Global News Report
WAR OF THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY. Madrid, Empire of Holy Spain. The war for control of the American government has truly escalated to a new degree across the world. Spanish offensives, and entries into the war have brought about a British invasion of Iberia and threaten to put an end to the Spanish victories to date. The war back in the Americas has also escalated through a series of major battles in Pennsylvania, and it seems that Scott's forces may be on their way to achieving victory. The war seems to have hit a peak this year, but observers believe that barring some sort of negotiations, the war will only push forward and could still be either side's contest.
News from Europe
ELEMENTS OF MILITARY FAIL IN COUP IN AZERBAIJAN. Baku, Azerbaijan. As tensions have mounted with the Christians of Georgia and unrest grew among the Shias of the Caliphate, much criticism has been levied against the Shah of Azerbaijan. The criticism has been directed at his failure to intervene in the Caliph's domestic disturbances, and to respond to Georgian aggression and skirmishes along the border. Many have felt that the Shah's control on the nation has been greatly diminishing, and that he has grown weak and decadent in power. The result was a group of soldiers within the military staging an attempt to replace their monarch with a more aggressive candidate. The coup started fairly well, but upon arrival in Baku, discovered that most of the army and government remained against them. The result was a fairly one-sided battle in which the rebels were annihilated and the monarchy has kept its control. Stability has been restored as these discontents have been imprisoned or executed for the betrayal of their duties. (+1 Stability, -1 Infantry Brigade)
VIOLENCE ERUPTS IN BRITTANY AGAINST FRENCH MINORITY. Nantes, Brittany. Last year's unrest caused by the French minority's rioting in Brittany, has come back to haunt them this year. The Bretons have responded with attacks on French communities in the eastern part of the nation, as they attempt to force them out. This has resulted in growing migration out of Brittany by the French, as they search for a life away from the government and population's hatred. The Breton people have attacked viciously, and the government, rather than quelling the anti-French riots, have been allowing them to push forward. The result has been thousands of deaths and attacks, throwing the eastern counties into chaos and confusion. Meanwhile, this has done much to put the Bretons more favorably inclined towards the monarchy, especially as it becomes more moderate upon social issues and liberalism. (+1 Stability, -6 Manpower)
SPANISH LIBERALS TAKE STAND AGAINST WAR. Madrid, Empire of Holy Spain. The landing of British troops in northern Spain has led to a rising threat against the Spanish monarchy. Liberalism has been kept fairly obscure in Spain due to the great prosperity and wealth the monarchy has brought the upper and middle classes. Unfortunately, the war has begun to change that situation, as international commerce continues its steep decline, effected by increased raiding and the collapse of China to European business interests. Furthermore, the invasion threat has dramatically raised the concern of the people of Spain and shaken faith in the monarchy. The liberals of the middle and upper classes have begun clamoring for an end to the war, so that business can resume and they can profit. Their shaky support has somewhat destabilized the country, threatening worse demonstrations on the horizon. (-1 Stability)
MINORITIES UNRULY IN HUNGARY. Split, Hungary. The Hungarians have been at last reunited under the rule of the monarchy, and they have done much to forge the nation together once more. Unfortunately, the republican activity won over the support of a number of minorities and promised them rights they do not receive under the king's rule. The promise of a federated republic and new rights and leadership made many in Hungary itch for the new day which the republicans offered. The loss of the rebellion to the monarchy and the Polish intervention has caused the minorities to begin stirring once more against Budapest, to a greater degree than ever before. The greatest example of this was a series of riots in the city of Split, where the Croats rose against the local garrison, and lynched the commanding officer. The army had to be called in to restore order, which they did through extensive violence. (-4 Manpower)
REVOLT IN ORLEANS DESTABILIZING LANGUEDOC. Orleans, Languedoc. The region of Orleans rose in full rebellion against Languedoc this year, as the faith in the regime has been greatly shaken by last year's activities in Poitou. The support for the liberals in Poitiers has demonstrated that King Louis II is less interested in the cause of the nobility, but simply interested in provoking war on all fronts. Languedoc had garnered support from Orleans' nobility when they helped oust the revolutionary regime, and managed to continue their rule afterward fairly peacefully. Unfortunately, an increase in taxes and military recruitment began alienating these noblemen, but the last straw was the support for liberals in another French state. To this end, the nobles have rallied elements of the army loyal to them and staged a rebellion against the king. The result was a violent rebellion, as the lords established control over Orleans and other forces, and fought over the course of several months to gain their independence. The main army soon responded however, and in a few bloody battles, crushed the uprising brutally and bloodily. Unfortunately the removal of the nobles has brought liberals swarming into the region once more, as the area continues to destabilize under King Louis II. (-1 Stability, -6 Infantry Brigades, -3 Cavalry Brigades, -2 Artillery Brigades)
