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Road construction in Europe had seen few advancements of any noticeable fashion since the days of the Roman Empire, and for most of the middle ages had experienced a steady decline. During the Roman Era, a path that was in the middle of a heavily trafficked area, such as a village, city or just an important route, had to be constructed in such a manner as to create a permanent and durable solution. Heavy stones would be the foundation of such a road, with a mix of lighter ones above and a layer of gravel on top of it all. With a bit of extra effort, setts would even be added. This would work to ensure that the road would not become muddy or dusty in poor weather and grant good footing for horses.
During the middle ages after the fall of the Roman Empire, the technology had regressed significantly. If people went somewhere regularly, a decent path would be formed naturally over time and for most people this was adequate. In cities and villages stone roads that resembled the old Roman wonders might be constructed, but without much of the attention to details and with a quality that was far inferior to that of the Roman roads. The administration of roads was handled poorly, and most construction was done only with the most lackadaisical and fastest of means possible in order to get paid with a minimal amount of work done.
For example, stones that were too large were being used by careless, lazy and uninformed workers, which lead to the stones being unable to lock together in a satisfactory manner. The upper stones would disperse to the sides of the road after extended use. Therefore, to avoid serious deterioration, the road had to be raked in order to be maintained. This raised high costs, required unnecessary work and was counterproductive to the construction of an efficient road system. Thankfully, in the 18th century, the Frenchman Trésaguet advanced the art of roadbuilding by attempting to standardise the size of the blocks of stone for the different layers of the road and also suggested building the road with different elevation between the edges to avoid drainage problems. Trésaguet became Engineer-General in 1775 and presented his ideas which had great success in ensuring that this became standard practice in France.
The British engineer Thomas Telford adopted Trésaguet's ideas but he further stressed the quality of the individual stones as a main factor in deciding the final product. He also raised the road above ground level, by adding a larger foundation, to further help with drainage. But the man who truly advanced and revolutionized roadmaking was John McAdam, who realised that the massive foundations that were used in previous roads were not actually necessary. The ground itself functioned quite competently as a foundation for the road with only a minor first layer necessary to make the road work. In the United Kingdom, smaller stones were used, the "big stones under small stones"-principle was abandoned over time and roads were made better than ever before in the United Kingdom. Not even marshy land was a major problem for the so-called Macadamised roads. In 1824, London began its Macadamisation.
It is with this recent wisdom that the Austrian Empire will take a firm step towards establishing long-lasting, efficient and cheap roads throughout the Empire, over time replacing the expensive and second-rate roads that are unfortunately in far too common use. Larger cities will be prioritised for obvious reasons, but it is hoped that most trafficked roads will be Macadamised eventually. The effects of this should be significant, as they allow efficient transport with wagons throughout the whole year with few worries in regards to the current weather. In an attempt to control the quality and maintenance of all roads in the Austrian Empire, the Habsburg monarchy will attempt to create a centralised road authority with a trained and professional bureaucracy based on the teachings of John McAdam.
WITH the recent memories of the conflict that Muhammad Ali Pasha had inaugurated upon the Ottoman Empire, forcing the Turkish Sultan Mahmud II to cede control of a vast portion of the Levant to the rulers of Egypt, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland can not help but look ahead with concern over the recent actions put forth by the self-styled Government of Egypt. The United Kingdom sees the actions taken by the Kingdom of France in now assisting the self-styled Egyptian Government in their own aims for the strengthening of their military, as well as the opening of economic channels, without at first consulting the Turkish Sultan, the sovereign of these lands. In doing such, the Government of the United Kingdom is forced to register an official complaint for the violations of the Turkish control over this region.
The matters of such issuance comes over a hard debate upon facts that we have seen thus at hands. The self-styled Government of Egypt has made it clear before that it seeks the domination of lands under the control of the Turkish Sultan, and has expressed it clear that it rejects the rule of the Turkish Sultan outright. The lack of power with which the Sultan now holds over Egypt has come as the rulers of that province have maximised the misfortunes of the Turkish Sultan aggressively, only now to be aided by an outside force in a sign of a further aggression against the rule of the Sultan. Should the actions of both the French and the self-styled Government of Egypt persist in a matter that it is as now, the Government of the United Kingdom shall be forced to take a further action in these affairs.
It is with an eye towards the stability of the fragile peace that has been established over Europe that the Government of the United Kingdom now looks forward towards the other nations of Europe, that of the Prussian, Austrian, and Russian Governments, to assist the United Kingdom in her dissent against the actions of the French and self-styled Government of Egypt. Few things remain as powerful as our needed desire for a continued era of peace, something that these two powers in question offer considerable reasons to destabilise and destroy said aforementioned peace.
Following close discussions with the British and Greek diplomats, we have concluded a new agreement that will help His Majesty Othon the First, by the Grace of God, King of Greece, Prince of Bavaria to modernise and improve his country for his subjects. We also believe that this treaty will assist in stabilising the situation in the Kingdom of Greece and bring more trade and wealth to both the Austrian Empire and to Greece. Cooperation is the father of all progress and the key to all success, and we are convinced that this treaty is just another step towards a stronger Europe.
The Treaty of Athens
I. The Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Greece shall express their mutual appreciation for each other and strive towards upholding and improving their diplomatic relations.
II. The Austrian Empire shall supply the Kingdom of Greece with military advisors to perform a professionalisation of the Greek army.
IIa. The Kingdom of Greece shall prioritise the purchase of Austrian muskets and gunpowder for their army.
III. The Austrian Empire shall supply the Kingdom of Greece with agricultural advisors to oversee the modernisation and improvement of Greek agriculture.
IIIa. The Kingdom of Greece shall prioritise the purchase of Austrian agricultural products during this process.
IV. The Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Greece shall strive towards expanding mutual trade, through the lowering of tariffs and closer diplomatic ties.
It is clear to the Austrian government that Lord Palmerston highlights a fragile and sensitive issue that should be approached carefully. The Kingdom of France has not done so, and instead threatens to overturn the peace that we have worked so hard for. Ottoman stability is a valuable commodity that should not be thrown away, yet we can see France support and even arm a man who is the very antithesis of stability. To so bluntly bypass Ottoman authority in favour of the so-called Government of Egypt is highly questionable and we join the British in protesting the Treaty of Alexandria.
His Serene Highness, Prince Klemens Wenzel von Metternich, State Chancellor of the Austrian Empire
The Parliament of the United Kingdom passes the Marriage Act in August, officially introducing the concept of civil marriage in the United Kingdom. Prior to this legislation, the only legally permitted marriages were those performed by Anglican, Jewish, or Quaker ministers, notably leaving practicing Catholics and atheists without a means of achieving legal recognition for their vows. The new Act permits all Christian ministers, regardless of denomination, to register marriages with the government. The Act also introduces a small fee for acquiring a civil marriage license for those who wish to enjoy a non-religious marriage, making the legislation self-funding. While some oppose the move by the government -- notable among them the Bishop of Exeter, who calls the Act “a disgrace to British legislation” -- the vast majority seem to approve, and both religious and civil marriages are on the rise.
In the same month, Parliament passes the Tithe Commutation Act, intended to address the ongoing disputes in the nation regarding the payment and registration of agricultural tithes. While the most notable clashes over tithes are currently ongoing in Ireland, the Commutation Act addresses only England and Wales, replacing in-kind payment with monetary payments and forming a commission to redraw the tithe maps to allow for efficient, fair collection of payments. While the commission’s work is expected to take the better part of a decade to be fully completed, it’s expected to streamline and simplify the process and, as an unanticipated benefit, create modern, accurate maps of the tithe districts for official use.
