Overview of 1797-1798

1797:

January 26th: Russia begins the 1797 Russian Invasion of Poland, determined to seize the final bits of Polish territory for itself. However, the Russian Army is met with stiff resistance from the Polish Lithuanian Army, as they fight desperately to prevent the Russians from completely annexing the PLC. The war will last two years and will cost Russia a river of blood. Prussia opts to stay out of the war, as they have suffered financial and military losses due to the First Coalition War.

During this time, the United States send military and non-military aid to the PLC to fight Russian aggression. While Russia remains unaware of America's support for the PLC, the PLC's sudden ability to beat back the Russian invasion (at least initially) will arise some suspicion.

January 27th: A small group of American business owners (overseen by the Watchmen Society) hires hundreds of people in Riobamba to work in the United States, with the American government's full support. They move quickly out of modern day Ecuador and leave on a fleet of American merchant ships waiting in Guayaquil. Just a week later, Riobamba is struck by an 8.3 earthquake that causes over forty thousand casualties. The earthquake is considered the deadliest earthquake ever to strike the region.

February 3rd: The Ninth United States Congress is ushered in as a new administration takes over the White House.

In the Senate, nine Senate seats are contested (Hisigi, Georgia, Kentucky, Vermont, and one seat in Maine). The Democrat Senator in Hisgi defects from his party and joins the Front, narrowing the Republican-Democrat majority to 22-20.

United States Senate:

Yellow: Republican Party (14)

Red: Democratic Party (8)

Green: The Frontier Party (6)

Blue: Unionist Party (14)

Meanwhile, in the House of Representatives, the Republican-Democrat Alliance gains a majority due to President Jefferson's actions during the last two years of his term. This year's House elections results in the addition of two new House seats (from the Ohio Territory and the Alabama Territory) and the near extinction of the Whig Party's influence. With slavery at its death knell and with most of Congress refusing to entertain the idea of granting an extension or additional aid to slave owners, the Whig Party is a very small shadow of its former self. In the coming years, many members of the Whig Party will merge with some Independents to forge a new party (to distinguish themselves from the "pro-slavery" Whig Party). Since the Republican-Democrat now controls the House (after swiping some seats from the Unionists), they gain a majority in both levels of Congress and commands the Presidency as well (81-76).

United States House of Representatives:

Yellow: Republican Party (49)

Red: Democratic Party (32)

Green: Frontier Party (30)

Blue: Union Party (42)

Brown: Whig Party (4)

Grey: Independents (10)

February 10th: President James Madison is sworn in as the Third President of the United States of America in the White House. His first term will begin with a period of economic downturn (the Panic of 1797).

February 28th: The Sixteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution is proposed by a Quebecois Senator. The wording of the Amendment is as followed:

The Languages in which Congress and federal Departments conduct their Business and, in the case of Congress, makes its Laws shall include the standard English Language of the Day, but Congress shall make no law prohibiting or promoting the use of any Language by any States relating to the Business and Governance of the States.

The Amendment will be met with opposition from the Unionists, but will face widespread approval from the other parties. Congress will debate on this issue for several months before voting on the measure.

March 1st: Ohio formally petitions to be a state. However, due to the disputes of the exact borders of the future state of Ohio, along with some questions surrounding the validity of the census (the territorial government claims that the population exceeds 70,000, well above the 65,000 needed to become a state, but there are doubts about the accuracy of the census), the petition is shot down immediately. A Congressional committee is tasked with clearly outlining Ohio's western borders and carrying out an accurate census with the help of the United States Department of Internal Affairs.

