Capto Iugulum: Empires and Nations

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Global News Report​

WAR OF THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY. Washington D.C., United States of America. The War of the American Presidency continues to rage onward as the factions in North America strive for control of the United States. The secessionist faction in Florida has finally entered into the conflict in full force, though it has been sabotaged by internal dissent. The fighting has swung back and forth throughout the whole region, as it remains a group of large, but fluid campaigns. Despite with the majority of the focus being in the United States of America, the war is truly on a global scale, as various ships fight across the oceans. Land warfare has also occurred in India, as well as limited other raids and fighting in South America and Africa. As before, this global conflict is covered in a special section of its own at the end of the Far East section, in order to provide full depth to the war.

News from Europe​

THE GREAT ROUEN FIRE. Rouen, Normandy. The Norman city of Rouen faced disaster of enormous proportions this year as a fire devastated the city limits. The fire destroyed a large portion of the predominantly wooden structures of the capital city of Normandy, including devastating the remnants and buildings of the 1838 World's Fair of Industry. The result has been widespread chaos throughout the region, as the population was dispersed as their possessions erupted into flames. The government has done their best to reign in the chaos, providing the army to preserve order. Regardless of efforts, though some of the government buildings were saved, thousands are believed to be dead and many more injured. Overall, the regional economy has been shattered and mass confusion and anger has destabilized the nation as a whole. (-1 Stability, -3 Manpower)

LIBERALS ARRESTED IN AUSTRIA. Vienna, Austria. The Austrians have conducted another round of arrests of liberal agitators throughout the nation, including the most dominant and outspoken of the bunch. This has been done in response to growing strength to the movement within Hungary, and the unrest it has generated in the region. Several dozen Austrian liberals have been arrested and imprisoned indefinitely, and this has made significant progress against the growth of this insidious ideology. The Austrian monarchy continues to stand firm with their Polish allies against the threat of liberalism against the divine right of monarchial rule. The Austrians have made strong strides in stabilizing their nation with this effort, shutting down the liberal movement for the time being. (+1 Stability)

BORDER SKIRMISHES IN CAUCUSES. Baku, Azerbaijan. Tensions have begun mounting once more between Georgia and Azerbaijan, as fighting erupted between various border garrisons. The turning of the Roman Empire's focus toward the southeast has enabled these two nations to once more ramp up their efforts against each other. The result has been several minor battles between the armies of both nations as they struggle for supremacy over the border villages and provinces. The Georgians have so far come out ahead, as it appears the two countries seem to be on a collision course for war. The Roman Empire has appealed for the two countries to remain calm, while Persia has also threatened to get involved should the Shah's rule in Azerbaijan be threatened. (-1 Infantry Brigade for both nations)

BRETONS FACE FRENCH UNREST. Nantes, Brittany. The people who rule Brittany have faced rising new threats against their regime, as unrest has begun emerging in the eastern provinces. The French populace, mostly in the border regions with Poitou and Languedoc, has become increasingly unruly and resentful against the Breton government. The resentment has emerged after years of mistreatment of the French minority in Brittany, including high taxes and arrests of notable French nationalists. This year the French minority has been riled by a growing number of outspoken agitators against the Breton monarchy. They have been calling for a united French nation, and speaking against the Celtic culture of the Bretons. (-1 Stability)

TRADE DISPUTES DESTABILIZE DAUPHINE. Grenoble, Dauphine. The government of Dauphine has been threatened between growing disputes between merchants of Languedoc and Paris-Burgundy. The recent Languedoc takeover of Provence has disrupted long standing trade routes along the rivers in the region, and has led to growing disputes between the merchants of those two nations. The traders of Paris-Burgundy and Languedoc have been partaking in cutthroat commercial practices, waging effective price war. This has sponsored a growing rise in corruption among Dauphine's government system, which has threatened to destabilize the nation. Furthermore, there has been rumors even related to growing violence among the various merchant families, including several high profile murders in Grenoble this year. King Humbert V has issued appeals to both of his neighboring kings, calling for them to reign in their merchant classes. (-1 Stability)

RESENTMENT GROWS IN POMERANIA. Stettin, Scandinavia. The recent reforms undertaken by Stockholm to unite Norway and Sweden has created dissent in other parts of the European empire. The first sign of this has been increasing agitation from German liberals in Pomerania against the changes in Stockholm. Furthermore, the old guard remains angry at their exclusion from the new political system, raising tensions with the Swedes and Norwegians, who are less than eager to share their newfound power. The result has been growing dissent with the Scandinavian government in Pomerania, and the call for local autonomy and perhaps even secession from the monarchy. This has grown exponentially throughout the years as local Swedes continue to flaunt their own wealth and inherent sensibilities of superiority to the local aristocracy. (-1 Stability)

WAR ERUPTS IN TUSCANY. Florence, Tuscany. The Brothers of Italy renewed their activity even more this year, securing more towns and villages for their cause throughout Tuscany. The Brothers were clearly backed by the crown and government of Savoy-Milan and King Leopold II of Tuscany was forced to respond. The army was deployed to the dissident towns and communities throughout the north to restore order and stability. The government of Savoy-Milan warned them against aggression against the Brothers of Italy, and moved in to defend the communities against the Tuscan monarchy. The result was the outbreak of war between Tuscany and Savoy-Milan. The Tuscans called for aid from the Pope and Naples, but with other matters taking up the concern of both nations, there was no support for them at this point. The result was an overwhelming victory for the army of Savoy-Milan, which crushed the Tuscans in open battle. The result was the routing of their force and the eventual surrender of Florence to the invading army. King Leopold II has been captured by the army of Savoy-Milan and placed under house arrest, and appeals have been made from the Pope and other local governments to show leniency to the deposed monarch.
Casualty Lists
Kingdom of Savoy-Milan: 3 Infantry Brigades, 1 Cavalry Brigade, 1 Artillery Brigade
Tuscany: 4 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades

PORTUGUESE ELECTIONS FACE DISPUTES. Lisbon, Portugal. The Party of Order has faced growing resentment and unrest from the liberal elements of the Portuguese society, as they face accusations that past elections have been rigged in the favor of the conservative element of society. The Party of Order has denied these accusations, as the conservatives struggle to retain their control of the Portuguese government. The result has been a number of arrests of leading liberal agitators, and the arguments have shifted toward this and disputes over Portugal's potential involvement in the ongoing war between Britain and Spain. Portugal's position on Iberia and tradition ties with both involved nations has led to a debate over whether they should enter the war and which side they should enter upon. The result has been the election result in favor of the Party of Order, likely due to members of the opposition being arrested. (+1 Stability)

SAVOY-MILAN HOLDS FIRST ELECTIONS. Turin, Kingdom of Savoy-Milan. The aftermath of the war in Tuscany has led to a new shift in the politics of the Kingdom of Savoy-Milan. The first elections held since the nations of Savoy and Milan combined have resulted in General Bacco Gallo's party, the Italian Brotherhood, achieving a major victory. This has led to the establishment of a true republican monarchy at last, repairing relations with the disillusioned liberal base that helped the initial Milanese revolution. The Italian Brotherhood swept all elected offices, and Bacco Gallo has returned as the consul of Savoy-Milan, due to popular support from his achievements reigning so far. This has done much for the stability of the Kingdom of Savoy-Milan as they strive for the development of a united Italian nation. (+1 Stability)

LANGUEDOC FACES BACKLASH FOR UNCOUTH FINANCES IN POITOU. Poitiers, Poitou. The nation of Languedoc has made a tactical misstep as a supposedly covert move to support Poitou's liberals became public knowledge. Despite well conducted secrecy and efforts to conceal the financing of an effort to destabilize their neighbor, a member of the conspiracy soon squealed to the government of Poitou and the resulting investigation publicized the effort by Languedoc. This has been met with outrage both in Poitou and at home in Languedoc. King Louis II of Languedoc, historically one of the most outspoken opponents of liberalism, has faced severe backlash at home for this move from the very base of his support. Meanwhile, in Poitou, it has given strength to the monarchy, which continues to denounce Languedoc, and has brought them to withdraw their ambassadors from Toulouse, citing the increased tensions. (+1 Stability for Poitou, -1 Stability for Languedoc)

MOSCOW LAUNCHES NEW INVASION OF KIEV. Kharkov, Moscowy. Another war has broken out in Eastern Europe as the King of Moscow drives to annex Kiev in a shameless and brutal land grab. The Kievans have resisted to the best of their ability, gaining significant economic support from Poland, including even a few detachments of Polish cavalry volunteers. The heaviest fighting took place with the initial Moscovite drive on Kiev itself, as the main Kievan army stood in their way to hold the capital and center of the nation. The Kievans won a major victory against the Moscovites' main army, and though they weren't broken, they were forced to fall back across the border. In the south, the Moscovites pushed into Crimea, and here they met with an even more devastating defeat, routing the Moscovites utterly in the region. The year would end with another Moscovite push against Kiev itself, attempting to secure the city once more. Once again, they were defeated in their advance, though they came closer to a victory this time.
Casualty List
Kiev: 9 Infantry Brigades, 4 Cavalry Brigades, 4 Artillery Brigades
Moscowy: 12 Infantry Brigades, 5 Cavalry Brigades, 7 Artillery Brigades

SCANDINAVIANS BEGIN RAILROAD PROJECT. Stockholm, Scandinavia. With the government of Sardinia pointing the way on a smaller scale, the monarchy of Scandinavia has begun sponsoring the creation of Royal Scandinavian Railroad Company. This new railroad is hoping the connect the cities of Scandinavia, and the growing industry within, to the resources and mines of the countryside. The effort has met with considerable support and favor from the captains of Scandinavian industry, hoping that it'll spur the economy to new heights. This has already seen some success, though some critics do exist in government, particularly among the liberals, who believe the cost is too vast and should be left in the hands of private business. The supporters of the company state that the sheer scale of the project is too great to be left in the hands of any single private entity. Regardless, the project pushes forward, as the nation strives to become the greatest example of modernity in Europe.