Charles Pelham Villiers, Member of Parliament and free trade advocate
Whig MP Charles Pelham Villiers stands in Parliament and gives a speech passionately urging the assembled members to repeal the Importation Act of 1815, which sets off a fiery argument over the competing values of free trade and the protection of British agriculture. While the so-called “Corn Laws” are not popular among liberal Whigs and many believe them to be at the heart of Britain’s current economic recession, the party leadership has no desire to alienate the Conservatives, for whom protectionism is a major cause. While Villiers lacks the necessary support to secure passage of the bill he has prepared for the 1837 legislative session, he has nevertheless sparked a major debate amongst the British political elite, which may have long-term repercussions.
King Louis-Philippe orders a comprehensive review and modernization of the French army, including incorporating the lessons of the Napoleonic Wars, updating the curriculum at France’s premier military academy, and providing for rifle units and adequate artillery support within the whole of the army. Unfortunately, it is difficult to implement sweeping military reforms when most of the army has already been committed to the Algerian campaign and the Franco-Spanish border, which leaves the planned updates largely theoretical for the moment. However, the commandant of the military academy agrees to undertake a review of his curriculum and French quartermasters begin the process of ordering more rifles and cannons for their chasseur and artillery units, so it’s likely that there will be some progress once the French army is no longer overseas or on maneuvers.
Having noted the success of railways in Great Britain and Belgium, the French government sets out to create its own rail network. Unfortunately, several obstacles exist to such an endeavor, foremost among them the lackluster state of the national coal and iron industries. Additionally, France has little in the way of industrial expertise to manufacture or lay railroads, despite having had a line since 1832, and is in many ways still recovering from the turbulence of the Napoleonic Wars. As such, the railway proposal is shot down in Parliament, lacking any major support from the feuding factions.
The Place de la Concorde, with the Luxor Obelisk in the center
While French coal and iron industries languish, French textiles enter a period of expansion. Reduced customs duties and preferential trade agreements made with the Eyalet of Egypt, though perhaps not entirely aboveboard given the Egyptian Wali’s nominal loyalty to the Ottoman Sultan, are very profitable for clothing manufacturers in France’s industrial regions. At a ceremony to mark the signing of the Franco-Egyptian treaty, King Louis-Philippe has the Luxor obelisk, gifted to the July Monarchy by Muhammad Ali three years earlier, placed in the center of the Place de Concorde in Paris. This exotic statuary serves as a prominent reminder of the increasingly warm relations between France and Egypt.
Following the disastrous Battle of Macta the previous year, King Louis-Philippe recalls the Count of Erlon and appoints Marshal Bertrand Clausel as commander-in-chief of the Algerian campaign. The King also sends reinforcements to Clausel’s beleaguered command, led by General Thomas Bugeaud, with the expectation that the two commanders, themselves experienced in Peninsular guerrilla warfare, will be able to deal with Algerian leader Abd el-Kader once and for all.
The siege of Constantine
The result is somewhat mixed. While Bugeaud achieves success against el-Kader’s forces through his use of flying columns, Clausel’s separate force tasked with the capture of Constantine is bogged down outside the city and the battle devolves into a bloody siege with no end in sight. Bugeaud’s victory in pitched battle against el-Kader convinces the rebel leader to abandon stand-up fights entirely and instead devote his efforts to guerrilla warfare, leading to mounting casualties among the French expedition.
The Army of Observation under Marshal Soult takes up station in the two passes in the Pyrenees along the Franco-Spanish border. This military mission is ostensibly intended to keep any Christino or Carlist partisans from entering France, but it also conveniently provides the French with a military presence along the Carlist-held territories should they choose to intervene.
The first railway in the Russian Empire begins construction. Only five miles long, the six-foot-wide railroad connects the Pavlovsk Palace outside St. Petersburg to the palace at Tsarskoye Selo. This railway has no commercial or economic utility and will serve only as the personal transport of the Emperor and his family, but it nevertheless remains the first of its kind. Only time will tell if further innovation emerges from this first small step by the notoriously backward Russian Empire.
The Catherine Palace at Tsarskoye Selo
Nicholas I is a notoriously contemplative ruler and nowhere is this more in evidence than his initiation of a year-long series of meetings with his advisors to discuss military affairs and the methods by which the army can be improved and modernized. While the reactionary Slavophiles who make up his privy council argue that Russia is kept safe by its army of unparalleled size and the state of its neighbors, who are focused largely on internal or regional affairs, the Tsar and Autocrat of all the Russias clearly foresees a greater role for Russia as a military power and will set his policy accordingly.
The Russian government makes a substantial purchase of Orthodox bibles during the year, which are dispersed to the citizenry free of charge with the stated aim of improving national literacy. Unfortunately, these Bibles do not come with teachers to help the peasants read and few of the bibles trickle out to the rural villages beyond St. Petersburg and Moscow, so their effect is minimal.
The Treaty of Athens is signed between the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Greece early in the year, marking a substantial uptick in Austro-Hellenic relations. Under the terms of the treaty, Austria will provide agricultural and military aid in exchange for closer trade ties with the Greek Kingdom. Unfortunately for the Austrians, while this does much to endear them to the Bavarian ruling family and their regents, it does not go over well with the Greek public. Already suspicious of their Roman Catholic monarch, the Treaty of Athens generates a popular conspiracy theory that the House of Wittelsbach is working to create a Catholic army by which they can impose their foreign faith on the Orthodox adherents of Greece. This leads to a marked downturn in Greek stability with little in the way of profit for Austrian merchants.
Macadam roads in the Austrian Empire
Rather than invest in costly and unproven technology like the steam-powered railway, the Austrian government instead decides to adopt the Macadam method of creating roads that are easy to traverse and maintain. Originally pioneered by Scottish engineer John McAdam, the construction method calls for uniform paving stones fitted precisely together to avoid soil erosion beneath the ‘crust’ that the road creates, ensuring stability and easy of use. While the process of laying small, uniform stones across every road in the Empire might be a costly and lengthy process, modernizing the major trade routes will provide substantial benefit to internal commerce in Austria. The Macadam method (surprisingly enough) meets with approval from the Magyar noblemen of Hungary, though they insist upon a separate Magyar-run ministry to oversee the process in the lands of the Apostolic Crown.
Ostensibly an initiative by Emperor Ferdinand, the new Imperial-Royal Academy of Sciences is actually the brainchild of Prince Metternich, who foresees its use as a center for learning in Austria and a way of promoting pro-Imperial sentiment among the nobility. Despite its name, the overwhelming majority of the students are high-born Austrians, with little attendance from the Hungarian or Bohemian parts of the Empire. However, the Academy does fulfill its purpose, teaching students a variety of disciplines and modestly expanding the goal for wider education in Austria.
Early in the year, inventor Johann Nikolaus von Dreyse produces the first working model of his revolutionary new needle gun, a rifle designed to reload using the bolt-action breechloading principle. In theory, such a weapon could allow a trained soldier to fire five or six times faster than a soldier with a muzzle-loading rifle. The Prussian army tasks von Dreyse with producing additional prototypes and improved models for further review, though the revolutionary nature of the weapon means that widespread use among the infantry is a long way off.
Cutaway view of the revolutionary prototype Dreyse needle gun
Much of the arable land in the Kingdom of Prussia is in the east and owned by the famous class of Prussian Junkers, hereditary noblemen who often take up service in the military or politics. The outsize influence wielded by the Junkers means that accomplishing substantial reforms is difficult at best, and this is strongly in evidence during the Prussian King’s attempt to modernize agriculture. The Junkers, suspicious of royal encroachment on their personal fiefdoms, strongly resist the efforts by the government to introduce new agriculture policy, and very little is accomplished once the year is at an end.