March 12th: The Panic of 1797 begins due to numerous factors, both domestic and foreign. At the home front, the rapid expansion of factories led to a significant amount of loans being lent out by the Federal Bank of the United States. While returns were generally stable and the bank had a sufficient reserve, the bank still relied on stable market prices and trade in order to support the rapidly growing economy. However, when the Bank of England raised interest rates (due to the cold weather in Britain sharply raising British import of wheat, which in turn, depleted the financial reserves of the Bank of England) and the British government crafted an import tax for American industrial goods in order to protect its own industries, demand for American goods in Britain plummeted. While trade with France and other European nations continued, Britain was one of America's closest and biggest trade partner. With the sudden changes in trade policies, prices of raw material, such as cotton, dropped sharply (as much as 20% by July), sales across major factories stumbled, and prices for finished goods went up as many businessmen scrambled to offset the sudden loss of profit. Many factories laid off workers, lowered wages, and were unable to prevent major financial losses. With many factory owners struggling to pay the interest of their loans, the Federal Bank also stumbled and found itself unable to lend out additional loans to any enterprising citizens. As a result, the economy retracted for the first time in American history and President Madison was forced to deal with a potential volatile economic situation.

March 19th: Aboriginal warriors attack the Australian colonial town of Shelburne for the vast purges the colonial government carried out in recent times. The aboriginal warriors manage to kill a few dozen settlers before they are brutally repulsed and destroyed. The captured aboriginal warriors are executed by the colonial government and the "Battle of Shelburne" will throw Australia into a further frenzy to destroy the natives.

March 23rd: With the French Saint Domingue (the remaining northern parts of it) on the verge of another rebellion, Prime Minister Lafayette (regrettably) authorizes the sale of the colony to Spain in the Treaty of Paris (1797) for $1 million. With much of the colony in tatters already, there is little incentive for the French government and people to hold onto the "island of misery and rebellions." Slave owners in the colony will accept this news with glee and the entire Caribbean island (except the small, rebel controlled parts of "Haiti") will be united under Spanish rule. Spanish Hispaniola (which now includes the northern parts of former Saint Domingue) will be firmly ruled by Spain until the Flight of King Louis in 1806, which results in the king's take over (due to numerous reasons, mainly the colony's instability and the sudden uprisings in South America).

April 2nd: An uprising in Paris is met with restrained force as protesters demand the "puppet king" to be removed from the throne and for France to revert back to a republic. The "Anti-Monarchy Clubs" are held responsible for the beginning of the uprising. Unfortunately for Lafayette, mainly radical factions start to gain power within the former republic due to the sudden return of King Louis. King Louis remains within his palace in Versailles, though he meets with current and former nobles in an effort to regain relevance and power.

April 15th: The Second Great Awakening shakes the roots of American society. Many Americans will flock to religion in the face of economic uncertainty and religious denominations will guide a spiritual awakening across the nation. With an emphasis on "brotherhood, fellowship, and charity," the Second Great Awakening will have a generally positive impact on American society. Greater emphasis will be placed on the poor, immigrants will convert to Christianity in mass numbers as religious denominations provide for them, and movements will spring up to increase the government's involvement in social programs. Immigrants in general will be swept up by religious fever (even a few Asian immigrants and Native Americans), as these religious denominations will help them find a place in a foreign land.

Vicinusum will especially prove to be popular in Virginia and a few neighboring states, as former war hero George Washington becomes a strong supporter of religion and charity work.

The general impact of the Second Great Awakening is an evolution of America's perspective of race and immigrants. With the end of slavery a year after the Second Great Awakening is in full swing, many religious groups focus on the social aspects of race problems, preaching equality and community between all races. The Awakening will lecture the people that slavery is an "abhorrent sin" and that all Americans are equal in the eyes of God. As for immigrants, they will be accepted and treated well by these same religious groups despite their foreignness (as immigrants are seen as "lost" lambs looking for a greater destiny in "the Promised Land"). The Awakening will especially prove to be popular out in the west and in urban areas. In addition to the societal impacts, it will also encourage religious people to establish a personal relationship with God and maintain righteousness (from work to politics).

It should also be noted that many members of the Watchmen Society specifically aided religious denominations that promoted these things and ensured that the religious movement would have a positive impact on American society.

