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway announces that a state of war now exists between it and the Kingdom of Prussia.

The Cairo Accord

The following is in accordance with the agreements between His Sacred and Imperial Majesty, Sultan Abdülmecid Khan I, of the Ottoman Empire (referred to hereafter as the Caliphate) and His Sublime Majesty, Khan Isma’il Pasha’s former-vicegerent, Wali Mohammed Sa’id Pasha of the Khanate of Egypt (referred to hereafter as the Khanate) in the year 1861. This treaty shall remain in effect indefinitely, or until such a time where one or both signatories may see it fit to renegotiate the terms. This treaty may not be unilaterally annulled and desire for renegotiation must be submitted, and must be accepted by the concerned party. Renegotiation of this treaty may not occur until a period of ten years has expired after the aforementioned date.

Article 1: The Caliphate hereby declares, and recognises, the Khanate to be a free, autonomous and sovereign nation, with complete power and control over its domestic and foreign affairs.
--Section 1: The Caliphate and Khanate, while recognising the other as independent and sovereign bodies, shall make it their policy to consult with each other and agree on foreign and domestic policies which will benefit the greater good of their peoples; see Art.7/Sec.2
--Section 2: The Caliphate recognises the position of Khan of Egypt as a hereditary title, passed down from father to son, stretching back to the rule of Muhammed Ali Pasha; as such, the current, rightful Khan of Egypt is Isma’il Pasha, son of Ibrahim Pasha, son of Muhammed Ali Pasha.

Article 2: The Caliphate and the Khanate hereby declare a firm, strong and permanent Union, pledging to be as one entity with two separate, equal and sovereign constituent parts; to support each other in case of war; and to ever be loyal to the Union and the greater advancement of its peoples.
--Section 1: In case of war, the signatories may not seek a separate peace treaty, or leave the war, without the other; such would be held in breach of the Union and held in greatest contempt; and such would be held as a crime against the Union and all its peoples; and such would be prosecutable in the highest court of the land.
--Section 2: The signatories shall coordinate all their military prowess and act as a single, cohesive military force during times of war, in order to achieve victory.
--Section 3: While ensuring the advancement and betterment of their respective, sovereign nations and peoples, both signatories shall work towards the overall goal of the betterment and advancement of the Union in its entirety in every respect, and in all ways they may see fit, after due consultation with the other.

Article 3: The Khanate affirms its full recognition of the Caliphate as the one, true caliphate and heir to the Prophet of the Lord of the Universe and Rightly Guided Rashidun Caliphs; that the Khan of Egypt is a steadfast and honourable defender of the one, true Monotheistic Faith and Caliphate and all Muslim lands within and without the Union.
--Section 1: The Khanate recognises the religious and political authority of the Caliphate over all Muslims of all sects, schools and doctrines, and will use its own religious authority, including figures, institutes or centres of religious significance and authority to enforce the authority of the Caliphate and the unity of all Muslims.

Article 4: The Caliphate and the Khanate hereby declare an open border, allowing the free travel of the citizens of both nations from one to the other, without hindrance or trouble, allowing for the natural exchange of culture, language and people which has so enriched the Middle East, Asia Minor and North Africa across the ages.

Article 5: The Caliphate and the Khanate hereby declare free trade between their two nations, allowing for trade to occur between them without any protectionist measures, trade barriers or trade-distorting policies.

Article 6: The Caliphate and the Khanate hereby declare a shared legal and court system, wherein all concerned civil servants and employees must be specialised in the respective laws of the Caliphate and the Khanate, and citizens of both the Caliphate and the Khanate will have the right to choose the legal system of their preference in civil cases.

Article 7: The Caliphate and the Khanate shall cooperate to ensure the military advancement of the other, and shall aid each other upon request.
--Section 1: The Caliphate shall supply the Khanate with military experts who will aid in the organising and modernisation of the Egyptian military, as well as teach aspiring officers at the esteemed Azhar University in Cairo and various other military schools across Egypt.
--Section 2: The Caliphate shall supply the Khanate with the blue-prints for rifles and heavier artillery, and shall aid in their manufacture in Egypt.
--Section 3: Both nations shall reduce the cost at which weaponry is purchased from the other by 50%
--Section 4: The naval and land military forces of the Caliphate and the Khanate shall engage in annual exercises for the improvement of military skill and the exchange of military experience and knowledge.

