Capto Iugulum: Empires and Nations

Global News Report​

SPAIN LAUNCHES MASSIVE PORT MODERNIZATION CAMPAIGN. Seville, Empire of Holy Spain. After seeing the boons brought to other nations by similar modernization efforts, the Empire of Holy Spain has initiated a major empire-wide campaign to update the ports. This has included major trading cities and ports in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Far East. These new expansions are all modeled upon similar projects conducted in the Empire of Brazil and the United Kingdom. The Spanish have pledged that the effort will add steam engines, new warehouses, and of course modern docks and coaling stations for the convenience of all Spanish shipping. The project has a massive cost, as they strive to achieve a naval infrastructure on a larger scale unprecedented by any other nation.

SPANISH IMPERIAL MILITARY REFORM. Madrid, Empire of Holy Spain. The army of Spain has seen some dramatic change this year which has outraged the upper class of Spanish government and the officer corps. First among these has been the allowing of native residents of the colonies to actually serve as officers, which has been viewed as insane by the established military and upper class. Furthermore, military academies have been surveyed for construction in a number of far-flung ports and outposts undeserving of a military installation. So far only the academies in Madrid and Lima have been completed, though others have been announced and surveyed. Many officers in the army and navy fear this could give uppity notions to the natives of the colonies, destabilizing the empire as a whole. This has caused enormous tension in some of the colonies between the army and the locals, as well as at home, where the reform infringes upon the upper class' established spheres of government. (-1 Stability; -1 Stability in Morocco, -1 Stability in the Philippines, -1 Stability in Spanish India)

EMPIRE OF HOLY SPAIN LAUNCHES REWARDS SYSTEM. Madrid, Empire of Holy Spain. After viewing the economic and political successes of the Indexes created by the imperial governments in the British and Swedish Empires, the Spanish have followed up with a similar program. There have been a few notable differences, including some political reform within the overall structure of the imperial management system. This has included the development and finalization of provincial borders within all the colonies of the empire. Furthermore, the Spanish program rewards the top six and aids the lowest six, in contrast to the British and Swedish programs. The key difference though has been the inclusion of individuals of note, who are to be financially rewarded for major contributions to the Empire, whether philanthropist or in terms of invention and creativity. While this new program has proven popular at home, it has met with mixed results abroad. The older colonies support this change and have become thrilled with the development, while it has been met with outright hostility in India, as the princes view it as undermining their own authority they thought they could keep under Spanish rule. (+1 Stability in Peru, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico; -1 Stability in Spanish India)

News from Europe​

REFORM INITIATED IN PORTUGAL. Lisbon, Portugal. Last year's electoral victory for the Party of Order in Portugal has opened the doors for new change in the workings of the national government. The elections were seen as a proper triumph of conservative ideals and to that end, the liberal cause has been greatly weakened. Elections have been pushed back to take place every three years, as two years was deemed insufficient for a modern state's government to undertake any significant endeavors. Further reform was made to voting rights, cutting down the amount of people able to be voted, measuring the weight of the vote upon wealth and land rights. This has been met with protests from the liberal elements of Portuguese society, though the involved dissidents have been arrested, the situation continues to become more tense in the streets of Lisbon. (-1 Stability)

BROTHERS OF ITALY STRIKE IN AUSTRIA. Trieste, Austria. The Brothers of Italy, despite their reverses in Venice during the Third Venetian War, have continued to maintain an active organization within Austria. The Italian population of Trieste and the surrounding region continues to make life difficult for the Austrian army. This time a major arsenal was destroyed by the Brothers, and looted for supplies, overwhelming the defending Austrian regiment. A pursuit into the mountains was also destroyed, giving evidence that the Brothers of Italy in Austria are far stronger than previously believed. The Austrian army has been deployed to the region to further maintain order and to hunt down any further groups of the Brothers of Italy that may exist in the region. (-1 Infantry Brigade)

NOBLES ATTEMPT REGIME CHANGE IN FLANDERS. Brussels, Flanders. The reforms to a new elected government in Flanders have been less than popular with the prior leaders of the aristocracy. This year, a group of dissatisfied noblemen attempted to force King Charles II to abdicate the throne in favor of a more pliant successor. They attempted to bluff a coup, attempting to convince the king that the army and people were against them. The king called their bluff and the nobles were unable to convince the military and authority to support them. The result was the immediate arrest and imprisonment of the reactionary nobles involved with the coup attempt. This has done much to eliminate reactionary concerns in Flanders, and to forestall any further unrest emanating from the upper classes. (+1 Stability)

MUSLIMS STRIKE VILLAGE IN GEORGIA. Tiflis, Georgia. Tensions have continued to mount between Azerbaijan and Georgia as a group of Islamic raiders attacked a Georgian village near the border. This is the latest in a series of growing conflicts between the two nations, even as the Roman Empire continues to attempt to defuse the situation. Once more both nations have mobilized their armies towards the border, as Georgia continues to demand compensation for the attack on the Georgian villagers. The Romans have warned against initiating any hostilities in the region, as the Georgians continue to attempt to force a new treaty between the two states. The Georgian king is still pressuring the Shah of Azerbaijan to pay compensation as the two sides seem to be once more approaching war.

LIBERALS DEMONSTRATE IN HANOVER. Hanover, Hanover. Years of prolonged trade and diplomatic relations with the Republic of the Netherlands and Denmark have continued to giving growing strength to the liberal movement in Hanover. The ideals and thoughts of the Dutch have infiltrated the growing middle class of Hanover, who have become increasing proponents of liberalism and republicanism. This year a series of protests throughout Hanover have led to growing dissent against the monarchy, despite King Charles Frederick's moderate sensibilities. They have called for immediate electoral reform and change to a government of the people like those in the Netherlands and Denmark. Concerned about the damage to national security that ceding to the protestors may create, especially with growing tensions with Paris-Burgundy, the king has so far denied any demands and called out the military to preserve order. (-1 Stability)

BROTHERS OF ITALY ACTIVE IN TUSCANY. Florence, Tuscany. Despite the end of the Third Venetian War, tensions still remain, threatening to destabilize the region once more. The nation of Tuscany continues to possess a considerable presence by the Brothers of Italy, who have been rallying the nation against what they call the "Hungarian occupation." The location of the Hungarian army within the borders of Tuscany since the end of the war has been a major creator of tensions within the region and continues to rally the Italians of Tuscany against Hungary and its allies. The Brothers of Italy have firmly portrayed Hungary as the true villain of the Italian people. To this end, a local Italian militia attacked and defeated a Hungarian brigade in battle in northern Tuscany. They have found increasing anger and resentment, particularly as the king of Tuscany continues to overlook crimes and misdeeds perpetrated by the Hungarian soldiers. (-1 Infantry Brigade for Hungary, -1 Stability for Tuscany)

PARIS-BURGUNDY ELECTIONS. Paris, Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy. The Progressive Party of the Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy has fallen apart as rivalries between conservatives and liberals greatly divide the authority of the nation. The liberals have begun demanding a reduction of military spending and the disbanding of the hated secret police, while the conservatives are pushing an agenda of French nationalist thought and military expansion. Under all these rivalries and bitter debates the moderate party governing the nation quickly collapsed. To the surprise of many, and with the backing and support of the king, the liberal Septembrist Party emerged victorious in elections, as the conservatives were even divided among themselves and unable to work together. The new liberal government has been heralded as a sign of coming reform, as many citizens anticipate them to be willing to dissolve the feared secret police and develop a new era for the government of the kingdom. (+1 Stability)

