Global News Report
RISE OF LIBERALISM. Over the past few centuries, the increasing strength of monarchs in power over their countrymen in Europe has been a matter of concern for the merchant classes and educated. As a reaction against this power, a movement known as liberalism has taken hold throughout the middle classes of Europe. These "liberals" are said to be inspired by the American Revolution and the early nineteenth century revolt which led to the establishment of a modern constitutional republic in the Netherlands. The continuing success and power of both nations has led to liberal movements gaining strength throughout Europe. Furthermore, the recent violence of the war in Italy and the continued discrediting of the Papacy have greatly diminished the influence of religion in European life. The liberals throughout Europe are a varied bunch and not all are identical in demands, methods, and ideologies. Regardless, in recent years, the liberals have begun organizing and developing actual political movements and growth. It seems only a matter of time before these tensions rise to a boil, inflaming the continent. In response to their increased organization, and occasionally militarism, the conservatives of Europe have grown increasingly more dedicated to preventing their success and preserving the traditions of monarchy and religion. (1-4 Stability for all Absolute Monarchies in Europe)
SLAVE TRADE NEARS BITTER CONCLUSION. The African slave trade, a practice which has been viewed with increasing disgust after several highly public trials in the 1820s, has abruptly faced its doom this year. The Empire of Brazil, the Republic of the Netherlands, the United Kingdom of Great Britain, and Portugal all illegalized the practice, and the economy of the Atlantic was thrown into confusion overnight. Slave traders have been forced to stop the effort, and the basis of colonies along Africa's coast and in the Caribbean have been called into question. Portugal, which highly relied on the slave trade for its Atlantic commerce, has faced near total economic failure in the Caribbean. Fortunately, the inhumane practice has at last been brought to a conclusion, and most economists believe the loss in the slave trade may well be replaced by industrial production. (+1 Stability for all slave colonies, -1 Stability for all African colonies, +1 Stability for all European nations ending slave trade, -1 Stability for all nations with slavery still intact.)
News from Europe
RIOTS WRECK VIENNA. Vienna, Austria. The Austrian capital of Vienna was set aflame by rioting this year, as the full death list from the late Second Venetian War became common knowledge. The extensive casualties and levels of loss of life are unprecedented in Austrian history and many in Vienna in particular are at least familiar with someone who lost a relative in the war. The result of the build up of tensions from the high casualties was a series of brutal riots throughout the city over the course of the summer. The military was called in to restore order, and after pacifying the populace, managed to secure control for the monarchy once more. Fortunately, tensions have begun dying down anyways as the war comes to a close. (+1 Stability)
PETITION CIRCULATES IN BRANDENBURG. Berlin, Brandenburg. A number of students from the prestigious universities across Brandenburg have united in a petition to the king calling for him to give up powers to an elected government. Several of the university towns became fairly unruly in the process, but the students managed to, for once, avoid crossing the line to rioting and unrest. The petition did somehow make its way to Berlin, where it was promptly rejected by all those in power. The petition is widely viewed to be another example of student unrest and idiocy among most of the upper and middle classes.
NORMAN MERCHANTS ASSAULTED IN BRITTANY. Nantes, Brittany. The growing reaction against French language and culture in Brittany reach a new level of violence in Nantes as a group of Norman merchants, who had insisted in the past on doing business in French, were attacked by a mob. Their stores were looted and ravaged by the mob, and their goods scattered among the many Bretons involved. The Breton monarch has refused to compensate the merchants for their losses, siding instead with the subjects involved in the unrest. Some have called it solidarity against the French invaders. Since then the merchants have returned to Rouen, appealing to King Philip IV in an attempt to put pressure on Brittany to compensate them for their losses.
ARMY REFORM FACES RESISTANCE IN KIEV.Kiev, Kiev. Attempts to reform the nation's army have been met with increasing resistance from conservative elements of the military. The reform to a more Western style of fighting seems to be a break away from tradition, and many leaders in the army are actively resisting the change as much as possible. Due to this interference, the monarchy and upper echelons of the army have been doing their best to weed out troublemakers and preserve order in the ranks. Unfortunately, the problems have resulted in the loss of capable, though stubborn, military officials setting the project behind. (-10 EP into Upgrading)
LOSS OF WAR LEADS TO UNREST IN MILAN. Milan, Milan. The perceived loss of the Second Venetian War to Austria has led to a series of small riots and unrest across the nation of Milan. The war was preached as an "Italian" cause and the failure seems immense to those who fought and died for it. Some have blamed the monarch for the loss of the war, and the result has been these numerous protests and small riots. The army and watch have done their best to contain the unrest, but the damage has been clearly done. The unrest continues to seethe across the nation as the government attempts to curtail the growth of turmoil. (-1 Stability)
RIOTING IN NORMANDY. Rouen, Normandy. The Norman government was faced with heavy rioting this year after the return of merchants from Brittany. The failure of King Philip IV to take immediate reaction against the Bretons has stirred the populace into a fervor. Supposedly Breton traders were attacked by the unruly mobs as Normandy turns towards a war footing. Tensions seem constantly on the rise throughout the nation, as anti-Catholic sentiment also began growing, sparking unrest against the local Catholic clergy. This has been mostly due to the seemingly aggressive actions of the Pope's favored French ruler in Burgundy, attacking and waging war on Orleans.
