HarlNESIII - The Decline of France

Working on it!!! I miscalculated the time difference I'm sorry!!! :cry:
 
Just NPC me for now. I can't do orders at the moment, and need to start getting into the nation before I just start making policy actions.
 
Orders Sent :mischief:
 
Finally sent orders, sorry there so late :( Well on the bright side I really didn't do much so as long as no one messes with me they shouldn't have that big of an impact on the update Harl :p
 
UPDATE 3 - Summer 1827

Domestic

The continued investment in the United Kingdom to develop Scotland finally pays off as more and more merchants make a home in the city of Glasgow. The last argument from the state, and a very convincing one, was the conclusion of the expansion of the docks as well as the construction of a railroad leading all the way down to London. Or rather, eventually it’ll reach London. With the development of the city, the Empire is more than ever affirming their status as the economic superpower of the world. With her trade protected by the mighty Royal Navy, nothing seems to be able to stand in the way of the nation becoming the strongest, by far, on the planet. Even so, recent developments do have the merchants worried though. (+ Glasgow EC, -1 confidence, see below).

In other events in Britain, a huge force of troops is raised, some roughly 120,000 men are called up. This adds to a growing feeling of unease in the population (ties in with confidence hit on top), though due to the massive investment of organising it, feeding them, issuing uniforms and arming them, means that there weren’t any money left for actually training them. [1]
Also, nervous about separatism in Ireland and Scotland, voting is extended to all Catholics. Whereas this doesn’t go down too well in England, the Catholics do appreciate it (+1 and -1 confidence).

To the east, in Denmark, the pace is also picking up. On the outside it is peaceful enough. In Africa the colonial expansion picks up pace with the founding of Frederiksstad, in the Baltic military exercises are held and at the royal palace there is a massive coming and going of military personal. Perhaps reports on how the training went? Or perhaps not (see below).

Leaving Europe for a bit, let’s visit Oman or, as it is known now, The Caliphate of Zanj and Oman. A new Caliph has appeared in Oman and, in his infinite wisdom, he decided to move the capital to Mombasa. Many people questioned the purpose behind all of this, but grudgingly decided that the caliph probably knew what he was doing. The considerable success of the expansion of the caliphate might also have had some influence on their acceptance.
Using the new Fedayeen troops and the strong navy, the caliphate expanded heavily on the Arabian peninsula, claiming a lot of land. Whilst they only really control the coastline, it is good enough for the Omani, at least for now, as the desert and mountains further inland is of little value.

Returning to Europe, let’s check out the Iberian Peninsula. In Spain, Joseph continues his efforts to be seen as a man of the people. All over the nation elections are held and officials are elected and invited to come and work on a draft on a new constitution. As he announced his plans for this constitution, he continued on about how important it was for the nation to be strong and united. When he claimed that he had been born a Frenchman, but was going to die a Spaniard, there was widespread scepticism. Well knowing the hatred many Spaniards hold for the French he continued his speech talking about how he would make Spain great again and unite all of the Spanish lands once again, including Barcelona. As he ended his speech the scepticism had faded and massive applause filled the square. (See below, +1 confidence).

In Portugal, the king is more busy with his reforms and keeping his lands together than taking land from others. First off a deal is struck with Argentina after the incident in winter that sees Portugal compensated and an alliance signed. The Argentines weren’t too pleased about the compensation part, but after the disaster of a few months ago, they didn’t wish to see more of the Portuguese might than they had to.
In Brazil the industries are further developed and, together with the establishment of the Brazilian Trade Company, this brings massive advantages to the economy (+2 EC). A large sum is also invested into the African colonies as experts start scouring the area for precious minerals, spices and other valuable trade commodities. So far, not much has been found, but it is also hard work. It is literally speaking, a jungle.
Most astounding of all though, is the establishment of a nationwide newspaper, the Portugal Times. Ideally, it is nationwide though. Whilst copies are sent to the colonies, the sheer distance means that the news is quite old when they arrive. Learning about opportunities in other parts of the realm is useful, but now when you get the paper a month after you were supposed to reply. Added to this is the massive lack of literacy in the colonies, but the idea is definitely good and worthwhile.