POPE FLEES FROM ROME ON HEELS OF REPUBLICAN REVOLUTION. Rome, Roman Republic. Pope Leo XIII was forced to flee Rome this year as the Papal States rose up in revolution against him. This time, the Brothers of Italy managed to win over the support of the military, including the rebuilt navy. The revolutionaries managed to defeat the few loyalists and the guard of the Pope, allowing them to march quickly upon Rome. As the army of the revolutionaries advanced, the Pope was forced to flee from Rome, in flight from potential retribution towards his secular abuses. The people of Rome celebrated the victory, though many of the more conservative groups wonder about the future of the Catholic Church with this uprising. Pope Leo XIII has fled to Madrid, where he now takes shelter under the wing of the Spanish emperor, calling for him to intervene and restore the old order. Similarly, the armies of Austria and Naples have been assembled, also vowing support for the Pope to oust the new republican government. (-2 Infantry Brigades, -2 Cavalry Brigades, +2 Stability)
LIBERAL MOVEMENT GROWING IN CONSTANTINOPLE. Constantinople, Roman Empire. The Roman Empire has had few brushes with the rising trends of liberalism in Europe, and they have thankfully have been able to avoid the side effects. This has changed this year as the Roman middle class, which has been growing from trade in the eastern Mediterranean, began circulating new ideas. This has been encouraged by a new surge of interest in older Greek and Roman texts about republicanism and democracy. The Imperator has not cracked down on the rising interest in classical texts and liberal ideas and theory. Instead, he has encouraged the intellectual trend and has pledged to consider further liberalization of government, before the civil war broke out. The civil war had waylaid the prior plans and concerns, with the reactionary coup which led to the conflict. This has done much to help ease the threatened tensions which could have erupted.
FLANDERS HOLDS ELECTIONS. Brussels, Flanders. The government of Flanders held its second elections this year, in order to establish the reign of the conservative regime led by the Party of Order. The main concern has been the rising tensions in Europe between the smaller power and the overall threat to Flanders' security this represents. The Flemish people have, however, greatly appreciated the Prime Ministers efforts to establish Flanders as a truly neutral nation in Western Europe. They believe that this has widely been successful with guarantees of independence from both the Republic of the Netherlands and the Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy. The result has been a dominating electoral position for the Party of Order as they sweep all houses, and establish themselves once more as the main authority for the Flemish people. (+1 Stability)
NORMAN ELECTIONS. Rouen, Normandy. The stalwart aid and support from the nation's Prime Minister in the wake of last year's Great Fire of Rouen has caused an outpouring of political support for the conservative Party of Order from the masses. They have found that the masses seem more in favor of the conservative prime minister and his government than ever before due to the prompt responses to the disaster. The result has been an overwhelming sweep of Parliament, giving the Party of Order its biggest holding in government since elections began eight years ago. The government has pledged to rebuild Rouen to new heights as one of the most modern cities in Europe. The people have joyously accepted this proclamation and turned out in record numbers to bring their leaders back into elected power. (+1 Stability)
DEATH OF THE KING OF POITOU. Poitiers, Poitou. King Henri IV passed away this year, after having struggled with age and sickness over the past several years. Some have blamed the king of Languedoc for placing undue stress upon King Henri by political actions for his faltering health. Under the reign of King Henri IV, the nation of Poitou has seen a growth in overall prosperity, as well as a development of the nation as a patron for French nationalism. The end of Burgundian attempts to sponsor French nationalism has led to Poitiers being the heart of French art and culture over the past decade. His son has been proclaimed King Charles IV and is said to be a fair bit less reactionary and anti-liberal than his father. Regardless, he is still a noted conservative, and less than enthusiastic in participating in the campaigns of electoral anarchy sponsored by more liberal monarchies in Europe. He has therefore garnered substantial support from the old guard and military, and continues to bring absolute rule to Poitou. (+1 Stability)