April 20th: With the economy facing a downturn, President Madison issues C.E.O #23: The Economic Stimulus Package of 1797. It will include expansion of infrastructure throughout the United States, government loans for businesses (with no bailouts), sales of land in the west, a boost in the Federal Bank's monetary reserves (in exchange for greater regulation) and an increase of the total number of government workers. President Madison hopes that with sufficient government intervention, the worst outcomes of the economic downturn could be avoided. While President Madison is a Republican, he knows all too well that government inaction in a time of economic (or political) crisis could result in instability, or worse, a total crash. The Consent Executive Order #23 is the final result of his utilization of future knowledge (he focuses closely on the Panic of 1837 in the other history). It should be noted that the C.E.O #23 also includes the very first version of the Homestead Act, which will encourage citizens to move westward (especially after the Erie Canal is finished in 1798).

May 11th: The United States and the State of France sign a "Treaty of Friendship," that will affirm the close relations between the two nations and increase political and economic ties. While some Americans are wary of being "latched" onto a European power, and thus being dragged into a European War, the reception to the treaty is quite positive. While France is no longer a "republic," they are still democratic and their values are similar to the American values. Additionally, American merchants and businessmen greatly benefited from their cooperation with France during the First Coalition War. The two will remain very close partners (and eventually, close allies). The treaty also signals the beginning of greater American cooperation with France, than with Britain. While Britain will remain an important trade partner, France will eventually surpass Great Britain as America's top trading partner (mainly due to the Panic of 1797 and the Treaty).

May 19th: The price of gold falls by nearly 10% across the United States (the slide began at the beginning of the year), due to the increased output of the gold mines in Georgia, South Carolina, and Hisigi (along with Kim's "magic bag"). This will further elevate fears about a downward spiral for the economy.

June: With the establishment of the Akansa Territory, nearby Native American tribes move into the American territory in order to escape Spanish rule. The Wichita, the Kansa, and the Missouri tribes will just be some of many tribes that settle into the territory, boosting population growth. In addition to this, American traders also reach the new western border of the United States for trade and American troops set up shop in the area as well (carefully abiding by the Treaty of Lisbon and not building any fortifications fifty kilometers from the border). The state of Akansa will be admitted as a state within fifteen years.

Up north, several northern tribes band together in order to form their own territory up north (within America's borders). While a number of them will be hostile to US expansion (especially the Pawnee, the Santee, and Cheyenne), others will peacefully attempt to create another "Native American territory" within the United States. With the border being the Missouri River, many of these peaceful tribes will set up their homes just east of the Missouri (AN: around eastern North/South Dakota and western Minnesota).

June 5th: Congress swiftly passes the "Economic Stimulus Package of 1797," giving the struggling economy a swift push to prevent a prolonged economic downturn. The "ESP" (as its more commonly known throughout the population) will help turn the economy around. People that are unemployed due to the crisis find jobs in the government, or in construction work. Businesses and factories slowly recover, and the few that are unable (or unwilling) to take up the job offers given to them by the government head west. The rapid response by the government, combined with the beginning of economic recovery a year later, will help increase the people's trust in the government and prevent any major domestic unrest.

June 10th: The Lanfang national government enters into a secret pact with the United States. The pact will allow Lanfang to act as a "middleman" between the United States and East Asia. American ships will still sail to Canton to trade, but American traders will be able to trade for Chinese, Korean, and Japanese goods through Lanfang (as American merchants often wait months in Canton to fill up their cargo to bring back to the United States). Lanfang will greatly benefit from this deal, as American traders will pay the island nation with industrial goods, precious metals other than silver, and technology in exchange for Asian goods.

June 19th: The "Naturalization Act of 1797" is passed near unanimously by Congress. The Act clarifies the requirements to become a citizen of the United States (ten years of residence [which includes time spent off American soil during military serve, if needed], no major criminal offenses, a Citizenship test [which includes American history, laws, government, and knowledge of a potential citizen's home state], and an oath of allegiance). Any immigrant that are eligible for citizenship due to the Act are included (so if an immigrant arrived in the United States ten years prior, he is eligible for citizenship after the passage of the Act). The Union Party is satisfied as it requires an immigrant to live in the United States for a substantial amount of time before attaining citizenship. The Frontier Party is also amendable to the Act, as it will greatly benefit those that will attain citizenship after living in the western territories/states (a number of them are now eligible due to the Act). The Democrats/Republicans are also supportive, as it now creates greater incentive for people to immigrate to the United States and lets nearly any immigrant to naturalize to become an "American." True to their beliefs, the United States will see a rapid growth of immigration rates during the 19th century and will lead to the rapid settlement of many interior states.

