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NATO and Christopher Columbus
[OCC: I modified the Americans slightly. Though they still have the Scout at the beginning of the game, I changed the Expansionistic atribute to Scientific, as historically speaking, America has mostly produced great innovators in technology: Edison, Bell, Jobs, and so forth. I also always hated the F-15 as a unique unit. It's too weak. So I decided to make a modification of the Modern Armor based on the M-1 Abram. Okay, the Americans in my story have expansionistic tendencies - after all, they get technology from local tribes - but I prefer the Scientific trait. But enough of my ranting. On with the story!]
New Washington Junior High School, 2003 A.D.
"So Robbie, how's the report coming?"
"Not too bad, Tad. Yours?"
"Pretty cool. My uncle actually fought in Desert Storm. He was part of Washington's First Army of forty thousand M-1 Abrams. Using his status as a military hero, he supported my mother's election as governor of New Washington. Why do you think my mom has been reelected twice?"
"Oh, yeah. So how is it, living in the governor's mansion?"
"Not too bad, Robbie. Not too bad at all. Of course, I'm still in the public school system because Mom doesn't want to take the chance of sending me to a private school that she might not be able to afford once she isn't Governor anymore. And, of course, she wants me to have friends."
"How could she afford it now?"
"Personal favors. She might become a Senator or something after this. But you know what my dad said once. 'A Woman's place is in the House.' Get it? House of Representatives-"
"Yeah, I get it. Pretty bad joke."
"I know, I know. So did you do okay with the homework?"
"Piece of cake."
"Oh. I had a little trouble, but I got it done, too."
"Well, that's always good. How do you think you did?"
"I'm not sure. I'm working on that last essay question. You know, the one about writing a journal entry - as President Lincoln, of course - showing your first impression of the Iroquois. I mean, I know the history. I know that they eventually eliminated that bear claw thing from the flag and simply called themselves Canadians. Sure they still called their nation Iroquois-Canada and kept that bear claw emblem on the national seal, and even on their quarters and their dollar bills-"
"You're babbling, man."
"I know. I did the essay question, but I'm not sure I did it right. I remembered that we were still wary of the Iroquois because, let's face it, we hadn't had the best experience with other civilizations, and how relieved we were to discover the Iroquois practiced Christianity - in what would later be called the Protestant style after the European Reformation, just like us before the massive influx of Catholic immigrants - and how Lincoln was glad America had technological superiority... you get the picture."
"Yeah, it's good that you remembered all that. A lot of kids probably answered that question with just the xenophobic attitude of Lincoln's advisor - particularly his Military advisor, who was always 'kill, kill, kill,' until Secretary of War Washington fired him."
"You know you're babbling, too, man."
"Shut up."
"Okay. But dude, you were babbling."
"Cut it out, Tad."
BRRRRIIIIINNNNGGGG!
"Good morning, class. I trust the homework wasn't too difficult."
"No way, Mr. Grant."
"Very good. Is everyone ready for the story of America and Iroquois-Canada? Well, here it goes. This chapter is called 'NATO and Christopher Columbus.' Who knows the significance of this man?"
"He discovered America for Europe?"
"Very good, Tad, but that's not all. He also truly introduced Europe to America, and the alliance between America and Iroquois-Canada became one of the world's first truly strategic alliances, in case Europe came to try and conquer what they called the 'New World'..."
Lincoln's Cabinet was greeted with a very unexpected surprise when Lincoln entered the White House with Hiawatha close behind.
While Hiawatha's people had grown fond of the writings of Karl Marx - the Russians in Alaska had given them copies of his Communist Manifesto in exchange for maps (the Russians had not realized the significance of this document, and so did not discover Communism for almost five hundred years) - they decided to make the people happy and adopt Democracy. Much to the relief of America.
Hiawatha left his guard outside Lincoln's primary meeting room, a room where he regularly held meetings with his Cabinet.
As Lincoln found out, the Iroquois were a people devoted to expansion, and a very religious people. They had only recently grown interested in science.
Hiawatha was immortal, connected to his people just like Lincoln.
"You took a very big risk coming here with only armored guards escorting you," Lincoln said.
"I know you are a man of honor and a man of your word. You would also not harm a handful of men riding toward your land in peace."
Lincoln nodded. "You've obviously done your homework."
Hiawatha's brow furrowed.
Lincoln laughed. "I apologize. An American expression, you see."
