Capto Iugulum: Empires and Nations

Nuclear kid said:

The Treaty of Hanoi

1. The city of Saigon shall be transfered to the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
2. All European Trade with Vietnam must pass through British Customs Authority in British Saigon, with any British customs or tariffs that are necessary
4. The United Kingdom reserves the right to ban any nation from trading in Saigon for violation of British law, and will seize any banned goods attempting to enter Vietnam
5. The United Kingdom shall be the lone Favored Trading Partner of Vietnam
6. The United Kingdom will ensure the protection of merchants in Vietnam
7. The United Kingdom will have access to safe harbor in Vietnamese ports
8. The United Kingdom shall establish a permanent ambassador in the Royal Court
9. The Monarch of Vietnam shall appoint a governor in Saigon to tend to the needs of the Vietnamese people in the city.
10. The citizens of Saigon will be allowed dual citizenship between the British Empire and Vietnam, and will have the freedom of movement between the two nations.
11. The Imperial Court and the British may establish new amendments on the consent of both parties

Signed Robert York, Ambassador to Vietnam
​

Click to expand...

Signed Lao Bin Nguyen,
King Minh Mang's Diplomatic Representative

Power failed back home for some reason, so I'd say ya'll have an extra day to get those orders in.

As I am very drunk and intending upon gettingdrunker, the update is yet further delahed.

Siggable.

GamezRule said:

Siggable.

Click to expand...

Indeed.

Hope that you are recovered from the hangover by now, EQ.

So how's it going, EQ?

I spent most of my weekend either miserable or intoxicated. In the process I apparently did do some updating, and the good news is that the results are rather amusing. The bad news is that most of what I did isn't usable and I have to go back an redo a lot of it, since apparently I did quite a lot of damage. Hopefully the update will be done tomorrow night. Once again, apologies for the delay.

You should put what you did in a spoiler so we can all be amused.

You should save the "amusing" stuff and post it with the official update. I'm interested it seeing what you wrote ;P

Make it an 'Althistorical' newspaper incident after a bring your boy to work day goes horribly wrong.

Yes, those thoughts occurred to me after I had already corrected it. The short summary is: lots of smiley faces all over the map, something about the king of Paris marrying all other monarchs in Europe, and Spanish ships walking on land to conquer Rome. It's a little odd.

This is a bit late but, at this point, no more new orders will be accepted. Due to the recent events of Hurricane Irene and the chaos of the start of a new school year for many of you, I'm not penalizing anyone for failing to get orders in for this update.

EQandcivfanatic said:

Yes, those thoughts occurred to me after I had already corrected it. The short summary is: lots of smiley faces all over the map, something about the king of Paris marrying all other monarchs in Europe, and Spanish ships walking on land to conquer Rome. It's a little odd.

Click to expand...

MUST HAVE!

Also, hope Irene didn't screw up your life too much.

So, just so ya'll know I am in fact working on the update (and because sorrow nourishes my soul) here's my favorite article so far for your early reading:

SMALLPOX PANDEMIC PANICS EUROPE. Paris, Paris. Smallpox, one of the most feared diseases in Europe, has erupted in a virulent new form this year, spreading like wildfire across Western and Central Europe. The first major outbreak was reported in the city of Paris, which has suffered the most from the pandemic, shutting down the city for months as people fled or panicked in the wake of the first cases. This has not spared them, and they have served as the vessels for spreading the disease to every remote town and village in the nation. The death toll has been extreme in Paris, and from there has spread into the other French nations and Burgundy. From there, the smallpox pandemic has caused extensive damage throughout the whole of Europe, and even, to a far lesser degree, in the Americas. Disorder and panic has heralded the arrival of the disease wherever it goes, and those factors have been responsible for nearly as much damage as the disease itself. Smallpox has no respect for the dignity of royalty either, and many monarchs have barricaded themselves in their palaces, hoping to avoid the rising pandemic. Fortunately, the arrival of winter seems to have calmed the spread of the disease, and the worst of the damage seems to have been done, though the disease remains an ever present threat across the world.


ETA on the update is about 4-5 hours.

Could have gone with an alliteration: Pox Pandemic Panics Paris.

OOC: Diseased Downtrodden Disseminate Death!

Global News Report​

RIFLED MUSKETS CONTINUE THEIR SPREAD. London, United Kingdom of Great Britain. As the Mamluk Caliphate finishes their military reforms, the demand for rifled muskets has led to further development away from the center. These weapons have begun entering into limited service throughout Western and Northern Europe, spreading away from the Mediterranean Sea. The improved range and capabilities of these weapons have led some generals in most nations to call for reform and development to take advantage of the new capacities of rifling. Also, the new demand has begun giving arms production a minor boost in some countries as they work to replace their old weaponry. (Following receive +3 Army Quality)


PADDLE STEAMER WARSHIP TECHNOLOGY SPREADS. Madrid, Spain. The new Spanish steamships powered by a paddle wheel have altered the face of warfare as we know it. In order to compete on the high seas, many nations have begun having to look towards modernizing their own naval forces. This radical new technology has begun making an appearance across Western Europe and the Americas, propelled by either the Spanish or fear of the Spanish. Though the new screw propelled steamship threatens to make this technology obsolete, it's still a major step above ships powered solely by sails. (Following Receive +3 Navy Quality; +5 EP for Empire of Holy Spain)


SMALLPOX PANDEMIC PANICS EUROPE. Paris, Paris. Smallpox, one of the most feared diseases in Europe, has erupted in a virulent new form this year, spreading like wildfire across Western and Central Europe. The first major outbreak was reported in the city of Paris, which has suffered the most from the pandemic, shutting down the city for months as people fled or panicked in the wake of the first cases. This has not spared them, and they have served as the vessels for spreading the disease to every remote town and village in the nation. The death toll has been extreme in Paris, and from there has spread into the other French nations and Burgundy. From there, the smallpox pandemic has caused extensive damage throughout the whole of Europe, and even, to a far lesser degree, in the Americas. Disorder and panic has heralded the arrival of the disease wherever it goes, and those factors have been responsible for nearly as much damage as the disease itself. Smallpox has no respect for the dignity of royalty either, and many monarchs have barricaded themselves in their palaces, hoping to avoid the rising pandemic. Fortunately, the arrival of winter seems to have calmed the spread of the disease, and the worst of the damage seems to have been done, though the disease remains an ever present threat across the world. Following is the economic, social, and political damages caused by this particularly severe smallpox epidemic:


SPANISH DECLARE END OF SLAVE TRADE IN EMPIRE. Madrid, Empire of Holy Spain. In a grand announcement, Emperor Carlos VI has declared the end of the slave trade in the Spanish Empire. As one of the primary importers of slaves in the Western Hemisphere, this has thrown the trade into chaos overnight. The result has been the failure of several local economies based on the import or export of slaves, the rise of disorder in various states, and increased anxiety among slave owners everywhere. The institution of slavery has become increasingly moribund within the Spanish empire itself and with the loss of Grand Florida, the use had been ended by nearly fifty percent. Therefore the proclamation has also included the intent of the Spanish throne to gradually emancipate all slaves in the empire, while compensating their owners. Though this has brought about some anger in Spain itself about the reduced profitability of plantations in the Caribbean, the recent uprising in Jamaica has brought to light the horrors that slavery could bring. See the full economic report for various economic shifts and swings caused by this effort. (-1 Stability for all nations or colonies with slavery as an issue; +1 Stability in all Spanish American colonies)

Europeans News Report​

NEW OFFICER WEAPON DEVELOPED. Barcelona, Spain. A Spanish weapons manufacturer has demonstrated a new weapon with revolutionary rate of fire. The so-called revolver is a personal weapon designed to be used by officers, rather than by line infantry. The design allows for fire at a far more rapid speed, thanks to the use of a revolving chamber for bullets. The overall effect upon warfare is likely to be minimal at best, as the weapon has become far more popular in civilian markets rather than within in the military. Production has already begun on similar weapons in both the United Kingdom and Sweden, offering plenty of global competition for the civilian gun market. (+5 EP, +1 Army Quality for Empire of Holy Spain)

BABY BOOM IN SWEDEN. Stockholm, Sweden. Swedish doctors have reported an increasing amount of successful pregnancies this year throughout the nation. Despite the ongoing smallpox pandemic in Europe, people seem just as interested in having babies as they've ever been. The increased urbanization of the nation and the development of modern cities is a likely cause of the boom, as more families find it profitable to have larger families. Unfortunately, despite some theorists' ideas, it seems that this year's spike in births is likely just a small statistical trend and may well be solely credited to the prolific Sven from Oslo, who has become well known among the nation's ladies. (+18 Manpower)

UPRISING IN KIEV. Kharkov, Kiev. A major peasant uprising took place in Kiev this year as the peasantry was apparently outraged by efforts of land reform undertaken by the middle class. With fancy newfangled methods of farming threatening their livelihood, violence quickly escalated throughout the course of the year, likely fanned by covert support from the aristocracy. Unfortunately, the end result was a major revolt of the peasantry against the middle class and several towns and villages were burned by the rampaging mob. They even threatened the city of Kharkov before the army could be called out to suppress the uprising. The fighting was brutal, but superior munitions quickly led to the crushing of the rebellion. (-1 Stability, -7 Manpower, -1 Infantry Brigade, -1 EP)

RIOTS IN MOSCOW. Moscow, Moscowy. Despite the improving economy and security of Moscow in relation to its neighbors not all are happy. A hot summer and high prices of local foodstuffs at a merchant in Moscow led to the formation of a mob and an improvised attempted execution. The local watch broke up the disturbance, but in the process, became overwhelmed and a riot soon erupted among the populace. The situation worsened over the course of a week while the rioters went on a rampage of looting and violence. Eventually the military was called in, quelling the unrest and restoring a somewhat uneasy status quo.

ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF GRAND MARSHAL OF NOVGOROD. Novgorod, Novgorod. At an elaborate meal in Novgorod, it was discovered that an attempt was made upon the life of the nation’s new Grand Marshal. The Grand Marshal was enjoying his dinner upon which he fed part of the meal to his beloved pet dog, which died from poison concealed within. The resulting investigation has turned up nothing of significance, but the Grand Marshal insists that bitter members of the aristocracy are clearly behind the attempt. In his less than subtle investigative efforts, he has managed to upset or anger most of the movers and shakers of the Novgorodian government. (-1 Stability)

LIBERALS STRENGTH GROWS IN POITOU. Poitiers, Poitou. In a surprising backlash against the central government, the liberal movement in Poitou used the smallpox pandemic to their own ends. Claiming that the centralized monarchy was responsible for the failure to provide for the people of the nation, and that under a representative government, a better response could have been made. The scared and scarred people of Poitou have found some sense in this, and anger against the monarchy has been growing as calls for reform emerge from the populace. Needless to say, the upper classes and clergy have been discouraging this movement, claiming that representation on the scale the liberals demand is the first step towards anarchy. (-1 Stability)

RELIGIOUS UNREST IN POLAND. Warsaw, Poland. After the 1833 proclamation of the equality of religions in Poland, the result has been unrest among the upper ranks of the monarchy. A Catholic movement has been growing to sabotage the effectiveness of this proclamation, consisting of many members of the upper class. They have argued that allowing for the free practice of Orthodox Christianity could well destabilize Poland’s rule over its eastern provinces. To a degree, this has proven to be somewhat accurate, as educated Orthodox are proving the base of the rise of a new liberal movement in Poland. The recent arrival of a wave of smallpox has given some further support to the Catholics, claiming that God is punishing Poland for turning its back on the true faith. (-1 Stability)

ABOLITIONIST MOVEMENT GAINS STEAM IN BRITAIN. London, United Kingdom of Great Britain. The outbreak of the major slave uprising in Jamaica and the beginnings of emancipation in Spain and Portugal have led to a resurgent abolitionist movement in the United Kingdom. The Whigs in Parliament have begun lobbying for the abolitionists, calling slavery to be a blight upon society, and expressive of an evil nature of humanity. The great violence and racial warfare taking place in Jamaica is indicative of what could happen in any other remaining British colony should slavery continue unchecked. Furthermore, the end of the Spanish slave trade has also heightened the debate, as most British slavers have relied on the Spanish markets for slaves in the Caribbean.

DEATH OF THE KING OF BRANDENBURG. Berlin, Brandenburg. King Charles Frederick of Brandenburg died this year due to the outbreak of smallpox, contracting the disease unexpectedly. Even more unfortunately, the death left the kingdom without an immediate heir to the throne, as the young king had not yet sired any progeny. Rule of the kingdom has since turned over to the deceased king’s older brother, who had initially been disinherited by their father. Rather unpopular for his flagrant philandering among ladies of the court and town, the new King Charles II is not looked very fondly upon by his subjects. (-1 Stability)

DEATH OF THE KING OF BURGUNDY. Dijon, Burgundy. King Conrad VII of Burgundy passed away this year after contracting smallpox during the outbreak which plagued Europe. Some lamented his death, while others viewed it as divine judgment towards a great oppressor of people. His son, Louis is still young, and a regency with his mother has been put in place, until he comes of ruling age in two years. Regardless, he has been crowned King Louis III, and it is clear to many that he is unlikely to be as stuck in the old ways as his father, though fortunately he does not seem to be a raving lunatic liberal either.

FAILED MARRIAGE DIVIDES PORTUGAL AND SWEDEN. Lisbon, Portugal. A marriage between a noble family from Portugal and a noble family from Sweden led to increased tensions and anger between the two nations. Coerced into the event by the monarchs of both nations, the differences between the Protestants and Catholics proved too much of a barrier to overcome. Neither family could agree upon the ceremonies or events, with the debate constantly heating up with Protestant versus Catholic rites. The failure of the marriage soon backfired against both thrones, with the monarchs’ insistence in both nations leading to increased anger among the noble families with their meddling. (-1 Stability for both nations)

PORTUGAL BEGINS GOVERNMENT REFORM. Lisbon, Portugal. Queen Maria of Portugal has begun a process of eliminating all religious advisors and influences in her government. Concerned about the recent abuse of papal secular authority and the implications of the Second Venetian War, she has determined that the Catholic Church has no place in the management of a civilized nation. Surprisingly, the move has been met with little resistance locally, the Portuguese Catholic Church gracefully absolving themselves of power in the nation. Most of the nobility and lower classes seem content with the move, with the exceptions of a few dissidents among the aristocracy. (+1 Stability)

BRITISH DEVELOP NEW PROPULSION SYSTEM. Bristol, United Kingdom of Great Britain. As steam paddle wheels begin entering into service in various global navies, and becoming known for merchants, British engineers have developed a more efficient method of propulsion. Using the same basic source of power, steam, the British have discarded the idea of using the vulnerable paddle wheels for propulsion, instead turning towards steam propellers. These devices are far less exposed, even if they do tend to be a bit more difficult and expensive to repair and maintain, as well as typically slower. After extensive testing it has been determined that ships using the new propeller should probably use sails as a primary means of transportation and the steam engine in combat situations or when docking and leaving port. Regardless, the British shipyards have begun contracting to civilians as well as the government, giving a bit of a boost in local industry. (+5 EP, +4 Navy Quality)

UNTIMELY TAX INCREASE ANGERS PARISIANS. Paris, Paris. As smallpox ravages the land and people of Paris, a preplanned tax increase was put into action, particularly as the deaths of many tax-paying subjects decreases revenues. Unfortunately, the increase has done little but further anger the populace, already upset with all the disease and dying. No real effect has been had except the further exacerbation of an already bad situation in Paris, destabilizing the city and its environs. Businessmen and the aristocracy have even appealed for the immediate reduction of taxes, fearing the effect that an angry disease ridden population may have on business and stability in Paris. (-1 Stability)

LISBON HOSPITAL OPENS TRAINING WING. Lisbon, Portugal. The Royal Portuguese Hospital has begun accepting donations from foreign nations in exchange for allowing entry of foreign medical students. Impressed by Portugal’s easy handling and quarantine of victims of smallpox, the various nations of Europe have stumbled over each other to send their best and brightest aspiring physicians. Most interesting has been the arrival of nearly five hundred Chinese doctors and students, providing many people in Europe with a curiosity to view at their pleasure. For most this has been their first experience with Chinese themselves, and is a novelty for Portuguese nobility.

PARISIAN CORONATION ANGERS POPULACE. Paris, Paris. As taxes are raised and smallpox continues to spread through the lower classes of the nation, King Louis XIII responded by holding a fancy coronation and celebration for the nobility. While the nobility reveled in the gesture, and with many of them avoiding the illness of the poor, the middle and lower classes were less than amused. It was claimed by the government that the expensive and elaborate coronation was pre-planned before the smallpox outbreak, but very few of the lower class care. Resentment towards the throne continues to mount among the lower classes and the city and nation seem to be edging closer and closer towards rebellion. (-1 Stability)

SWEDEN COMPLETES FORT MODERNIZATION. Stockholm, Sweden. The final reports on construction came into Stockholm this year, detailing the completion of the coastal and interior defenses of the nation’s far flung colonies. From Vinland to Guyana to West Africa to India, old colonial forts have been resurfaced, stocked, and supplied with the best modern weapons that the government can purchase. The oldest forts have also had their walls redone in modern fashion in order to be more effective against cannon and small arms fire, and have added outer lines of defense before the walls themselves. While none of the efficient fortifications have the appeal of an old castle, they make up for their looks with their durability in combat.

