Alternate History Thread IV: The Sequel

[Symphony D.]

yes but I don't think they have that handfull of years to do it. They had already maxmised employment, usage of resources and so on and so forth, and they still utilised price as a determiner for goods, their at the top of a curve; they need war to continue to fund this; by taking resources and material that Germany did NOT have and continue to fund their military.

Again, as I keep pointing out, you take it from the civilian populace while fooling them into believing it's for their own good. It doesn't matter if you start going down the curve; that's totally and utterly irrelevent. The point is not to run an optimized economy, it's to get enough tanks, planes, and guns to kill your enemies and take their stuff. Economy is an utterly secondary concern in light of that consideration, meaning they wouldn't realistically give a damn whether or not productivity peaked and then declined as long as they were still producing.

But all this debt that they procured, especially the massive amount of bonds was coming due in 1939 and every year thereafter.

You seem to forget we're dealing with a fairly evil and depraved government looking to take over half of Europe here. Pure economics wouldn't matter to them. They aren't making their Versailles payments, why would they worry about paying off bonds if they believe they're going to be victorious in war (and can then placate their creditors with various other forms of repayment, or their creditors will die)? History--and economic power--is written by the winners. If Germany wins, they can pay off any debt then. If Germany loses, odds are they all wind up at the end of a hangman's noose anyway; what do they care?

You're adopting a longterm idealized economic view that first of all no politician would ever use, and secondly that no Nazi politician would care about.

And No they can't actually export their weapons because they've isolated themselves from the world markets, hence their dependence on bilateral agreements. Breaking these down and exposing themselves to the market will not go well because the Nazi economy is in such a bad state (an unsustainable state) and their credit is worthless.

Yes. Thus they export to the people they have bilateral agreements with to maintain those agreements. If Germany is isolated from the global economy then the global economy can go screw it self as long as they maintain existing trade. Ever looked at Japanese and Italian tanks? They were pretty damn awful.

They can maintain their existing agreements through non-standard exchanges in such a fashion and thus keep their international situation from degrading, leaving them with only their domestic situation to worry about, which as we have demonstrated they can subvert to their own ends because the economy isn't critical.

German industry managed to continue producing equipment until the Allies literally got onto the factories. They lost because they didn't have enough of their mostly superior equipment. If they have more superior equipment, despite whatever economic strain the delay required to get it imposes, if German industry could survive five years of air raids, I think it could survive mild to moderate declination in efficiency; in which case, they might just have the quantity of weapons required for victory. If not, they lose either way, and it's irrelevant.

Putting economics at the top of this issue completely obscures the fact the ultimate outcome will be decided by military capability, and longterm economic consequences are really secondary to that, because it's a binary thing: you win, or you lose.

 

[Kal'thzar]

Again, as I keep pointing out, you take it from the civilian populace while fooling them into believing it's for their own good. It doesn't matter if you start going down the curve; that's totally and utterly irrelevent. The point is not to run an optimized economy, it's to get enough tanks, planes, and guns to kill your enemies and take their stuff. Economy is an utterly secondary concern in light of that consideration, meaning they wouldn't realistically give a damn whether or not productivity peaked and then declined as long as they were still producing.

The German economy was on a butter and guns economy as it was. The real wages had already fallen by 25%, a huge amount. They were already oppresing and taking as much money out of the citizens as they could AFTER tax's, (for instance volkswagen plan, you pay 5 marks a week for 35 week, you get your car....except you don't). And this curve is NOT a gentle slop downwards, its a rocky rollercoster that will leave the German economy in an unrecognisable shape.

You seem to forget we're dealing with a fairly evil and depraved government looking to take over half of Europe here. Pure economics wouldn't matter to them. They aren't making their Versailles payments, why would they worry about paying off bonds if they believe they're going to be victorious in war (and can then placate their creditors with various other forms of repayment, or their creditors will die)? History--and economic power--is written by the winners. If Germany wins, they can pay off any debt then. If Germany loses, odds are they all wind up at the end of a hangman's noose anyway; what do they care?

If they don't pay back the bonds, confidence collapses in the government, thus the people don't spend any more money on Bonds (seriously reducing the available funds for military use), furthermore you foster rebellion amoung those with power if you start killing them all off. Regardless, less people buy bonds, less money for the government to spend, lower income, higher percentage of debt to income, bigger problem. And a lot less military hardware is produced of course.

You're adopting a longterm idealized economic view that first of all no politician would ever use, and secondly that no Nazi politician would care about.

I'm adopting the view that the Nazis had already optimised their economy to produce war time material, and unlike the British and French, had less resources to dig into and were producing less than the them (well the British at least) by 1939. I'm not going to go into whatever innovations technically will be made by the allies because I don't know enough to conceivibly argue the point (yet ), I wouldn't however just write them off, especially with the PoD in question.

The only real concrete advantage the Nazis had was starting FIRST.

Yes. Thus they export to the people they have bilateral agreements with to maintain those agreements. If Germany is isolated from the global economy then the global economy can go screw it self as long as they maintain existing trade. Ever looked at Japanese and Italian tanks? They were pretty damn awful.

Assuming the Italians and the Japanese have sufficient money and will to buy the quanties of goods, that Germanies meant to be stockpiling, to keep it afloat. conversly for the Italians and Japanese they have less of their home-brand material and more german stuff, the cash comes from somewhere, and its going to come from the Italians and Japanese military budget. The net result, germany has a similar amount of material and the japanese and Italians have some slightly better equipment instead of some worse equipment.

But I really doubt the Japanese and Italians can buy enough.

German industry managed to continue producing equipment until the Allies literally got onto the factories. They lost because they didn't have enough of their mostly superior equipment. If they have more superior equipment, despite whatever economic strain the delay required to get it imposes, if German industry could survive five years of air raids, I think it could survive mild to moderate declination in efficiency; in which case, they might just have the quantity of weapons required for victory. If not, they lose either way, and it's irrelevant.

Putting economics at the top of this issue completely obscures the fact the ultimate outcome will be decided by military capability, and longterm economic consequences are really secondary to that, because it's a binary thing: you win, or you lose.

The economics comes out on top because Germanies optimal time to attack was 1939-40. They had more material than the allies (the allies would overtake Germany, and soon), their economy was optimised at peace and needed to be switched to a war time economy where the inherant situation of war could be exploited (resources from conquored or puppet states etc).

Any later and the economic situation becomes untenable, Germany stops spending on material and starts producing something else, to keep it afloat. This is not soley about military capability. Germany can lose long before it declares war on anyone.

 

[Dachs]

The economics comes out on top because Germany's optimal time to attack was 1939-40. They had more material than the allies (the allies would overtake Germany, and soon), their economy was optimized at peace and needed to be switched to a war time economy where the inherent situation of war could be exploited (resources from conquered or puppet states etc).

Any later and the economic situation becomes untenable, Germany stops spending on material and starts producing something else, to keep it afloat. This is not solely about military capability. Germany can lose long before it declares war on anyone.

Actually, pretty much everything I've seen, viz. Kennedy and Taylor, was that if there had been indefinite peace, Germany would have peaked in 1942-3.

 

[Kal'thzar]

from what i've seen thats only doable with pre 1937 levels of investment, hence my argument that whilst they could survive till then it would require a slight slow down on building military material, i.e. a not so much greater lead of good equipment, and of course they will be absolutly outnumbered by the British and French as they will have had a great deal of time to increase military spending.

 

[Symphony D.]

