Capto Iugulum: Empires and Nations

Languedoc confirms this. Here are the final terms, effective immediately.

1. The Kingdoms of Paris and Burgundy will sign an immediate treaty of peace with the Kingdom of Milan-Savoy.

2. The Kingdoms of Paris and Burgundy will reduce their land forces to no more than 100 brigades, and their land forces will not surpass 100 brigades for five years.

3. The Kingdoms of Paris and Burgundy will not go to war with any nation for five years.

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This would be the 24 hour warning for orders.

Normandy confirms her part in the Ultimatum, and supports the final terms offered.
-King Philip IV

From: Savoy-Milan
To: Netherlands, Languedoc, etc.

We thank Paris-Burgundy's neighbors for their actions in curbing the aggressive actions of that state.

To: Austria
From: Savoy-Milan

This war has dragged on long enough, and has brought enough suffering and foreign influence to the people of Italy. We are within our reach of completely freeing the Venetians, and yet are willing to offer you peace now to end this war. In exchange for peace at current borders, we are willing to offer you some compensation for the loss of your fleet. Your only real interest in Venetia is its access to the Adriatic Sea through the port of Trieste, so we are willing to allow you to retain this land. Venice, a hull of its former self due to your action, holds little value to you. We urge you to accept this offer.

To Kiev
From Moscowy
CC World

The nation of Moscowy hereby demands that Kiev apologize for its horrendous treatment of the Cossacks people in its territory. King Constantine II, as the Guardian of All Cossacks, is obligated to defend any and all Cossacks, no matter where they reside. If Kiev is unable or unwilling to defend its own citizens from the atrocities thus far committed by its own military, then Moscowy will stand and defend said citizens. Therefore, we release the following demands to Kiev:

1): Reparations of 2 EP to be paid to those survivors and the families of all the victims

2): The right of the Cossacks to form their own militias to prevent any future such attacks

3): The right of those Cossacks in Moscowy territory to come to the aid of any Kievan Cossacks in the event of further hostilities perpetrated by the Kievan military

4): The establishment of a demilitarized zone in and around Cossack territory within Kiev to better prevent any additional massacres

5): Moscowy oversight of all previous points to ensure that they are carried out, for the good of the Cossack minority

Failure to comply with these demands will result in a declaration of war by Moscowy upon Kiev, so that we can ensure your government commits no more such atrocities against the Cossacks or any minorities within your country.

To: World
From: The Republic of The Netherlands
CC: Milan-Savoy

We'd like to announce that a defensive alliance has been negotiated between Milan-Savoy and The Netherlands.

To: Savoy-Milan
From: Austria

We accept your proposal, but only if you agree to a non-aggression pact lasting until 1850 in order to give the people of Italy at least some peace from your wars. Furthermore, we expect such a peace to extend to the Papal State and Bavaria as well.

To: Savoy-Milan
From: Naples

We are willing to propose a cease-fire of at least five years from this war, as you must recognize your incapacity to control or rule the Sicilian people.

To: Moscowy
From: Kiev

The Cossacks are nothing more than invaders and they are not welcome in our territory. We reject all of your erroneous demands outright.

I have 13/19 orders in, and those remaining have 9 hours to get those in.

EQandcivfanatic said:

To: Moscowy
From: Kiev

The Cossacks are nothing more than invaders and they are not welcome in our territory. We reject all of your erroneous demands outright.

Click to expand...

To Kiev
From Moscowy

Then we have no choice but to declare war on Kiev to protect the safety of the Cossacks

I can accept no more order revisions beyond this point. New orders may still be accepted for another 5-6 hours though.

I hope you do the obvious thing of cancelling most of my expenditure if it becomes irrelevant.

Indeed, and that goes for everyone who's finances have become irrelevant due to any circumstances in the update.

OOC: Orders will be in within an hour or two.

To: Austria and Naples
From: Savoy-Milan

This is agreeable to us.

Normally at this point I'd say no more orders accepted, but I'm tired, so I'll let any latecomers finish up their orders and send them in.

No more orders will be accepted beyond this point.

News from Europe​

MASSIVE REFORM IN FLANDERS. Brussels, Flanders. King Charles II of Flanders, a monarch who has been considered liberally educated and minded since he assumed rule from his father, has at last made his intentions clear to the world. He has proclaimed his intention to establish a Parliament along British lines, and to give up most of his powers to an elected government. He has balanced out the claims of the aristocracy by allowing the House of Lords to continue to possess most of the power in the new Parliament, including the ability to select the new prime minister. The Flemish government has announced that first elections for the House will be next year, as well as the appointment of the new prime minister of Flanders. Under the new government Parliament has assumed most of the powers and responsibility of the nation, though command and control of the army continues to rest within Charles II's power. (+1 Stability)

REVOLUTIONARY BOOK PUBLISHED IN DIJON. Dijon, Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy. The Proletarist Manifesto was released this year in Dijon by noted political theorist Charles Mathis, and has been observed as a bit of a reaction against the predominantly liberal intellectuals who have been sponsored by the kings of Burgundy and Paris over the past two decades. Most of the intellectual community in Dijon has been focused upon nationalism and what makes a true nation and how it should be led. While the community has leaned predominantly towards a liberal state with reduced control and freer populations, Mathis has proposed an alternative. Mathis has begun his argument that monarchy is the first stage of a civilization, and that with the rise of industry, republicanism must follow. Mathis' main argument is that the republic is the height of decadence and decay of old society, due to its inherent dominance by capitalism. Mathis states that republicanism breeds nationalism and imperialism, which will continue to create and inflict more woes upon the worker class of society. This emerges due to the ease which corruption by business and industry arises in a republican or liberally influenced society. To support these claims, Mathis has pointed out the woes inflicted upon the people of China and Europe by the market-driven economies of the Netherlands, United States, Sweden, and especially Britain. Ultimately, according to Mathis, the oppression of the capitalist will result in the eruption of worker revolution, led by the vanguards of the people. The vanguard would take absolute means of control in order to guide the overarching purpose and aims of the revolution. The revolution itself would be global and reshape civilization into a new form, a utopian classless society in which all people work without war and violence towards greater progress and achievement for all mankind. This revolutionary new ideology has been termed proletarism, and is defined as the ideal government for the average man. It has received significant criticism by liberals and nationalists, but has proven popular among the few prominent thinkers from the lower classes of society.

ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS IN ARMS IN AZERBAIJAN. Baku, Azerbaijan. The Islamic rule over the region of Azerbaijan continues to chafe the local Christians, who feel they were abandoned by the Roman Empire. They have conjured perhaps rightful claims of discrimination and oppression by the Islamic governing majority, and have begun fighting against the local authority. The result has been banditry and low-key fighting in the mountains and border regions of Azerbaijan, and accusations have been made of Georgian support for the rebels. The result has been a number of attacks within Georgian borders as Islamic bandits and rebels strike against their local enemies across the border. The situation continued to escalate, and both governments have accused each other of sabotage and army attacks. The tensions continue to mount, as Georgia has called up its full strength and positioned its armies along the border. Georgia has demanded that Azerbaijan turn over control of the disputed regions, in order to end their oppression of the Christian minority. So far the Shah has refused as they struggle to prevent a war with the Georgian kingdom. (-1 Stability in Georgia and Azerbaijan, -1 Infantry Brigade for Azerbaijan)

LIBERAL REVOLT ATTEMPT CRUSHED IN BAVARIA. Munich, Bavaria. The aftermath of yet another seemingly pointless war over Venice and the surrounding areas has helped provide fuel for a growing fire in Bavaria. With King Ludwig's support lower than ever and the liberal cause gaining more and more support from the masses, a revolt was begun in Munich. A mass of people stormed the cities arsenal and prison, and ultimately besieged the Royal Palace in the nation's capital, under the leadership of Bavaria's foremost liberal leaders. Unfortunately, the rebels' timing proved horribly awry as they launched their would-be revolution just as the army had reached the outskirts of the city to disassemble from the campaign. The result was extensive bloodshed as the army lifted the siege of the palace and fired upon the rioters and rebels. The result was several days of hunting and enormous violence through Munich as order was restored. The most noted leaders of Bavaria's liberal movement have been imprisoned or executed and the cause has been utterly crushed by brute force. The king has restored order, and with the end of the Third Venetian War, perhaps peace will at last return to southern Germany. (+3 Stability, -8 Manpower, -1 Infantry Brigade)

BROTHERS OF ITALY ARRESTED IN CORSICA. Ajaccio, Corsica. During the fight for Corsica's independence from the Papal States, the Brothers of Italy proved a major thorn in the side of both the Pope and the Corsican nationalists. Rather than supporting the cause of Corsica for the island's own sake, the Brothers have hoped to guide the nation towards unification with Savoy-Milan. Since the success of the rebellion, the monarchy has been keeping close tabs upon the remaining Brothers of Italy, and after the discovery of a proposed plot by a portion of the army, ordered their arrest. Thanks to the efforts of the army, the main leaders of the Brothers of Italy have been arrested and imprisoned for life due to treason against the kingdom of Corsica. The hope remains that this will prove a major step in stabilizing the island against further unrest and the violent cause of Italian nationalism. (+1 Stability)

LIBERALS GAIN STRENGTH IN HANOVER. Hanover, Hanover. After years of growing influence from the Republic of Netherlands and Denmark, the people of Hanover, and even the upper classes have begun seeing the appeal of liberal republicanism. The result was a massive protest this year, which nearly turned into violence and bloodshed in the streets of Hanover. A number of barricades were erected throughout the city, as people called for the establishment of reform and change in the workings of the government. Unlike in other places, no soldiers were called in to restore order, and thanks to personal appeal from the king and other leaders, the situation slowly defused itself. Tensions remain extremely high throughout the kingdom, but it appears that the liberals have truly stated their case to King Charles Frederick. There has been talk of possible reform, but people are unsure at how valid these rumors truly are.

KING OF NORMANDY DIES. Rouen, Normandy. The Norman nation mourned the passing this year of King Philip IV, who had led the introduction of limited democracy and egalitarianism to the Norman people. The establishment of the Parliament, as well as a limited victory against Burgundy proved to be the highlights of his reign as monarch. Considerably set in his ways, he nonetheless ultimately relented to liberal pressure while building the economy of his nation through means such as the World's Fair of Industry. King Philip IV's son, Louis has assumed the throne of Normandy as per his right of inheritance. The newly crowned King Louis II has proven himself to be a far more moderate individual, and more eager and willing to work with liberals in the nation's Parliament. Overall, he has proven very popular in all camps, and has few, if any national detractors. (+1 Stability)

SWISS ELECTIONS HELD. Zurich, Switzerland. Swiss elections this year have at last seen the collapse of the canton organizational system. The Lucerne Canton and its supporters, the last to hold power under the revised Swiss Constitution, have fallen apart as the nation begins to redistribute itself into national, rather than local, political movements. The current movement dominating the Swiss political scene is the one heavily influenced by the Swiss army, the Guards' Party. This conservative movement calls for even greater control in the center of the nation, and a strong army to protect Switzerland and its republic against its aggressive neighbors. The recent crisis with the Burgundians brought in a swell of support for this party, as they vow to do whatever is needed to prevent an invasion from the west or the east. (+1 Stability)

