News from the Americas
ELECTIONS IN BRAZIL AMID EMPEROR'S DEATH BRING DISORDER. Rio de Janeiro, Empire of Brazil. A hotly contested election has resulted in ongoing disorder and confusion within the government of Brazil. A number of provinces have submitted candidates calling for a major reduction in the power of the central government, and they have been swept into office to represent their own areas. They have been frequently bringing the government to a standstill calling for new benefits and autonomy to their own lands. Furthermore, their presence and disorganized status have resulted in neither of the two major parties having a true majority. Both major parties are alleged to have used voter intimidation and other less than honorable techniques for increasing and reducing turnout. The Liberal Party ultimately came out as the one with the largest amount of votes, though the Party of Order continues to hold a substantial bloc. To further exacerbate things, the Emperor died before endorsing any party, and his son seems less interested in politics and more interested in lavish parties and other sordid affairs. The situation continues to quickly deteriorate, threatening to bring the entire government to a halt. (-2 Stability)
JAMAICAN ELECTIONS. Kingston, Jamaica. As mandated by the national constitution, the nation of Jamaica held their second ever set of elections this year, to further extend their republic. The result has been a confused contest, as the Democratic Party has been persistently redrawing voting districts and disallowing conservative voters from participating. The result has been a bitter political atmosphere, resulting in a number of lowbrow techniques of managing the election and its results by both parties. The result of the election ultimately turned into another victory for the Democratic Party, though the Jamaican Party of Order has protested the election results. The result has been a growing resentment towards the government from the conservatives, and the increased possibility of disorder. (-1 Stability)
NEW SPAIN ELECTIONS. Managua, New Spain. The United States of New Spain held their first real elections this year after President Rivera won the nation's first democratic elections in 1837. President Rivera ran on a platform of staying the course and preserving the nation's democracy and institution from foreign and local influences. Despite the outbreak of war with Panama, the president continues to be highly popular among the masses, and won reelection in a landslide, though perhaps by a smaller landslide than the one that brought him in the first place. Regardless, very little opposition exists against President Rivera, as the country rallies around the war versus Panama and New Granada.
GUERILLA WAR IN YUCATAN. Belize, Empire of Holy Spain. The Spanish military in Yucatan has come under attack by Mayan nationalists once more, struggling against Spanish occupation. The result has been a series of brutal guerilla attacks against the Spanish army, as it seems that the local fighters have rebuilt some of their strength since the end of the abortive war for independence. They have managed to win several major victories over the Spanish garrison, devastating a number of local regiments and routing their defenses. The Spanish governor has had little success in corralling the attacks, as the rebels know the terrain much better and have been using their knowledge of the jungles to elude defeat or capture by the Spanish army. (-1 Infantry Brigade, -1 Stability)
COUP ATTEMPT HALTED IN ARGENTINA. Buenos Aires, Argentina. A military coup was attempted by caudillo supporters within the Argentine army this year, who had previously volunteered to support the centralization effort. With the drive towards centralization and integration slowing amid the crisis over Uruguay and the threat of war with Brazil, these provincial cowboys saw a chance to secure their homes' autonomous rights. Thanks to their involvement in the Argentine army over the past few years they were able to gain access to Buenos Aires and to make an attack upon the home of President de Rosas. Fortunately for the centralists, the President wasn't home, being in a meeting with a foreign ambassador. The rest of the army was immediately called in and the result was a one-sided battle as the rebels were surrounded and badly mauled. The rebellion for now was crushed, but resentment continues to exist against the move towards centralization. (-1 Cavalry Brigade)
ARGOS MAINTAINS CONTROL IN NEW GRANADA. Bogota, Republic of New Granada. General Argos' government in the Republic of New Granada suffered through yet another attempted military coup as war erupts with New Spain. Concerned elements of the army, fearing the likely results of a war with New Spain, attempted to overthrow the current government to bring peace once more. Unfortunately, Argos anticipated their move and was able to have a regiment of loyal troops well prepared to counter the attempt. The result was a one-sided bloodbath with left most of the conspirators dead or captured by the government. Those who remained alive were executed for treason and General Argos has done well further consolidating the military leadership of New Granada in the aftermath. (+1 Stability)
END OF URUGUAY STANDOFF. Montevideo, Uruguay. A crisis over elections in Uruguay which nearly brought war to Brazil and Argentina, has at last been resolved upon Brazil's acceptance of an Uruguayan offer to allow observers at the 1842 elections. Though Uruguay's offer had been on the table for some time, even inviting observers from other nations in South America and across the world, Brazil had initially demanded immediate elections. Uruguay stubbornly refused the demands, insisting on maintaining its constitutional timetable in the wake of foreign intervention. The Brazilian acceptance has lead to the end of the blockade of Montevideo and the restoration of normal trade, even including substantial gifts and investment from the United Kingdom. The Argentine army has begun to slowly stand down, and for the moment, the area seems to have avoided a major war, despite the outbreak of hostilities in Uruguay between the two political factions.