If they don't pay back the bonds, confidence collapses in the government, thus the people don't spend any more money on Bonds (seriously reducing the available funds for military use), furthermore you foster rebellion amoung those with power if you start killing them all off. Regardless, less people buy bonds, less money for the government to spend, lower income, higher percentage of debt to income, bigger problem. And a lot less military hardware is produced of course.

Yes, all that propaganda wouldn't help. That's why the populace supported a losing war until the allies were inside Berlin itself! They lost confidence easily even when it was obvious their government was stupid! Way to consider the mechanics of the situation in context!

I'm adopting the view that the Nazis had already optimised their economy to produce war time material, and unlike the British and French, had less resources to dig into and were producing less than the them (well the British at least) by 1939. I'm not going to go into whatever innovations technically will be made by the allies because I don't know enough to conceivibly argue the point (yet ), I wouldn't however just write them off, especially with the PoD in question.

Then I suppose you'll have to trust my expertise. The RAF rejected the freaking jet engine and they could've had it first. The Allies were technological idiots until 1941 or so.

The only real concrete advantage the Nazis had was starting FIRST.

This continues to preserve that, and without them starting first while wildly off balance and unprepared.

Assuming the Italians and the Japanese have sufficient money and will to buy the quanties of goods, that Germanies meant to be stockpiling,

I said obsolete equipment they'd be replacing, or design specifications. Pay attention or don't argue.

The economics comes out on top because Germanies optimal time to attack was 1939-40. They had more material than the allies (the allies would overtake Germany, and soon), their economy was optimised at peace and needed to be switched to a war time economy where the inherant situation of war could be exploited (resources from conquored or puppet states etc).

Any later and the economic situation becomes untenable, Germany stops spending on material and starts producing something else, to keep it afloat. This is not soley about military capability. Germany can lose long before it declares war on anyone.

Are you seriously reading what I'm saying at all? GDP and PPP and all that crap doesn't win a war. Bullets and bombs do. Having a marginally less efficient economy doesn't matter if throttling it gives you the ability to win the war which you would not have otherwise. This is about war, not economic performance. If you can't win (and that requires weapons quantity in this case) then your economic status means jack-all because you lose regardless.

Having a stellar economy and only 500 tanks doesn't mean a damn thing if your ultimate objective is conquering a continent, because you'll fail and lose anyway. Having a mediocre economy and 5000 tanks counts for quite a bit more. Longterm economic performance does. not. matter. because Germany will be dead or victorious long before it comes into play.

 

[das]

Yes, all that propaganda wouldn't help. That's why the populace supported a losing war until the allies were inside Berlin itself! They lost confidence easily even when it was obvious their government was stupid! Way to consider the mechanics of the situation in context!

War-time does have this sort of an effect on people; then again, even in the absence of a real war they could always use an equivalent of the "class struggle" (i.e. perpetual internal war, probably against the "Weissjuden") excuse. That might have some poor side-effects, but probably not too much.

The North Korea analogy makes a lot of sense as well, though I suspect that a succesful Third Reich will eventually have to reform or collapse, as superpowers are generally exposed to greater competition (in some ways Mao's China is a better analogue).

 

[Kal'thzar]

Yes, all that propaganda wouldn't help. That's why the populace supported a losing war until the allies were inside Berlin itself! They lost confidence easily even when it was obvious their government was stupid! Way to consider the mechanics of the situation in context!

hey look at this, its a war time situation versus a peace time situation. Worthless comparison.

Then I suppose you'll have to trust my expertise. The RAF rejected the freaking jet engine and they could've had it first. The Allies were technological idiots until 1941 or so.

I know they rejected that jet (I agree, idiocy), still how effective were the early jets in terms of range/speed(strong point) and cost? How quickly would the allies develop their own jets? How would a rapidly militarising germany effect allied technological advancement, considering that they where fully mobilising all resources at least by 1939?

This continues to preserve that, and without them starting first while wildly off balance and unprepared.

false, the british alone were militarising quicker than the germans, give them your suggested 4-5 years and they will have an overwhelming majority, not to mention the other powers as well.

I said obsolete equipment they'd be replacing, or design specifications. Pay attention or don't argue.

Why would the italians/Japanese buy them? and if they sell the design specifications then they really ARE underselling their potential.

Still doesn't address the point; will they buy enough to keep them afloat?

Are you seriously reading what I'm saying at all? GDP and PPP and all that crap doesn't win a war. Bullets and bombs do. Having a marginally less efficient economy doesn't matter if throttling it gives you the ability to win the war which you would not have otherwise. This is about war, not economic performance. If you can't win (and that requires weapons quantity in this case) then your economic status means jack-all because you lose regardless.

Having a stellar economy and only 500 tanks doesn't mean a damn thing if your ultimate objective is conquering a continent, because you'll fail and lose anyway. Having a mediocre economy and 5000 tanks counts for quite a bit more. Longterm economic performance does. not. matter. because Germany will be dead or victorious long before it comes into play.

well done, yes of course bullets and bombs win a war, economy has nothing to do with it. This coming from a person who waits about 6-7 turns building up his economy before attacking.

They don't have a marginally less efficient economy, they have an economy that their throtteling for everything it can produce. Either it dies, or germany goes to war early. And the german economy is getting very blue in the face by 1939.

 

[Symphony D.]

War-time does have this sort of an effect on people; then again, even in the absence of a real war they could always use an equivalent of the "class struggle" (i.e. perpetual internal war, probably against the "Weissjuden") excuse. That might have some poor side-effects, but probably not too much.

Or one can just instill a siege-mentality, as I already said, amongst numerous other things, given the rather strong talents of the regime in propaganda, which Cathy seems to want to ignore entirely as this is supposedly economics-driven alone and no other factor matters whatsoever.

The North Korea analogy makes a lot of sense as well, though I suspect that a succesful Third Reich will eventually have to reform or collapse, as superpowers are generally exposed to greater competition (in some ways Mao's China is a better analogue).

Unlike North Korea they don't have to wait forever, thus any such reform can be postponed to post-war.

]hey look at this, its a war time situation versus a peace time situation. Worthless comparison.

Right. Hitler assumed dictatorship and abolished democracy during a war. He brainwashed the Germans into hating Jews during a war. He managed to gain the trust of the German people by rebuilding the country during the war. He was a great and compelling speaker during a war. Goebels was the best war propaganda minister.

Oh, wait, no, they weren't, they did all that in peace time, it was one of the few things they were really good at, and odds are they could've continued pulling the strings in the exact same ways for quite awhile. Silly me.

I know they rejected that jet (I agree, idiocy), still how effective were the early jets in terms of range/speed(strong point) and cost? How quickly would the allies develop their own jets? How would a rapidly militarising germany effect allied technological advancement, considering that they where fully mobilising all resources at least by 1939?

ME-262 is the first operational jetfighter. It owned all contemporary piston fighters. It would have been ready by 1941 had Hitler not been a complete and utter ****** and ordered it redesigned to be a fighter-bomber. In short, the advantage was huge and would have given Germany total air superiority. The Allies had nothing comparable until 1945. Thusly, the Allies were really quite ********.

Germany's buildup was also no secret and despite this mystery Allied buildup I have never in my 21 years of life heard of before, they still weren't prioritizing technology. Even if they did, they'd be behind, as per above.

false, the british alone were militarising quicker than the germans, give them your suggested 4-5 years and they will have an overwhelming majority, not to mention the other powers as well.

Oooh, I'm really going to have to see some proof to believe that one. Also, 1-5. What did I say about paying attention? Oh, that's right! I'm not interested in fighting bloody shadows of misrepresentations of my points due to willful ignorance!

