March of the Eagle: an interactive Victoria 2 Prussia AAR

[ginger_genius]

Is it too late to join? and if it is not, how do I join?

 

[Tom D.]

Is it too late to join? and if it is not, how do I join?

It is never too late to join! Check the first post of the iAAR, there should be a link to our Discord where you can sign up to participate .

 

[SibCDC]

1845-1849: Gameplay and Landtag Sessions​

1845 Landtag Session

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After the King appointed Wilhelm Hoth, one of his Conservative Military Officers, to the position of Minister-President, Hoth led a Conservative-Liberal goverment in the 1845 Landtag Session, which saw a lot of activity due to the many new members joining the legislative body. In the end, the following bills were passed:
Mechanized Mining Act (Written by Joseph Emmanuel Weingart, Liberal Faction)
In order to continue our nation's industrialization program, it is vital we support innovation in the field of automation. With this in mind, we must subsidize our vast coal mining industry in Silesia and the Rhineland with new, mechanized, assistance for existing mining operations.
Effect: Research Semi-Automatization

Military Developments Act (Written by Volker von Geishof, Reactionary Faction)
War seems almost inevitable, whether one likes it or not. The prussian military must be ready, our men equiped with up to date armorments and our officers familliar with modern military doctrine. For the security of Prussia.
Effect: Research Army Professionalism, Muzzle-Loaded Rifles, and Military Plans.

Tariff Reduction Act of 1845 (Written by Ruprecht Birnbaum, Liberal Faction)
Tariffs on foreign imports are destroying businesses that solely rely on the import of high quality products which can not be found within Prussia, such as cacao, tobacco, coffee and tea. In order to relieve the pressure on these businesses, tariffs shall be lowered to 2%.
Effect: Reduce tariffs to 2%

Gameplay 1845-1847

In July of 1845, the first exotic animals arrived in the Zoological Garden of Berlin, which had been established a year earlier. Berlin followed the examples of London and Antwerp and displayed animals from all over the world to the public. In the minds of young children, this would sow an interest in far away continents such as Africa and Asia. Maybe grown up, these children will be at the forefront of Prussia's colonial empire.

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In 1846, as the result of a publication about the Roman Republic's last days by Alexander Hartmann of the Liberal Faction, a fierce debate about the Classics and Roman history began. Many scholars, politicians and intellectuals around the country rediscovered the Classics. In the wake of this new movement, the ideas of freedom of the Roman Republicans and the Greek city states gained a renewed traction within Prussia.

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In February of '46, the King received news that Austria was planning to end Krakow's existance. As this would be a clear violation of the Treaty of Vienna, King Wilhelm sent an angry letter to the Austrian Emperor. Prussia would not tolerate any Austrian interference in Krakow. Some Polish Prussians felt emboldened by the King's insistance on guaranteeing Krakow's independence and hoped for a brighter future of Poles within Prussia itself.

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Ignoring Prussian warnings, the Austrians declared war on Krakow on the 15th of April. King Wilhelm was enfuriated, and the seeds were laid for a future conflict. Krakovian resistance did not take long to bow before the strong Austrian army and by June an independent Krakow was no more.

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In the meantime, technologies to semi-automate factory processes was being researched in Prussia's factories and universities. The idea of automatization was welcomed by many factory owners, but more and more craftsmen saw these so called machines as tools of the Devil. No major incidents have been reported yet, but it is only a matter of time until the craftsmen of Prussia take revenge against the Devil's machines.

​

1845-1847 Newspapers

Credit to @skagerakk

Credit to torson
​

1847 Landtag Session

The 1847 Landtag Session was temporarily led by Hermann von Heidelberg, brother of the late Minister-President von Heidelberg, and saw many debates with topics ranging from war with Austria to the state of Prussia's healthcare system, and even two Amendments to the Constitution. In the end, the following bills were passed:
Logical Research Act (Written by Lutz von Sommer, Radical Faction)
If we wish to improve the lives of our people and use science to increase their quality of life we first must continue to delve into the sciences to find new ways to do so
Effect: Research Inorganic Chemistry and Empiricism as soon as avaliable

Children of Prussia Act (Written by Benedict Eichwald, Radical Faction)
Our children are the future of this nation, having these children properly educated will positively impact the ability of Prussia to invest in research.
Effect: - Change education system to acceptable education.