"I see." Hiawatha was suddenly all smiles again. "That is one of the things my people heard about. Our settlement near what you call Ni-a-ga-ra Falls," he said, pronouncing the name very carefully, "is close to what you call a power plant that somehow turns the energy of the falling water into light and heat for your homes. That alone was astounding. I also heard much of your great culture, your system of education, your extensive libraries - half the books in our land come from American printing presses - and your grand cathedrals. People even flock to see your ancient walls..."
"Merely symbolic now. There has not been a war fought on American soil in more than half a millennium."
"...and the ruins of the Mexican temples. Your land is so culturally rich that it boggles the mind."
Lincoln smiled. "I trust that your people, at least, must have a great culture. Great traditions."
Hiawatha chuckled. "America is a land that makes its own traditions, and my land is a land that lives in tradition and memory. We still hunt our own food in many places. Our people are steeped in tradition, but the young are making their own traditions." He laughed, with real mirth. "Our people are in awe of your cultural influence."
"And that is why you have come here, to Washington City?"
"Partly. The main reason I am here is in the hopes of forming an alliance."
"What sort of alliance?"
"You have seen the great bear of Russia on our very doorstep from the maps I have given you. Our scouts have extensive maps of Russian Alaska. We hoped you would assist us in capturing this land that is so rich in resources. Czarina Catherine having a foothold in North America remains a great source of tension among we Iroquois."
Lincoln stroked his beard for a moment. "I have an idea."
Hiawatha leaned in closer. "Tell me."
"America has the most extensive treasury... well, that we know of. My advisors have seen the potential of the Alaskan wilderness. We have also seen what the Russians are doing to it, tearing up such pristine wilderness... something I'm sure you nature-minded Iroquois could appreciate."
"Yes, yes. But, my dear friend, what does this have to do with attacking?" Hiawatha asked eagerly.
"Hiawatha, attacking the Russians and driving them away would surely demonstrate the might of America to the great bear that is the Russian Empire, but it would also gain us an eternal enemy. America wishes to make friends, not enemies. My suggestion is simply purchasing the land from Czarina Catherine and saving the lives of hundreds of American and Iroquois boys in uniform."
Hiawatha could not help gasping. "Genius, my friend. Sheer genius!"
It was the first communication in American history - indeed, in the history of the world - to stretch across the Pacific Ocean. Upon arriving in New Moscow in Alaska, Catherine immediately asked for maps of American territory. Lincoln declined, and they went right to business.
But Catherine was not too happy with the idea. "Mr. President," she said - she refused to call him simply Lincoln - "I am at a loss for words. These people have been part of the Russian Empire for as long as many can remeber. For a thousand years they have been Russian citizens. And now you take advice from these... Iroquois," she sneered the word, "and you expect me to take this seriously."
Lincoln took off his stovepipe hat - a fashion being replicated even in Iroquois lands in honor of their new friendship, as many American children replicated the ceremonial feathered headdress of Hiawatha - then kneaded his hands together, leanded forward over the table and said, "Let's dicker, Czarina Catherine."
It took her a moment to realize he meant "bargain."
[I looked it up - it's an actual term during the real Lincoln's presidency, during the American Civil War.]
As Lincoln explained the American proposition, she was astonished. He spoke perfect Russian - the isolationist that she was, she did not realize that the leaders gifted with immortality had a natural gift with languages, and not a word of American was spoken - and he was an eloquent conversationalist. He was also very polite.
Lincoln's charisma has become legendary simply because of that famous conversation.
No maps changed hand - except a map of Alaska that Catherine threw in to "sweeten the deal," as she put it - but the Alaskan cities, including a few on the Aleutian Islands, as the Inuit called them, immediately fell under American control, the infrastructure already in place.
New Moscow was renamed Anchorage, and New Smolensk was renamed Juneau. A few weeks later, Alaska was named the forty-ninth American State.
A contest was held throughout Alaska, as well as the rest of America, to come up with a flag for the new state [OCC: true story, well, there really was a contest for a flag, but Alaska was merely a territory for a long time] and it was a long and heated debate. Eventually a flag depicting Ursa Major - or at least the part of the constellation called the Big Dipper - and the North Star on a dark blue background, was accepted. Alaska was nicknamed "The Last Frontier," [OCC: also true, the flag looks like that and Alaskan license plates have the caption "The Last Frontier" stamped on them] even though there wasn't an inch of the new state that hadn't been explored by the Russians. It was, however, re-explored by the Americans. New, more up-to-date maps were made, and a new star added to the American flag.