SCANDINAVIANS BEGIN INSPECTIONS IN NOVGOROD. Novgorod, Novgorod. The Scandinavians have begun a series of inspections of the kingdom of Novgorod to assure themselves of the compliance of the monarchy to trade agreements with Scandinavia. King Mikhail V has promised the Scandinavian government that he is enforcing all standing economic arrangements with their merchants and businesses. The inspections are attempting to make sure that these promises are genuine as the various lords and fiefdoms of Novgorod are notorious for enacting their own taxes and legislation. The result of the inspections verified this acceptance of the economic status quo in Novgorod, and it has become clear that the central government has very little control over the local regional taxes upon Scandinavian trade with Moscowy. This has led to increased tensions between Scandinavia and Novgorod as the former accuses the latter of failing to live up to its treaty obligations.

REVERSES OF CULTURAL COURSE MADE IN BURGUNDY. Dijon, Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy. During the reign of Kings Conrad VII and Louis III, Burgundy's court became a center of French nationalist thought and dissent. French art and literature was sponsored and developed throughout the court of Burgundy, attempting to encourage nationalism and a French identity for Burgundy. The new King Louis of the unified kingdom of Paris-Burgundy has surprisingly begun encouraging a reversal of this among the court. This has included encouraging names for children that are pronounced the same in both German and French, as well as making sure that the various French cultural programs begun in Burgundy were stopped. This of course has led to the last French nationalists who once found a refuge in Dijon departing for places where their efforts have been found more acceptable such as Poitiers and Toulouse.

ROAD PAVING COMPLETE IN PARIS-BURGUNDY. Paris, Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy. After a budgetary estimation failure by the bureaucracy, it was determined that it was caused by incompetence, and the person responsible was thrown into prison. The failure caused a overestimation of the cost of the paving project across the nation, but had little other ramifications for the nation. After the discrepancies were resolved, the project was completely fairly quickly, as only a few smaller bits of financing and construction were needed. The completion of the project has led to improved infrastructure and sanitation in the larger cities, helping to develop the status of the greater urban regions of the kingdoms. It has been a strong step forward for the economic strength of the nation, bringing them up to par with the rest of modern Europe.

DUTCH SIGN ALLIANCE TREATY WITH HANOVER. Amsterdam, Republic of the Netherlands. The governments of the Netherlands and Hanover have signed a new treaty of defensive alliance this year. The new pact states that the two nations will defend themselves from attack from any external threat, but has also had a number of other side conditions. The Dutch have pledged to defend Hanover from internal as well as external threats to the standing regime of the monarchy. Furthermore, they have promised not to assist or sponsor the growth of any dissident movements in Hanover. While this has built stronger ties between the two governments, members of the Dutch liberal establishment have been less than thrilled with the agreement. They claimed that the Dutch should support liberal movements anywhere, regardless of treaties, a platform less than acceptable to their new Hanoverian allies.

FLEMISH INDEPENDENCE GUARANTEED BY DUTCH. Brussels, Flanders. The Republic of the Netherlands has issued a unilateral declaration of the guarantee of Flanders' independence. They have pledged to protect Flanders against the threat of foreign invasion and attack, with no promise of reciprocation. Flanders has continued pursuing its policies of neutrality, hoping to isolate itself from the fear of a major war along its borders. The heightening of tensions in Europe since the Third Venetian War has further given them concerns and strength to this call for neutrality, hoping to be able to function independently. The Flemish monarch has called for similar guarantees from other powerful nations in the region, allowing them to preserve themselves against invasion.

HUNGARIAN CIVIL WAR. Budapest, Hungary. The fighting for control of Hungary has continued unabated this year, as it continues to escalate and drag in more forces from other nations. Primarily this has been from Poland, as Austrian forces pull back to secure their own borders against a fresh threat from Savoy-Milan. More and more Polish troops have been committed to restoring the monarchy in Hungary, in order to preserve the old government. This has been marginally offset as support withers away through the ranks of the Hungarian military, and quite a substantial number of defections have occurred to the republican revolt. Regardless, the Hungarian revolutionaries came under massive assault by two large Polish armies in the Carpathian Mountains, and by sheer miracle, the revolutionaries managed to hold off the first attacks. As they held their position, the Hungarian revolutionaries invaded Serbia, in order to knock them out of the war. The Polish and Hungarian monarchists have done their best to hold back the offensive, sending their own forces to block the invasion. They proved successful, crushing the attack, and routing them from the invasion utterly. The year ended with a renewed offensive by the Poles and monarchists against the republican holdouts in Romania. After a bloody battle, the monarchists smashed the republicans in battle, and the few remaining have fled to their last holdouts on the coast. The monarchists besieged the last stronghold at Constanta, and thanks to the massive amounts of Polish artillery available, the defensive lines broke, and with it the republican army. The monarchists have regained control of their nation for the time being, though they remain less than popular with the people.
Casualty Lists
Hungary (Republican): 25 Infantry Brigades, 4 Cavalry Brigades, 4 Artillery Brigades
Hungary (Monarchist): 5 Infantry Brigades, 1 Cavalry Brigade 1 Artillery Brigade (-1 Stability, +1 Army Quality)
Poland: 8 Infantry Brigades, 1 Cavalry Brigade, 2 Artillery Brigades (+1 Army Quality)
Serbia: 2 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade

SAVOY-MILAN BEGINS PORT RECONSTRUCTION. Genoa, Kingdom of Savoy-Milan. The devastation of the Third Venetian War stretched across the Italian peninsula, and over the past few years, the people of the kingdoms have done their best to recover. Time has done well to repair and rebuild the nations of Italy, but the Kingdom of Savoy-Milan has begun taking a more direct approach to the effort. They have begun financing the effort to rebuild the nation's ports which were devastated by Hungarian raiding during the war. Fortunately, any damage remaining after a few years has been minimal and the effort sponsored by the government has been fairly cheap. The project is slated to be completed next year, with relatively few expenses and construction needed to finish it.

AUSTRIA COMPLETES ALPS FORTS. Innsbruck, Austria. The Austrians have at last completed the financing and construction of a series of fortifications throughout the passes in the Alps to defend themselves against invasion or attack from the south. The program was begun in the aftermath of the Third Venetian War, which exposed the vulnerabilities of Austria to invasion, and encouraged the need for these fortifications. The Alps have proven to be a substantial barrier to attack, but the Austrians have done their best to establish these as the best available designs in Europe. The hope is that the forts will keep the nation protected in any future war involving Italy or the Hungarians. This has been another rise in tensions in the region, as the Austrians prepare themselves for what seems to be an inevitable conflict upon the horizon.

BRANDENBURG FINISHES INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT. Berlin, Brandenburg. The government of Brandenburg has completed their efforts to develop regional trade and commerce through the construction of national infrastructure. This project was begun several years ago to build several small canals among other efforts such as the paving of roads. It has also included the construction of a few small facilities for railroads, hoping to encourage this new industry. The infrastructure project has been linked to a similar project in Hanover, which has done much to rebuild relationships and eliminate tensions with their former provinces in the west. The combined economic effort is a substantial boon to both nations, helping to encourage new trade.

NAPLES BEGINS PAVING ROADS. Naples, Naples. The Neapolitan government has begun a new project to pave the roads of its cities this year, hoping to improve sanitation and trade within the urban confines of its nation. The success of similar projects across Europe has encouraged this move, hoping that the new infrastructure will improve the overall status of the nation as a power. The two main cities that are the focus of the initial efforts of this project have been Naples and Palermo, as the monarchy attempts to rebuild any lost ties to Sicily resulting from the space between the Second and Third Venetian Wars. New sewers and other systems are also planned to be incorporated into the city construction, building upon older existing networks and restoring some cleanliness to the urban society.