SWEDISH ELECTIONS. Stockholm, Sweden. Before the dramatic shifts which would ingrain 1846 as a momentous year for Scandinavia, the Swedes held their own elections for the Rikstag to constitute a new elected government. The Swedes have brought to bear a liberal government as the nation's Liberal Party trumps all comers. With their presence widely felt during the queen's negotiations with the Norwegians, the resulting government is just as much a result of this victory as it was the monarch's policies. The Swedish people were rallied to the liberals due to their support of the growing middle class as well as the calls for peaceful integration with the Norwegians. Furthermore, the short-lived secret police have been another source of fury, and the liberals have already kept their promise to disband that organization. (+1 Stability)

SPANISH MONARCHY FACES BUSINESS BACKLASH. Madrid, Empire of Holy Spain. The Spanish monarchy has begun entering into the sphere of industry and private business, outraging and devastating local entrepreneurs. The emperor has provided massive investment from the government's treasury into establishing new industry and production of various consumer goods. This has almost bankrupted a number of captains of industry overnight, as they were unable to compete with the government's resources. This has greatly diminished the support the emperor has had among big business, and angered a good portion of the middle class. They claim that while its reasonable for the monarchy to finance weapons production, consumer goods should be kept in the realm of business. (-1 Stability)

NORMANDY REFORMS INDUSTRIALIZATION DELEGATIONS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ASSOCIATION. Rouen, Normandy. After the debacle of that the initial creation of the Industrialization Delegations Association inspired in Norman industry, the whole thing has been mostly scrapped and reformed. This has been instead altered to take into account two key ideas among the changed organization. The first has been a reforming and streamlining of the patent system in Normandy, allowing for Norman inventers to receive due credit for any of their ideas. The second key part of this series of reforms has been the introduction of lower tariffs, hoping to improve trade with other nations, further cementing the Norman position of accessibility to the interior of France.

DIVORCE STRAINS POLISH-SWEDISH RELATIONS. Danzig, Poland. Relationships have reached an all time low between the governments of Poland and Sweden as Queen Christina and her husband, the Crown Prince of Poland, Zygmunt, have gone through a fairly nasty divorce. The Prince has been emasculated in front of the global community as the Queen Christina forced the divorce upon him, sending him home to Krakow. The resulting debacle has been a major international embarrassment for Poland, and has symbolized a steep drop in respect and relations between the two nations. The resulting reforms in Sweden to a new government have further strained relations, putting to rest the last remnants of the Northern League.

MAJOR REFORM IN SCANDINAVIA MARRED BY HOSTILITIES. Stockholm, Scandinavia. The year began with hostilities as the Queen Christina II of Sweden visited Oslo to pay her respects to the Norwegian King Harold. The result was the abortive start of a Norwegian uprising, which nearly cost the queen and king their lives. The Swedish military was quick to respond, and the uprising in the Oslo area was crushed by brute force in a major battle, even as the Norwegian king appealed for calm. This was a poor start to what would emerge as the most dramatic reform in Scandinavian history. A whirlwind romance and political marriage between the Norwegian king and the Swedish king has led to a marriage very quickly had after the queen's divorce from the Crown Prince of Poland. The recognition of the nobility of the Norwegian's claims and the promise of full equality to Norwegians has led to the declaration of the United Empire of Scandinavia. The Norwegian has been proclaimed Emperor Harold I of the new legacy, and continues to possess his title of King of Norway. Meanwhile, the former queen of Sweden continues that title, along with becoming the new Empress of Scandinavia. The reform has seen this new nation develop, though it has created some new tensions in other parts of the European empire. (+1 Stability, -2 Infantry Brigades)

REVOLUTION STARTS CIVIL WAR IN HUNGARY. Budapest, Hungary. The crimes of the monarchy have not gone unnoticed by elements of the Hungarian army and navy. With many of the younger officers learning from British and Dutch influences about the glories of republicanism and liberalism, the disbanding of the secret police has led allowed the launching of a democratic military coup. The result has been extensive bloodshed as the older officers throw their support behind the monarchy. The navy, while the younger officers attempted munities to secure control, has still fallen under the control of the monarchist forces, and has brought home the loyal army from Tuscany to bolster their power. The monarchists have managed to secure control of much of the extended empire where the army has only seen benefits from the king's rule. Only in Budapest and the actually Hungarian areas have they won support for the republican cause. The Serbian king has also issued immediate and full support for the monarchy, providing his army at King Vladislaus III's disposal. (-9 Third Rate Warships, -2 Second Rate Warships, -5 Norwich-class Warships, -8 Virjheid-class Warships)

BRITTANY COMPLETES PORT EXPANSION. Brest, Brittany. After significant delays caused by reinvestment of funds to upkeep the military, the effort to upgrade and expand the port of Brest has at last been completed. The Breton government was pleased to showcase the development and King Henry III himself appeared in front of audiences, to give a speech upon the completion of the project. The port expansion is self-explanatory, allowing more and larger ships to use the harbor for shipping, including the latest and greatest steam vessels. The Bretons have also included new steam engine and attached facilities, as well as providing state of the art coaling stations for any size of steam ship, civilian or military. While the Bretons continue to struggle to compete with Normandy for commerce into the center of France, this has clearly put them ahead of their other neighbors in Poitou.

DENMARK COMPLETES PAVING EFFORTS. Copenhagen, Denmark. The Danish government and Parliament at last announced the completion of the paving of roads throughout the nation. This has included paved roads in Iceland and, to a much smaller extent, Greenland. This has done much to improve sanitation in the cities as well as the ease of transportation across the countryside. The project has also begun further consideration of a bridging project through the Danish islands, hoping to further ease connection and transportation in the area. The effort has done much to improve the rural areas, further making use of the little European territory that the Danes actually possess.

GEORGIA BEGINS NAVAL CONSTRUCTION. Tiflis, Georgia. The outbreak of civil war in Hungary offers new opportunity for nations along the Black Sea, and with Kiev scrapping a similar project, the door seems to be opened to Georgia. As the Romans continue to throw their weight around in the Caucuses' politics, the Georgians seek a way to retaliate should a war break out. This has come down to a major project to establish naval infrastructure for the young kingdom of Georgia. Hungarian specialists have been hired, as well as token representatives from Spain and Italy. The hope is that Georgia will be able to establish itself as a naval power on the Black Sea, enabling it to create and protect overseas trade as well as a counterbalance to Roman threats.

HANOVER COMPLETES INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT. Gottingen, Hanover. After consultation with Denmark and Brandenburg, Hanover has completed its part of the recent development of infrastructure. This has included new customs stations and border markers with both other of its neighboring nations, improving the efficiency of trade. Though Brandenburg has yet to complete its similar developments, Denmark's program also completed this year, further expanding the efficiency of the project. Similarly, the investment in this program has increased local commerce and trade, proving a boon to the entire region. Commerce has begun to swell once more, as Brandenburg's trade shifts more and more through the west.