CIVIL WAR IN URUGUAY. Montevideo, Uruguay. Though the Brazilian blockade has been brought to an end, and the Colorados have been viewed as politically victorious for accomplishing this, war has not been averted. With their hopes of forcing the government in Montevideo to cede power through pressure from Brazil and the global community vanished, the Blancos have risen in open revolt. A portion of the army has joined them in the revolt and the first major battle was fought for control of Montevideo itself. The Blancos were able to secure the capital, but the war continued. Most of the rural regions of the nation continue to support the Colorados, having opposed the integration efforts the Colorados put in place when they were last in office. With full support of the countryside, the Colorados immediately began raiding and striking at bastions of support for the Blancos, and the result was an ongoing stalemate between the two sides. With no obvious victor emerging and the end of the year approaching, the Colorados began an attempt to reestablish control in Montevideo. They were at last able to triumph in major battle against the Blancos and scatter the remnants of their army. The Colorado regime has generously offered amnesty to soldiers in the rebel army, and even has allowed those Blancos who did not actively participate in the revolt to continue holding positions in politics. With the armies of Argentina and Brazil looming over the nation though, the Blancos have been badly discredited and the government is enjoying a new period of control with their success. (+3 Stability)
Casualty List
Uruguay (Blancos): 3 Infantry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades
Uruguay (Colorados): 2 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades
NEW SPAIN COMPLETES NAVAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT. San Jose, New Spain. The construction and development efforts of the government of New Spain have at least reached fruition. The combined labor and investment of the government and private businesses have led to the establishment of the nation's first facilities for the construction of modern naval vessels. The current New Spanish navy consists only of older steamships built in the Empire of Holy Spain, and no local ships of their own. The hope is that with the new infrastructure, New Spain will be able to build a new navy to protect both its Atlantic and Pacific Ocean coastlines from foreign invasion or assault. (+1 Navy Quality)
PANAMA WAR ERUPTS. Panama City, Panama. A new war has erupted in South and Central America, as crisis over the fate of Panama turned into violent conflict between local nations. The Panamanian government, having ignored New Spain's cries for a plebiscite on uniting the two nations, have paid for their intransigence. The army of New Spain has been sent to invade and force a plebiscite upon the Panamanians, and war has broken out between the two powers. The war is unpopular among both sides, and the initial battles were fought throughout the northwestern part of Panama. New Spain's army was badly mauled and Panama managed to outflank and rout the enemy, shattering their army and sending them fleeing across the border. Unfortunately, the outbreak of war with New Spain brought to bear Panama's old enemy of New Granada, which saw the opportunity to restore control to its wayward province. With its army brought north, the Panamanians were forced to allow New Spain some breathing space as they moved south to face the second invader. Despite their abilities and an initially successful defense, the Panamanians were defeated by the Republic of New Granada, which has managed to secure a significant amount of territory. Slowing the New Granadan army is significant logistical problems and lack of supplies, which the Panamanians have used to their advantage as much as possible. With their army shattered and bruised, New Spain was unable to take advantage of this until late in the year when they managed to march in the north with little opposition. At sea, there has been little action, though New Spain's warship managed to score an impressive victory over two obsolete Panamanian sailing vessels. (-1 Stability for all belligerents)
Casualty List
New Spain: 3 Infantry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades
Panama: 3 Infantry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade, 2 Second Rate Warships
Republic of New Granada: 2 Infantry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade
UNITED STATES FIELDS NEW WARSHIP. Boston, United States of America. The American government showcased the creation of the new
Washington warship this year, and plans to construct many similar craft in the near future. While the new warships lack the firepower and speed of similar European styles of warship, they more than make up for it in ship to ship combat and transport capacity. The American navy has appreciated the new vessels, as they look to improve the quality of their forces in comparison to Europe and even Brazil. President Taylor has stated that it is unacceptable that even a tropical nation like the Empire of Brazil could have a fleet surpassing the United States of America. One of his main stated priorities as President is to establish the American Navy as the primary naval power in the western hemisphere.