NOVGOROD FACES UNREST FROM INTEGRATION EFFORTS. Pskov, Novgorod. King Mikhail V has at last faced significant backlash for his efforts to bring a degree of centralization of power back to Novgorod. The city of Pskov, which has traditionally been a center of noble unrest against Novgorod, has resisted any legislation and programs for integration quite fervently. The result has been the failure of integration efforts in the west, and an increase in tension between the regional lords and the central government in Novgorod. The efforts have been made worse as the lord of Pskov is one of the most outspoken advocates and supporters of Moscowy and a united Russian state. Any attempt to curtail his speeches have been met with failure as he refuses to meet with the king or support his centralization efforts. (-1 Stability, -30 EP into project)

SARDINIAN RAILROAD COMPLETED. Cagliari, Sardinia. The Sardinian Royal Railroad Company has been at last completed, as the main towns and cities of the island are connected by one of the fastest passenger trains in Europe. To add to the course's increasing credibility, a local train has established the highest land speed record of any human invention in history. The train managed an astonishing 45 miles per hour, far faster than any horse or other contraption designed by mankind. The effort has been noted and the railroad continues to conduct a number of people around the island, as well as various resources from the hinterlands. This has spurred local industrial growth as well as aiding the standard massive commerce which passes through the island's ports on a yearly basis.

SWISS COMPLETE ARMY REFORM. Zurich, Switzerland. The Swiss completed a series of army reforms this year, with the establishment of a new series of doctrines and introduction of new weapons of war. The new organization style emphasizes defensive warfare, placing the chief capacities of the Swiss army upon their firepower and discipline. In theory, this should allow a capable Swiss defense against any invading threat, smashing them with artillery fire in concentrated doses. Furthermore, the discipline of the Swiss is now perhaps the best in Europe, with competition only from the Austrians in terms of sheer control on the battlefield. The Swiss have vowed to protect their republic at any cost, especially with the threats made against their borders at the tail end of the Third Venetian War.

News from the Americas​

SLAVE UPRISING IN FLORIDA. Birmingham, Florida. As the Floridian army begins to get involved in the fighting to the north between the two main factions in the ongoing War of the American Presidency, a dire new threat has erupted at home. A number of slave plantations have risen in revolt throughout the eastern states, and have begun vicious attacks upon the white population. The militia deployed with the main Floridian army was recalled, but proved insufficient to deal with the initial uprising. The slaves continued to strike with unbridled ferocity, becoming stronger with each victorious and liberation of plantations. The demands of the eastern states ultimately forced the main army to send forces back home to crush the uprising, which was achieved after the slaves engaged the force in open battle. Thankfully, use of artillery gained the white soldiers the edge they needed in the fight and conflict, smashing the slave uprising utterly. The full display of force has finally restored some stability through fear of further retaliation against any other slave revolts. (-3 Manpower, -3 Infantry Brigades, +1 Stability)

ECONOMIC DECLINE WORSENS STATE OF JAMAICA. Kingston, Jamaica. The Jamaican government has come under siege due to the outbreak of the war between Spain and Britain, which has severely disrupted their trade and commerce. Bound by treaty to trade only with the United Kingdom, the growing economic war at sea has hurt the Jamaicans more than most other nations in the region. The result has been a growing faction of Jamaicans who protest against the economic arrangement with the British. This has been a growing faction within both the military and government that wishes for a more open trading society, and they believe the war is a chance to achieve it. The reigning political parties are less than enthusiastic about breaking the treaty with the United Kingdom, and have both pledged to uphold it, regardless of political protest. (-1 Stability)

PANAMA FACES DISSENT AGAINST FOREIGN BUSINESS. Panama City, Panama. Over the course of the past two years, resentment has continued to build against the Conservative Party due to their radical leeway to foreign businesses. Taxes have been reduced dramatically for all foreign businesses, primarily Spanish and American ones, though the latter has been reduced with the ongoing war. The result has been great embitterment towards the government by local business and the population of Panama. The concern has been mounting that the Conservative Party has no respect or concern for the average people of Panama. The result has been a growing movement, which believes that the Conservatives bought the election for foreign business. This has caused growing tensions and the threat of unrest and revolt. (-1 Stability)

VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT FACES NEW THREAT. Caracas, Venezuela. The recent completion of integration and infrastructure in Venezuela has done much to increase the actual power and strength of the Soublette government, but a new problem has arisen. The Venezuelan president has come under fire by a growing number of underground papers and groups which have begun moving against the president. A growing number of opponents are calling for the president to step down and restore the system of republic which has been denied for a long time to the people of Venezuela. The president has so far denied these demands and refuses to relinquish his power and authority over the nation. This has led to growing tensions and it seems that a rebellion or revolution could be on the horizon. (-1 Stability)

PARAGUAY ELECTIONS. Asuncion, Paraguay. The government of Paraguay, led by the de Francia Party has become increasingly popular among the population, as the nation continues to surge towards prosperity and wealth. The recent trading agreements made with the Empire of Brazil and Argentina have only further swelled the economy, and the overall peace continues to make the president more and more popular. The result has been a flourishing economy, particularly as all the wonders of the industrial world continues to be imported from Europe. This has included trains, factory productions, and great advances from across the world. The hope remains that the prosperity will continue, and that the de Francia Party is the group to continue to bring new dawns to the Paraguayan people. (+1 Stability)

UNITED STATES ELECTIONS HELD AND DISPUTED. Washington D.C., United States of America. The American government, dominated by newly nominated President Scott has held elections this year, within the territories held by Scott's supporters. Congress has also been recalled for elections of its own, as Scott and his Republican Party ran for election on their prior united platform. The Democratic Party has become more or less defunct over the past few years, so members of the former Whig Party have resurrected that movement to pose an organization opposition to President Scott. Needless to say, President Scott and his party have managed to secure the election victory hands down, though the Whig Party did win significant successes in South Carolina. This has dramatically legitimized the Scott government in the eyes of dissenters in the region, though endless propaganda continues to emerge from New York City, decrying the elections and claiming that they were rigged. Opposing elections were held in New York, as the Democratic Party ran virtually unopposed as they have in the past few elections. Business tycoon Havelock Vanderbilt has emerged triumphant in the northern states, becoming the president backed by the governors against Scott. (+1 Stability in both US factions)

FLORIDA COMMISSIONS PRIVATEER EFFORTS. Saint Augustine, Florida. In order to bolster their efforts against the commerce of the Scott government in the United States and the Empire of Holy Spain, the Floridians have begun commissioning privateers. This has been an effort to increase their naval striking capacity by inviting private interests to strike at the enemy on the high seas. The lucrative offer of rewards for theft of the property of enemy shipping has attracted a number of people of dubious backgrounds. The result has been less than popular among other nations around the Caribbean and in the Atlantic, making the situation even worse for commerce in the region. The move has been protested by a number of other nations, accusing the Floridian privateers of striking indiscriminately at commerce to bolster their earnings.

YUCATAN UNRULY AFTER NEW SPANISH SUPPLES FUEL GUERILLAS. Belize, Empire of Holy Spain. Unrest has advanced once more in the Yucatan after Mayan guerillas raided and stole supplies from New Spanish soldiers along the border. These vital supplies have allowed the Mayans to further expand their efforts, with new guns and ammunition to support their rebellious cause. Unfortunately for the Mayans, this has proven to be only a temporary boon as receiving these supplies as the local Spanish armies launch new offensives against rebel strongholds. Thanks to bribing locals and developing their intelligence of the region, the Spanish garrison has won several key battles, restoring order and strength for their forces. The result has been a more stabilized region, though the Spanish did suffer some losses in their efforts to restore order. Regardless, some rebel hideouts indubitably still exist in the jungles and mountains, as the Spanish struggle to quash the cause for independence. (+1 Stability, -1 Infantry Brigade, -1 Cavalry Brigade)

SOUTH AMERICAN NATIONS JOIN IN EMBARGO OF SPAIN. Buenos Aires, Argentina. The blatant Spanish aggression against the shipping of the Empire of Brazil has led to a surprising coalition of nations declaring an embargo on Spanish trade. Argentina and Paraguay, hardly fond of the Spanish imperial throne, have declared a full end to trade with the Empire of Holy Spain. They have vowed to stand committed next to Brazil in discouraging the Spanish war on commerce in the region as much as possible. While they have not entered the War of the American Presidency entirely, they have mobilized their militaries in the case of Spanish retaliation. This has caused some tension along the wilderness of the Peruvian border, as the southern part of the continent is forced to take political sides in the growing conflict.

EMPIRE OF BRAZIL DECLARES SHORT-LIVED BLOCKADE OF URUGUAY. Montevideo, Uruguay. In a move to protest the military regime of Uruguay, the Brazilian Emperor declared a major naval blockade of the small nation. The effort was initially successful, once more sealing off Uruguay's trade from overseas interests, and invoking only the quietest of protests from other nations. Argentina's government surprisingly even supported the blockade, calling for a change of regime in Uruguay, ending the tyrannical dictatorship. The blockade was not to be very long or successful, however, as the Spanish navy abruptly arrived after a rampage along the Brazilian coast. The full details can be provided in the special section on the War of the American Presidency, but the end result was the utter destruction of the blockade and growing friendship between Uruguay and the Empire of Holy Spain.

