Early 1895, as the United States of America. I have incorporated Hawaii into the US and attempted to negotiate for Alaska, but the vile Russians, winning their war against the UK, refused to sell the worthless land for what I thought was a great price of 7.2 million dollars, or 2 cents an acre. So Alaska remains elusive, though I might join on the side of the UK and snatch Alaska from under their nose.
Just got out of a big war stronger than I was entering it and against unlikely powers. I declared war on lowly Spain for Cuba as I had a core and they sent me a diplomatic insult by capturing my merchant ships under the guise of smuggling. A year into that war I had Cuba and PR under my control and was almost done getting my Pacific fleet outfitted and loaded with a 25,000 troop army to land at the Philippines, when something shocking happened, my 91 ship fleet anchored off Florida was brutally attacked by a French fleet of 45 ships. It was unexpected and turned out to be suicidal for the French the world top superpower at the time. When France joined I immediately called in my South American allies, Brazil (a second power) Ecuador (another second power) Colombia, and the Empire of Mexico (yet another second power) into the war and suddenly the 51,000 strong French colonial force in South America was outnumbered 3-1 and my navy now 115 strong patrols the coast preventing landings and chasing down small French squadrons stupid enough to break a blockade.
The fact that I helped 3 South and Central American allies become second powers was enough to cause France to agree to back off and give me what I wanted, Cuba, much to Spain's disgust.
I am currently allied with in rank of power, Italy 7th Great Power, Kingdom of 2 Sicilies 8th Great Power, Empire of Mexico 2nd second power, Brazil 3rd second power, Ecuador 8th second power, Colombia and Peru.
I am the 3rd Great Power, behind France 2nd fell from 1st after their humiliating defeat at our hands, and the UK 1st. Austria is right at my heels in 4th and the North German Federation at 5th followed by the Russian Empire at 6th.
and Nommed alot on Austria.. pictures once I finish the game
