Westernization, Part III
The Nineteenth Century: The Saga of Equestria
January 10, 1818
Near Washington DC, United States of America
Equestrian Diplomatic Envoy
Sapphire Flower walked forward, her head hanging low. If she looked up, she would have been able to see the “District of Columbia,” as it was called by the humans. But she did not, for despite the fact that she had not even arrived at her post yet, she was already exhausted, both physically and spiritually.
Of course, trekking across the entire continent from Canterlot to Washington was no mean feat, and, naturally, that was the origin of her physical exhaustion. However, her mental weariness had a much deeper, more primal root, and it did not come from the trek itself.
It came from what she had seen.
It came from that time she had walked into the town called St. Louis, where her party had their escort replaced by American troops. The Royal Guard was told, in no uncertain terms, that their presence was not wanted. But that was only the beginning.
It came from that time they were attacked by a mob of humans when they were passing through a town called Frankfort. Granted, nopony was hurt, but the American troops were forced to fire their guns up high in the air, to scare off the mob.
But nothing compared to just the day before, when the diplomatic delegation reached the city of Richmond. That experience, right there, almost broke Sapphire's will to keep going.
Now, she had been aware of American slavery for some time, and had in fact even seen a few examples of it on the trek. But they were rare enough that Sapphire was able to convince herself that she had seen nothing, and that all the rumors about the United States of America were false.
But when they entered Richmond, that comfortable fantasy was shattered into a billion, dust-sized pieces that were quickly blown away by the winds of sadness and despair, never to be seen again.
For when the delegation arrived in Richmond, she was treated the African slave trade, infamous in its cruelty and dehumanization, as families were torn apart and rebellious slaves whipped into submission. Every single member of the pony expedition had to take a few moments and settle their stomach as swiftly as possible. Some were successful. The majority, Sapphire included, where not.
After that experience, she insisted that the party go the long way around the city. The human soldiers muttered at that, but accepted the change.
And here they were, one day later, with most of the ponies’ wills shattered, while the American troops looked on with something between pity and impatience.
However, Sapphire looked up briefly, and saw the Sun once again rising, as it always have and, in her mind, always will. And seeing the Sun gave her strength again.
“Alright, ponies,” she said, forcing herself out of the state of depression. “We’re almost there. We cannot allow this to get us down. We are members of the Equestrian Diplomatic Corps, and it’s time to behave like it!”
The ponies slowly looked up, and more than one smiled at her. They then continued trotting forward, a little faster and with a little, barely visible spring to their step.
January 12, 1818
“I, President James Monroe of these United States of America, speaking on behalf of the government and people thereof, accept your letters of accreditation and acknowledge you as the resident ambassador from the Principality of Equestria. On behalf of the people, I welcome you to these United States, and hope that your presence here will lead to a brighter future for both our countries.”
Sapphire Flower inclined her head - she would only bow fully for the Princesses - and put forth her best diplomatic smile as she looked up and into Monroe’s eyes. “As is my hope,” she replied.
Her first proving ground was a lot closer than anypony would have guessed, as the President said, “I would like to meet with you at your embassy when we are done here.”
She was taken slightly aback with his willingness to meet in Sapphire’s embassy; such an action put the power into her hooves, so to speak. She nodded once, to signal assent then started to look for a way out.
“This payment your government wanted...it’s much too high.”
“Was it?” asked Sapphire. “Odd for you to say, as you already both signed the treaty and breached it. Under the terms, the man in question was to face an American court to answer for his crimes.”
“And he did. The treaty made no mention of presidential pardons.”
It took a large amount of self control to keep from scoffing, but Sapphire managed to muster it.
“Your country is still bound by the agreements made to the Equestrian Royal Council, and we are not inclined to re-negotiate that treaty.”
Monroe stared at her for a moment, then got up quickly, said “Very well. My business here is done,” and left.