SCOTT GOVERNMENT BEGINS SELLING WAR BONDS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR WAR. Washington D.C., United States of America. The war effort for President Scott has been draining the funds needed to wage war upon the governors and their efforts. To this end, under the advisement of financial leaders, he has begun selling the new "war bonds" to raise support from the wealthy for the war effort. This untested financial practice has proven to bring the civilian population into the war effort as never before, raising new support for the Scott government. The success of the program has widely been attributed to its novelty, as the wealthy supporters of Scott channel their wealth and influence into winning the war against the governors and their British puppet masters. Unfortunately, despites its success, the bonds fell well short of their hoped quota, widely attributed to the overall luck of surplus funds among the population that forms the bulk of Scott's support. (+14 EP to bank)

JACKSONIA RECEIVES INFLUX OF RECOGNITION. Jefferson, Jacksonia. The leaders of Jacksonia have received an outpouring of international support this year, as a number of significant European nations have recognized their independent government. Recognition has arrived from Scandinavia, Poland, Paris-Burgundy, and the Republic of the Netherlands. Furthermore, a number of smaller European and South American governments have also recognized and supported the independence of Jacksonia. This has been widely viewed with disapproval from both American governments in the east, as well as the rulers of the Empire of Holy Spain and the United Kingdom of Great Britain, who have expressed this concern to all involved giving recognition. The recognition has come with the establishment of some surprisingly grandiose mansions and embassies throughout Jefferson, the most garish of which being the Scandinavian and Paris-Burgundian ones. Both have proven marvels of architecture as both groups have attempted to display how much better of friends and more respect they give the new government.

SCANDINAVIA SUBSIDIES NEW TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROAD EFFORT. New Stockholm, Scandinavia. The Scandinavian monarchy, while paying for their own railroad at home, have taken a different course in the colony of Vinland. The Scandinavians have begun subsidizing imperial railroad companies to help encourage the growth and development of the national infrastructure. They have offered substantial rewards for the creation of a transcontinental railroad to connect the Atlantic to the Pacific coast. The Scandinavians have hoped that this process will not only boost the local economy but also encourage the expansion across the continent. So far, the program has only barely gotten off the ground as local companies begin laying the first rails around New Stockholm throughout Eastern Vinland. There are high hopes for it over the next few years, and the economic possibilities of its completion.

TREATY OF JEFFERSON SIGNED. Jefferson, Jacksonia. The governments of Jacksonia and the Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy signed a treaty in Jefferson this year, as an extension of other agreements of recognition. The Kingdom of Paris-Burgundy has pledged the economic and military protection of the new American nation, giving them an edge only rivaled by Scandinavia in the region. The most essential ingredient of this treaty has been the opening of Jacksonia to massive migration from the Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy. Furthermore, Jacksonia has opened the doors in the treaty to the French Colonial Society, inviting significant investment and migration from across all the French kingdoms.

ARGENTINA BEGINS BUILDING NEW PORT FACILITIES. Buenos Aires, Argentina. The wealth and capacities of the port at Rio de Janeiro has not gone unnoticed by other American nations, and with the stabilization of their hinterlands, the Argentines have moved to follow their northern neighbor's example. To this end, a series of improvements are being made to the port in Buenos Aires, including new docks, coaling stations, and steam engines. To throw in their own unique flavoring upon the endeavor, British engineers have been invited to install a series of the new hydraulic cranes on the docks, hoping to aid in the local capacity of shipping. The effort is already well underway, and the Argentine government expects the project to last only a few years, to help expand the economy, despite the ongoing war between Britain and Spain which has disrupted most global commerce.

JAMAICA REORGANIZES ARMY. Kingston, Jamaica. The growing War of the American Presidency and tensions at home have given cause for dramatic new reform in the Jamaican army. Though the nation has done well with old British styles for the past decade or so, the shortcomings of these techniques and doctrines became abundantly clear from the fighting during the Cuban Rebellion. Furthermore, the British have refused to aid the Jamaican government in adopting new British methods of combat, so they have had to search out other places to aid the. Rather than approaching another great power, the Jamaicans have instead hired trainers from various neutral states in Europe, including Brandenburg and Denmark, helping to bring their forces to the standard style of combat found in most European nations. The effort has widely been a success, as the Jamaicans seek to defend themselves against any future threat.

PANAMA COMPLETES BORDER FORTS. Panama City, Panama. The recent wars with New Spain and New Granada left many in Panama concerned about their security in the case of any further conflicts. To this end, the elected government has done its best to provide new shelter and safety in the form of several new fortifications to be build along their northern and southern borders. This has been financed by increased taxation and military spending, but remained a fairly popular project for most of its undertaking. The new forts are strong structures and offer protection against the main possible advances of any overland invasion. Military leaders in Panama still state, however, that the nation is still highly vulnerable to attacks from the sea, and that either new coastal forts or a stronger navy should be invested in.

VENEZUELA SCRAPS OLD SHIPS IN NAVAL REFORM. Caracas, Venezuela. The War of the American Presidency has given cause to many in the Americas to reconsider their political and military positions. The Venezuelans have been no different and seeing the vast superiority of steam ships has given them pause to their naval strategies. Unfortunately, Venezuela clearly lacks the capacity to build steamships to compete with other naval powers, and thus has begun seeking out markets from which to purchase newer ones. Furthermore, the emphasis has been placed upon building the highest quality sailing ships as a temporary substitute for a modern steam fleet. A plethora of older warships have been scrapped or scuttled to make room for the new warships, and while the new Venezuelan navy is currently smaller than it was, they believe they have ample room for growth and improvement.

News from Africa and the Middle East​

NOMAD ATTACKS MOVE TO MOROCCO. Casablanca, Empire of Holy Spain. The Spanish authorities have done well containing nomadic attacks and unrest in Algeria, but have faced a shift of problems. The Spanish authorities in Morocco have faced increasing numbers of attacks, as the government does its best to contain the unrest. The nomads are doing their best to destabilize the local regime and establish their own autonomy from the local colonial authorities. The Spanish locals have suffered a number of notable defeats at the hands of the raiders, as well as other forms of unrest. The governor of Morocco has accused the British of sponsoring the unrest, and blaming them for the failure to contain the disturbances in the North African colony. (-1 Stability, -1 Infantry Brigade)

MILITIAS GAINING STRENGTH IN SOUTH AFRICA. Cape Town, United Kingdom of Great Britain. As the war continues to escalate throughout the world between Spain and Britain, South Africa has been the scene of growing unrest against the British crown. Their failure to provide support against the local African tribes and in the land disputes which have erupted over the past few years have caused the settler militias to grow in influence. The result has been increasing tension against the monarchy within South Africa, particularly as the war prevents the constant arrival of supplies and support. The colonial government in South Africa has been more and more in favor of the militias themselves, as they have offered substantial support against the various Spanish raids that have taken place over the year. (-1 Stability)

NEW OFFENSIVE AGAINST BANDITS IN ABYSSINIA. Addis Ababa, Abyssinia. The Abyssinian government has launched a new offensive against bandit strongholds and hideouts throughout the southern part of the nation. The result has been surprising success against the bandits, as the army has done well, tracking them down to their bases throughout the countryside. The Abyssinians have attacked viciously and devastated the bandits, as they've won a series of major fights against the outlaws. The effort has led to stability throughout the land, but the army did suffer casualties in the process, as they won their battles. Regardless, this has been the greatest success for the Abyssinians for years, destroying the largest and most powerful of the bandit warlords remaining. (+1 Stability, -1 Infantry Brigade)

CALIPHATE FACES NEW REGIONAL UPRISINGS. Cairo, Mamluk Caliphate. Even as the dispute with Cizre Bohtan subsides, the Mamluk Caliphate faces increasing unrest and disturbances on the home front. The treaty with Cizre Bohtan has led to further dissent among the various vassals and subjects of the Caliph. The result has been increased unrest and revolt among the leaders of the various sultanates and emirs of the Caliphate. The first of these was the sultan of Sennar, who has led his nation as the first revolt of the year, bribing local forces to support them against the Caliph. His successes have been rapid, defeating any local loyalist garrisons, as well as rallying the rest to his own banner of rebellion. The success of his rebellion sparked further unrest throughout the rest of the nation, as the Sultan of Tripolitania led his own soldiers into revolt. The sultan has garnered vast support among the navy, which has had a significant number of Tripolitian sailors over the years. The result has been a division of the Caliphate's naval forces, as yet another rebellion erupts against the authority of Cairo. (+1 Stability for Caliphate)

COLLAPSE OF BENIN. Ili-Ibinu, Benin. This year, the king of Benin died due to infections from wounds sustained during the Brazilian expedition a few years ago. The skirmishes were minor, but stray artillery fire wounded the king and killed his heir, and the resulting death has caused the complete dissolution of this African nation. The lack of any legitimate heir caused the failure of the government and army, as they fought among themselves for a new king. The result was the collapse of organized society into warring and competing tribes and miniscule pretenders to a united nation. The collapse of the central government could open a new door into Africa for European colonial powers, the questions remain of who could exploit it. For time being, there's a significant power vacuum as the tribes struggle for power.

PERSIAN RULER PASSES AWAY. Tehran, Persia. The Persian ruler, Fat'h Ali Shah, passed away this year as the government of Persia faces new change within its leadership. Fat'h Ali Shah led the Persian nation to victories over the Durrani Empire and the Khazak Kanate, dramatically increasing the size and power of Persia. Under his leadership, the Persians have ascended to a new imperial height not seen for several hundred years. The former ruler's son, Nasar al-din Shah, has become the new leader of Persia. The new ruler has pledged to continue the policies of his father and to further expand and develop Persian power. The basis of this has been the protection of Shia Muslims from the abuses of the Caliphate and to build new ties with the new nations of Azerbaijan and Cizre Bohtan.