National Research Act (Written by Karl Braun, Liberal Faction)
Many in Europe are developing the Idea of Nationalism, Essentially one for ones country, While Prussia has some of this already, It is Growing, A United German Nationalism, we should Use this to our Advantage, So we may one day Unite Germany under the Prussian Crown!
Effect: Research Nationalism & Imperialism as soon as it becomes available

Healthcare Reform Act (Written by Alexander Hartmann, Liberal Faction)
To prevent sickness from taking over the country and to ensure efficent workers, the state will assist in the provision of healthcare to the people. Effect: Set healthcare to trinket

1847-1849 Gameplay

Emboldened by the King's apparent support for the Polish cause, prominent members of Polish society met in Paris in March of '47 to discuss Polish independence. Not only did Prussian Poles attend, but also Austrian and Russian Poles. When informed about this occassion, the King waved it off as a temporary trend. Poland shall not return to the map of Europe any time soon.

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In July, an outbreak of tuberculosis occurred in one of Prussia's provinces. The improved healthcare system as a result of the Healthcare Reform Act was however unable to prevent a large loss of life and many poor people were infected with the disease. In the end, the only way to prevent the spread of the disease was to install a quarantine on the infected.

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As soon as 1848 began, it became clear that it would be a year of revolts throughout Europe. The causes of Liberalism and Nationalism united and agitated many people around the continent. In France, a new revolution was on the horizon, and even in Republican Belgium the idea of an insurrection was not so outlandish. In Prussia, the population was becoming ever more agitated by the radical press. As a result, the King and his Cabinet did not hesitate to initiate another emergency budget and increase spending on the military stockpiles. Prussia would not be caught off guard, in contrary to 43-44.

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While the streets of Paris were being barricaded by Republicans, the Hungarians rose up against their Habsburg rulers. For Prussia it seemed like the ideal moment to strike at their enemy, but worries about a revolution at home kept the Prussian armies in Brandenburg to protect the King.

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Once research on Semi-Automatization was completed, work soon began on Muzzle-loaded Rifles. The idea of either a large revolution, or a war with Austria led the King to believe that better weapons were necessary to prepare the Prussian army for conflict.

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In August of '48, Schleswig Holstein broke free from Denmark after a brief war. Prussia was able to quickly gain influence in the country and added Schleswig Holstein to their sphere of influence, to much protest from both the Danish and the Austrians. But neither could do anything as both were preoccupied by revolutions and revolts.

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In January of '49, the Revolution finally arrived in Prussia, albeit under a mild form. Pomeralian nationalists rose up in Danzig, but were easily defeated by the III. Korps under Friedrich Krüger.

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And thus the Revolution ended for Prussia, with little bloodshed and the King remaining in a strong position. Other nations had not fared too well, as Charles-Louis Napoléon Bonaparte pressured the French King into appointing him as Prime Minister. Many expect the Orléanist monarchy to fall soon and be replaced by another Bonaparte. In Austria, a war was still raging between the Austrians and the Hungarians. The moment arrived for Prussia to claim its position as leader of the North German nations.

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As soon as Muzzle-loaded Rifles were researched, the King took a look at the Warplans that his General Staff had prepared in earlier years. War with Austria was on the horizon, and it was time to start the timetables for the invasion.

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The King would soon have his reason for a war, as Austrian diplomats pressured Saxony into banning the Prussian ambassador from entering the country in retaliation for Prussia's growing influence in Schleswig Holstein. A international scandal soon ensued and Wilhelm I declared war on Austria, calling upon his allies to join his cause. Austria did the same and called its allies to war. The result was a German Civil War where North German states were led by Prussia against South German states led by Austria.

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The opening moves of the war saw an invasion of Kaiserslautern and Mainz in the West, while Saxony was invaded in the East.

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In Kaiserslautern, the Prussian army engaged with Bavarian mobilized troops, which were easily defeated.

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Not longer after the Battle of Kaiserslautern, the Prussian invasion forces in Saxony won the Battle of Dresden and another Bavarian mobilization force was defeated in the Battle of Aschaffenburg.

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Another battle soon occurred in Dresden once mobilized troops had fortified themselves in a fort near the city. Prussian numeral advantage was easily able to break through and capture the Saxon army.

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Near the end of July, the Saxon forces tried one last desperate time to break the siege on their capital, but they failed and were utterly defeated. A few days later, another Bavarian army was destroyed, this time in Meiningen.

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In September, Tuscan forces tried to invade Prussia proper, but Prussian fortifications proved too hard to break. One of the armies, under the leadership of Aldric Hoffman, were pulled back to deal with the invasion. They were successful in breaking the siege of Breslau and persued the Tuscans further in land until they were finally dealt with at Küstrin.

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In the meantime, another Bavarian army was defeated at the Battle of Würzburg and the first direct Prusso-Austrian confrontation occurred at the Battle of Karlsbad. So far it looked like Prussia had the upper hand, undoubtedly the result of superior technologies and the fact that Austria was still preoccupied with the Hungarian insurrection.