WAR AVERTED IN FRENCH AND GERMAN NATIONS. Cologne, Kingdom of Paris-Burgundy. The Third Venetian War nearly spread to the rest of Europe this year as the Kingdom of Paris-Burgundy signed an agreement with Austria. The result was a declaration of war against Savoy-Milan and an ultimatum sent to the republic of Switzerland. The ultimatum called for the Swiss to end their financing of Savoy-Milan and to give military access to Burgundian troops. The ultimatum was rejected, and it seemed that war was quickly approaching. The result was the assembly of a coalition of other nations, led by Languedoc and the Republic of the Netherlands to force Paris-Burgundy to stand down. With the threat of war present on all sides, the Burgundians were ultimately forced to retract their declaration of war upon Savoy-Milan, renounce their ultimatum to Switzerland, and to decrease the size of their army. This has been seen as a tremendous failure of King Louis to the upper class and military of Paris-Burgundy who have become outraged as a result of the treaty. (-1 Stability)

THIRD VENETIAN WAR ENDS. Turin, Kingdom of Savoy-Milan. The bloody Third Venetian War has at last been brought to an end through a series of treaties, and it seems that very few are pleased with the outcome. Savoy-Milan did achieve its stated goal of securing Venice itself from the Austrians, as the ruins of the city were turned over to their control. The Austrians have continued their rule over Trieste, maintaining their port access to the Adriatic Sea. Tuscany has also exited the war, as Savoy-Milan pulls out its troops in order to end the conflict with Hungary as well. They fared worst with the end of the fight with Naples, as the Neapolitans have regained Sicily, which they had lost at the end of the Second Venetian War after a papal invasion. The war has at last been brought to an end, but few doubt the inevitability that a fourth war will erupt on the Italian peninsula.
Stat Changes Due to War's Conduct and End
Austria: +2 Stability, +1 Army Quality, -1 Navy Quality
Bavaria: +1 Stability, +1 Army Quality
Hungary: +1 Army Quality
Kingdom of Savoy-Milan: +2 Stability, +1 Army Quality, -1 Navy Quality
Naples: +1 Stability
Papal States: +1 Stability, +1 Army Quality
Tuscany: +1 Stability, +1 Army Quality

ROMAN EMPIRE COMPLETES RECONSTRUCTION. Constantinople, Roman Empire. The Romans have at last finished their recovery from the chaos that was the Roman Civil War not that long ago. Bridges, roads, and other infrastructure was destroyed throughout Greece and western Anatolia, as the imperators fought each other for control. The effort to rebuild these shattered roads has been mostly symbolic in its rewards, as most trade remains coastal or by the seas throughout the more prosperous parts of the empire. Regardless, the effort has been seen as a major stepping stone to the recovery of the empire, and despite the loss of several outlying provinces over the past two decades, it seems that the darkest days of Constantinople may be behind it. (+1 Stability)

WAR ERUPTS IN KIEV. Kiev, Kiev. Despite cooperation against the Cossack rebels initially, the relations between Kiev and Moscow quickly soured after the Moscovites cut a deal reintegrating the Cossacks into their nation. The result has been the establishment of a Cossack-sympathetic regime in Moscow, and increasingly hostile to Kiev. After last year's incident with attacks by Kiev's forces upon Cossack settlers, Moscowy issued a series of demands which would effectively give Cossacks full sovereignty under Moscow's guidance within Kiev. King Mikhail II rejected the terms of the ultimatum and war was soon declared between the two Russian nations. Pledging to alarmed monarchs in Poland and Hungary, King Constantine II of Moscow has pledged to bring the Cossack regions of Kiev into the union and rights provided by Moscowy. The Kievan army marched out to meet them, and the two massive armies met outside Poltava, where they fought. The Moscovites outnumbered the Kievans by more than two to one, though Kiev possess far superior artillery and firepower. The result was devastation, the Moscovites found their formations and artillery torn apart by Kiev's gunnery. The Moscovite artillery corps was the hardest hit of all. The Moscovites were badly routed, fleeing east, and only determined resistance from their Cossack cavalry prevented the army from being utterly destroyed. After taking several months to restore the integrity of their army, the Moscovites tried once more to invade Kiev, this time further north near the town of Sumy. This time, the Moscovites managed to use local scouts and diversion to catch the Kievans by surprise. Under the illusion that the army was disorganized and not much more than a raid, Kiev's army marched blindly forward as their scouts were torn apart by the Cossacks. When the battle was met, Kiev's army had meandered into a trap, and they soon found themselves under attack on three sides as Moscovite artillery pounded them from a distance. Though the Kievan forces managed to inflict a toll upon their attackers, they were nonetheless routed at the end of the day by a vicious cavalry charge. The Cossack cavalry fell upon Kiev's forces with relentless aggression, smashing the orderly lines of Kiev into pieces. After this key victory Kiev was forced to spend most of its resources gathering its army for a defense of Kiev itself from the Moscovite army. Other provinces fell one by one in the east, as smaller but still substantial Moscovite armies overwhelmed local garrisons.
Casualty List
Kiev: 13 Infantry Brigades, 7 Cavalry Brigades, 7 Artillery Brigades
Moscowy: 14 Infantry Brigades, 8 Cavalry Brigades, 10 Artillery Brigades

NORMANDY ESTABLISHES FAILED INDUSTRIAL ADMINISTRATION. Cherbourg, Normandy. The Norman government made its first real strides this year towards developing its industrial potential since the World's Fair of Industry. The so-called Industrialization Delegation and Entrepreneurial Association has been established to ensure the functioning and growth of modern industry. As added bureaucracy similar to the recently established Port Authority Bureau, the new setup has proven to stifle and corrupt business. With so much worthless paper and bureaucracy to go through, the new government institution has led to a decline in people willing or eager to wade through the politics required to open business. Furthermore, with the new Association attempt to push ideas which have been failures in international trade, such as the Mendez Ball, which is specially known for its ability to be easily produced in any nation, the economy seems to be closer and closer to shuddering thanks to the government's involvement.

