Global News Report
MAJOR THEORETICAL TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH. Mexico City, Mexico. After years of study and despite turmoil and civil war, researchers in Mexico have made major theoretical advancements in the field of electricity. After experimentation and debate, Mexican scholars have agreed that harnessing lightning may one day be possible after further research. Scientists in other nations can only applaud the Mexican advances.
NEW ALLIANCE ANNOUNCED. Boston, Republic of New England. A new military and political alliance has been announced by the governments of New England, New York, and the Netherlands. For the past three years, these nations have been cooperating in shared technological blueprints, military training, and colonial assistance. The New England government has stated, its been too long that our agreement has been in the shadows, its time to let the world know that new powers are emerging. This new alliance has been termed as the Trans-Atlantic Pact.
North American News Report
FEDERALISTS WIN ELECTIONS IN NOVA SCOTIA. Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Federalist Party has won major electoral victories throughout the regional and national elections in Nova Scotia. The new government has promised to take a harder line against Massachusetts expansionism and to help ease the suffering of the occupied peoples of New England. The Federalist Party has called for a major military buildup in order to half future aggression from Boston.
NASHVILLE REBELLION. Nashville, Republic of the Cumberland. After numerous volunteers were called back into arms by the Danville government, military action was taken against the rebellion in Nashville. After a single decisive yet bloody battle outside the city, the rebels were defeated and dispersed. The Danville government has also promised a plebiscite renewed to be joined with the 1840 government elections. Tennessee will be allowed full voting rights despite the rebellion and allowed to elect any candidates of their choice.
Casualty List
Republic of the Cumberland: 1 Infantry Division
VIRGINIA ESTABLISHES MILITARY UNIVERSITY. Richmond, Virginia. The Virginian government has announced the completion of a new university designed solely for the purpose of educating the future leaders of Virginias military. The classes are based for commanders of both land and sea combat. The Virginia Military Institute has been denounced by politicians in the neighboring nations of Cumberland and Georgia, who view the creation act as another aggressive move of the Virginian military state.
REFORM IN OHIO. Marietta, Ohioan Republic. North America was shocked when Governor William Harrison was shot and killed while on a hunting trip in the woods of western Ohio. A Mormon was tried and executed for the crime, leading to several protests in western Ohioan towns. In response the new republican government mobilized the military to remove the Mormons from Ohios soil. These people, having immigrated to western Ohio in 1834 from New York, have been forced to move off their lands into French Louisiana. These Mormons have settled west of the Mississippi, and have once more tried to settle down into a peaceful life. In addition to the Mormon Expulsion, the new republican government has followed in the footsteps of Georgia and has issued a law proclaiming that any child born of slaves after January 1, 1840 will be born a free citizen of Ohio.
Central/South American News Report
REBELLION IN CUBA. Havana, Spanish Empire. A slave rebellion was sparked in Cuba following an uprising on a slave-trader that was off the coast of the island. The ship suffered severe damage during the rising and was forced upon the shores of eastern Cuba. They were met by a group of opposition to the Spanish military government led by Jose Saco, who agreed to assist them. Using the cannon which had been aboard the captured trader and stockpiled arms, Saco and the freed slaves have led an uprising against the aristocracy and government in Havana. They have met with united support from both the slaves of the plantations and the poorer class of Creoles. Only Havana continues to hold as the aristocracy pays to equip a mercenary infantry force in the city. (+1 Infantry for Isabellan Spain)
CRISIS IN CENTRAL AMERICA ENDS. Guatemala City, Federal Republic of Central America. After a years worth of rebellions and revolts, circumstances have finally stabilized in Central America. Republican forces moved into San Salvador to crush this years riots and rebellions in the city, while the government has agreed to other rebellions demands. At the treaty of Managua, the Federal Republic, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Honduras have all agreed to recognize each others borders and rights as sovereign nations. Peace has, at least temporarily, been restored in the region.
ECUADOR SIGNS WITH NEW TRADE ALLY. Quito, Ecuador. With a surge of popular support for the Papal States in Ecuador, General Juan Flores has agreed to a special program with the Pope. Businesses of the Papal States have been granted special privileges in Ecuador, as has military access. In exchange, the Pope has called for Catholic volunteers to assist in the building of infrastructure and development of this small South American nation.
European News Report
UPRISING IN WALES. Newport, British Empire. A rebellion by a group known as Chartists has occurred in the town of Newport in Wales. With Britains power waning, these people have called for revolutionary new ideals, and even overrun a small military base in the city. Over a dozen soldiers were killed in the fight, and several other wounded. The revolutionaries called for the end of the landownership restriction for Parliament, universal suffrage for all males over 21, and the end of the growingly futile an unpopular war against the Zulus. Military forces from London were deployed to detain the significant offenders in the murder of the soldiers, and over a hundred civilians are believed to have been slain in the fighting. Numerous cities across Wales and England have risen in protest and in support of the Chartist demands, with riots in parts of London and Liverpool.