Diplomatic efforts by the Prussian government to expand the Zollverein bear fruit when the Free City of Frankfurt applies for membership in the fall. Of the German states, only Austria, Brunswick, Hanover, and Oldenburg, as well as a few minor states, remain outside the customs union. With the expansion of the Zollverein and further reductions in trade barriers between the respective states comes a modest growth in trade within the German Confederation.
The Ottoman Sultan, Mahmud II, clearly desires to reform his sprawling empire along European lines and in so doing catapult the nation into the modern era. However, rather than announcing a series of grandiose plans or attempting instant change, he begins slowly by forming a cabinet of advisors. The Ottoman Council of Ministers is comprised of the Sultan’s most prominent subordinates, including the heads of the army and navy as well as representatives from the tax collectors, the Grand Vizier, and the Sultan’s palace. With this Council in place and meeting regularly, Mahmud II is able to receive substantive counsel in making his decisions, though he still exercises absolute power as Sultan.
Mahmud II, Ottoman Sultan and reformer
Husrev Pasha, the serakser of the Mansure Army, is a unique and dynamic figure in an otherwise slowly declining empire. Having been deposed by Muhammad Ali as governor of Egypt twenty years previous, Husrev Pasha now serves as commander of the Ottoman Empire’s principal European-style military formation. He is known for his military reforms, for his introduction of the fez into Ottoman society, and for his adoption of hundreds of children. This last trend is notable because nearly all of these children have been rigorously educated and serve as Husrev’s military proteges, with nearly a hundred in the Mansure Army’s officer corps. At the Sultan’s urging, this exclusive group of military minds has dispersed into other newly-reorganized formations, which in combination with the introduction of European-style reforms has led to a blossoming in Ottoman military understanding.
While the Sultan’s reforms go well in the political and military spheres, attempts at modernizing Ottoman agriculture are less successful. The Sultan’s proposed method for creating reform is to rely entirely on domestic agricultural experts, of which there are few, and have them teach their new methods across the countryside. Unfortunately, the landowners and farmers of note have little to offer their brethren, who continue to make use of the same methods and tools that were prevalent a hundred years ago.
While the Carlist claimant to the Spanish throne has most of his support in the independence-minded north, among the Basque people and the semi-autonomous regions of Aragon, infant Queen Isabella’s support exists largely in the military, the urban populace, and the liberal and moderate elites based in central and southern Spain. As such, when Regent Maria Cristina is “encouraged” by elements of the Spanish army to permit work on a new liberal constitution, she agrees immediately. Progressive and Moderate lawmakers begin drafting the new document immediately, drawn largely along the lines of the previous 1812 constitution but with certain concessions to the Moderates to ensure widespread support. The document is expected to be completed in the coming year.
Though General Zumalacárregui, the unifying military figure of the rebellion, had died the previous year under suspicious circumstances, the Carlist forces continue to fight on despite unfavorable odds. The Liberal forces concentrate their efforts on breaking the Carlists’ backs in the north, though at the expense of potential gains elsewhere. At the Battle of Portugalete, the Liberal forces under General Espartero, supported by British and French volunteers, succeed in surprising and subsequently destroying a significant concentration of Carlist forces, though not without casualties of their own. The crushing nature of this defeat leaves Basque morale at an all-time low when combined with the loss of Basque hero Zumalacárregui the previous year.
Carlist soldiers in southern Spain
Unfortunately, while the Basque country seems to be quieting down following the victory at Portugalete, events in central and southern Spain quickly get out of hand. Carlist General Miguel Gomez Damas succeeds in establishing a stronghold in the province of Cadiz despite Liberal opposition, where he is joined by another Carlist army commanded by General Ramon Cabrera. The concentration of Carlist forces in the south indicate the possibility of an imminent offensive, and it will be difficult for the Liberals to oppose them with the bulk of their forces in Basque country.
Fearing the growth of the British and French textile industries, the Dutch government orders that textile manufacturing be centered around the town of Twente in the Overijssel. While the expertise of the local inhabitants is largely in traditional methods of weaving and sewing, they nonetheless attempt to lend their expertise to the endeavor. While this does not result in an actual textile mill, as the Netherlands lack the relevant industrial expertise to establish such a beast, it does streamline the efficacy of their traditional weaving methods and create a number of trained, skilled workers in a central location to meet domestic needs for clothing and fabrics.
With the completion of the Mons-Antwerp railway during the year, the Kingdom of Belgium begins another state-funded line, this time connecting the city of Liege to the city of Ostend. This results in a planned rail network roughly resembling a cross that connects the country’s urban centers and allows for more efficient transport between them. While the longer line is expected to take the better part of a decade, it is also anticipated to provide a substantial economic boon to the whole of the nation.
Le Belge, the first locomotive built in Belgium
The Belgian government’s efforts to spur coal production by cutting taxes and tariffs on mining equipment are perhaps less successful than envisioned. While more equipment is imported for a lower price, resulting in a modest spike in production, there was no shortage to begin with. As such, the production spike is offset by a loss in government revenue.
The King of Sardinia, Charles Albert, expresses an interest in the railways connecting the cities of Britain and Belgium, desiring to have a railway connecting Turin and Genoa. Unfortunately, while Savoy and Piedmont have the necessary materials for an industrial economy, no such economy exists at this point in time and there is little in the way of expertise or ability to build a major railway. However, this indication of royal interest is in itself a form of (very limited) progress, and may someday lead to future developments.
General Alessandro La Marmora, founder of the Bersaglieri
While the Kingdom of Sardinia lacks the resources to maintain a cavalry arm of any substance in its army, it still needs mobile troops capable of harassing the enemy and exploiting openings. With this in mind, military innovator Alessandro La Marmora establishes the bersaglieri, or marksmen, who are modeled along the lines of the French chasseurs a pied. These fast-moving infantrymen are trained in skirmishing and marksmanship and subjected to a rigorous physical endurance regimen, which leaves them ready to march at speed for extended periods of time. Their rapid, high-stepping pace while on parade so impresses King Charles Albert that he orders them integrated into the Sardinian army immediately, providing his forces with the quick skirmishers it needs without the expense of horse cavalry.
Attempts by the Norwegian Storting to propose a series of symbolic and policy changes which would provide for greater equality between Norway and Sweden are opposed by the Swedish Riksdag and the King of Sweden and Norway, Charles John. The Swedish people generally view Norway as a spoil of war, a view shared by their king, and steadfastly refuse all efforts to promote equality between the two nations. However, this proposal by the Storting marks a shift away from their determined stance against any change in the two kingdoms' relationship, which may represent a future opening.
The Swedish Riksdag announces their intention to award the Illis Quorum gold medal to inventors and innovators within the Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway. Unfortunately, while some proto-industrial development exists within Sweden, many of the advances are not groundbreaking in nature and often follow foreign innovations. As such, for the time being, the gold medal is mostly awarded to men who save children from burning ships and well-connected nobles.
Though lacking sovereign authority to do so, Muhammad Ali signs the Treaty of Alexandria with the July Monarchy of France. This treaty provides substantial preference for French merchants in Egypt, particularly in its lucrative cotton trade, in exchange for extensive military aid to the Wali’s New Order Army. While arms factories in Cairo are already producing muskets and cannons, the French can offer some of the best artillery in the world, along with modern rifles and, most importantly, European advisors, all at no cost to the Egyptian viceroy. The end result is a rapidly modernizing New Model Army that may soon prove to be the best-trained, best-equipped army in the Orient.