Sapphire sighed, resting her head in her hooves. What did I sign up for?
January 16, 1818
Canterlot, Equestria
“Ready! Aim! Fire!” barked the general, and the Royal Guard obediently lower their modified weapons and opened fire. The rounds mostly missed their targets, but Celestia saw a few connect with the haystack.
“Impressive,” muttered Celestia, who had been observing this unfold. She slowly walked forward, wings spread apart with her traditional pose of regal authority.
“I must say general, I am extremely impressed with your ability to train my ponies.”
The general bowed his head briefly, and said, “Just following orders from my government, Your Highness.”
“Still, your actions are a boon to the Principality of Equestria. One that we will not forget.”
The human, named George Murray, bowed his head again. As military attache to Equestria, he had been charged by the British government to teach the Equestrias the ways of post-Napoleonic warfare.
“Your Highness’s words are most gracious.”
Murray was known in Great Britain as something of a kiss-ass, despite (or perhaps because of) his military background.
Going on, he said, “Your subjects seem eager to learn. In particular, a ‘Shining Armor’ has proven to be one of my better students. He’s always asking why, pushing for more details, and really attempts to understand the mindset of both sides of a battle.”
“Excellent.”
“And while we are talking about this, I have a proposition for you.”
“Yes, General?”
“While I am training our officers now, and a former admiral will be arriving to assist you with shipbuilding soon, it occurs to me that I will not be here and training indefinitely. May I suggest that you establish a military academy to continue training your own officers after I have gone?”
“Interesting…”
March 25, 1818
Canterlot, Equestria
“Alright, the reports are in!”
“Reports from the embassy?” asked Celestia.
“Yes,” replied Twilight. “According to this...the government of the United States attempted to renegotiate the treaty we signed for the release of the human responsible for the Manetown tragedy. They claimed that the amount of money was ‘far too high.’”
Celestia quickly blinked away the spots of red outrage that exploded in her sight, then said, “I hope Sapphire had the sense to turn them away…”
“She did.”
“Good. Anything else?”
“Nothing, aside from a request to send a flag. It appears that we forgot to send one with our building crew.”
“Really? I thought we have covered everything…” Celestia muttered. “Alright, we’ll get one sent over there. In fact, we should start sewing more flags for the Principality.”
Cadance, who up until now had been silent, looked at Celestia and asked, “Celestia, what, precisely, is the flag of Equestria? I only ask because I have seen no less than three different flags for Equestria, and none of them look the same.”
Celestia sighed. “Yes, that is something that I have really let slip. I should issue a statement clearing it up. For the record, the official flag of the Principality of Equestria is mostly white, with a pink stripe along the length of the cloth on both the top and bottom. In the center of the flag, there is an emblem with the Sun, and a crescent Moon eclipsing part of it. You may have seen a flag on a light blue background, with images of myself and Luna flying around the Sun and Moon, surrounded by stars. That is not the flag of Equestria and never was. In fact, it was never even officially a flag. Rather, was the crest of the pre-Lunar Rebellion Royal Council. After the Rebellion, though, I didn’t have the heart to have Luna stricken from it. And, over time, it became more popular than the official flag, and I let it slip.”
“In any case, we need to standardize the design of the official flag and distribute replacements for anypony that has been using the wrong one. That should be done as we move on to our next part of westernization.”
“Which will be?”
“I think that we agreed that the most important thing, the thing the humans have the definite advantage in, is the sciences. We have allowed them to stagnate for too long. With that in mind, I propose making one hundred fifty thousand bits available for pony scientists to use to develop tools and weapons, along with studying nature and whatever else they see appropriate.”
“I so approve of this,” Twilight said eagerly.
“Of course you do. In addition to rebooting the sciences, another step we should consider is changing our titles.”
“We have titles?” asked Cadance.