SECOND VENETIAN WAR. Naples, Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The Second Venetian War experienced several climatic battles this year, as events seemed to come to a head on all fronts. The Spanish army intervened at last to liberate the city of Rome from Sicilian occupation, and managed to succeed spectacularly. In response, the nation of Savoy has thrown in its lot with the allies, making good on diplomatic threats and promises. They have decisively intervened in both Switzerland and Milan, ousting the Austrian invaders and sending them back to their own borders with their tails between their legs. With Rome liberated and the north returned to pre-war borders, it seems that though Austria and its allies may have suffered some temporary reverses that the fates may be shifting towards them regardless. Unfortunately the prolonged length of the war and the rising cost in human life that the war has brought has begun to cause agitation among the populace. (-1 Stability for all belligerents except Spain)

SWISS CANTONS PROTEST AGAINST WAR. Basel, Switzerland. A coalition of Swiss cantons have protested against Bern's "war of aggression" calling for elections and an immediate end to the conflict with Austria. They have lamented the loss of trade, prosperity, and the Austrian invasion itself, blaming it on the rulers of the nation in Bern. They claim that it is likely that Austria would be amenable to a white peace, bringing the nation back to the status quo before the war. Most have threatened to withdraw their own standing forces from the war effort should the fighting continue into another pointless year.

SEVASTOPOL PACT SIGNED. Sevastopol, Kiev. The Kingdom of Kiev and the Roman Empire signed the first of two dramatic agreements, reshaping the politics of Eastern Europe. The Sevastopol Pact effectively sells western Georgia and Crimea to Kiev, granting them control of the territory and expanding their influence and wealth considerably. Furthermore the treaty includes a defensive pact, making the two nations allies against external and internal threats. Kiev has also renounced any claims on more Roman territory. Unfortunately, many of the Georgians remain fairly upset at both the Romans and Kievans, and continue to act against their authority on both sides of the arbitrary line drawn through Georgia. (-1 Stability in Kiev and Roman Empire)

HUNGARY PURCHASES AUSTRIAN CROATIA. Dubrovnik, Hungary. With the cash-strapped Austrians engaged in a desperate war against numerous Italian states, they turned to Hungary for further financing. They offered the formerly Venetian controlled regions of Croatia, and the Hungarians graciously accepted the proposal. The territory was officially annexed to the Hungarian Empire this year, being turned over to their control in a formal ceremony. The Italian states have protested to the Hungarians over their seizure of rightfully Venetian territory, but with the 2nd Venetian War still ongoing, not very loudly, fearful of Hungarian intervention on the wrong side.

TREATY OF ATHENS. Athens, Roman Empire. The Roman Empire and Hungary, after months of constant rhetoric and threats of war, at last came to an agreement in the city of Athens, assuring the independence of a Serbian nation. The Treaty of Athens promises that Hungary and the new Serbian nation would pay the Roman Empire for the territories ceded to the new nation, as well as renouncing long term territorial claims. The Hungarian aristocracy is said to be thrilled with the outcome of the treaty, assuring further influence for Hungary in the Balkans, particularly with the placement of Hungarian nobility on the throne of Serbia. In the Roman Empire itself, not all of the Serbians have been included in the boundaries of the new nation, and the treaty is less than popular. Fortunately most of the worst rabble rousers have left the nation with the treaty, so the Balkans seem calm for the moment.

"ALL ARE NOW ROMANS IN THE ROMAN EMPIRE." Constantinople, Roman Empire. Following the treaties signed in Athens and Sevastopol, the Roman Imperator has declared that all remaining members of the nation are Roman, and no other ethnicity or nationality would be recognized. This sparked a wave of riots and acts of protests across the empire, as multiple groups possess a dissenting opinion on the matter. Most see the recent treaties as the final weakening of Constantinople's wealth and influence, and its decline from being even a moderate power. Rebel mobs are gaining strength in virtually all the provinces of the empire, threatening a collapse into revolution. (-1 Stability)

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SERBIAN KINGDOM. Belgrade, Serbia. Thanks to the Treaty of Athens, the Serbian people now have a nation to call their own, if not a government. The Hungarians have moved soldiers into the nation to help it form a new government and secure its borders from the Romans, while emplacing a Hungarian member of the royal family on the throne. The new King Stephan II, taking on a traditional Serbian name, has come to the throne, pledging his support for the independent Serbian nation and its Hungarian allies. He has vowed to maintain the nation's freedom and independence from any Roman aggression.

ORLEANS BEGINS FORTIFYING BURGUNDIAN BORDER. Orleans, Orleans. The recent smallpox pandemic and the disorder in Burgundy has raised concerns in Orleans about their security against threats from their eastern neighbor. In order to prevent further problems, the king of Orleans has begun the construction of a series of modern forts along the mutual border of the two nations. He has vowed to protect his nation against papal tyranny and the anarchy it inspires in other nations. Naturally Burgundy has expressed concerns at this development, fearing that such thought could lead to further wars of religion in France.

SPECIAL: Second Venetian War​

SPAIN'S NAVY RAMPAGES AROUND ITALY. Genoa, Milan. In response to the joining of Savoy to the Italian cause, the Spanish have responded by neutralizing all remaining threats to their power on the high seas. The first victim of their strikes was Milan, which managed to put up a moderate fight, but most of the ships were sunk under the noses of the very guns which were supposed to protect them. Some few ships did survive the Spanish attack, but the fleet was left shattered. Armed with forewarning of the Spanish navy, Savoy's fleet managed to escape their harbor, taking refuge scattered in ports around the world. The Spanish fleet did manage to catch a few, sinking them as they sought to avoid their fate. The Tuscans attempted a similar escape, but the slow and aging ships of their navy were easily caught and destroyed by the Spanish steamers.
Casualty List
Empire of Holy Spain: 2 Third Rate Warships
Milan: 10 Fourth Rate Warships, 3 Third Rate Warships
Savoy: 3 Fourth Rate Warships
Tuscany: 4 Fourth Rate Warships

FIGHTING AROUND ROME. Rome, Papal States. The city of Rome was the focus of the largest battles of the war to date, as the Spanish army was sent to liberate the center of Catholic Christianity from its occupiers. The Spanish were the first to take the initiative, managed to assemble and launch a massive army from Iberia to land north of Rome. They met the Tuscan army at the town of Certveteri north of Rome, as they rushed to defend it from the Spanish attack. Outnumbered two to one, the Tuscans did what they could but were ultimately defeated and routed by the Spanish. Their army once again left in shambles, they fled once more into their own borders. Aware of the Spanish threat at their rear, the Sicilians had no choice but to once more strike at the Papal army's fieldworks at the city of L'Aquila. Though they had possessed superior firepower in the form of artillery, the Sicilians' plans were laid to waste when word was leaked to the Pope's army of their plans and dispositions. When the battle began, the Sicilian guns found themselves under immediate artillery fire, and the advantage was soon nullified. Furthermore, the Sicilians charged into waiting positions of infantry and other forces, soon leading to a humiliating rout on the battlefield. The Austrians and Papal forces followed with a cavalry pursuit, nearly smashing the Sicilian army completely, if not for the timely arrival of the Sicilian cavalry. The Sicilian general, rallying his forces determined to at least attempt to beat the Spanish to the undefended city of Rome. Unfortunately, thanks to delays due to the last defeat, the Spanish not only managed to retake Rome, but to maneuver their forces between the Sicilians and Naples. With the Pope's army approaching from the north, the Sicilians were trapped, and had only one option: to attack the prepared Spanish forces. As the noose tightened, the Sicilians did their best to escape the trap, but the Spanish held the line against wave after wave of attacks. Some forces did manage to escape, but by the end of the day, the Sicilian general had no choice but to surrender his army. With Sicily's main army in the field utterly destroyed, the Spanish army went to work securing the Papal States' borders, while the Pope took a long awaited offensive. With little resistance from the Sicilians remaining, Naples fell after a quick advance into the south, with only minor skirmishes delaying them.
Casualty List
Austria: 1 Infantry Brigade, 1 Artillery Brigade
Empire of Holy Spain: 5 Infantry Brigades, 3 Cavalry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades
Papal States: 3 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade
Kingdom of the Two Sicilies: 22 Infantry Brigades, 7 Cavalry Brigades, 12 Artillery Brigades
Tuscany: 4 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades

THE SWISS FRONT. Bern, Switzerland. With the Bavarian army having exited the war, and the nation of Savoy entered the war, the fighting in Switzerland promised to turn into the favor of the alliance against Austria. The city of Zurich would be the scene of the first major fight as the Austrian reinforcements managed to arrive before Savoy's army. After a long winter of skirmishes between cavalry and picketers, the Austrians discovered the city to be well fortified by the Swiss. The Austrians attacked, but the Swiss' superiority in firepower and doctrine managed to be Austria's undoing in the battle. They were badly mauled in their attack, and shocked to see the determined Swiss counterattack. The Austrians were routed by the audacious defense, and when Savoy's army at last arrived to relieve the city, they were surprised to find the Austrians already in retreat. Thanks to superiority in cavalry, the allies managed to bring the Austrians into another engagement, this time on their terms. The Austrians were beaten, though they managed to inflict moderate damage against Savoy's untested forces. Regardless, despite managing to hold their army together, the Austrians were forced out of Switzerland for the first time since the war began.
Casualty List
Austria: 4 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 3 Artillery Brigades
Savoy: 3 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade
Switzerland: 2 Infantry Brigades, 1 Cavalry Brigade, 1 Artillery Brigade

THE MILAN FRONT. Venice, Austria. After spending the winter digging in and preparing to meet a combined Italian army, the Austrians at last were engaged with the largest force the allies have yet put into the field. Though the Tuscans had been drawn to the south to fight Spain, Savoy and Milan managed to assemble an impressive force to drive the Austrians out of Italy. The first battle to do so resulted in a stalemate, as neither side was able to decisively break the enemy lines, and the Austrians managed to maintain their positions. Fortunately for the allies, this served the vital purpose of testing the Austrian defenses and doctrine and in the next battle, the knowledge was put to good use. Using Milan's army as a distraction, Savoy's force managed to outflank and surprise the Austrians tactically, arriving in their rear. The Austrians were badly mauled and soon routed from the field. Constantly harried by Italian cavalry, the Austrians are said that they didn't stop running until reaching Venice. Milan was secured from the Austrians at last.
Casualty List
Austria: 10 Infantry Brigades, 4 Cavalry Brigades, 3 Artillery Brigades
Milan: 5 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades
Savoy: 3 Infantry Brigades, 1 Cavalry Brigade

News From the Americas​

SUSPENSION BRIDGE DRAMATICALLY IMPROVED. Philadelphia, United States of America. An American engineer has made astonishing strides in the art of bridge construction at a town a few miles north of the city of Philadelphia. Built in a completely new method using the cables to assist in the construction, the bridge is the longest of its type ever built. Since constructing this new bridge, demand has risen in other states and countries for such a design, to help span the more difficult rivers in various nations. Engineers widely agree that this is truly a major step forward in bridge building. (+5 EP)

UNREST EMERGES IN PERU. Lima, Empire of Holy Spain. As word filters south with the details of the brutal rebellion in New Spain, concern has begun to arise throughout Peru about the Spanish emperor's methods of dealing with the revolt. The brutal warfare has begun to give rise to fear that any expression of freedom could well lead to disaster of a similar sort in Peru. Concerned about the possible rise of Spanish tyranny in Peru, militias have begun to form around various villages and towns, especially in the southern regions of the colony. While none have aggressively begun seeking independence, they are focused on rather preparing to defend themselves against any oppression.

REPORTS OF ORGANIZED RESISTANCE ALARMS AZTECS. Tenochtitlan, Aztec Empire. Over the course of the year, increasing numbers of reports have come through the religious police of the Aztec Empire. Apparently, fed up with the assaults and attacks over the past few years, the Christians of the empire have organized and trained a fairly substantial resistance movement. Using unknown means to communicate and distribute their propaganda, the Christians have been increasingly effective throughout the year. The threat has grown substantial and the Aztec religious police believe that a full scale uprising may very well be on the horizon. (-1 Stability)

PORTUGAL BEGINS LIMITED EMANCIPATION. Lisbon, Portugal. Early in the year, Queen Maria II issued a proclamation calling for the slow and steady freedom of “well behaved” slaves from plantations in Portuguese colonies. The vagueness of the proclamation and the lack of any true guidelines has led to only a few dozen slaves being freed throughout the colonies. Though this is seen as a progressive step forward to abolitionists, very little has changed throughout the colonies, as most of the slaves set free would have been freed anyways. Unfortunately, this proclamation has continued to deterioration of support for the queen among Portugal’s royalty, fearing more for her mental stability. (-1 Stability)

ECUADOR AND NEW GRANADA SIGN TREATY. Quito, Ecuador. As the war between New Granada and Venezuela rages onward, attempts at peace sponsored by the Empire of Brazil have been thoroughly rebuffed after neither belligerent could agree on terms. Regardless of these failures, with the encouragement of Brazil, negotiations continued between Ecuador and New Granada. With Ecuador eager for independence, and having faced disaster on the battlefield, they were more than willing to discuss terms. Also hoping to eliminate the second front, New Granada was ready to talk independence at long last. The two sides agreed on a treaty recognizing Ecuador’s independence, and a non-aggression pact to last for ten years, ending 1844. These negotiations have enabled New Granada to shift the whole of its army to the north to bring its remaining might to bear upon the Venezuelans. (+1 Stability, +1 Army Quality for Ecuador; -1 Stability for New Granada)

VENEZUELAN MILITARY ACADEMY COMPLETED. Caracas, Venezuela. The Venezuelan government has completed efforts to organize a military academy for both army and navy officials in order to standardize and modernize their armed forces. Foreign experts from Sweden and other European nations have been hired to staff the training courses, but resistance continues to emerge locally. The various landowners of the Venezuelan countryside have mostly refused to support the project or send their own troops to train there. They view the effort as an attempt by Caracas to centralize power and to limit their own. Some have even begun to make good on their threats to withdraw their men from the war effort, removing them (and some of Venezuela’s best cavalry) from the battlefield. (-1 Cavalry Brigade)

NO SUPPORT FOR AMERICAN SETTLERS IN NORTH. Fort Williams, United States of America. In the wake of the violence erupting in the western provinces of Swedish Vinland, the United States government has announced that it would not support any settlers north of the 49th parallel. This has been due to increased conflict and even violence between Swedish and American settlers, as well as the erupting war with local natives. While this has led to some discontent among the settlers already in place, most have simply chosen to leave their homesteads and start anew in lands to the south. With the Lee Expedition offering appetizing visions of the west, most Americans have turned their eyes away from the cold Swedish territories. Regardless the opposition in government have used this has a chance to point out weakness in the Harrison regime, claiming he’s not fit to the management of the American nation.

US GOVERNMENT SENDS EXPEDITION WEST. Chicago, United States of America. The United States government, interested in mapping out a route to Fort Jackson on the Pacific Coast, sponsored the creation of a never before attempted expedition from the Mississippi River to the Pacific. With a US Army captain commissioned to lead the journey along the Missouri River to further destinations west, the expedition has received a massive amount of publicity and fame. The expedition sent back regular reports and information, and each was lovingly detailed in the press, illustrating the possible wealth and untarnished glory of the west. Eventually the expedition made it to Fort Jackson, where they took a ship back to New York City, where they were welcomed as heroes.