Muhammad Ali with his advisors in Cairo
While the Egyptian military undergoes its renaissance, Franco-Egyptian trade is blossoming due to the mutual reduction in tariffs, leading to a greater exchange of ideas and commerce between the two nations. Muhammad Ali, already an ardent proponent of Western thought, sends promising subordinates to study abroad in France, to participate in cultural exchanges, and to promote the Franco-Egyptian relationship, generally with success. The widespread foreign study is expected to return substantial dividends for Egyptian governance in the near future.
Other Notable World Events
Charles Darwin returns to Britain aboard the HMS Beagle with numerous biological specimens and substantial data.
The London and Greenwich Railway opens its first section, making it the first railway in London.
Queen Maria II of Portugal marries Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.
The Champlain and St. Lawrence Railroad opens between St. John and La Prairie, Quebec, the first steam-worked passenger railroad in British North America.
In Saint Petersburg, the Lehman Theater catches fire, killing 800 people.
The Texan army defeats and captures President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto. Santa Anna is forced to sign the Treaties of Velasco, acknowledging the Republic of Texas’ independence from Mexico.
President Andrew Jackson issues the Specie Circular, requiring that all payment for government land be done in gold and silver. This increases rather than decreases prices, exacerbating the extant American inflation problem.
Martin van Buren defeats his four (!) Whig challengers, including William Henry Harrison, and is elected the 8th President of the United States.
United Kingdom
Tier: Tea Power
Government: Constitutional Monarchy (elections by 1840)
Ideology: Liberal (free trade, laissez faire, anti-military)
Population: 25.846 m.
Economy: £ 51,650 m. (recession)
Industry: £ 2,791 m.
Trade: £ 10,227 m. (35% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Good (0/5)
Administration: Adequate (4/5) [Tithe Commission, +2 in 5 years]
Education: Adequate (1/5)
Income: £ 8,340 m. (23% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 5,822 m. (£ 2,518 m. surplus)
Treasury: £ -41,656 m. (3.85% interest)
Plurality: 0.29
Militancy: 1.00
Social reforms: Minimal (4/5)
Army quality: Adequate (0/5)
18 regular regiments
No irregulars
Navy quality: Good (2/5)
64 ships of the line
50 frigates
Manpower: 0.067 m.
Technology: Industry (8), Commerce (9), Culture (5), Army (5), Navy* (9)
Player:
Canada
Population: 1.516 m.
Economy: £ 1,693 m.
Income: £ 36 m.
Military garrison: 3 local regiments
Naval squadron: 2 ships of the line and 9 frigates
Caribbean
Population: 1.036 m.
Economy: £ 641 m.
Income: £ 19 m.
Military garrison:
Naval squadron:
South Africa
Population: 0.501 m.
Economy: £ 266 m.
Income: £ 6 m.
Military garrison: 3 European regiments
Naval squadron: 1 frigates
India
Population: 103.576 m.
Economy: £ 55,121 m.
Income: £ 1,184 m.
Military garrison: 3 European regiments and 27 local regiments
Naval squadron:
Australia
Population: 0.458 m.
Economy: £ 483 m.
Income: £ 11 m.
Military garrison: 3 European regiments
Naval squadron:
Malta
Military garrison:
Naval squadron: 6 ships of the line and 16 frigates
Valparaiso
Military garrison:
Naval squadron: 4 frigates
Macau
Military garrison:
Naval squadron: 3 frigates
France
Tier: Frog Power
Government: Constitutional Monarchy (elections by 1839)
Ideology: Conservative (protectionism, laissez faire, anti-military)
Population: 32.979 m.
Economy: £ 43,907 m. (expansion)
Industry: £ 1,047 m.
Trade: £ 5,854 m. (20% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Adequate (3/5)
Administration: Adequate (3/5)
Education: Adequate (2/5)
Income: £ 4,327 m. (21% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 2,617 m. (£ 1,710 m. surplus)
Treasury: £ -6,081 m. (3.96% interest)
Plurality: 0.29
Militancy: 1.00
Social reforms: None
Army quality: Adequate (4/5) [Review, +1 when Algerian campaign over]
7 regular regiments
No irregulars
Navy quality: Good (0/5)
33 ships of the line
30 frigates
Manpower: 0.305 m.
Technology: Industry (7), Commerce (8), Culture* (6), Army (5), Navy (7)
Player:
Caribbean
Population: 0.126 m.
Economy: £ 76 m.
Income: £ 1 m.
Military garrison:
Naval squadron:
Algeria
Military garrison: 40 European regiments
Naval squadron:
Belgium
Tier: Waffle Power
Government: Constitutional Monarchy (elections in 1837)
Ideology: Conservative (protectionism, interventionsim, anti-military)
Population: 4.702 m.
Economy: £ 7,178 m. (expansion) [Liege-Ostend Railway, moderate economic boost in 7 years]
Industry: £ 217 m.
Trade: £ 598 m. (30% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Good (1/5)
Administration: Adequate (4/5)
Education: Adequate (2/5)
Income: £ 503 m. (18% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 623 m. (£ 121 m. deficit)
Treasury: £ -344 m. (4.15% interest)
Plurality: 0.25
Militancy: 1.00
Social reforms: Minimal (3/5)
Army quality: Adequate (0/5)
6 regular regiments
No irregulars
Navy quality: Poor (3/5)
No ships of the line
No frigates
Manpower: 0.028 m.
Technology: Industry (7), Commerce (5), Culture (5), Army (5), Navy (5)
Player:
Netherlands
Tier: Land of Clogs
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Ideology: Conservative (protectionism, interventionism, pro-military)
Population: 2.553 m.
Economy: £ 5,601 m. (recession)
Industry: £ 97 m.
Trade: £ 672 m. (35% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Adequate (4/5)
Administration: Adequate (3/5)
Education: Adequate (4/5)
Income: £ 586 m. (21% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 791 m. (£ 205 m. deficit)
Treasury: £ -5,943 m. (4.10% interest)
Plurality: 0.27
Militancy: 1.50
Social reforms: None
Army quality: Adequate (0/5)
12 regular regiments
No irregulars
Navy quality: Adequate (4/5)
2 ships of the line
8 frigates
Manpower: 0.000 m.
Technology: Industry (4), Commerce (6), Culture (5), Army (5), Navy (5)
Player:
Caribbean
Population: 0.157 m.
Economy: £ 95 m.
Income: £ 1 m.
Military garrison:
Naval squadron: 1 ships of the line and 2 frigates
East Indies
Population: 11.742 m.
Economy: £ 7,353 m.
Income: £ 75 m.
Military garrison: 1 European regiments
Naval squadron: 2 ships of the line and 4 frigates
Prussia
Tier: Future Nazi
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Ideology: Conservative (protectionism, interventionism, jingoism)
Population: 16.951 m.
Economy: £ 18,993 m. (expansion)
Industry: £ 316 m.
Trade: £ 1,583 m. (30% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Adequate (2/5)
Administration: Adequate (4/5)
Education: Good (1/5)
Income: £ 1,330 m. (18% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 1,822 m. (£ 492 m. deficit)
Treasury: £ -2,782 m. (4.15% interest)
Plurality: 0.23
Militancy: 1.38
Social reforms: Minimal (1/5)
Army quality: Adequate (4/5)
50 regular regiments
No irregulars
Navy quality: Poor (0/5)
No ships of the line
No frigates
Manpower: 0.252 m.
Technology: Industry (6), Commerce (5), Culture (6), Army* (7), Navy (5)
Player:
Austria
Tier: Little Country in the Alps
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Ideology: Conservative (protectionism, interventionism, pro-military)
Population: 31.808 m.
Economy: £ 31,182 m. (expansion)
Industry: £ 286 m.