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Two more battles would occur before the end of the war. In Bayreuth, the Bavarians were once again defeated by an overwhelming Prussian force, while the Austrians were defeated at Karlsbad for a second time. After these two battles, King Wilhelm offered the Austrians a peace deal, where Saxony would be removed from Austria's sphere of influence and added to the one of Prussia. The wise Emperor of Austria recognized his defeat and agreed to sign the deal. Prussia was now the undisputed leader of the North German states.

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When King Wilhelm I thought peace had finally arrived, his British ally requested Prussia's help to reclaim the Holy Land from Egypt. As a man of deep faith, the King accepted, even though there was no chance Prussia could send any troops to the Middle East.

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1850 Newspapers

Credit to @skagerakk ​

 

[SibCDC]

State of the World in 1850​

In Europe, Austria stands defeated at the hands of Prussia, but was nonetheless able to bring the Hungarians back into the fold. In France, the Revolution of 1848 had succeeded in bringing a Bonaparte back to the highest echelons of government. It is expected that within the following years, King Louis-Philippe will be overshadowed by Louis Napoléon and will be forced to abdicate. In the meantime, Belgium is still suffering from an insurrection in Luxemburg.

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In the Far East, the Qing Emperor of China is fighting against a Christian rebellion. The Shogunate of Japan still remains a divided nation, but the idea of political modernization is gaining traction.

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In the Far West, the United States has defeated Mexico in a war after the two had a dispute over Texas. Now that the war has ended, the US has successfully annexed Texas as a State into the Union, while guaranteeing the independence of Rio Grande as a buffer state against Mexico.

​

 

[skagerakk]

With 1848 rolling around the old system of loose voting blocs, called factions, finally broke down completely with many new parties emerging within the Landtag:

Freikonservative Partei (Free Conservative Party ):
Current Party Leader: Wilhelm Hoth
Founding Date: 4th May 1848
Ideology: Conservative
Motto: Wohlstand, Bruderschaft, Preußen

Ethics:
Trade Policy: Protectionism
Economic Policy: Interventionism
Religious Policy: Moralism
Citizenship Policy: Limited Residency
War Policy: Pro-Military
Welfare Policy: Populist Welfare

Description:
The Free Conservative Party was formed in 1848 to fight Liberal and Radical elements of the political sphere. It has a strong belief in preserving the Prussian values and beliefs in order to preserve the Kingdom and the King as a whole. It is by far the largest party within the Landtag, consisting of many military officers as well as all the Generals who lead armies during the Saxony war with Austria, many of which used to be members of the liberal faction.


Nationalliberale Partei (National Liberal Party):
Current Leader: Alexander Hartmann
Founding Year: 1848
Ideology type: Liberal

Ethics:
Trade Policy: Free Trade
Economic Policy: Interventionist
Religious Policy: Secularism
Citizenship Policy: Limited Citizenship
War Policy: Pro Military
Welfare: Populist Welfare

Description:
Formed In 1848 after the March Revolution from Many liberal Philosophers and economists wanting to start their own Party . It wishes to United Germany under Prussian Rule with a Hohenzollern on the throne and to Pass liberal and Democratic Reforms to modernize Prussia. This party consists of the bulk of what used to be the Liberal Faction in the Landtag and is generally regarded to be the most moderate liberal faction, able to reach a compromise with the conservative elements within the Landtag and the royal court.

Liberale Vereinigung (Liberal Union):
Current Leader: Orlan von Hammerstein
Founding Year: 1848
Ideology type: Liberal

Ethics:
Trade Policy: Protectionism
Economic Policy: Laissez faire
Religious Policy: Secularized
Citizenship Policy: Full Citizenship
War Policy: Jingoism
Welfare Policy: Full Welfare State

Description:
Founded in 1848 by Orlan von Hammerstein, it is a nationalist liberal party in favour of the aggressive unification of Germany under Prussia, alongside having a liberal support for political reforms and a support for a deep, though restricted, welfare state, favouring reforms across the board with the exception of most workplace regulations, preferring the adoption of system of unions capable of negotiating that on there own on a factory by factory level. On other economic matters, the party prefers protection for the sake of development of german industry, and a hands off policy for industrial development otherwise, preferring the state focus on modernizing the bureaucratic and educational apparatus. It is a smaller offshoot of the Liberal Faction, mostly consisting of wealthy businessmen who wish for a more prosperous Prussia.


