Tani Coyote
Son of Huehuecoyotl
- Joined
- May 28, 2007
- Messages
- 15,195
AoI IV: El Renaciamento del Imperio Español ( The Rebirth of the Spanish Empire )
(No changes were made to the game, other than adding a few more cities, mostly British, but many in the Pacific, and Civil Engineers are now produced every 10 turns rather than 13)
It is the año 1895 CE. The Imperial powers of Europe, as well as those of the United States and Japan, have spread across the globe and gobbled up almost all of Africa and Asia, with any colonisation of América del Sur(South America) deterred by the United States' ambitious Monroe Doctrine.
Since the Spanish Revolution of 1874 that restored the monarchy and ended the Spanish Republic, the turno pacífico - peaceful turn - had been in place in Spain. The system was proposed by the Prime Minister Antonio Cánovas del Castillo, who wanted to ensure political stability and at the same time form a duopoly on power between the Conservative and Liberal parties of Spain.
In December 1894, Prime Minister Práxedes Mateo Sagasta of the Liberal Party suddenly died. With the death of the Prime Minister, Rey Alfonso XIII's mother Maria Christina de Austria - his regent - appointed a shadowy figure from the liberal party, Marcos de Sombra. Sagasta had left a royal letter to the queen in his will, in case he should die in office, where he recommended the nobody de Sombra, who would owe his loyalty to the Queen and be the means of controlling the Cortes... and thus paving the way for a royal restoration of power. Furthermore, the turno, Sagasta argued, should not take effect until the next election. Not to mention, Cánovas was growing increasingly unpopular among the masses because of his policies of repression at home and in the colonies.
Marcos de Sombra was confirmed by the Cortes, becoming the new Prime Minister of Spain. De Sombra said that he would lessen the brutality employed against independence movements, but that he would not grant independence itself. He did mention, however, that he would be willing to work with resistance leaders to devise a compromise.
1895
Semana 1
As talks of reconciliation and cooperation were opened, however, regiments were being raised en masse in Cuba. A vast transport fleet was being constructed, tasked with carrying troops from the homeland to Cuba. Marcos de Sombra wanted to enforce Spain's will upon the Cubans by sheer force of arms.
In mid-January, the British government demanded money from the Spanish people, and de Sombra agreed, if only to placate the British and prevent interference in plans for Cuba.
Semana 9:
Imagine the surprise of the Cuban Resistance when despite all odds, the Spanish overran them in less than a single week, conquering their puny headquarters of Nuevitas and executing all but their most popular leaders. Leaders that survived were installed as local leaders, but close eyes were kept on them. With a promise of better treatment of the citizenry and demagoguery through the former resistance leaders, the Cuban Independence movement withered away...
While many casualties were sustained, the Cuban garrisons had been crushed, along with their resistance. Full effort could be focused on the Philippines.
...Or so was the theory. Negotiations continued with the Filipinos, on edge about what had occurred to their "brothers" in Cuba. In the meantime, however, de Sombra hoped to expand Spanish dominions in the Caribbean by occupying the island of Hispaniola, tiny, weak and defenseless. It's conquest would expand the number of key cities occupied by Spain in the Caribbean from 4 to 6, and unite Cuba with Puerto Rico.
Mid-March, the Chileans and Argentines went to war. It was not known what the results of this conflict would be, though Spain had no real interest in it given the limited resources she was working on extending.
Semana 25:
But midway through the year, the Russians demanded money. The Prime Minister agreed, not wanting to risk any conflict with the steamroller.
Semana 41:
The adoption of the Gold Standard greatly increased the stability of Spain's currency, allowing greater economic growth and overall tax revenue.
Nothing of note happened for the rest of the year, but Spain had seen the destruction of one insurgency, the growth of the economy, with coaling stations and banks being opened across the empire. Prime Minister de Sombra promised to return the Spanish Empire to greatness. His approval ratings showed a mere 51%, but that was enough to keep him in power within his party, and also to ensure that the voters remained faithful to the Liberal party, which was steadily being reformed to be more inclusive of elements such as those in the Conservative Party. While the Party continued to talk of more leftist ideals such as greater social freedom and even some socialist ideas, the right-wing elements of militarism and imperialism were steadily separated from the Conservatives and absorbed into the Liberals...