In China, the emperor starts to deal with the neglect of several key areas, namely dikes, infrastructure, dams as well as an attempt to crack down on the opium trade. Several Chinese traders are arrested and executed, something that doesn’t really raise any eyebrows, but, in a more bold move, foreign traders of this are also arrested and executed publicly. Amongst the foreigners executed is a group of Portuguese merchants and a few from the United Provinces. Citing crimes against the people of China and the stability of China the criminals quickly find themselves a head shorter.
Anticipating protests from Europe, the emperor made sure to publish edicts first detailing the punishment if caught. If it will be enough though remains to be seen.
Illegal trade is another area that China wants to deal with. All trade is to be done at Canton, but for a long time there has been a problem with smugglers trying to bypass the taxes here. Using the fleet and the local forces all ships docking outside of Canton found themselves searched and several cargoes were confiscated (+1 banked eco). As the operations continue official documents are sent to Europe reminding the courts there that all trade must be at Canton and must go through the Chinese merchant guild, kung-hung.
These moves are met with massive enthusiasm from the population and it also stimulates both trade and growth in the nation (+1 confidence, +1 economy).

In Egypt the local leader, Mohammad Ali, moves quickly as the Ottomans pull back to the north and has his forces quickly occupy the abandoned Ottoman positions in order to better keep order in the area.

Despite being slightly worried about this, the Ottomans do not take any action as it was expected that the Egyptians would do this. They do, however, strengthen their position in Alexandria whilst continuing to keep an eye on Ali.
Back in the Empire itself, the first reports start to come back about western methods and technology. Several new methods are adopted as they continue their struggle to recover from the decline. The lack of experts to help with the transition do cause some problems, but gradually the country is modernizing.

In Northern America, the United States continue their western expansion. More land is claimed for the nation though the claims are quite hollow as nobody lives in the area apart from the native Indians. Of more concern, perhaps is that the American explorers have actually reached a Russian tradepost in the Oregon territory, a territory that the Americans are claiming too. Whereas there is still vast distances of more or less hostile land between the Russian and American settlements, this could indicate that problems is going to appear soon.
Let’s finish in Prussia. The two, small, insignificant states southwest of Prussia are quietly convinces that with the conflicts that are beginning to appear in Europe it would be in their best interest to join with Prussia. Well, that argument and the presence of crack, Prussian troops.
Encouraged by this success King Frederick decided to take advantage of his successes before his enemies could respond. Central to his plan were his new allies of Saxony (see below)

Military

The world, more or less, erupts in flames.

In Asia things are relatively quiet and in Northern America it is the same. In the south the conflict between Spain and the Columbian rebels continue though. The Spanish push continues unabated and encounters almost no resistance. It is as if the rebels have disappeared completely. Several areas are secured, or made as secure as possible, and the conflict seems to be drawing to an end.
The rebels soon reappeared though, but in the west of the country. In numbers greater than expected the areas on the west coast came under heavy attack and several towns and cities fell. Whereas Spanish casualties were basically non-existent, rebel casualties were equally light. It appears that the Spanish have made an unfavourable trade gaining rainforest in exchange for the more populated lands in the west.

Also, in South America, a new conflict erupts. After building quietly for some time, Jose Gaspar of Paraguay has launched an attack on Bolivia. Despite suffering heavy losses due to the difficulties of fighting in the terrain, the Paraguayans have made stunning progress, not least due to the fact that the Bolivians barely had an army. With their enemies on the run and reduced massively, it seems as if Paraguay might be a new regional power.

In Europe a few new conflicts have also appeared apart from the one involving France. One of them is in Germany where the Bavarians decided to make a quick thrust against the Palatinate. Due to the connection already existing between the two nations they managed to avoid having to fight part of the Palatinate force as they simply decided to stay out of it since it, in their opinion, might be better to join with Bavaria for mutual strength than to fight, lose their lives and still be annexed.
With such a traitorous blow there was little the Palatinate could do and within a month all fighting had ended with the Palatinate annexed and the remainder of their forces joining the Bavarian army.

