Global News Report
NORMANS OPEN FIRST FAIR OF INDUSTRY TO THE WORLD. Cherbourg, Normandy. The Norman monarchy, one of the most surprising governments to be involved in such a project, announced the creation of the World's Fair of Industry in Cherbourg. The fair was supposed to be a small affair for industrial leaders and inventors in France and Western Europe, but the idea quickly snowballed and took hold across Europe and the Americas. Inventors and engineers rushed to Cherbourg to set up their exhibits and booths, which are to last even until the end of 1839. Though some of the projects were only half assembled by the end of this year, the World's Fair has been opened to the public, as many of the latest inventions and industrial developments are showed to the crowds. Members of economic community of Europe and the Americas have been discussing the possibilities of further world's fairs in the future to display other new products that may be available in years to come.
ARMY MODERNIZATION EFFORTS CONTINUE. Santiago, Chile. A variety of governments across Europe and the Americas have continued efforts to develop and modernize their armies in order to compete on the modern battlefield. The emphasis has been on adapting the 1835 European Standard of battle developed by Brandenburg. These nations include Brittany, Poitou, Chile, New Spain, Uruguay, and Paris-Burgundy, all of which developed this organization type for their armies. None of the nations experienced any real problems with the reform and adoption of new weapons. While each nation have had some difficulties in the overall progress, the armies now match up with the majority of European armies.
News from Europe
POWER LOOM DEVELOPED. Saragossa, Empire of Holy Spain. The Spanish nation continues to lead the world in the burgeoning industrial revolution, as new inventions and products abound and spring into the marketplace. This year, a particularly landmark device has been developed, known to the world as the Saragossa Power Loom. This device dramatically improves the speed and capacity of cotton production and manipulation, significantly lowering the price of cotton goods. This has caused the demand for cotton to rise ever higher globally, as more and more cloth goods can be produced with the rise of industry. Places such as India and the American south have seen an ever greater rise in demand for cotton, and local plantations have been nearly overwhelmed with new orders.
LIBERAL RIOTS IN NANTES. Nantes, Brittany. A number of riots broke out this year as the Breton government struggled with liberal demands and unrest. A number of anti-monarch protests called for republican reform, ultimately leading the army to be sent in to arrest the protestors. The protestors resisted violently, and street fighting broke out throughout the whole of Nantes. The army was ruthlessly efficient at their assigned task, and most of the protest's leaders have been arrested or were said to have been killed during the fighting. The Breton monarch has declared martial law throughout the nation's capital, hoping to preserve order for the time being until the liberal threat has passed. The army has continued to gain influence in the government from the law, enforcing their control over the area. (+1 Stability)
LIBERAL PETITION FOR REFORM IN DAUPHINE. Grenoble, Dauphine. A group of students and members of the middle class petitioned King Humbert V for a reform of the nation's government to limit the powers of the monarchy. To the surprise of many, the petitioners were not simply ejected from the premises, as the king listened thoughtfully to their proposals, even offering intelligent questions on the matter. This did cause some concern for the upper classes who currently hold power, but the king has carefully navigated the situation, pledging to consider reforms at an unspecified date in the future. For now, the liberals have been sated as the monarchy takes a look at its role in the future of Dauphine and France. (+1 Stability)
PRICE RIOTS IN DENMARK. Copenhagen, Denmark. The recent tariff reforms in Brandenburg, the loss of its wealthiest colonies, and the rise of the Northern League have led to a depressed economic state in the nation of Denmark. The Danish economy has begun to flounder, especially as Brandenburg's overseas trade begins going exclusively through Swedish Stettin. The result has been a rising in numerous prices, particularly in various goods which now must be considered a luxury, particularly ones from the Caribbean Sea. The result was an eventual riot in Copenhagen over the rise in prices, damaging the marketplace and causing extensive problems for the local watch. Fortunately, the riots did subside later in the year, as some prices began to normalize, but many Danes continue to be out of work and suffering from the current economic situation.