KIEV ENDS NAVAL PROGRAM. Sevastopol, Kiev. The defeat in the Cossack War against Moscowy has had unfortunate implications for Kiev's prior naval ambitions. Though the nation had previously determined to create a naval presence on the Black Sea, the war has forced the monarchy to scuttle this program. The devastation of Kiev's ranks caused by the Moscovite invasion has forced them instead to dedicate resources to trying to match the sheer size and strength of Moscowy's force. Furthermore, Hungary's collapse into civil war has also reinforced the need for further army protection. Though the overseas commerce of Kiev may suffer due to this decision in the long run, the short run requires the creation of a larger army to assure the very survival of Kiev as a nation.

SARDINIAN RAILROAD ESTABLISHED. Cagliari, Sardinia. Emboldened by the success of the steam engine programs in the nation's ports, the Sardinians have consulted with British engineers to create a passenger and transport system overland. This will include several bridges and the grading of several hills in what has been termed the Grand Sardinian Royal Railroad Service. The monarchy has stood solidly behind this project, calling for every town on the island to be connected by railroad, providing safe and easy transportation along the island. Other nations and businesses have been observing the process, wondering if perhaps the time of the steam train has finally arrived. In the meantime, the Sardinians have laid significant track, but continue to work to develop trains and bridges to actually run the system. Furthermore, some glitches have appeared as they looked to create suitably placed coaling and water stations to prevent overheating among the train courses.

SWITZERLAND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT COMPLETED. Zurich, Switzerland. The Swiss have completed a several year project to develop the nation's infrastructure and road system across the nation. This has been the first truly federal project to be begun and completed since the current system of government was established. The effort went forward with surprising success and has completely revitalized and paved the former Swiss road network. The hope is that the new road system will allow Switzerland to not only improve trade relations with neighboring Savoy-Milan, but also allow it to respond more effectively to invasion. The Third Venetian War and the near crisis which erupted with Paris-Burgundy has caused Switzerland to realize it could very well become surrounded by enemies, and this new network is the only way for them to respond appropriately.

News from the Americas​

SPAIN AND UNITED STATES SIGN NEW TREATY. Washington D.C., United States of America. Relations between the United States of America and the Empire of Holy Spain have consistently been tense for over two decades. It has only worsened after the brief Spanish-American War, the fighting in the Aztec Empire, and of course the expulsion of American diplomats from Madrid following the Cuban Rebellion. The Spanish have frequently been viewed as the great threat against American ways of life for these two decades, and it has come as a shock to many as a new treaty promises new relationship between the Scott government and the Empire of Holy Spain. The new Treaty of American-Spanish friendship has reinstated the American ambassador in Madrid, while the Spanish recognize the Scott government as the legitimate American government. They have further vowed to prevent foreign influences from undermining the government and have offered their full support to Scott's government.

CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. Boston, United States of America. The American republic has collapsed in a blaze of fire and unrest following last year's takeover by Alfred Scott and the army. A group of elected governors from the northeast have come together and demanded the restoration of the elected government. General Scott has refused these demands and has offered lucrative options and support, winning a considerable amount of influence in the south. Meanwhile, in the west, the army has been withdrawn from the support of the settlers, as the natives are increasingly brazen in their attacks against the militias. This has resulted in several states and territories withdrawing their support from the union, fueled by the need to protect themselves as well as some already inherent secessionist sentiments. The scope of the unrest and revolts has dictated that this tragic event in American history gains its own special section below.

ELECTIONS HELD IN COLOMBIA. Bogota, Colombia. For the first time since 1826, free and open elections have been held in the nation of Colombia. Under the guidance of interim president Aureliano Buendía, the nation has assumed a new republican constitution in preparation for these elections. President Buendia has won popular support due to his selfless actions, assembling a party which has named itself after him. The Party of Buendia stands for a more moderate approach to government, hoping to establish a new course for Colombia. They hope to improve immigration and to establish the nation as a true center of northern South America as it had been before the disasters of the early 1830s. They have appealed to the conservatives by continuing insistence upon Panama and Ecuador's rightful place in a Colombian nation, continuing to alienate their neighbors. (+3 Stability)

URUGUAYAN ELECTIONS POSTPONED. Montevideo, Uruguay. The continuing demonstrations of violence and unrest by the Uruguayan Colorados have forced the reigning President, Marquez Argosto, to temporarily postpone the elections. Martial law continues to be enforced in Montevideo, as the army hunts down and arrests various leaders of the Colorados. The anti-integration stance of the Colorados continues to appeal in the countryside, as the rural areas resent the influence of Montevideo on the rest of the country. The president has stated that for now elections are canceled, but shall be resumed in 1850, claiming that a period of consistency is needed to preserve stability in Uruguay. Protests have emanated from both neighboring nations of Argentina and Brazil, calling for elections to be held regardless of the president's personal feelings. (-1 Stability)

SPAIN SPONSORS CONSTRUCTION IN UNRULY CUBA. Havana, Empire of Holy Spain. The end of the Cuban Rebellion still left some damage of infrastructure throughout the island, particularly in areas affected by artillery bombardment or siege. The Spanish have flooded the region with investment and aid from the monarchy, hoping to rebuild the damage done. While mostly popular, some radical Cuban independence advocates have continued their war, and have even thus alienated themselves from the more reasonable main Cuban population. They have attacked and killed Spanish soldiers working on improving the countryside, and even sparked a lynch mob against them when several children were killed in one of their attacks. The result has been a growing amount of support for Spanish rule, or at least acceptance of it, more than had existed before the rebellion. (+1 Stability in Cuba)

AZTEC WAR COMES TO AN END. Tenochtitlan, Empire of Holy Spain. The war between the various invading powers and the Aztec Empire has at last come to an end as the Spanish turn their full force against the Aztecs. The recent treaty between Spain and the United States of America has granted the whole of the Aztec Empire to Spanish rule, and they have pushed forward with great zeal. With overwhelming forces brought from the Yucatan, Cuba, and even India, the Spanish have brought to bear their full might, outnumbering and outgunning the Aztecs considerably. Despite this, the Aztecs managed to determinedly throw themselves into battle after battle, even winning some fights, under the direct leadership of their Emperor Ahuitzotl II. His death after several defeats was the effective end of any organized empire, bringing Aztec society as they knew it crashing down. The Spanish have dominated the region, annexing the whole area into the greater Empire of Holy Spain. Some pockets of Aztec resistance still are believed to exist in the remote regions of the area, but have so far been isolated any without any substantial or realistic organization.
Casualty Lists
Aztec Empire: 18 Infantry Brigades, 3 Cavalry Brigades
Empire of Holy Spain: 4 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades

SPAIN-NEW SPAIN ECONOMIC DISPUTE RESOLVED. Managua, New Spain. After a year-long blockade of New Spain by the Spanish Imperial Navy, the New Spanish have been forced to accept the return of Spanish big business. Though vague promises have been made to reel in the resistance of Spanish business to the ongoing Rivera Transport Scheme, most have instead begun integrating themselves into the process. Most of the local laborers and business have become employed and owned by the Spanish industries which had nearly been expelled. Spanish big business continues to infiltrate into Managua and New Spain's economy. This has had unfortunate political ramifications for President Rivera, who faced a major backlash from his political base. (-2 Stability for New Spain)