1896 AD:
1896 AD started off as a year of great peaceful development. The economy continued to swell, with saw mills, oil fields, sugar plantations and other infrastructure being constructed, often with the help of overtime labor paid for by the generous royal surplus.
Semana 13:
That is, until the riot in the Caroline Islands. Unemployed people were promptly hired to fill leisure positions and make the locals happier. De Sombra successfully diffused the colonial crisis without firing a shot.
Semana 21:
Almost midway through the year, the Chileans and Argentines finally ended their pointless conflict, with no gains on either side.
Semana 25:
The Prime Minister was forced to sign a treaty with the Americans, handing over 100 units of gold. Before sending it off to America, the Prime Minister made sure each and every piece of gold was inscribed with the phrase "Chingate."
The Prime Minister also had to diffuse another riot in the Caroline Islands. De Sombra's approval rating still hovered steadily around 50%, however.
Alas, the year passed by uneventfully... though the Prime Minister's approval rating rose to 52% as the ranks of the colonial cavalry empire-wide swelled.
1897 AD:
Semana 1:
1897 had barely even begun when word was received a volcano was active in Kamchatka. Publicly, the Prime Minister wished luck to the Russians, but privately hoped it would destroy them in some way.
Semana 9:
The discovery of the X-Ray machine in Madrid was just one of many discoveries, with new discoveries soon being made in the fields of colonial administration and that of Cruiser Armor.
Shortly after, in the city of Cartagena, the membership of Spain in the International Red Cross was confirmed, raising morale nationwide, now that the people knew that any soldiers would be well taken care of.
Semana 33:
The discovery of Aspirin in Madrid was yet another great scientific achievement by Spain.
More shockingly, news spread that Antonio Cánovas had been assassinated. After quite a while protesting the de Sombra government - as the turno was being violated by the Liberal Party - the man died, and the Conservatives scrambled to find a new leader to oppose the Liberals.
Semana 37:
The Habsburgs hosted the first World Fair in 1897.
Semana 41:
In response, the Germans of Munich held the Olympic Games of 1897.
1898 AD:
Semana 1:
The Prime Minister announced a new era for Spain, saying that Spain's military was unforgivably weak and needed a desperate enlargement. The entire economy was geared for war.
Especially so, considering Britain demanded 100 gold units in ransom shortly after the statement was made. More citizens rallied behind De Sombra's program. And Germany right afterward.
Semana 5:
The construction of the National Intelligence Agency building in Madrid served to centralise Spain's information-gathering and analysis efforts.
Semana 13:
The Prime Minister met with his advisors to discuss Hispaniola. They informed him that Spain had 10 colonial cavalry groups, 2 colonial infantry groups, 8 field cannon groups, and all the ships of the Western Spanish Empire ready to strike at Hispaniola's administrative center of Port-au-Prince. The Prime Minister said Spain would strike when the time was right.
Just a week after the decision was made to get ready for an amphibious assault upon Hispaniola, France declared war upon Germany thanks to a border dispute in Africa. Given Austria-Hungary's alliance with Germany, it was likely the French would have their hands full at home while they would likely rampage overseas. Spain watched the conflict with interest, as a shrunken northern neighbor or an enlarged norther neighbor would both be detrimental to her well-being.
Semana 21:
The Russians demanded money shortly after the War of Hispaniola started. The money was given.
3 cavalry groups sacrificed themselves to destroy the local garrisons, granting 3/5 of Hispaniola to Spain shortly after the fall of Port-au-Prince.
4 more perished to secure Santo Domingo. Limited resistance groups rose up across Hispaniola, but for the time being, the entire island was Spanish. The Cortes declared a national holiday the day after the falls of Santo Domingo, to celebrate the return of Hispaniola to Spanish rule after 77 years of absence(33 if counting the brief willing reversion of the Dominican Republic to Spain in exchange for protection from the Haitians). Marcos de Sombra promised a great future for his new citizens.
With the quick and profitable 3-week war complete, military mobilisation ended as de Sombra's government began to set aside funding for projects all across the empire to stimulate further development, especially in the poverty-stricken Hispaniola.