Iroquois and Inuit immigrants flooded into the new city, as well as many Americans who came to work in the gold mines.
To celebrate their new friendship, and the expulsion of Russia from the continent, the two nations formed the North American Treaty Organization...
Or NATO for short - Hiawatha was amused with the American love of acronyms.
The first NATO command post was built deep in the Rocky Mountains, near the small town of Colorado Springs. Iroquois and Americans manned the post at all times. The site was chosen because it was far from all coasts, and the high altitude mady the post easy to defend.
The city grew through a constant supply of food from nearby Denver, but in later years, the city would experiment with underground farms and artificial sunlight. Colorado Springs was, for the most part, a mining town.
Things remained quiet in the North American continent for four hundred years.
In that time, technology changed hands and Iroquois-Canada caught up with the United States. Things were quiet as America advanced into the Modern Age, with the Iroquois not far behind.
The year was 1492.
As often happened, Lincoln and Hiawatha met at Camp David - a place where Lincoln would regularly meet foreign dignitaries or leaders - for a weekend of relaxation. Even immortals need to relax every now and then.
He had hired contractors to make Camp David a perfect getaway. In later years, the facilities would be upgraded, but it was at the peak of luxury for the time.
Nobody minded - for their Eternal Leader, nothing but the best would do. Since America was at peace, and crime and corruption were all but nonexistent, he spent almost more time at Camp David with his good friend Hiawatha than he did at the White House.
They were enjoying a quiet game of tennis when a message came through.
"Hold on a minute, Hiawatha," Lincoln said. "That's my telegraph."
The telegraph was of the latest model, and the officer running it - a soldier posted there during the day - read the incoming message.
"Sir! This is NATO Command, Carribean Sector" - Central Command was in Chicago - "in Port-a-Prince, Haiti. I have news."
"Well, out with it, man!" Lincoln said. "I've got a game of tennis to get back to."
"Better cancel it, sir."
"I can't. Prime Minister Hiawatha is here!"
"Bring him, too, sir. This is a matter that considers both nations."
Hiawatha came into the telegraph room. He was a giant compared to Lincoln, at least as far as physique. Lincoln was taller, but not as heavily muscled, even though he was on a workout program with an Iroquois personal trainer. She was very beautiful, but there was nothing to worry about - Lincoln was celibate anyway.
"My ears are burning," Hiawatha laughed. "Someone is talking about me." He had long since changed into the business suit he had grown fond of wearing, realizing that their tennis game was probably over. He needed to get back to Salamanca anyway.
His grasp of the American language was better these days - no accent at all.
Lincoln shushed him then told the soldier, "What could be so important?"
Lincoln hated these telegraphs - it took forever to go through - but it was better than the old alternatives. Better than the Pony Express.
"Someone just landed north of here near an old Taino village. Three old wooden ships. No armor at all on the ships. The men who are wearing armor are wearing steel polished like silver. Strange-looking. Flying a strange flag and speaking a bizarre language."
Lincoln's eyes widened. "Who is their leader?"
"A man who calls himself... well, the translator gave his name as Columbus. Christopher Columbus. He says, according to our translator who learned their language from one of the diplomats, that he represents Ferdinand and Isabella, the great king and immortal queen of Spain, to claim the riches of Asia for Spain."
"This isn't... Asia, or whatever the hell he's talking about. He is on sovereign NATO territory. Detain all of them. Are they armed?"
"Muskets, sir. Very inaccurate."
Lincoln sighed. "Hiawatha and I will be on the USS Virginia and we'll be there in a week."
"Yes, sir! We will detain the... Spaniards, they said they were... and await your arrival."
Lincoln thanked the officer, hung up the phone, and turned to Hiawatha. "Let's get going before we have an international incident to deal with."
"Wow! That was cool."
"It most certainly was, Robbie. The Europeans were still primitive, still in the Middle Ages. They had just barely discovered gunpowder. Lincoln had not expected to run into the Europeans so soon. And with their mostly high-and-mighty position when it came to those who were not like them, it would almost certainly come to war."
"It did, didn't it?"
"We will get to that tomorrow. I hope you took good notes."
BRRRRIIIIIINNNNNGGGGGG!
Next: Columbus and Colonization
Also, the first poke into the history of an alternate Europe!