BRAZIL DEVELOPS NEW NAVAL CAPACITIES. Rio de Janeiro, Empire of Brazil. After several years of construction, the Brazilian navy has developed substantial new drydocks and construction edifices along the harbor front in Rio de Janeiro. The effort has been made to improve overall construction of warships and naval capacity for the Brazilian fleet. The need for naval power continues to become more and more apparent, particularly with the collapse of Brazil's oldest ally in the United States of America. The need for naval power has never been so apparent, even as fairly peaceful relations have finally been achieved with Argentina. The program has proven a success, as prominent British and Spanish naval builders have been consulted in the process, as well as other out of work engineers from the United States. (+1 Navy Quality)

BRITISH DISAVOW AMERICAN TREATY. Saint John, United Kingdom of Great Britain. The fall of the elected American government in the United States has led to ramifications abroad. The British have refused to recognize the government created by General Scott and his cronies, and have thus renounced the Treaty of Halifax. This agreement, which established an alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom, was deemed invalid due to it having been made with an elected government. The military regime was viewed as not a continuation of the new government, and therefore the British end of the treaty has been revoked completely. The Americans have viewed this as hostile intent, but it will likely play a key role in the erupting conflict in North America.

CHILE BEGINS AMBITIOUS NEW PROGRAM. Santiago, Chile. The Chilean government, still languishing under mounds of debt and internal unrest and dissent, has brought to bear a new project to win the hearts of the people. This has come to form in an attempt to create a road network from north to south, allowing for overland transportation in addition to oversea efforts. Unfortunately, the government continues to face criticism for the massive expense, which has been deemed redundant. Most critics believe that any overland transportation would still be overshadowed by the superior shipping capacity of steamships. The project still moves ahead regardless, as Chile struggles to have relevance in South American economics.

JAMAICA FINISHES COASTAL FORTIFICATIONS. Kingston, Jamaica. After several years investment, the Jamaicans have completed efforts to upgrade and expand the defensive fortifications in Kingston harbor. The Jamaicans have found this to be considerably more effective than the old British forts remaining across the island. The hope remains that the forts will safeguard the commerce and harbors of Jamaica as well as secure their independent position. As tensions continue to mount along the Gulf of Florida and in the Caribbean due to the problems in the United States, a little security is viewed as a precious thing by the Jamaicans. Further projects have not been announced but Jamaican authorities believe that new efforts will be dedicated to economic reorganization.

PARAGUAY ESTABLISHES RAILROAD COMPANY. Asunción, Paraguay. With a surplus of wealth and stable relations with both neighbors, Paraguay has struggled for something to do with its funds. To that end, the Paraguayan government have established the Paraguayan National Railroad, hoping to connect its cities. This is proving to be an immensely expensive and difficult project, as all goods have had to be slowly imported from overseas, and then through Brazil. It is estimated that this will take a substantial amount of time and national resource, as almost everything has had to be imported and reassembled in Paraguay for the project to even take place. Regardless, the hope is that the program will establish Paraguay as the most modern and progressive nation in the Americas, as well as the most peaceful and happiest.

VENEZUELA COMPLETES INTEGRATION EFFORTS. Caracas, Venezuela. The Venezuelan government has at last squelched the last resistance to centralized rule in Caracas, securing its position against regional warlords and landowners. The military thankfully has not had to be used throughout most of the process, allowing them to complete the integration efforts without much problems. Regardless, the final stages has seen a last desperate gamble by a group of rural landowners to seize power. The attempted coup was crushed as the Venezuelan central army grew and expanded at the expense of the outlying regions. Some dissent continues to emerge though as people doubt the reasons behind President Soublette's call to power. Some resent his nearly absolute authority, and have begun to clamor for reform. (-1 Stability)

SPECIAL: The Collapse of the United States​

THE REBELLION IN THE NORTH. New York City, United States of America. The situation has at last devolved to war in the north as the governor of New York declared that he no longer recognized the rule of General Scott. He, and the governors of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New Hampshire immediately demanded the resignation of General Scott and the restoration of the elected government. They also demanded the surrender of Fort Arnold, run by an officer loyal to Scott, and all terms were refused. The militia of New York was thus mobilized, firing upon Fort Arnold and achieving its surrender. This has sparked several minor confrontations as a true civil war erupts between the Council of Governors and General Scott. The call for the restoration of the elected government of the imprisoned President Taylor has rallied several other states to the banner. Vermont, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee have all followed suit, sending representatives to the council and mobilizing their militias for war.

SCOTT GAINS SUPPORTERS. Washington D.C., United States of America. After the firing upon Fort Arnold, the states have had to pick sides in the growing conflict between both factions struggling for control of the central American government. Scott's main support has come from his backers in Virginia in Maryland, and to a lesser degree Georgia and North Carolina. South Carolina, after fighting a brief civil war of its own, has also declared support for General Scott, giving him a solid hold in the south. Despite the withdrawal of the army from the territories, General Scott is a well-known Indian fighter throughout the West, and the territories have almost unanimously supported him, including the young states of Illinois and Wisconsin. Furthermore, the ever present threat of Swedish invasion and intimidation have pushed the state of Nova Scotia into the Scott camp, placing those loyal to him in an interesting strategic quandary as the governors' states rest between those that support Scott.

REBIRTH OF THE CHEROKEE NATION. New Echolta, Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee Nation had joined the United States as a slave state, but was less than amused by the rise of the hated General Scott in Washington. While a number of the various white settlers in the state were eager to support the general and his army, the Cherokee majority has retained control of the state and declared its independence. The Cherokee Nation has been restored as the local native government has been reestablished. The former President Sequoyah has celebrated this move, saying it is a strike against the tyranny of Washington. The state militia and the various other native tribes in the region have lent their forces to the support of the new government has any dissenters have typically been silenced through a variety of means.

INDEPENDENCE OF JACKSONIA. Jefferson, Jacksonia. Of all the American territories, Jacksonia is one of the most heavily populated and the most remote from the rest of the United States. With numerous settlers from across the world, the local settlers were horrified and shocked by the developments in Washington D.C. When the army was withdrawn to fight in the east, Jacksonia was quick to assemble a militia in preparation to defend itself. Furthermore, a large number of soldiers from the army simply decided to disobey their orders and remain in Jacksonia, where they have been building their own lives in the region. The fledgling government in Jacksonia has therefore been able to must an army of its own as a constitutional convention has been called in Jefferson, the largest city of the territory. The hope is that the new government will be formed with the capacity of protecting and expanding the holdings of Jacksonia and its settlers.

CREATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF FLORIDA. San Antonio, Florida. The states of West Florida and Bayou have had a history of being loosely and literally independent of the rest of the United States. The short-lived Republic of West Florida led an independent existence for several years before joining the Union. Therefore it was still fairly simple for them to metaphorically dust off the old constitutional government and declare independence. This has been given ample support by long-time governor Samuel Houston, who has been backing secessionist principles for nearly three years. The Treaty of Spanish-American friendship was the final straw, leading to outrage throughout the whole of the region. A number of neighboring territories also voted to join the Republic, and reform was eventually called for after the states of East Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama also sought to join. The result is the new Republic of Florida, combining the multiple states into a single larger structure. The former territories in the west continue to be recognized as a territories, though they have begun applying for future statehood.