The United States griped about Spain's violation of the Monroe Doctrine, but de Sombra dismissed the Americans, saying that Spain was merely recouping what the Americans had stolen by the force of a gun not too long ago. Many American politicians agitated for war, but President William McKinley was not midway through his first term yet, and furthermore, was hesitant to cause a conflict over insignficant Hispaniola.
...That attitude would likely change in the coming months, however, as Spain's ships converged on Central America's various Republics.
Semana 45:
As a new military buildup continued, the Chinese had the nerve to demand tribute from Spain, running on the assumption that de Sombra was a coward. De Sombra surprised them by flatout saying no, saying that when China was doubled or tripled in size, maybe he would treat them the same as the other powers. De Sombra was sure to mark coastal Fuzhou for destruction in future wars...
Semana 49:
The American-born Wright Brothers demonstrated their flyer before the Rey de España and his regent, Reina Maria Christina, in Madrid. This was yet another time of great scientific advancement by Madrid, with Spain pulling ahead of the world in the fields of Electronics and Pre-Dreadnoughts shortly after.
1899:
Semana 9:
The discovery of the electron by scientists in Madrid was but one of another great inventions by the Spanish, followed by advances in Submarine technology and
Semana 13:
Meeting with his advisors, the Prime Minister reasoned that enough troops had been gathered to take over the Central American states. War was declared upon Honduras, with the rest of Central America rallying to it's defense. The United States griped yet again, but McKinley's bluffs were called, with the President unwilling to wage a war without popular backing.
10 Field Gun groups, 2 Spanish Cavalry groups, 4 Spanish Colonial Infantry Groups, and 8 Spanish Colonial Cavalry groups all deployed outside Honduras' capital, backed up by the Spanish Caribbean fleet, which had been enlarged with two Princesa de Asturias Cruisers, who would provide artillery support.
Semana 17:
Tegucigalpa was a bloodbath, with 8 groups of units lost, mostly cavalry. Some questioned the efficiency of the campaign... but nonetheless, it was only a matter of time before Central America was defeated, given the fact Tegucigalpa had been occupied, and the fact that Central America's best men - their City Guards - had been completely wiped out in the city.
Semana 21:
The Mexicans attacked the British for whatever reason, likely desiring to obtain Belize. De Sombra sent a secret message to his Hispanophone brothers, wishing them luck in curtailing British influence.
The French soon extorted 100 gold from the Spanish treasury.
Semana 25:
The vacuum tube was pioneered in Madrid, continuing the trend of scientific discoveries, with naval advances following as troops advanced steadily towards the last Central American fortresses.
The first phase of the Battle of Guatemala consumed 4 cavalry groups and 1 infantry group to destroy all the local Central American riflemen, though the Commander had a feeling more would soon reach the frontlines...
Semana 29:
The Austrian Emperor, apparently now a pagan, tried to extort money from the Spanish people, but the Prime Minister gave them the finger just as he did China.
Judging by the envoy's excitement, the Central Americans were quite eager to get out of a war, as Guatemala would soon fall. The Prime Minister made sure to send plenty of queso with the Central Americans, so they could have some cheese with their whine.
The Guatemalans saw further destruction of their army, with only a single band of half-strength militia continuing to protect the capital as Spanish troops entered the suburbs. Walled inside the center of the city, the Central American militia continued to maintain some authority, which would soon be ended as more troops arrived.
Semana 33:
Sure enough, the Presidential Palace in Guatemala was soon occupied by Spanish troops, and a viceroy was sent to administer things from Tegucigalpa.
More worryingly, British troops had moved from Belize towards Tegucigalpa... likely encouraged by the fact the city had been left defenseless for about a month to facilitate the invasion.
Speaking of the British, they had occupied Villahermosa from the Mexicans. As well, German Togoland had been seized by the French.
Semana 37:
Sure enough, the British "sneak attack" continued, with troops moving deeper into Central America. However, the Prime Minister devised a strategy of keeping patrols outside Tegucigalpa to isolate the British, who were too afraid to press an attack as a result.
As a Central American crisis brewed, however, the first transatlantic radio communication was made between Barcelona and Tegucigalpa.
In exchange for a monthly tribute of 24 units of gold, the British agreed to give access rights to Spain. The Prime Minister was hoping to take advantage of the chaos in Mexico by conquering Cancun, separated from the rest of Mexico by British-occupied zones.
