User blog comment:The Greek-American/Anglo-American War of 1895/@comment-108.81.37.62-20150317062500

Here is a basic timeline Part 1:

Late 1860 to Mid 1861: The Confederacy secedes from the union, and the American Civil War begins.

Late 1861: The Trent Affair takes place between the USA and UK. Lincoln does not disavow Captain Wilkes' actions, and doesn't allow James Mason and Jon Slidell to continue their voyage to Britain. Anglo-American relations are ruptured, and war becomes more likely between the 2 powers.

Russia tells the UK and France that if they help the CSA, then they will find themselves at war with Russia.

1870: Britain, already in high tensions with the USA, declares war and recognizes the CSA. France also recognizes the CSA, and is dragged into the war when Russia declares war on it and the UK.

The Civil War, now having Russia and the USA vs. the CSA, UK, and France, is now a much bigger playing field