Why would the italians/Japanese buy them? and if they sell the design specifications then they really ARE underselling their potential.

Because, as pointed out, Japanese and Italian equipment sucked balls, from firearms to tanks. Maybe you weren't listening.

Also, you see, by giving your allies lower-end specifications of stuff you're going to phase out over the course of the war anyway, it makes them better able to fight their own respective battles, not die, and continue aiding you.

Given I am in fact arguing Germany do all of this to stockpile equipment, building equipment to sell it would be rather stupid when one has a limited production capability, don't you think? That's where there's this thing called licensing, where you let that country produce the same design in exchange for paying you royalties, whatever those might be. You might have heard of this concept before. Part of the initial deal for starting this up could very well be strengthened ties.

well done, yes of course bullets and bombs win a war, economy has nothing to do with it. This coming from a person who waits about 6-7 turns building up his economy before attacking.

Yes, because real militaries are total functions of economic power and how many spending points you have, as is their capability, and there's no other possible way to gain quality soldiers. Economies and government spending totally work like that too. Yep. Completely relevent. NESing is not just a numbers game where the superior economy does win 9 out of 10 times or anything. Nope!

They don't have a marginally less efficient economy, they have an economy that their throtteling for everything it can produce. Either it dies, or germany goes to war early. And the german economy is getting very blue in the face by 1939.

Funny, I haven't seen any sort of proof of this at all other than you saying it would. Dachs says it wouldn't. Who am I to believe?

See, my argument is all theory, I don't have to cite anything other than other real world examples that are vaguely similar. You're claiming a realist position. You want to shut me up, you better produce some tables and figures or an essay or two to justify what you're saying, because otherwise, it's hot air. You say it wouldn't based on fact. I want to see those facts.

 

[The Strategos]

Currently working on nation backgrounds for "The Sacred Bonds." The nation backgrounds take the alternate history up to 1450. You will perhaps notice that in this block, Italy is the primary area of change as everything else is more or less follows OTL. I have more than this finished, though I am saving them to post together with their geographic unit. In Europe I just have to finish up the Holy Roman Empire and a couple of countries in the Balkans.

Das (or anyone else) if you happen to read this before I post the next block, what would make a good name for the Poland-Lithuania-Hungary Kingdom under Władysław?

Spoiler Nation Backgrounds :

Kingdom of Portugal

When King Edward of Portugal died in 1438, Afonso V was only six years old. Because of this, the country was ruled by the regency of Afonso’s mother, Eleanor of Aragon. However, this proved to be unpopular in Portugal, as Eleanor was both a woman and a foreigner. Despite allying with the powerful Count of Barcelos, the queen was forced to give up her regency in 1439 to Pedro, Duke of Coimbra, the oldest uncle of the king. The new regent focused on curbing the power of the nobles and centralizing power in the power of the king, which caused unrest among the nobles. This led to a power struggle with the Count of Barcelos, who the king made Duke of Braganza in 1442, making him one of the most powerful and richest men in Portugal. To secure his position against the rising Braganza, Coimbra married his daughter, Isabel, to Afonso in 1445.

Issues came to a head in 1448 when the king came of age. This led to the Duke of Braganza winning the power struggle, as the King nullified all laws and edicts approved by Coimbra. This led to a destabilization of Portugal, cumulating in a rebellion led by Braganza. The rebellion was defeated in 1449, cementing Braganza as the de facto ruler of Portugal. Now will Afonso embark on another power struggle, this time against Braganza, or will he acquiesce to the status quo? If Portugal can remain stable, it has plenty of expansion opportunities, especially in Africa, where Portugal is increasingly turning towards, thanks to the leadership and funding of the King’s uncle, Prince Henry.

Ruler: Afonso V b. 1432 (Isabel of Coimbra)
Living Siblings: Fernando b. 1433 (Beatrice of Portugal); Leonor b. 1434; Catarina b. 1436; Joana b 1439; half-brother: Joao Manuel b. 1416 (vow of chastity)
Living Children: None


Kingdom of Castile

The long reigning John II is of a feeble will, being amiable, weak, and dependent on those around him. He himself is only a governmental figurehead, only caring about ornaments, verse-making, hunting, and tournaments. Castile was run under the King’s favorite, Alvaro de Luna, however, a power struggle broke out between Alvaro and the King’s second wife, Isabella of Portugal, resulting in Isabella’s victory. With the victory, Isabella is the undisputed master of Castile, though the King has suffered from depression since the disgrace of Alvaro and has become sickly. It is unknown how much longer the King will live and whether the Queen’s influence can last past his death.

On the international stage, Castile has been concerned with Granada, having, over the past years, slowly chipped away at its territories, and aiding various pretenders to the throne in order to ensure that it remains in a constant state of turmoil.

Ruler: John II b. 1405 (Isabel of Portugal)
Living Siblings: Maria b. 1401 (Alfonso V of Aragon)
Living Children: Henry IV [by first wife, Maria of Aragon] b. 1425 (Blanca of Navarre, marriage unconsummated)


Granada Emirate

Granada is all that remains of the glory that was once Islamic Spain. Wracked by internal disputes, the only thing that is keeping it from being conquered by Castile is its mountainous terrain and excellent forts, which make Castile believe that it would be too expensive to conquer in one campaign. Instead, Castile has been successfully employing a strategy of encouraging local civil wars in Granada and conquering one fort or city at a time.

Muhammad IX was able to defeat the young Muhammad VIII in 1419. Muhammad IX himself, however, fell prey to the restored Muhammad VIII in 1427. 1429 saw the restoration of Muhammad IX, while 1432 saw Yusuf IV come to power. At Yusuf’s death in 1432, Muhammad IX again was restored, though he lost power again in 1445 to Muhammad X. Yusuf V entered the fray by gaining power in 1445, only to have Muhammad X regain power in 1446. Muhammad IX has once again gained power in 1448, though considering the history of Granada, no one knows how long this reign will last.

Ruler: Muhammad IX b. 1415 (Married)
Living Siblings: None
Living Children: Muhammad b. 1436


Kingdom of Aragon

Alfonso V of Aragon had been King of Aragon since 1416. Under his leadership, Aragon turned its attention away from Iberia and towards Italy. In 1421, Queen Joanna II of Naples adopted Alfonso and named his as heir to the Kingdom of Naples. As a result, Alfonso went to Naples, leaving his brother John II to rule his Iberian possessions while he was gone. However, Louis II of Anjou, who had previously been denied the throne to the Kingdom of Aragon, disputed Alfonso’s claim to Naples. A falling out between Queen Joanna and Alfonso led to Joanna repudiating Alfonso and recognizing Louis’ claim to the throne in 1423. A brief war between Aragon and Castile forced Alfonso to leave Naples in 1424.

However, Alfonso returned to Naples in 1435 when both Joanna and Louis died. This left Rene of Anjou, Louis’ little brother as the titular heir. However, Rene was at that point in a Burgundian jail trying to raise a ransom to be released. Alfonso took this opportunity to attack Naples. A released Rene in 1436 vainly tried to stop Alfonso, but failed, and Alfonso was crowned King of Naples in Christmas of 1436, Rene fleeing the country. Aragon’s Italian possessions were rounded out by the conquest of Sardinia in 1445, as their owners, Genoa, was distracted by the great Italian Wars that currently raged to the north.