Article 8: To aid in the exchange of culture, learning and art between the Caliphate and the Khanate, along with the open border and free trade agreement, an exchange of scholars and specialists shall take place and the Ottoman Darülfünun University shall be linked with the Egyptian Azhar University, making them sister universities.

Article 9: To further cement the bond between the Caliphate and the Khanate, Murad Effendi, son of His Sacred and Imperial Majesty, Sultan Abdülmecid Khan I, shall be married to Princess Hawa, daughter of the late Abbas Hilmi I of Egypt.

Article 10: In its responsibility to progress and reforms, as declared by the Imperial Reform Edict of 1856, the Caliphate requests that, along with the Caliphate, the Khanate begin the transition from an autocratic, un-Islamic government, to a democratic, shura-led government, with a constitutional monarch.
--Section 1: Both sovereign nations shall employ a parliamentary system based on the Westminster model, made up of a lower house and upper house; with a representative number of elected and appointed ministers.
--Section 2: A third chamber in the political systems of the Caliphate and the Khanate, made up of fifty elected ministers from the Caliphate and fifty elected ministers from the Khanate, shall act as a shared elected body, with responsibility for consultation on foreign and domestic affairs, Union-wide concerns and the passage of Union-wide laws and legislation; bills passed through the two lower chambers of Parliament will have to be approved one last time by the third house to ensure that there is no detriment to the Union or the greater good of its people, with the power to veto the same bill up to a maximum of two times.

This is all as has been agreed, and we hold all signatories, with the Almighty God as witness, firmly and strongly to their word.

[X] Sultan Abdülmecid Khan I, the Ottoman Empire
[X] Khan Isma’il I, the Khanate of Egypt
[X] Sa’id I, Wali of Egypt and the Sudan

Empire Français

Messieurs les senateurs, messiurs les deputes - citoyens de la France!

There is no doubt that the years gone by have been the most successful ever experienced in the history of the great French state. We have enjoyed year after year of opulence and prosperity; indeed, it is almost as though heaven itself has fallen upon the French people. It is a profound blessing that all Frenchmen may enjoy together, for we are able to look back upon the past with a feeling of pride, and we are able to look towards the future with a feeling of strength. This is a faithful optimism that shall continue to give our loyal citizens the joy of loving life, and our most majestic empire the endurance it requires to bring about further splendour.

No one is left out from the good fortune that defines our empire. It fills the busy boulevards of our great cities and the small alleyways of our villages. It fills the homes of the peasantry and the homes of the aristocracy. It fills the heart of the lonely vagabond who wakes up every morning by the staggering heights that are the snow-capped Alps, to the crowded consumers who flock to Faubourg Saint-Honoré and the fine merchandise that it offers. These have been blessed times for all Frenchmen - it is the sacred duty of the House of Bonaparte to ensure that this continues for time eternal.

As always, I stand at the helm of the French Empire as firmly as ever. Over the horizon are new challenges and tasks. Nothing shall be given to us; we shall have to seize it. But what I can say is faith in ourselves and in our nation can give us the strength to solve whatever troubles may come our way - not alone, but together. We are brave, we are intelligent, and we are strong. United we shall be able to take build ourselves a better future for all of our children. Let us then stand together and continue our courageous voyage. I pledge that together we shall be able to ensure that our farms shall feed every family; our factories shall produce every commodity; our schools shall teach every child; and our people shall experience every delight.

I ask now that we may take a moment to look abroad. I must profess my worry to the disputes that have sparked off in the last few days on the matter of the Schleswig & Holstein. It is a problem that has plagued the Danes and Germans alike for decades on end; but we believe that war is not the answer. The spillage of blood shall only lead to foul relations on either side of the border. Instead, we back the Ottoman Empire's call for peace. Lay down your swords, put away your bayonets, and allow for this matter to be resolved not through violence but through words.

Far off in the Orient, our honour has been avenged from what can only be described as a ruthless attack upon our innocent missionaries. Now, our flag stands united with that of Great Britain, floating victoriously over the walls of Peking. By its side stands the cross, the mighty emblem of Christian civilization, surmounting the temples of our religion in the immense Chinese empire. Last year we achieved peace with China after the Arrow War, and I am glad. What was once closed off from the unfortunate souls of China is now open; there the word of the Lord may be spread freely.

In the lands of Viet Nam, the brave sons of France are currently fighting in the name of humanity. Over the last few years, I can proudly say that they have won resounding victories. It is not only the honour of France that they fight for, but of every good Christian - the brutal execution of the Archbishop of Tonkin merely a few years ago was an utterly outrageous act ordered by the Vietnamese Emperor, and could not go unnoticed. I proclaim that no more shall the Vietnamese Christians need to fear the persecution they once faced; the soldiers of France are at their service.