“Exactly my point. Traditionally, our interactions with the ponies of Equestria have been extremely informal, with the ponies allowed call us, essentially, whatever they wanted. However, Ambassador Liston tells me that in western nations, there is an extremely rigid form of address for royalty, with all kinds of titles depending on the stature of the royal. While I do not think we should adopt nearly as rigid structure, adding a little formality never hurt anypony. With that in mind, Liston has provided us with a list of titles. Please do note that often the title is bound to the type of government. As such, a title like ‘Imperial Majesty’ does not fit Equestria, as we are not an empire. Unless, of course, we want to become one. Think about it, and we’ll formalize it later.”
“Finally for today, it’s been awhile since we were in touch with our griffon friends up north. Surely they’ve heard of everything that’s been going on by now. I even have the perfect message to send them...”
April 3, 1818
Kingdom of Griffonia
The Equestrian Royal Council, with a newly-sewn flag of Equestria being carried by Shining Armor, marched towards the capital of Griffonia. The Council was marching with a three-thousand strong contingent of the Equestrian Royal Guard, armed with modified guns. It was one of the largest armies Equestria had mobilized in living memory, Celestia and Luna not counting.
As the trumpets announced their presence, King Odrynn was seen marshalling his own contingent of troops, the legendary Aerie Watch. Swift responders to any national crises, they were to Griffonia as the Wonderbolts were to Equestria, in that they were the most elite fliers of the Kingdom. Normally, that sight would have frightened the Equestrians. However, the new weapons they cradled dispelled most of their fear.
As the griffons approached the ponies, the King signaled for them to stay back. He flew forward alone and as he came within ear shot of the ponies, said, “Your Highnesses...if it wasn’t for the Equs-Grifoni Pact of 1008, I would have that you were invading.”
The four Princesses took to skies as well, and approached the King. “We come not to invade, King Odrynn, but to demonstrate a point,” replied Celestia. “No doubt you have heard of the Manetown Incident?”
“A tragedy, that was, but I fail to see…”
“Of course you don’t see the point, I haven’t made it yet,” Celestia cut off. “If you have heard of the Incident, you have almost certainly heard of our decision to westernize, as well?”
“Yes…”
“Our country has spent barely six months westernizing, and already we possess the military strength to defeat even your legendary Aerie Watch in battle. And this is with only our Royal Guard! Imagine if we had trained the Wonderbolts with these weapons. Of course, we have no such ambitions, but if we wanted to, we could conquer your entire nation right here and now with only the three thousand Guardponies we brought. Imagine if the United States brought their army to your doorstep like this.”
“Excuse me, but we don’t know that.”
“Yes, we do. You are out of your league here, and you know it. Your pride is just getting in the way.”
“Do you want me to start this ‘westernization,’ as well?”
“What do we want? We want nothing. Rather, we are demonstrating what we are capable of. This is a warning to you, King Odrynn. While we have no ambition to conquer your lands and subject your people, I cannot speak for the other powers on this continent. Equestria is more than willing to assist you in the westernization process. All you must do is ask.”
King Odrynn looked his counterparts in the eye, then said, “This westernization you speak of...surely it will involve abandoning ancient griffon ways. Even if I wanted to, my people are notoriously reactionary. I must think on this.”
“Our offer stands for as long as you want. Be warned, however. Equestria has already had troublesome occurrences with the United States. They will come to you, as well. Be ready.”
With that the Princesses turned around and flew back to the Guard. The contingent turned around, and started the march back to Equestria.
“A show of force, sister?” asked Luna. “Are you sure that was wise?”
“You can only play with diplomatic niceties for so long until you just have to give up and speak their language,” replied Celestia. “Wise? Probably not. Effective? Maybe, maybe not. One thing’s for sure, though. Talking at them was not going to make them accept westernization. As he said himself, his people cling to their traditions like nopony else.”
“And will this convince them to let go?”
“I hope so, Luna. I hope so.”
Admitedly, even now I can't imagine how could ponies be able to wield a firearm, modified or otherwise. Other than unicorns using their magic of course.