PETITION IGNORED IN FLANDERS. Brussels, Flanders. The Flemish monarchy received a petition for reform from the people this year and promptly disposed of it allegedly in a rather crude manner to the laughter of the upper classes. The petition emerged from the middle class and students of the nation, calling for the limitation of the powers of the monarchy and more rights to the growing middle class. King Charles thoroughly rejected the tenets of the liberal cause, claiming to be ruling out of divine right, justified by the Church. Some of the upper class advisors have suggested arresting liberal agitators, but the king believes that they lack any ability to be a threat to the status quo. Needless to say, the liberals have been equally perturbed by this development, and have continued rabble rousing and building their own support throughout Flanders. (-1 Stability)
GERMANS RIOT IN PARIS-BURGUNDY. Cologne, Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy. The Germans of Paris-Burgundy continue to show their distaste with the merged government, as a serious of riots broke out in the eastern part of the kingdoms. Attacks have been made upon members of the nation's secret police force, and people believed to be part of the secret police. The liberal movement have also aligned themselves with the Germans, as the secret police are accused of numerous atrocities against the German people. The violence has constantly escalated between the sides, and the riots are simply the latest examples, as prisons and other government buildings are stormed by angry mobs. Some of these alleged mobs have proven a bit more organized than expected though, assembling quickly, and dispersing even faster after accomplishing their goals. This has made corralling the unrest increasingly difficult for the government's forces and police. (-1 Stability)
DAY OF BLOOD IN LANGUEDOC. Toulouse, Languedoc. A sad day has occurred in the French nation of Languedoc, as the monarchy continues to bring down an iron fist upon any notions of liberalism in the nation. The latest violence emerged from a fresh petition calling for the end of absolute control by the monarchy. The writer of the petition was arrested by the watch, and executed, which sparked a riot in Toulouse. The army was immediately called in, and what emerged was an orgy of rape and bloodshed, as the army's efforts to corral the unrest spun far out of the control, turning the soldiers into something resembling rioters themselves. Eventually, officers managed to regain control of the army, but not before thousands perished in the flames and from more martial causes as well. (-3 Manpower)
CIVIL WAR IN NAPLES. Naples, Naples. A major rebellion turned into civil war this year in Naples, as the Brothers of Italy helped organize and lead a liberal nationalist revolution against King Ferdinand. Condemning the king for failing to defeat the Papal States in the Second Venetian War, they've attempted to rally support to seize power in the Italian nation. The revolt may have been a bit preemptive however, as an attempt to take control of Naples failed and not nearly as many people rose up as they would have hoped in their support. The liberals have managed to secure control of Taranto and the surrounding regions, but not much else. The monarchy continues to control the army as well as the majority of the nation, and is optimistic as the whole of the king's opposition now is in the open, waiting to be crushed.
Casualty List
Monarchist Naples: 2 Infantry Brigades, +4 Stability
Liberal Naples: 3 Infantry Brigades
MERCHANTS DEMAND REFORM IN NORMANDY. Rouen, Normandy. A group of Norman merchants have come before King Philip IV this year, demanding that the king give up some rights to the masses. They have called for the establishment of a Norman Parliament and the end of absolute rule to the nation. While not necessarily a liberal movement, the Norman merchants have called for similar developments. Needless to say, the petition has been more or less rejected by the king, though some believe he may have it under consideration. The upper classes have called for the king to outright reject these demands, before the liberal cause gains any more strength, threatening to overturn the status quo of the nation.