DEATH OF THE KING OF POLAND. Krakow, Poland. King Stanislaw II died this year, following a year of poor health at best, and has silently passed on in the night. The old king has been responsible for growing Poland's powers to new economic and military heights, establishing Polish control over Prussia. Furthermore, he has brought Poland into preeminence as a new colonial power, establishing influence in central Africa and the Indian Ocean. At home, King Stanislaw II has taken a strong stand against liberalism, helping reel it back throughout Eastern Europe and establishing new relations with Hungary and Austria. These other nations have sent messages offering their condolences for the death of the king, and welcoming the rise of his son, the new King Zygmunt IV. King Zygmunt IV has been best known prior to assuming the reins of the nation, for his disastrous marriage with the queen of Sweden. The later divorce and emasculation this implied has done little for the new king's position and has done little to create faith in him. Most people believe that the new king is half the man his father was and are less than enthusiastic about recognizing him as their new king. (-1 Stability)
KING OF SAVOY-MILAN DIES. Turin, Kingdom of Savoy-Milan. King Charles Albert died this year, leaving the throne of Savoy-Milan to his son, and securing the succession of the nation's monarchy. King Charles Albert was the sole Italian monarch to embrace the growing tides led by the Brothers of Italy. In exchange for his growing support of the tides of republicanism and Italian unification, the king became monarch of a united Savoy and Milan. This established him as the most powerful monarch on the Italian peninsula, particularly as he built new political ties with Switzerland and the Republic of the Netherlands. In the final months of his life, he saw the rise of new regimes in both the Papal States and Tuscany, and some believe that he may well just barely miss the unification of Italy, which he long sought to achieve. His son has been crowned as King Victor, and has proven to be a bit more conservative than his father. Though he continues to support the democratically elected government in a nominal sense, he remains an opponent of further liberalization. Most politicians in Europe wonder at his stance on the overthrow of the Pope's secular authority in Rome and the reaction to the emerging crisis.
DEATH OF THE KING OF SERBIA. Belgrade, Serbia. After reigning over Serbia since its independence from the Roman Empire, and a surplus Hungarian prince from birth, King Stephan II died this year. The death came sudden and unexpectedly, as the king collapsed during a meeting of the court, leading to momentary panic. A few days later he died, without ever waking up to the crowds of mourners. King Stephan II has been noted as the monarch who has forged the infrastructure of a Serbian nation after they won their independence from the Romans. The king also defended the nation against Hungarian revolutionaries, keeping the Serbian people safe from the raging civil war to the north. The son of the king has been proclaimed King Louis Albert and is a strong conservative beacon for the Serbian population. This continuity from the old regime has been essential for maintaining stability of the old order, as they struggle to hold together a working government. (+1 Stability)
SWISS ELECTIONS. Zurich, Switzerland. The Swiss nation has undergone new elections this year as the Guards Party has once more been challenged by the liberal Patriots Party. They have pledged to continue Switzerland's position of supporting its political interests and allies in Europe, as well as maintaining military strength. The support for the military and army, and related job creation has been the central tenet of the current Swiss government, and it has proven fruitful for them in the past. The elections have supported the mandate of the Guards Party, as they point out the growing unrest and crisis upon the Italian Peninsula. They have managed to build up support for the Italian revolutions and regimes, and continue to stand firmly behind their allies in Turin. The increased economic prosperity of the past few years has also assured their position over the whole of Switzerland. (+1 Stability)
BRITISH ELECTIONS. London, United Kingdom of Great Britain. As required, new elections have been held for Parliament this year in the United Kingdom of Great Britain. The British Parliamentary elections have been torn apart predominantly by the issue of the War of the American Presidency. The disasters which befell British arms and business this year have played a key role in the election process, shaking the faith among the Whigs. The result has been a multi-party split among both liberals and conservatives throughout the whole of Britain. A number of liberals have begun calling for peace negotiations with the Spanish, while the British armies and navy still hold some power. Others, both conservative and liberal, believe the year's events to be a overall setback to the war effort, but not devastating to the cause. Among the conservatives, many have been decrying the failure of the Whig government to prepare for a war against Spain, allowing the Catholic dogs to gain strategic surprise in so many of Britain's far flung colonies. Thankfully the split among the conservatives have allowed the Whigs to retain power, but the faction within the group calling for negotiations has clearly dominated, and calls have been made for the Prime Minister to instigate some sort of peace negotiations with the Empire of Holy Spain.