[OCC: I modified the Americans slightly. Though they still have the Scout at the beginning of the game, I changed the Expansionistic atribute to Scientific, as historically speaking, America has mostly produced great innovators in technology: Edison, Bell, Jobs, and so forth. I also always hated the F-15 as a unique unit. It's too weak. So I decided to make a modification of the Modern Armor based on the M-1 Abram. Okay, the Americans in my story have expansionistic tendencies - after all, they get technology from local tribes - but I prefer the Scientific trait. But enough of my ranting. On with the story!]
New Washington Junior High School, 2003 A.D.
"So Robbie, how's the report coming?"
"Not too bad, Tad. Yours?"
"Pretty cool. My uncle actually fought in Desert Storm. He was part of Washington's First Army of forty thousand M-1 Abrams. Using his status as a military hero, he supported my mother's election as governor of New Washington. Why do you think my mom has been reelected twice?"
"Oh, yeah. So how is it, living in the governor's mansion?"
"Not too bad, Robbie. Not too bad at all. Of course, I'm still in the public school system because Mom doesn't want to take the chance of sending me to a private school that she might not be able to afford once she isn't Governor anymore. And, of course, she wants me to have friends."
"How could she afford it now?"
"Personal favors. She might become a Senator or something after this. But you know what my dad said once. 'A Woman's place is in the House.' Get it? House of Representatives-"
"Yeah, I get it. Pretty bad joke."
"I know, I know. So did you do okay with the homework?"
"Piece of cake."
"Oh. I had a little trouble, but I got it done, too."
"Well, that's always good. How do you think you did?"
"I'm not sure. I'm working on that last essay question. You know, the one about writing a journal entry - as President Lincoln, of course - showing your first impression of the Iroquois. I mean, I know the history. I know that they eventually eliminated that bear claw thing from the flag and simply called themselves Canadians. Sure they still called their nation Iroquois-Canada and kept that bear claw emblem on the national seal, and even on their quarters and their dollar bills-"
"You're babbling, man."
"I know. I did the essay question, but I'm not sure I did it right. I remembered that we were still wary of the Iroquois because, let's face it, we hadn't had the best experience with other civilizations, and how relieved we were to discover the Iroquois practiced Christianity - in what would later be called the Protestant style after the European Reformation, just like us before the massive influx of Catholic immigrants - and how Lincoln was glad America had technological superiority... you get the picture."
"Yeah, it's good that you remembered all that. A lot of kids probably answered that question with just the xenophobic attitude of Lincoln's advisor - particularly his Military advisor, who was always 'kill, kill, kill,' until Secretary of War Washington fired him."
"You know you're babbling, too, man."
"Shut up."
"Okay. But dude, you were babbling."
"Cut it out, Tad."
BRRRRIIIIINNNNGGGG!
"Good morning, class. I trust the homework wasn't too difficult."
"No way, Mr. Grant."
"Very good. Is everyone ready for the story of America and Iroquois-Canada? Well, here it goes. This chapter is called 'NATO and Christopher Columbus.' Who knows the significance of this man?"
"He discovered America for Europe?"
"Very good, Tad, but that's not all. He also truly introduced Europe to America, and the alliance between America and Iroquois-Canada became one of the world's first truly strategic alliances, in case Europe came to try and conquer what they called the 'New World'..."
Lincoln's Cabinet was greeted with a very unexpected surprise when Lincoln entered the White House with Hiawatha close behind.
While Hiawatha's people had grown fond of the writings of Karl Marx - the Russians in Alaska had given them copies of his Communist Manifesto in exchange for maps (the Russians had not realized the significance of this document, and so did not discover Communism for almost five hundred years) - they decided to make the people happy and adopt Democracy. Much to the relief of America.
Hiawatha left his guard outside Lincoln's primary meeting room, a room where he regularly held meetings with his Cabinet.
As Lincoln found out, the Iroquois were a people devoted to expansion, and a very religious people. They had only recently grown interested in science.
Hiawatha was immortal, connected to his people just like Lincoln.
"You took a very big risk coming here with only armored guards escorting you," Lincoln said.
"I know you are a man of honor and a man of your word. You would also not harm a handful of men riding toward your land in peace."
Lincoln nodded. "You've obviously done your homework."
Hiawatha's brow furrowed.
Lincoln laughed. "I apologize. An American expression, you see."