Trade: £ 2,599 m. (35% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Poor (3/5) [Macadam roads, +1 in 3 years]
Administration: Poor (2/5)
Education: Poor (1/5)
Income: £ 1,651 m. (19% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 1,305 m. (£ 346 m. surplus)
Treasury: £ -1,020 m. (4.40% interest)
Plurality: 0.24
Militancy: 1.38
Social reforms: None
Army quality: Adequate (2/5)
33 regular regiments
No irregulars
Navy quality: Poor (0/5)
No ships of the line
No frigates
Manpower: 0.295 m.
Technology: Industry (5), Commerce (5), Culture (6), Army* (5), Navy (5)
Player:
Sardinia
Tier: Pasta Power
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Ideology: Reactionry (protectionism, state capitalism, pro-military)
Population: 5.126 m.
Economy: £ 6,497 m. (expansion)
Industry: £ 56 m.
Trade: £ 541 m. (32% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Adequate (0/5)
Administration: Adequate (0/5)
Education: Adequate (0/5)
Income: £ 406 m. (19% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 489 m. (£ 83 m. deficit)
Treasury: £ -1,294 m. (4.28% interest)
Plurality: 0.23
Militancy: 1.38
Social reforms: None
Army quality: Adequate (1/5)
11 regular regiments
No irregulars
Navy quality: Adequate (0/5)
No ships of the line
4 frigates
Manpower: 0.021 m.
Technology: Industry (4), Commerce (5), Culture (5), Army* (5), Navy (5)
Player:
Sweden
Tier: Stinky Fish Power
Government: Constitutional Monarchy (elections?)
Ideology: Conservative (protectionism, state capitalism, jingoism)
Population: 3.072 m.
Economy: £ 2,829 m. (expansion)
Industry: £ 17 m.
Trade: £ 236 m. (35% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Adequate (0/5)
Administration: Adequate (4/5)
Education: Good (3/5)
Income: £ 221 m. (20% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 297 m. (£ 76 m. deficit)
Treasury: £ -293 m. (4.15% interest)
Plurality: 0.27
Militancy: 1.00
Social reforms: None
Army quality: Poor (4/5)
10 regular regiments
No irregulars
Navy quality: Adequate (2/5)
4 ships of the line
4 frigates
Manpower: 0.006 m.
Technology: Industry* (4), Commerce (5), Culture (5), Army (6), Navy (5)
Player:
Spain
Tier: Most Former Glorious Power
Government: Constitutional Monarchy (elections?)
Ideology: Conservative (protectionism, interventionism, pro-military)
Population: 13.669 m.
Economy: £ 14,329 m. (recession)
Industry: £ 88 m.
Trade: £ 1,433 m. (38% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Poor (3/5)
Administration: Poor (1/5)
Education: Poor (0/5)
Income: £ 741 m. (17% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 1,109 m. (£ 368 m. deficit)
Treasury: £ -6,789 m. (4.39% interest)
Plurality: 0.27
Militancy: 1.00
Social reforms: None
Army quality: Adequate (0/5)
20 regular regiments
No irregulars
Navy quality: Adequate (2/5)
3 ships of the line
5 frigates
Manpower: 0.049 m.
Technology: Industry (4), Commerce (6), Culture (5), Army (5), Navy (5)
Player:
Caribbean
Population: 1.253 m.
Economy: £ 758 m.
Income: £ 4 m.
Military garrison: 3 European regiments
Naval squadron: 3 ships of the line and 2 frigates
Philippines
Population: 2.901 m.
Economy: £ 1,734 m.
Income: £ 7 m.
Military garrison: 2 European regiments
Naval squadron: 3 ships of the line and 2 frigates
Russia
Tier: Drunk Power
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Ideology: Conservative (protectionism, interventionism, jingoism)
Population: 60.643 m.
Economy: £ 46,522 m. (expansion)
Industry: £ 170 m.
Trade: £ 2,481 m. (45% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Poor (0/5)
Administration: Poor (0/5)
Education: Minimal (4/5)
Income: £ 1,563 m. (16% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 2,469 m. (£ 906 m. deficit)
Treasury: £ -12,300 m. (4.54% interest)
Plurality: 0.23
Militancy: 1.38
Social reforms: None
Army quality: Good (0/5)
57 regular regiments
30 irregular units
Navy quality: Good (0/5)
47 ships of the line
26 frigates
Manpower: 0.656 m.
Technology: Industry (4), Commerce (4), Culture* (5), Army (5), Navy (5) [Railroad innovation 1] [Focus on army 1]
Player:
Ottomans
Tier: Kebab Power
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Ideology: Reactionary (protectionism, state capitalism, jingoism)
Population: 19.778 m.
Economy: £ 13,066 m. (recession)
Industry: £ 17 m.
Trade: £ 523 m. (39% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Poor (1/5)
Administration: Poor (2/5)
Education: Poor (0/5)
Income: £ 405 m. (15% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 1,003 m. (£ 598 m. deficit)
Treasury: £ -5,213 m. (4.53% interest)
Plurality: 0.21
Militancy: 1.38
Social reforms: None
Army quality: Poor (3/5)
25 regular regiments
60 irregular units
Navy quality: Poor (2/5)
12 ships of the line
10 frigates
Manpower: 0.044 m.
Technology: Industry (2), Commerce (3), Culture (3), Army* (5), Navy (2)
Player:
Egypt
Tier: Sand Power
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Ideology: Conservative (protectionism, interventionism, pro-military)
Population: 11.273 m.
Economy: £ 6,907 m. (expansion)
Industry: £ 6 m.
Trade: £ 242 m. (35% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Minimal (4/5)
Administration: Poor (2/5) [French ideas, +1 in 3 years]
Education: Minimal (3/5)
Income: £ 210 m. (15% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 247 m. (£ 38 m. deficit)
Treasury: £ -121 m. (4.53% interest)
Plurality: 0.06
Militancy: 1.00
Social reforms: None
Army quality: Adequate (0/5) [French advisers, +2 in 2 years]
20 regular regiments
12 irregular units
Navy quality: Poor (3/5)
5 ships of the line
10 frigates
Manpower: 0.033 m.
Technology: Industry (2), Commerce (3), Culture (3), Army (5), Navy (3)
Player:
Maximum tech level is 15 in each category.
Navy tech 5 required for paddle steamers, 10 for screw steamers.
Industry tech 6 required for railroads.
Countries with elections happening this year:
Spain
Countries where elections may happen this year:
UK
France
Since the fall of Sweden as a Great Power of Europe, Stockholm has fallen on particularly hard times. Whilst the cities of Norrköping and Gothenburg were able to rise to prominence as grand manufacturing centers and key trade ports, in respective fashion, the Swedish capital of Stockholm was stagnant in its growth. Stagnation could be ignored if the city was populous and wealthy to begin with, however Stockholm's latest period of history, from 1750-the present, is marked by a dwindling population, rampant unemployment, abject poverty, health issues, alcohol abuse, and steadily increasing rates of mortality, infant and otherwise. Due to the various wars Sweden waged with her already low manpower levels and the manpower's abuse of alcohol, widows ended up outnumbering widowers by a factor of 6. Stockholm itself was struck with an absence of the familiar sight of street urchins running due to a combination of the high number of unmarried people, what with there being 6 widows for every widower, and large infant mortality rates.
