The crisis of 1904

What if Brittany had still been independent when America was discovered?

Here is that story!
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Map 114
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Dynasties and rulers
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After the death of Regent Martin Rohan in 1899, the power vacuum left the field open to the young Jean X. He wanted to modernize the regime and reunify Argentina. But he had opponents: the Brazilian conservatives, the Argentine separatists and the English.

His project was about to succeed when in February 1904 war broke out between Japan and Russia. The conservatives pushed Jean X to support Russia, which would trigger a major war with the English. Jean X did not want it. His pacifism disappointed many Brazilians. His popularity was damaged.

In April 1904 the old Queen of Spain, Isabella II, dies in Madrid. Jean X is supposed to leave to be crowned as his grandmother's successor. But he is delayed by rumors of plots and a possible imminent English attack.

Brazilian conservatives spread rumors of an annexation of Spain to Brazil and send agents to provoke riots (English agents amplify the movement).

A general revolt followed in May. It also affected Spanish America and Mexico under US occupation. Pro-independence unrest also broke out in India, including in the army.

Jean X had to resolve to repress with his powerful armies. But the victims were numerous, at least 100,000 dead in Europe. Spain lost all autonomy. The Hindus were driven out of the Indian army and replaced by converts.

But the conservatives had won. Jean X had blood on his hands and had to renounce his progressivism. Reunification with Argentina failed at the same time. He will retain a tenacious resentment.