"I see." Hiawatha was suddenly all smiles again. "That is one of the things my people heard about. Our settlement near what you call Ni-a-ga-ra Falls," he said, pronouncing the name very carefully, "is close to what you call a power plant that somehow turns the energy of the falling water into light and heat for your homes. That alone was astounding. I also heard much of your great culture, your system of education, your extensive libraries - half the books in our land come from American printing presses - and your grand cathedrals. People even flock to see your ancient walls..."
"Merely symbolic now. There has not been a war fought on American soil in more than half a millennium."
"...and the ruins of the Mexican temples. Your land is so culturally rich that it boggles the mind."
Lincoln smiled. "I trust that your people, at least, must have a great culture. Great traditions."
Hiawatha chuckled. "America is a land that makes its own traditions, and my land is a land that lives in tradition and memory. We still hunt our own food in many places. Our people are steeped in tradition, but the young are making their own traditions." He laughed, with real mirth. "Our people are in awe of your cultural influence."
"And that is why you have come here, to Washington City?"
"Partly. The main reason I am here is in the hopes of forming an alliance."
"What sort of alliance?"
"You have seen the great bear of Russia on our very doorstep from the maps I have given you. Our scouts have extensive maps of Russian Alaska. We hoped you would assist us in capturing this land that is so rich in resources. Czarina Catherine having a foothold in North America remains a great source of tension among we Iroquois."
Lincoln stroked his beard for a moment. "I have an idea."
Hiawatha leaned in closer. "Tell me."
"America has the most extensive treasury... well, that we know of. My advisors have seen the potential of the Alaskan wilderness. We have also seen what the Russians are doing to it, tearing up such pristine wilderness... something I'm sure you nature-minded Iroquois could appreciate."
"Yes, yes. But, my dear friend, what does this have to do with attacking?" Hiawatha asked eagerly.
"Hiawatha, attacking the Russians and driving them away would surely demonstrate the might of America to the great bear that is the Russian Empire, but it would also gain us an eternal enemy. America wishes to make friends, not enemies. My suggestion is simply purchasing the land from Czarina Catherine and saving the lives of hundreds of American and Iroquois boys in uniform."
Hiawatha could not help gasping. "Genius, my friend. Sheer genius!"
It was the first communication in American history - indeed, in the history of the world - to stretch across the Pacific Ocean. Upon arriving in New Moscow in Alaska, Catherine immediately asked for maps of American territory. Lincoln declined, and they went right to business.
But Catherine was not too happy with the idea. "Mr. President," she said - she refused to call him simply Lincoln - "I am at a loss for words. These people have been part of the Russian Empire for as long as many can remeber. For a thousand years they have been Russian citizens. And now you take advice from these... Iroquois," she sneered the word, "and you expect me to take this seriously."
Lincoln took off his stovepipe hat - a fashion being replicated even in Iroquois lands in honor of their new friendship, as many American children replicated the ceremonial feathered headdress of Hiawatha - then kneaded his hands together, leanded forward over the table and said, "Let's dicker, Czarina Catherine."
It took her a moment to realize he meant "bargain."
[I looked it up - it's an actual term during the real Lincoln's presidency, during the American Civil War.]
As Lincoln explained the American proposition, she was astonished. He spoke perfect Russian - the isolationist that she was, she did not realize that the leaders gifted with immortality had a natural gift with languages, and not a word of American was spoken - and he was an eloquent conversationalist. He was also very polite.
Lincoln's charisma has become legendary simply because of that famous conversation.
No maps changed hand - except a map of Alaska that Catherine threw in to "sweeten the deal," as she put it - but the Alaskan cities, including a few on the Aleutian Islands, as the Inuit called them, immediately fell under American control, the infrastructure already in place.
New Moscow was renamed Anchorage, and New Smolensk was renamed Juneau. A few weeks later, Alaska was named the forty-ninth American State.
A contest was held throughout Alaska, as well as the rest of America, to come up with a flag for the new state [OCC: true story, well, there really was a contest for a flag, but Alaska was merely a territory for a long time] and it was a long and heated debate. Eventually a flag depicting Ursa Major - or at least the part of the constellation called the Big Dipper - and the North Star on a dark blue background, was accepted. Alaska was nicknamed "The Last Frontier," [OCC: also true, the flag looks like that and Alaskan license plates have the caption "The Last Frontier" stamped on them] even though there wasn't an inch of the new state that hadn't been explored by the Russians. It was, however, re-explored by the Americans. New, more up-to-date maps were made, and a new star added to the American flag.