AZTECS COMPLETE FLOATING GARDENS. Tenochtitlan, Aztec Empire. The Aztec Emperor was pleased to announce the completion of a series of floating gardens and agricultural improvements. This has helped greatly improve agricultural production and growth in the empire, helping reduce food prices and improve the local economy. This has continued with increased trade with Spanish merchants, offering agricultural goods as well as the traditional gold commerce which has existed in the past. The Aztecs have continued their efforts to expand the local economy in order to finance their continued independence against the threat of European imperialism. Rumor has suggested that the end of this project could herald a slow and cautious approach to opening new trade doors while preserving the independence and power of the Aztec Empire.
NEW GRANADA COMPLETES FORTS. Santa Marta, Republic of New Granada. The outbreak of war with New Spain and Panama has further reinforced New Granada's desires for a secure coastline against its enemies. The completion of the long awaited series of coastal fortifications has arrived not a moment too soon, as the navy of New Spain, while smaller, is still superior to the Republic's. The program has been surprisingly successful at refining the production and deployment of defensive artillery pieces for the New Granadan army, and the replacement of old Spanish fortifications has been viewed as long overdue. General Argos has trumpeted this project as a symbol of the success of his regime and the growing power and strength of the republic.
VENEZUELA WINS SUPPORT FOR INTEGRATION. Caracas, Venezuela. Despite resistance in the past from various rural landlords, it seems that the central government in Venezuela has finally begun winning support. The improving infrastructure and status of integration has clearly begun winning over some of the lesser landlords throughout the nation. These converted landlords have begun throwing full support behind the integration process, though some still resist the changes coming to the nation. This has been viewed as a major step forward in the modernization of Venezuela and the development of another major South American economic power. (+20 EP into Integration project)
News from Africa and the Middle East
NEW TRIBAL VIOLENCE IN PERSIA. Ashgabat, Persia. The Persian government continued to have its hands full administering its new territories this year as a fresh round of tribal violence broke out in the region. New feuds have emerged between the various tribes, and this time its continued despite constant vows from the tribal leaders of their loyalty to Tehran. The Persian army has been doing its best to contain the unrest and fighting among tribes, and frequently has found itself in the middle of small but brutal battles. The tribes continue to openly support the Persians while raiding each other's villages and attempting to settle feuds in the old ways regardless of what decrees Tehran may make over their lands. (-1 Manpower, -1 Stability)
INVASION OF ZANZIBAR. Zanzibar, Republic of the Netherlands. The sultanate of Zanzibar, one of the youngest nations in the world, has come under siege from the seas, not by its former overlord of Oman, but European imperial powers instead. The nations of the Netherlands and Sweden have participated in the invasion and partition of the newly forged sultanate, adding it to their own empires. A formal declaration of war was issued, decrying the slave trade upon which the sultanate's economy was built, and expressed their intention to end the trade completely. The invasion was a resounding success as it proved the local soldiers were less than enthusiastic about fighting against cannon and European soldiers. After a few volleys the army dispersed and the Dutch and Swedes were more than able to secure the region for themselves with little to no casualties on either side. The Europeans have taken over direct administration of the area themselves, giving a chance to build a new empire in eastern Africa.