CIZRE BOHTAN BECOMES INDEPENDENT. Cizre, Cizre Bohtan. After a number of years failing to contain the rebels in Cizre Bohtan, and a number of defeats on the battlefield, the Mamlukes have been forced to cede them independence. They have officially recognized the Cizre emirate, granting them official recognition and independence from the Caliphate. The Persians and Turks have followed with diplomatic recognition, pledging to build new economic and political ties. The effort has been well received, as they struggle to develop their nations in the local economy and sphere. The emir has begun establishing the infrastructure for a peace time government, striving to build up their economy and domestics against any renewed attempts by the Caliph to reestablish his authority. The Mamlukes have learned great lessons from the war, about the weaknesses of their forces and abilities to wage war. (+1 Army Quality for Mamluk Caliphate and Cizre Bohtan)

POLAND RECLAIMS MAURITIUS AND REUNION. Fort Lodz, Poland. The Poles have continued their colonial development and expansion this year, increasing their overall global holdings. This has been done to aid in their other operations throughout Africa and the Far East, as they attempt to establish themselves as a true colonial power. The new actions in Siam have given them a base for true imperial strength, and the need for a secure supply line and coaling stations is essential. To this end, the islands of Mauritius and Reunion have been claimed by the Polish Empire, and have established new forts and coaling stations to provide for their newfound supply and trading routes. This has been a true step forward for Polish imperialism, giving them a stronger foothold and holding in the Indian Ocean.

TENSIONS ERUPT INTO WAR BETWEEN ROMANS AND TURKS. Konya, Turkish Sultanate. After several years of growing tensions and localized unrest between Greeks and Turks throughout the new Turkish Sultanate, the situation has finally erupted into full scale war. The Roman Empire has declared their support for the Greek cause in the Sultanate, and has invaded the Turkish nation, hoping to establish their authority over the Greek minority provinces. The first major battle between the two nations resulted in a humiliating defeat for the Roman armies, as the Turks managed to outwit and outflank their positions. The Roman army was routed, as the Turks devastated their attempted invasion. With the Roman army in chaos and reinforcements needing to be brought from the west, the Turks began attacks of their own. Some of this has come at sea, as the Turks engaged an older, but larger Roman fleet, devastating the old sailing vessels with their newer steamships. Furthermore, they launched an invasion of the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire, hoping to gain support from the local Turks and win a resounding victory. The result was a bloody battle which turned into a stalemate, allowing the Romans to retain control of the region, forcing back the Turkish invasion. With these battles, it appears what should have been a rapid Roman victory is quickly turning into a slugging fest between the two sides.
Casualty Lists
Roman Empire: 10 Infantry Brigades, 3 Cavalry Brigades, 4 Artillery Brigades, 12 Fifth Rate Warships
Turkish Sultanate: 7 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades, 2 Crescent-class Warships

MADAGASCAR BEGINS DEVELOPING NAVY. Antananarivo, Madagascar. The completion of dramatic new reform over the past few years has led to Madagascar establishing surprising stability and local strength. To this end, the queen has viewed the growing threats of European power as something that must ultimately be dealt with. New ties have been increasingly expanded with Oman and Yemen, and their experts have been hired to help establish the infrastructure for a navy. The hope is that new ships could help keep the island safe, as well as prevent the various tribal rulers from consorting or flirting with European imperial powers. The nature of a navy is unknown to the queen, and she is quite heavily relying on the expertise of her Islamic advisers.

PERSIA BEGINS BUILDING NAVAL CAPACITY. Bushehr, Persia. The Persian government has begun focusing new efforts on establishing itself as a true imperial power while retaining its own unique cultural identity. As a way to build up its military strength, it has begun the work needed to create a structure for naval construction and development. This has included the construction of naval bases and training camps, led by British advisers among other influences from other European nations. The hope is that a modern navy will allow Persia to protect its home interests against naval invasion as well as to establish itself as a true power in the world's political system. As it remains surprisingly ambivalent towards the growing conflicts in India and the Caliphate, the Persians are believed to be considering the new naval growth to be key in any future war against either of their main neighboring foes.

News from the Far East​

DUTCH TROOPS RIOT IN MANILA. Manila, Empire of Holy Spain. A disaster has erupted in Manila, as a Dutch pay ship failed to arrive for the soldiers briefly stationed in the city. They had arrived last year in preparation for a coalition war against the Ascendants in China, which never happened. The ship was filled with the pay for the Dutch soldiers and without it, a massive morale drop took place among the infantry and other Dutch forces. Despite their imminent departure, the result was massive dissent and unrest among the Dutch army. Rioting broke out as Dutch soldiers rampaged through the streets, looting the stories and marketplace from the Spanish imperial citizens. The Spanish military has been called in to restore order and the result was the outbreak of fighting in the city streets. Casualties were high, though order was ultimately restored. A number of Dutch soldiers have been imprisoned for the plethora of crimes which took place throughout the period of rioting. Despite appeals from the Dutch military, the thousands of Dutch soldiers have been kept imprisoned, as the rest of the army and fleet departed. (-1 Infantry Brigade for Empire of Holy Spain, -3 Infantry Brigades, -1 Artillery Brigade for Republic of the Netherlands)

SPANISH FACE DISSENT FROM INDIAN PRINCES. Gujarat, Empire of Holy Spain. The British invasion has given call to growing unrest and dissent among the princes of Spanish India. As the Spanish face possible disaster from the British attacks and warfare, they have seen growing resentment. The princes have not been very enthusiastic from the calling up of their own forces to fight the British, particularly with hefty displays of enemy firepower and capabilities. A few princes have even begun deserting the Spanish crown, surrendering their cities to the advancing British armies. The Spanish have been having a tough time preserving order and loyalty among the princes from the former Maratha Confederacy. The hope remains that enough princes will remain loyal in order to preserve the strength of the Spanish imperial rule in India. (-1 Stability)

ASCENDANT INFLUENCE GROWING IN BRITISH CHINA. Taipei, United Kingdom of Great Britain. The Ascendant cause has been seeing growing influence and strength throughout regions even not under their control. The British islands of Formosa and Hainan have been having growing activity by the Ascendants throughout the region, as they preach against Europeans and their rule over Chinese soil. This has culminated in a series of attacks upon the British Royal Navy, as several have been set afire by Chinese saboteurs. The culprits have been retained and arrested by the British colonial authorities, helping to stabilize the region to a degree. Unfortunately the damage has been done, as the British ships have proven to be unable to be recovered due to the attacks. (-3 Third Rate Warships, -2 Second Rate Warships)

DALAI LAMA DIES, NEW REINCARNATION FOUND. Lhasa, Tibet. As the war continues to rage on the frontiers with the Ascendant's Kingdom of Holy China, the Dalai Lama who led the rebellion against the deposed emperor. Furthermore the ninth Dalai Lama has done his best to preserve the nation from Ascendant invasion and has been fairly successful. The Tibetans immediately began a search for the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama soon after his death, and after several months declared success. The new Dalai Lama was found and has begun his training for the position, as the government continues to struggle to preserve their independence. The hopes remain that the leaders of Tibet will still be able to preserve the nation from invasion and attack by the growing power of the Ascendants.

JAPANESE-KOREAN WAR CONTINUES. Seoul, Korea. The fighting continues rage on the Korean peninsula as the Japanese continued to push their claims against Korea and its rulers. The Japanese have continued to bring in reinforcements, including aid from their allies in Scandinavia. The Koreans managed to score an initial victory by devastating the Japanese cavalry patrols and blinding them to their movements. The Japanese managed to recover from this initial setback, despite advancing further northward against the Koreans. They were drawn into a battle of Korea's making, which nearly resulted into disaster. Regardless, the Japanese were able to use their superiority in firepower to devastate the Korean artillery and shattering their army. The Koreans were forced to withdraw, beaten but not routed. With this success, the Japanese have cautiously pushed upon Seoul, and have laid it under siege. The city defenses continued hold, as the Korean cavalry raids against Japanese supply lines running from the southern coast.
Casualty Lists
Japan: 3 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade
Korea: 5 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 4 Artillery Brigades

VILLAGE BURNING CAUSES WAR BETWEEN BURMA AND SIAM. Bangkok, Siam. The Burmese have been brought into a war against Siam as a few villages were burned by Siamese raiders across the border. The Burmese have retaliated with a full invasion of Siam, as they strike to expand their own holdings and empire in Indochina. The government of Burma has also gathered support from an unlikely ally. The Polish army and navy has provided substantial support to the Burmese as they began aiding them with a naval and army presence. Rumors suggest that the Burmese have promise a fair slice of Siam to the Poles and the resulting influence in the region as well. The first major battle was one at sea, as the Poles and Burmese struck a decisive blow against the Siamese naval capacity. This is the first time the Polish navy has ever been tested in battle since its creation, especially with new steamships. The result was a stalemate, in which the Poles did manage to gain a wind advantage, but the surprising determination of the Siamese resulted in surprising devastation against the Polish ships. The result has been neither side gaining advantage at sea, but forcing the Polish warships to take a temporary respite in Rangoon. The Poles came back quickly from this setback, invading southern Siam from the sea. They managed to win a significant victory against the Siamese, smashing the local army, and securing the region. The Burmese launched their own invasion across the borders, and the result was an overwhelming defeat and rout of their army.
Casualty Lists
Burma: 13 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 4 Artillery Brigades, 3 First Rate Warships
Poland: 2 Infantry Brigades, 10 Crescent-class Warships
Siam: 14 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 3 Artillery Brigades, 18 Fifth Rate Warships, 10 First Rate Warships