And can't wait on how the US will take the fact that the UK is helping out Equestria. Admitedly, Monroe Doctrine won't be until 1823, but I could see they'll have something to say about that even from now. Perhaps even it's one of the reasons Monroe makes the doctrine, I'd bet. It was essentially a proto-ManifestDestiny after all.
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I'm sure we'll get an explanation soon.
I'm waiting to see how Equestrian-American relations will be like, once "Old Hickory" Andrew Jackson takes office. Knowing what he did during his invasion of Florida [which occurred around the same time as this chapter] in the First Seminole War, I can only imagine how the Princesses will view President "Sharp Knife" [especially after hearing about the Trail of Tears]. As for Jackson himself- the very presence of a neighbouring nation; ruled by four female non-human beings (let alone non-Christian and non-white), militarily aided by the British (whose hatred he has for them is on a personal level), and blocking access to the Pacific coast, would make it a target for the "Napoleon of the Backwoods."
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No doubt they'd sour more during his presidency. But in the end though, I wouldn't worry much on Jackson, as I don't think he'd be in a position to do something against Equestria itself. Mod map aside, they wouldn't even be sharing a border. Well, assuming the eastern boundary of the Rocky Mountains is still the same and considering this map.
So it'd kinda be the equivalent of two people shouting at each other over their lawn fences... with a third house in the middle.
Which admitedly, trying to imagine Celestia and Jackson actually doing that is hilarious.6499499
That's true on many things. And the second last year of his second term (1836) is when the 'game' actually begins. Still, not a good way to start on such a sour note, right?
And while there are actually two neighbours (Griffonia and Spain/Mexico) acting as buffer zones between Equestria and the USA, I wouldn't be surprised if Jackson sent an 'expeditionary group' or 'self-defense mission' through either one. But yeah, that would be funny- too bad the telephone is not yet invented....or the telegraph(?).
Imagine if Jackson challenged Celestia (or Luna) to a duel?
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I doubt Jackson would be allowed that. I don't think the rest of the country would be interested in something like that... yet.
Much as that would be something to see, I don't see it happening either. Although, if said duel declaration happened after the event where that guy failed to kill him because both guns jammed at point-blank... imagine what would the ponies think on that. They'd think humans, or at least Jackson, do have magic or something.
Nice chapter.
Foreshadowing of Pony slavery! I wonder how much money and resources Equestria would need to bribe the countries to gurantee ponies to have human rights in the Geneva Conventions?
How come Equestria isn't facing financial and economic problems?
I expect the Equestrian military to be worse equipped than the Austria-Hungarians and Russians! 1 out of 5 Ponies start with no gun and must get them...
....from the dead bodies of their brothers!
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Well, remember that I have already established the Equestria is frickin' rich. In my mind, thousands of years' worth of peace is enough to amass quite a war chest. With this in mind, Equestria will eventually run out of funds, but not until westernization is almost completed.
Why do you think that Equestria would allow her armies to be so grossly under-equipped? While they may not like it, the Princesses are not about to gloss over something so glaringly important...especially since they have already had issues with the USA...
6502811 Shouldn't the Equestrian wealth be adjusted for inflation?
How is production of the Equestrian weapons keeping up with the army? What is the size of the army?
Reminds me of Toyotomi's War agaisnt Korea. Korea (Equestria) DID have a few advantages agaisnt Japan (USA) and have an ally in China (Griffonia or UK) but for the most part, they got their asses handed to them because of their corrupt govt, poor military and lack of landbased-technology. (Disciplined Musketmen beat Peasant Bowen 95% of the time!)
This is the precusor to the American Civil War WHICH IN TURN is the precusor to the Modern era of war! How will the Equestrians deal with how expendable life would be on the battlefield after SO MANY YEARS of peace!?!
God-Emperor forbid they face the Russians!