FOOD RIOTS SET BACK REPAIRS IN NOVGOROD. Novgorod, Novgorod. Novgorod, which is still in ruins following the devastating 1833 earthquake, suffered from an outbreak of riots in the local marketplace. The said cause is to be the high prices of basic food and supplies required for a typical standard of living in the nation. The prices have never been lowered since the famine ended, and it is believed that the merchant and upper classes have artificially kept prices high and supply short in order to maximize their profits. These tensions led to the eruption of the rioting which unfortunately set back some repairs to various government buildings. The army had to be called in, restoring order in a violent manner, and several hundred civilians are believed to have been slain in the process.
POMERANIA RISES IN REBELLION. Stettin, Pomerania. The Prussian province of Pomerania rose up in open rebellion against King Wilhelm III this year, as the local aristocracy and middle classes finance the formation of an army to fight the king. Several Prussian military units were even bribes to defecting to the rebellion, while mercenaries from other states were hired to fight for the new nation's independence. The hastily assembled government and army quickly negotiated with the local Swedish garrisons, which they allowed to evacuate the region, turning over control of the forts and ports to the Pomeranian government. Thanks to the acquisition of several Swedish guns and supplies, the Pomeranians managed to quickly and efficiently field a considerable army against the Prussians. The Prussian king was slow in assembling his forces, having to leave a shielding army against Poland. At the town of Coslin the two armies met in battle, after negotiations failed. The Prussian army triumphed over the Pomeranians, barely after a hard fought battle. The Pomeranians were forced to retreat to their de facto capital, Stettin, which fell under siege after a Prussian attempt to capture the city outright failed. The second assault, late in the year proved successful, though the city burned in the process, and civilian and military casualties were both very high. Regardless the final assault ended the abortive Pomeranian nation, restoring Prussian control and rule to the region, but at a hefty cost.
Casualty List
Pomerania: 9 Infantry Brigades, 4 Cavalry Brigades, 4 Artillery Brigades
Prussia: 7 Infantry Brigades, 3 Cavalry Brigades, 4 Artillery Brigades, -31 Manpower, -5 EP
ATTEMPTED REVOLT BATHES LISBON IN BLOOD. Lisbon, Portugal. The recent economic and political woes of the Portuguese Empire have fallen predominantly upon the shoulders of Queen Maria II. Many claim she has mental deficiencies and other foul blights upon her, which hinders her ability to rule effectively. A plot, long brewing, was launched this year to oust her from her throne and put a new dynasty to the rule of Portugal. What was to be a fairly bloodless coup turned violent as Queen Maria was not where she was believed to be, having been warned earlier. The result was a brutal battle in Lisbon as loyalists fought against the usurpers. The result was pre-determined as fresh military units were moved into the city and the revolt was quashed. Unfortunately, the heavy urban fighting led to massive civilian destruction, worsening the travails of the average Portuguese man. (-3 Infantry Brigades, -1 Artillery Brigade, -8 Manpower, -3 EP)
PROTESTS TURN VIOLENT IN SARDINIA. Cagliari, Sardinia. The recent end of the Second Venetian War has had backlash even among nations which had not participated in it. Sardinia, which actually profited from the war, has since suffered protests from groups and individuals who believe that Sardinia should have intervened for the "Italian cause." These people feel that the monarch of Sardinia and the upper classes betrayed the common Italian for wealth and profit, failing to assist against the Pope and Austria. Several fairly non-violent protests turned into bloodbaths in Cagliari, as the military overreacted and began cutting down unarmed civilians. The fighting was vicious, but short, and order was restored, but lingering resentment against the throne remains. (-1 Stability)
RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE IN RIGA PINNED ON PRUSSIA. Riga, Sweden. Early this year, a group of supposedly Orthodox Christian agitators began claiming loudly that the Swedish governor was arresting and imprisoning members of the Orthodox faith. Though no proof existed to substantiate this, the agitators managed to rile up a good portion of the population, and riots soon broke out once more in Riga. The military was reluctantly called in to once more restore order, which it managed to do with surprisingly little bloodshed. The ensuing investigation, by both members of the Orthodox clergy and the Swedish government, revealed that Prussian spies were clearly responsible for the recent rumors and unrest. The result has been an increased heightening of tensions with Prussia. (+1 Stability)
KING OF AUSTRIA DIES. Vienna, Austria. King Francis of Austria died this year, after seeing his nation achieve victory over the Italians and Swiss in the late Second Venetian War. This ambitious monarch managed to nearly double the size and influence of Austria in Central and Eastern Europe, and was considered popular among many of his middle and upper class subjects. The king's son Ferdinand has assumed the throne, and to most he's simply a copy of his father, holding most of the same beliefs and attitudes. During his tenure as prince, he served in the army with limited distinction, solely in the battles against Milan and Venice. The new King Ferdinand has pledged to continue his father's policies, continuing to expand Austrian power. (+1 Stability)
DUTCH ELECTIONS. Amsterdam, Republic of the Netherlands. The Exercitiegenootschappen faced a considerable challenge to their regime this year, as the international and economic situation threatened to destabilize their control over the Netherlands. The Patriots and Orangists did manage to secure some seats in the nation's Congress, but failed to achieve control of the position of Statholder. The conservative Exercitiegenootschappen have managed to continue to win over the population with the recent illegalization of the slave trade as well as vague promises of turning the economic situation around. They still have put most emphasis on the centralization of power in Amsterdam, continuing the growth of imperial control and possessions. Overall, the European trend towards liberalism has been quashed in the nation, though the growth of the movement has been noticed by Dutch political leaders. (+1 Stability)
KING OF SWEDEN DIES. Stockholm, Sweden. King Gustavus Adolphus IV has passed away this year in Sweden, amid some of the darkest hours for the Scandinavian nation. With no male heir to the throne, power has passed on to his daughter, Christina. Now proclaimed Queen Christina II, the new queen of Sweden has be viewed with trepidation by much of Northern Europe. Fortunately to many of the old guard, the new queen took heed of her father's words and actions, and is a tried and true conservative. Though she is not as hard on liberalism and heresy as some would like, she still favors the centralization of power in the monarchy and upper classes. To the rest of the country, the rise of Queen Christina is a welcome breath of stability and continuity in a troubled time. (+1 Stability)
PARIS SUCCESSFULLY REIGNS IN PUBLIC CALM. Paris, Paris. It is indeed a troubled time for the French nation of Paris. With the smallpox plague still lingering in the city streets and war erupting along its borders, the government of Paris took bold action and did nothing. The monarch did his best to "share the pain" of the population, calling for an end to the extravagance of royal life. Furthermore, funds were dedicated to the creation of a new hospital, rivaling the teaching hospital of Portugal, particularly since the latter has been bathed in the blood of a revolt. Overall, with deaths from the smallpox subsiding, it seems that at least some variation of public calm has emerged in Paris, though many are questioning how long it could possibly last in such a troubled world. (+1 Stability)
SPAIN BEGINS REFORM OF ARMY. Madrid, Empire of Holy Spain. The military defeats and setbacks in New Spain and India have led many in Spain's powerful army to question the way things are currently done. Seeing the success of military reform in Brandenburg and the United Kingdom of Great Britain, a similar program has been introduced for the Spanish armed forces. Emperor Carlos VI has given a royal go ahead to army reformists, taking advantage of new technologies and styles of fighting developed over the past few years. Spanish veterans from the War of the Catholic League and the Second Venetian War have led the way, looking to make the Spanish army a considerable force both in Spain and across the world.