(No changes were made to the game, other than adding a few more cities, mostly British, but many in the Pacific, and Civil Engineers are now produced every 10 turns rather than 13)
It is the año 1895 CE. The Imperial powers of Europe, as well as those of the United States and Japan, have spread across the globe and gobbled up almost all of Africa and Asia, with any colonisation of América del Sur(South America) deterred by the United States' ambitious Monroe Doctrine.
Since the Spanish Revolution of 1874 that restored the monarchy and ended the Spanish Republic, the turno pacífico - peaceful turn - had been in place in Spain. The system was proposed by the Prime Minister Antonio Cánovas del Castillo, who wanted to ensure political stability and at the same time form a duopoly on power between the Conservative and Liberal parties of Spain.
In December 1894, Prime Minister Práxedes Mateo Sagasta of the Liberal Party suddenly died. With the death of the Prime Minister, Rey Alfonso XIII's mother Maria Christina de Austria - his regent - appointed a shadowy figure from the liberal party, Marcos de Sombra. Sagasta had left a royal letter to the queen in his will, in case he should die in office, where he recommended the nobody de Sombra, who would owe his loyalty to the Queen and be the means of controlling the Cortes... and thus paving the way for a royal restoration of power. Furthermore, the turno, Sagasta argued, should not take effect until the next election. Not to mention, Cánovas was growing increasingly unpopular among the masses because of his policies of repression at home and in the colonies.
Marcos de Sombra was confirmed by the Cortes, becoming the new Prime Minister of Spain. De Sombra said that he would lessen the brutality employed against independence movements, but that he would not grant independence itself. He did mention, however, that he would be willing to work with resistance leaders to devise a compromise.
1895
Semana 1
As talks of reconciliation and cooperation were opened, however, regiments were being raised en masse in Cuba. A vast transport fleet was being constructed, tasked with carrying troops from the homeland to Cuba. Marcos de Sombra wanted to enforce Spain's will upon the Cubans by sheer force of arms.
In mid-January, the British government demanded money from the Spanish people, and de Sombra agreed, if only to placate the British and prevent interference in plans for Cuba.
Semana 9:
Imagine the surprise of the Cuban Resistance when despite all odds, the Spanish overran them in less than a single week, conquering their puny headquarters of Nuevitas and executing all but their most popular leaders. Leaders that survived were installed as local leaders, but close eyes were kept on them. With a promise of better treatment of the citizenry and demagoguery through the former resistance leaders, the Cuban Independence movement withered away...
While many casualties were sustained, the Cuban garrisons had been crushed, along with their resistance. Full effort could be focused on the Philippines.
...Or so was the theory. Negotiations continued with the Filipinos, on edge about what had occurred to their "brothers" in Cuba. In the meantime, however, de Sombra hoped to expand Spanish dominions in the Caribbean by occupying the island of Hispaniola, tiny, weak and defenseless. It's conquest would expand the number of key cities occupied by Spain in the Caribbean from 4 to 6, and unite Cuba with Puerto Rico.
Mid-March, the Chileans and Argentines went to war. It was not known what the results of this conflict would be, though Spain had no real interest in it given the limited resources she was working on extending.
Semana 25:
But midway through the year, the Russians demanded money. The Prime Minister agreed, not wanting to risk any conflict with the steamroller.
Semana 41:
The adoption of the Gold Standard greatly increased the stability of Spain's currency, allowing greater economic growth and overall tax revenue.
Nothing of note happened for the rest of the year, but Spain had seen the destruction of one insurgency, the growth of the economy, with coaling stations and banks being opened across the empire. Prime Minister de Sombra promised to return the Spanish Empire to greatness. His approval ratings showed a mere 51%, but that was enough to keep him in power within his party, and also to ensure that the voters remained faithful to the Liberal party, which was steadily being reformed to be more inclusive of elements such as those in the Conservative Party. While the Party continued to talk of more leftist ideals such as greater social freedom and even some socialist ideas, the right-wing elements of militarism and imperialism were steadily separated from the Conservatives and absorbed into the Liberals...