This chapter reminds me of the Anglo-Boer Wars (and the British use of concentration camps)
How old are the Mane Six at this point? How long 'till all of them (including Twilight) die of old age?
How will Equestria deal with guerilla warfare? The USA has several Native tribes as 'allies'.
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Equestria isn't producing arms ATM. Rather, they are importing them from the UK and tweaking them. Currently, the army is only the size of the Royal Guard, but that is about to change.
False comperision because:
1. Corrupt government. LOLZ. Please cite an example of Equestrian corruption in the government.
2. The UK is not any China. China was an uncivilized backwater, while the UK is a modern superpower, arguably the greatest nation on Earth at this time.
3. The Equestrian military is about to see a lot of expansion and training from other nations.
I would imagine through a very simple concept: They are humans. We are ponies. They are trying to wipe out our very way of life. We cannot allow that to happen. You'd be surprised what people/ponies can/will do when faced with enslavement/extinction.
Why would they fight the Russians? What have they ever done to you?
...I fail to see the comparison.
...Why would Equestria have to deal with guerrilla warfare? Why would the ponies be lauching the first strike in your mind? SO MANY QUESTIONS!
I also would like to know who these Native 'allies' of the USA are. In fact, I see them sympathizing with Equestria a lot more than the Americans.
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Cool discussion, guys! Never fear, the "Napoleon of the Backwoods" will have some...interesting time with Equestria, even if he doesn't get the honor of starting the first war against our beloved land of ponies.
But the "Napoleon of the West," he will bereallygreat.6504066 I never said that Ponies would strike first! As if they have the guts to!
Russia would colonize Alaska! Becoming the neighbor of Griffonia!
There is a reason why I put ''marks' on the ally part. US can exterminate the nearby Native Americans without reprecussions and difficulty. By YOUR ARGUMENT the Native Tribes WOULD DO ANYTHING TO SURVIVE! What is more sensible for the Indians to do, attack the USA (certain death and HAS experience in using and countering Guerilla Warfare) or obey their Aryan masters and invade the backwater country of Equestria (which has NO EXPERIENCE in warfare, particular modern and guerilla, and its ponies inexperience for war!)!?
US could easily threathen/bribe nearby Indian tribes to attack Ponies on sight.
Too bad Ponies aren't human. They look awfully TASTY! I bet you the poor Indians and Mexicans would have no qualms eating those weak ponies!
The reason I brought the Boer Wars to mention is that the Americans would used a more 'civilized' (Irony/Sarcasm) approach than the British did with the Afrikaneers/Dutch! All the US has to do is beat the Ponies in the field, or force them to fall back or dispered, and start herding the Ponies into 'Concentration Camps'!
They will starve the civilians to death! Ponies need to eat more food than humans and would die faster. Its only a matter of time 'till 'Princess' Diplexia accepts Unconditional Surrender!
The only Equestria would survive is becoming a Colony to ANOTHER Great Power!
Did you Lynching is a weekly town CELEBRATION! People actuaply send Pamplets/Flyers so that all the White people would go to town center and see some Poni-I MEAN INFERIOR HUMANS HANG!?! (Seriously NOT making this up!)
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Accoriding to this game map of the world in 1836, the British are very clearly the ones who have colonized Colombia and thus have a border with Griffonia.
Given the Native American's disdain for war (generally speaking), I find it altogether more likely that they will flee from the United States rather than listen to their orders and fight the Equestrians. After all, the Equestrians have done nothing wrong to them. I also should point out that especially in this time, the USA could not "just" wipe out Native Americans. More often than not, they relied on unequal and secret treaties to get their land rather than force.
...Wat. Assuming that the USA would even be inclined to do such a thing, remember that the UK is propping up Equestria to fight the USA and contain them. Any war between the two powers is sure to be carefully watched by them, and the USA would never get away with such actions.