News from Africa and the Middle East​

SULTAN OF OMAN DIES AMID UNREST. Muscat, Oman. Salim bin Sultan, ruler of Oman, passed away this year in his bed, from apparent heart failure. His death has come at a particularly tense time for Oman, with the Caliphate shuddering and the loss of their overseas empire to the Europeans. During the latest period of his reign, the greatest dispute was over the possibility of abandoning the apparently disintegrating Caliphate. The status of Oman as a protectorate has been disputed by some, but it seems that the faction wishing to remain with the Caliphate has triumphed. The former heir has been disregarded and Khalid has been selected as the new sultan, due to his fundamental attributes and loyalty to the Caliph. The change has been met with more than a little disfavor, as the countryside seethes with rebellion and unrest, and various tribes have struck against the Omani army. The result has been growing turmoil and unrest against the new sultan as the government struggles to maintain its hold. (-1 Infantry Brigade, -1 Stability)

TUNIS ABANDONS THE CALIPHATE. Tunis, Tunis. The faltering strength of the Caliph and the Mamlukes as a whole has given pause to foreign supporters, and Tunis has been one of the prime advocates of abandoning the existing structure. Though Yemen was the first to abandon the Caliphate's protection about a decade before, Tunis has remained waveringly loyal to Cairo. The recent turmoil and rebellions throughout the Caliphate and the recent death of the Caliph have demonstrated a weakening grasp of the government. To this end, and after several years of a military buildup of their own, Tunis no longer feels it needs to Caliph's protection. They have thus abandoned the protection of the Caliphate, striking out to form a true and independent identity of their own. (+1 Stability)

FAMINE IN YEMEN. Sana'a, Yemen. The nation of Yemen has faced a devastating new famine this year as several of the largest farmlands were devastated by blights and unrest. The result has been a major food shortage and starvation throughout the countryside and most families have been unable to feed themselves. This has caused growing dissent against the government and of course a population decline as people starve to death. The Yemeni government has done little to response, except by using the army to destroy any unruly mobs created by the famine. This of course has made the sultan less than popular among the masses, but the army continues to back his reign against any dissent that emerges. (-1 Stability, -6 Manpower)

NOMADS LAUNCH NEW STRIKES AGAINST SPAIN IN ALGERIA. Algiers, Empire of Holy Spain. The Spanish authorities in northern Africa have once more faced attacks from dissident nomads striking from hidden camps in the deserts. The Spanish garrison in Algeria has been less than fruitful in hunting down and destroying these camps, and they have won several small victories against the empire. The nomads continue to resist Spanish imperial rule, and are believed to be supported by elements within the cities as well. Regardless, it is uncertain how much damage has been done to the nomads in the course of fighting with the nomads throughout the region. The nomads take all weapons and their own bodies with them away from any scene of battle. (-1 Infantry Brigade, -1 Cavalry Brigade, -1 Stability)

MILITIAS FORMED IN SOUTH AFRICA. Cape Town, United Kingdom of Great Britain. Due to the perceived inability of the British government in London to protect the settlers of South Africa, the locals have begun forming militias. The locally assembled forces act with autonomy away from the larger British military command, attempting to defeat and destroy the armies and villages of the local native tribes. While this has worked to extend the area of British settlement throughout southern Africa, the tensions continue to mount with the British governing authority. Many have begun to view London as being out of touch and incapable of ruling South Africa from abroad. The result has been the growing autonomy and strength of the militias as a counter to British military and colonial authority. The government in Cape Town is slowly losing control as the settlers build up their strength and capacities against the natives. (-1 Stability)

DEATH OF THE CALIPH. Cairo, Mamluk Caliphate. After several years of ill health Caliph Muhammed Ali passed away this year. While his reign has seen a surge in Mamluk military power and strength compared to its neighbors, his ill health and faltering leadership has led to the past few years being fairly disastrous for the Caliphate. The independence of the Turkish Sultanate and the still raging Cizre Bohtan rebellion stand as a testament to the failures of his later life. There was a heated dispute over the matter of succession for the position of Caliph, and the result was some bloodshed between two of the factions. The reactionary Islamic faction led by Muhammad Kabar, advocating radical intolerance of non-Sunni groups within the Caliphate, fought vehemently against the chosen successor, a fairly moderate candidate, Abdul Bitar. The opposition by the radical Muslims following Kabar brought only more support to Bitar's side, especially after a small coup attempt. Kabar has gone into hiding, and most of his supporters have been imprisoned or executed after a brief battle in Cairo. Caliph Abdul Bitar has pledged a more Arabian based government, shifting away influence from Egypt to the rest of the Caliphate. (-3 Infantry Brigades, -2 Cavalry Brigades, -1 Artillery Brigade, +1 Stability)

SPAIN BUILDS FIRST TRUE CATHEDRAL IN AFRICA. Bata, Empire of Holy Spain. The Spanish monarchy, concerned about the influences of native religions upon the management of their nation, continues to push forward in their calls for Catholicism. To this end, they have shifted significant funds and support to building a cathedral to rival those of Europe in the colonial outpost of Bata. Construction has pushed forward with haste and zeal as the local converts strive to complete their mission. The new cathedral, though still not completely decorated was visited by Emperor Carlos VI himself for Christmas mass, a sign of the legitimacy and support of Madrid to the people of Bata. This has done much to ease any existing tensions in the colony as the Pope lauds the Emperor once more for his devotion to the religious calling. (+1 Stability in Guinea)

TURKISH SULTAN RECOGNIZED BY CALIPH. Damascus, Mamluk Caliphate. The new Caliph Abdul Bitar, after extensive negotiations with the sultan of the Turks, has at last agreed to recognize the independence of the sultanate. This has come in exchange for the return of ships captured by the Turks, though the Turkish crews have abandoned those ships instead choosing to remain and help construct a new Turkish navy. The recognition has otherwise come with no strings attached as the Caliphate begins turning towards crushing the rebels in Cizre Bohtan. The young new sultanate has received further recognition from Tunis, though the Roman Empire, the main other neighbor of the new nation, has continued to remain ominously quiet. Unfortunately, this has spurred new unrest in the Caliphate, as the recognition has given hope to other rebellious factions throughout the whole of the Mamlukes' empire. (-1 Stability for Mamluk Caliphate, +1 Stability for Turkish Sultanate)

GREEKS THREATEN DESTABILIZATION OF TURKISH BORDERS. Konya, Turkish Sultanate. New tensions have emerged with the recognition of the Turkish Sultanate by the Mamluk Caliphate. The Greeks who had been previously fairly content under the Caliphate's rule in the Turkish majority areas now face new persecution. This has destabilized the outlying regions of the new sultanate as the Greeks become more and more aligned with the Roman Empire. Reports of the Romans providing aid and succor to the Greek towns and villages along the border have been met with extensive protest from the Turks, who view it as an attack upon their sovereignty. These new tense relations could be the foundation for a new war as the Romans seek to protect other Greeks throughout the region. For now, the Greeks continue to destabilize Turkish rule over the area, and face retaliation from the army. (-1 Stability)