SLAVE REBELLION IN JAMAICA. Kingston, Jamaica. A massive orgy of violence and destruction occurred in Jamaica this year as a slave rebellion led to the destruction of half of the island. After the loss of Bermuda and the Bahamas to the Spanish in the War of the Catholic League, most of the plantation owners brought their wealth and slaves to the island of Jamaica, hoping to start over. The resulting price devaluation of slaves and the continuing import of new slaves soon led to constantly worsening conditions. At long last, using a celebration as a distraction, all of the tens of thousands of slaves on the island rose up against the white population. Most were slaughtered within the first day of the rebellion, and the garrison was quickly overwhelmed, having been lax in their duty. The fort was quickly seized and the city of Kingston fell any virtually all whites on the island were hunted down and exterminated like dogs. The rebellion was led by slaves of the local white army officers, most fairly well educated and experienced in army tactics. They have extensively begun training their soldiers, teaching them to operate the many cannons seized in the capture of the harbor. (-1 Infantry Brigade)

URUGUAY ELECTIONS. Montevideo, Uruguay. In a bitter election, the Uruguayan President Fructuoso Rivera has been ousted by the Blancos. The tumultuous campaign process resulted in frequent violence and disputes, much unlike the prior elections in 1830. Most of the debate has revolved around Rivera's controversial integration policies, attempting to establish the central control of Montevideo over the interior. The Blancos have amassed considerable support, pledging to halt the Colorados' agenda right in its path. The use of intimidation and other uncouth methods of campaigning were extensively employed by both sides throughout the year, and ultimately the Blancos emerged victorious with the new President Alfonse Merida. (-1 Stability)

NEW SPAIN'S WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. Managua, United States of New Spain. The wars for independence in New Spain raged onward this year, as the Mayans and the United States of New Spain fought on for freedom. The Mayans started the year with a smashing victory over a small Spanish force, only to find that they were outwitted and the Spanish had seized Chetumal from behind their backs while their army was away. The Mayans attempted to retake their proclaimed capital, and nearly succeeded but were driven off by Spanish naval gunfire. This victory effectively assured control of the Yucatan for Spain, as they moved to eliminate the remnants of the Mayan army. In the last major battle against the Mayans, the Spanish managed to fight a bloody battle of attrition. The Mayans, aware that their defeat was imminent have since disbanded their army, vowing to continue the war indefinitely from the jungles and mountains. Against the USNS the Spanish army has faired considerably less well in battled. The siege of Managua was eventually routed and the Spanish army was sent fleeing to the north. With most of the Spanish imperial forces fighting the Maya, the USNS managed to send one of their armies to secure much of Honduras from the imperial governor, winning a major strategic victory and rallying considerable local support for their cause. In the south, the Spanish attempted to pull one over upon the USNS, landing troops along the coast. Unfortunately a sympathizer to the rebel cause managed to get this information to the rebels, allowing them to ambush the landing Spanish forces. Both armies were badly mauled and the invasions were called off.
Casualty List
Empire of Holy Spain: 11 Infantry Brigades, 5 Cavalry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades
Maya Republic: 4 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades
United States of New Spain: 4 Infantry Brigades

EMPIRE OF BRAZIL SIGNS CONSTITUTION INTO LAW. Rio de Janeiro, Empire of Brazil. After two years of debate on reform and change, the Emperor of Brazil signed a constitution proposed by a select group of men of importance of his nation into law. The new constitution has introduced considerable reforms into the nation, including the nationalization of education, freedom of Christian religions, and voting rights for all males within the nation. Of course, the rights of natives and slaves are not similarly guaranteed, keeping them in their appropriate place in society. Most of the dispute on localization and provincial rights were put to rest as the provinces of the empire were granted rights to pass their own laws as long as they do not conflict with the national interest. As few can see any problems with this in the immediate future, the Empire of Brazil prepares itself for its first elections in 1835.

NEW GRANADA AND VENEZUELA WAR CONTINUES. Maracaibo, Venezuela. As Ecuador exits the war, only Venezuela and the Republic of New Granada remain in the conflict. Prepared and on more even terms than would be expected, the two main armies met on the field of battle once more. The Venezuelans did their best to distract and buy time against New Granada, though they did lose some soldiers in these feints the main enemy force. Unfortunately, the New Granadans shrugged off most of these diversions and managed to meet in the enemy army in an open battle near the town of Ocana. The two armies were fairly evenly matched and the result was a tactical stalemate, as neither side could gain a decisive advantage in battle. Both sides engaged in a prolonged siege of the other's lines for the remainder of the year, though the New Granadans were able to employ significantly more mobility. A side force was able to be sent, securing some lost territory in the west before another Venezuelan force stopped them in a fairly minor skirmish.
Casualty List
Republic of New Granada: 2 Infantry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade
Venezuela: 3 Infantry Brigades, 1 Cavalry Brigade, 1 Artillery Brigade

REFUSAL TO HOLD ELECTIONS LEADS TO COUP IN NEW GRANADA. Bogota, Republic of New Granada. 1834 was scheduled to be another year for elections in the Republic of New Granada. When confronted with the constitution, President Manuel declared martial law and the suspension of elections for the duration of the war. In response, the general in charge of the defense of Bogota led a coup, arresting the president and removing him from power. The army at the front in Ocana was unable to respond to the coup, being stuck in a stalemate against the Venezuelans, but the military leadership met and sponsored the moderate General Felipe Argos as a temporary head of state. The general has pledged to end the ongoing war with an honorable peace, gaining the support of the military and upper classes. (+1 Stability)

OJIBWE WAR CONTINUES IN VINLAND. Fort Helsinki, Sweden. Settlers in Vinland continue to be plagued by constant raiding and war with the Ojibwe tribes in the western portion of the colony. Though the American settlers have mostly vacated bits of the disputed territory, the Swedes have had enormous difficulty in reigning in the attacks. The Ojibwe have apparently been advised by the Cree upon Swedish tactics, and attempts to locate villages or bases of support for the natives have so far been failures. The Ojibwe have frequently and with devastating efficiency managed to win victories against the Swedish army and settlers throughout the territory. (-1 Infantry Brigade, -1 Manpower)

SWEDES SETTLE ADOLPHUS ISLAND. Port Adolphus, Sweden. After a considerable voyage around the world, the Swedes have managed to successfully settle the mostly empty Adolphus Island on the west coast of North America. This new colony is stated to be a western extension of Vinland, in order to stake a Swedish claim to the western half of the continent. The island has proven to be fairly appetizing to settlers, as people come on numerous ships to settler and fish in the local waters. The army has set up several local forts but the natives in the area seem remarkably indifferent to the Swedish settlement of the area. The colony itself has provided little to the Swedish economy, despite its appeal to settlers.

UNITED STATESE CONTINUES MARCH TO THE WEST. San Antonio, United States of America. American settlers, with the paths closed to the north, have turned their focus west, moving into the lands across the Mississippi River. The return of the Lee Expedition has begun to call the hearts and souls of Americans even further west though, and some have begun neglecting the more nearby territories, moving to Fort Jackson and other points along the Pacific coast. The United States government has pledged to build new forts along the Mississippi River to aid in migration to the west, as people begin to head west to stake their claim.

ARGENTINA CONTINUES INTEGRATION. Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Argentine government met with several road blocks this year as it attempted to continue its policies of integration and centralization. Various caudillos in the rural regions have done their best to outright sabotage efforts to establish centralizing taxing over the area, and have been very effective. While not outright declaring a war on the government, representatives of Buenos Aires have been found murdered, while others simply humiliated and sent back to the city. The Argentine government responded by deploying more soldiers to the countryside, further agitating the caudillos and their supports. (-1 Stability)

CHILEAN PRESIDENT BUILDS PALACE AND GARDENS. Santiago, Chile. President Portales, so exuberant with power and popularity expended some his political and economic capital upon the construction of an elaborate palace and attached gardens. The nation's yearly finances were drained in order to pay for the massive complex, and a good portion of the population of Santiago were moved out of the way in order to make room for the splendid gardens. Though the aristocracy enjoyed the numerous parties thrown afterwards, some have expressed concern about the decadence of the act, showing discontent with the total disregard for the thoughts of the common people of Chile. Fortunately, the wine was very good, so not too many cared afterwards. (-1 Stability)

ECUADORIAN LEADERS ASSEMBLE FOR CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION. Quito, Ecuador. After concluding their war with the Republic of New Granada, ensuring their independence, Simon Bolivar called together a meeting of the main leaders of the new nation of Ecuador. Hoping to avoid the factionalism and problems that plagued the Republic of New Granada, Bolivar has promised to oversee the convention, and then retire from politics to an estate in Quito. Most have been fairly supportive of a loose central government, giving local ruling powers to the various provinces. The new constitution is also backed by various foreign diplomats, inspired by the United States and the Empire of Brazil.

PANAMA ESTABLISHES NEW CONSTITUTION, REPELS COUP ATTEMPT. Panama City, Panama. The coalition government of Panama has at last finished negotiations on the establishment of a new constitution. Working closely with American advisors, the new constitution closely resembles that of the United States of America, using the same dual structure of the legislature and the powers to the executive branch. The current President Calvo has pledged to simply oversee the elections in 1835, and then to turn power over to the victor of the said elections. Unfortunately the purity of these proceedings was tarnished when a dissatisfied member of the military attempted to seize power for himself. Fortunately the coup was repulsed and the nation has managed to preserve order out of the chaos. The elections are still scheduled to go ahead next year.