1896 AD:
1896 AD started off as a year of great peaceful development. The economy continued to swell, with saw mills, oil fields, sugar plantations and other infrastructure being constructed, often with the help of overtime labor paid for by the generous royal surplus.
Semana 13:
That is, until the riot in the Caroline Islands. Unemployed people were promptly hired to fill leisure positions and make the locals happier. De Sombra successfully diffused the colonial crisis without firing a shot.
Semana 21:
Almost midway through the year, the Chileans and Argentines finally ended their pointless conflict, with no gains on either side.
Semana 25:
The Prime Minister was forced to sign a treaty with the Americans, handing over 100 units of gold. Before sending it off to America, the Prime Minister made sure each and every piece of gold was inscribed with the phrase "Chingate."
The Prime Minister also had to diffuse another riot in the Caroline Islands. De Sombra's approval rating still hovered steadily around 50%, however.
Alas, the year passed by uneventfully... though the Prime Minister's approval rating rose to 52% as the ranks of the colonial cavalry empire-wide swelled.
1897 AD:
Semana 1:
1897 had barely even begun when word was received a volcano was active in Kamchatka. Publicly, the Prime Minister wished luck to the Russians, but privately hoped it would destroy them in some way.
Semana 9:
The discovery of the X-Ray machine in Madrid was just one of many discoveries, with new discoveries soon being made in the fields of colonial administration and that of Cruiser Armor.
Shortly after, in the city of Cartagena, the membership of Spain in the International Red Cross was confirmed, raising morale nationwide, now that the people knew that any soldiers would be well taken care of.
Semana 33:
The discovery of Aspirin in Madrid was yet another great scientific achievement by Spain.
More shockingly, news spread that Antonio Cánovas had been assassinated. After quite a while protesting the de Sombra government - as the turno was being violated by the Liberal Party - the man died, and the Conservatives scrambled to find a new leader to oppose the Liberals.
Semana 37:
The Habsburgs hosted the first World Fair in 1897.
Semana 41:
In response, the Germans of Munich held the Olympic Games of 1897.
1898 AD:
Semana 1:
The Prime Minister announced a new era for Spain, saying that Spain's military was unforgivably weak and needed a desperate enlargement. The entire economy was geared for war.
Especially so, considering Britain demanded 100 gold units in ransom shortly after the statement was made. More citizens rallied behind De Sombra's program. And Germany right afterward.
Semana 5:
The construction of the National Intelligence Agency building in Madrid served to centralise Spain's information-gathering and analysis efforts.
Semana 13:
The Prime Minister met with his advisors to discuss Hispaniola. They informed him that Spain had 10 colonial cavalry groups, 2 colonial infantry groups, 8 field cannon groups, and all the ships of the Western Spanish Empire ready to strike at Hispaniola's administrative center of Port-au-Prince. The Prime Minister said Spain would strike when the time was right.
Just a week after the decision was made to get ready for an amphibious assault upon Hispaniola, France declared war upon Germany thanks to a border dispute in Africa. Given Austria-Hungary's alliance with Germany, it was likely the French would have their hands full at home while they would likely rampage overseas. Spain watched the conflict with interest, as a shrunken northern neighbor or an enlarged norther neighbor would both be detrimental to her well-being.
Semana 21:
The Russians demanded money shortly after the War of Hispaniola started. The money was given.
3 cavalry groups sacrificed themselves to destroy the local garrisons, granting 3/5 of Hispaniola to Spain shortly after the fall of Port-au-Prince.
4 more perished to secure Santo Domingo. Limited resistance groups rose up across Hispaniola, but for the time being, the entire island was Spanish. The Cortes declared a national holiday the day after the falls of Santo Domingo, to celebrate the return of Hispaniola to Spanish rule after 77 years of absence(33 if counting the brief willing reversion of the Dominican Republic to Spain in exchange for protection from the Haitians). Marcos de Sombra promised a great future for his new citizens.
With the quick and profitable 3-week war complete, military mobilisation ended as de Sombra's government began to set aside funding for projects all across the empire to stimulate further development, especially in the poverty-stricken Hispaniola.
The United States griped about Spain's violation of the Monroe Doctrine, but de Sombra dismissed the Americans, saying that Spain was merely recouping what the Americans had stolen by the force of a gun not too long ago. Many American politicians agitated for war, but President William McKinley was not midway through his first term yet, and furthermore, was hesitant to cause a conflict over insignficant Hispaniola.