NORMANDY JOINS IN DEFENSIVE AGREEMENTS. Paris, Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy. Normandy has been welcomed into a collection of defensive and nonaggression pacts in Western Europe with their commitment to the Treaty of Poitiers. They have pledged to the Kingdoms of Paris-Burgundy as well as a number of other French nations to protect each other in case a war erupts in which one of them is the attacked party. The treaty also helps prevent betrayal among the signatories by instituting an automatic three year nonaggression pact if any nation withdraws from the treaty due to other concerns. Furthermore, it does not condone aggressive action by any of the signatories, preventing them from uniting in an offensive war. This move has been applauded by the rest of France, encouraged that Normandy's involvement will further assist in preventing a major war tearing up the western part of the European continent.
RECONSTRUCTION OF ROUEN BEGINS. Rouen, Normandy. The Great Fire of Rouen has sparked a major effort by the government of Normandy to help restore the prosperity of the city and region as a whole through new projects. They have begun subsidizing new buildings made out of flame resistant materials such as stone or brick and have financed the construction of new government buildings. The surge in activity has brought some prosperity back as materials are shipped in from the rest of France to aid in the construction of the new Rouen. The construction has also included a number of new centers, including the establishment of a massive railroad junction in the center of the city. The mayor claims that the Grand Central Station of Rouen will prove to be the beating heart of the growing network of railroads throughout Normandy. Furthermore, the funds provided have gone towards preparations for a new World's Fair of Industry in 1850, which many hope will spur new industrial and economic growth.
SAVOY-MILAN COMPLETES PORT RECONSTRUCTION. Genoa, Kingdom of Savoy-Milan. The Kingdom of Savoy-Milan has wiped away the last scars of the Third Venetian War this year, with the completion of a port reconstruction program. The reconstruction has taken place, restoring the various ports of Savoy-Milan that were damaged by Hungarian raids and vicious attacks throughout the course of the war. Most of the damage had already been repaired by private interests over the past few years, but the government stepped in to pick up the slack. The monarchy has graciously paid for these expenses, hoping that the new order of things will assist in economic rebirth in Italy. Furthermore, as new tensions escalate on the peninsula with revolutions in Tuscany and Rome, many believe that the repairs are needed for the coming conflict.
TREATIES ASSURE SAVOYARD WITHDRAWAL IN TUSCANY. Milan, Kingdom of Savoy-Milan. Last year's invasion of Tuscany by the Kingdom of Savoy-Milan in support of the Brothers of Italy led to a surge of protests from varying sources. Under pressure from all sides, the Kingdom of Savoy-Milan was forced to agree to withdraw all armies and soldiers from Tuscany. The mere withdrawal of Turin's armies was not deemed to be enough and other powers began to ask for pacts of nonaggression, in the hopes of forestalling yet another Italian war. The result was a series of signed nonaggression pacts, among the various regional powers, though a number were not outright accepted by the government of Savoy-Milan. With revolution in Tuscany and Rome, no one is quite sure how these treaties still apply, or even if they will still apply at all.