July 2nd: The United States will carry out the first joint-military exercise off the coast of Florida. The United States Marine Corps would unload from ships of the United States Navy to carry out a mock invasion, with the defending forces being the United States Army. The exercise will achieve great success and spread new doctrines acquired from the First Coalition War through the branches. In a twist of irony (and fate), Major Jackson would accept the surrender of Colonel Bonapart (the two of them already good friends due to their observer status in France) in "Fort America" (a mock fort built for the exercise). Nearly a thousand Army soldiers, a thousand Marines, twenty five ships, and several thousand Navy personnel take part in this exercise.

July 9th: Explicit Executive Order #10 is declared (Congress will allow the president to send this expedition under an E.E.O due to the nature of it). President Madison orders the creation of an expedition to survey the northwestern parts of the United States that are still officially "Unorganized Territories." The objective of the expedition is to make contact with the Native Americans in the area, map out potential locations for settlements (while avoiding hostile Native American territory), and clarify the western borders with Spain. For this expedition, President Madison appoints Major Jackson and Colonel Bonapart to lead (due to Major Jackson's experience with Native Americans and Colonel Bonapart's military experience and ability to think quickly on his feet). The two of them officially receive their commission on the 30th and begin to assemble a team of individuals to help them journey through to the western territories.

July 21st: The Navy adds the last ship from the National Military Expansion Act of 1794 (the USS Quebec City) to its inventory. With the addition of the USS Quebec City, fifty five ships (the best quality for its time) are under the United States Navy's direct control. The military budget is approximately ten percent of the annual budget, with the rest allocated to ARPA, public education, land development, infrastructure improvement, the federal government itself (services, salary, and other utilities), and various other programs run by the United States government. With the success during the Akansa Crisis and the necessity to secure American shipping from potential pirates and privateers (since the First Coalition War nearly threatened American merchant ships), the American public is more than willing for the United States to maintain a "modest sized, top-notch military."

August 3rd: The "Free Sioux Nation" is formed in future Lakota. The "Nation" consists of several different tribes that sees the United States as a potential threat (and believe that their "Native American" counterparts sold their souls to the white invaders). Their goal is to remove the Spanish and the Americans from their territory and create an independent entity for themselves. They will play a relatively important role in the American Western Front during the Anglo-American War..

August 19th: Congress formally approves of the new borders between the Ohio Territory and the Illinois Territory. The Flatrock River and Sugar Creek will be the new borders between the two territories. At the northern end of the White River, the territory will be split exactly in half up until the Michigan Territory. Congress also recognizes "the Missouri Territory" an Unorganized Territory (AN: OTL Missouri and southern Iowa).

September 9th: After the fall of Port-au Prince to rebel forces, Toussaint L'Ouverture (with the nudging of the United States) declares a free and independent Haiti in the town of Les Cayes to a cheering crowd. The new Republic of Haiti is declared to be "totally free from European rule, both by the oppressive Spanish and the traitorous French." Slavery is abolished, a Constitution similar to that of the United States Constitution is established, and Toussaint is swiftly elected as its first ever president. By this time, Spain has suffered more than ten thousand casualties due to the rebellion and disease. With the acquisition of northern Saint Domingue from the French, the Spanish spends less considerable effort to stamp out the so called "republic." However, they will still refuse to recognize Haiti's independence and continue a low-scale war against them up until 1806 (even after the United States recognizes the Republic of Haiti in 1798).

September 22nd: The United States Military establishes a report that states that nearly forty percent of the United States Army, along with sixty percent of the Marines, are now armed with the latest M1790 Lee Rifle.