News from Africa and the Middle East​

BABY BOOM IN YEMEN. Sana'a, Yemen. Yemeni reports have seemed to indicate over the past year a major increase in the nation's birthrate. More children are apparently surviving their youth and maturing, boosting the nation's available manpower. The likely explanation has been a simple statistical fluctuation, and most experts believe that the increased birthrate is likely to decrease rapidly in upcoming years. Regardless, it appears that Yemen will have a few more workers for the fields and farms of their nation and a few more soldiers for its army. (+2 Manpower)

WAHABIS CONTINUE WAR IN CALIPHATE. Basra, Mamluk Caliphate. The Wahhabis have continued their relentless war against what they view as the corrupted Mamluk Caliphate throughout the year. They have with surprising effectiveness managed to ambush several Mamluke regiments and cause considerable confusion and damage to various military supply caravans. They have managed to continue to seize the arms and equipment of the Mamlukes, becoming better equipped as the year pressed on. With each victory, their numbers seem to grow, and attempts to reign in this uprising have mostly failed as the Mamlukes seem unable to track them down to their centers of supply and power. With their continuing successes, they have given hope to others resisting the Mamlukes as well, and the caliphate has clearly begun to further destabilize. (-1 Infantry Brigade, -1 Stability)

ABYSSINIAN WAR ON BANDITS ESCALATES. Addis Ababa, Abyssinia. The war against the bandits lords in Abyssinia took a dramatic turn for the worse this year, as one bandit lord at last managed to assemble an army matching that of the emperor. Declaring himself the true ruler of Abyssinia, the bandit lord marched upon Addis Ababa itself, and the nation’s full army had to be called out to do battle with him. At the gates of the city, the battle ensued and the fight proved to be enough to smash the bandit lord once and for all, killing him and scattering his army. Though the Abyssinian cavalry would spend many more months hunting down the remnants of his army, this recognizes a major victory against the bandits marauding in the Abyssinian countryside. (-2 Infantry Brigades, -2 Cavalry Brigades, +1 Stability)

ABYSSINIAN RULER DIES. Addis Ababa, Abyssinia. The short reign of Emperor Dori has come to an end. The emperor had ruled for less than a year before passing away this year from unknown causes. As he was fairly elderly, not many were truly surprised by this event, and the new Emperor Ali II is not much different than his predecessor. The new emperor is expected to continue many of the same policies and efforts that Emperors Gigar and Dori had and hopefully will live a far longer life than the latter. This succession has helped further stabilize things in Abyssinia, creating a far superior sense of continuity for the uneasy noble classes, especially when taken in combination with the defeat of the worst of the bandit lords. (+1 Stability)

MADAGASCAR RESUMES INTEGRATION EFFORTS. Antananarivo, Madagascar. With the crisis with Sweden passed and the threat of European domination or imperialism at least temporarily held at bay, the queen of Madagascar has at last begun integrating the tribes into a central government. The move has been met with some opposition as one tribal leader managed to assemble a substantial force, which he had been intending on using during a Swedish invasion. This force fought bravely against the queen's army but was ultimately crushed in their attempts to secure autonomy. The move has done much for the integration efforts, and has put substantially more power in the hands of Antananarivo. (-2 Infantry Brigades, +1 Stability, +30 to Tribal Integration project)

MAMLUK CALIPHATE FINISHES ARMY REFORM. Cairo, Mamluk Caliphate. The invention of rifled muskets has significantly changed the way that war should be conducted on the battlefield. The Mamlukes have done their best to prove this with the introduction of new doctrines and equipment to their soldiers. The new reforms have clearly made the Mamluk army one of the best in the world, if not the very best. This in turn has begun to raise fears in the Middle East and Europe about a resurgent Islamic power and what it could mean for the nations of the Mediterranean Sea and beyond.

YEMEN COMPLETES NEW PALACE. Sana'a, Yemen. The new King Mohammed Rashid, having established his power in Yemen, has at last completed a new palace worthy of his rule over the nation. The new palace is said to be one of the most elaborate and traditionally build structures on the Arabian peninsula. Some consider this a political ploy in order to better defend himself while in Sana'a as well as acting as a method of intimidation for those who visit him at the heart of his power. On the other hand, some believe this is yet another example of a monarch neglecting his people for his own comfort and glory.

News from the Far East​

TRIBAL VIOLENCE CONTINUES ON BORNEO. The Dutch East Indies continues to be plagued by violence and attacks by local tribes on the island of Borneo this year. Most missions on the island have since closed down completely, and all but the bravest missionaries have left for safer locations. The local army has been doing its best to contain the fighting, but seems to have sparked further tensions as the island seems to spiral towards a full scale uprising. Fortunately, there have only been a few dozen deaths a month, and major fighting seems unlikely at the moment, as the tribes seem just as interested in fighting each other as they do the Dutch. (-1 EP from Dutch East Indies)

ATTACKS UPON COLONIAL AUTHORITIES IN SWEDISH INDIA. Patnagarh, Sweden. Unrest has been growing in Swedish India as several of the local princes have begun speaking out against the colonial authority. Dissatisfied with the Swedish government’s policies towards the Maratha Confederacy and the British in India, the princes have begun flirting with treason. Reports claim that these princes have begun hiring assassins and thugs to attack European merchants and members of the Swedish bureaucracy. Due to their own influence and control in their areas, the Swedes have found it difficult to link any of these attacks to the princes, even as their position as overlord continues to deteriorate throughout the colony. (-1 Stability)

ECONOMIC SHIFT BREEDS UNREST IN SOUTHERN CHINA. Ghuangzhou, China. The recent establishment of the British trading post at Hong Kong and the Treaty of Nanking have led to a severe problem for southern China. Having become dependant on European trade over the decades in the south, particularly opium, the shift of all legal trade to Hong Kong has overnight devastated the local economy. This in turn has bred enormous instability in the area, which faces unfortunately high rates of unemployment in the cities and increasing dislike of the local governor. Some have responded to the switch merely by increasing their illegal activities and trades with Europeans, offering their quite substantial own incentives for the smugglers to brave the imperial and British patrols in the area. (-1 Stability)

BRITISH INCREASE ARMY RECRUITMENT AMONG INDIANS. Calcutta, United Kingdom of Great Britain. The British authority in India, in order to more efficiently raise a force for the war in Burma, has massively increased the amount of recruitment done among their Indian subjects. Veterans of past wars in India and various mercenaries for hire have arrived in the British army, led of course by white officers. Though the British East India Company had employed Indian mercenaries before it was dissolved by the Crown, the numbers have never been as extensive as they are now. Some fear that the increased reliance on local Indian soldiers may undermine the authority of the British imperial government, and create the core of any rebellion against British rule. Fortunately for now, most of these soldiers now fight for their lives in the jungles of Burma.

KOREA BEGINS WESTERNIZATION OF ARMY. Seoul, Korea. The Korean government has begun a process of financing the westernization of the army with Swedish support. They have begun studying and implementing European methods of combat into their armed forces. This has led to significant friction with the current leaders of the army and the aristocracy, who view the European methods has hardly superior to standard ones currently employed. In response, resistance has been substantial towards the efforts, particularly with fears of Swedish imperialism or domination through the reform. Army officials have done their best to stop or sabotage the changes, fearing for their own job security and positions in society. (-1 Stability)

SPAIN GAINS NEW ALLY IN INDIA AMID THREATS OF WAR. Jaipur, Empire of Holy Spain. The crisis between the princes and ruler of the Maratha Confederacy came to a head this year as the administration's abhorrence of trade with Europeans at last became too intolerable. After last year's threat of secession from the Confederacy, an army was sent to restore full control over Jaipur. The princedom resisted, and managed to hold off the invasion. The net result was the Prince Jai Singh III declaring himself free and independent of the Maratha Confederacy. In order to assure his independence and continued wealth from trade with Spain, he has since approached the Spanish with an offer of subservience in exchange for protection against the Marathas. The Spanish India governor immediately granted the request, and Spanish troops moved to secure the new borders. The Marathas of course have reacted violently and have sent numerous threats and moved their armies towards the Spanish border.