ARMY OFFICERS RESIST REFORM IN ORLEANS. Orleans, Orleans. Members of the army of Orleans have proven rather determined not to waste time on new tactics or weapons, which they believe to be irrelevant to war. This group of officers have proved a formidable roadblock in modernization of the army, preferring to keep the tactics of 1820 to those developed by Brandenburg in 1835. They call the reforms, "Germanic nonsense" claiming that the old ways are clearing superior. Regardless, the monarchy has stated that it will continue to pursue the new techniques, warning what might happen to officers who continue to stand in the way of progress. (-20 EP into Army Organization upgrading)
RIOTS TURN INTO REVOLT IN ROME. Rome, Papal States. The Vatican itself came under temporary siege this year as angry mobs turned into a makeshift rebel army within Rome itself. Partially led by the Brothers of Italy, the revolt began as a riot sparked by unknown causes. The rioters were then organized by the Brothers, who led them against strategic targets within the city. The Vatican was brought under siege, as the Pope watched from his balcony and the Swiss Guard did their best to defend the walls. Couriers were sent to the army, which soon arrived, and a brutal battle erupted in the streets of Rome. The Pope's armies emerged victorious, crushing the rioters and rebels, and most of Rome's members of the Brothers of Italy were captured and killed in the process. The resulting executions have gutted the Brothers of Italy in Rome for the time being, leading to an improvement in the situation and further control for the Pope throughout the region. (+1 Stability, -6 Manpower, -1 Infantry Brigade)
NOBLES LEAD COUP AGAINST POITOU MONARCHY. Poitiers, Poitou. A group of nobles, angered by the actions of King Henri IV over recent years, have made a bid for power of their own. Using their influence over the army, they managed to rally significant forces around them, and prepared for a rapid regime change against the current monarchy. The army soon marched upon the royal palace and quickly and fairly bloodlessly overwhelmed the king's royal bodyguard in a brief fight. King Henri, while still remaining the titular head of state, has become a puppet to the nobles, who have demanded harsher controls over the public, using the military as their means. The new government is significantly more reactionary, hoping to contain any growth of liberalism and military power in France. (+1 Stability)
RIOTS IN POLISH PRUSSIA. Konigsberg, Poland. The Prussians have continued to be an unruly and unkempt people even under Polish rule. They have proved this with a series of anti-Polish riots taking place throughout Prussia, as the Prussian people attack Polish merchants en masse. The Polish army has been doing its best to contain the riots and prevent full blow rebellion, arresting and executing the worst of the trouble makers. The Polish government has continued its policies of preventing Prussian involvement in ruling the territory, continuing to seize much wealth and land for Polish nobles. The Prussian revolts have all ended bloodily, as they lack the arms or training to defeat the veteran Polish armies. (-1 Manpower)
LIBERALS ASSEMBLE IN PROVENCE. Marseilles, Provence. Provence's liberals, many of whom dispersed to Milan and other refuges last year, have begun to return home, beginning a campaign of rabble rousing and sowing dissent against the monarchy. The bloodshed of last year's riots have allowed them to continue building support against the crown. Furthermore, they have added to their platform an amount of railing against Spanish influences, claiming that the French people ought to forge their own identity. The liberal cause continues to grow and thrive, taking much of their influences from the Brothers of Italy and their growing success at propaganda and efforts on the Italian peninsula. (-1 Stability)
BULGARIANS GROW UNRULY IN ROMAN EMPIRE. Sofia, Roman Empire. The Bulgars, long a dissatisfied part of the Roman Empire, have once more begun to become resentful of rule from Constantinople. A number of Bulgarian leaders have emerged, particularly landowners and noblemen, have begun rallying the support of the people against the Imperator. They have called for the resurrection of a Bulgarian state, and a return of the glories of the old Bulgarian Empire. It has been rumored that the Bulgarians have begun assembling new armies and forces to fight the Romans, and achieve their independence, as well as buying off the commanders of the local legions. The Romans have begun to become increasingly concerned about these developments, and more legions have been deployed to the northern frontiers. (-1 Stability)
SARDINIAN MERCHANTS CALL FOR REFORM. Cagliari, Sardinia. The Sardinian people have begun making calls for reform in their nation, as the rapidly growing merchant class has gained increasing influence. They have insisted upon the establishment of liberal reforms, and this has been rapidly rejected. Despite the rapid rejection however, King Carlo II has been surprisingly genteel, as he has seen the results that the middle class has produced economically over the past few years. While not quite ready to pass reforms himself, it seems that the king has mellowed from his previously reactionary stance. Many believe still, even among the liberals, that with persistence, the king could well change his mind, and reforms could still arrive peacefully. (+1 Stability)
