State of the World: 1836, the Great Powers
This shall be the thread for the third part of the megacampaign started here and continued here.
In Postcards From Eternity, we follow the life of an immortal and the great realm of Tuscany founded by him on their paths through history. In the first part of the AAR, we followed the Duchy of Tuscany as it grew into a strong Kingdom in the north of Italy; in the second part, we witnessed the rise of that kingdom into the great power of Italy. The House of Guerra spread across Europe and now rules most major powers of the continent.
The industrial age begins, with Italy poised for a golden age or for chaos and collapse.
We begin with an overview of the great powers of the time...
Excerpts of 'The Ceasefire of Nations: the Global Peace of 1821-1836', written by Karl Sorenssen (Kobenhavn: 2001)
(...) For fifteen years, there was no recorded conflict anywhere on the globe. Rarely had such a long interlude from war been seen in the pre-modern world. Recovery from costly wars and a shifting balance of power ensured peace in Europe and through the powerful empires of the West, elsewhere as well. Instead of war, populations grew, industry boomed and the global economy appeared on the rise. (...) In the Guerran Empire, this period saw a disarmament and demobilization, with Italy's forces decreasing notably in size. The Crown of Nikaea was in 1830 granted increased self-rule, effectively elevating it to an independent nation allied to and owing allegiance to the same head of state. Similar developments could be seen in France and Denmark as well. (...)
This prosperity could not and would not last. 1836 began as peacefully as its predecessors, but the skyward climb of the economy could no longer be sustained. A crash was coming. For a brief, glorious moment at the beginning of that year, the world breathed and still dreamed of peace. (...)
Excerpts of 'Wanderer's Atlas: 1836; On The Great Nations Of The World', an often-censored and controversial political and cultural almanac publication published between 1815 and 1941
History & Culture:
The Kingdom of Italy - officially, the Kingdom of Italy and Empire of the Maghreb - lies in the Mediterranean Sea in Southern Europe. This ancient and wealthy peninsula was united under the Guerra Kings of Tuscany in 1796 from its component states of Naples and Tuscany into the modern nation of Italy. This process of Italian unification is generally thought to have began in 1171 with the formation of the Kingdom of Tuscany, one of many states arising from the civilizational collapse of the Great Plague. Centuries of steady expansion saw the Tuscan Kings subjugate their neighbors and come to dominate Italy. From the 1400s onwards, the Tuscan state also seized most of the region of historical Austria. Its expansion in North Africa reached its present height in the 1700s, while its overseas empire once included both the United States and Mexico; which separated through a mutual agreement in 1796. The dominion of Nicaragua, in Central America, remains a part of Italy. Italy also holds coastal territories in West Africa and island outposts in the Pacific Ocean.
Italy is the second-most populous nation in Europe, with an estimated population of 41.48 million inhabitants. The latest census reveals much of these demographics. Of this population, a majority of 27 million are ethnic Italians, but large colonial populations of Berbers and Maghrebi subjects can be found outside the peninsula. The Austrians of the Alpine provinces form another distinct ethnic group. Italian holdings along the Adriatic also incorporate Croatian and Italo-Dalmatian communities. The city of Nizza, on the north Mediterranean coast, boasts a French-speaking population that has been part of Italy for over six centuries.
Italian culture is rich and cosmopolitan, influenced by the peninsula's ancient past, Renaissance flourishing and modern-day imperial prosperity. The capital city of Firenze is the nation in miniature, displaying all three elements inside its expanse. Religious and regional differences can be strong between the north and the south, as well as with German-speaking Austria and overseas provinces, but love of good food, sentimental music and football come together to unite all. Religiously, the majority of Italian citizens are Waldensian Christians. Considerable minority populations of Catholics can be found especially in southern Italy, Morocco and Austria. The Maghreb is home to many Sunni Islamic communities, while Bogomil adherents can be found as small minorities in southern Italy and Cyreneica. Other minorities include African paganists, Paulicians and Orthodox believers. Religious festivals are central in the lives of most subjects of the Italian state, whatever creed they follow.
Government:
Italy is governed according to the principles of absolutist rule. The King is the final authority in all things. No representative assembly exists and political activities are banned by law. Private presses must only print material approved and directed by the state. Slavery remains legal in Italy. The economic policy of Italy can be described as state capitalist and protectionist, leaving the reins of economic activities tightly in the hands of the state. Minority religions face persecution and their adherents are not allowed in public office. Non-Italian citizens face discrimination.