TREATY OF NANKING. Nanking, China. An agreement between British diplomats and the Chinese has led to the much disputed Treaty of Nanking. The treaty has upset numerous other nations, and China itself as the British set themselves as the masters of all trade with the greatest of kingdoms in the Far East. The treaty grants the British the island of Hong Kong as a place for settlement and trade, and established it as the sole port of entry for European traders. In exchange the British have begun assisting the Chinese in patrolling against and preventing opium smuggling along the coast. The Chinese have also declared the British empire to be the most favored trading nation, granting them exclusive economic benefits over all other European traders. The treaty, while popular with British merchants, has found few elsewhere enthusiastic about its terms. The treaty has effectively neutered any further trading by other Europeans, and even within China, most are unhappy with the terms. Few believe that the British have any right or ability to stick to the terms of the treaty and most of the upper classes and military are outraged at the seeming failure of the Heavenly Mandate. (-1 Stability for China)

TREATY OF JEJU. Jeju, Korea. On the heels of British agreements in China and Vietnam, the Swedes have made an effort to establish a presence for themselves in Korea. A treaty was signed on the island of Jeju granting a portion of the island's main city to the Swedish, giving them privelidges of trade over all other Europeans. The treaty has also granted the Swedish full administration of all missionaries in Korea, totally disregarding the fact that the majority of missionaries and Christians in Korea are Catholic. Most have typically continued to disregard any attempts by Sweden to establish authority, effectively nullifying any benefit the treaty might have had. The treaty has had very few supporters from either factions involved in creating it. The terms do very little to help trade for Sweden, as all goods still need to sail on Korean merchant ships to the mainland Korean cities. Meanwhile, the efforts to reign in Christian sabotage have been not effected at all thanks to the ineffectiveness of Swedish religious control. The Korean upper classes have further been outraged at the perceived subservience to the Swedes, and have clearly begun plotting against the monarchy. Overall most observers few this as a worthless treaty in all respects. (-1 Stability for Korea)

TREATY OF HANOI. Hanoi, Vietnam. The second of two landmark British treaties in the Far East this year was the Treaty of Hanoi, bringing considerable influence into the Indochinese nation of Vietnam. The British have gained the port of Saigon, most favored trading status, and exclusive control of all European trade with Vietnam. The Vietnamese have gained a loss of overall trade, loss of prestige, and angry merchants and upper classes. They have faced continuing and growing resistance by a good portion of their population, and virtually every trading city along the coast has suffered extensively as all trade diverts to Saigon. The treaty has fueled the flames of the ongoing rebellion, which threatens to end the nation as it existed. (-1 Stability)

ANTI-BRITISH UPRISING SEIZES POWER IN VIETNAM. Saigon, Vietnam. After years of kowtowing to Europeans and European ideologies, a massive uprising has taken place in Vietnam, threatening to overthrow the monarchy. Anger has mounted from the various officers over the course of reforms, destroying tradition in favor of European styles of combat. Further anger was had from upper classes when the monarchy began discarding traditional art in favor of European art and artists. Only support from the various cities of the coast has so far prevented the collapse of the nation into civil war. With the Treaty of Nanking crushing the economic fortunes of most of these cities, the last bare remnants of support for the monarchy has disappeared. The result has been a massive uprising in all cities. King Minh Mang has been executed by the military and his brother has been crowned as King Theiu Tri due to his vehement hatred of the European influences. The uprising has set Vietnamese westernization back by years as the effort perishes with the death of the old king. The army has since seized control of Saigon from the British, resulting in a massive slaughter of the local British and European residents, leaving hundreds dead in their wake. (-2 Infantry Brigades, -7 Manpower, -2 EP, Army Organization reverts to Asiatic, +6 Stability for Vietnam)

SPAIN DISPATCHES EXPEDITION TO THE INDIAN AND PACIFIC OCEANS. Seville, Empire of Holy Spain. The Indian and Pacific Oceans have rarely been properly mapped out or explored by European cartographers. In order to gain more accurate charts and explore the world, the emperor of Spain has financed a new expedition to the Far East to take a tally of the local tribes and islands. Among their destinations have been the islands of the Indian Ocean and the numerous various rocks scattered across the Pacific Ocean. Some state that a detour may even be made towards the eastern coast of Asia north of Japan, which is mostly uninhabited except for a few scattered villages of local natives. The expedition is slated to take several years, but departed Seville this November, beginning their great voyage.

BURMESE CIVIL WAR. Amarapura, Burma. What was once a civil conflict between two opposing factions of Burmese royalty has clearly turned into a multi-national affair. The Chinese have intervened in the fighting, sending a considerable army overland, which King Bagiydaw's forced had to divert their attention to face. Though most of the Chinese died before ever seeing a battlefield, the resulting conflict was as brief as it was decisive. Less than five percent of the Chinese soldiers ever returned home after the disastrous campaign. While the king's army faced down the Chinese, the rebel prince was forced to turn to face another British invasion, which flagrantly marched in from India. At the very least the British seemed able to learn from their mistakes in battle, establishing clear fields of fire in preparation for a night attack by the Burmese. As with the previous battle, the superior British firepower inflicted a heavy toll upon the Burmese rebel's army. Rather than breaking this time, however, they managed to instead break the Burmese. Under relentless fire Prince Therrawady was killed in the fighting, leading to the collapse of his army, and his cause. What few remained scattered or were given amnesty by the old king in exchange for returning to his army. The territories of the old prince were seized by the British.
Casualty List
Burma (Bagiydaw Faction): 3 Infantry Brigades
Burma (Therrawady Faction): 24 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 4 Artillery Brigades
China: 19 Infantry Brigades
United Kingdom of Great Britain: 4 Infantry Brigades, 1 Cavalry Brigade, 1 Artillery Brigade

BRITISH NAVY BEGINS ENFORCING CHINESE OPIUM BAN, ANGERING EUROPEANS. Hong Kong, United Kingdom of Great Britain. The Treaty of Nanking has stated that all European trade must go through the British port of Hong Kong, and therefore any other European ship elsewhere must be shipping illicit goods. Several Swedish and Spanish ships have been taken or sunk by the British in the process of enforcing the treaty, and the British have turned over the crews and captains of these ships that survived to Chinese authorities, where they have been promptly executed. Massive protests have been heard throughout the capitals of Europe as the British monopolize the Chinese trade, and many ship and business owners in Spain and Sweden have denounced the British efforts extensively, claiming that the British do not enforce the treaty upon their own citizens. Regardless of the truth of the statement, prices and addiction to opium continues to grow in China, and supplies continue to get through, further addling the minds of the Chinese population.

EXPLORATION OF THE SANDWICH ISLANDS. The Sandwich Islands, long ignored by Europe since their discovery by a British sailor in the eighteenth century, have been at last been officially revisited by a European for the first time in decades. A Swedish expedition en route to Adolphus Island stopped there to refit and resupply, taking time to survey the islands. It seems that the islands are currently in a state of disarray and constant infighting, as none of the various islands have been able to overcome one another. A Swedish mission was established on the island, but remains independent of direct Swedish rule or oversight.

MARATHA BEGIN REFORMING ARMY. Pune, Maratha Confederacy. Concerned about the growing power and influence of the European powers in India, the ruler of the Maratha Confederacy has begun reforming his forces into a new order. Having heard of the results of the fighting in Burma and seen the results of the Muslims during the war in the Durrani Empire, the Maratha have begun focusing on a new doctrine to exploit the weaknesses of the European style of combat. The creation of a new doctrine of their own has helped instill more pride in the military, but still has begun to make some of the various princes uneasy about the possibility of losing their own warriors to a centralized regime.

Financial Section​

ECONOMIC SWELL IN MOSCOWY. Moscow, Moscowy. The recent smallpox outbreak in Western Europe and the decline in trade caused by it has since led to great benefits for the Moscovite people. Trade of grain has dramatically improved over recent years, as the nation recovers from its recession, and exports are at a historical high. Similarly, new construction efforts and expansion have led to a growing domestic market, providing more local demand. The result has been a massive growth in the local economy, with the excess of demand even flowing over into Novgorod and Kiev, who's merchants have moved to fill whatever gaps have been left by Moscowy. (+15 EP for Moscowy, +5 EP for Novgorod and Kiev)

DENMARK DEFAULTS ON IMPERIAL ADMINISTRATION COSTS. Copenhagen, Denmark. Focused on other internal matters with the government’s limited spending, severe cuts and lack of payment has been made on the day to day expenses of maintaining the empire. The Danish government has failed to upkeep their costs on imperial administration, and the backlash risks severe turmoil in the outlying regions of the empire. The national economy, already unsettled by the smallpox pandemic, shuddered even more under the wake of this new disaster. (-2 EP, -1 Stability in all colonies)

EUROPEANS LIFT BAN ON TRADE WITH MARATHAS. Calcutta, United Kingdom of Great Britain. The unofficial restriction of trade by the British and Swedish governments with the Maratha Confederacy has been lifted as of this year. The two European colonial authorities determined that the loss of trade was worth the risk of further antagonizing the Marathas. Trade has once more begun to flow across both borders, despite the Marathas’ attempt to stop it. The wealth the trade has brought to the neighboring provinces has started to divide the leaders of the Confederacy, as the border provinces seem to favor the trade and its profits to the central authority. The Maratha Confederacy has protested to the British and Swedish governments, though with the situation with Spain, any action seems quite unlikely. (-1 Stability with Maratha Confederacy, +5 EP in British and Swedish India)

