Shattered Earth (Alternate History by PolyMac

This Alternate history starts with when Napoleon III, Emperor of the Second French Empire, does not rise to the bait of Otto Von Bismarck and the Prussians. Instead he waits another one and a half years to repopulate the depleted french army and to send diplomats to Russia, Austria, and Italy (who they recently liberated from Austria). The Ambassadors to Austria and Russia. deliberated a deal where Russia would not intervene as long as Prussia was the aggressor. The ambassador to Italy made a grave error and insulted the new republic of Italy. During this deliberation a german prince inherited the throne of Spain to the anger of France.

Dec. 2nd, 1872 (Biggest effect of POD)- Prussia was running low on supplies and coffers were being pulled from at dizzying rates. Forced by his allies Otto Von Bismarck Invades France and the Franco-Prussian War begins.

Dec. 10th, 1872- The Austro-Hungarian Empire declares war on Prussia and the kingdoms of Bavaria, Hesse, Wurttemberg, and Baden decide to remain out of the ill-favored war.

Dec. 12th, 1872- Prussia alone in a war against Austria-Hungary and France makes an error and splits its armies to confront their enemies in the east and west.

June 7th, 1874- The siege of Berlin is concluded by the Treaty of Berlin. This is the last of only three major battles in the Franco-Prussian War.

The terms of the Treaty of Berlin are as follows: Prussia will cede Austrian land that it won in the Austro-Prussian War, Prussia will cede large portions of its lands to Saxony, Bavaria, Hesse, Wurttemberg, Baden, and several other lesser lords that are independent of Prussian rule, and a stifling war reparations that made Prussia one of the poorest states in Germany. (Austria expected more from the peace talk which pushes them away from France and toward Bavaria.)

Jan. 3rd, 1875- Bavarian King Friedrich Wilhelm speaks to a assembly of leaders from around Germany. While thought of as somewhat of a dreamer he is now the most powerful man in Germany. His scolds the childishness of the prussian leadership and warns others of what happens when Germany gets to sure of itself. He then calls for a Unification of Germany without the chains of medieval lordship. Scared by the looming French threat the other kings and princes agree. Although Friedrich II Wilhelm supported a different candidate King Wilhelm was elected the New Emperor. Who chose the Diplomatically savvy Otto Von Bismarck to be his Chancellor. Their rule set up a glorious empire that began the process of centralization. Which was widely supported by the German people (partially because of the great works of Emperor Friedrich II Wilhelm who built marvelous buildings across the lands with his own personal wealth. Emperor Friedrich II also secured the support of the recently established Italy, Austria, and Spain.