IRISH UNREST CONTINUES TO BURN. Dublin, United Kingdom of Great Britain. The Irish have continued to wage a war in the countryside against British soldiers and garrisons. They have ruthlessly attacked and begun doing their best to reduce the British and their forces across the emerald isle. The British in turn have been attacking villages and communities which openly support the Irish rebels. This has led to worsening atrocities from both sides, as the war continues to become increasingly brutal. The hopes remain that eventually, with prosperity, the Irish dissent will subside, but for the time being, it seems as though Ireland remains locked in a vicious war between two equally brutal factions. (-1 Manpower, -1 Infantry Brigade)
SPAIN ATTACKS SICILY. Palermo, Sicily. In order to support the Emperor's brother King Carlos V, the Spanish army has attacked the new government of Sicily to restore him to his appointed throne on the island. Aware of the impending attack, the Sicilians rapidly prepared themselves for war, sending their navy to safe shelter in Milan, and building up support their for an Italian war on Spain. The Milanese government is said to have provided enormous amounts of financing for the Sicilian cause, as well as rallying the Brothers of Italy to support them. A brigade of Milanese volunteers were assembled, providing even greater strength to the Sicilian defenders. The initial hammer blow of the Spanish army came at the city of Palermo, as the Spanish Mediterranean Fleet and its expeditionary force besieged the city. The fleet bombarded the city's defenses in the north, though the guns of the city and defending army managed to inflict their own toll upon Spain's ships, particularly the less maneuverable sailing vessels. The Spanish army landed south of the city and soon ran into the whole of the Sicilian army. The Sicilians, situated on the heights south of Palermo were able to use the positioning of their heavy guns and infantry to inflict a costly price upon the Spanish advance. Defeated, but not destroyed, the Spanish returned to their ships after withdrawing from battle. Unable to defeat the Sicilians decisively, the Spanish admiral determined to take a more long-term strategy. Using their naval mobility, the Spanish were able to capture Messina in the northeast, the other major port for Sicilian trade. A naval blockade was instituted around the rest of the island, in order to cut off any further military support from the rest of Italy. The Sicilians attempted to retake Messina from the Spanish, and managed to do so, using superior numbers to ultimately overwhelm and defeat the Spanish on the battlefield, though it was a costly victory. The Sicilians continue to maintain control of their island, but have paid a hefty price in the process.
Casualty List
Empire of Holy Spain: 4 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades, 6 Second Rate Warships
Sicily: 6 Infantry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades
SPAIN COMPENSATES BRITAIN FOR HAWAII GUN LOSS. Plymouth, United Kingdom of Great Britain. The Spanish navy has acted to compensate the British for the loss of guns seized in the Hawaiian islands last year, turning over an old third rate warship to the British Royal Navy. The British have seen this as a paltry compensation for their lost guns and influence in Hawaii, some even believing the gesture to be an insult from Spain. The Spanish view it much in the same way, a pittance to the British, despite their interference in Spain's obvious sphere of influence. Regardless, the issue has been seen abroad as a continued worsening of relations between Spain and Britain in Europe and across the world.
AUSTRIA DEVELOPS NEW ORDER OF COMBAT. Vienna, Austria. The Austrians have developed a new style of combat and a series of new doctrines, which many view to be superior to standard European doctrines. The new organization of the Austrian army has come on the heels of the development of Hungary's own styles, and a cursory comparison of the two armies have led observers to state that clearly the Austrians have an advantage on the battlefield. While the Austrians have equal firepower to most European armies, they are slightly superior at maneuver on the battlefield as well as their discipline. In fact, many have made the statement that the Austrians could easily possess the most disciplined and capable army in the world, including those of the great colonial powers. (+1 Stability)
AUSTRIA BEGINS PORT MODERNIZATION. Venice, Austria. With the world catching the glimpse of shipping potential as demonstrated in Rio de Janeiro and Plymouth, the Austrians are following suit by attempting a modernization of the ancient port of Venice. Unfortunately, the structure of the city and the surrounding areas are making this a costly experience, as the marshes and structure of the city prevent an easy introduction of the steam engine. Many fear irrevocable damage to the city's base and structure, and extensive efforts have had to be taken so far. Many believe that this could be easily the most difficult and expensive such project that has yet been launched by any nation.