Further north the two old enemies, Denmark and Sweden, also found themselves at war once again. With only a slight numerical advantage and the Swedes not only defending, but also having better commanders, this could be considered both foolhardy, risky and daring at the same time. Ambitious plans were prepared utilizing the strength and mobility of the fleet, encirclements and cautious approaches in order to make Stockholm fall before the end of summer.
The first stage was, arguably, the most successful one and was at sea. The superior Danish navy had few problems with the Swedish and after a battle close to Kalmar, ironically enough, the Swedes had to withdraw to safety or risk the loss of their entire fleet. With this defeat the Baltic isles quickly fell to the Danish forces and Stockholm was blockaded.
Whilst this was happening, two forces invaded Sweden from Scania. A large force quickly made it to Gothenburg and took the city after a minor skirmish. The second force though, ran into the Swedish main army, and despite being supported from the sea it was beaten back and pursued into Scania by the Swedish army.
In June the fortunes seemed to turn again. A small Danish force landed at Stockholm and, despite being too weak to take the city, it completed the siege of it. This forced the Swedes to pull their army back towards the capital in an attempt to relieve it. The battered Danish force took some time to reorganize itself, but the forces from Gothenburg pursued it. With Swedish militia rising against them, progress wasn’t easy though and as the Swedish army made it to Stockholm, the Danes were forced to lift the siege and evacuate. Sailing north they made a new landing to keep the Swedes between their forces.
More battles were fought, but as summer came to an end, the war was still far from decided. The Swedes have been weakened, though not fatally.
(Denmark: -3 ships, -2 divisions. Sweden: -9 ships, -2 divisions, -Stockholm EC due to blockade & damages.)

South of Denmark the Prussians also moved onto the warpath. Knowing that Saxony had managed to build a formidable force the Prussians were eager to avoid direct conflict with them and instead offered them an alliance unlike the demand of annexation that had been used previously. The Saxons knew that whilst they could probably give the Prussians a rough time accepted as they knew that in the long run they wouldn’t be able to resist the neighbours.
With that alliance secured Frederick could begin what had been his plan all along; the attack on Bavaria.
At this time the Bavarian army was on the move south to support their Austrian allies against the French and had only a token force in the north to keep the Palatinate under control and to provide some border security. As a result the Prussian armies completely overran the Bavarian positions and made it to the Danube in almost no time. Once there the armies stopped and started preparing for the expected Bavarian counter.
(Prussia: -1 division, +1 morale. Bavaria: -1 division, -1 confidence)

Down in Greece, the rebels gain momentum and support with the capture of Athens and gain many new volunteers. A good amount of land is put under control as nationalism sweeps the land, but all the land in Greece might not be enough against the well-equipped Ottoman army outside of Athens.
Outnumbered, but brave, the defenders put up a mighty fight. With supplies in short supply due to the Ottoman blockade the defenders started resorting to desperate measure, including using antique statues as ammunition for their crude catapults.
Eventually though, it was not enough. No army can survive without food and with the skills and supplies of the Ottomans the city eventually fell despite lasting for much longer than anticipated. The Greek rebels have been forced back to the Peleponnesian peninsula.
(Ottomans: -2 divisions)

In Poland the main action was once again in the east. (Austrians, see spotlight). Outraged at the defeat during the winter months the Russian forces were heavily reinforced for a spring offensive. With overwhelming artillery fire and a huge number of troops the Russian troops quickly regained the territory that they had lost and continued their push overrunning the Polish troops. Within two months all resistance had ended and the Russian forces had linked up with the Austrians at Warsaw. Reduced to only a small province the Poles have been thoroughly beaten and am asking for peace.
(Russia: -3 divisions. Poland: - a lot of divisions)
 
Spotlight – Europe at War

The decision of the British to attack here shows tactical prowess. Considering the numbers involved it also shows a lack of common sense – Napoleon II, July, 1827.

When the French invaded Lombardy-Venetia the European nations all feared that the Napoleonic Wars were starting up again. Fearful of what might happen and determined to stop the young upstart, Napoleon II, a massive alliance was formed. Even so, several other events happened that interfered in the plans of the allies though it wasn’t too good for France either.

The first action of the conflict came in Poland where Warsaw finally fell to the Austrian forces. The city might have surrendered but starvation, riots and other destruction means it will take some time before it recovers its former glory.