...That attitude would likely change in the coming months, however, as Spain's ships converged on Central America's various Republics.
Semana 45:
As a new military buildup continued, the Chinese had the nerve to demand tribute from Spain, running on the assumption that de Sombra was a coward. De Sombra surprised them by flatout saying no, saying that when China was doubled or tripled in size, maybe he would treat them the same as the other powers. De Sombra was sure to mark coastal Fuzhou for destruction in future wars...
Semana 49:
The American-born Wright Brothers demonstrated their flyer before the Rey de España and his regent, Reina Maria Christina, in Madrid. This was yet another time of great scientific advancement by Madrid, with Spain pulling ahead of the world in the fields of Electronics and Pre-Dreadnoughts shortly after.
1899:
Semana 9:
The discovery of the electron by scientists in Madrid was but one of another great inventions by the Spanish, followed by advances in Submarine technology and
Semana 13:
Meeting with his advisors, the Prime Minister reasoned that enough troops had been gathered to take over the Central American states. War was declared upon Honduras, with the rest of Central America rallying to it's defense. The United States griped yet again, but McKinley's bluffs were called, with the President unwilling to wage a war without popular backing.
10 Field Gun groups, 2 Spanish Cavalry groups, 4 Spanish Colonial Infantry Groups, and 8 Spanish Colonial Cavalry groups all deployed outside Honduras' capital, backed up by the Spanish Caribbean fleet, which had been enlarged with two Princesa de Asturias Cruisers, who would provide artillery support.
Semana 17:
Tegucigalpa was a bloodbath, with 8 groups of units lost, mostly cavalry. Some questioned the efficiency of the campaign... but nonetheless, it was only a matter of time before Central America was defeated, given the fact Tegucigalpa had been occupied, and the fact that Central America's best men - their City Guards - had been completely wiped out in the city.
Semana 21:
The Mexicans attacked the British for whatever reason, likely desiring to obtain Belize. De Sombra sent a secret message to his Hispanophone brothers, wishing them luck in curtailing British influence.
The French soon extorted 100 gold from the Spanish treasury.
Semana 25:
The vacuum tube was pioneered in Madrid, continuing the trend of scientific discoveries, with naval advances following as troops advanced steadily towards the last Central American fortresses.
The first phase of the Battle of Guatemala consumed 4 cavalry groups and 1 infantry group to destroy all the local Central American riflemen, though the Commander had a feeling more would soon reach the frontlines...
Semana 29:
The Austrian Emperor, apparently now a pagan, tried to extort money from the Spanish people, but the Prime Minister gave them the finger just as he did China.
Judging by the envoy's excitement, the Central Americans were quite eager to get out of a war, as Guatemala would soon fall. The Prime Minister made sure to send plenty of queso with the Central Americans, so they could have some cheese with their whine.
The Guatemalans saw further destruction of their army, with only a single band of half-strength militia continuing to protect the capital as Spanish troops entered the suburbs. Walled inside the center of the city, the Central American militia continued to maintain some authority, which would soon be ended as more troops arrived.
Semana 33:
Sure enough, the Presidential Palace in Guatemala was soon occupied by Spanish troops, and a viceroy was sent to administer things from Tegucigalpa.
More worryingly, British troops had moved from Belize towards Tegucigalpa... likely encouraged by the fact the city had been left defenseless for about a month to facilitate the invasion.
Speaking of the British, they had occupied Villahermosa from the Mexicans. As well, German Togoland had been seized by the French.
Semana 37:
Sure enough, the British "sneak attack" continued, with troops moving deeper into Central America. However, the Prime Minister devised a strategy of keeping patrols outside Tegucigalpa to isolate the British, who were too afraid to press an attack as a result.
As a Central American crisis brewed, however, the first transatlantic radio communication was made between Barcelona and Tegucigalpa.
In exchange for a monthly tribute of 24 units of gold, the British agreed to give access rights to Spain. The Prime Minister was hoping to take advantage of the chaos in Mexico by conquering Cancun, separated from the rest of Mexico by British-occupied zones.
Uruguay aligned with Britain against Tibet and Portugal. 