SAVOY-MILAN'S WITHDRAWAL LEADS TO REVOLUTION IN TUSCANY. Florence, Tuscany. After receiving substantial ultimatums from the Pope, Austria, and much of the rest of Central Europe, the Kingdom of Savoy-Milan was forced to withdraw from Tuscany and restore control to King Leopold II. After they withdrew, and with revolution breaking out in the Papal States, King Leopold II was hard-pressed to maintain any sort of order in Tuscany. The Brothers of Italy, revitalized by funding and a massive surge of grassroots support, easily managed to form a ragtag army and oust the monarch. With no army of his own, King Leopold II has been forced to abdicate the throne, and turn over control of the nation to a newly forged republic. The new Republic of Tuscany has established friendly relations both with Savoy-Milan and the new Roman Republic to the south. They have already appealed to unite three nations in a growing Italian kingdom, but face the threat of intervention from either Austria, Hungary, or both.
MOSCOW-KIEV WAR ESCALATES. Kiev, Kiev. Moscowy's war to dominate Kiev has been transformed into a much larger conflict as the Moscovites face two dire new threats. The Roman Empire, which signed a defensive agreement with Kiev over a decade ago, has belatedly decided to honor the pact. They have since deployed fresh troops to Kiev as well as limited economic aid with which to fight the invaders. Similarly, a Hungarian army has been mustered and sent east to resist the invasion, forcing the Moscovites to confront a significantly larger army than they expected. Hoping to achieve a victory before the arrival of these reinforcements, the Moscovites attacked early and quickly, hoping to defeat Kiev before their friends arrived. Having temporary numerical superiority, the Moscovites attempted to overwhelm Kiev's army through brute force tactics. They did manage to break Keiv's lines and forced them across the river as the Moscovite guns pounded Kiev itself. The Hungarian army was the first to arrive to attempt to break the siege of the city, as they attempted to do so before the arrival of the Romans. The Moscovites greatly outnumbered the Hungarians and proved to be fairly equal on the battlefield. The Hungarian attack went forward and turned into disaster, as the Moscovites routed them and the supporting Kievan attack. The Hungarians have since fled into the siege lines, where Kiev has done its best to help them restore order. Thankfully their numbers have kept the Moscovites from crossing the river, but they continue to fire upon the city and surrounding lines of the allies against them. The Romans led the last attempt to lift the siege, as their legions arrived to fight the army of Moscowy. They managed to win a tactical stalemate, forcing the Moscovites to pull back from the city, but still failing to actually force a true retreat. With both sides badly bloodied through these battles, siege lines have been established as the Moscovites look for fresh weaknesses among their enemies.
Casualty Lists
Moscowy: 16 Infantry Brigades, 10 Cavalry Brigades, 9 Artillery Brigades
Hungary: 8 Infantry Brigades, 2 Cavalry Brigades, 3 Artillery Brigades
Kiev: 9 Infantry Brigades, 4 Cavalry Brigades, 4 Artillery Brigades
Roman Empire: 1 Infantry Brigade, 1 Cavalry Brigade
BAVARIA BEGINS ROAD PAVING. Munich, Bavaria. The Bavarian government has begun establishing a new level of infrastructure for their nation, as they hope the current times of peace continue. The effort has been made to pave all city and country roads of major importance, to ease trade and travel throughout the kingdom. The Bavarian monarchy has put a lot of effort into building up their infrastructure, and this has been seen as a vital step towards the overall grand plan. The military has also backed the program, believing that an improved infrastructure would be essential if a larger war to erupt. With tensions rising in Italy and to the east, its believed that a new war for Bavaria could well be on the close horizon.