PERSIA UPGRADES AFGHAN FORTS. Kabul, Persia. The rising and continuing tensions between Spain and the Persian Empire after the fall of the Maratha Confederacy has not gone unnoticed. While the local Spanish soldiers have continued to fortify the local passes and major roads, the Persians have embarked on a far more ambitious project. This project finally concluded this year as the final construction efforts were completed in Afghanistan. The area has had a history of old and strong fortifications, and the Persians and their British engineering advisors have done a fine job of refurbishing these old structures and turning them into modern forts. This has included the clearing of fields of fire for artillery as well as the inclusion of modern artillery pieces into modern structures. The overall effort has made the region of Afghanistan far easier for the Persian empire to corral and control bandit and Khazak raids. (+1 Stability)
News from the Far East
NEW OPPOSITION TO EUROPEANS IN JAPAN. Kyoto, Japan. The ongoing processes of modernization, spearheaded by the current shogun, continued to be resisted by members of the shogun's family as well as other reactionaries. The growing influence of Spanish merchants in the capital and over the development of Japan have continued to spark new words of hate and distrust among the leading diaymos of the Japanese leadership. The disputes grow ever more heated and many people have become concerned that the war of words could quickly turn into one of the more violent kinds of wars. The resistance have called for a renewed closing of the ports to European merchants, rather than the unfettered access they possess at the current time. (-1 Stability)
SPANISH EXPEDITION SECURES LOYALTY OF EASTER ISLAND. Easter Island, Empire of Holy Spain. To the surprise of the whole expedition, a Spanish emissary won over the support of the natives of Easter Island this year. The island, well known for its mysterious statues and very hostile native population, was believed to be unsafe for European ships, as they would all invariably come under attack if anyone attempted to go ashore. In this case, a Spanish emissary managed to surprisingly connect with the local natives, convincing them of the Word of God and their own honorable intentions. The result was a growing familiarity between the Spaniard and the natives themselves, which ultimately has led to the island becoming part of the Empire of Holy Spain as a protectorate. Unfortunately, the island doesn't produce anything and has no strategic value of any kind and so has quickly become a massive drain on the Spanish treasury just to maintain the smallest of outposts there.
BRITISH PAVING EFFORTS END IN INDIA. Calcutta, United Kingdom of Great Britain. Though they were highly disputed at the time, most Indian princes have grown to favor the growing network of paved roads throughout British India. Therefore most were shocked and even angered by the abrupt cancellation of the program by the new Whig government in London. The cancellation of such a long-term policy has also caused some Indian princes to consider the problems and likelihood of stability created by such a democratic regime in Britain. Though no existing roads were demolished, the project was only barely begun in terms of price and construction, leaving the completed areas haphazard at best. Surplus stocks of bricks and other goods have been sold to local markets, providing a brief surge to sales and construction in the area as rudimentary buildings have even been constructed out of the stockpiles of bricks left over from the abortive effort. (-1 Stability in British India)
A THIRD EMPEROR FOR CHINA. Guangzhou, Guangzhou. The growing unrest and civil war in China reached a new stage this year as a third would-be emperor enters onto the stage of the conflict. The British backed governor of Guangzhou has been recognized as the official ruler of China by the British and has been thus encouraged to establish himself as the successor to the heavenly mandate. Overall, with most of China recognizing Guangzhou's status as a pawn of British Empire the view has been that he lacks the authority of other possible candidates for the imperial throne. The rise of the new emperor has been financed with much British wealth however, and some suspect that regardless of the legitimacy of the new emperor, force of arms will make his rule over China an established fact. (-1 Stability)
