The table was set and the festivities were about to begin. All that was needed was the main course - a declaration of war.
To score points, however, the war would ideally appear defensive. As such, with the RoP torn up, Britain was phoned, due to using the Mediterranean, proudly Italian, to transport their raw materials back home to Albion.
The Brits took the bait and declared war on Italy, who would soon see to it every nation on Earth was at war with them. It was time for the Pax Britannica to have a date with the guillotine!
King Victor Emmanuel III, a mere 37, stood before a crowd of delegates from all the allies of Italy, as well as from all the other nations of the world, sans Britain(due to the war) and the USSR(due to them boycotting capitalist nations).
Having taken their seats, His Majesty began, "Greetings friends and allies of Rome. I am pleased to see that you were all able to attend this Conference. It is of great importance, and all the nation-states on our god-given Earth will find it useful to listen to what I am about to say."
The delegates naturally became attentive at that.
"Less than fourty-eight hours ago, the British Empire declared a war of aggression upon Italy. Nations all over the world strive to repulse the British before they become too much of a menace. The Americans fight with their Mexican brothers in North America, the Brazilians in the South, the Portuguese in Europe, the Japanese and the Filipinos in Asia. Many nations have sought to enter this war of containment, not out of desire, but out of necessity."
There were some whispers amongst the crowd, believing that the King was likely going to ask for aid against Britain.
"However," He raised his voice, silencing his guests, "I do bring good news in these dark times, the light that peers through the clouds, shining towards a brighter tomorrow. The embassies of all the nations I rule over, met with me earlier this evening, to discuss something else, and that is what is to be announced."
The King extended his hand to his side, and an aide respectfully bowed as he gave the Italian monarch a large, ornate scroll. Whatever it was, it must have been important if they would use an antiquated document.
He slowly unfurled it, reading it.
"We, the Prime Ministers of all the nations presided over by His Majesty Victor Emmanuel III, King of Italy, hereby make the following statement: Three Romes have existed, and how fitting it is that they would all be re-united under the banner of Italy, the first Rome, in such a glorious alliance.
"With the British aggression in mind, it has become quite clear that the current alliance needs more cohesion if it is to survive the onslaught of the world's foremost power. With that in mind, for greater stability, security, and prosperity for the nations under this personal union..."
He paused, and all the others were quite attentive. Many could've sworn they felt a chill...
"King Victor Emmanuel III hereby steps down from all his thrones besides that of his Italian homeland, and native Kings shall rule in his stead."
The crowd was naturally whispering - the era of personal unions had enjoyed a revival, only for the founder of those unions to dissolve it! They were quickly silenced as the King smiled.
"He shall now be not only King of Italy, but Emperor of the Roman Empire, to be established from all the states he once presided over."
Those whispers seemed more vocal now - Rome?!
"Effective immediately." He rolled up the scroll, and it was just as quickly taken away as it had been brought in. He motioned for the crowd, full of gossip, uproar, and every emotion imagineable, to settle down.
"Gentlemen. It is for the good of Italy, her allies, and indeed the entire world, that this miraculous event comes to pass. The signatures have been collected, and this process is entirely on the new provinces' accord. With that in mind... let us proceed to the feast I have arranged for us all. We have pacts to discuss."
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Rome's setup was simple:
-Each province was mostly free from central rule, but could not pass laws contrary to the "pooled powers" of the federal government - taxation, highways and railways, foreign policy, the military, trade regulations, etc.
-Each province sent one Senator to Rome, and an amount of Tribunes based on population. The Senate and Tribunate were given a great deal of power, the argument being that they represented so many diverse provinces and groups that abuse would be difficult.
-The Emperor ruled as head of state of the entire Empire, appointing the Chancellor with approval of both houses. The Emperor had extensive power, mainly in that he signed treaties(with Senatorial approval) and had the power to veto legislation(but could be overruled by 2/3 majorities in both houses). He also had power over the military. The Chancellor controlled everything else, but the Emperor could delegate some of his responsibilities to the Chancellor if necessary.