SAVOY-MILAN SIGNS DEFENSIVE AGREEMENT WITH DUTCH. Amsterdam, Republic of the Netherlands. After the debacle which nearly escalated the Third Venetian War with the potential entry of Paris-Burgundy into the conflict, the ties between the Dutch and Italians continue to grow. The extensive financial aid given to the Italians during their war with the Austrians and Pope further grew relations between the two nations. This has culminated into a defensive agreement between the Republic of the Netherlands and the Kingdom of Savoy-Milan. The defensive agreement seems to be mostly geared to curtailing the possible expansion or aggression of the Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy. Observers are concerned that such developments may well lead to an even greater war on the horizon.

LANGUEDOC ABSORBS PROVENCE. Marseilles, Languedoc. Years of political maneuvering and negotiation have at last resulted in a change in the status of Languedoc and Provence. Thanks to recent moves by the Kingdom of Paris-Burgundy, King Louis II of Languedoc has at last managed to gain Spanish support for the integration of the kingdom of Provence into Languedoc. The only barrier to the move has been King Jacques II of Provence who has resisted these efforts for a considerable amount of time. With Spanish pressure mounting to create a state able to resist growing power from Paris-Burgundy, Jacques II has been forced to accept his role as the new Duke of Provence, as the nation is forced into a larger Languedoc. The combined nation will be directly ruled from Toulouse, and the process has been fairly stable. Thanks to Spanish advisers in both nations, the integration of the military has been incredibly simple, and overnight a new power has emerged in southern France. (-1 Stability)

REBUILDING OF VENICE BEGINS. Venice, Kingdom of Savoy-Milan. The Third Venetian War and the rebellion prelude in Venice have left the historic city virtually in ruins. The canals are clogged with debris and the city has sunken in upon itself in many places. Only the oldest and sturdiest of buildings continue to remain stable and intact amid all the rubble. In order to build popularity with the locals as well as to further dehumanize Austria in the eyes of the Italian people, the Kingdom of Savoy-Milan has begun a process of surveying the damage and rebuilding the city. It is believed this effort may take incredible expense, but King Charles Albert has stated that no price is too much for the rebuilding of one of Italy's greatest cities. (+1 Stability)

AUSTRIA BEGINS FORTIFYING PASSES. Trento, Austria. The Third Venetian War has given some insight and pause to the military minds of Austria, as they look to correct any errors which they may have made. The key weakness demonstrated during the war was the vulnerability of the southern passes against invasion from Italy. Therefore, a series of modern forts are being constructed to act as bulwarks and hindrances to any possible future invasion across the mountains. The Austrians hope that such efforts could well stall the possibility of Italian attack, and secure the German hinterlands of Austria. The only minor criticism has been the perceived expense of the project, but most agree that the additional security this provides will be well worth the cost.

FLEMISH PORT CONSTRUCTION COMPLETED. Dunkirk, Flanders. The Flemish government announced the completion of a program and a series of efforts to expand and develop the ports of the nation. Hoping to encourage overseas trade, particularly throughout the rest of Europe, especially with Britain. The ports of Flanders have been given new steam engines and expanded dock and warehouse facilities. The effort has been incredibly successful, opening up new ports and opportunities for the Flemish merchant class. The government has stated that this is key to eliminating Flanders' reliance upon the harbors of the Netherlands and Paris-Burgundy, creating a stronger and more economic sound nation.

NOVGOROD BEGINS REINTEGRATION. Novgorod, Novgorod. King Mikhail V of Novgorod has begun a new attempt at recentralizing the government of his nation around the monarchy. Under the reign of his father the lords of Novgorod were given effective control and influence over the running of the government. Mikhail V hopes to restore much of these power and influences over the nation to his office and his supporters. Surprisingly, he has found an ally or two among the nobility who have begun aiding him in his campaign. Regardless, there remain substantial resistance as various nobles begin struggling against the return of absolute control to the nation. Others are concerned that this bid for power may well destabilize the nation once more at an inopportune time. (-1 Stability)

SERBIA COMPLETES FORTIFICATIONS. Belgrade, Serbia. After years of labor and effort, the Serbians have completed the construction a number of new forts along the border with the Roman Empire. Having begun this effort not long since securing independence from the empire, the Romans have still remained an ever-present threat in the minds of the Serbian army. The Serbians have built these outposts and forts to hinder any future Roman attempt to reclaim their lost province. The forts are of modern design, but not as large as many contemporary types of other fortifications in Europe and elsewhere. Regardless, they are still viewed as extremely durable and strong forts capable of slowing and maybe even stopping an invasion.