Deutsche Fortschrittspartei (German Progress Party):
Current Party Leader: Josef Emmanuel Weingart
Founding Date: 1 January 1848
Ideology: Liberal

Ethics:
Trade Policy: Free Trade
Economic Policy: Interventionism
Religious Policy: Pluralism
Citizenship Policy: Full Citizenship
War Policy: Anti-Military
Welfare Policy: No State Interference

Description:
Born from the dissolution of the Liberal faction, the DFP became a splinter party from the larger National Liberal Movement. Having little interest in ‘soft conservatism’ and seeing the Liberal movement changing, Josef Emmanuel Weingart declared a new rebirth of the Liberal movement and shifted to align himself with Liberal outcasts such as Lutz von Sommer. This party consists mainly out of the bulk of what used to be the Radical Faction within the Landtag, leaving many to wonder whether or nor the Radicals have given up on their ideals or if this party disguises itself as Liberal, misleading voters in the process. It is the second largest party in the Landtag, but its ideals and motives remain unclear. They have also been criticized as of late, as a large part of their leadership has left the country during the Saxony War, going to America to attend a convention on universal suffrage.


The Königlich Preußischer Staats-Anzeiger releases its election special, containing the King's speech on the victory parade as well as the speeches of all the Party leaders in regards to the election:

The different Parties print pamphlets to aid their election efforts!

Leading up to the election a large amount of 'Deutsche Fortschrittspartei ' pamphlets are printed and distributed all over Prussia

At the height of the 1850 elections campaign, the following NLP pamhlet is circulating throughout the country, but also in the minor German states in the Prussian sphere of influence.

The LV puts up these posters in middle class districts.

The FKP has its offices across Prussia paper the cities with the following pamphlet(Bearbeitet)

Polling stations are now open for all eligible voters!
(They will remain open until Saturday, 16th May 2020, 8 PM CEST)

​

 

[skagerakk]

Sorry for the delay!
Here are the election results as well as a summary of the 1850 Landtag session and some responses from other players to the events that have transpired in the Role-Play!

Election results of the 1850 Landtag elections:

1850 Landtag session and the outcome of the courtcase between two of the members of the Landtag as well as the outcome of the North German constitutional convention:

The Rheinische Zeitung of the DFP as a reaction to the Landtag and its events:

(Credit to @torson)

The conservative Neue Preußsiche Zeitung of the FKP also releases an edition showing their reactions:

(Credit to @Diesel_CarSuite)

 

[SibCDC]

Gameplay 1850-1854 and the 1852 Landtag Session​

Gameplay 1850-1852

All over North Germany, people were excited about the possibility of a unified federation. Despite this however, Bremen went bankrupt and was forced to default. The Prussian government was of course not happy with this development, but with the formation of the North German Federation coming closer, Bremen's finances would be overseen by a national government anyway.

​

In February, the government of Prussia further invested in the idea of Nationalism and Imperialism. With all of the North German states in Prussia's sphere of influence, ideas were growing within the Landtag to unify into some sort of Federation.

​

By July the War between Egypt and Britain was over. The Prussian navy attaché who was sent aboard the HMS Trafalgar, Kapitän zur See Jan Staudenmaier, returned to Prussia and reported what he had learnt about naval warfare to the King. Britain had further increased its influence in Egypt and even annexed some additional territory.

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But while the British might have been successful in Egypt, their chances at home weren't looking too bright. In Ireland a huge rebellion occurred to liberate the Emerald Isle. Even in London, Irish immigrants had risen up to cause trouble. It would take a while before the British army returned from Egypt and who knew what the Irish could achieve in the meantime.

​

While the Irish rose up in the UK, Jacobins once again rose up in Prussia in October of 1850. An emergency budget was immediately instated, further weakening the Treasury. By November, the Jacobins were defeated, but Prussia's economy had not recovered from the emergency measures. In the meantime, the Prussian Landtag had approved a Constitutional Convention regarding the North German Federation. From all over the land, North Germans gathered in Frankfurt and a Constitution was soon drafted.

​

As a direct result of the Constitutional Convention, Saxony extended an official offer for an alliance to the Prussian King. Wilhelm I gladly accepted, further establishing his hegemony amongst the North German States.

​

By July of 1851, the Irish rebels had gained control over large portions of Ireland and had even engaged in large numbers with the British army in Scotland. While their effort was looking good, their numbers would soon dwindle due to more and more British armies returning from Egypt. By the end of the year, the rebellion was over and relative peace returned to the Emerald Isle.