BRAZILIAN EXPEDITION TO BENIN ENDS IN DISASTER. Ili-Ibinu, Benin. The nation of Benin, ignored by most imperialists for the past few years since the disastrous Spanish expedition sent there, has once more appeared on the newsdesk of the world. The Empire of Brazil sent a surveying expedition to the small African colony to gauge its potential for trade and colonial wealth. Three ships were sent, one older vessel was lost in crossing the Atlantic Ocean in a particularly bad storm, and this would serve as a truly bad omen for the rest of the voyage. Upon arriving and setting up camp, the surveyors were immediately attacked by the local natives, and afterward found themselves driven into the sea. Party leader Daniel de Jesus was killed in the attack, and in the process, the only other fully sail driven vessel was sunk. After this disaster, the remaining ship returned home in failure, reporting only hostile intent from the locals. (-2 Fourth Rate Warships)

CIZRE BOHTAN REBELLION. Cizre, Cizre Bohtan. The Shia rebels of Cizre Bohtan have continued their rebellion against the Caliphate, struggling to preserve their newfound freedom. Despite the other turmoil in the Caliphate, the new Caliph continues to stand somewhat against the rebellion, and has continued to order in the military against the rebellion. The caliph's armies pushed back to the north, hoping to reclaim Mosul in their approach against Cizre itself. The result was a victory for the Caliphate on the field of battle, reclaiming the territories lost in the rebels' offensive last year. Cizre's army continues to remain intact however as they pull back from their loss on the battlefield. At last, the Mamlukes were once more able to march upon Cizre itself. Undaunted by their previous defeat, the forces of Cizre Bohtan won a major victory, luring the Mamlukes into a tactical trap and devastating their army with artillery crossfire. The Mamlukes were routed. With the main Mamluk army in disarray, the forces of Cizre Bohtan once more reclaimed Mosul and the surrounding area.
Casualty Lists
Cizre Bohtan: 6 Infantry Brigades, 1 Cavalry Brigade, 1 Artillery Brigade
Mamluk Caliphate: 9 Infantry Brigades, 3 Cavalry Brigades, 3 Artillery Brigades

News from the Far East​

DEFECTIONS PLAGUE SOUTHERN CHINESE. Guangzhou, Guangzhou. As fighting continues to rage, it seems that the Ascendants are becoming the clear victors in the ongoing war. To that end, and particularly due to the lucrative offers made to defecting soldiers, an increasing number of desertions have led to a decimation of the ranks of Fuzhou and Guangzhou. The offers of plunder and wealth to any veteran warriors have been truly appealing, particularly as such riches have been few on the ground in the south. Furthermore, the wealth offered is far greater than the soldiers of Guangzhou received doled out from their British paymasters. The result has been diminishing forces for both of the remaining would-be emperors as their troops join the growing Ascendant cause.

WAR CONTINUES IN CHINA. Peking, Ascendant's Kingdom of Holy China. The war in China has taken a devastating turn as the Ascendants sweep southward in overwhelming force. Thanks to dissent among the forces of Guangzhou and Fuzhou, as well as the continuing battle over Fujian, the Ascendants have found very little resistance along the whole of the eastern coast. There were only two places which held up the onslaught, both European enclaves in the Chinese nation. The first and strongest of the two was Shanghai, where the British spent enormous amounts of money hastily arming the population and fortifying for the attack that was sure to come. General Kong, the leader of the rebellion, declared the city of Shanghai to personify the ills of Chinese society and declare that it must be thoroughly cleansed of corruption. The result was a brutal week long rampage through the city, as hundreds of thousands are believed to have been killed in a slaughter of unprecedented proportions. The European soldiers and residents did their best to survive and defend, but they were outnumbered by hundreds each and were ultimately overrun. Due to unfavorable winds, all but the newest British steamships were stuck in the harbor and burned at anchor by the vengeful Chinese. Some few sailors were evacuated, but most had joined the ramshackle defenses. There were no survivors. At the end of the week, Shanghai was still burning, a shell and disaster of unheard of size. The next to face the sheer wrath of the Ascendants were the Spanish in their own harbor southeast of Shanghai at Zhoushan. The Spanish were even worse prepared, not really expecting a threat from the local Chinese. The Spanish were slaughtered in the attack and overrun by a vastly larger force. As before, unfavorable winds trapped the Spanish ships in harbor as the Chinese approached, and they were burned at anchor to prevent capture as the steamships escaped. Meanwhile in the south, the forces of Guangzhou at last smashed the Fuzhou Empire at Fujian, securing the remnants of their navy, as well as forcing the Fuzhou Emperor to concede defeat. As the Ascendants approach, the rest of Fuzhou's army has joined Guangzhou's force to defend the lands that remain. The newly assembled army met with the Ascendant army within sight of the Dutch trading city of Wenzhou, as the Guangzhou Emperor knew that another European trading city would be irresistible to the Ascendants. The result was a bloody battle as tens of thousands died fighting, but ultimately the Ascendants emerged victorious, shattering Guangzhou's army and forcing them to retreat. The Dutch trading city was soon targeted and overrun by the victorious Ascendants, with no more defenses of any substantial nature. As the Guangzhou army continued to fall back and regroup from the Ascendants' onslaught, the Ascendants pushed into the Swedish port of Xiamen, overrunning the defenses there and purifying it of European taint as well. In the west, Yunnan has continued to clash with both Guangzhou and the Ascendants, losing some ground to the latter as the armies of Guangzhou continue to hold their attention. The Ascendants have declared Islam to be impure and have demanded conversion or death for any Islamic Chinese.
Casualty Lists
Ascendant's Kingdom of Holy China: 35 Infantry Brigades, 4 Cavalry Brigades, 7 Artillery Brigades, 360 Manpower
Empire of Holy Spain: 1 Infantry Brigade, 2 Second Rate Warships
Fuzhou Empire: 9 Infantry Brigades, 1 Cavalry Brigade, 5 Artillery Brigades
Guangzhou: 33 Infantry Brigades, 7 Cavalry Brigades, 10 Artillery Brigades, 101 Manpower
Republic of the Netherlands: 2 Infantry Brigades, 4 Second Rate Warships
Sweden: 1 Infantry Brigade, 2 Second Rate Warships, 3 First Rate Warships
Tibet: 2 Infantry Brigades, 7 Manpower
Yunnan: 7 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 203 Manpower
United Kingdom of Great Britain: 2 Infantry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade, 10 Third Rate Warships, 10 Second Rate Warships, 2 First Rate Warships

JAPAN AND SWEDEN SIGN NEW TREATY. Tokyo, Japan. The Japanese and Swedish governments have signed a new treaty, establishing a Swedish embassy in Japan, as well as developing new trade and economic ties. Both powers have found common cause as Japan begins major imports of iron from Sweden to fuel their own growing industry. The Japanese have welcomed this new deal with Sweden as a sign of their position as a further modern national power in the Pacific Ocean. Swedish business has also applauded the treaty due to the replacement of Japan as a market for business in the region. Rising tensions in both China and Korea have led many to be concerned about the fate of Swedish commerce in the Far East. The new treaty with Japan has laid to rest many of these growing fears and concerns.