News from the Americas​

MAJOR REBELLION LAUNCHED IN CUBA. Porto del Principe, Empire of Holy Spain. The year in Cuba began as investigations went underway towards the suspicious nature of last year's fires which destroyed several Spanish naval vessels. The governor outraged the population of Havana as several thousand people were arrested from the general area by the Spanish colonial authorities. This proved the spark for several major riots as the Spanish struggled to maintain control. The sequence of events may not have been fatal if not for the timely arrival of Hector Alvarez and a number of expatriates from the United States of America and New Spain. They arrived with the aid of local supporters as well as a substantial amount of British money and guns. Thanks to the influx of these supporters and subterfuge, the Cubans managed to secure the forts guarding Havana bloodlessly, and disarm the local defense with only a couple minor skirmishes. The Spanish garrison, despite the unrest, was caught quite literally asleep at their post, and the result has been the seizure of a huge amount of Spanish weapons. The Spanish fleet in port was forced to surrender, having fallen under the gaze of their own forts' guns, and while some of the ships were scuttled, most have been captured intact. The rest of the island soon fell to the rebels as well, and the rebellion has begun celebrating their victory over Spain as the Caribbean reels from this upset. (Loss of all Cuban Garrison, Army and Navy; -1 Stability in Empire of Holy Spain and all American colonies)

MILITARY COUP ATTEMPT RESULTS IN BRIEF CIVIL WAR IN PANAMA. Panama City, Panama. The Panamanian people underwent a fairly tumultuous time this year, as elements within the army attempted to seize power. The coup was fairly successful, gaining support among many Conservative leaders against the Liberal Party government. Unfortunately for them, the liberal leaders managed to escape the closing grasp of the rebels, and secure their own loyal forces. The result was a several month long civil war between the competing sides as they struggled to maintain stability and gain power over the government. Ultimately, the conservative military forces were defeated and the republic was preserved from their direct control. The army has lost great influence and many died in the process of the fighting, but at last the republic has been secured. (-2 Manpower, +2 Stability, -2 Infantry Brigades, -1 Artillery Brigade)

BODENBURG INCIDENT SETTLED BETWEEN SWEDEN AND UNITED STATES. Chicago, United States of America. After the razing of the Swedish settlement of Bodenburg in Vinland last year by alleged American soldiers, tensions grew to an unpleasant high point between the two nations. Swedish press accused the United States of America of encouraging settler militias and poaching upon what previous treaties have dictated as Swedish territory. Calls for war grew rapidly in Sweden, and negotiations began to prevent the eruption of war between the two powers. The result was the agreement of the United States to Swedish demands for compensation and an investigation into the incident, even agreeing to allow any caught culprits to be tried under Swedish law if the court martials were deemed not sufficient. American press and politicians have mostly stayed quiet on the matter, and the resulting agreement, particularly with the nearing presidential elections in November. Meanwhile, in Sweden the affair was trumpeted as a great success for Swedish policies and politics in the New World, as they triumphed over the Americans, though some hawks still insist that only war would have put the uppity United States in their proper place. (+1 Stability for Sweden)

AZTEC WAR CONTINUES TO RAGE AMID COMPROMISE. Tenochtitlan, Aztec Empire. The fighting which erupted between the armies of Spain and the United States of America last year seems to have been defused from erupting into a true war. The Spanish and Americans have agreed to a compromise which has led to the northern 24th Parallel being dictated as the future border between the two powers in the former Aztec Empire. Regardless, the war has had to be won before such a partition could take place. The Spanish have seen the most success, easily crushing the Aztec forces remaining in Tenochtitlan and taking the capital. The city's defenses were crushed, but the Aztecs have managed to bring their army to the north as quickly as possible. The Aztecs have managed to muster their armies to bring to bear solely against the United States, while only shadowing the Spanish armies after they stopped their advance north. Using their allies in the northern towns and cities, the Aztecs have managed to bring the Americans into a battle on their terms. The result was a bloody victory for the Aztecs, as their sheer numbers overwhelmed American cavalry and some infantry. The American army has remained intact, but with this defeat, their supply lines are gravely imperiled. As such, they have retreated across the Grand River, constantly harried by the Aztec armies.
Casualty Lists
Aztec Empire: 7 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades (+1 Stability)
Empire of Holy Spain: 1 Infantry Brigade (+1 Stability, +1 Stability in Yucatan)
United States of America: 1 Infantry Brigade, 3 Cavalry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade (-1 Stability)

PRESIDENT ROSAS ASSASSINATED IN ARGENTINA. Buenos Aires, Argentina. The nation of Argentina mourned the passing of President Juan Manuel de Rosas, who has paved the way for Argentina to become a modern nation. The President was assassinated in his own quarters in the mansion in Buenos Aires, not long after meeting with members of his cabinet. President Rosas has been admired by the people of Argentina not only for pushing forward with the integration of the nation against all odds, but also for his uncompromising stance towards Brazil's aggression. While some members of government suspect Brazil's involvement in the late assassination, no proof exists to substantiate these claims. In the aftermath of the assassination, the army has assumed control of the nation, establishing an alleged temporary government. General Miguel Lallena has been granted control for the time being in order to maintain some stability. He has been known for his surprisingly liberal tendencies and has been viewed as the most likely candidate for developing a new democracy in Argentina. (-1 Stability)

ARGENTINA BEGINS NEW FORT CONSTRUCTION. Rosasdas, Argentina. The Argentine government, under the guidance of its new military ruler, has begun the construction of a new series of forts along the border with the Empire of Brazil. The army has provided the labor and expertise for the construction of these and other forts to secure the nation against Brazilian invasion. The ever-present threat of war over the past few years has driven the Argentines to these measures to secure their nation against invasion. This has been in combination with a series of new coastal fortifications with a significant amount of heavy guns and artillery to protect the port of Buenos Aires. The hope is that the new forts will help repulse any future invasion by the Brazilian army.

JAMAICA REVAMPS COASTAL FORTS. Kingston, Jamaica. The Jamaicans continue to remain a highly profitable and lucrative nation, and have sought ways to secure their wealth from invasion or war. The Jamaican government has initiated a program to rebuild the old British forts on the island, and to reequip them with modern cannon. Several new forts have also been started to further increase the scale and ability of the defenses of Kingston and the rest of the island. British engineers and soldiers have been hired to assist the growing cause of development and construction of the these new installations. Some critics have stated that the expense of the new forts are prohibitive and unneeded due to the nation's close economic and political ties with the United Kingdom.