Shortly after this the French continued their advance towards Venice. With the weather improving the French scouts could move more easily and it was soon discovered that the defenders had only received minor reinforcements, at least the numbers weren’t as high as feared, but had instead spent time preparing the defences and, oddly enough, the Austrian troops seemed to have been pulled back. Considering the way of things, the French commanders feared a trap, but eventually decided that it was a risk they had to take as the capture of Venice would be a fabulous prize.
Artillery targeted the city defences, particularly those overseeing the docks and then, in a massively successful attack, the French troops not only launched a frontal assault, but also started landing troops from the sea utilizing the canals to get in close. With the Venetian fleet caught in port and both the fleet and the forts under bombardment, this risky plan paid off immensely as the city fell after less than a day of fighting.
What little remained of the fleet was seized by the French, but both the king and some of the best divisions managed to elude the French.

In May, the French got new problems to worry about though as the British fleet started raiding the French Atlantic coast and then started a blockade in the area, causing a massive disruption of trade. All ships approaching were either seized or turned away as they slowly closed the noose on the French Atlantic trade.
Not long after this the British fleet was then sighted in the Mediterranean where they landed forces on Corsica. With no French forces on the island it quickly fell to the invaders, although local resistance is proving to be a pain in the neck for the British. They are ferocious, tough and have proven hard to catch.

Whilst all of this was happening events started unfolding in another area, quite unpredicted by the warring parties, or, at least by the British. In Spain Joseph held his nationalistic speech and ended it by declaring that Catalonia would be Spanish once more. Holding up a parchment bearing the formal declaration of war, Spain entered the fray.
France wasn’t caught completely unaware though. Spies had been keeping an eye on Joseph as he was growing increasing Spanish rather than French and within minutes of his speech ending riders were on their way to Toulouse with the news. Even so, a Spanish uprising in Barcelona proved more than the garrison could handle and despite the French reacting immediately to the news of war, the Spanish forces arrived there first, “liberating” the city.
A subsequent move north was stopped cold in its tracks though. Intending to cross the Pyrenees, the Spanish commanders soon thought better of it as they learned that French forces outnumbering their own were in strong positions on the other side. A march across the mountains would have been suicide so, ignoring their orders, they decided to dig in instead on the Spanish side of the mountain chain.

The Spanish were also active in another part of the world though. A taskforce had been sent off to capture the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. Unfortunately for them, the British had gotten the exact same idea. The Spanish were the first on the scene and focused on Martinique which fell relatively quickly. Before they could reorganize and go to take Guadeloupe a British task force appeared. Confused at seeing a Spanish flag flying over the harbour the British met with the Spanish and decided on taking Guadeloupe instead, despite the protests of the Spanish commander.
With Guadeloupe out of his reach, the Spanish sent a force to Hispaniola instead and made land there. The locals weren’t too pleased to see them though and the Spanish suffered some casualties though they did manage to establish a foothold.
The British troops also moved on from here landing in Quebec a month later and quickly moving down the river to secure the territory here. The occupation forces have been met with massive hostility though and their position there is insecure.

Meanwhile, back in Europe, the British fleet moved quickly after the capture of Corsica to catch the French before they could leave the Adriatic. The two forces met near Bari and the result brought back memories of Aboukir for the British as the French were decimated. Heavily outnumbered, still wounded and up against the British the French had no chance. A few ships managed to disengage and flee but those remnants that are left are no threat to anyone. Not bothering with the few survivors the fleet quickly left the Adriatic again, but were spotted shortly after as they established a blockade on the south coast of France.

Around this time Naples also started moving. Whereas they didn’t interfere on either British nor French side, they are a force that could swing the tide both ways. Moving north in large numbers they have literally forced the Papal States to disarm and allow them free access. Claiming to protect the pope the Napalese troops are now standing at the Tuscan border. The pope himself has said little about this, but is believed that the order to not resist did come from the Holy See.
The Papal forces are still intact but have been pulled back to Rome.

