The Porte manipulates an election of delegates…

The Porte manipulates an election of delegates to special assemblies charged with discussing unification of the principlaities in 1857; the few voters casting ballots elect representatives opposing union.

An international crisis follows, and French emperor Napoleon III, with Russian and British support, finally pressures the Ottomans to nullify the results and hold new, untainted elections, which return a huge majority of delegates in favor of unification.

These delegates immediately call for autonomy, a constitutional government, and a foreign prince to rule the unified principalities.