All in all, by 1450, the Italian possessions of Aragon were of much more importance to Alfonso than his Spanish ones. Because of this, Alfonso spent all of his time at the court in Naples, turning Naples into a magnificent city as a result of his patronage to the detriment of his other territories. This has caused a rift within the nobility of the realm, with a pro-Iberian party, led by John II expressing extreme dissatisfaction with the direction of the realm.

Ruler: Alfonso V b. 1396 (Maria of Castile b. 1401)
Living Siblings: John II b. 1398 (Juana Enríquez)
Living Children: Ferdinand b. 1423 illegitimate (heir to Naples)


Navarre

John II became King Consort of Navarre by marriage to Queen Blanche I of Navarre. After her death in 1441, John took over as King. However, the people and nobility of Navarre preferred Charles, the son of John and Blanche over the “foreigner” John. This led to John becoming jealous of his son. This jealousy has only grown with the marriage of John to his second wife, the ambitious Juana Enriquez who wants to see John’s children from his previous marriage marginalized for the benefit of any future children she may have.

Ruler: John II b. 1398 (Juana Enríquez)
Living Siblings: Alfonso V b. 1396 (Maria of Castile b. 1401)
Living Children: All by First Wife, Blanche I of Navarre: Charles b. 1421 (widower); Blanca b. 1420 (Henry IV b. 1425, marriage not consummated); Eleanor b. 1425 (Gaston IV of Foix b. 1422)


Scotland

Scotland’s recent history has been marked by strife between the various nobles. From 1437-1439 Archibald Douglas, Earl of Douglas, headed the government. After his death in 1439, power was shared between William, Lord Crichton, the Earl of Avondale, and Sir Alexander Livingston of Callendar, who held King James prisoner at Stirling. In 1440, the Earl of Avondale had the new Earl of Douglas killed, taking on the earldom for himself, becoming the most powerful lord in Scotland. From 1440-1445, power struggles erupted between Livingston, Douglas, and Crichton, leading to Crichton’s temporary exile. From then, the Douglas clan continued to grow in power, with Crichton returning form exile to support them. James II coming of age in 1449 led to Livingston’s exile, in revenge for his brief arrest of James’ mother in 1439. However, James II is still dependent upon Douglas and Crichton, who hold virtually all the political power, and it is unclear whether he will be able to wrest it from the two and rule as more than a puppet.

Ruler: James II b. 1430 (Mary of Gueldres)
Living Siblings: Isabella Steward b. 1426 (Francis I, Duke of Brittany); Eleanor Stewart b. 1427 (Sigismund Duke of Austria and Tirol); Mary b. 1428 (Wolfart van Borsselen, Count of Grandpre); Joan b. 1428; Annabella (Louis of Savoy, Count of Geneva)
Children: None


England

The young Henry VI was crowned both King of England, in 1429, and King of France, in 1431. However, he did not take the reigns of the government until 1437, when his mother died. Both before that point, and afterwards, Henry VI allowed himself to be dominated by a few powerful personages at court, the Duke of Bedford, who died in 1435, and later a pro-peace faction, led by the Duke of Suffolk and Cardinal Beaufort. This caused the pro-war faction, headed by Duke of York, the assumed heir to the throne, and the Duke of Gloucester to be alienated.

In 1445, the peace efforts gained a coup when Henry VI agreed to marry Charles VII of France’s niece, Margaret of Anjou, giving up Maine and Anjou to France. The ceding of territories, however, proved unpopular in England, causing a large public backlash to occur against Henry. In an attempt to lessen this backlash, Henry banished the Duke of York to Ireland and had the Duke of Gloucester arrested on charges of treason, but pressure continued to build. Corruption, worsening finances, and continued loss in territories led to a breakdown of law and order. Trying to appease the masses, Henry sent the Duke of Suffolk, the main object of the commoner’s wrath, into exile, but he was murdered before he could leave. This move, however, did little to appease the English and Henry may have to take some drastic steps soon or risk facing a rebellion.

Ruler: Henry VI, b. 1421 (Margaret of Ajnjou)
Living Siblings: None
Living Children: None (unacknowledged heir is Duke of York)


France:

For as long as anyone could remember, France and England had been fighting their war. About the time the Council of Basil was first meeting, France received a blow as their hero, Joan of Arc, was executed by the English. This setback, along with the negotiations that followed, stalled what had been a vigorous French counter-attack. During the lull in the fighting, however, King Charles VII worked to consolidate his own position, reorganizing the army and government, and centralizing the French state.

Thus, when, in a diplomatic coup, France made peace with Burgundy and received Paris again, France was again poised to retake the offense against the English. However, they were stymied in this effort by the brilliant English commander, John Talbot, who routed the French in two separate battles in 1436 and 1439. After these disasters, the French turned to pursuing a battle avoidance strategy that concentrated on sieges, refusing to meet the English in battle. This strategy has paid off for France, as now England is left with only a small toehold in Normandy and around Calais.

There are, however, some dark clouds menacing the prosperity of France as the heir to the throne, Louis, and Charles have had several violent quarrels, leading to Louis’ banishment to the Dauphiny in 1446. Since then, Louis and Charles have not communicated, leading some to speculate whether Charles would dare name his youngest son as heir instead of Louis.

Ruler: Charles VII, b. 1403 (Marie of Anjou)
Living Siblings: None
Living Children: Louis XI, b. 1423 (widower); Yolande, b. 1434; Joan, b.1435; Magdalena, b. 1443; Charles b. 1446


Burgundy

Under Philip, Burgundy gradually extricated itself from the war being fought between France and England. In 1435, Philip reversed his previous alliance with England by attacking English held Calais and recognized Charles VII as King of France. Since then, however, Philip has continued to withdraw himself, being more concerned with expansion elsewhere. This policy seems to be successful as he has added Namur, Hainault, Holland, Frisia, Zealand, Brabant, Limburg, Antwerp, and Luxembourg to his territories.

Under his leadership, Burgundy has become known as the most extravagant court of Europe. Fancying himself a second King Arthur, he created the Order of the Golden Fleece for his knights, who tour the countryside participating in tournaments. His vast expenditure ensured that Burgundy became the accepted leader of taste and fashion for nobility everywhere, and became the leading supplier of luxury products. Philip also is the most generous patron in Europe, commissioning artists, authors, goldsmiths, jewelers, and musicians, all of which make Burgundy the center of the cultural world in Europe.

Ruler: Philip, b. 1396 (Isabel of Portugal)
Living Siblings: Marie b. 1393 (widow); Agnes b. 1407 (Charles I, Duke of Bourbon)
Living Children: Charles b. 1433 (widower)


Duchy of Savoy

Recently raised to the status of Duchy, Savoy is a relatively poor country whose strategic position has given it more power than it otherwise would have. Savoy was loosely allied with Milan and Urban VII in the Italian Wars, but only sent a contribution during the highpoint for Urban. After Urban’s death, Savoy quickly distanced itself from Milan, recognizing Callixtus as the rightful Pope. Since then, Savoy has tended to distance itself from Italian politics, concentrating more on the eastern Mediterranean, perhaps encouraged by Duke Louis’ wife, Anne de Lusignan, the daughter of King Janus of Cyprus and secondary heir to the titles of Cyprus and Jerusalem.