Realising the strength of the French in Northern Italy, the British then launched the attack that had been expected for some time by now. The French did not know where it would fall and when it did come it wasn’t in the place it was expected. The landing came an early morning in July close to Marseilles. The place was well chosen. It is the financial centre for southern France, more or less clear of enemy troops and a place where they would have a chance to drive a wedge between the forces in Italy and those in France. It was a fantastic plan with only one problem. The British found themselves between two very annoyed French armies which outnumbered them roughly two to one.
The English quickly took control of the area despite resistance from local militia, but it wasn’t long before reports came in that the French were approaching from both the west and the east. Weighing his options the British commander decided he couldn’t risk getting caught in the middle. The Rhone could be a good defensive position but would still leave the rear open. The choice was between marching east or evacuating. Eventually it was decided to torch Marseille and march east to meet the French armies approaching from there. If victorious they could then turn and meet the other force. The two forces met close to Nice. Roughly even in number the two forces were both slightly disadvantaged; the French from their forced march and the British from constant raids from French irregulars. The battle lasted for three days, but the decisive breakthrough came early on the third day when a rumour started going around the British forces that the other French army had arrived. Demoralized the British troops broke and many were captured as they attempted to make it to the ships. The French were battered too, but they had managed to repel the invasion.

That was not the only invasion for the French to contend with though. In the north the United Provinces also joined in the fray. The French had discovered easily that the Dutch were massing troops on the border and the French had shifted forces accordingly to counter any eventual threat from them.
The attack, when it came, came from another direction though. A smaller force invaded France further to the east surprising the French somewhat. Aware that they couldn’t just ignore the massed troops on the border the French nevertheless sent a small force to delay and engage the Dutch force. The plan to force the French was a good one and it did work as the French sent troops to deal with the invaders. The two smaller forces met in the north of Lorraine in the middle of June in a clash lasting for most of a day. Despite the Dutch having superior numbers, the greater skill of the French generals and the help of the local forces proved the decisive factor as the Dutch were forced to accept a minor defeat and pull their forces back.

At this time the main host had also invaded France proper and this time they had the benefit of not only greater numbers, if barely, but also the presence of crack British troops and a contingent of troops from Hanover. The Hanoveranian troops in particular worried the French commander, but as it happened they needed have worried about it. Wanting the glory the Dutch commander positioned his best troops on the flanks to protect his main force. What this meant was that the Dutch forces, the worst in the coalition, took centre and attacked the French head on. The allied commanders tried to convince the Dutch general to adapt a different tactic, but were under orders to accept his leadership. The result was catastrophic. Leaving the best half of the forces to guard against French counters the Dutch troops found themselves outnumbered and attacking prepared French troops. The bloodbath that ensued made the British and Hanovian generals shake their heads and, as the day came to a close, it was clear that the battle was lost. Rather than throw away their troops in a lost cause they took advantage of the darkness to pull their forces back into the United Provinces.

The first round went the way of France, but with the forces aligned against them this could soon turn if the allied commanders get their plans better coordinated.

(France: -11 divisions, -20 ships, +2 ep banked (Venice). Spain: -2 divisions . United Kingdom: -12 divisions, -11 ships. Lombardy-Venetia: -a lot of stuff. United Provinces: -7 divisions. +training for many divisions in various nations.)

Random Bonus:
Prussia for the coolest maps I’ve ever seen. +1 confidence and +1 Mod Appreciation point :p

[1] Troops came in Green, not standard.

From: Poland
To: Austria and Russia
We surrender. Please tell us your terms of peace.

From: Greece
To: Ottoman Empire
You may have won a battle but we are not beaten. Isn’t it time for us to seize this struggle? You have given the African territories more autonomy than ever. Is it so much to ask that we may regain our freedom and independence? Surely a solution can be found.

DEADLINE: Next Wednesday at the same time.

Stats will be up tonight as I don't have the time right now :)
 
And here is the map. And yes, I've forgotten to place the new Omani capital :p It'll come ;)

Spoiler :

hqnesiii1827bwg8.png

 
Very nice update :goodjob:
 
Hahah...France totally pwned everyone...
I didn't attack them... I knew Prussia is planning something...

to Prussia:
Remove your forces from Bavarian lands or face war.

to Russia:
The traitors in Prussia, those who planned the war against Poland have backstabbed us. Will you come to our help great ally?

to Poland:
Peace at current borders would suffice.
 
I'm guessing templates aren't posted yet. Or mine aren't updated if they have been posted.

To: Spain
From: France

My father put you in power of that crap hole of a country, and this is how you repay him. You are going against your countrymen. The Spanish people are fools to follow such a traitor.

