On September 9, 1862, an order dubbed by General Robert E. Lee
as Special Order 191, written and wrapped into some cigars, was
dropped during an advance by Confederate forces. However, it is
quickly recovered and, instead of the Bloodiest Day in American
history occurring, Antietam. Lee catches the Army of the Potomac,
led by McClellan, entirely off guard at Camp Hill. Defeat him, and
move towards Philadelphia. Occupying it...
What changed?
In our timeline, C.S. General Lee's plan, Order 191, split up his forces to better take the Union Army under General
McClellan off guard. One of these orders, as mentioned before, was dropped by a Confederate soldier and found by Union Forces
-working its way up the chain of command until it reached McClellan himself. Forcing a battle at Antietam and setting the rest of
the Civil War as we know it.
However, the orders are entirely recovered by two Confederate infantrymen. The plan is carried out under the United States' noses.
And the fateful battle at Camp Hill spells doom for the possible reunification of the two countries altogether. Ending in a Confederate
victory, that leads to the occupation of Philadelphia. Making Britain and France, who were keeping a wary eye on the war in North America,
to recognize the Confederate States. And, under tremendous pressure by the two powerful European empires and the war in shambles,
U.S. President Lincoln is forced to negotiate peace.
End of the War of Secession
Close to twenty years after the end of the 'War of Secession,' another comes over the two states' horizon. When the CSA wishes to purchase
Chihuahua and Sonora from the Empire of Mexico since the latter is in debt. The United States, under President James G. Blaine, threatens
war if the purchase is processed. Fearing for a second coming to their sovereignty, the Confederate States get the blessing of her two allies,
France and Britain, to intervene if the Union attacks -so long as the C.S.A. frees its slaves. Seeing no other choice, they agree and proceed to
annex the two former Mexican States. Causing the USA to declare war, starting the Second Mexican War.
Sowing the Seeds of Future Conflict
From June 25, 1881, until April 22, 1882, the second conflict between the two rival American states was fought. Twice, since the CSA was formed,
she defeats her northern counterpart, with the two former-Mexican states being sworn into the Confederacy. After winning the war, the US loses its
northern part of Maine to Canada. The state of Utah, due to trying to pull what the Confederates did two decades earlier, have their leaders hanged
and made an example of, making the Mormons to call for independence further down the road. Even a victory against Canadian Forces up in Montana
by a band of soldiers led by Theodore Roosevelt and United States Army officer George Armstrong Custer isn't enough to turn the tides of the war.
Humiliated and beaten a second time by a country that was brand new. The United States of America seeks new allies herself. Otto Von Bismarck, chancellor of the newly created
German Empire is quick to seek an alliance with the sizeable resource-rich north. And, using her failures and defeats as motivation -as Remembrance- the United
States agrees to German proposals. Preparing for another war with the Confederate States in the future.