KOREA FAILS TO COVER EXPENSES. Seoul, Korea. The Korean government faced an unfortunate crisis as it turned it finances to more military affairs. With the nation’s treasury drained, they were unable to pay for the nation’s administration expenses, and the result has been a localized downturn and loss of economic stability. The arrival of the Swedes has done little to aid in the situation, as the Swedish merchants have taken advantage of the situation, exploiting unhappy administrators and gaining more influence throughout the southern provinces. Members of the Korean aristocracy have protested to the monarchy about the Swedish infringement, and the situation continues to worsen between the two nations. (-3 EP, -1 Stability)

SPANISH MERCHANTS LEAD TRADE IN SOUTH AMERICA. Montevideo, Uruguay. The Spanish have begun working their way into the trading regions of South America, establishing new ties with their former colonies, most of which have cautiously welcomed the new investment. Though the larger nations of South America continue to avoid the Spanish out of fear and dislike, Brazil’s recent growth of ties with the Empire of Holy Spain have encouraged a minor shift in policy. The efforts have proven to be somewhat successful to date, and the investment has sparked some small economic growth. The Spanish have also benefit from the increased trade, expanding their home production to accommodate the new demand. (+1 EP for Uruguay, Ecuador, and Chile; +3 EP for Spanish Peru)

VENEZUELA REDUCES TARIFFS. Caracas, Venezuela. The Venezuelan government has begun encouraging foreign businesses to invest in their nation, and to do trade, by lowering tariffs on goods from various countries. The prime beneficiary of this new policy has been Sweden, an ally of Venezuela ever since the war against New Granada began. Tariffs have been dramatically reduced for Swedish traders, and this has led to a rapid upswing in local business. Swedish manufactured goods have begun arriving in bulk, along with food and grains from Swedish farms in Novgorod and the other Baltic states. While the Swedes have benefited the most from the new relationship, the Venezuelans have noticed a bit of an improvement in their own lives as a result. (+4 EP in Sweden, +2 EP in Venezuela)

BURGUNDY SEIZES MONOPOLY IN FLANDERS TRADE. Brussels, Flanders. Thanks to substantial support from the throne of Burgundy, Burgundian merchants have seized control of the bulk of markets in Flanders. Though most of the coastal trade remains greatly linked to the Empire of Holy Spain, virtually all land based trade in Flanders takes place across the Burgundy border. Though this has come on the heels of the discrediting of Dutch merchants, some of the aggressive trade techniques have alienated the Burgundians from the Flemish government. Some of the upper and middle classes fear that this could well be a prelude to invasion. (-1 EP for Flanders, -2 EP for Republic of the Netherlands, -2 EP for Paris, +4 EP for Burgundy)

UNITED STATES SABOTAGING CHEROKEE COMMERCE. New Barcelona, United States of America. The American government, responding to claims of British interference in the Cherokee Nation, has begun dramatically raising tariffs along the Cherokee border. Furthermore, foreign nationals are being forbidden entry into the Cherokee Nation along their American border by border guards. The Cherokee have been agitated by this treatment but continue to bear through it, avoiding a confrontation with the American government or commerce. Surprisingly the greatest resistance has come from American merchants, who are fairly upset at this interruption of profitable trade with the Cherokee. Various Southern senators have spoken against it in Congress, calling the Cherokee "a civilized people and not worthy of such treatment." (-1 EP for Cherokee Nation, -2 EP for United States of America)

ECONOMIC FLUCTUATION REPORT. Madrid, Empire of Holy Spain. The rise of new industries and methods of production are clearly beginning to make their presence felt in Europe, while other world events have caused some decline, particularly the end of the Spanish slave trade. Overall the global economy is growing, but slowly. Below are the fluctuations for the year:


Immigration and Population Movement

Brandenburg:
-1 Manpower to Empire of Brazil

Brittany:
-3 Manpower to United States of America
-2 Manpower to Empire of Brazil
-1 Manpower to Spanish Peru

Empire of Brazil
+2 Manpower from Brittany
+1 Manpower from Brandenburg

Sweden:
-1 Manpower from Vinland to United States of America

United States of America
+3 Manpower from Brittany
+1 Manpower from Vinland

Diplomatic Pouch

To: Empire of Holy Spain
From: Maratha Confederacy

We demand that you give up Jai Singh III to our authorities so that he may be punished for his treason. Furthermore, we demand that you end your occupation of what is rightfully our territory. Refusal to our just demands will result in war.

To: Tuscany and Kingdom of the Two Sicilies
From: Papal States

We call for your immediate exit from the Second Venetian War. As your armies have been decisively defeated and we now march in Naples, we will request the following terms:

1. The Kingdom of Two Sicilies will be split, with the current monarch allowed to continue his rule over Naples, and a new monarch appointed by the Pope to rule over the island of Sicily.

2. Malta will be turned over from the Two Sicilies to the Empire of Holy Spain as their reward for aiding in God's work.

3. The city of Grosseto and all lands south of it will be ceded by Tuscany to the Papal States.

To: United Kingdom of Great Britain
From: Burma

We thank you for your aid, but we must demand your immediate withdrawal from our territory, lest a new war erupts between us. Should you immediately leave our lands, perhaps we could consider talking about a more amicable relationship between us.

To: Venezuela
From: Republic of New Granada

The insane President Moreno has been arrested and removed from power, and we are willing to enter into negotiations about peace. Our proposal is that we will pay 15 EP in reparations, but will not cede any territory. While we may be willing to negotiate in reparations, we warn you, we will not ruin our economy or lose our nation in order to end this war. If you force us, we will fight to the last.

Next Update Deadline Thursday, September 8

OOC

@Quisani and nuclear_kid: as stated in the rules, you can only expand into "white" territory when you have an issue of concern which allows such. Therefore the whole thing ya'll were trying to do did not take place. Quisani, the reason you gained the coast recently wasn't from your expansion rules, it was because you were to supposed to have it from the start. I had thought I had mentioned that, but apparently I did not. Also, can you please be a little more specific than "5 EP training new soldiers?" Do you want cavalry, artillery, infantry? Or should I be putting that into your upgrade process? I should mention that each of your buildable units is 2 EP, and therefore 5 EP CANNOT under any circumstances build a correct number of units. Please try again.

@Polish_Ghetto: As stated to many people many times, you cannot expand into "white" territory without it being an issue of concern. Your orders violating this were ignored.

@Yui108: I'm not sure if you meant to go for European Standard or Swedish Army 1820. If Sweden is providing advisors the second choice would be the more logical one, and the one which would actually affect things. Also, the cost for upgrading is a set cost based on units and differences between styles. Advisors will not reduce it.

@ZeletDude: I was incorrect. Your EP from the Dutch West Indies should have been present in your stats for this turn. I have thus reflected it by adding to your bank.

@MjM: In order to upgrade your army, it'll cost you money. Unfortunately you cannot rely on the British to do all that for you.

@TheLizardKing: Don't forget your yearly expenses when doing your math.

I realize that all of us may have had quite a bit on our plates over the past week and weekend with the whole hurricane and a lot of schools getting into session. Therefore there's no penalty for missing this particular update.

@Adrogans: One of the EP used for buying support was instead used to cover your domestic policy expenses. This is because that without covering education, you would have lost support, therefore it qualifies as an investment along with the orders you outlined. You may wish to keep those yearly expenses in mind for future reference.

@Nuclear Kid: Please see previous updates, but the Aztec Empire is closed to all European trade except Spain.

@Lord of Elves: 2 Infantry Brigades physically could not fit in the quarter of a small city that you've been given. There'd be standing room only even with a single brigade, as I don't think ya'll realize exactly how small the territory you have is. Also a little problem with your investigation into the unrest from last year. The clergyman is dead, after your soldiers shot him. Sorry if that wasn't clear. Seeing as you already have freedom of assembly, there wasn't really that much I could do with that portion of your orders.

World Map

OOC: Great update, EQ! The plot thickens.

IC-

To: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
From: The Empire of China

Greetings, allies. We request the assistance of the United Kingdom in matters of military organization and support.

We offer to expand the arrangement currently held by the English consulate. Please contact us as soon as possible. Take care that the message go by land as minimally as possible - the permanent embassy in Peking is only to be visited by sea.