DUTCH COMPLETE JAVA ROADS PROJECT. Palembang, Republic of the Netherlands. The project started well over a decade ago by Dutch colonial authorities called the "Java Roads," but in reality including a number of different islands, has at last been completed. The Republic of the Netherlands was proud to demonstrate the completion of this project, greatly easing overland transportation throughout the various islands. This has included some paved roads in the cities but overall has been focused on building modern bridges and other structures throughout the region. The effort has greatly improve the Dutch image throughout the region, as well as helping spur the local economy. Unfortunately, with the end of the project a number of laborers are now once more out of work, having spent the better part of the past fifteen years on this effort.

SPAIN OPENS INDIA FOR MISSIONARY WORK. Gujarat, Empire of Holy Spain. The Spanish government has officially opened the interior of India for the establishment of Catholic missions and missionary work. The Papacy has backed this move and sent hundreds of clergymen to create the infrastructure for the expansion of the Catholic Church into Spanish India. The missionaries have met with some very limited success among the lower classes, which have found some appeal in the fairly egalitarian nature of the religion expressed. Unfortunately this has continued to exacerbate relations between the Spanish throne and the Indian princes, who view this as a direct attack upon the system their entire way of life rests upon. Regardless, so far this has been limited to token protests, but resentment against the Emperor of Spain among the princes seems to be on the rise. (-1 Stability to Spanish India)

Financial Section​

ECONOMIC FLUCTUATION REPORT. Madrid, Empire of Holy Spain.


Random Stat Changes and Fluctuations

Manpower Boom in Flanders: +12 Manpower

Random Army Quality Boost in Savoy-Milan: +1 Army Quality

OOC

Adrogans has been dropped from the Roman Empire due to his hiatus from NESing.

Good teamwork everyone to get this to the top of the page if you do 20 posts per page. Well done!

World Map

TO: Alfred Scott, Usurper of Liberty
FROM: Brazilian Empire

It is with great animosity that we adjudicate on this eve the relations between our nations. This message brings to your desk the final liaison from the People of Brazil, brothers in arms and in liberty, and with thunderous unison we condemn your actions. We will never falter in our quest to protect those that cannot protect themselves. We do not declare war, as such decision would legitimize you in your false rule. It takes a great man to willingly give his power to the people, but a tyrannical swine to seize it from their rightful hands. It will be a long journey, fraught with difficulties, but the beasts will be slain.

TO: The Gubernatorial Council, Heads of the One True United States

Suffer no longer in the shadow of tyranny, brothers, for the righteous lady of liberty stands with us. Help is on the way.

Direct all Jacksonia diplo to me

Global Statistics as of 1846​

Total Global Manpower: 66,187
Total Global EP: 4,482
Average Global Stability: 6.9
Average Army Quality: 9.3
Average Naval Quality: 6.6

Most Manpower: Ascendant's Kingdom of Holy China
-2: Guangzhou
-3: Moscowy
-4: Korea
-5: Mamluk Caliphate
Largest Economy: Empire of Holy Spain
-2: United Kingdom of Great Britain
-3: Scandinavia
-4: Republic of the Netherlands
-5: Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy
Most Domestic Spending: United Kingdom of Great Britain
-2: Empire of Holy Spain
-3: Scandinavia
-4: Republic of the Netherlands
-5: Portugal
Largest Army: Empire of Holy Spain/Ascendant's Kingdom of China (tie)
-3: Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy
-4: United Kingdom of Great Britain
-5: Guangzhou
Best Army: Empire of Holy Spain
-2: Scandinavia
-3: United Kingdom of Great Britain
-4: Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy
-5: Languedoc
Largest Navy: United Kingdom of Great Britain
-2: Empire of Holy Spain
-3: Republic of the Netherlands
-4: Scandinavia
-5: Mamluk Caliphate
Best Navy: United Kingdom of Great Britain
-2: Empire of Holy Spain
-3: Republic of the Netherlands
-4: Scandinavia
-5: Mamluk Caliphate

Power Ratings as of 1846​

The Great Eight

1. Empire of Holy Spain (33,696)
2. United Kingdom of Great Britain (25,844)
3. Scandinavia (14,064)
4. Republic of the Netherlands (11,152)
5. Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy (8,970)
6. Mamluk Caliphate (7,252)
7. Languedoc (6,856)
8. Poland (6,215)

Regional Powers

9. Roman Empire (5,282)
10. Persia (4,910)
11. Austria (4,850)
12. United States of America (Scott Faction) (4,671)
13. Moscowy (4,550)
14. Kingdom of Savoy-Milan (4,546)
15. Naples (4,004)

Independent Nations

16. Denmark (3,823)
17. Portugal (3,494)
18. Ascendant's Kingdom of Holy China (3,480)
19. Turkish Sultanate (3,162)
20. United States of America (Gubernatorial Faction) (3,039)
21. Hanover (2,988)
22. Bavaria (2,660)
23. Novgorod (2,637)
24. Empire of Brazil (2,561)
25. Hungary (Monarchist Faction) (2,559)
26. Burma (2,548)
27. Papal States (2,468)
28. Siam (2,407)
29. Switzerland (2,400)
30. Brandenburg (2,304)
31. Guangzhou (2,128)
32. Flanders (2,110)

Minor Nations

33. Georgia (1,978)
34. Hungary (Republican Faction) (1,970)
35. Kiev (1,860)
36. Normandy (1,840)
37. Brittany (1,768)
38. Argentina (1,603)
39. Poitou (1,590)
40. Colombia (1,571)
41. Sardinia (1,521)
42. Dauphine (1,420)
43. Cizre Bohtan (1,496)
44. Florida (1,442)
45. New Spain (1,420)
46. Venezuela (1,402)
47. Tunis (1,282)
48. Japan (1,188)
49. Chile (1,096)
50. Ecuador (1,076)
51. Tuscany (990)
52. Paraguay (966)
53. Yunnan (950)
54. Azerbaijan (942)
55. Uruguay (913)
56. Korea (860)
57. Serbia (840)
58. Oman (794)
59. Jacksonia (685)
60. Jamaica (658)
61. Tibet (620)
62. Madagascar (568)
63. Panama (540)
64. Yemen (493)
65. Corsica (492)
66. Zunghar Khanate (380)
67. Cherokee Nation (370)
68. Abyssinia (336)
69. Khazak Khanate (232)
70. Zulu Kingdom (110)
71. Benin (66)

OOC: Damn, half my ideas didn't work at all... And I would have thought that the Premios would have been liked in India, like it happened with the Brits and Swedes, after all it means better resources for them if they improve things. Now, to find ways to mend the damage done in certain places...

To: Indian Princes of Spanish India
From: Emperor Carlos VI de Trastámara-Borbón
All actions undertaken during this last year that you feel are an attack against your way of life, I can assure you that were not done with that spirit. The Premios Imperiales Anuales are not undermining your authority, but instead helping you, since it means you can have help from the Empire to improve your lands with roads, bigger cultives, build sanitation systems in your cities... everything done with those makes people happy, and happy people are people that are more accepting of the authority of those that undertake those actions.
As for the expansion of Catholicism in your lands, you have to understand that you accepted to be under our protection with little to no interference in your politics, but that did not mean that we would leave you untouched. Ours is a Catholic nation, and as such we are to help protect and expand the Catholic faith. If the people of India have converted to Catholicism, it is not our fault, for it was their decision to do so.