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In August of 1851, another Jacobin rebellion occurred in Prussia. Once again, an emergency budget was raised, increasing tariffs to 65% to allow for an increased spending on the military. However, this did not improve the situation of the Treasury as numbers took a dive again. It took until the 1st of December 1851 until each and every rebel cell had been dealt with. In the aftermath of the rebellion, a smaller Pomeralian uprising occurred, but was easily dealt with by the III. Korps. The emergency budget was further extended until the 1852 Landtag Session, and tariffs at 65% continued to bolster the Treasury.

​

In May of 1852, the Constitution of the North German Federation was finally ratified by all member-states, allowing the NGF to formally unite. At the same time, Nationalism and Imperialism had been researched and work soon began on Early Railroads. In Austria, a Hungarian revolt had forced the Kaiser to adopt the 1852 Ausgleich, acknowledging the autonomy of his Hungarian realm and establishing the Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary. Resulting from Austria's weakness, Bavaria turned to the NGF for protection and joined its sphere of influence.

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1852 Newpapers (including information on the 1852 Landtag)

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1852-1854 Gameplay

With all of North Germany unified and Austria in a weaker position, Bavaria recognized the situation and offered the NGF with an offer for an alliance. The Bundespräsidium, essentially the King of Prussia, accepted Bavaria's offer gladly.

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To deal with the bad state of the economy, research soon began on a Stock Exchange to increase tax efficiency. While tariffs where now slightly decreased to 50%, many factories are still going under because they can't get cheap access to foreign goods. While the government's measures might have prevented a bankruptcy of Prussia's Treasury, the economy was certainly not in a healthy state.

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In July of 1853, Jacobins rose up across the Russian border. While unrest in Prussia remained relatively calm, the II. and III. Korps were put on high alert to deal with any possible insurgency at the border.

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In August, the British and the Americans signed the Oregon Treaty, establishing a straight border between British Columbia and the United States. The US has now firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with on the American continent, as British influence is struggling to keep up with the rise of the American Empire.

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In November, another Jacobin revolt occurred. The Treasury looked more sturdy this time, but many factories further suffered from less craftsmen being available and the high tariffs imposed by the government.

​

While the armies were dealing with the Jacobins, research began on Inorganic Chemistry, as put forward in a bill by Lutz von Sommer (DFP). Scientific advancements had the potential of helping out the fragile industries in the NGF, perhaps enough to cope with the high tariffs.

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By December of 1853, the revolts were over again. Not long after that, Württemburg requested a formal alliance with the NGF as protection against the growing power of the French.

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In August of 1854, Polish rebels rose up in Poznan. While strong in numbers, they lacked the tactical and technological superiority of the North German Army and were easily defeated.

​

In that same month, the Ottoman Empire had angered the Russian Czar by imposing anti-Christian legislation in its territories. This led to the Czar proclaiming himself the protector of Eastern Christianity to try and trigger a war between Russia and the Turks. The NGF, along with the other major powers, has asked the Czar to renounce his claim in order to prevent a further escalation. However, the Ottoman Sultan was so insulted that war still occurred between the two, despite the Czar giving in to Western pressure. The NGF remains neutral, but many wonder whether or not this might be the time to strike at the Russian Empire.

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In December of 1854, research on Inorganic Chemistry was completed and the Bundespräsidium ordered the implementation of Paddle Steamers for the navy, in accordance to a bill passed by the Prussian Landtag in 1852.

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1855 Newspapers

 

[skagerakk]

It is the time again: Elections!
The first Elections for the North German Reichstag are on!

While many of the liberal parties unify in opposition to the conservative FKP, new players on the political stage also emerge:

Partei für wirtschaftlichen und kolonialen Wohlstand und Entwicklung (Party for Economic and Colonial Prosperity and Development):

Current Leader: Wilhelm von Rotstein
Ideology: Market Liberal
Founded: 1852
Motto: Von hier ins himmlische Königreich

Ethics:
Trade Policy: Free Trade
Economic Policy: Laissez Faire
Religious Policy: Secularized
Citizenship Policy: Limited Citizenship
War Policy: Jingoism
Welfare Policy: No position set

Description:
We represent the interests of the PCOK (Preußische Creditanstalt & Osthandelsgesellschaft für Kolonien und territoriale Sicherheit) - yet we are independent and act according to that. We support reasonable laws and those that improve our future and that of the colonies, and ultimately leading to a greater wealth for the whole of the NGF. We gladly support our interest and spending for a place in the sun for our mighty empire! Long Live the King, Long Live the Empire! Gott Mit Uns!


The Norddeutscher Bundes-Anzeiger publishes its election special containing speeches of all the candidates:

The different parties also publish pamphlets to promote themselves

A pamphlet of the Liberal Alliance attacking the financial politics of the FKP:

A pamphlet of the PLW promoting their colonial views:

A pamphlet of the FKP promoting the fact that they unified North Germany:

The elections are now open until Saturday 8:00 pm CEST!