EUROPEAN COALITION AGAINST CHINA COLLAPSES. Manila, Empire of Holy Spain. The year began fairly promising as a number of European nations struggled to assemble themselves into a coalition to resist the Ascendant domination of China. The effort failed spectacularly as the Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy attempted to muster forces to relieve Guangzhou. The effort failed as various other nations failed to agree on terms to get involved in the region, and the coalition collapsed before it even began. The forces in already deployed in and around China have quickly withdrew as Ascendant pressure grew upon the Guangzhou Emperor. The Poles and Scandinavians, as the only nations to possess an active military force in China were forced to retreat under pressure, with a very real risk of being overrun. The Dutch have also pulled out of their bases in Manila, and it seems that no relief for China will come from the European imperialists any time soon. This has been seen as a devastating failure of European imperial policy and as a massive blow to endeavors in the Far East as a whole. Combined with the growing war between Britain and Spain, it seems to have set the European world into a downward economic spiral.

WAR COMING TO AN END IN CHINA. Peking, Ascendant's Kingdom of Holy China. The war in China seems to be coming down to a conclusion, as the Ascendants drove against Guangzhou for what could be the last time. The withdrawal from Guangzhou by the Polish and Scandinavian armies has left a major gap in the defenses of the emperor against the Ascendants. The result has been a massive devastation of local morale, particularly as the emperor himself was believed to have fled in the night away from the battlefield. The Ascendants have brought to an end the siege of Guangzhou, attacking the city from all sides, and overrunning the beleaguered defenders. As with Shanghai and other European trading ports, the Ascendants have pillaged and razed the city in a fresh orgy of violence. Guangzhou has been devastated, leaving only burning ruins in the wake of the Ascendant army. Regardless, the Ascendants have managed to secure the remnants of the Chinese navy, which has already passed through the hands of four factions throughout the course of the war. The victory has crushed the last major group of resistance against the Ascendant kingdom, leaving only Tibet as an undecided factor in the raging conflict in China.
Casualty Lists
Ascendant's Kingdom of Holy China: 35 Infantry Brigades, 5 Cavalry Brigades, 12 Artillery Brigades, 390 Manpower (+2 Army Quality)
Guangzhou: 31 Infantry Brigades, 7 Cavalry Brigades, 20 Artillery Brigades

SPECIAL: War of the American Presidency​

INVASION OF GEORGIA. Atlanta, United States of America. The army of Florida under General Albert Winning at last entered into the war this year, walking into the awaiting arms of Scott's army in Georgia. The armies of Scott were expecting this offensive, and a considerable force was waiting the Floridian approach. Further adding to their woes, the governors of Alabama and Mississippi were forced to recall their militias and troops adding to the main Floridian army after a slave uprising took place, threatening homes and plantations. The result was a loss on the battlefield, as the larger artillery corps of Scott's army devastated Floridian possessions and shattered their advancing troops. Though they were not routed, the Floridians were forced to withdraw from the battlefield. The army of Scott did not follow up on this victory, but still joyously celebrated the overwhelming defeat of the invading secessionists.
Casualty Lists
Florida: 3 Infantry Brigades, 1 Cavalry Brigade, 1 Artillery Brigade
United States of America (Scott Faction): 2 Infantry Brigades, 1 Cavalry Brigade

FIGHTING IN THE WEST. Fort Kearny, United States of America. At last, scattered fighting has broken out through the western territories as a small group of Floridians began a scattered invasion of the far west. Unfortunately, as before, the armies of Scott were well prepared for this move, and had substantial forces at hand to repulse the invaders. The Floridians did manage to take a couple small settler towns, but the local militias kept the armies backing Scott well informed on any movements that the invaders made. This made it incredibly easy for them to lure the Floridian cavalry into traps, ultimately smashing them with few casualties of their own. The Floridians have recovered from this defeat, but any further attacks into the west have been postponed as it's clear that the territories are securely under Scott's control.
Casualty List
Florida: 1 Cavalry Brigade

INVASION OF OHIO. Louisville, United States of America. The secondary fighting in the northern theaters of the war this year took place with Scott's men invading the state of Ohio. The effort was a clear move to cut off gubernatorial forces in the west, as well as sabotage the attempts of the governors to open a western back door into Virginia. The governors soon responded by sending an army to respond, hoping to keep the Ohio River clear of any more of Scott's forces. The army of Scott did manage to keep the gubernatorial cavalry off their backs initially, due to superior numbers, but were horrified to find that the enemy army was significantly larger than their own. Regardless, the first main battle was engaged at the small town of Athens, where, undaunted by the odds, the forces of Scott won a brilliant victory, as Scott's backer in the region, General Lee, kept his enemy off-balance at all times. With the defeat of the initial army sent to contain Lee's advance, more troops were brought from western Virginia to defend Ohio. Still outnumbered nearly three to won, General Lee's army astonishingly kept up the attack. Unfortunately, his next attack proved less successful at the battle of Marietta, where his inferior numbers almost allowed him to be trapped and destroyed. After a blood battle, he forced a stalemate upon the governors' armies, but was ultimately forced to withdraw across the Ohio River back into Kentucky.
Casualty Lists
United States of America (Gubernatorial Faction): 9 Infantry Brigades, 3 Cavalry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades
United States of America (Scott Faction): 4 Infantry Brigades, 3 Cavalry Brigades, 1 Artillery Brigade

INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA. Harrisburg, United States of America. With the gubernatorial army in western Virginia forced to withdraw to deal with the threat of the attack into Ohio, the largest armies began fighting in Pennsylvania. The army led by Scott invaded Pennsylvania from Maryland, and the governors' army was quick to respond. The nature of roads and the growing railroad network in the region drew both armies early to the small, young hamlet of Gettysburg, where the first major battle of the campaign was fought. The result was a bloody battle, which left the governors' army beaten, and Scott in control of the main roads headed north into the heartland of Pennsylvania. Harrisburg was soon captured, and the army of Scott continued their advance to the west to the growing industrial center of Pittsburgh. Faced with the tough decision of moving west and leaving the east coast exposed or allowing the rest of Pennsylvania to fall to Scott, the army of the governors withdrew east, though they made one more attack north of Harrisburg. They were soundly defeated, allowing the army of Scott to proceed west with little disturbance as the governors' main army licks their wounds in New York and New Jersey. Faced with the dire threat of losing their link to the Erie Canal and main supply line to the west, the governors' army could not allow the advance to continue beyond Pittsburgh. Marching east from Ohio, while leaving substantial garrison in that state and western Virginia, the army in the west was forced to relieve pressure put on Lee's army in Kentucky in order to oppose this new threat, while receiving cavalry support from the eastern army. At the Battle of Erie, Scott's army was defeated by the governors at last, though not truly decisively, leaving them still precariously perched over the main supply line west.
Casualty Lists
United States of America (Gubernatorial Faction): 11 Infantry Brigades, 4 Cavalry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades
United States of America (Scott Faction): 10 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 3 Artillery Brigades

SPAIN'S NAVAL CAMPAIGN IN SOUTH AMERICA. Rio de Janeiro, Empire of Brazil. As local support mounts against the Spanish in various nations along the coast, the matters have not been improved by a massive Spanish naval offensive directed at Brazil's naval capacity. The Spanish navy began by amassing in Puerto Rico and ultimately heading in force against the Brazilian coastline, leaving a trail of flaming coastal cities and ships behind them. Any vessel with a Brazilian flag has been sunk or seized along the coast, devastating local trade and fishing. Ultimately, the Spanish drew out what remained of the Brazilian navy off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, and smashed it into oblivion. With no steamships or any modern warships present, the main Brazilian fleet was utterly wiped out in a decisive victory. The victory would be followed up by swifter Spanish ships managing to corner and force a battle with the blockade around Montevideo. The blockading Brazilian force was also destroyed completely, with no hope for escape, though they managed to inflict superior damage against the Spanish than the whole of their sailing fleet. The Spanish proceeded from their victory here to take the Falkland Islands from Britain, achieving easy success against the two ancient sailing vessels protecting the islands.
Casualty List
Empire of Brazil: 4 Fifth Rate Warships, 17 Fourth Rate Warships, 5 Second Rate Warships, 3 First Rate Warships, 1 Granada-class Warship, 3 Norwich-class Warships
Empire of Holy Spain: 6 Second Rate Warships, 2 Neptuno-class Warships, 2 Toledo-class Warships
United Kingdom of Great Britain: 2 Third Rate Warships