October 13th - October 30th: The Kingston Rebellion occurs in the British colony of Jamaica. The rebels, emboldened by the successes of Haiti against their colonial overlords, consist of enslaved blacks that fight against British rule (which has only returned in force after the British retook the island from the French). Several hundreds are killed and the British places severe restrictions over the slaves on the island. The colony will still supply the British Empire with sugar, but will remain a hot spot in the Caribbean for years to come.

November 7th: Frederick William III becomes the new king of Prussia.

November 16th: ARPA (based out of New York City) invents the arc lamp using a crude battery. The implications of this invention will only be widely known during the mid 19th century.

December 1st: In a surprising move, the Qianlong Emperor sends his fifteen year old grandson (the future Daoguang Emperor) to oversee the "capabilities and governance of the Tributary State of the United States. This is mainly due to the interesting reports the Qinalong Emperor has received from his officials in the United States (who are honorary members of the White House Staff and oversees American relations with China). While he is not surprised at the republican nature of the United States (due to Kim's constant letters, the constant updates sent by the American federal government, and the existence of another tributary republic, Lanfang), he is still keen on keeping tab of the "tributary nation in the barbarian and unknown lands." Historians often remark that this action was a show of force and power by China. When the United States government catches wind of this, they prepare a heavily armed escort (two First Rates, three Third Rates, and five Continental Frigates), along with a number of merchant ships, to carry the Prince and his delegation (over a hundred officials and servants) to the United States. The fleet will depart in late January and arrive in the United States by June.

At the same time, this expedition (and China's inability to deploy its own ships to traverse oceans), will lead to China exploring the possibility of creating a small, modern fleet in order to maintain prestige and face.

1798:

January 1st: While each state entered the Union at different times, nearly every single state in the Union declares the end of slavery at the beginning of 1798. Only a few special cases (mainly in North Carolina) remain. By the year's end, slavery is completely abolished and the United States becomes one of the first nations to eradicate slavery.

January 29th: The Sioux Conflict begins as Native Americans from the "Sioux Free Nation" raids several American aligned Native American villages in the Unorganized Territories (future state of Minnesota). This will spark a bloody conflict in the area as the Sioux Free Nation seeks to gain dominance of the upper Missouri River region. The US Army will deploy over three thousand soldiers to contain the conflict and to push back the Sioux Free Nation away from its borders, starting a bloody war between the United States and the Sioux Nation. Since most of the Sioux Free Nation sits in Spanish territory, the United States is unable to fully eradicate the problem (and Spain will deny any access to its Louisiana Territory). As a result, the war will last over a decade and even after the Louisiana Purchase, the independent movement in the area will linger.

February: The process of interchangeable parts become more and more popularized thanks to the efforts of the federal government and Samuel Kim. Samuel, who is one of the richest men in America, is an innovator and many factory owners/businessmen follow his models closely. With the recovery of the American economy going nicely, business is picking up faster than usual (with the United States experiencing a period of confidence and a "can-do" attitude).

February 5th - February 17th: The North Carolina National Guard is deployed to deal with insurrection and unrest as the remaining slave owners in the state rebel against the governor of North Carolina's decree to end slavery before June 1st. Fourteen slave owners will lose their lives due to armed confrontations, but the insurrection will be put down before it gets out of hand. Several key areas in the central and western parts of the state will be patrolled by the National Guard to ensure that the governor's decree is followed through.

March 9th: The expanded Erie Canal is declared complete as the nation as a whole celebrates. The canal will open the floodgates to the west (literally and figuratively), which will increase the rate of settlement in the western parts of the United States. Within just three years, Ohio will qualify for a state, with Michigan and Illinois not too far behind. Ontario will also see benefits from the completed project, as immigrants arriving from Europe will journey into the interior northern territory through the Erie Canal. Erie Enterprise officially opens for business and becomes one of the most profitable water transportation companies in the United States.

The opening of the Canal will also signal the "bounce back" of the American economy, as investment and development of the west provides an additional boost to the recovering economy.