​

 

[Doctor Stein]

This Liberal alliance seems pretty cool idk about y'all

 

[skagerakk]

Here are the election results:
A lot has happened sorry ofr the late update. Another one will come tomorrow so stay tuned!

On March 22nd 1855 the Norddeutscher Bundes-Anzeiger publishes the election results alongside its analysis as well as an article about colonialism and the PKW:

A new issue of the Neue Preußiche Zeitung is released! Read about the FKP victory in the elections, and an opinion piece from Generalmajor Magnus von Klopp:

These results led to a coalition between the FKP and the PKW under Bundeskanzler von Hoth!

Everyone stay tuned for the update tomorrow when events take an unexpected radical turn!

 

[Diesel_CarSuite]

FKP vibes

 

[skagerakk]

Alright folks, here it goes:

after several reforms the Reichstag and King have decided to hold reelections with the new system in place to properly represent the interests of the people of the North German Federation.

However these reforms have cause discord among the FKP members with many of the reactionary wing leaving and founding their own party to represent their ideals:

Prussian Fatherland Party (PFP)
Preußische Vaterlandspartei

Current Leader: Magnus von Klopp
Founding Year: 1855
Ideology type: Reactionary

Ethics:
Trade Policy: Protectionism
Economic Policy: State Capitalism
Religious Policy: Moralism
Citizenship Policy: Residency
War Policy: Jingoism
Welfare: No State Interference

History:
Formed in 1855 by the members of the reactionary wing of the FKP after tensions between them and the conservative members, the Prussian Fatherland Party seeks to ensure the strength of the king and of true Prussian conservatism throughout Germany. The party believes in the power and divine right of the monarchy, and seeks to restore its glory throughout Europe.


The Norddeutscher Bundes-Anzeiger publishes his latest issue with the reelection speeches of all the parties:

The Neu Preußische Zeitung also releases an edition about the first tumultuos Reichstag session:

The Rheinische Zeitung also releases a paper:

Polls are now open and will close on Thursday (May 28th 2020) on 2 PM CEST

​

 

[Tom D.]

Everywhere in the North German Confederation the citizens of the nation went to the ballots and have chosen their representatives for the Reichstag. The reforms, which were the reason for the re-election, have had a profound impact on the election results, which the Norddeutscher Bundes Anzeiger has just released. May the North German Confederation prosper under its new, future government.

 

[skagerakk]

Update Chancellor election and cabinet appointments:

After intese negotiations between all parties a liberal coalition emerged and elected Orlan von Hammerstein, leader of the LV, to be Bundeskanzler of the North German Federation!

Many remain skeptical as von Hammerstein is not only the leader of the smallest party in the Reichstag, but also not the most popular figure among his peers, it is hence suspected that he may have blackmailed his way into power and forced his fellow liberal parties to elect him over other candidates.

Orlan von Hammerstein, elected Bundeskanzler

Kanzler von Hammerstein then proceeded to advise the King on the cabinet appointments.

Afterwards the following people were appointed to serve in the Cabinet and aid the King and Kanzler:

Ministry for Foreign Affairs: Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm von Hoth (FKP)
Ministry of Interior: General der Artillerie Gerhard zu Muskau (FKP)
Ministry for War: Konteradmiral Jan Staudenmaier (PKW)
Ministry for Trade and Commerce: Ruprecht Birnbaum (NLP)
Ministry of Finance: Alexander Braun (NLP)
Ministry of Justice: Leopold von Hofmeinster (NLP)

This government under his majesty King Wilhelm I. von Preußen will be instrumental in shaping the policies for the next 5 years!

 

[SibCDC]

1855-1857 Gameplay Part I: The Franco-German War​

1855 would prove a vital year for the North German Federation, but it began with Russia advancing further into the Ottoman Empire from three sides.

​

In February, however, the Russian war effort would be shaken up by a major revolt in its Polish holdings. It turns out that over the past few years, Polish nationalists had organized and set up a temporary government to declare their independence from Russia. Congress Poland, as the new independent country was called, approached the NGF government with a formal request for support against the Russians. The Bundespräsidium saw this as the ideal moment to enact his plans to expand Prussia's sphere of influence among the German people of Europe. Financial support was soon sent to the Polish government and a formal alliance was signed between the NGF and Congres Poland.

​

Using this moment to his adventage, the King of Prussia declared war on France to liberate the Germans of Elsaß-Lotharingen, calling in the allies of the NGF for support in this war of unification. The Franco-German War soon turned into a major European conflict when Britain, Spain and Russia joined their respective allies.