Ruler: Louis I b. 1413 (Anne de Lusignan 1415)
Living Siblings: Margaret b. 1410 (widow); Mary b. 1411 (widow)
Living Children: Amadeus b. 1435; Louis b. 1436 (Annabella of Scotland b. 1433); Philip b. 1438; Margaret b. 1483; Giano b. 1440; Pietro b. 1440; Janus b. 1440; Charlotte b. 1441; Agnese b. 1445; Giovanni b. 1447; Maria b. 1448; Bona b. 1449


Republic of Genoa

Genoa has been in steady decline since its defeat at the hands of Venice in 1380. Conquered in 1421 by Milan, it regained its independence in 1435, though that did little to help its recovery. Genoa’s decline in recent years has spread considerably as a result of supporting the losing side in two wars. During the recent anti-Ottoman crusade, they supported the Ottomans, and though did not suffer direct harm because of it, the Venetians, who supported the winning side benefited greatly to the detriment of Genoa. Just as worse was its entry into the Italian Wars on the side of Milan. Genoa actually did little on that war as they were concentrated on protecting their territories in the Eastern Mediterranean against the Romans, Venetians, and Cypriots, all of whom took the opportunity to expand at Genoa’s expense. By the end, Genoa had completely lost her eastern Mediterranean possessions. To add injury to injury, she also lost Sardinia to Aragon in an unrelated war at the same time. Things are only worse as internally the three noble houses of Adorno, Campofregoso, and Fregoso engage in power struggles. Reduced to its mainland possessions, Genoa is only still alive because a war by any of their neighbors would shatter the delicate balance of power in Italy, perhaps sparking a wider war.

Ruler: Luigi Campofregoso (Married)
Living Siblings:
Living Children: Peter II b. 1420 (Married)


Milan

Milan has been one of the major players in Italy for much of recent history, usually arrayed against Florence and Venice. A inconclusive war in 1433 only served to lead to another inconclusive war in 1442. The Italian War of 1444 proved decisive, in that it diplomatically isolated Milan, bringing a period of peace to northern Italy under the principle of “balance of power.” When Visconti died in 1447, under suspicious circumstances, he was succeeded by his son-in-law, the brilliant Sforza, who had previously been named his heir as a result of the treaty that ended the Italian War.

Now, Milan appears to be in a position as good as, if not better, than it was under Visconti. Sforza and his wife Bianca are looking to be an admirable political match, Sforza being one of the greatest military men in Italy and Bianca proving herself as one of the ablest politicians and governors as she runs much of the day-to-day operations of the city. Diplomatically, Milan is beginning to emerge from the enforced isolation the end of the Italian Wars brought. Since that war, the Venice-Florence rivalry has begun to eclipse the previous Milan-Venice and Milan-Florence rivalry. As such, both Venice and Florence are willing to view their recent foe in a more friendly light, leaving open the possibility of alliance with one or the other if Sforza chooses to try and expand through war.

Ruler: Fransesco Sforza b. 1401 (Bianca Maria b. 1425)
Living Siblings: Alessandro b. 1409 (Costanza da Varano)
Living Children: Galeazzo b. 1444; Ascanio b. 1445; Ippolita b. 1446; Flippo Maria b. 1448; Sforza Maria b. 1449


Republic of Florence

Though originally the junior partner in the Florence-Venice alliance, several events have served to propel Florence to the status of one of the greatest powers in Italy. Though he never served public office, Cosimo de’ Medici was able to use his great wealth and political acumen to establish de facto power over the republic. This power, however, was opposed by an anti-Medici party which led to Cosimo’s exile in 1433. However, the loss of capital from Florence was so great as a result of the exile, that Florence was forced to ask him to return in 1434. This event, however, convinced Cosimo that he would have to destroy the factionalism that resulted in his exile. To accomplish this, Cosimo’s instigated a series of constitutional changes which led to the securing of his power.

In a move that would later prove a decisive turning point for Florence, Cosimo correctly read the political climate and abandoned his traditional support for the papacy, securing for his city the right to host the Ecumenical Council that had previously been meeting in Basel in 1437. The arrival of prelates from across Europe, as well as the arrival of the Roman Emperor John Palaiologos, created a boom of culture and arts in the city.

Backing the Council of Italy in its wars against the Pope, Florence emerged with even greater prestige. While not gaining any territorial concessions from the war, Florence has won renown as a leading voice in the Church and has secured for itself the honor of hosting both the Council of Italy, which meets every year, as well as the Ecumenical Council which is scheduled to meet every ten years. Because of this, Florence is starting to become as important as Rome in the Church, and many relics have found their way into the city. Such fame and prosperity, however, are starting to strain relations with Florence’s traditional ally, Venice, who is increasingly becoming jealous of Florence’s power. As a result, despite the fact that Florence is committed to the concept of a balance of power in Italy, Cosimo has begun to send out feelers for allies in case of a war with Venice.

Ruler: Cosimo de’ Medici b. 1389 (Contessina de’ Bardi)
Living Siblings: None
Living Children: Piero b. 1416 (Lucrezia Tornabuoni); Giovanni b. 1421


Republic of Siena

Siena found itself as a pawn in the power games that went on during the Italian War. Briefly conquered by Pope Urban, the Republic was disbanded and control given to some noble families of Siena. At Urban’s defeat, a republic was again set up. Traditionally, the Republic has been strong supporters of Florence, though in the new Italy, it is questionable whether traditional ties will be continued, or ignored.

Ruler: Council
Living Siblings: N/A
Living Children: N/A


Ferrara

A pawn in the power games of the Italian War, Ferrara was briefly ruled by the Pope Urban controlled Ercole who had killed the previous Duke, Leonello. After the war, Borso d’Este was made Duke. Ferrara is unaligned at this time, believing that the safest option is an inoffensive neutrality. There are some succession questions, however. Borso has never married and thus has no children. He does have nine half-siblings, none of which has been named an official heir.

Ruler: Borso d’Este b. 1413
Living Siblings: No full siblings, nine half-siblings
Living Children: None


Republic of Venice

Of the great northern Italian countries, Venice has arguably the most reason to see the sustaining of the status quo. The recent wars in Italy, cumulating in the Italian Wars, has divided the government, a large and vocal party wishing to ignore Italy in favor of its non-Italian possessions. Because of this, the current Doge, Foscari, would like nothing better than Italy to stay at peace so that he doesn’t have to risk the unrest yet another expensive Italian War would bring.

Overseas, despite the occasional neglect brought about by the various wars in Italy, Venice is steadily prospering. The prospering of their ally in the region, the Roman Empire, has helped them maintain and expand their market. The successful anti-Ottoman crusade netted them Thessaloniki and Galliopoli. In addition, several islands off the coast of Asia Minor were seized from Genoa during the Italian War, further solidifying their power in the region.

Domestically, Venice is the worst off of the major Italian powers. Foscari has suffered through incredible scandal surrounding accusations of bribery leveled against his son Jacopo, which led to Jacopo’s exile to Treviso in 1446. There is also increasing unrest against Foscari’s focus on Italy as well as dissatisfaction over the state of the finances. Nonetheless, Venice is one of the foremost powers in Italy, and could be even more of a regional power if Foscari continues his focus on the mainland.

Ruler: Francesco Foscari b. 1373 (Maria Nani)
Living Siblings: None
Living Children: Jacopo [in exile]

 

[das]

Das (or anyone else) if you happen to read this before I post the next block, what would make a good name for the Poland-Lithuania-Hungary Kingdom under Władysław?

The Republic of the Three Peoples? Although that would be an anachronism; a better name would be the "[INSERT CITY NAME HERE] Union" (certainly the most correct from the thematic viewpoint) or maybe the Tripartite Monarchy.

