Timeline (Italy Victorious)

From Alternative History

POD: Corsica is never purchased by France. The highest ranking diplomat gets sick and dies and France and Genoa decide to call off the negotiations.

Napoleon di Buonaparte is born in Ajaccio on Corsica on 15 August 1769. The son of minor Italian nobility, he had greater opportunities then most Genoese boys. At school he was particularly learned in geography, mathematics and history, speecifically that of the Roman Empire. At the age of fifteen he took the opportunity to train the the militaries abroad. He learns in the French, Prussian and Swedish armies, where he picks up on the importance of artillery. Few pay attention to the young Corsican boy but the few who do realize his genius.

This genious comes in handy in 1792, when the newlyformed First French Republic launches a limited invasion of Northern Italy, thus forming the first coalition to counter France. Napoleon, now in charge of Genoa's armed forces, turns back the assault.

By 1793 Napoleon commands the Italian legion, which is composed of the armies of the north-west city states. This is independent of the Austrian armies in Italy but both serve the same campaign goals.

When massive French invasions are launched towards Italy and Germany, Napolean's Italian legion is merged with the Austrian divisions operating in Italy. The French success in the Low Countries and Germany, and the crushing of her armies in Italy, cause Austria to quit the Anti-French alliance in early 1796. Despite the nominal stop of support from Austria, Napoleon's Italian legion continues to cause large difficulties for the French in Italy.

Because of Napoleon's tactical victories and its escape for the destruction, new recruits and voluntiers flood the Legion. This fills Northern and Central Italy with nationalist sentiment. This also causes a supply problem for Napoleon, not being able to clothe, feed and arm his troops. The British help him by giving him all he needs plus money.

Napoleon is granted shelter in Naples in 1797, which the French army hasn't reached yet. He consolidates his political and military power. He does this by assuming supreme command of all Papal and Sicilian armies and by gaining popular support for a 'One Italy' movement, which seeks to unite the various states of Italy and expel the French and Austrians.

Two years to the turn of the century and most of the fighting is in the Papal States and central Italy. Napoleon achieves several tactical victories but overwhelming French armies forces him to make a calculated withdrawl to Rome. The French make a critical mistake by stationing many of the troops in Italy near Venice. Most of the French Armies are fighting it out on the central German plains.

Across the Atlantic, the shipping conflict between France and the fledgling United States exploded into a full blown war, with the Senate authorizing President Adams' declaration of war in december.

In early 1799, before the French arive, the Pope declares Napoleon 'The King of all Italians'. Napoleon sallies out to meet the French before they arrive. He takes his entire cavalry force and ambushes the French army. His cavalry chase the entire French army up a mountain where strategically place artillery batteries rain fire upon. Not only does Napoleon gain complete victory but also valuable information concerning French strength and positions in Italy. After this crushing victory Napoleon and the Pope issue a joint "Declaration of National Unification". All the lands of Italy are unified under the Emperor of the Latins (Buonaparte, naturally). The rest of the year is spent expelling French forces.

An American naval landing at Port-au-Prince ensures to capture of the French portion of Hispaniola. At the bloody Battle of New Orleans Captain, later General & President, Andrew Jackson achieves a complete tactical victory. This not only earns him respect and the nickname "The Little Caesar" (due to he being only 33), but it earns the country control of the Mississippi river.

In 1800 Napoleon is working to reform Italy. He divides the lands he controls into regions, provinces and districts, each with their own local government. The legislative body is the Senate. Each Senator is elected from regions. He replaces the aristocracy. He woos England into recognizing his new country.