March 15th: The Irish Rebellion begins as Britain cracks down on the pro-independent Society of United Irishmen. The Society, which stands for an independent, republican Ireland, fights against the British authorities in Ireland. Clashes between rebel militias and the British military will occur from March to June, but the Society itself will not be dissolved until September. France will discreetly send material aid, but will not intervene in the conflict.

March 30th: The United States Military is declared to be "fully operational." In total, the United States Military stands at fifty thousand Army soldiers, fifteen thousand Marines, and fifty five Navy ships. New bases will be built across the nation due to western expansion. However, many military units will still be primarily stationed in the east. While American territory is vast, the spread out nature of American military bases encourage the British to attack the "Southern Underbelly" of Louisiana, Jefferson, and Alabama; and attack the western frontiers during the Anglo-American War.

April 5th: The United States officially recognizes the Republic of Haiti as a sovereign and independent nation (after a lengthy talk with the Spanish government). Spain will not lash out in rage, as they recognize that having a small, independent "republic" will help quell the rebellious tendencies of Saint Domingue (and since the territories that the small republic controls are the most unprofitable regions). Due to the recognition, the United States will send an ambassador to the Republic of Haiti (former Senator Eliyah James of South Carolina, who retired from politics to take care of his family). The United States will also send aid more directly, though cautiously avoid sending too much arms to the small republic. However, America will assist in helping rebuild the war torn republic and do its best to stabilize the nation with aid in order to build up a reliable ally in the only other independent American nation. Agriculture will shift away from plantations to private (and communal) staple crop farms (though coffee and bananas will still be grown on the island) and a small industrial sector will spring up after a decade.

Over time, the United States and Haiti will develop a strong relationship (an older brother, younger brother relationship) and two will become founding members of the League of American Nations.

April 10th: After a very lengthy debate, the Sixteenth Amendment of the Constitution is passed and approved by a two thirds majority in the House and the Senate. The Sixteenth Amendment will be enshrined by future historians as the very core of America's "greatest value" (diversity) and the Amendment will encourage Americans to speak multiple languages. By modern day, more than seventy percent of all Americans will be able to speak languages other than American English.

May 2nd: The May Riots occur throughout France, as King Louis' invisibility to the public, along with the popularity of the former republic, affects the public perception of the effectiveness of the "State of France." While Lafayette is still popular, mainly due to his overarching reforms as the first president, most of the French populace blames the other European powers for the political situation in France (as they believe France won the war handily). Demonstrations and riots rock the entirety of France, as the people demand for the king to be removed and for the Republic to be restored. Lafayette will struggle to ensure that things remain under control while King Louis is impassive to the wave of unpopularity.

He will continue to scheme with various nobles and contact foreign nations to restore his "rightful place as the head of France."

May 23rd: Samuel Cooper, who will go onto become one of the highest ranking generals during the Anglo-American War, is born in Albany, New York.

June 1st: The Appalachian Mountains Marathon and the National Summer Games will begin at the same time. Several fleet footed Native Americans and frontiersmen will hike throughout the entirety of the Appalachian Mountain Trail (from Maine to Georgia) in order to seize a huge prize of five thousand dollars. They will be followed by riders who will ensure that they do not cheat (such as ride horses throughout the race). The Appalachian Mountains Marathon will draw the attention of millions as newspapers will blare the status of each participant daily. People will also come out to feed the participants and provide them with warm clothing as they make a seemingly impossible journey to hike through the mountain range.

Meanwhile, the National Summer Games will be an entertaining highlight of the summer for many Americans. The Games spans the first two weeks of June and is hosted in the cross way point between Pennsylvania, Iroquois, and New York. There will be numerous events (ranging from one hundred meter sprints, to triathlons, to javelin throws) and the winners will receive medals and prizes. Over time, more states will join the Summer Games and an entire town called "Summer" built in Iroquois (which will, in the future, feature a huge stadium for the Games).

With sports leagues, marathons, and games, the United States population gradually shifts into a society that highly values sports (and encourages children to carry out physical exercises).