It is across the Mediterranean that we have also fought for all that is good. Six thousand of our men stand in Syria after a successful humanitarian intervention, where they have fully co-operated with the Ottoman Empire in casting aside the murderous Druze overlords, who have so violently sought to repress the Christian peasants of Syria. It was a deplorable act where twenty-thousand innocent Christians lost their lives in a massacre - France could not stand back. In 1523 we made a pledge to protect the lives of all Christians in the land of the Ottoman Empire; and I am proud to have fulfilled that solemn duty.

I have always sought to prove that France desires nothing more than peace, and that without a legitimate influence, she does not pretend to interfere in any place where her interests are not concerned. She sympathises with all that is great and noble, and does not hesitate to condemn that which violates international right and justice. Where our rights are incontestable, we shall defend. Where our honour is assaulted, we shall defend. My arm resolution has always been to ensure that France stands by the good Christian values that have so defined our country throughout the centuries. What do we have to fear? Let us calmly look to the the future with a clear conscience and righteous intentions; let us fully engage in the development of the prosperity that Providence has generously placed in our hands.

~ His Imperial Majesty Napoleon III, by the Grace of God and Will of the Nation, Emperor of the French

Southern Men, the thunders mutter

Lincoln's call to the states to issue up a force of 75,000 men to 'subdue this perfidious Southern rebellion' was met and then some. The United States Army, as it stood on the eve of the War Between the States, was only comprised of 16,000 men; the majority of whom were scattered far and wide in garrisons across the west. To address this crucial shortage of men -- most of whom would take quite some time to cross the nation to the Southern theatre -- the President made the famous call for troops on April 15th, 1861. The results were immediately evident as men rushed in droves to fight for the Union. Immigrants, usually hardbitten Prussian immigrants who refused to cotton with such disorder, were especially eager to don the blue. 87,000 men signed up quickly, according to the recruitment offices which had to be established specifically to handle such an influx, with more on the way. It would turn out to be more than needed, however, as the news hit the border states like an atomic bomb. Virginia announced her secession only two days later, on April 17th, followed by Maryland on the 20th, and was followed into the month of May by Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, North Carolina, Missouri, and finally Delaware. The flood of outraged secession from the Union -- "it is not the purpose of the Federal government," declared one state legislator "to make war upon her constituents" -- was unanticipated entirely by President Lincoln and the Union government, and would come to have significant consequences.

Both the United and Confederate states enacted conscription shortly thereafter. While Lincoln was able to put such measure into effect with relatively little difficulty, raising 132,000 troops within the space of a few months and securing a mandate from Congress for 500,000 conscripts as the need arose; President Davis personally went before the Confederate Congress and pleaded to them the need of conscription. They duly obliged, authorising the conscription of 150,000 men, but this measure was rather unpopular amongst segments of the Confederate population and the speaking tour of Vice-President Stephens to provide volunteers to defend the Southland was met with jeers of disapproval. Still, war is not merely battles on the plain and throughout the lull of early months -- mostly occupied by organisation of armies on both sides -- the Union engaged in a dual campaign of building so-called 'ironclads' and winning the hearts and minds of the public. The former met with interesting results. The ironclad was more or less a theoretical idea which had been batted among various international navies for awhile, and while Congress earmarked some funds for their construction Lincoln's idea of a 'fleet' of them went nowhere fast. The campaign to raise public support was rather like preaching to the choir or painting a white wall white, and met with about as much success as could be expected.

In the Confederacy, meanwhile, news of a US blockade was met with concern. The Confederate Navy was quite pitiful, seeing as almost the entirety of the US Navy stayed loyal to the Union, and was not expected to improve although efforts were underway to construct ships at several Virginian shipyards. The blockade stifled Confederate trade and communication with the world and rendered several nations with much less cotton than would normally be expected but could easily be evaded by experienced smugglers. The Confederate government saw to it that fledgling industrial centres in Virginia and the Carolinas were geared towards the production of war goods, but this meant little considering the already-paltry output of such factories. Of greater import was the organisation of Confederate armies. The Army of the Potomac, under the command of Brigadier General P. G. T. Beauregard, took up positions at the mouth and around the Shenandoah Valley with about 30,000 conscripts, while the Army of the Carolinas, and the Army of the Western Territories similarly were formed and deployed. It was soon afterwards, in late July, that the first battles were met.