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The first engagement of the war was reserved for the British, who engaged the French fleet in the Bay of Biscay. The superior British navy was easily able to overwhelm the French and the first battle of the war was won.

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On the Eastern Front with Russia, North German troops took a passive stance. With no Russian troops on the horizon, it was better to hold the line to prevent any nasty surprises like encirclements or being flanked. The South German states, however, took the Russian absence as a sign that occupying Lithuania was safe and moved into the region.

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On the Western Front with France, a French absence did not keep the NGF forces from entering Elsaß-Lotharingen to occupy the region. The main objective was to keep the frontline relatively narrow, but work towards the French capital of Paris. As German forces occupied Elsaß-Lotharingen, native Germans volunteered to help them against the French. Never before had there been such a true German brotherhood across borders.

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On the Southern Front, in Spain, the situation was looking less good for the NGF's ally. French and Italian troops poured into Catalonia, while the bulk of the Spanish army was pre-occupied in a battle in Southern France. Though, intel from the Spanish still proved valuable to the NGF which now knew that France was focussing on the Southern Front.

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In May, another front was opened by the Italians. This time, an invasion occurred on German soil as Piedmontian troops poured in from Austria into Bavaria. The treacherous Austrians had given military access to France and its allies and the NGF soon found out that Baden did the same thing. Such treason would have to be punished!

​

While the Italians were invading German soil, the Belgians were abandoned by their British allies and saw how well the NGF was doing in the war against France. In a clear stroke of brilliance, the Belgian President approached the NGF with a request for a military alliance. The Bundespräsidium recognized the strategic importance of Belgium as a gateway to the English Channel, but also as a way to invade France from the north, and accepted the Belgian request.

​

On the Eastern Front, Bavarian troops had fallen into a Russian trap. Luckily for them, the NGF's armies stood on stand-by nearby and intervened on behalf of the Bavarian army. In the first military confrontation on the NGF's side of the war, the Russians were defeated at the Battle of Siauliai.

​

In the meantime, the Southern Front in Spain looked increasingly bad for the NGF's ally. More and more French troops crossed the Pyrennees, while Spanish forces were cut off in Bordeaux. Catalonia was completely occupied by Italian forces, an act which would horrify the 16th century Habsburg Kings of Spain.

​

Fortunately for the NGF, the advance into Northern France was continuously going without any real opposition from the French. The first military encounter between the French and the Germans was an ambush of levied forces by the NGF. An easy victory. It seemed as if nothing could stop the German advance towards Paris.

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The first real costly encounter on the Western Front occurred in Bavaria when troops from Württemburg and the NGF confronted the Piedmontian invaders. While the battle was won by the Germans, they lost almost three times more soldiers than the Italians.

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While in Europe the war was still raging, German diplomats and archaeologists in Egypt were able to gain exclusive rights to the Valley of Kings. Tales of discoveries soon inspired many across Germany to dream of uncovering the secrets of the pharaohs of old. Perhaps one day, the King of Prussia could claim his rightful place next to the sun god Ra as ruler of Egypt.

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By the end of July, the first big contingents of French troops arrived at the front. The NGF's armies quickly began engaging them when it was deemed that victory was almost certainly guaranteed.

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On the Eastern Front, the NGF secured military access from Poland to defeat a Russian army that was lurking in Polish borders, waiting to strike in the flanks of the German forces. It was easily defeated at the hand of the combined armies that were stationed in the East.

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The situation in Spain now looked dramatic, as French forces completely outnumbered Spanish troops. Soon, Madrid would fall and the image of the Spanish Monarchy would be hurt significantly. Once again, France led by a Bonaparte conducted a successful military campaign on European soil.

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By early October, the tide of the war would turn, however it was unsure in which direction. With Spain almost certainly defeated, more French troops arrived on the front with the NGF. While those forces might rival the Germans in numbers, they certainly did not in discipline and professionalism. At the Battle of Lons, Wilhelm von Hoth was nearly defeated at the hands of the French, but reinforcements from Marienburg's army proved vital to push back against the French.

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Hoth's near defeat was compensated by a devestating blow to French manpower. In the Battle of Chalons, Heidelberg proved his worth and inflicted 30 275 casualties on the French, while only sustaining 1 999 within his own ranks.

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The successes of the NGF's armies in Northern France inspired the Bundespräsidium to press further claims on France by demanding the French Ivory Coast as additional compensation for war damages. The NGF supported this additional claim with another decisive battle. Once again, Heidelberg inflicted many casualties on the French, while keeping his own losses limited.