WAR IN CHINA. Peking, Imperial China. In what is becoming known locally as the War of the Three Emperors, the Chinese continue to struggle against the tide of anarchy and chaos which has besieged them. Violence and brutality continues to remain the name of the game, as all sides frequently continue to raze towns and villages to reduce the resource of manpower to their enemies. In the north, the Ascendants have turned away from fighting fellow Chinese in an attempt to bring the Mongol hordes to proper battle. They were successful in achieving a battle with the Mongols, and the result was a surprising but certain victory over the invaders. The Zunghar Khanate's armies devastated and forced to retreat, though they managed to inflict a hefty toll upon the Chinese. Regardless, the defeat has led the Chinese factions to make a new treaty with the Khanate, which could well mean the end of their involvement in the war. Further east, the government in Peking has begun yet another attempt to restore control to the territories held by the Nian Realm. With the Ascendants distracted, they were able to bring their full force to bear upon the eastern Nian armies. They managed to win a shattering victory over the bandits, utterly destroying the Nians in the east and gaining a substantial boost to their cause. With this success, the Imperial armies continued on towards the main Nian concentrations around Xi'an, hoping to break the backs of the bandits militarily, once and for all. This time, however, the Nians managed to hold back the Imperials, inflicting a humiliating defeat, but still unable to retake any territories. As in the past few years, the biggest battles continue to take place in southern China as the emperors of Guangzhou and Fuzhou clash for supremacy. This year, the fighting has grown more complicated as the Muslims of Yunnan raid into Guangzhou's territory, stealing supplies and weapons for their own forces. Guangzhou has been forced to divide its armies, detracting from the upcoming assault on Fujian itself. Regardless of the diversion, Guangzhou still managed to assemble an army of equal strength to fight the Fuzhou Empire and besiege their capital. Though they did manage to make some headway, the defenses and position of the Fuzhou warriors has proven too strong, and the siege continued inconclusively throughout the rest of the year.
Casualty List
Ascendant's Kingdom of Holy China: 8 Infantry Brigades, 4 Cavalry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade, 40 Manpower
Fuzhou Empire: 6 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade, 66 Manpower
Guangzhou: 12 Infantry Brigades, 4 Cavalry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades, 65 Manpower
Imperial China: 16 Infantry Brigades, 6 Cavalry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade, 210 Manpower
Nian Realm: 30 Infantry Brigades, 3 Cavalry Brigades, 3 Artillery Brigades, 160 Manpower
Yunnan: 4 Infantry Brigades, 1 Cavalry Brigade, 23 Manpower
Zunghar Khanate: 23 Cavalry Brigades
BRITISH PUSH INTO EAST INDIES. Sydney, United Kingdom of Great Britain. The British have established a newly aggressive colonial policy into the southeastern East Indies. The island of Jamdena and the surrounding islands have been seized and integrated into the larger British Empire. The islands have proven to be fairly valueless, but coaling stations and forts have been established to help garrison the new British possessions. This has come into immediate conflict with the Republic of the Netherlands, which has claimed jurisdiction over the region for over a hundred years, but never quite settled or controlled the islands effectively. The establishments have proven expensive to maintain, and of little to no intrinsic value themselves to date.
NEW BRITISH COLONY ON THE COAST OF ASIA. Johnstown, United Kingdom of Great Britain. As trade between Europe and the Far East continues to soar and grow, the British have sought new locales in which to settle to improve trade even outside of China. In order to take advantage of the growing chaos in Korea themselves as well as the trading markets in Japan, a new independent port was set up along the Golden Horn Bay between Korea and Japan. The new port is to act as a fueling station, fort, and supply depot for any British trade and commerce with these other two nations. The Chinese have wisely chosen not to contest the settlement, despite their own historical claims to the region. The area has been claimed by the British and called New Britain, and could well form the foundation of a new major British settlement colony.
SWEDISH BLOCKADE SPARKS UPRISING IN KOREA. Seoul, Korea. In response to last year's expulsion of Swedish merchants from Jeju, the Swedish king declared a blockade until the status of Sweden was restored. King Sunjo refused any compromise, maintaining the situation, even as new Swedish ships sailed to enforce the rising blockade. The specter of a blockade caused great concern among the merchant classes and elements of the military, fearing for their supply of overseas good. Furthermore, there is much concern over the possible resurgence of a famine, which could be further devastated if the Swedes cut off the supply of foodstuffs. The result was a revolt against the monarchy, as pro-European elements attempted to seize power and replace the government. Among these were the foremost of the modernizers and the result was a bloodbath. The loyalists to King Sunjo were able to defeat the rebels however, and they continue to refuse to treat with any Swedish ambassadors, as the blockade is slowly put into place. (+3 Stability, -5 Infantry Brigades, -12 Manpower)