An exotic but actually plausible name would be the Intermarium, which Polish nationalists often used to describe variations on the theme of Polish hegemony between the Baltic and Black Seas. Still, Emperor of the Intermarrium sounds way outlandish.

Or maybe just Poland-Lithuania-Hungary, or the Jagiellonian Empire. Those are unlikely to be used in real life/official correspondence ofcourse, and the former is somewhat unwieldy. They are, however, the most obvious variants.

 

[Swissempire]

I actually very much like the Empire of the Intermarrium as a name.

 

[The Strategos]

It doesn't sound too bad as a title in English:

Władysław, by God's grace Emperor of the Lands between the seas, King of Poland, Hungary, Dalmatia, Croatia, Wallachia, Transylvania, and lands of Kraków, Sandomierz, Sieradz, Łęczyca, Kuyavia, grand duke of Lithuania, lord and heir of Pomerania and Ruthenia.

 

[das]

As a title it indeed makes perfect sense, but as a nation name? And what would be the adjective for it? Will Intermarian armies lay waste to Brandenburg?

 

[Swissempire]

Yup. tenchar

 

[The Strategos]

Actually, since "marium" is already in the genitive case, it would be, I would assume, the Intermarium armies.

 

[carmen510]

As a title it indeed makes perfect sense, but as a nation name? And what would be the adjective for it? Will Intermarian armies lay waste to Brandenburg?

Nation Name: The Empire of PHDCWTKSSLKLPR.

The Empire of Awesomeness has a nice ring to it.

 

[das]

Actually, since "marium" is already in the genitive case, it would be, I would assume, the Intermarium armies.

The embarrasing part is that I'm supposed to be studying Latin.

Anyway, it still seems very outlandish.

 

[The Strategos]

The rest of Europe excluding the Holy Roman Empire. I honestly have no clue how to handle the HRE. I probably will later add Austria and Bohemia at least, but those are the only ones I feel are really deserving of their own stats. Any suggestions will be welcome on this point.

I went with Intermarium as a placeholder name for Poland-Hungary-Lithuania. I may change it in the future if there is enough of an outcry and a suitable replacement is suggested.

For anyone interested in why I am doing what I am doing and my future plans: I hope to finish the nation backgrounds for America, Asia, and Africa by Thanksgiving, or at the very least get most of it done. I will then take a break from working on it until Christmas break, when I will work on the huge project of choosing cities and getting their coordinates. In his map thread Symphony D. has said that he may be willing in the future to make a map based on a list of cities and coordinates given to him in the proper form, and I am hoping that he will agree to make a map from the list I will create in the future. I anticipate that project, along with drawing in the borders and making eco centers and whatnot will take me most of my Christmas break to accomplish. Then I just have to create my excel spreadsheet for my stat formulas and create stats, which will take hopefully no more than two weekends. I am planning on then starting the NES with a start date of 1450 CE, and which will tentatively start around the first week of February.


Western Europe Backgrounds

Spoiler Northern and Eastern Europe :

Kingdom of Denmark

Under King Christopher, Denmark had dominated the Kalmar Union between Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. With his death, however, the Kalmar Union dissolved, Sweden electing Charles II king while Denmark elected Christian I king. Norway became wracked with intrigue and violence as the country split into pro-Sweden and pro-Denmark parties, with each party crowning their champion king of Norway. With both Sweden and Denmark wishing to see the reunification of the Kalmar Union dominated by themselves, war seems likely.

Ruler: Christian I b. 1426 (Dorothea of Brandenburg b. 1430)
Living Siblings: Moritz V b. 1428; Gerhard VI b. 1430; Adelheid b. 1431
Living Children: None


Kingdom of Sweden

Sweden had been part of the Union of Kalmar under Christopher. When Christopher died in 1448 without a direct heir, however, Sweden crowned Charles as king. Charles’ policy as king was to reunite the Kalmar Union, but as a Swedish dominated, not Danish dominated entity. Charles managed to successfully get himself crowned as King of Norway by part of the Norwegian Council of the Realm, however Denmark crowned Christian I as king. Right now, Norway is wracked with intrigue between the supporters of Sweden and Denmark as another faction of the Norwegian Council of the Realm crowned Christian king, and if no action is taken, a civil war seems likely. Added to this that both Charles and Christian claim the throne of the other as well, and war between the two seems almost inevitable.

Ruler: Charles II b. 1409 (Katarina Karlsdotter)
Living Siblings: None
Living Children: None


Republic of Novgorod

Novgorod has had a long history of conflict with Moscow. With the recent end to Moscow’s civil war, it appears that the conflict will once again heat up.

Ruler: Isak Boretsky b. 1405 (Marfa b. 1408)
Living Siblings: None
Living Children: Dmitrii b. 1427 (Married); Fedor b. 1430


Grand Principality of Moscow

In 1425, when Vasily was only ten, his father died. Vasily’s uncle, Yuri of Zvenigorod, seized the opportunity to advance his own claim to the throne. Vasily had, as protection, his maternal grandfather Vytautas, King of Lithuania, and so held on to the throne until Vytautas’ death in 1430. At that point, Yuri went to the Golden Horde and returned with their recognition of him as king. This led to a general rebellion where Yuri defeated Vasily, exiling him to Kolomna. This, however, did not prove to be far enough away, and Vasily immediately started plotting against Yuri. This led to Yuri losing heart in face of a possible rebellion and flee Moscow for his own northern territory. Vasily returned to Moscow and reclaimed the throne, sending agents to Yuri’s home where they blinded him, making him ineligible to be king.

This did not end the civil war, however, as Yuri’s claim was continued by his two sons, Vasily the Cross-Eyed and Dmitry Shemyaka. Together, these two managed to defeat Vasily, who fled to seek refuge in the Golden Horde. In 1434, Vasily the Cross-Eyed declared himself Grand Duke of Moscow, which caused him to have a quarrel with his brother Dmitry, who wanted the throne for himself. This caused Dmitry to ally with Vasily II, and together they defeated Vasily the Cross-Eyed, blinding him.

Strangely enough, Dmitry and Vasily II managed to co-exist for the next five years, until Vasily was defeated and captured by one of the Golden Horde’s splinter Khanates. During the time Vasily was held prisoner, Dmitry gained power. Deciding he liked that power, when Vasily was released, Dmitry had him blinded and exiled. Vasily, however, despite being blind, and thus technically ineligible to the throne, still had a multitude of supporters. As a result, he raised a rebellion, regaining the throne and poisoning Dmitry. Now, with his throne finally secured, Vasily has begun to seek influence among the surrounding territories.

Ruler: Vasily II b. 1415 (Maria of Borovsk)
Living Siblings: None
Living Children: Ivan b. 1440

Teutonic Knights

The Peace of Toroun in 1411 which ended the Teutonic-Polish war did not, at first, appear to hurt the Teutons significantly. However, the Teutons had their military strength devastated during the war. In addition, the ransom for captured Teutonic knights almost bankrupted the Order. In order to pay for all the ransoms, the Teutons were forced to continually raise taxes, causing widespread dissatisfaction. This dissatisfaction manifested itself in the establishment of the Prussian Confederation in 1440, an alliance of anti-Order cities within the Teutonic territory. The Order’s Grandmasters, Paul von Rusdorf and later Konrad von Erlichshausen have taken a conciliatory approach to the Prussian Confederation, which further weakened the Order’s position. Konrad, however, had just recently died and Ludwig von Erlichshausen, the new Grandmaster, seems to have a dream of revitalizing the Order and thus seems to be less willing to compromise.