PARAGUAY COMPLETES NEW COMPLEX. Asuncion, Paraguay. The republic of Paraguay completed a project this year to build a new complex for the administration of government in Asuncion. The complex is an addition onto the local old governor's mansion and establishment in order to house the national Congress. The Congress has had no official complex in which to meet and pass legislation and it was felt that a building was long overdue for them. This year, the Congress entered the new complex for the first time as it was completed, and the president greeted them to new cheers and celebration. Seen as Paraguay's latest great accomplishment, the new complex is clearly a symbol of the beginning of the true republic of the nation.

URUGUAY RESUMES INTEGRATION PROJECT. Montevideo, Uruguay. After several years of rule under the reign of the Colorados, the current President Argosto has begun an effort to integrate the nation into a central government once more. After the last government cancelled the previous project to integrate the nation, the Blanco president has begun driving forward once more to rebuild what was lost in the time in between. Thanks to the efforts of the Colorados and the results of years of turmoil and civil war, the government has its work cut out for it. Needless to say, the resurrection of this program has only fuelled the fires of other local dissent against the regime, as they focus upon the new effort. Thankfully, most of the liberal support has been shot or fled in the past few years through all the fighting and unrest. It is hoped that a centralized government will be better suited to holding back the neighboring threats of both Argentina and Brazil.

SLAVERY RISES IN US ELECTION DEBATES. Washington D.C., United States of America. President Taylor was challenged once again with this year's elections which have proven to be immensely confusing ones. With the failure of the majority of the Whig Party, the Democratic Party has had little resistance in maintaining control of the Congress and office of the President. Regardless a number of localized candidates have emerged throughout the northeast, challenging the Democratic Party's dominance in American politics. The main issue rising from candidates in both the north and south is the issue of the expansion of slavery into the new territories in the west. At the time there remains fifteen slave states and fifteen free states in the Union, and the status of the territories west of the Mississippi River remain disputed. Furthermore, the potential addition of new territories of the Aztec Empire and Jacksonia, have yet to be determined as slave or free. The debate has gotten very heated, as Congressmen even arm themselves before debates in Congress. The issue is quickly polarizing the country and raising tensions across the board, even as President Taylor returns to office. (-1 Stability)

News from Africa and the Middle East​

UPRISING IN EASTERN ANATOLIA. Cizre, Cizre Bohtan. As the Mamlukes continue to struggle to maintain control against Wahabi attacks in the south, and Shia attacks throughout all of their eastern provinces, they have faced a larger and better organized rebellion than they've ever seen before. The emir of Cizre and a number of significant local allies have managed to bribe or convince the local soldiers to support them over the Caliph. A number of other soldiers from the region have also joined their cause, as they grow in number against the central government. The emir has appealed to the Caliph to allow the emirate to depart peacefully, but has continued to prepare his army for a war. As these events continued, the caliphate's army has continued to struggle against innumerable other rebels and activity throughout Arabia and the eastern provinces. As before, elements of the government in Cairo continue to blame the Persians for encouraging this activity, as the emir and his staunchest backers are Shia Muslims, and not Sunni. (-3 Infantry Brigades, -2 Cavalry Brigades, -1 Artillery Brigade, -1 Stability)

CREATION OF HOLLANDIA. Fort Elmina, Republic of the Netherlands. The Dutch have established yet another new foothold on the African continent this year, with the construction of Fort Elmina north of Zanzibar. The new colony has been billed as the province of Hollandia, a refuge for Dutch settlers and colonists. So far, there has been very little interest in such a colony as the Dutch struggle to eke out an existence in the rough terrain. Some commerce has been generated by local trade with the Swedes and Arabians, but so far it has proven minute at best. The new colony has been garrison by a number of Dutch troops from home as they work towards securing supply lines in the Indian Ocean against foreign threats.

SWEDEN SEIZES MOGADISHU. Mogadishu, Sweden. A Swedish expedition has been sent to the city of Mogadishu in eastern Africa, a city disputed by local minor sultanates. The Swedes managed to defeat the pittance of a garrison in the city, and then destroyed the forces sent to stop them with relative ease. The city has been secured and Sweden has forced the sultans to recognize their rule over this trading port, as they look to expand their control and influence in East Africa and the Indian Ocean. The city overall has proven to continue to be prosperous for the Swedes, as they increase their imperial holdings. The city still continues local trade as well as trade with Oman, Yemen, and Zanzibar. It has also begun to open the interior for other exploitation, trading with local sultans and tribes for locally produced goods for export to Sweden itself.

MADAGASCAR COMPLETES INTEGRATION EFFORTS. Antananarivo, Madagascar. After years of tireless labor and effort, Queen Ranavalona has announced the completion of her efforts to consolidate control under the monarchy. The last few tribes have been subordinated to Antananarivo, paying tribute and homage to the queen and her fellow leaders of the island. For the first time in history the whole of Madagascar has been fully united under a single authority, bearing witness to a new era. The queen has vowed to build and develop the island into a new era of prosperity and growth. The new government is focused upon improving relationships and markets with other parts of the world. Furthermore, the queen has vowed to keep the island free of European influence and domination for the future. (+1 Stability)

News from the Far East​

BANDITRY RISES IN VIETNAM. Saigon, United Kingdom of Great Britain. The British colonial authority in Vietnam has been facing a dramatic rise in bandit attacks and activity throughout the jungles and countryside. British land policies and pushes towards efficiency and westernization have begun greatly disrupting local lifestyles, putting enormous pressure among the villages of the country. The Vietnamese have therefore begun turning to acts of banditry, striking at more prosperous regions, and crime in the major cities has also substantially grown. The wealth of the region has grown less effective as the British struggle to retain some sort of order outside of the major cities. (-1 Stability)

JAPAN FINISHES TELEGRAPH INSTALLATION. Tokyo, Japan. After years of work and countless expense in development aid and purchasing supplies from Portugal and the Empire of Holy Spain, the Japanese have finished a program to connect all their towns and cities by telegraph. This has been the first such ambitious project in the Far East by any nation, and it has proven effective at changing the daily fabric of Japanese life and commerce. Communication now speeds across the islands at a dizzying rate and has been billed as the first step of Japan into a larger world. The telegraph represents the first western invention to be successfully implemented across Japan since the arrival of gunpowder weapons.