WAR IN INDIA. Calcutta, United Kingdom of Great Britain. The fighting in India could be said to have started this year in the North Atlantic. To the surprise and dismay of the Royal Navy and despite British attempts to mask the passing of reinforcements for India near Iberia, the route of the convoy was found out by Spanish spies. This enabled them to intercept the course of the convoy and attack it. A skilled defense by the British warships did ultimately allow some of them to escape into the vast expanse of the South Atlantic, but the damage was done, inflicted against the British brigades as whole regiments went down with their ships. Ultimately both Spanish and British reinforcements made it to India, where the British have amassed a substantial fleet to challenge region Spanish superiority. The Spanish launched some small raids against smaller British groups, but were unable to stop them massing in eastern India. The resulting British fleet was able to successfully pin down and utterly destroy the Spanish navy in India, giving them complete control of the Indian Ocean. The British have greatly exploited this, denying any further supplies or reinforcements from Europe to the Spanish armies. With these setbacks on the high seas and a growing lack of support from local Indian princes, the Spanish army has found itself faced with disadvantages at almost every turn, hardly offset by superiority in cavalry. While the Spanish were able to blind British scouts nearly immediately, they still faced an enormous challenge ahead of them. Early in the year, the British were able to seize even more land, driving the local princes and Spanish armies before them, and linking up both sections of India. With the British forced to divide into various armies to keep up a consistent advance, the Spanish hoped to engage and defeat them in detail. The first major such battle was at Indore, in the heartland of some of the most fertile farmland in India. Despite being woefully outnumbered and with no support coming from the local prince, the Spanish engaged the British army to lift the siege of the city. Their superior firepower and training went a long way toward the resulting victory, but the larger British army made it a hard fought contest. By the end, though the British were not routed, they were forced to retreat, constantly being harried by Spanish cavalry. Further west, a smaller Spanish force managed to win a delaying action at Surat, allowing the main Spanish army to arrive and confront the British forces there. The odds were marginally better for the Spanish here, as they faced the British in battle. This time, the British army was utterly routed in fighting, and Surat was liberated as the Spanish managed to maneuver behind British lines without the enemy patrols ever spotting them.
Casualty Lists
Empire of Holy Spain: 12 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 2 Artillery Brigades, 9 Second Rate Warships, 2 First Rate Warships, 1 Santiago-class Armed Transport, 1 Monarch-class Warship, 3 Norwich-class Warships 8 Neptuno-class Warships, 6 Toledo-class Warships (+1 Stability in Spanish India)
United Kingdom of Great Britain: 19 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 8 Artillery Brigades, 7 Third Rate Warships, 5 Second Rate Warships, 2 First Rate Warships, 15 Monarch-class Warships, 1 Norwich-class Warship, 2 Hermes-class Armed Transports

WAR ON THE HIGH SEAS. Seville, Empire of Holy Spain. The war has continued to take an enormous toll upon the commerce of the high seas, especially the Atlantic Ocean. No major fleet actions emerged in the Atlantic this year, as the British began adopting a strategy of whittling down Spanish naval power through lightning attacks and raids. The strategy has proven successful as British ships are typically fast enough to engage in any battle upon their own terms. Unfortunately some unwise captains have picked off more than they could chew in battles, occasionally and foolishly picking fights with the larger Spanish warships. This has paid off once or twice, but usually results in a sunken British raider. Both sides have clearly begun a war of commerce raiding each other's shipping, and this has had the greatest toll upon the Brazilians, who have adopted protecting their traders with their own vessels. The Floridians and both eastern factions have also adopted shameless raiding of enemy commerce, creating a very hostile environment across the Caribbean and northern Atlantic Ocean.
Casualty Lists
Empire of Brazil: 2 Libertador-class Warships
Florida: 1 Washington-class Warship
United Kingdom of Great Britain: 6 Monarch-class Warships
United States of America (Gubernatorial Faction): 2 Third Rate Warships
Empire of Holy Spain: 3 Second Rate Warships, 7 Neptuno-class Warships, 2 Toledo-class Warships
United States of America (Scott Faction): 2 Libertador-class Warships

Financial Section​

LANGUEDOC PAYS OFF SPANISH LOAN. Barcelona, Empire of Holy Spain. The government of Languedoc at last finished repaying former a substantial loan taken from the Empire of Holy Spain a few years ago this year. The loan was taken out in order to secure the annexation of Provence, as well as the buildup of Languedoc's army to respond to a perceived threat from the Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy. The loan is one of the largest made in recent European history and has made great strides to further tying together the economics of both Spain and Languedoc. The repayment of the loan comes in a timely manner as the War of the American Presidency continues to consume the efforts and economic abilities of the Spanish government.

SCANDINAVIAN AND FRENCH INTERESTS COMPETE IN JACKSONIA. Jefferson, Jacksonia. The nation of Jacksonia has begun being the center of a rising economic dispute between Scandinavia and the Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy. Both nations have begun sponsoring significant economic investment in Jacksonia, as their merchants compete for influence. The result has been local turmoil as both parties take underhanded approaches to bribe Jacksonian officials and sabotage their competitors' operations. The losers in the contest have been the Jacksonian people, who have suffered as these two groups fight over economic control of local resources. So far it seems the Scandinavians have been coming out top in the competition, as they have significantly more financing and support behind them. (-1 Stability for Jacksonia)

NEW STOCK EXCHANGE OPENED IN PARIS. Paris, Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy. King Louis of the Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy has sponsored the construction and establishment of the Paris Stock Exchange. This has proven to be a growing center of commerce and commodities trading in France, which has not previously existed on any large scale. For the past few years of actual usage of stocks and related trading, most French trading has taken place in Spain or the United Kingdom, and the Paris Exchange offers an alternative to this commerce. The Paris market has proven incredibly productive and successful, making the Kingdoms a center of commercial activity in the region.

ECONOMIC FLUCTUATION REPORT. Madrid, Empire of Holy Spain.


Random Stat Changes and Fluctuations

POPULATION MIGRATIONS. Moderator's Note: As this has not been done for a while, this represents migrations that have taken place for a larger period of time, not just this year. Therefore while immigrants may look like they're headed to particularly unstable and/or blockaded regions now, they actually already did so years ago.


Military Quality Boost in Chile: +1 Army Quality and +1 Navy Quality

Diplomatic Pouch

To: Republic of the Netherlands
From: Flanders

For the good of regional trade and development, we were hoping that you would adopt the same railroad gauge and cooperate with our construction and businessmen to help increase trade and relations between our two nations.

To: Languedoc and Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy
From: Dauphine

The recent misbehaviors of your merchants are unacceptable, and we hope that you will do your best to reign in their activities and attacks upon each other. Their behavior poses a risk to the stability of the region and must be contained.

To: Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy, United Kingdom of Great Britain, Scandinavia, and Empire of Holy Spain
From: Flanders

We have sought to avoid war in Europe and preserve our nation from the fear of invasion and attack, and we hope that you will join the Republic of the Netherlands in the guarantee of independence of our nation. We believe that the security of our nation is paramount and that Europe could use a center of tranquility and peace.

To: Republic of the Netherlands
From: Venezuela

We have heard you offer reasonable prices for modern steam warships, and we are anxious to purchase a modern fleet from you. We are open to negotiation on prices and the development of our naval capacities.

OOC

To answer that hot question of the day: Yes, railroads are viable now for anyone who wishes to sink money into it or encourage private enterprise to sink money into it for them. There are of course a host of advantages and disadvantages to either approach, and I leave it to you to pick your poison, you delicious, delicious poison.

@Terrence888: A World's Fair like the one you previously launched would probably cost the same amount you spent last time, which I believe was about ten EP. If you wish to make it truly pompous, feel free to spend any amount more than that to make it a gala event for the ages.

To address the concerns expressed, the new Moscovite organization was NOT 1 EP in cost. It was 5 EP. Not sure what I was smoking when I made that error, but I assure you, no unnatural benefit was acquired by any player in the making of this mistake.

I apologize for any delay which may emerge in the posting of this update, throughout the whole process I've been plagued by the server going down quite frequently. I must commend all of you though, with the exception of a single person, all orders were received on time.

@kentharu: The education costs are still mandatory to be paid as part of the overhead for your nation. To this end, I have taken 20 EP out of the total expenses for your nation. This is a one-time thing though for all players, so next time, it'll hurt you in some unknown way.

@bombshoo: Despite the war, education costs still have to be paid. Therefore, I took off the extra EP from one of the Third Rate Warships you wanted built. This is a one-time thing though for all players, so next time, it'll hurt you in some unknown way.

@DarthNader: The odds wound up against you, but you did a good fight, and I'm assuming you in the place of the restored monarchy. Let me know if you want to stick with it or switch to another nation or regime.

World Map

From the Kingdom of Normandy
To Dauphine
CC: Languedoc, Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy

We mirror Dauphine's request in hopes that stability can return and normal trade can resume.


From the Kingdom of Normandy
To the People of Normandy
CC: The World

We have suffered a great disaster to our nation. Rouen, the capital of our Kingdom, has suffered a great fire which has destroyed many blocks and devastated the city and its people.
Let it be known that the Norman State cares for the Norman people. We will rebuild Rouen from the ashes, and from the ashes of the old city shall arise a Phoenix of the new. It shall have paved roads and sewers. It shall have buildings of stone and brick. It shall have all the modern advancements we have wrought together.
Let it be known that we will rebuild the city, together as one, by the eve of 1850. And we shall welcome all the World back to Rouen and Cherberg, back to see a physical paragon of what the future brings.
Let it be known that we will host A World's Fair of 1850 upon the laying of the last brick on the last factory, and let the world look upon the ingenuity of us Normans, and of us all.