From Wikipedia:
[Emphasis mine]
It is one thing to kill and eat a horse. It is quite another to kill and eat a horse that is brightly colored, intelligent, and able to speak to you. While it would not quite be cannibalism, it would probably be only one or two steps above it. And we haven't even established that the meat of an Equestrian pony is safe for a human to eat. For all we know, something about the magic it uses makes it poisonous.
And then Equestria imports the food they need, because it is impractical to send a blockading navy around South America. Problem solved.
Yes, I knew that. I know my American history. My question is thus: Why in the name of all things under Celestia's bright, ever warm sun would ponies move to the United States? If you're talking about Equestria's diplomatic delegation, there are international laws and traditions governing how diplomats must be treated, even in these times. I would love to see the international fallout if a mob of angry Americans lynched a diplomatic, even if it is a pony one.
No, I guarantee you that even if that happens once, the USA would put all kinds of security measures around the embassy. And I can also guarantee you that Equestria may even dispatch their own security forces to protect their embassy.
6504985 Import food! Sure import the food! Now get it past the US Guards and into the CONCENTRATION Camps! Fortified building built to keep the enemy civilians in one place, overpopulated and compress like cattle!
Oh yeah SHOULD the Equestrians continue to struggle agaisnt US occupation (this is after the American hypothetical yet realistic victory over the Pony 'army') especially employing guerilla warfare THEY WILL massacre civilians in response!
Look up the Phillipine-American War! Also the Thirty Years War! Ponies are like German militia going up agaisnt well trained Austrian/Spanish Veterans!
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Sigh...
A few things wrong with this:
1. We are assuming that Equestria's army stays weak and pathetic forever. As I have clearly established many times now, it will not!
2. You ignored the British watching the Americans like a proverbial hawk, making sure something like this doesn't happen.
3. Magic's count to count for something, man
4. An extension of two, imagine the international fallout from this. Does the United States, at this time, really want to go down this route?
God damn it, I've said it before and I'll say it again! I'll say it as many times as is necessary! All of you watching at home, say it with me: The United States of America is not currently at war with the Principality of Equestria. Furthermore, the Princesses are not going to allow their military's current weakness to remain!!!
I'm so ready to see how Equestria will react to the absolute mess Europe is in.
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I'm quite certain there won't be any disappointments, in regards to things being 'interesting', during Jackson's presidency.
Hmmmm...."The Napoleon of the West", eh?
I just found out who he is, and am rather intrigued at how relations between his nation and Equestria will be.
The next historical figure I have in mind (who brings us much closer to spoilers & speculations territory), is regarding John C. Fremont. How much will the presence of Equestria change course for this man's history, compared to OTL [Our Time-Line]? Not to mention, what his presence will do for Equestria?
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I'm just recovering from a cold, so I'll put my two bits in this part of the discussion.
Since 'Equestria' in this story/game seems to contain the entire states of California, and Nevada [along with parts of Utah and Arizona?], just the California area alone should provide the wealth Equestria needs to boost its war funds. Knowing just how wealthy California really is, if it were a separate country [compared to the rest of the USA], that is probably one of the reasons why you chose to have Equestria take place there right?
Also, once Equestria receives news of the Indian Removal Act (aka, 'Trail of Tears'), I'm sure they would [at the most] attempt open relations, or [at least] express sympathies to the tribes/nations that are settled between the Rockies and the Mississippi. I've always wanted to read [or write] a fic where Celestia is viewed as 'The Great White Mother'.
Also, I may have missed this before, but what is this Equestria (compared to the show) like regarding the existence of zebras [i.e. Zecora] and talking Buffalo Tribes [and maybe Diamond Dogs and Changelings]? And what form [or lack] of allegiance would they have, between the ponies, and various humans?
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I do look forward as well for that guy's dealing with Equestria. One thing is certain though: one can hardly lump him and most of the rest of the country together, as it were.
Fremont huh. *looks it up* Well, I see one thing that may remain unchanged. Other than that, well, it would depend how things develop.