The entirety of the professional United States Army, which had finally gathered itself a few months beforehand, was ordered by President Lincoln into the Shenandoah Valley; eschewing the use of conscript forces in favour of professional soldiers. This turned out to be a mistake. The Army of the Potomac had been waiting for just such an opportunity to ensnare Union soldiers and were able to use the geography of the area to their advantage, sweeping down and trapping the Army under the command of General McClellan. The ensuing battle was not at all the gentlemanly affair of previous wars and was best described as a slaughter. Many of the units of the US Army were entirely unsuitable to operate in such a terrain, such as those poor souls carrying heavy artillery along with them, and the Battle of the Valley quickly turned into a humiliating rout. The General finally put up the flag of surrender after several bloody hours and the remaining ten-thousand or so Union soldiers were allowed to slink away. When asked why he did not choose to take them captive as Prisoners of War General Beauregard famously declared that "in every war, a Southern gentleman must show mercy." This was a lesson which would later come in handy for the United States. In a scheme which could at best be described as 'harebrained' President Lincoln and the War Department decided that, logically, the best way to follow this up would be a seaborne invasion of Richmond. Loading as many troops onto transports, clippers, and whatever else he could scavenge from the vast array at his disposal, Lincoln attempted to sail five thousand troops up the James River to assault Richmond. This was a disaster as many of the ships which were used in the invasion were unable to transverse rivers and variously capsized or run around. Those who swam to shore were rounded up and interned.

In September, Lincoln's coup de grace was put into effect. Marching straight south, the twenty-thousand-man Army of Washington headed for Richmond. Forsaking such things as subtlety, strategy, or tact the President was determined to end the war in a single blow. Unfortunately for him, General Robert E. Lee had other plans. Intercepting Union forces outside Richmond, Lee -- who had been derisively nicknamed 'King of Spades' in the Confederate capital due to the trenches he had due around the city -- immediately gave battle. The Army of the Carolinas was the largest of the Confederate armies by far, at 60,000 men, and was lead by a brilliant commander who was popular with the men under his command. As he engaged the Army of Washington on the fields outside Richmond, Lee was joined by the Army of Tennessee under Lieutenant General James Longstreet and his forces further bolstered to a heady majority. The Army of Washington, again under McClellan, was formed entirely of a mix of unenthusiastic conscripts and very enthusiastic volunteers, but quickly broke as it was flanked by the two large Confederate armies. Those that cut and ran were killed, as were many of those who stayed and fought, and those captured were interned. It was a stunning victory in a campaign which had been marked by Union incompetence, and there was another in store.

The Army of Virginia, under General J.E. Johnston, was very careful about their whereabouts. Again at 30,000 troops they moved carefully through western Virginia and through the corner of Pennsylvania before descending upon Washington City. Although with the secession of Maryland the federal capital was technically surrounded Lincoln and much or Congress refused to move to Philadelphia; and were consequently captured when Confederate troops entered the city. No provisions for the defense of the city had been made and while some advanced notion of the attack had allowed members of the Cabinet to escape, both the President and swathes of Congress were shocked when, on the 4th of November, Confederate soldiers were camped on the Mall and on the lawn of the White House. With their government effectively decapitated and having suffered two (three, if you count the invasion by sea of Richmond) humiliating defeats in the space of a year, things were looking grim for the United States. Acting-President Steward and portions of Congress were assembled in Philadelphia, and could theoretically still direct the large conscript armies at their disposal, but it wouldn't be easy.

As the days march forth and time progresses on the Earth, we see more conflict, violence, and chaos erupt across the globe. From the Taiping Rebellion in the East, to the American Civil War in the West, and with the a huge possibility of war in the Concert of Europe as Prussia threatens war against Denmark over Schleswig-Holstien the world is entering into some dark days. We ask to the great powers of Europe that some restraint be shown, less we erupt into a Europe-Wide conflict.

To Austria and Prussia, please show restraint over Schleswig-Holstien. Diplomacy should be the first option of any nation, before using war as method. Peace should be the lasting goal of every European Power.

-Jacob van Zuylen van Nijevelt, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Kingdom of the Netherlands
Anglo-Dutch Colonial Exchange of 1861

Article I: Sovereignty and all economic and political rights over the Dutch Gold Coast shall be transferred to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

Article II: The Kingdom of the Netherlands shall be granted a sum of £200 from the government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

[X] Jacob van Zuylen van Nijevelt, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, on behalf of his Majesty King William III.
[X] The Right Honourable The Viscount Palmerston, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, on behalf of her Majesty Queen Victoria.