DANISH KING DIES. Copenhagen, Denmark. King Frederick VI has been mourned in passing in Denmark, a popular king for many. During his reign, Denmark has seen the revival of an empire of sorts, as new colonial possessions in Africa have been acquired and reform has been granted to the poorer people of Denmark. His son has been inaugurated as King Christian XIII, and has pledged to continue many of his fathers reforms.
BAVARIA OCCUPIES SWITZERLAND. Munich, Bavaria. Following last years election of the Radical Party into the Swiss government, the monarchy of Bavaria has occupied Switzerland militarily. Initial resistance to the Bavarian occupation was light, as the Swiss army was too confused from internal disorder to react. However, since the initial invasion, acts of protest have continued to rise, particularly as the main conservative leaders, both Catholic and Protestant have issued denouncements of the Bavarian actions.
AGITATORS ARRESTED IN FINLAND. Helsinki, Russian Empire. Over two dozen agitators of Swedish citizenry have been arrested in Finland. These Swedish citizens have been accused of plotting against the Russian government in Finland and calling for unification of Finland with Sweden. Many notable Russian lords and aristocrats have called for harsh actions against the Swedes, claiming that these agitators actions are nothing short of an act of war.
CARLIST WAR. Madrid, Spain. With Cuba in revolt, Queen Isabella II faces a very difficult situation. While her armies dug in to prepare for another defense of Madrid, Carlist forces have moved to take the city of Saragossa and were met with success. An attempt to drive the Carlists from the city failed as they dug in around the town in the hills. Lastly, a naval engagement has occurred between the Carlists and Isabellas fleet. With two brand new ships purchased from an unknown source, the Carlists have engaged and destroyed the Isabellan blockade fleet around Barcelona. Only a single frigate escaped the onslaught.
Casualty List
Carlist Spain: 1 Frigate, 1 Man-o-War
Isabellan Spain: 1 Infantry Division, 3 Frigates, 2 Man-o-Wars
TENSION RISES ON THE ITALIAN PENINSULA. Naples, Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Tensions continue to heat up in Italy, following failed negotiations revolving around the Switzerland intervention. The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies has fought several minor skirmishes along its border with the Papal States, and each side has accused each other of starting the battles. The recent entry of the Papal States into the Venetian Pact in 1838 and this years entry of Two Sicilies into the Grand Alliance threatens to drag these two powerful alliances once more into conflict.
PRUSSIA ANNOUNCES MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. Berlin, Prussia. As Prussia languished over the past few years since the war, many roads and bridges have fallen into ruin as money has been spent paying reparations. As of 1839, this trend has changed. The Prussian King has announced a program of reconstruction of bridges, roads, and canals to rebuild the Prussian infrastructure. King Frederick William III has said, The Bavarians may have a [single] canal, but we will have the finest roads and bridges in all of Europe!
BALTIC FREE TRADE SIGNED. St. Petersburg, Russia. The governments of Sweden, Prussia, and Russia have all agreed to a significant trade agreement within the confines of trade on the Baltic Sea. All three powers have agreed that any trade within the Baltic Sea between the three powers will be free of taxes or tariffs. Swedish iron and colonial enterprises have been excited at the possibilities of new markets for their goods.
African/Middle Eastern News Report
CEASEFIRE IN PALESTINE. Ankara, Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire and Egypt have at last agreed to a ceasefire in the hotly disputed regions of Palestine and Syria. Though the Ottomans have continued to refuse to acknowledge the treaties that Egypt maintains management over Palestine, both sides have agreed that fighting to this point has been stalemated. Both armies have withdrawn from their mutual borders, though foreign observers believe that they are merely waiting for each other to let their respective guards down.
SKIRMISHES CONTINUE IN SOUTH AFRICA. Ulundi, Zulu Empire. Military skirmishes have continued throughout the year to a much decreased degree within South Africa. British forces have constructed a line of forts to prevent further Zulu raids into South Africa and have been with some successes, though a decisive battle was not achieved. When the British attempted to respond against the Zulu, they failed to trap or defeat their elusive enemy.
MOROCCO ANNOUNCES NEW PROGRAM. Rabat, Morocco. Morocco has announced its honor of being the first African nation to develop a national railroad. Morocco has joined modern nations in both Europe and North America in constructing a railroad to allow passenger transport between the major cities of the country. Many people now consider Morocco to be a mostly European nation than an African one.