HUNGARY ESTABLISHES NEW ACADEMIES. Budapest, Hungary. The Hungarian monarchy has provided financing for the establishment of the nation's first two proper military academies. The first of these is the new Army Academy established in Budapest, acting as a place for the training of a new officer corps. The Second has been the establishment of a Naval Academy in Dubrovnik, to providing training for the rapidly growing Hungarian Imperial Navy. The great surge in the size of the navy has been one of the driving motivators behind the establishment of this academy, hoping to provide a competent officer corps for the new fleet. The army's new center has been spearheaded thanks to the recent reform of the army last year. Both efforts are rather underfunded, but the recruits and would-be officers are enthusiastic nonetheless.
COSSACK REBELLION ERUPTS IN MOSCOWY. Tsaritsyn, Don Cossacks. Tensions grew early in the year between the Cossacks and the government in Moscow, as the Cossacks, who have long and loyally served the king, have found themselves betrayed. The Moscovites, reneging on hundreds of years of service and treaties, have attempted to disarm the Cossacks and force them to declare an oath of loyalty to the king. The Cossacks have unanimously refused, and massive uprising has occurred as a large army is assembled. Many refugee Cossacks from Kiev have also joined the uprising, which has resulted in much of the southern portions of Moscowy being overrun by the rebels. Many of Moscowy's best leaders and soldiers were Cossacks, and they now fight against Moscowy itself. Attempts to quell the rebellion have met with disaster as defeat after defeat has been handed to the Moscovites on the battlefield. They have been utterly smashed and Moscowy's army is horribly disorganized as it retreats to the north.
Casualty List
Don Cossacks: 3 Infantry Brigades
Moscowy: 4 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade
BRANDENBURG-SWEDEN AGREEMENT SPARKS REBELLION. Hanover, Hanover. A new trade agreement was established between Sweden and Brandenburg this year, reducing tariffs on Sweden and causing Brandenburg to agree that all overseas trade must go through the port of Stettin. This has outraged many merchants and members of the middle class, threatening to cause economic collapse in much of western Brandenburg, where most of the towns have been built upon overseas trade going through Denmark or the Netherlands. This has made the eastern towns wealthier at the expense of the rest of the nation. In order to preserve their own status and abilities, the western community leaders, led by Hanover, declared their independence from Brandenburg, establishing their own monarch from the local nobility, to gain the upper class' support in the region. They have managed to gain the support of members of the military, building up their own force to fight the Brandenburger army. The first Brandenburger attempt to restore control of the region was met by the fresh Hanover army, and was ably defeated. The Hanoverians have done well holding them back, winning the battle in the field. They have even managed to win support from Denmark, which has recognized Hanover's independence officially and vowed to protect them. While Sweden and the Republic of the Netherlands have not officially recognized Hanover, they have instead sent diplomatic missions to the capital, providing them with an overt sign of support for their cause.
Casualty List
Brandenburg: 3 Infantry Brigades
Hanover: 2 Infantry Brigades
KIEV BEGINS UNPOPULAR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AGAIN. Kiev, Kiev. Despite the rebellions and unrest sparked by attempts to shift the balance of agriculture in Kiev over the past ten years, King Mikhail II is trying once again to reform the method of farming in the Ukraine. The least popular elements of this has been the introduction of western methods of crop rotation and farming, which have been seen as alien and irregular to the Kievan peasants and too expensive to the upper class. Introduction of foreign farming implements have also been unpopular, as they are also unfamiliar to the peasantry, and once again, too expensive for the nobility's tastes. The middle class, as before has supported the reforms, but they remain a tiny minority throughout most of the nation. There has been some good emerging from the program though, as new irrigation systems are being planned, in order to provide the already fertile land with even more support. (-1 Stability)
BRANDENBURG BEGINS DEVELOPING INFRASTRUCTURE. Berlin, Brandenburg. The government of Brandenburg has begun efforts to develop the nation's infrastructure, surveying plans for the expansion of current systems of transportation. The effort is planned to pave new roads across the nation, as well as to develop canals in various parts of the nations to improve overall trade. Unfortunately the outbreak of rebellion in Hanover has caused the threat of war to prevent any major investment into the program, as no one is quite sure how much territory will remain to improve upon the conclusion of the current crisis. Many expect King Charles II to temporarily cease their efforts into this program until Hanover has either been allowed to return to the fold or lost to independence.