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On November 9 1855, Louis Napoleon sued for peace with the British, who mediated a peace treaty between the NGF and France. Elsaß-Lotharingen would be annexed as a Reichsland into the NGF and control over the French Ivory Coast would be transferred to the Federation as well. In the aftermath of their defeat, the French population was upset with Louis Napoleon and voted him out of office, replacing him with a Liberal Prime Minister instead.

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[SibCDC]

1855-1857 Gameplay Part II: The Austro-German War​

While France and the North German Federation had fought hard over the region of Elsaß-Lotharingen, military confrontation with the Russians had remained relatively limited. This was mainly due to the fact that the majority of Russia's forces was pre-occupied with invading the Ottoman Empire. Almost the entirity of the Ottoman Balkans was now occupied by Russian forces. While the NGF had seemingly succeeded in its pan-German ambitions, it seemed that Russia was now pursuing a pan-Slavic policy to liberate the Balkans from Turkish oppression.

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Much of the year 1856 seemed uneventful, but against the background of continued economic prosperity, a diplomatic scandal was brewing. NGF diplomats in Vienna demanded an explanation for the fact that Austria-Hungary had allowed Italian troops to invade Bavaria. Outrage from the South German states about this blatant crime reached a new boiling point when a Bavarian diplomat was killed in Baden. With the murderer still at large, Bavaria urged the NGF to intervene and conduct a formal investigetion. However, Baden refused to allow NGF representatives into the country due to pressure from Austria. The NGF's Bundespräsidium responded by sending an ultimatum to Baden. When time ran out, the NGF had no other option than to declare war on Baden, once again triggering a war between the North German states and Austria, yet this time the South German states were all but one on the side of the NGF.

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In the opening stages of the war, the NGF's armies focussed on dealing with Baden as fast as possible. Three armies moved into the region to occupy it, while a defensive line was drawn on the border with Bohemia. In the meantime, Austrian forces invaded Bavaria.

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The first big confrontation between the Germans and Austrians occurred at Kattowitz in Silesia, where Krüger defeated an Austrian army, sustaining a relatively large amount of casualties in the process however.

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By August of '56, the defensive line on the border with Bohemia had been abandoned and a full offensive had commenced with one major goal: getting to Prague and then getting to Vienna as quickly as God allowed it. In Bavaria, Austrian troops continued to siege down several provinces, while Baden's resistance was still not broken.

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In the Battle of Augsburg, Heidelberg, hero of the Franco-German War, dealt a major defeat to Austrian forces. The battle marked the beginning of the retreat of Austrian forces from Bavaria.

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At Regensburg, the Austrians were dealt another blow by war hero Heidelberg. In the meantime, German forces continued to advance towards Prague and soon also Vienna.

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October 18, the Austrians stood defeated at the Battle of Teschen and the siege of Prague would soon commence. In the meantime, the Austrians put up a last effort to break through in Bavaria, but ultimately failed due to superior German numbers.

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By November 11, Prague had been occupied and the Austrians were almost completely pushed out of Bavaria. The Germans would soon set their sights on Vienna to end the war.

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At the Battle of Landshut, Heidelberg finally got rid of the Austrians on German soil. While some smaller Austrian garrisons remained in Munich, any sign of Austrian armies in Bavaria were now gone. At the same time, von Langendorf was sieging Vienna in hopes of ending the war.

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On January 9, German forces finally broke through the Austrian lines in Vienna and entered the capital of the Habsburg Empire victoriously. Langendorf immediately sent a message to King Wilhelm of Prussia to invite him to Vienna and inspect the troops.

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By the time of the King's arrival, Austria-Hungary had agreed to signing a peace treaty, ending the Austro-German war and putting Baden firmly into the NGF's sphere of influence. Wilhelm I led a triumphunt parade in Vienna to celebrate the NGF's victory over its Austrian rival.

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Humiliation for the Habsburgs was even more complete when King Wilhelm I was crowned Emperor of Germany in Schloss Schönbrunn, the prestigious palace that housed the Austrian dynasty. Germany had finally united into an Empire worthy of an Emperor.

The Coronation of Wilhelm I, Emperor of Germany, in Schloss Schönbrunn, Vienna, 12th of January 1857.​

 

[SibCDC]

1857 Newpapers

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[guillec87]

great!!! so bad that you have not taken Austro-German lands...

 

[Crimson Lionheart]

Three cheers for Germania!

 

[Tom D.]

great!!! so bad that you have not taken Austro-German lands...

At least we have Germany right now. Who knows what the Kaiser and the Reichstag might come up with in future though...

Three cheers for Germania!

3 hurrahs indeed!