EMPEROR GIVEN POWER IN JAPAN. Kyoto, Japan. At long last, the Shadow War, as it has been called, has been brought to an end between the feuding factions of the Japanese upper class. The pro-western and anti-western factions have been at each other's throats, but at last the anti-west factions have been smashed utterly. The former Emperor Ninko has abdicated his throne, stepping down in favor of his son, Osahito. Osahito has been proclaimed the new Emperor Komei, and has made arrangements with the Shogun for a change of the workings of the nation. The Japanese emperor has been picked due to his moderate tendencies and developing friendship with the shogun, as they look towards further efforts of national modernization. (+1 Stability)

XIAMEN PORT EXPANDED. Xiamen, Sweden. As the War of the Three Emperors continues to rage on the Chinese mainland, the Swedes have at last completed their efforts to create a modern port to open trade into China. The addition of steam engines and port expansion, as well as the construction of modern warehouses and fortifications, have created a small European town amid a much larger Asian community. The Swedes continue to do much to build trade and commerce with the Chinese, as they focus on building up local infrastructure and relations with the locals. However, many local European merchants are concerned at the course of the war, fearing exclusion from the market should the Guangzhou Emperor, or worse, the Ascendant Kingdom win a victory on the battlefield.

WAR CONTINUES IN CHINA. Peking, Ascendant's Kingdom of Holy China. The fighting in China has continued to rage across Asia, though perhaps at a more subdued pace than previous years. Most of the fighting has drifted from the north to the south, with last year's failure of the imperials and the old emperor. The Ascendants have taken time to pause to recoup any losses and initiate a series of brutal purges of the old regime. Tens of thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands, have been slaughtered throughout Peking and Manchuria, as the Ascendants kill those deemed unworthy or corrupt symbols of the old rule. Only limited fighting on the outskirts with the other factions has occurred as the Ascendants drive onward, slaughtering their local opponents. Even in the south, the amount of fighting has been greatly reduce as the Muslims in the west subdue their attacks and reduce them to raiding. The main fighting of the year was once more near Fujian, as the Guangzhou attempted to take the city once more. Frenzied assaults were launched upon the fortifications, as they attempted to take the positions long held by their enemies. They've managed to make some headway, but not enough to achieve victory, and with a heavy cost to both sides. The supply lines to Fujian continue to remain open, even as the fight takes to the seas as the Fuzhou navy fights against Guangzhou raiders. For the time it seems that no more progress or advances will be made into the city.
Casualty List
Ascendant's Kingdom of Holy China: 4 Infantry Brigades, 230 Manpower, +1 Stability
Fuzhou Empire: 14 Infantry Brigades, 5 Cavalry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades, 20 Manpower
Guangzhou: 13 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 3 Artillery Brigades, 35 Manpower
Tibet: 1 Infantry Brigade, 4 Manpower
Yunnan: 3 Infantry Brigades, 5 Manpower

SIAM COMPLETES COASTAL FORTS. Bangkok, Siam. The Siamese government announced the completion of a series of coastal fortifications along to protect the harbors and villages of the nation. The lessons of threat by Sweden against Siam have continued to ring true as the Siamese do their best to protect themselves against any further threat from European imperialists. The new forts possess the finest artillery and defenses available to a nation in the Far East, protecting themselves against all but the strongest naval assaults. The hope remains that this demonstration of new might and power will discourage any attempts for European attacks or invasion.

Financial Section​

ECONOMIC DISPUTE RISING IN NEW SPAIN. Managua, New Spain. The government of New Spain has continued to push forward, looking for foreign investment in the Rivera Transport Scheme. Some foreign interest has been shown from Europe and the Americas, but has been limited due to the risk of angering the Empire of Holy Spain. Spanish business have continued to protest and block what moves from foreign business they can to prevent them from gaining a foothold in what is widely viewed as a predominantly Spanish market. New Spain has responded to these occasionally unethical and barely legal practices by threatening to expel the Spanish businesses from their country. This has given rise to even great protests against the actions of the New Spanish government in Madrid.

SWEDEN AND MOSCOW SIGN TRADE AGREEMENT. Moscow, Moscowy. The governments of Moscowy and Sweden have signed a dramatic new trade agreement this year which has at last opened the markets of Moscow to industrial trade. The Swedes have done well for themselves as they open a virtually untapped market for industrial goods in eastern Europe. The majority of the commerce has yet to truly begin, but Swedish industrialists and merchants are simply giddy at the prospects of the immense amounts of money to make. To this date, only a scant amount of travelling merchants have come into Moscow to sell the fruits of the Industrial Revolution, and this clearly opens the doors to a new era of development.

ECONOMIC FLUCTUATION REPORT. London, United Kingdom of Great Britain.


Random Stat Changes and Fluctuations

POPULATION MIGRATIONS.