Ruler: Ludwig von Erlichshausen b. 1410
Living Siblings: None
Living Children: None


Livonian Brothers of the Sword

The Livonian Brothers of the Sword are an autonomous branch technically under command of the Teutonic Order. Though the order has declined, it has avoided the drastic decline of the Teutonic Order. In fact, it has politically prospered by the Teutonic’s decline, becoming even more independent from the Teutons.

Ruler: Vinke von Overbergen
Living Siblings: None
Living Children: None


Intermarrium Empire (Poland-Lithuania-Hungary)

Though ascending to the throne at the age of ten in 1434, Władysław faced several early difficulties. Even before his ascension, he faced a conspiracy against him as some Polish nobles wished to see Władysław’s sister Jadwiga take the throne. This conspiracy was defeated in 1431 through the poisoning of Jadwiga. After Władysław’s crowning, real power rested in Zbigniew Olesnicki, Bishop of Krakow.

In 1440, Władysław was offered the crown of Hungary, which he accepted. He faced, however, a Hungarian rebellion led by Elisabeth, the widow of the previous king. With the support of the powerful Hunyadi and the Ecumenical Council, Władysław managed to defeat the rebellion by 1442. In exchange for the support he received from Hunyadi and the Council, Władysław agreed to embark upon a crusade against the Ottomans, which he started in 1442. This crusade was concluded successfully in 1444 with the Peace of Sofia, by which Władysław received Wallachia as well as influence over Serbia and Albania.

While Władysław was crusading, the situation in Poland deteriorated. This prompted Władysław to return to Poland in the winter of 1443, where he put down a anti-Hungary conspiracy among some of the nobles. This had the affect of strengthening the pro-Hungary, pro-crusade Olesnicki’s position in Poland even more, as Władysław gave him even more powers to act in his absence.

Meanwhile, in 1444, another anti-Polish uprising was being formed by Elisabeth on behalf of her four year old son, Ladislaus. This erupted into open warfare by 1445. Elisabeth’s interests were championed by the powerful Hungarian nobleman Ulrich II. Into this alliance stepped the Serbian despot Đurađ Branković, who also had significant territories in Hungary and was the father-in-law of Ulrich. Opposing this alliance was Władysław as well as Hunyadi, who had a personal vendetta against both Ulrich and Branković. With his core army of Hunyadi’s loyal crusaders, Władysław managed to defeat Ulrich, forcing him to flee Hungary while Đurađ Branković was forced back into his Serbian territories. Ulrich’s Hungarian territories were distributed among the loyal Hungarian nobles while Branković’s lands were given as a reward to Hunyadi. This, of course, made the already powerful Hunyadi even more powerful and Władysław felt it necessary to make an engagement with Hunyadi’s daughter Ilona in order to ensure Hunyadi’s continued loyalty.

In Lithuania, Władysław’s interests are overseen by his younger brother, Casimir, the Grand Duke of Lithuania. The real power, however, is held by Jonas Goštautas and the Council of Lords. Under their influence, Lithuania has slowly distanced itself from Poland, and it is unclear whether the personal union with Poland will survive Władysław.

Ruler: Władysław III b. 1424 (engaged to Ilona b. 1435)
Living Siblings: Casimir Jagiellon b. 1427
Living Children: None


Voivode of Wallachia and Transylvania

The hero of the crusades, John Hunyadi, was given the Voivode of Wallachia in addition to his previously held voivode of Transylvania. Though technically under the authority of Władysław III of Poland, Hunyadi exerts so much power he is in essence a king without the title. Hunyadi also owns extensive lands in Hungary, even more with his seizure of Branković’s Hungarian territories during the recent Hungarian civil war, making him more powerful in Hungary than the King. Despite the fact that the Peace of Sofia, which established a ten year truce between the Ottomans and Crusaders doesn’t expire until 1454, several border skirmishes have taken place between the Turks and Hunyadi, though both blame the other as the aggressor. For now, Hunyadi seems unwilling to move in force against the Turks without the support of Władysław, who appears reluctant to reengage the Turks before the peace treaty expires.

Ruler:John Hunyadi b. 1387 (Erzsebet Szilagyi b. 1410)
Living Siblings: None
Living Children: Laszlo b. 1433; Ilona b. 1435 (engaged to Władysław III b. 1424); Matthias b. 1443


Voivode of Moldavia

Iliaş ruled Moldavia from his father’s death in 1432. A rebellion by his brother Stephen forced him to flee to Poland, where he was imprisoned by the Poles. In 1434, Iliaş’ Polish supporters managed to get him free and to have Poland support him in favor of his brother. Iliaş then attacked Moldavia, defeating his brother and blinding him so that he could not be Voivode. Moldavia has, since then, proven to be prompt in its tribute to Poland and thus retains a high degree of autonomy from Poland.

Ruler: Iliaş b. 1410 (Maria Olshanski)
Living Siblings: Stephen b. 1412; Petru b. 1420
Living Children: Roman b. 1434; Alexandru b. 1440


Kingdom of Serbia

Freed from the Ottomans during the crusade, Serbia is technically under the influence of the Intermarrium Empire. Branković, however, has proven time and again that he is concerned not with oaths of loyalty, but only his own advancement. During the crusades, after Serbia was liberated from the Ottomans, he left the crusader army in Sofia, earning the enmity of Hunyadi. Though one of the key figures in helping craft the Peace of Sofia, many in the crusader circles believe he is secretly a Turkish sympathizer. During the recent Hungarian civil war, Branković invaded in support of Ladislaus. The defeat of Ladislaus led to the loss of Branković’s lands in Hungary as Hunyadi confiscated them, adding even more hatred between the two men.

Ruler: Đurađ Branković b. 1377 (Eirene Kantakouzene b. 1400)
Living Siblings:
Living Children: Mara b. 1406 (Murad II b. 1404); Katarina b. 1418 (Ulrich von Cilli); Gregory b. 1424 [blind, monk]; Lazar b. 1421 (Helena Palaiologina); Stefan b. 1425 [blind]


Bosnia

Sandwiched between the more powerful kingdoms of Hungary and Serbia, Bosnia is a relatively peaceful country that has, as a result of the king’s marriage to the daughter of the most powerful nobleman in Bosnia, gotten even more stable.

Ruler: Stjepan Tomaš Kotromanić b. 1401 (Katarina Kosaca b. 1425)
Living Siblings: None
Living Children: Stjepan Tomašević b. 1430 [from first wife]; Katarina b. 1447


Albania

George Kastrioti was a Albanian hostage in the Ottoman Empire. After fighting with distinction in the Ottoman Army, Kastrioti received the nickname “Lord Alexander, the Albanian” which was shortened to Skanderbeg (in Albanian the nickname was Skenderbeu Shqiptari). Skanderbeg saw the opportunity to rebel during the anti-Ottoman crusade. Renouncing Islam, Skanderbeg went to Albania, where he rebelled with the help of the crusader army under Vitelleschi. The Peace of Sofia saw an independent Albania set up under the influence of the Intermarrium Empire. Post war politics saw Skanderbeg gradually move away from the Intermarrium towards a closer association with the Romans. Skanderbeg himself, however, remains fiercely anti-Ottoman and is likely to support any war against them.

Ruler: George Kastrioti Skanderbeg b. 1405 (Marina Donika Arianiti)
Living Siblings: three brothers, one sister
Living Children: None


Roman Empire

The Roman Empire was in dire straights when Emperor John VIII went west to appeal for aid against the Ottomans. At Florence, the East agreed to end the schism between themselves and the West in exchange for military aid. This military aid took the form of the anti-Ottoman Crusade of 1442, which ended in the Ottoman defeat. From this victory, the Romans enlarged their Despot of Morea.