To: The World
From: Empire of Holy Spain

We hope, with these words, to convince you to refrain from sending troops to the United States, for such a move would not be advisable since we would be forced to act to prevent that. It is clear that the actions of General Scott as the President of the United States have angered a good part of the US population, but we are trying to work towards a peaceful resolution of this conflict before a war devastates all of the United States. We ask you that you work towards the same end, and push the different factions of this civil war to heed reconciliation instead of destruction.

To: All Factions in the United States
From: Empire of Holy Spain

We offer ourselves as mediators in the establishment of diplomatic meetings between all sides in this war. Given that most of you dislike us in equal measure, it is our belief that it might be enough to prevent any great fighting from taking place. If you do not wish us to act as mediators, perhaps the United Kingdom, the nation you were a part of last century, may be willing to act as such.

We suggest these terms that, hopefully, may be enough to restore peace within the United States:

• A ceasefire is reached between all factions in the United States.
• General Scott remains President of the United States in the interim, but held in check by the Governors, who will be part of a Crisis Cabinet.
• New elections are held, which the government of former President Taylor may become a part of.
• When the new President is voted into office, General Scott will leave the office of President and return to his previous role as a General of the United States Army.
• General Scott's demands regarding the Army's state are followed.
• No one is incarcerated for their actions against the Government, either the one led by former President Taylor or the one led by General Scott.

This way may not give everyone what they want, but it might be the best way to make sure that every side can have part of what they want without problem. We ask you that you heed our words, or that at least you consider them, for the sooner the peace negotiations start the less damage war will cause to your nation and people.

To: Empire of Holy Spain
From: United States of America
CC: American rebels

These terms seem mostly to be agreeable to the Scott government; however, the Scott government does not desire the return of the old Congress and presidency. The military does not trust the Taylor government to give the due support the army needs in protecting the United States from foreign and native threats, so we request that those of the government be required to retire from public service and that new candidates be nominated.

Also, with the considerable amount of support the Scott government has received, General Scott and the other members of the Scott government should be permitted to run as candidates. The Scott government has revealed itself to be more than a reflection of the discontent among the military; much of American society seems to reflect the same values that the Scott government represents. General Scott would be willing to submit to democratic process and accept whatever the result, and return to military service should he not be elected. There would be no interference in the interim, either. However, the option must be available. If General Scott were to be elected, he would also promise to maintain the democratic system under his administration.

However, we have held out a similar olive branch before, and that has not averted this civil war. It's unlikely the Governors or secessionists will accept this proposal.

TO: Spanish Empire
FROM: Brazilian Empire

We outright reject this proposal. We will not stand idly by and watch the rights of the people be destroyed by your defense of a dictator. If Spain wishes to attack its oldest ally in South America, so be it, but the ages will remember.

Luckymoose said:

TO: Spanish Empire
FROM: Brazilian Empire

We outright reject this proposal. We will not stand idly by and watch the rights of the people be destroyed by your defense of a dictator. If Spain wishes to attack its oldest ally in South America, so be it, but the ages will remember.

Click to expand...

To: Empire of Brazil
From: Empire of Holy Spain
What is your proposal, then, for a timely peace? Are you so happy to let the people of the United States kill each other in a war that might last years? You may prefer that the United States destroy themselves in a brutal civil war, and even provide troops to add to the carnage, but Spain does not, and Spain would prefer in this case that a peaceful resolution be reached before the shots are fired. Besides, we ourselves stated suggested that General Scott stepped down as soon as possible in our proposal, so we are not "defending a dictator", as you say.

TO: Spain
FROM: Brazil

The only peace that can come is for the Scott government to step down and return power to the governors immediately. Until he does we will have no choice but to defeat him and bring justice to the United States.

ooc: Did you finally remember to get the Austrians to repay their loan? Why do I have 146EP banked? And why didn't I colonize those islands?

To: The Empire of Holy Spain
CC: Brazil, The World
From: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

We regret to inform you that we do not consider these terms acceptable, and we support Brazil's notion that the Scott government step down immediately. Surely, Spain can realize that an unstable gang of warlords is no proper ruling party for a once-civilized nation.

@Double A: I told you already you received 44 EP this turn, and 44 EP next turn from Austria. That's also why you have so much banked. What islands are you talking about? Your orders, which I responded to, had no spending orders, and consisted solely of a speech (which I also could do nothing with, as I told you before) and a complaint about Austria.

From: Empire of Scandinavia
To: Those Whom It May Concern
CC: Jacksonia
The Empire of Scandinavia hereby officially recognizes the sovereignty of the independent nation of Jacksonia, and its rightful government. In the spirit of friendship with Jacksonia's government and people, the Empire of Scandinavia and Jacksonia agree to gradually lessen tariffs, open free trade, and promote trade and commerce between Scandinavian colonies in Vinland and Jacksonia. We encourage the rest of the international community to recognize Jacksonia as rightfully independent of the United States, who can no longer effectively administer or keep safe the former territory.

Signed, His Majesty Emperor Harold I of Scandinavia, Her Majesty Empress Christine II of Scandinavia, King and Queen of Norway and Sweden respectively

From: Empire of Scandinavia
To: Japan
We look forward to further cooperation, and a mutually beneficial relationship with your nation.

EQandcivfanatic said:

@Double A: I told you already you received 44 EP this turn, and 44 EP next turn from Austria. That's also why you have so much banked. What islands are you talking about? Your orders, which I responded to, had no spending orders, and consisted solely of a speech (which I also could do nothing with, as I told you before) and a complaint about Austria.

Click to expand...

Whaaaat? I distinctly remember writing 3-4 paragraphs on spending orders.

And after checking my sent box, I can't find them anywhere. I must've accidentally deleted them.

Oh well, at least all my EP got banked...

To: The World
CC: Scandinavia
From: United States of America

ANY recognition or support of rebels of the United States of America, secessionist or otherwise, will be recognized as an act of aggression towards the United States of America and will be treated as such. We advise that you stay out of our internal affairs and allow us to handle them. Your governments would likely expect the same courtesy in the same position, and likely handle any interference in the same manner.

From: Empire of Scandinavia
To: United States Military Junta
While we do not approve of your government, we have no desire for war. We see no evidence that your government is currently capable of maintaining the safety and just, democratic governance of the people of Jacksonia. If you believe otherwise, it is with them that your issue should be settled.

We merely recognize that the existing, sovereign government of Jacksonia has right to exist insofar as you are incapable of administering that territory. Prove us wrong.

Confirming that I'm taking the Gubernatorial Faction.

To: The Empire of Holy Spain
From: The United States of America
CC: The Usurper Alfred Scott and his gang of criminals

While we appreciate the sentiment, any solution that involves the criminal and traitor Alfred Scott going unpunished cannot be allowed. If we allow for Scott's actions to go without penality, it only opens the door for similar events to transpire in the future. The only way for the United States to maintain integrity and stability is for an end of the illegal occupation of the area controlled by the Scott faction and for a complete restoration of the previous government. While we would prefer for this to transpire by peaceful means, as we have shown we are willing to make this happen by force of arms.