MENDEZ BALL ADOPTED BY EASTERN EUROPE AND MIDDLE EAST. +1 Army Quality to all the following:


Random Army Improvement: +1 Army Quality to Normandy

Random Army Deterioration: -1 Army Quality to Mamluk Caliphate

Diplomatic Pouch

To: Mamluk Caliphate
From: Cizre Bohtan

Our cause is just, and our faith is devout to the true path of Islam. We implore you to recognize that you no longer have any right to rule over our territories. Abandon your claims and allow us to depart or face the drums of war.

To: Empire of Holy Spain
From: Cuba

We have sought our independence which you have denied for years, we hereby declare our independence as a sovereign nation of the Americas. We no longer will accept your rule over us, and you have no hold on our island. We suggest that you recognize this fact before any more blood is shed in your futile struggle to oppress us.

To: Moscowy
From: Kiev

We are prepared to end the war at current borders if you offer some token compensation to the landowners who will give up their territory. Twenty EP should be a sufficient amount. Furthermore, we would ask that your forces withdraw fifty miles to the east from their current positions east of Kiev. You are welcome to keep the Cossack scum.

OOC

Based on what I've seen, it seems that I should once again reiterate my position on colonies and colonial growth. I know that the big white spaces of the Pacific and Africa are awfully tempting, and yes you could theoretically even control them. At this point in human history though, don't expect to make much money off of either possessions. If you want colonies that actually make a profit, look towards the Americas and Asia, where wealth and people to exploit exist plentifully. Alternatively look towards home in Europe, and build your power there. The main tracts of land will only be colonized and turned over to imperial rule at the end of this phase of the NES.

For the last time, for everyone who's wondered about it, Hawaii is not a united nation in this timeline. For whatever reason, they have not unified under a single king. Therefore there is no central authority to crush or subjugate to your whim. There's also no single person to negotiate with for trade or to establish a protectorate over. I will not be repeating this again, and will ignore any questions about this from any current players.

@Terrence888: The next elections are next update in 1845, not this update. My recommendation is to save the PM and include that part in your next turn orders, as I will not be able to save anything more than the party names and ideologies.

World Map

To: The World
From: Empire of Holy Spain

Our ships will be placing a blockade around the rebel island of Cuba, to prevent their getting supplies for their weaponry. Any ship that attempts to cross said blockade will only receive one warning to turn sails and either return to their home port or travel to the island of La Española, where they will be well received. Ships that do not do so and continue their travel towards Cuba will be sunk without further warning. The only exceptions that will be made will be for those ships that are travelling to Cuba to convince the rebels to lay down their weapons and surrender. No merchant ship will be allowed to go to Cuba. Period.

The reasons behind this initial warning are that we will not, we repeat, we will NOT, pay any reparations for any ship we sink during the blockade of Cuba. If a ship is sunk trying to break the blockade, the responsability will be that of the ship, for ignoring our warnings.

To: United States of America, United Kingdom
From: Empire of Holy Spain

Your utterly disgusting actions in the collaboration of the rebellion in Cuba completely sicken us. From now on, you may consider all diplomatic and economic relations between the Empire of Holy Spain and you two severed. Your diplomatic representatives in Madrid will be immediately escorted to Portugal without delay, and we demand safe passage for our representatives in London and Washington to Spanish territory.

To: Cuban rebels
From: Empire of Holy Spain

Despite your cowardly attack on our soldiers and our ships, we are willing to be magnanimous. The Emperor is willing to concede amnesty to those rebels that lay down their weapons and accept that Cuba is part of the Empire of Holy Spain, and that they are subjects of the Emperor. Any rebel that continues the fight will be shot at and killed or injured. In the latter case, and depending on their grade of betrayal and treason against the Imperial Crown, they will be hanged or imprisoned.

We tried to be good. We tried to bring new things, build roads, build infrastructure, and this is the way you repay us? Well, the time for being good is over. Anyone that does not surrender will soon be freezing in the second and fourth rounds of the Ninth Circle of Hell.

To: Héctor Álvarez
From: Empire of Holy Spain

You shall not receive any mercy from the Empire you betrayed so callously. Had you remained a loyal citizen of the Empire, you would have been able to live peacefully, and perhaps even do something great. However, you chose the path of treason and led a rebellion, a completely unnecessary rebellion, for now Cuba shall suffer for your actions. All our soldiers have been shown sketches of your face, and will be able to recognise you. The moment you are caught, you shall be executed by firing squad. No trial, no last request. Your remains will not even receive Christian burial, for it is clear for everyone to see that you have foregone the Christian precepts and teachings.

EDIT: Complaints will be sent via PM after a day of wait.

EDITEDIT: Just asking, should I have put "Voluntary" in there? Because none of IDEA is necessary for a new business. I can just go through the normal incorporating paperwork w/o petitioning ID or EA to start a business. In converse, I can petition IDEA w/o establishing a business, where I would hope that funds will be dedicated to my invention, making it more likely an entrepreneur will base a factory off my invention, making it more likely I will get royalties- very useful for those who start with low funds.

From The Roman Empire
To: Azerbaijan and Georgia

The Imperator decided to let you both have a chance to rule yourselves as you demanded. He agreed to do so as long as you both continued the peaceful relations between the various peoples and beliefs inside the Empire. You both have failed to do so.

Consider this a warning, but also an opportunity to people in both nations. The Roman Empire is inviting any citizens from either nation who feel oppressed to return to the Roman Empire. The Imperator is setting up a fund to help settle these families and individuals back into the Empire.

To the Governments of both nations realize that the Imperator has no wish to reclaim your nations, but he does desire peace and stability in the region and is willing to force the issue of remaining true to those values that made the Empire great. If you both continue on this course we will prevent it. If you both steer clear of the heavy seas you seem bent upon the Imperator will praise you both and refrain from direct action. If you both do not steer clear then he will have to make you steer clear for the good of the people.