-The Emperorship was NOT hereditary, with a successor instead being named and confirmed by the Senate as heir, while actual succession required the confirmation of the Tribunate. This was in line with the idea old Rome had some of its greatest years under adopted, rather hereditary, Emperors.
-Each province was ruled over by a monarch - with a title of their choice - who was appointed by the Emperor and confirmed by plebiscite, or, failing that, provincial legislature. The monarch's power varied, but was usually limited to ceremonial duties. The Monarch generally appointed the governor with approval from his province's legislature; the pair were essentially the Emperor and Chancellor of their own province.
-Provinces were free to setup their government however they wished, but it needed to be a constitutional monarchy with a legislature and a monarch; what powers the monarch possessed were up to the provinces.
-The Constitution enshrined basic liberties to curb oppression, in line with other liberal Constitutions.
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King Victor Emmanuel was never power hungry, always staying within the limits of the constitution, and he accepted the Emperorship with a heavy heart. He insisted on the idea of the peoples' rights and interests coming first, which was why he had made sure to argue for as much democracy as possible in the conquered regions. He had accepted the crowns solely to stay within the good graces of the various ministers, and control their excesses. (Note: The Real life Victory Emmanuel III actually did renounce the crowns of conquered nations as soon as the opportunity presented itself!)
Now, he would have to fight the British Empire for world domination.
Formal alliances were inked with every nation on Earth; many already had low opinions of the British, and as such, were easily swayed. Britain may have had the world's largest... everything, but would now have to fight in every corner of the globe to stay in control.
Orders were given to seize Cuba. Once Cuba was secure, the base of operations could be used to harass the British Antilles. In Africa, Maxims would secure Libya, while Eritrea and Somaliland were well protected. The Middle East would be secure as well, given the low amount of troops in Arabia; this would mean the Eastern border was all that needed defending.
The most dire area was the Caribbean, where 28 battleships were ready to attack at any minute! Fortunately, most were busy doing escort duty, and if they came too close, artillery would tear them to pieces.
Half the royal navy, it seemed, was stuck in Gibraltar. Getting rid of the city would crush the Brits.
The attacks began with the sinking of 1 Transport and 1 unit.
Medina's fall raised the death toll to 3 units. It was now possible to go from the Levant and Iraq to Arabia without delay!
Unguarded
Malta brought the death toll to 3 ground units and 2 Battleships.
Havana brought it to 7 ground units and 2 Battleships. A third Corps was spawned from the battle, meaning Cuba now had one Corps per city.
With sunk transports, the death toll skyrocketed to 20 units.
That became 21 with Alexandria's capture. It was readily apparent that the British forces in Egypt were minimal, having been worn down by constant war with the Germans, French and Mahdists.
And 25 with Suakin.
27 with Cairo and Wadi Hafa. British Egypt had been taken in less than a month; this was attributed to their less than desirable troop numbers. Wadi Hafa had only a single Colonial Sentry to protect it! It did however, kill 1 Colonial Cavalry of Italy's. Big whoop!
It became 34 casualties with more sunk transports.
Off the coast of Cuba, sailors knew all too well chances were they'd be sunk. As such, a pre-emptive strike against British battleships was authorised; the airships, meanwhile, would be airlifted to Brussels. From there, they could raid the British countryside and destroy its sources of Coal, thus eliminating Britain's industrial capacity.
Some of Britain's dreadnoughts were sunk, bringing the total British casualties to 34 land units and 5 Battleships. One Italian battleship was lost, thus making Italian losses 1 land unit and 1 Battleship.
A few torpedos and artillery made British losses 53 land units and 24 ships.
With all artillery used up, troops were deployed to Africa. Algeria was, like Egypt, lightly defended, so a few cavalry and artillery here and there would crush the Brits and put more land under the Empire's rule.