The Treaty of Edo

Desiring to establish strong and sincere friendship, the Empire of Japan and the French Empire have availed themselves of this auspicious opportunity to foster friendly and cooperative relations between the two states by means of a treaty of trade.

Article I - In the name of facilitating greater understanding, both in economic and cultural realms, each countries shall open permanent diplomatic embassies in order to advance relations. The city of Edo has been designated for the French Embassy, and the city of Paris has been designated for the Japanese Embassy.

Article II - Both nations, wishing to ease their trading relations with one another and strengthen their economic ties, shall bestow upon one another the status of "Most Favoured Nation".

Article III - Japan pledges to make more readily available the sale of silk to France, and the France pledges to make more readily available the sale of bulk goods, manufactures and other such commodities to Japan

Article IV - France will send an official mission along to Japan, composed of experts in the areas of industrial and rail-road development, and Japan will an official mission along to France, composed of experts in processing silk and other such crafts.

Article V - His Majesty the Tycoon of Japan shall purchase 100,000 Thouvenin Tige Rifles from France for a lump sum of £4,000.

[X] - Inoue Kiyonao, Magistrate of Foreign Affairs
[X] - Gustave Duchesne de Bellecourt, Minister Plenipotentiary of France in Japan

Empire Français

It is with great joy that I announce the humanitarian intervention against the Empire of Vietnam - for its woeful crimes committed against men of the Christian faith - has come to a most wonderful conclusion. Victory has been achieved. In this war, France has fought for the cause of liberty and all that it stands for; one of its most utmost values being that of religious freedom. I have with me the treaty of peace and friendship with the Vietnamese Emperor, and it reads as follows:



France has proudly fulfilled her ancient duty of protecting the freedom of all Christians, wherever they may be. No more shall missionaries be harassed in their journeys to spread the teachings of Christianity abroad in the Orient. We now look forward to peace and tolerance between the Vietnamese Emperor and those subjects of his who follow the word of the Lord.

~ His Imperial Majesty Napoleon III, by the Grace of God and Will of the Nation, Emperor of the French

THE UNION LOSES D.C TO THE CONFEDERATE

The American Civil War has taken a turn of the worst as Washington D.C is burning and President Abe Lincoln was captured. The Civil War already declared the faith of the United States - which is death... The United States has lost the Civil War and even if they win it, they will forever remain a middle power and they will mean nothing to the rest of the world.

- An article made by Barnabé Bento from The Eastern Azorean in September 5th, 1861.

STATE OF WAR DECLARED BY THE KINGDOM OF PRUSSIA AND THE EMPIRE OF AUSTRIA

A state of war was declared by Wilhelm I of Prussia and Franz of Austria towards Frederick VII of Denmark. Later the week, Charles XV of Sweden and Norway declared war towards Prussia and Austria to defend Denmark. The Declaration of War was caused as Denmark refused to withdraw their forces from Schleswig-Holstein and refused to accept the claims of Prussia and Austria from Schleswig-Holstein... Will France and Great Britain join the Schleswig-Holstein Conflict allied or against Prussia and Austria?

- An article made by Ventura Correia from The Aurora Lima in March 10th, 1861.

Luís's Statement on Everything That Happened So Far in 1861

My people, my people. Today we are witnessing important chain of events, first the American Civil War and now the Taiping Rebellion. This means that the people are standing against their governments from moral or personal reasons. The governments of the world need to watch it's people before they also get ideas of revolution against their government. The Confederate States of America have won the right to become a nation, just like the United States of America did with Great Britain. Portugal gains the right to recognize the Confederate States of America's independence; even known they still have slavery, they will become great partners to Portugal and her people as we will do the same.

While the Schleswig-Holstein Conflict has started, Portugal will leave out of this conflict; but, we have the right to say that Schleswig-Holstein belongs to German Confederation due to the most of the population are Prussians. Yet, we understand it's Denmark's under The London Protocol and have every right to not withdraw it's forces from it. I hope that the war is fought fast and that one side comes out victorious.

- Translated and published by Rafael Almeida from The Eastern Azorean in October 20th, 1861.

Treaties, articles, speeches, and other important things are translated and published from the world by The Eastern Azorean and The Aurora Lima