HUNGARY BEGINS REFORM OF ARMY. Budapest, Hungary. Faced with growing concern towards the possible aggression of the Austrians or Poles, and the probable failure of the Roman Empire, the monarch of Hungary has led a drive to modernize the army. Though Brandenburg's efforts came a little too late for Hungary to consider, most view the initiative to create their own style of fighting as a symbol of Hungary's position as a European power. The military corps and upper classes fervently support the effort, and very few speak against the modernization. Many believe that Hungary's efforts could put it on the map as a military power in Eastern Europe. (+1 Stability)
SECOND VENETIAN WAR ENDS. Venice, Austria. After years of fighting, the bloodiest European war of the nineteenth century has at last come to an end. After their reverses in the battlefield last year, the Kingdom of Two Sicilies and Tuscany led the way to peace, ending their conflict with the Papal States after the occupation of Naples. The Sicilians suffered the worst, with their nation being split in two by the Papal States, and the Tuscans losing part of their nation to direct papal rule from Rome. Switzerland, Milan, and Savoy soon followed with peace treaties with Austria and the Pope, recognizing officially Austria's rule over Venice and the surrounding region. To many the war has been seen as a failure of an Italian cause against the pope and foreign invaders such as Austria and Spain. While the war was lost, many Italians from Savoy, Tuscany, Milan, and Sicily were united in their cause, and a proto-national identity was forged from the spilling of blood on a common battlefield. To many Italians the papacy has been viewed as increasingly corrupt, as seen with their vicious division of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, and their tromping over the rest of Italy. While the war may have been lost, it may well have opened the gates to a new era on the Italian Peninsula.
Statistic Changes From End of War
Austria: -1 Stability, +2 Army Quality
Bavaria: +1 Army Quality
Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (carried over to successor states): +1 Army Quality, +1 Navy Quality
Milan: -1 Stability, +1 Army Quality
Papal States: -2 Stability, +1 Army Quality, +1 Navy Quality
Savoy: -1 Stability, +1 Army Quality
Switzerland: -1 Stability, +1 Army Quality
Tuscany: -1 Stability, +1 Army Quality
NEW ORDER IN SICILY Naples, Naples. As a result of the overwhelming defeat at the hands of Austria, the Papal States, and the Empire of Holy Spain, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies has been brought to an end. Malta has been turned over to the direct rule of the Empire of Holy Spain, as compensation for their support in the liberation of Rome. Meanwhile Two Sicilies has been split in two by the victorious nations. Though King Ferdinand has been allowed to continue his rule in Naples, the island of Sicily has been broken away and placed under the rule of a relative to the Spanish monarch. The new King Carlos V is closely aligned to the Empire of Holy Spain, though the monarch rules over a fairly hostile population. Numerous officers who had served in the Spanish army in Italy have been hired to help organize the army as well as make the various local supporters to the crown as wealthy as possible.
WAR AMONG THE FRENCH STATES. Dijon, Burgundy. Mounting tensions between Orleans and Burgundy have at last erupted into war as relations heated up towards war over the past two years. Claiming the refusal of Orleans to dismantle their newly created fortifications along the mutual border, the Burgundians declared war and began preparations for invasion. Having at least some warning of the conflict, the army of Orleans mobilized, and the completed border forts even managed to prove successful, delaying the Burgundians considerably as they were captured in preparation for the advance up the Loire River. In response to Burgundy's attack, the nation of Poitou also joined in the conflict, rallying their own army to the defense of Orleans. The Burgundian invasion was unfortunately delayed by extraordinary levels of flooding and torrential rains along the Loire River, which set back logistics considerably. This allowed the army of Poitou to arrive to meet the Orleans army, thus making the numbers almost even for the first major battle of the war. The combined army, meeting the Burgundian advance on the north side of the Loire, blocked the advance at the village of Briare. With the northern flank the Parisian border, and the southern flank the river, the Burgundians had little choice but to engage in open battle. Despite the prepared positions and well organized defense, the Burgundians managed to distract the enemy's center while swinging around for a decisive flanking attack using barges on the Loire River. The combined army was triumphantly smashed and routed by the Burgundians. Though the Orleans cavalry managed to hold off the pursuit, the Burgundians secured their advance and positions along the Parisian border. As the Battle of Briare secured the Loire supply line, Orleans withdrew a flanking army from the border with Paris, replenishing their numbers in time for a battle north of the capital. Faced with what was now a larger force, the Burgundian general proved confident in his men's abilities, and initiated an attack to seize the capital. Despite the odds, the Burgundians managed to smash the combined army set against them, once more using the Loire River to outflank the enemy positions. Defeated once again, but still intact with an army nearly as big as the invaders, the combined army pulled back into Orleans itself, using prepared forts and positions to draw the Burgundians into a siege. Filled with confidence over his overwhelming victories, the Burgundian commander launched a full attack against the city's siegeworks, hoping to break them and achieve a final victory. This time, however, though the Burgundians initially made some headway, a bloody battle emerged in which the defenders of Orleans inflicted heavy casualties. Though the Burgundians attempted to use the river yet again for flanking, this time artillery was waiting for them, resulting in a brutal slaughter of the attackers. After the defeat, the Burgundians settled in for a siege, calling for reinforcements from home. A courier sent home was captured by an Orleans patrol and their general thought to attack before the reinforcements could arrive. Unfortunately, the Burgundians anticipated the move, and prepositioned artillery smashed the allied attack before it ever properly began, ending the campaigning year. Both sides have since settled in for a long-term siege of Orleans, as neither have been able to cut the supplies of the other.