However bleak Stockholm may have appeared, there were still some windows of optimism available. Even though the average life expectancy of the time was 44 years, a regular person who was able to survive their infancy and not be forced to work in areas requiring large amounts of manual labor, that person could be expected to live out to his seventies. This period and the promulgation of mercantilism also signaled the rise and fall of the Skeppsbroadeln who gained power and wealth through trading Swedish iron to the world and controlling Swedne's charter companies, the most prominent one being the Swedish East India Company. The rise of the Skeppsbroadeln brought in new shipyards, trade houses, and exotic goods to the markets of Stockholm. After entire neighborhoods in Stockholm were burned down, building codes that prohibited wooden buildings and the ambitious city planning of the 17th century were both introduced to the administration of Stockholm. Also during this period of general bad tidings, the new royal palace was completed and ushered in raised artistic standards for Stockholm due to many skilled artists and craftspeople working for the Royal Court.
With the emigration of Stockholm and its surrounding areas to southwestern Sweden, Stockholm's people started to level out into defined social classes due to the loss of social welfare and people. 3 main social groups could be observed, with the first and smallest one consisting of the nobility and military officers, the second constituting the craftsmen, merchants, and bureaucrats, and the third and largest one made up of the apprentices, workers, soldiers, prisoners, and impoverished nobility. This leveling out of social classes led to the city proper being populated by the wealthy and the suburbs being inhabited by the poor.
During the Gustavian age of absolutism, Stockholm was able to reclaim its title as the political and cultural center of the Swedish realm. The building of the Norrbro bridge encouraged urban expansion and was one of the most prestigous projects of its time. The Royal Opera was also inaugurated in the Gustav Adolf Square, following the wishes of Tessin the Younger. Stockholm still remained economically poor.
Stockholm's, in the early 19th century, only large-scale projects were built by the military who favored a local Swedish rendition of the Empire style. Civilian building projects were few and far between with only an average of ten residential buildings being added to Stockholm each year. In accordance with this period's general bleak tone, Stockholm residents' real income reached the lowest it would ever become in 1810, one year after the loss of Finland, with it being half of what it used to be in the 1730s. Even though population was starting to grow again, many of the ridges around Stockholm proper were slums that lacked water or waste disposal. This lack of sanitation led to a series of cholera outbreaks.
It was with this in mind, that the King decided to focus on more efficient uses of the Kingdom's money. Whilst there were plans in place for the restoration of Stockholm's glory, they would not come into fruition for a number of years due to the King's decision to improve the administration and infrastructure of the Union.
On the sovereign relations between the Porte and Egypt
It shouldn't come as a surprise to the keen observers of the political scene of the House of Islam that Turkish power has waned over the past century. This undeniable fact has endangered the entire realm and forced the followers of the Caliph of Constantinople to seek self-strengthening for the Turks alone wouldn't provide them security. The Egyptian renaissance is the prime example of this change, as Arabs follow Muhammad Ali and look upon him as their protector.
Egypt thus needs to modernize and to grow strong for the mere continuation of its existence and this is why some adaptations with the legal situation must be made. However, we remain committed to the continuation of the Caliphate and the Empire, and believe that to keep the realm united and to avoid conflict, the law should be bent to allow the Wali's rule in Egypt and the Levant to continue. As such, we wish to discuss the question of his succession as Egypt and the lands of Shams ought to remain united even after his demise. We hope that the Porte and the Diwan will see fit to enter discussion on the matter as soon as possible.
Long live the Caliph and may the relations between his servants, in Constantinople or Cairo, be fruitful.
Boghos Bey Yusufian, on behalf on Muhammad Ali, for Egypt
Isabel II, by the Grace of God and the Spanish Constitution, Reina de las Españas, and in Her Royal Name, and during his minor age, the Queen Regent María Cristina, to all the presents and all who wish to know and understand, that the Cortes Generales have decreed, and that we have agreed the following:
That, being the will of the Nation to review, as an attribution of its sovereignity, the 1812 Constitution, the Cortes Generales have agreed the following:
I.
1. The Spanish nationality is aquired being born in Spain, being born from an Spanish national, or by government decree.
2. Every Spanish national is free to print and publish its own ideas, send petitions to the Cortes, not to be arrested or prosecuted unless according to a previous law and by an impartial tribunal, and to his own property according to law.
3. Every Spanish national has the obligation to defend the country in case of need as determined by law.
4. The Nation will defend and protect the Catholic Church and cult.
II.
5. The Cortes, as the trustee of the National sovereignity, has the power to make and ammend laws.
6. The Cortes are composed by the Congress and the Senate.
7. Every province will name a Congressmen for every 50.000 inhabitants and for a period of four years.
8. The Crown will name the members of the Senate for a period of 9 years.
9. The Senate has the power to veto any resolution coming from the Congress.
III.
10. The Crown owns the executive power, the power to declare war and make peace, and to name the President of the Government.
11. The legitimate Queen is Doña Isabel II de Borbón.
12. Until the King or Queen is minor (14 years), a Regency will be established by the father or mother of the monarch. Lacking any of those, the Cortes will name a regent.
IV.
13. The power to apply laws in any criminal or civil issues is trusted to the judges.
[X] Queen Isabel II.
[X] María Cristina, Regent Queen.
[X] José María Calatrava, Prime Minister
[X] Pío Pita, Secretary for Internal Affairs
[X] José Landero, Secretary for Judiciary
[X] Juan Alvarez y Mendizábal, Secretary of Commerce
[X] El Conde de Almodóvar, Secretary for War.
United Kingdom
Tier: Tea Power
Government: Constitutional Monarchy (elections by 1840)
Ideology: Liberal (free trade, laissez faire, anti-military)
Population: 25.846 m.
Economy: £ 51,650 m. (recession)
Industry: £ 2,791 m.
Trade: £ 10,227 m. (35% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Good (0/5)
Administration: Adequate (4/5) [Tithe Commission, +2 in 5 years]
Education: Adequate (1/5)
Income: £ 8,340 m. (23% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 5,822 m. (£ 2,518 m. surplus)
Treasury: £ -41,656 m. (3.85% interest)
Plurality: 0.29
Militancy: 1.00
Social reforms: Minimal (4/5)
Army quality: Adequate (0/5)
18 regular regiments
No irregulars
Navy quality: Good (2/5)
64 ships of the line
50 frigates
Manpower: 0.067 m.
Technology: Industry (8), Commerce (9), Culture (5), Army (5), Navy* (9)
Player:
Canada
Population: 1.516 m.
Economy: £ 1,693 m.
Income: £ 36 m.
Military garrison: 3 local regiments
Naval squadron: 2 ships of the line and 9 frigates
Caribbean
Population: 1.036 m.
Economy: £ 641 m.
Income: £ 19 m.
Military garrison:
Naval squadron:
South Africa
Population: 0.501 m.
Economy: £ 266 m.
Income: £ 6 m.
Military garrison: 3 European regiments
Naval squadron: 1 frigates
India
Population: 103.576 m.
Economy: £ 55,121 m.
Income: £ 1,184 m.
Military garrison: 3 European regiments and 27 local regiments
Naval squadron:
Australia
Population: 0.458 m.
Economy: £ 483 m.
Income: £ 11 m.
Military garrison: 3 European regiments
Naval squadron:
Malta
Military garrison:
Naval squadron: 6 ships of the line and 16 frigates
Valparaiso
Military garrison:
Naval squadron: 4 frigates
Macau
Military garrison:
Naval squadron: 3 frigates
France
Tier: Frog Power
Government: Constitutional Monarchy (elections by 1839)
Ideology: Conservative (protectionism, laissez faire, anti-military)
Population: 32.979 m.
Economy: £ 43,907 m. (expansion)
Industry: £ 1,047 m.