To:England
From:France

France could have seen your dispicable invasions from multiple miles away. This reminds me of France before the Napoleonic Wars. Surrounded by enemies, but we are not afraid. We have came out on top of matters such as these before, and we shall do so once again. You would be best to pull out of this war, before too many sons of England die.

To:USA
From: France

I will sell you my colonial posessions to your noth for 3EP.

To:Mexico
From:France

I will sell you my colonial posessions in the carribean for 3 EP.

To: United Provinces
From: France

What are you trying to do? Ruin yourselves!? If that is so, then keep on with this foolishness. Your country will be the first that I shall retaliate against! Sharpen your steel, or back out of this war! This is by every means an ultimatum.

To:Hannover
From:France

You are the more honorable of the foes I am facing. England declares war and you honorably oblige them, because after all. You are a puppet state, haha. One day you will understand that England does not have well placed intentions for your country and you will come out of your little shell. I hope not too many of your people have to die for the glory of England.
 
To:England
From:France

France could have seen your dispicable invasions from multiple miles away. This reminds me of France before the Napoleonic Wars. Surrounded by enemies, but we are not afraid. We have came out on top of matters such as these before, and we shall do so once again. You would be best to pull out of this war, before too many sons of England die.

The Price of stability on the Continent is worth the price we currently pay, and whilst the people of Great Britian prosper, the peoples of France travel the path of destitution and hunger. Futile efforts to the contray merely extend your moment of death and prolong the pain.
 
Neat warfare! This is shaping up to be a really fun NES.

Btw, it may be less confusing if you named the seasons more precisely (i.e. Spring-Summer as opposed to Summer and Autumn-Winter as opposed to Winter); it certainly confused me at first. That said I'l probably get used to it. Still, its something for you to keep in mind IMHO.
 
Your i.e doesnt make sense.. do you want everything on a 4 season base, or transitional season style?
 
I only want a cosmetic change. See, each update features the events of six months, whereas, say, summer is generally taken to include only three very specific months. Thus the update's title is somewhat misleading.

EDIT: Btw, Harleqin, how did our Central Asian plans go? Are the tribes with Chinese strips now under our protectorate?
 
From: Prussian Empire
To: Austria

Nonsense, the Bavarians are the aggressors. The Palatinate allied with us last year, and the very next summer the Bavarians invade and depose thier King! What are we to do, sit idly by and watch our allies become overrun? Our loyalties to our allies are more important than our agreement.

Oh yes, the agreement. Have you forgotten it already? The agreement was that YOU would invade Bavaria. Do not act as if you are advocating peace around Europe, because you are no better than any of us. Now, you can join us in ending the Wittelsbach House now and gain some territory in the process, or let us take it all! Situations change, my friend, perhaps you should have kept your dogs on a tighter leash.

From: Prussian Empire
To: The Palatinate

Reorganize yourselves men! Do not let these Bavarian dogs destroy your will, your alliance with Prussia will prove infinitely wise in it's signing!

From: Prussian Empire
To: Saxony

We thank you greatly for your assistance, your men are as brave as any on the field of battle.

From: Prussian Empire
To: Russia

We have no designs on Russian territory or Polish territory, and if you check back on the transcripts from last year (the last update) you will see that we indeed had an alliance with the Palatinate. Bavaria invaded, hence, we are obliged to protect our allies. Very simple. We are more inclined to ally with you, considering we did fight side by side against the Bonaparte's.

From: Prussian Empire
To: Britain

I hope our seperate alliance stands? Do not be frightened at our perceived aggression towards German states, we clearly recognize Hannover as a soveriegn British satellite.

@harleqin, meh...I've made better ;)
 
When did Prussia become an Empire?
 
to Prussia:
If the Bavarians are the aggressors why does Prussia hold Palatine lands? And how did Prussia invade before knowing of the Bavarian invasion?

And unlike the Prussian we do not hold "dogs" under our leash. Interesting that that is the way you feel towards the Palatine your "allies". Your dogs?

And as for our deal, we have never said we will invade Bavaria we merely asked for Prussia to not invade them, a treaty which Prussia did not hold, just like the alliance against Poland. Prussia is nothing but a country of back stabbers.
 
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