From the Kingdom of Normandy
To Flanders
CC: Scandinavia, United Kingdom of Great Britain, Empire of Holy Spain, Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy

For the little good it will do, I also guarantee your independence.

@EQ I did not receive my +12 manpower or recognition for my project in my stats.

To: Venezuela
From: The Republic of the Netherlands
If you offer a fair price we would gladly sell you warships.

To: Flanders
We look forward to working more closely with our southern neighbors in the future, and we do agree that we should both use the same railroad gauge to help increase the flow of trade.

Henri Drake had come to Jacksonia to escape the fear and injustice of his old land. He had created a homestead and was living the Jacksonian dream of prosperity. However, savages had grown jealous of the Jacksonians. They sought to take the sweat of his brow. General Evans and his soldiers protected him from the savages. As the guns fired, Drake was inspired, and composed this song.

Battle Hymn of Jacksonia​

To: Empire of Brazil
From: Empire of Holy Spain

Our previous ties of friendship are what are propulsing us to sending this message to the Emperor of Brazil, despite their joining a war against us.

Surely you must have seen the ruins of most of your fleet in the coasts of Brazil and Uruguay. We now come to you with this offer:
1) The Empire of Brazil and the Empire of Holy Spain will sign a statu quo ante bellum peace.
2) The blockade organised in South America against Spanish commercial ships will end.
3) Brazil will pay 5 EP for its disruption of Spanish trade in South America.
We are willing to negotiate further so that the war with those we once considered brothers may stop, but those two are the initial points, which we hope you will be willing to accept.

To: Jamaica
From: Empire of Holy Spain

Given your complete isolation from British ships, and despite your past as a British colony, we are willing to start trading with you right now. And, unlike the British, we are willing to not force you to trade exclusively with us.

TO: Empire of Spain
FROM: Empire of Brazil

We cannot accept a peace until such a time that Spain pays for the lives lost in your unprovoked attack on our ships, cities and civilians. We do not care for your blame game, the facts are simple and the Spanish assaulted Brazilian ships without casus belli, without diplomatic warning and against past friendship. This treaty is a disgrace to our rank as princes, and to the people and their liberty.

From The Ascendant's Kingdom of Holy China
To Tibet

We shall accept your surrender under the following terms.

1. Tibet shall become a vassal of the Ascendant's Kingdom of Holy China and shall pay an annual tribute of 3 EP.

2. Tibet shall expel all Europeans from their country, and shall bar any future Europeans from entering their borders.

3. The borders between our two nations shall be settled as they are currently.

Luckymoose said:

TO: Empire of Spain
FROM: Empire of Brazil

We cannot accept a peace until such a time that Spain pays for the lives lost in your unprovoked attack on our ships, cities and civilians. We do not care for your blame game, the facts are simple and the Spanish assaulted Brazilian ships without casus belli, without diplomatic warning and against past friendship. This treaty is a disgrace to our rank as princes, and to the people and their liberty.

Click to expand...

To: Empire of Brazil
From: Empire of Holy Spain

Whichever the payment Brazil demands, it would be easily offset by Spanish losses in the Atlantic, both militar, civilian and in trade. Besides, it is clear that Brazil continuously and erroneously lays on the blame on Spain, when it was British ships that first attacked Spanish ships, and that the Brazilian ships in there were in the middle of the crossfire is not Spain's fault. If you want to demand something for that money, ask Britain, who was the one to start it. If you do not understand reality and subsitute it with your imagination, we have no problem, but, please, do not bring that imagination to the negotiating table, it helps no one.

To: United States of New Spain
From: Empire of Holy Spain

As you may have seen from border reports, the Mayan rebels you once supported have shown that they clearly do not have the same regard for you. Helping us destroy them once and for all will show to be far more beneficial for you than allowing the rebels to continue to run around would be.

TO: Spanish Empire
FROM: Brazil

We caused these losses to you? We who are not participating in the war at sea and have been pursued and pillaged by the Spanish fleets? God has no mercy for traitors and murderers.

Luckymoose said:

TO: Spanish Empire
FROM: Brazil

We caused these losses to you? We who are not participating in the war at sea and have been pursued and pillaged by the Spanish fleets? God has no mercy for traitors and murderers.

Click to expand...

To: Empire of Brazil
From: Empire of Holy Spain

You cannot honestly believe that you can determine peace terms when you have been soundly defeated. However, if you are able to name peace terms that are agreeable to Spain, then you may have them.

To Flanders
Cc The Netherlands
From Paris and Burgundy

We guarantee your independence too, although we wonder why you do not declare outright neutrality, and we suggest that this might be a firmer assurance of your independence.

Are you willing to confer with us also on the subject of railway guages so that we can adopt the same guage as you?

To Brittany
From Paris and Burgundy

We are disgusted by the actions of some Frenchmen within your borders to undermine your regime, and as such we must offer you our utmost sympathies and whatever help can be of use to you.

To Dauphiné
Cc Languedoc
From Paris and Burgundy

We will assist you to the furthest extent of our abilities and will be willing to extradite, share intelligence, discuss methods of cooperating to clarify trade agreements, &c. as far as you like.

In fact, it seems to us that it might be useful to have a general trade conference in Grenoble to settle any trading differences between traders and governments, with delegations from the governments of Dauphiné, Paris and Burgundy, and Languedoc, as well as the Duchy of Provence within that kingdom, and with all notable merchants invited, to settle all trade disputes and clarify our various trade agreements to the satisfaction of all parties, and we will be willing to provide funds for the management of the conference if this suits you.

To Languedoc
Cc Poitou
From Paris and Burgundy

We are most surprised at your most peculiar hypocrisy and arrant treachery in Poitou. Everyone knows that you are a reactionary dictator with the most backward, oppressive, and nationalistic regime in Europe; don't pretend you aren't.

To Savoy-Milan
From Paris and Burgundy

We denounce your annexation of Tuscany and request that you withdraw your occupying forces immediately.

To Austria, Hungary, Poland, Bavaria, Serbia, the Pope, Naples, Sardinia, Corsica
From Paris and Burgundy

We rather wonder why no-one has acted to stop the behaviour of Savoy-Milan given the complete and obvious (not to mention dangerous) illegality of their actions, and if you would like to discuss this with us, we will be willing to consider with you our own stance on this issue.

To Hungary, Poland, and Austria
From Paris and Burgundy

We congratulate you on your victories and hope they may be causes of ever greater harmony and solidarity between your kingdoms.

To all
Cc Jacksonia
From Paris and Burgundy

We are delighted to unveil our treaty made with the state of Jacksonia. We would furthermore like to assure the world that we and the Scandinavians are the closest of allies, cooperating for the prosperity of Jacksonia, and so no commecial rivalries correspond at all to any form of diplomatic disagreement.

Treaty of Jefferson

It is hereby recognized, the state of alliance between the Kingdoms of Paris and Burgundy and the nation and people of Jacksonia, for defensive and economic purposes, that God willing shall be maintained eternally. In signing, the signatories acknowledge this alliance and pledge to do whatever is prudent and necessary to maintain it. They additionally acknowledge,

-a state of economic cooperation between the Kingdoms of Paris and Burgundy and Jacksonia. Jacksonia will henceforth agree to Parisian and Burgundian tariff monopolies and tax bonuses, that will allow Parisian and Burgundian business to operate in Jacksonia without unnecessary impedence. In exchange, the Kingdoms of Paris and Burgundy will provide necessary industries and businesses that will allow Jacksonia to modernize, expand and otherwise improve itself.

-the establishment of recognized international embassies, in Jefferson and Paris, by which the relationship between the Kingdoms of Paris and Burgundying, and Jacksonia will be maintained and moderated.

-the full military and diplomatic protection and recognition of Jacksonia by the Kingdoms of Paris and Burgundy, now and until such a time as the nation of Jacksonia is able to provide for itself militarily and diplomatically.

-the likelihood of settlement by the French Colonial Society in Jacksonia, for the development of the Jacksonian economy and the mutual prosperity of the nations involved in this treaty, and this settlement will be encouraged by the Crown of Paris and Burgundy and by the State of Jacksonia.

Signed, King Louis of Paris and Burgundy

To: Paris-Burgundy
CC: Flanders
From: The Netherlands

We are also willing to use the same railroad gauge as you, for increased trade and such..

To: East Asia (not China)
From: Poland

We urge you to stop killing everyone who isn't Chinese, lest you all become their vassals.

To: Kingdom of Paris-Burgundy
From: United States of America

This alliance you've made with the Jacksonians is unacceptable. The Jacksonians are American rebels and their independence is illegal. By allying with them you set yourselves in a hostile position to the United States of America, and we will not accept or tolerate that. In protest, we are sending your diplomats home, and recalling our diplomats from Paris. We will not condone this outrage and insult to our sovereignty.