Iroquois and Inuit immigrants flooded into the new city, as well as many Americans who came to work in the gold mines.
To celebrate their new friendship, and the expulsion of Russia from the continent, the two nations formed the North American Treaty Organization...
Or NATO for short - Hiawatha was amused with the American love of acronyms.
The first NATO command post was built deep in the Rocky Mountains, near the small town of Colorado Springs. Iroquois and Americans manned the post at all times. The site was chosen because it was far from all coasts, and the high altitude mady the post easy to defend.
The city grew through a constant supply of food from nearby Denver, but in later years, the city would experiment with underground farms and artificial sunlight. Colorado Springs was, for the most part, a mining town.
Things remained quiet in the North American continent for four hundred years.
In that time, technology changed hands and Iroquois-Canada caught up with the United States. Things were quiet as America advanced into the Modern Age, with the Iroquois not far behind.
The year was 1492.
As often happened, Lincoln and Hiawatha met at Camp David - a place where Lincoln would regularly meet foreign dignitaries or leaders - for a weekend of relaxation. Even immortals need to relax every now and then.
He had hired contractors to make Camp David a perfect getaway. In later years, the facilities would be upgraded, but it was at the peak of luxury for the time.
Nobody minded - for their Eternal Leader, nothing but the best would do. Since America was at peace, and crime and corruption were all but nonexistent, he spent almost more time at Camp David with his good friend Hiawatha than he did at the White House.
They were enjoying a quiet game of tennis when a message came through.
"Hold on a minute, Hiawatha," Lincoln said. "That's my telegraph."
The telegraph was of the latest model, and the officer running it - a soldier posted there during the day - read the incoming message.
"Sir! This is NATO Command, Carribean Sector" - Central Command was in Chicago - "in Port-a-Prince, Haiti. I have news."
"Well, out with it, man!" Lincoln said. "I've got a game of tennis to get back to."
"Better cancel it, sir."
"I can't. Prime Minister Hiawatha is here!"
"Bring him, too, sir. This is a matter that considers both nations."
Hiawatha came into the telegraph room. He was a giant compared to Lincoln, at least as far as physique. Lincoln was taller, but not as heavily muscled, even though he was on a workout program with an Iroquois personal trainer. She was very beautiful, but there was nothing to worry about - Lincoln was celibate anyway.
"My ears are burning," Hiawatha laughed. "Someone is talking about me." He had long since changed into the business suit he had grown fond of wearing, realizing that their tennis game was probably over. He needed to get back to Salamanca anyway.
His grasp of the American language was better these days - no accent at all.
Lincoln shushed him then told the soldier, "What could be so important?"
Lincoln hated these telegraphs - it took forever to go through - but it was better than the old alternatives. Better than the Pony Express.
"Someone just landed north of here near an old Taino village. Three old wooden ships. No armor at all on the ships. The men who are wearing armor are wearing steel polished like silver. Strange-looking. Flying a strange flag and speaking a bizarre language."
Lincoln's eyes widened. "Who is their leader?"
"A man who calls himself... well, the translator gave his name as Columbus. Christopher Columbus. He says, according to our translator who learned their language from one of the diplomats, that he represents Ferdinand and Isabella, the great king and immortal queen of Spain, to claim the riches of Asia for Spain."
"This isn't... Asia, or whatever the hell he's talking about. He is on sovereign NATO territory. Detain all of them. Are they armed?"
"Muskets, sir. Very inaccurate."
Lincoln sighed. "Hiawatha and I will be on the USS Virginia and we'll be there in a week."
"Yes, sir! We will detain the... Spaniards, they said they were... and await your arrival."
Lincoln thanked the officer, hung up the phone, and turned to Hiawatha. "Let's get going before we have an international incident to deal with."
"Wow! That was cool."
"It most certainly was, Robbie. The Europeans were still primitive, still in the Middle Ages. They had just barely discovered gunpowder. Lincoln had not expected to run into the Europeans so soon. And with their mostly high-and-mighty position when it came to those who were not like them, it would almost certainly come to war."
"It did, didn't it?"
"We will get to that tomorrow. I hope you took good notes."
BRRRRIIIIIINNNNNGGGGGG!
Next: Columbus and Colonization
Also, the first poke into the history of an alternate Europe!
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