Asian/Pacific News Report
SWEDES COLONIZE OKINAWA. Karlso, Swedish Empire. Using Gustava as a resupply point, the Swedish Royal Navy has moved to secure the island formerly known as Okinawa for the Swedish Empire. Using military force and superior technology, settlers have arrived from Sweden to establish a trading port and city on the island, known as Karlso. Minor politicians from powers such as the Netherlands and the British Empire have protested this Swedish move into what is perceived as the Dutch and British sphere of influence.
REBELLION IN CHINA. Beijing, Chinese Empire. The rebellion in China continues to worsen. The rebels have rallied to the banner of an alleged descendant of the Ming Dynasty named Zou Yousong, claiming him to be the true emperor of China. They have brought several of the current emperors divisions to their side, hoping to lead a rebellion of the true Chinese against the Manchus who currently dominate Chinas leadership. Furthermore, there have been numerous reports that European traders have been seen among the rebels, providing brand-new modern weapons and training in exchange for considerable wealth. Zou Yousong has denied these accusations. The British have moved to support the standing emperor, though the massive logistical lines and problems at home have not allowed for further advances from Shanghai. There have been no major battles as the Emperors army continues to regroup from previous campaigns in Korea and Siam. The British have fought a minor skirmish against the rebels, winning a small victory thanks to naval support. In order to prevent supply of the rebellion, the British have announced a blockade of the cities which have revolted. Despite this, with most of the Royal Navy scattered across the world, the blockade exists really only in name than in fact.
JAPANESE CIVIL WAR. Edo, Japan. Civil war has begun in earnest in Japan this year, as the Tokugawa shogun calls for radical reform which has shocked the other shoguns into open hostilities. The arrival of Russian soldiers to help the Tokugawa has been topped by the outrage of suggesting the possibility of democracy to the daimyos. These combined perceived insults to Japan have been met by derision and dissent from both opposing factions. Some daimyos who had supported Tokugawa have since withdrawn their support and defected to other factions. Only one major battle has been fought in the north between the Osumi and Tokugawa factions, where Russian men and equipment decisively turned the battle to the Tokugawa. In the south, defectors and rebellion in the ranks have allowed the Hitachi easy advances, allowing them to secure most of the island of Honshu.
Casualty List
Hitachi: +1 Native Division (from defectors)
Osumi: -1 Infantry Division
Tokugawa: -2 Infantry Divisions
WAR IN BURMA. Rangoon, Burma. With New Englander artillery shelling Bangkok and the city in a state of siege, a final offensive was launched by the Burmese. The city of Bangkok fell, after several particularly hard fighting around the Royal Palace and the Connecticut Embassy. The King of Siam was captured by the Burmese and executed along with much of his family, though its believed that several of his sons and wives may have escaped into the chaos. The city itself was put to the flame and Burmese soldiers spent an entire week of looting and pillaging, shocking the New Englander attachment and other civilized observers. In order to protect the native peoples, the New England government occupied much of the Malaysian peninsula as in accord with previous agreements with Burma. Following these defeats for Siam, remaining leaders quickly surrendered, particularly as the Burmese government began promising at least limited autonomy for those in the east.
Casualty List
Burma: 2 Native Divisions
PAPAL STATES MOVE INTO CHINA. Hong Kong, Papal States. As the Coastal Rebellion in China spirals out of control, the Pope has expressed his concern over the fate of missionaries, both Protestant and Catholic, in China. The rebel forces have announced many anti-Christian views and the Papal States have moved a naval and army task force to secure the small town of Hong Kong as an ideal place from which to set up a fortified post. This post will be a secure location for missionaries of all Christian faiths to take refuge and shelter during the conflict.
Global News Ticker
PATRIOT PARTY CONTINUES TO WIN ELECTIONS IN QUEBEC ON PRO-FRENCH PLATFORMS.
FRENCH GOVERNMENT TO PLAN DOMESTIC AND IMPERIAL LIBERALISATION IN CHERBOURG CONFERENCE.
Diplomatic Pouch
To: American Prosperity League
From: Cuba
We humbly request your assistance. As most of your nations fought for freedom from Spanish colonial rule, we do now as well. Spain has divided itself in civil war, we call for your aid!
OOC
Following this update, I will also provide updated backgrounds for the background thread, a power chart, and (hopefully) an timeline of events from 1830-1839 on the background thread.
@Azale, TLJ, and Dutch player: I received no orders from any of you, I hate secret alliances, and I can. Those are the reasons why your secret alliance is now in the open.
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