Trade: £ 5,854 m. (20% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Adequate (3/5)
Administration: Adequate (3/5)
Education: Adequate (2/5)
Income: £ 4,327 m. (21% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 2,617 m. (£ 1,710 m. surplus)
Treasury: £ -6,081 m. (3.96% interest)
Plurality: 0.29
Militancy: 1.00
Social reforms: None
Army quality: Adequate (4/5) [Review, +1 when Algerian campaign over]
7 regular regiments
No irregulars
Navy quality: Good (0/5)
33 ships of the line
30 frigates
Manpower: 0.305 m.
Technology: Industry (7), Commerce (8), Culture* (6), Army (5), Navy (7)
Player:
Caribbean
Population: 0.126 m.
Economy: £ 76 m.
Income: £ 1 m.
Military garrison:
Naval squadron:
Algeria
Military garrison: 40 European regiments
Naval squadron:
Belgium
Tier: Waffle Power
Government: Constitutional Monarchy (elections in 1837)
Ideology: Conservative (protectionism, interventionsim, anti-military)
Population: 4.702 m.
Economy: £ 7,178 m. (expansion) [Liege-Ostend Railway, moderate economic boost in 7 years]
Industry: £ 217 m.
Trade: £ 598 m. (30% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Good (1/5)
Administration: Adequate (4/5)
Education: Adequate (2/5)
Income: £ 503 m. (18% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 623 m. (£ 121 m. deficit)
Treasury: £ -344 m. (4.15% interest)
Plurality: 0.25
Militancy: 1.00
Social reforms: Minimal (3/5)
Army quality: Adequate (0/5)
6 regular regiments
No irregulars
Navy quality: Poor (3/5)
No ships of the line
No frigates
Manpower: 0.028 m.
Technology: Industry (7), Commerce (5), Culture (5), Army (5), Navy (5)
Player:
Netherlands
Tier: Land of Clogs
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Ideology: Conservative (protectionism, interventionism, pro-military)
Population: 2.553 m.
Economy: £ 5,601 m. (recession)
Industry: £ 97 m.
Trade: £ 672 m. (35% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Adequate (4/5)
Administration: Adequate (3/5)
Education: Adequate (4/5)
Income: £ 586 m. (21% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 791 m. (£ 205 m. deficit)
Treasury: £ -5,943 m. (4.10% interest)
Plurality: 0.27
Militancy: 1.50
Social reforms: None
Army quality: Adequate (0/5)
12 regular regiments
No irregulars
Navy quality: Adequate (4/5)
2 ships of the line
8 frigates
Manpower: 0.000 m.
Technology: Industry (4), Commerce (6), Culture (5), Army (5), Navy (5)
Player:
Caribbean
Population: 0.157 m.
Economy: £ 95 m.
Income: £ 1 m.
Military garrison:
Naval squadron: 1 ships of the line and 2 frigates
East Indies
Population: 11.742 m.
Economy: £ 7,353 m.
Income: £ 75 m.
Military garrison: 1 European regiments
Naval squadron: 2 ships of the line and 4 frigates
Prussia
Tier: Future Nazi
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Ideology: Conservative (protectionism, interventionism, jingoism)
Population: 16.951 m.
Economy: £ 18,993 m. (expansion)
Industry: £ 316 m.
Trade: £ 1,583 m. (30% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Adequate (2/5)
Administration: Adequate (4/5)
Education: Good (1/5)
Income: £ 1,330 m. (18% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 1,822 m. (£ 492 m. deficit)
Treasury: £ -2,782 m. (4.15% interest)
Plurality: 0.23
Militancy: 1.38
Social reforms: Minimal (1/5)
Army quality: Adequate (4/5)
50 regular regiments
No irregulars
Navy quality: Poor (0/5)
No ships of the line
No frigates
Manpower: 0.252 m.
Technology: Industry (6), Commerce (5), Culture (6), Army* (7), Navy (5)
Player:
Austria
Tier: Little Country in the Alps
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Ideology: Conservative (protectionism, interventionism, pro-military)
Population: 31.808 m.
Economy: £ 31,182 m. (expansion)
Industry: £ 286 m.
Trade: £ 2,599 m. (35% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Poor (3/5) [Macadam roads, +1 in 3 years]
Administration: Poor (2/5)
Education: Poor (1/5)
Income: £ 1,651 m. (19% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 1,305 m. (£ 346 m. surplus)
Treasury: £ -1,020 m. (4.40% interest)
Plurality: 0.24
Militancy: 1.38
Social reforms: None
Army quality: Adequate (2/5)
33 regular regiments
No irregulars
Navy quality: Poor (0/5)
No ships of the line
No frigates
Manpower: 0.295 m.
Technology: Industry (5), Commerce (5), Culture (6), Army* (5), Navy (5)
Player:
Sardinia
Tier: Pasta Power
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Ideology: Reactionry (protectionism, state capitalism, pro-military)
Population: 5.126 m.
Economy: £ 6,497 m. (expansion)
Industry: £ 56 m.
Trade: £ 541 m. (32% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Adequate (0/5)
Administration: Adequate (0/5)
Education: Adequate (0/5)
Income: £ 406 m. (19% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 489 m. (£ 83 m. deficit)
Treasury: £ -1,294 m. (4.28% interest)
Plurality: 0.23
Militancy: 1.38
Social reforms: None
Army quality: Adequate (1/5)
11 regular regiments
No irregulars
Navy quality: Adequate (0/5)
No ships of the line
4 frigates
Manpower: 0.021 m.
Technology: Industry (4), Commerce (5), Culture (5), Army* (5), Navy (5)
Player:
Sweden
Tier: Stinky Fish Power
Government: Constitutional Monarchy (elections?)
Ideology: Conservative (protectionism, state capitalism, jingoism)
Population: 3.072 m.
Economy: £ 2,829 m. (expansion)
Industry: £ 17 m.
Trade: £ 236 m. (35% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Adequate (0/5)
Administration: Adequate (4/5)
Education: Good (3/5)
Income: £ 221 m. (20% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 297 m. (£ 76 m. deficit)
Treasury: £ -293 m. (4.15% interest)
Plurality: 0.27
Militancy: 1.00
Social reforms: None
Army quality: Poor (4/5)
10 regular regiments
No irregulars
Navy quality: Adequate (2/5)
4 ships of the line
4 frigates
Manpower: 0.006 m.
Technology: Industry* (4), Commerce (5), Culture (5), Army (6), Navy (5)
Player:
Spain
Tier: Most Former Glorious Power
Government: Constitutional Monarchy (elections?)
Ideology: Conservative (protectionism, interventionism, pro-military)
Population: 13.669 m.
Economy: £ 14,329 m. (recession)
Industry: £ 88 m.
Trade: £ 1,433 m. (38% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Poor (3/5)
Administration: Poor (1/5)
Education: Poor (0/5)
Income: £ 741 m. (17% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 1,109 m. (£ 368 m. deficit)
Treasury: £ -6,789 m. (4.39% interest)
Plurality: 0.27
Militancy: 1.00
Social reforms: None
Army quality: Adequate (0/5)
20 regular regiments
No irregulars
Navy quality: Adequate (2/5)
3 ships of the line
5 frigates
Manpower: 0.049 m.
Technology: Industry (4), Commerce (6), Culture (5), Army (5), Navy (5)
Player:
Caribbean
Population: 1.253 m.
Economy: £ 758 m.
Income: £ 4 m.
Military garrison: 3 European regiments
Naval squadron: 3 ships of the line and 2 frigates
Philippines
Population: 2.901 m.
Economy: £ 1,734 m.
Income: £ 7 m.
Military garrison: 2 European regiments
Naval squadron: 3 ships of the line and 2 frigates
Russia
Tier: Drunk Power
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Ideology: Conservative (protectionism, interventionism, jingoism)
Population: 60.643 m.