NORTHERN LEAGUE ESTABLISHED. Amsterdam, Republic of the Netherlands. Four major nations of the north have established a new trading and military agreement which has dramatically altered the balance in Northern Europe. The Northern League consists of a reduced area of tariffs for trade and prosperity among four of the most powerful nations in continental Europe. Furthermore, they offer a military defense pact for all members, establishing themselves as a barrier against the ambitions of various nations. The new League has been seen as a direct threat to the power of Britain and Brandenburg, with the latter nearly surrounded by the Northern League nations, and the former losing a good portion of its European trade ports and last openings to Central Europe.
SWISS ADOPT NEW CONSTITUTION. Zurich, Switzerland. The Swiss have approved a new constitution this year, establishing a two-part legislative branch and central head of state modeled upon the United States of America and the Republic of the Netherlands. The office of President has been created to lead the nation, while an upper house has been established for the rulers of the Cantons, known as the Council. Finally, a populist lower house has been established known as the National Assembly for the general populace to elect. The first elections for all positions of government are scheduled for next year, as Switzerland prepares for a year of politicking and the establishment of a new government. (+1 Stability)
DAUPHINE COMPLETES PAVING PROGRAM. Grenoble, Dauphine. The roads of Grenoble and the other towns and cities of Dauphine have at last been paved to modern standards. The new roads are tough and durable, dramatically aiding in the ease of transport and travel along the paths of this particular French nation. The end of the war between Orleans and Burgundy last year also provided some aid to the growth of this program, enabling regular trade from the north. These roads have been also connected to similar networks along the borders of Switzerland and Provence.
DENMARK REVITALIZES NAVY. Copenhagen, Denmark. To many in Europe, Denmark is a decaying empire. After selling its most prosperous colonies to the Republic of the Netherlands and facing political defeats and fear at the hands of Britain and Sweden, some are beginning to believe that the Danes can no longer pose any threat to a modern power. As Denmark attempts to reestablish some relevance in European politics over the Hanover Crisis, the Danes have undergone a major refitting of its navy. Many older Danish ships have been scrapped or refitted with steam screws, modeled mostly upon Sweden's new warships. The hope is that by establishing a new steam-powered navy, the Danish Empire can once more rise and be reborn. Though the Danes possess a small fleet, it has quickly become one of the stronger ones in northern Europe.
SERBIA FOLLOWS IN HUNGARY'S FOOTSTEPS. Belgrade, Serbia. The Balkan kingdom of Serbia, considered by many to be a puppet of Hungary's agenda in Eastern Europe, further reinforced this opinion this year. The Serbians, with limited expense, adopted the 1837 order of the Hungarian army for their own forces. The Hungarian style, considered by many to be inferior to most modern doctrines, is still considered by Serbia to be ideal for their own situation. The hope remains that this will help build new ties and cooperation between Serbia and Hungary, perhaps making it easier for both armies to fight alongside each other on the battlefield.
BRANDENBURG ESTABLISHES NEW INSTITUTE. Berlin, Brandenburg. Even as rebellion threatens the Germanic nation of Brandenburg, the King has announced the creation of the new Royal Institute of Science and Agriculture. The new institute is dedicated to the improvement of farming and industrial technology in the nation. The king has announced that he will be keeping a personal eye upon the progress of the new university, hoping that it will help better educate the people who will continue to lead the nation. Opposition has of course declared it a waste of government funds, particularly in the growing of rebellion. Furthermore, some claim that the amount of funds provided to the project is a pittance anyways, particularly when compared to other universities and academies established in Europe.