BRANDENBURG BEGINS ROYAL RAILROAD. Berlin, Brandenburg. King Wilhelm of Brandenburg has begun sponsoring the development of a national railroad, hoping to modernize and develop his nation and industrial potential. With the Scandinavians leading the way in a similar effort and the Dutch following, it seems that the best possible move a nation can make is to develop its railroad capacity. The Brandenburgers have begun their efforts, hoping to create a truly modern infrastructure which puts the rest of Europe to shame. The effort has been analyzed to be incredibly expensive, but the military has also pondered the implications and potential of a national railroad which could be used to expand the powers of the army. Therefore, despite what objections exist , they have continued to push forward in the development of the national railroad.
BRITTANY OPENS CELTIC MUSEUM. Nantes, Brittany. Taking pride in their heritage as a Celtic nation, and independence from the French, the Bretons have opened a museum glorifying their culture and history. They have exhibits from the era before Roman conquest and rule over the Gauls, demonstrating the resilience and separation from the more Latin cultures. They have expounded on their resistance against the infringement and attacks over the years, reeling back Celtic control over Western Europe. They have used this chance to further demonstrate their unique identity from the rest of France, showing the separation from the other kingdoms in the region. The monarchy has declared this to be a physical demonstration of their will and desire to forever remain independent of the rising threat of French nationalism.
NOBLE BACKLASH FORCES POLICY SHIFT IN NOVGOROD. Novgorod, Novgorod. Rising interference by the Scandinavians has led to enormous backlash against them in Novgorod. The Novgorodians have protested the efforts attempting to regulate the independent nobles' regulation and taxation of their commerce within their own fiefdom's borders. The result has been a de facto coup in the ranks of the court of King Mikhail V, leading to the establishment of a very anti-Scandinavian regime. Whether Russian nationalists or the heart of Novgorod's independence advocates, they have banded together in their hate and revile for the government in Stockholm. Most have expelled their Scandinavian advisors, and the court of King Mikhail V has followed suit. King Mikhail is set to demand the end of all Scandinavian interference, as his vassals prepare to mobilize their armies to fight any possible military intervention. (+1 Stability; -30 EP into Integration Project)
SERBIA COMPLETES NAVAL CONSTRUCTION. Brgat, Serbia. The Serbians have truly followed in the footsteps of their Hungarian allies as they complete their efforts to construct the foundations of a navy. They have introduced two new steam paddle warships to their arsenal, as they attempt to create a presence on the Adriatic Sea. The Serbians have announced plans for even greater expansion of their fleet, growing their armada to compare an aid their Hungarian allies. The recent defeat suffered by the Mamlukes at sea has promised new trade and shipping throughout the region. This has opened a possible window for new naval power in the Mediterranean Sea, and they seek to establish a similar presence to that of Sardinia and Tunis.
NETHERLANDS CONTINUES SALE OF WARSHIPS. Amsterdam, Republic of the Netherlands. The Dutch have continued to extend their economic sphere, selling their own warships to various interested navies across the world. This year the main customer for the Dutch was the Kingdom of Savoy-Milan, which has been scrambling to establish naval parity with its neighbors since its disastrous losses in the Third Venetian War. The other primary customer this year has been the South American nation of Venezuela, which is seeking to create its own position of naval power in the Caribbean. The Venezuelans have been hoping to create their strength and abilities, as a newly formed central governing power in Caracas.
HUGNARY ANNOUNCES NEW SECRET POLICE AT BALL. Budapest, Hungary. Flush with his victory over the wild-eyed republican revolutionaries King Vladislaus III convened a glorious gala ball for the most noble gentry of Europe. Those who gave him succor and aid during the dark times of the rebellion have been invited, including nobility from Serbia, Poland, and Austria. The result is one of the most royal balls which has taken place in the history of the nineteenth century outside of weddings. The Hungarian king used the chance to reaffirm his friendships and alliances as well as to preach on about the dangers of rampant liberalism. To this end, he has announced that the Hungarian secret police have been reformed in order to hunt down any remaining pockets of republican rebels throughout the cities and countryside of Hungary. The other monarchs applauded this endeavor and wish that Hungary will continue to maintain the god given rights of its king.