Economy: £ 46,522 m. (expansion)
Industry: £ 170 m.
Trade: £ 2,481 m. (45% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Poor (0/5)
Administration: Poor (0/5)
Education: Minimal (4/5)
Income: £ 1,563 m. (16% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 2,469 m. (£ 906 m. deficit)
Treasury: £ -12,300 m. (4.54% interest)
Plurality: 0.23
Militancy: 1.38
Social reforms: None
Army quality: Good (0/5)
57 regular regiments
30 irregular units
Navy quality: Good (0/5)
47 ships of the line
26 frigates
Manpower: 0.656 m.
Technology: Industry (4), Commerce (4), Culture* (5), Army (5), Navy (5) [Railroad innovation 1] [Focus on army 1]
Player:
Ottomans
Tier: Kebab Power
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Ideology: Reactionary (protectionism, state capitalism, jingoism)
Population: 19.778 m.
Economy: £ 13,066 m. (recession)
Industry: £ 17 m.
Trade: £ 523 m. (39% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Poor (1/5)
Administration: Poor (2/5)
Education: Poor (0/5)
Income: £ 405 m. (15% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 1,003 m. (£ 598 m. deficit)
Treasury: £ -5,213 m. (4.53% interest)
Plurality: 0.21
Militancy: 1.38
Social reforms: None
Army quality: Poor (3/5)
25 regular regiments
60 irregular units
Navy quality: Poor (2/5)
12 ships of the line
10 frigates
Manpower: 0.044 m.
Technology: Industry (2), Commerce (3), Culture (3), Army* (5), Navy (2)
Player:
Egypt
Tier: Sand Power
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Ideology: Conservative (protectionism, interventionism, pro-military)
Population: 11.273 m.
Economy: £ 6,907 m. (expansion)
Industry: £ 6 m.
Trade: £ 242 m. (35% tariffs)
Infrastructure: Minimal (4/5)
Administration: Poor (2/5) [French ideas, +1 in 3 years]
Education: Minimal (3/5)
Income: £ 210 m. (15% average taxes)
Expenses: £ 247 m. (£ 38 m. deficit)
Treasury: £ -121 m. (4.53% interest)
Plurality: 0.06
Militancy: 1.00
Social reforms: None
Army quality: Adequate (0/5) [French advisers, +2 in 2 years]
20 regular regiments
12 irregular units
Navy quality: Poor (3/5)
5 ships of the line
10 frigates
Manpower: 0.033 m.
Technology: Industry (2), Commerce (3), Culture (3), Army (5), Navy (3)
Player:
Maximum tech level is 15 in each category.
Navy tech 5 required for paddle steamers, 10 for screw steamers.
Industry tech 6 required for railroads.
Countries with elections happening this year:
Spain
Countries where elections may happen this year:
UK
France
I have heard of the worries in Greece that a threat to their Orthodox faith would be generated by a Catholic conspiracy. This is cause for concern, if it were a possibility that could come to pass. However allowing threats to the Orthodox faith to strike would be a failing on my part. I see no reason for worry and instability to strike Greece because of this issue. The Greek people can rest safely that their faith will not be allowed to be driven away from their lands. Threats to the faith will always be dealt with and followers safeguarded. As well if required Russian soldiers stand by to assist the British if the situation south of us takes another turn for the worse. Instability and threats to order are poison upon the lands of the world.
Nicholas I ~ Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias
The splendid enlistment of Archduke Friedrich Ferdinand Leopold in the Imperial Austrian navy marks the happy occasion of a shift in our naval policy, it has been decided that preparations will be made to ensure that our maritime and naval concerns are given the due attention they deserve. Previously the navy has been a peripheral issue and only given the absolutely necessary resources. Now we are looking to ensure that the Austrian flag will wave proudly and safely throughout the Mediterranean throughout perpetuity, as well as help fellow naval powers in ensuring a safe and stable trade zone in the region. The navy is not only an important matter for those who live near the sea, it is an imperative matter of great importance for the entire Empire.
We hope to see the formation of new naval clubs from Prague to Buda and Pest for aspiring young gentlemen, as a source of inspiration for those who wish to follow in the footsteps of the young Archduke Friedrich. The Naval Cadet Academy in Venice is always open for young and eager men interested in serving and commanding on an Austrian ship. It will be exciting to see the progress that new and ambitious minds will bring to the navy, and we hope to see a steady improvement in quality and a rebirth of the ship-building infrastructure that has always been a traditional occupation in Venice and its surroundings.
Related to this announcement is the expansion of the Donaudampfschiffahrtsgesellschaft (Danube Steamboat Shipping Company) with new Steamboats, which will help with the transportation of heavy materials throughout the Realm. Roads are good and reliable tools for many kinds of transportation, but riverine transport will still be very helpful when it comes to timber, metals and passengers. We hope that this will better connect the regions of the Empire and encourage further economical expansion on the Danube. Expanding our maritime affairs is something that will benefit all of the Austrian Empire, and it is something that we can all stand united behind.
His Serene Highness, Prince Klemens Wenzel von Metternich, State Chancellor of the Austrian Empire
AFTER the issues raised previously have gone unanswered by the self-styled Government of Egypt, and taking note of the concerns and interests of both the Russian and the Turkish ambassadors, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland announces that the deployment of the HMS Vanguard, the HMS Royal Adelaide, and the HMS Queen Charlotte to the Turkish port of Alexandria, currently under the control of the self-styled Government of Egypt. Given the constant and upstart motives that have arrived from both the self-styled Government of Egypt and France, the deployment has been ordered in order to effect the balance of peace that this region has enjoyed after the warfare that was enacted against the Turkish Empire by the self-styled Government of Egypt. Should this self-styled Government see the logic of reason and diplomatic negotiations, it shall be of no trouble to the diplomats of the United Kingdom to be dispatched at once to effect negotiations between the parties involved.
I am pleased this year with the creation of the first prototypes of the Dreyse needle gun. This weapon seems to have promise and I believe, with continued work on it, will become a viable weapon for use by the Prussian army. This year, funding for the work on this weapon shall be continued with objectives being the continued improvement of prototypes and current models of this weapon to be reviewed to the point where the army's reviewers as well as myself am satisfied with it.
This year, I believe that railroads shall be key to improving Prussian infrastructure in the near future as besides for its military uses, railroads can be used to transport goods from different provinces of Prussia to the other. The railroad that shall be begun this year shall be a railroad between Berlin and the Rhine province so as to make the coal and other minerals of the Rhine province available for use in central Prussia for development.
I am saddened by the resistance from the Junkers on the modernization of agriculture as modern equipment can benefit everyone in Prussia, including the people who own large estates in Prussia. So that is why, this year, tests shall be conducted on the use of modern equipment to see if the usage of modern equipment is clearly better than the current equipment in use now in Prussia.
On foreign affairs:
The situation in Egypt is concerning, especially with the blatant breach of authority conducted by the Egyptians. However, the situation does not warrant a full-scale war, and thus Prussia supports the efforts by the United Kingdom in beginning negotiations between the parties that are involved with this. It is my sincere hope that these negotiations shall prove fruitful in solving this situation without any bloodshed or bitter feeling.
I wholeheartedly welcome the Free City of Frankfurt into the Zollverein as it is clear that cooperation between Germans is essential in this time of uncertainty and the Zollverein is simply an expression of that point. I hope that relations between Prussia and all the German states may improve and with it, reap the benefits of cooperation and amity.
Signups are open for Egypt until midnight EST tonight. Post your interest here if you want to play Egypt. The new Egyptian player will have until Tuesday to come up with orders.