After the end of the Ottoman Crusade, the Romans continued their revival. Entering into the Italian Wars on the side of the Council, the Romans helped overrun Genoese territories in the eastern Mediterranean. In exchange, the Venetians helped them take over the islands of the Duchy of Naxos. At the end of the Italian Wars, the Romans received an unexpected gift, when, in 1446, Pope Callixtus ceded the Papal States to the Roman Empire, creating the Despot of Rome under Graitzas Palaiologos, a relative of the Emperor. Roman territorial expansions were rounded out when Grandmaster Jean de Lastic of the Knights of Saint John, under combined Venetian-Roman pressure, placed themselves as vassals under the Romans. This last act, however, was not seen by Emperor John VIII, as he died in 1448. Constantine XI, his recognized heir, took over as Emperor.

Ruler: Constantine XI b. 1405 (widower)
Living Siblings: Demetrios b. 1407 [in exile] (Theodora Asanina); Thomas b. 1409 (Catherine Zaccaria)
Living Children: None


Ottoman Empire

Murad II’s rule began with several Roman influenced civil wars and revolts. As a consequence, Murad vowed to conquer Constantinople as revenge. This revenge seemed on its way to completion as he besieged Constantinople in 1421. However, another pretender to the throne distracted him and he was forced to lift the siege. Throughout the late 1420s and into the early part of the 1440s, the Ottomans enjoyed a string of victories that gained them much of the Balkans and strengthened their position in Anatolia. These successes, however, were dramatically reversed in the anti-Ottoman Crusade, which ended in the Ottoman’s defeat. This set off a fresh string of rebellions and civil wars. By 1448, Murad’s position was again secure. A Roman-Venetian alliance with the Knights of Saint John thwarted Murad’s planned invasion of Rhodes, dramatically highlighting for Murad that he could not ignore the Romans much longer if he still desired to expand his empire. As a result, he has since then worked as isolating the Romans from their allies of the anti-Ottoman Crusade, meeting with mixed success. Both Hunyadi and Skanderbeg appear wiling to resume warfare with the Ottomans at any time, however Venice, Serbia, and the Intermarrium Empire seem less keen on war. In any rate, the Peace of Sofia is not due to expire until 1454, though many on both sides would not mind it ending before that point.

Ruler: Murad II b. 1404 (Harem including Mara Brankovic, Huma Hatun [mother of Mehmed])
Living Siblings: Many half-brothers and sisters
Living Children: Mehmed b. 1432 and others

 

[Symphony D.]

In his map thread Symphony D. has said that he may be willing in the future to make a map based on a list of cities and coordinates given to him in the proper form, and I am hoping that he will agree to make a map from the list I will create in the future. I anticipate that project, along with drawing in the borders and making eco centers and whatnot will take me most of my Christmas break to accomplish.

It's more like "will;" I enjoy establishing gift economies with other people. Since such a project requires the other person do the coordinate collection, most of the work will proceed at whatever pace you choose to set--with a list in hand it will take at most a few hours to set up the map and core out all the cities. The borders and ECs will however be your own to complete.

 

[The Strategos]

More nation backgrounds, this time Africa. As you can see, there is more gaps in information in this one, players will be free to fill in "Living Siblings" and "Living Children" within reason and with my approval. Also, thanks to Symphony D. for his above post, my goal is to get you a list around New Years.

Europe, Part I (Western Europe)

Europe, Part II (Northern and Eastern Europe

Spoiler Africa :

Mali

Under Ouali’s brother, Musa III, Mali’s decline first became noticeable. In 1430, the Taureg seized Timbuktu while in 1433 Oualata also fell. Now, although firmly entrenched in the west coast, Mali is being pushed back from the north and north-east

Ruler: Mansa Ouali II
Living Siblings:
Living Children:


Songhai Empire

Formerly part of the Mali Empire, the Songhai Empire broke away as Mali began to decline due to succession crises and civil wars. Under the reign of Dandi’s grandfather, Sunni Mar, Songhai effectively began to wrest control away from Mali. Since then, Songhai has only continued to grow in power and influence.

Ruler: Sunni Silman Dandi
Living Siblings:
Living Children: Sunni Ali


Benin Empire

Since the start of his reign in 1440, Oba Ewuare has been preparing his kingdom for war. Now, the capital of Benin is a military fortress surrounded by moats and walls, and his military is easily superior to the surrounding tribes. With such a base, it seems inevitable that Benin will soon begin to expand.

Ruler: Oba Ewuare
Living Siblings:
Living Children:


Ethiopia

Emperor since 1434, Zar’a Ya’qob has proven himself a capable ruler. Though his kingdom was rife with religious and political strife at his ascension, he has managed to so far successfully defuse the tensions. Perhaps most significant of these reduced tensions was the decrease in the factionalism of the Ethiopian Church and the reconciliation between the pro-Egyptian bishops, who observed Sunday as the Sabbath, and the Ewostatewos, who believed that both Saturday and Sunday should be observed. Towards the sizable Muslim minority, Ya’qob has been tolerant, though suspicious of their loyalty. In the military sphere, Ya’qob has been successful in the south but met difficulties in the north, where he has suffered several defeats. Ya’qob’s consort, Eleni, is of such power that she could be described as the co-ruler of Ethiopia.

Ruler: Zar'a Ya`qob b. 1399 (Eleni b. 1432 and other, lesser queens)
Living Siblings: None
Living Children: None by Eleni, many by minor queens, no recognized heir


Sultanate of Fez

The recent history of the Sultanate of Fez has been one of conflict with the Portuguese. As recently as 1437, the Portuguese had launched a major attack. This attack had failed, leading to the capture of Prince Fernando, the son of King John I of Portugal. The Sultanate had demanded the return of the city of Ceuta as ransom for Prince Fernando, but Fernando refused to be released, leaving Ceuta in Portuguese hands. Fernando himself died in captivity in 1443.

Ruler: Abdalhaqq II
Living Siblings:
Living Children:


Caliphate of Ifriqiya

Under the previous ruler, Abd al-Aziz II, the Ifriqiyas engaged in frequent piracy against Christian shipping. The profits of this state-sponsored piracy led to the development of great building programs and the support of art and culture. However, this piracy also provoked retaliation raids by Aragon and Venice. Since al-Aziz’s death, his son Uthman has reversed the previous hostile policies, engaging in trade with Aragon and Venice. In addition to this sea trade, is the caravan trade through the Sahara and with Egypt, further enriching the Caliphate. Internally, however, the Caliphate is fragmenting, with the Bedouins and the cities remaining de facto independent, with Caliphate rule being restricted to the cities of Tunis and Constantine.

Ruler: Uthman
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Sultanate of Mamluk

Prior to the short reign of al-Aziz Jamal-ad-Din Yusuf (1437-38), the Mamlukes were ruled by al-Ashraf Sayf-ad-Din Barsbay. Under his leadership, the Mamluk’s forced Cyprus to recognize their suzerainty and embarked upon many raids into Asia Minor. At the same time, the population of Egypt dropped sharply, reducing the Mamluk’s power. Under az-Zahir Sayf-ad-Din Jaqmaq, who became ruler in 1438, the Mamluk’s are slowly recovering, though Cyprus no longer accepts their suzerainty.

Ruler: az-Zahir Sayf-ad-Din Jaqmaq
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