June 12nd: Prince Mianning of China arrives in New York with much fanfare. He is greeted by an impressive honor guard consisting of members of every military branch, the president himself, and key members of Congress. He will stay in the United States for four months before beginning his return trip to China. During his time, he will be (briefly) exposed to western cultures and ideas. It is believed that this brief trip also shape his views to see the United States more favorably. He will play a critical role in "assisting" the United States during the Anglo-American War (by kicking out British traders and merchants) and help set the foundations of modern China (which will also indirectly lead to the end of the Qing Empire).

June 30th: In a Supreme Court ruling (James v. North Carolina), the SCOTUS declares that states can not make any laws that enforce segregation based on race. The North Carolina law, which was subject to extreme controversy throughout the nation, stated that for the "safety" of the white and black communities, the two communities should be firmly separated (claiming that the state government will ensure that the two communities are "separate, but equal"). In an unanimous ruling, the Supreme Court found this to be in violation of the Eleventh Amendment, as the Eleventh Amendment clearly specifies that "No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." According to the court's opinion, by forcing people to segregate, the state of North Carolina was depriving the citizens of the said state of "life (the ability to live wherever they wanted), liberty (segregation based on their race would limit the people's liberties and livelihood), and property (in order to enforce the new laws, North Carolina would need to forcefully remove people from their properties to ensure complete segregation)." This will also be the first court case that mentions an "implicit" definition of the Constitution, as the Chief Justice writes that the Constitution (specifically, the Eleventh and Twelfth Amendments) "supports and cradles the idea of equality and diversity, without subjecting people to inspection based on the color of their skin."

July 9th: The Republic of Haiti officially declares its capital in Les Cayes, due to the relative safety of the city's location. Government buildings will be built in the area and the city will become the bloodline between Haiti and the United States.

August 2nd: A violent, armed uprising in Dublin (part of the Irish Rebellions) will be swiftly suppressed by the British Army. The uprising will result in hundreds of Irishmen dead.

August 30th: Detroit, which has seen a swell of immigrants due to the completion of the Erie Canal, becomes a city of five thousand inhabitants. At the same time, many other settlements expand and/or founded (Toronto, Cleveland, Arnold [AN: OTL's Toledo, named after Benedict Arnold], Thaona [AN: OTL's Hamilton, named after Senator Thaonawyuthe of Irouqois], St. Louis, and a few other cities).

September 6th: The final battle of the Irish Rebellions end just outside of Killala. All the leaders of the Society of United Irishmen will be imprisoned or executed. The destruction of the Society of United Irishmen will result in many republicans fleeing to the United States.

September 9th: The Russian Empire officially conquers the PLC after a tough war. The PLC is officially dissolved and split between Russia and Prussia (with Russia getting a larger portion than Prussia). While the Poles and Lithuanians fought valiantly against overwhelming odds, they are completely swamped by Russian manpower. Many Poles (especially ones that fought in the military) will flee to the United States with their families and be accepted with open arms. A majority of them will take part in the "Race to the West" (settlement of the western USA).

October 5th: With the assistance of some advisors and engineers from the United States Navy, the Qing Empire begins its crash project of creating a deep water navy. They will have twenty modern ships by the year 1810.

October 22nd: Crown Prince Mianning returns to China with ships full of gifts and "tribute." He will also return with a number of Western books that he keeps in secret.

November 1st: Sultan Selim III begins the First Crimean War against Russia with his newly formed Nizam-I Cedid in order to regain dominance in the Black Sea. This conflict will last for three years and the Ottoman Empire (and the Sultan) will enjoy a considerable amount of success against a weary Russian Empire.

November 5th: Elections begin once again, this time with many more voters (due to the Naturalization Act of 1797). All House seats are up for re-election, while thirty two Senate seats were up for re-election as well. The result will lead to a shift in Congress (as the Union Party aggressively pursues a campaign to reiterate that the party would've handled the Panic of 1787 preemptively due to their big government policies).

December 2nd: The first prototype of the steam locomotive is created in New York by ARPA. While the prototype will be far too heavy and slow to be reliable, it will hail the beginning of the Age of Railroads.