Washington Shot at Murdering Town!


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Young Major George Washington was executing his first important mission under Virginia's Governor Dinwiddie. French troops were said to be building forts west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which the Governor knew to be within Britain's territory. Washington was in command of a small group which was to travel through the inhospitable region and deliver a note to the French. These were essentially the first written words leading to the Seven Years War (The French and Indian War). Having exhausted his horses, Washington and his companions continued on foot through the snow. They reached a village called Murdering Town. The first inhabitant they encountered shot at them at point-blank range. In OTL neither Washington nor Christopher Ghist was hit. But what if. ..

The musket shot rings out echoing across the hills. Ghist draws his knife runs after the indian fully intending to kill him, but he then hears a soft groan behind him. He turns to see Major Washington collapse into the snow, grabbing at his lower left side. A gut shot! The small party quickly carries Washington to the tree line - the village is obviously hostile. They make a small bivouac and treat George as best as they can. But two days later Washington passes away. The year is 1753 and George Washington was only 21 years old.

Ghist and the others make a vengeance raid on the village; they kill five inhabitants but another member of their own party is also killed. Ghist himself is wounded slightly. They then continue onto Presque Isle (Erie, Pennsylvania) and deliver the note to the French. Three weeks later they begin their return trip, but are never heard from again.

Back in Virginia, governor Dinwiddie grows impatient and eventually realizes that Washington's party will not be coming back. He begins to organize another group when word reaches him that the French have sent an envoy; Monsieur De Jumonville. Everyone knew that war was inevitable, but an empty diplomatic dance must first be performed. Dinwiddle demands that the French abandon Fort Duquesne and withdraw from "Ohio Country". Jumonville asserts that the French have rights to that territory and will not be moved.

[In OTL Washington lead a group to face the French near Fort Duquesne. They encountered Monsieur De Jumonville, who claimed to be a diplomat. Tanacharison, an indian chief accompanying Washington, killed Jumonville and a general massacre followed - complete with scalping. This was the first violent act of the war. In this ATL Jumonville was not killed.]

Outline (all subject to change):

French and Indian War gets a late start but continues the same way as in OTL.
 * Braddock's Expidition goes even worse than in OTL and both Daniel Boone and Daniel Morgan are killed.

American Revolutionary War still takes place but fails!

Unsuccessful American Revolution = no successful French Revolution

No French Revolution = No Emperor Napoleon or Napolionic Wars

Stray thoughts:

Irish (and other) immigrants don't go to America (because it is still English).

English prisoners go to America instead of Australia.

Even without ARW American/British relations are poor.

After failed ARW English troops will be garrisoned in north-eastern US and will try to enforce the Proclimation Line, slowing westward expansion.

England will tax America to pay for failed ARW.

America will eventually achieve economic independence if not political independence.

No Emperor Napoleon means that Germany remains very fragmented.

French/British hostilities may occur again in North America.

Napoleon was an opportunist - maybe he shows up in a French/English war in North America?


 * This is an Open Time Line. Anyone who wants to can edit the main articles in any way they wish or add any pages they wish. Have fun.


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