In this timeline, the War of 1812 ended much worse for the United States. In the Treaty of Ghent, the British had taken large pieces of the Louisiana Territory, securing their expansion westward. While they considered taking more land, they did not want to risk the Americans trying to resist their rule yet again. Additionally, the treaty forced the United States to never again take belligerent action towards the British. It was actually quite a fair treaty all things considered, and is likely the product of the commotion occurring in Europe taking up more attention than some far off American conflict. However, the fairness of the treaty did not end up mattering, for by the time it was signed, the president might as well have been powerless. Due to just how destructive the war had been, the American people had decided it was clear the American experiment had failed, and many declared their independence. The first to go were the newly acquired territories, such as Louisiana and the Great Lakes region, for they hadn't truly felt American yet and believed they could self govern better. The next to secede would be the South, who had already been hesitant to join the Revolutionary war for fear of it messing up their own interests. Finally, New York would leave as well, having mostly only British loyalists left in high positions after the war, and it formed it's own kingdom. This left the federal government in a bad position, not having nearly enough power to keep all these rebellions in check. The years immediately after the war was spent with the United States of America, although now called the Republic by most, trying to take back their lands. However, with pretty much no army, they soon had to give up, being defeated at every turn. By 1820, they had given up on the prospect of recovering lost states. While the borders may have now been agreed upon, external powers would see a bit of opportunity here, particular Spain. Spain, from their position in Florida, saw they could take the agricultural rich Confederate States of America. On February 7th, 1823, the Spanish fleet would come within sight of the coast of Georgia, and a force 75,000 strong would charge in from Florida. The CSA was still weak from the War of 1812, so they couldn't really defend themselves. By February 19th, Spain had captured much of Georgia and Alabama, and with very little losses too. This set a precedent of the new American nations being weak and easy to push around. Meanwhile the Empire of Mexico saw this as yet another attempt by the Spanish to save their already failing empire, and were deeply opposed to anymore Spanish expansion in America, which Agustín I voiced in the form of the Mexican Mandate. The Mandate was pretty much an international statement that Europeans were to stay out of the affairs of the Americas, and Mexico will stay out of European affairs. Spain did not stop their advance after that, seeing the Mexican Mandate as all bark and no bite. Mexican forces would come to the aid of the CSA, making good on their threat. Combining with the forces of Andrew Jackson, the Mexican army would push the Spanish back to Florida, and for fear of losing that too, Spain decided to sign the Treaty of Havana, putting the borders back to their pre-war locations. It is likely the success of the war as well as the tough stance on Spain is why Agustín I stayed in power longer than expected, but come the end of 1823 and he was forced to abdicate the thrown. Still, despite political instability, Mexico proved they could back their word. In 1824, the First Mexican Republic was established. Former insurgent General Guadalupe Victoria became the first president of the republic. (continued below)
Louisiana had a problem. Almost 80% of it's entire population was located in just New Orleans, with another 15% being in St Louis. This meant that the majority of its land was just empty space, well at least according to the King it was. A much bigger problem was that this land wasn't actually empty, it was full of Native Americans, who if are included in the population data, means only 60% of the population are in New Orleans and St Louis. This is great for population distribution equality, but not so great when you're trying to fight said Natives. This was Louisiana's problem, most of their land wasn't actually their own, and no one involved was very happy with giving it up. Every time they tried to take some, they usually lost, and the casualties were mounting. To solve this problem, Louisiana would need more advanced technology. Their motherland, France, was in no condition to be giving out weapons, and there wasn't many others they could ask. They would turn to their neighbor, the Mexican Republic. Mexico was big right now, controlling pretty much the entirety of the West, and they had a good amount of population too. While not exactly advanced, their more militaristic leadership made way for quality weaponry, and so when asked for help, Mexico was able to offer manpower and up to date equipment. Louisiana could have these on one condition, they had to recognize Mexican claims to everything West of themselves and up to their Northernmost point, essentially meaning recognition of Mexican claims up to the Puget Sound. Louisiana accepted this, not foreseeing whatever problems could arise from this later, and so they got the help they needed to eliminate the Natives. Louisiana would have more brutal battles with the American Indians in the coming future, but with Mexican help most of them would be won. The Sioux war of Resistance is among the most famous of these wars, as the Sioux nation would manage to win many battles and raids. They would be the most resistant to Louisiana's claims, and would even convince other groups that had once allowed Louisianan expansion to start fighting back. It got so bad that in order to stop it, Louisiana had to sign an official treaty allowing the Sioux and allied Cheyenne to keep vast pieces of land in the North, recognizing them on an international scale. Mexico also contended with indigenous groups that controlled the territory that Mexico claimed in the north. For example, the Comanche controlled a huge territory in sparsely populated central and northern Texas. Wanting to stabilize and develop that area — and as few people from central Mexico had chosen to resettle to this remote and hostile territory — the Mexican government encouraged Anglo-American immigration into Texas, a region that bordered that Louisiana. Mexico by law was a Catholic country; the Anglo-Americans were primarily Protestant English speakers, although for now most didn't bite. Guadalupe Victoria, President of Mexico would establish relations with Louisiana, the British Empire, Central America, and Gran Colombia. He also founded the National Museum, promoted education, and ratified the border with the Kingdom of Louisiana. He decreed the expulsion of the Spaniards remaining in the country and defeated the last Spanish stronghold in the castle of San Juan de Ulúa. In 1829, Victoria peacefully passed the presidency to general Vicente Guerrero, a fierce Liberal. During his short term in office, from April to December 1829, he abolished slavery. His Conservative vice president, former Royalist General Anastasio Bustamante, led a coup against him and Guerrero was executed. Understandably, Mexico's ability to maintain its independence and establish a viable government was in question. Spain attempted to reconquer its former colony several more times, but eventually recognized its independence. Many other powers also saw Mexico as unstable, and therefore somewhat weak. The future remains a mystery...