Casualty List
Burgundy: 13 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 3 Artillery Brigades
Orleans: 12 Infantry Brigades, 3 Cavalry Brigades, 3 Artillery Brigades (efforts in fortification construction lost from invasion)
Poitou: 3 Infantry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade
NETHERLANDS EMANCIPATES SLAVESAmsterdam, Republic of the Netherlands. As the slave trade dwindles to an end, the Republic of the Netherlands took it another step further as they outright illegalized slavery, freeing all slaves within their colonies. This has mostly had an effect in the Caribbean, where slavery has been practiced on the local plantations. The local overseers have since been monitored in their efforts, but the simple nature of the island plantations have made little difference with the new law, as the only work exists on the plantations for the freed slaves. Furthermore, wages remain pitifully low and rent on plantations high, keeping the negroes in a de facto state of slavery regardless of what the law says. Nonetheless, the move has been a highly publicized and popular one both at home and in the colonies, helping build support for the regime. (+1 Stability, +1 Stability in Dutch West Indies)
BRITAIN ADOPTS NEW MILITARY METHODS. London, United Kingdom of Great Britain. Much like the Swedes and Brandenburg, the British Empire has seen the need for reform in its methods of waging war. The British have taken the year to indoctrinate new training and reform among its soldiers, placing emphasis on firepower and melee training, after its experiences in Burma and Vietnam. Unfortunately the haste and speed of the process has had a detrimental effect on overall quality, leading to the departure of several old guard, but talented, officers uncomfortable with the army's new direction. Furthermore, with some of the army engaged across the world, the abrupt switch in training has had a negative effect on the battlefield as confusion reigns in doctrine. (-1 Army Quality)
SWEDEN REFORMS ARMY. Stockholm, Sweden. The Swedish have found once again the need to modernize their army, especially with growing tension in the regions around their home waters of the Baltic Sea. They have adopted a new doctrine of combat, emphasizing melee training and discipline, allowing them to stand more toe to toe against melee heavy Asian armies and native tribes. Most of their tactics have been adopted from their experiences in fighting in Burma as well as the ongoing wars in the frontiers of Vinland. The Swedish forces have adapted to the new doctrines fairly well, having a year of relative peace to put these methods into practice without rushing headfirst into battle untested.
SWEDEN PASSES REFORMS ALLOWING RELIGIOUS AUTONOMY FOR ORTHODOX. Stockholm, Sweden. The recent unrest in Riga has led to calls for the establishment of religious reform in the region, and in order to prevent future violence, the new Queen Christina II has agreed to hear the claims. The mistreatment of Orthodox Christians in the Baltic States has indeed been the foundation for much local tension. The Queen has thus passed a royal decree allowing the autonomy of the Orthodox Church in Sweden, and protecting it against discrimination in Riga and the surrounding region. This effort has been very well received by the locals, and with the recent interference from Prussia, has even helped to greatly stabilize Sweden and its European empire in these troubling times. (+2 Stability)
BRANDENBURG INTRODUCES NEW STYLE OF COMBAT TO EUROPE. Berlin, Brandenburg. As one of the traditional leaders in the development of doctrines of war in Europe, the nation of Brandenburg has led the way in the search for a new standard style of combat on the continent. After two years of efforts, the Brandenburgers have introduced the new European Standard 1835 doctrine of combat and organization. These new techniques and doctrines have been closely watched by most European nations. While not as specialized as the new Swedish or British designs, they are immensely superior to past tactics, and many nations have begun adopting these techniques to their own armies.
FLANDERS DISCONTINUES FORT CONSTRUCTION. Brussels, Flanders. The outbreak of war between Burgundy and Orleans has led to an unusual decision by the king of Flanders. At his direct order, construction upon the border forts with Burgundy has been halted, though completed forts along the border have been allowed to remain intact. King Carlos has stated that the end of the program is to increase ties and improve diplomatic relations with the kingdom of Burgundy. However, many believe that the Burgundian invasion of Orleans has frightened the Flemish ruler that such an invasion could happen to his nation.