Yes, the game mod incorporates modern-day California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. Essentially the old Mexican territory of Alta California plus Sonora's old land between the Gila River and its modern day border (the in-game Tucson province). I think the in-game resources of the changed areas were changed for the mod, though, so most likely don't expect it to be the same things.
I think there's no need to wait until the Trail of Tears . Right now they'd probably soon be hearing about the Seminole Wars. If anything, it's a "good first step" to that direction.
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Yeah, that's true too.
Like I said before about Fremont, this is entering 'Spoilers & Speculations' for the most part. We'll find out I'm sure.
Okay, thanks.
Does it seem like a number of 'Equestria in America' fics have it take place in the Pacific Coast West to you? I may have asked this question before already.
Yes, I sorta forgot about that. But most likely they will be hearing about that conflict from either the Americans' point of view, and/or from the British too. Though you're right, it could be a 'first good step' for Equestrian influence/relations among the Natives [both East and West of the Mississippi], and the 'first sour step' regarding Jackson's relations [the second sour step would be knowledge of him being a slave-holder].
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Thanks for all your support, guys. And here, my replies, in no particular order:
Damn! Forgot all about that...What he said.
Wait, who was he, again? *Wikipedia to the rescue* Huh. I live in California, I really should have heard about him before now... We'll see what we can do, insofar as including him to some degree or another.
"The Great White Mother, huh? That's an interesting title...
Don't worry, words will be spoken over the Trail of Tears/Indian Removal Act, as well as Worcester vs. Georgia.
And also the Seminole Wars, since they're a thing...Jackson ignoring his own Supreme Court? That's sure to raise some eyebrows...6509717
Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if some try to compare him with King Sombra. If only slightly.
Well, Speculation I agree but I wouldn't consider it Spoilers as well since it involves OTL history in part. Or at least, not all.
Now that you mention it, yeah. I do remember there being stories placing it in the Pacific, or in California. Or even superimposed in the continental USA itself, but that's even rarer.
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Hmm, never really did think about that until now. Good point. Then again, the only ones in Equestria who would actually know anything about him are Celestia, Luna, and maybe Cadence [since in this universe I believe The Crystal Empire hasn't appeared yet- but I might be wrong since it's been so long]. Though I'm sure with some Royal help, the propaganda/ media would get reminded of who Sombra is, and make the comparison.
Yes that's true.
And, I haven't seen any of the later (the Continental Equestria/USA), let me know if you find any. I was hoping to do one like that myself [or make Equestria a new Atlantis or Pacific Power- but I like the idea that the Central area of Equestria being somewhere in the American Midwest] eventually.
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You're welcome, and thank you for writing this fanfic.
Yeah, I was thinking of using that title for Celestia, in regards to how the Natives/ First Nations in my story would refer to her.
6510081
You are correct. In order to fall in line with the mod, I had to exclude the Crystal Empire. However, I also wanted Twilight to be a Princess, so I retconned the show's story to fall in line with this. Don't worry though, I have stuff planned for the Empire. It will take some time to develop, but I'm not about to gloss over it.
6510081
Truth be told, I don't remember what the mod did regarding the Crystal Empire. I don't think it has something about it, but still...
I know of one. It's called "Ponyville, USA", and it has not just Equestria but their whole planet being superimposed on Earth. There is also another, but I don't remember the name, and it was also on the planetary-scale, though that one dealt with different stuff so they're not quite similar from what I remember. Though being honest, I find my interest leaning more to the reverse of the concept, if only since it's far less used in comparison so it catches more my attention. I would like to write something about that... but well, that's another topic altoguether.
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Considering things, it wouldn't surprise me if the mod also skipped mentioning the Crystal Empire. Either way, looking forward for what you have planned.
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Well I was also debating on making a fic or series of fic similar to the 'Ring of Fire'/ '1632' series.