History & Culture:
The modern Empire of France is the successor of two states. The 'Northern Kingdom' of France was formed in 1443, the successor to the medieval realm of the same name which collapsed in the Great Plague, by Lollard aristocrats of the Duchy of Champagne. The 'Southern Kingdom' of Burgundy came to be around 1400, founded by the Waldensian Dukes of Viennois. These two powers soon became dominant in the region and were destined to battle for hegemony of all France. This centuries-long contest would by the 18th century be essentially won by the Southern Kingdom. In 1787, the last remnants of the Northern Kingdom were annexed by the King of Burgundy, who declared the Two Frances united and the venerable French Kingdom not only restored, but surpassed by a new French Empire.
Burgundian expansion was not limited to France itself in the centuries of war. French territory encompasses the Swiss Alps, the Rhineland and parts of the Low Countries. French-speaking regions in Brittany, Provence and Languedoc remain part of other states despite growing French diplomatic pressure to see them 'returned' to the Empire. (...)
France is a divided nation. In the south, a Waldensian and Occitan identity dominates over that of a French one. These heartlands of the Kingdom of Burgundy retain a far more Mediterranean and Southern European cultural experience. The strongly Lollard northerners are a distinct population, leaving France split on the lines of its component Kingdoms despite official unity. Administrative systems, official language standards and culture are still strongly separate. Germans and Wallonians form large minorities with their own customs and generally Catholic faith.
Government:
France is governed according to the the principles of absolutist rule. The Emperor is the final authority in all things. No representative assembly exists and political activities are banned by law; however, public meetings of non-political groups are allowed. Private presses must only print material approved and directed by the state. Slavery remains legal in France. The economic policy of France can be described as state capitalist and protectionist, leaving the reins of economic activities tightly in the hands of the state. Minority religions face persecution and their adherents are not allowed in public office. Minority citizens face discrimination.
History & Culture:
The modern Persian Empire was born from the medieval Daylamite Kingdom around the Caspian Sea, which itself emerged from the ruin of the Ilkhanate in the 14th century. This local power slowly subjugated central Persia under its own banner while expanding rapidly in the steppe of Tartary. Their present borders extend deep into Russia and Ruthenia in the west and cut through the Caucasus in the south. It has shared the Persian region with its allies the Mughals and the Allawids of Iraq for centuries, but in the last fifteen years it has become apparent that Persia considers such lands its natural provinces as well.
Persia today encompasses a broad variety of minorities. According to the latest census, Ugrian peoples in the north in fact outnumber ethnic Persians. Tatars, Russians, Ukrainians and Kurds also form large minority peoples. The Sunni state religion also represents only roughly 11.5 million of its inhabitants, with Quranist Islam, Tengriism, Orthodox Christianity and steppe paganism being the faiths of many subject peoples.
Government:
The Shahdom of Persia is best classified as a semi-constitutional monarchy. The Shah is advised by the Majlis representative assembly, which is open to and elected by Sunni Persian men of property. The Shah remains the absolute authority in all matters, however, with the power to veto any legislation proposed by the Majlis and to dissolve the assembly for any perceived failing. As political parties and activism is banned by the state, excuses to arrest or dismiss troublesome politicians are many. Private presses must only print material approved and directed by the state. Slavery remains legal in Persia. The economic policy of Persia can be described as state capitalist and protectionist, leaving the reins of economic activities tightly in the hands of the state. Minority religions face persecution and their adherents are not allowed in public office. Minority citizens face discrimination.
History & Culture:
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, commonly known as the British Empire, was born from the English Crusade of 1327. This Catholic holy war led to the founding of a new Kingdom of England in Britain. De jure, this was the restoration of a pre-1040s Kingdom of England that collapsed in the Great Plague, but the new realm did not simply inherit the lands of its predecessor. Steady expansion saw the Kingdom of England gradually subjugate Wales, Ireland and Alba. The Union of Great Britain was declared in 1560 and the unification of the Isles completed in the next decade. Today, the Empire possesses the northern island of Iceland also, as well as the tip of Brittany on the continent. It once possessed a prominent colonial empire in South America, but it's only remnant is now the small mountain dominion of Cumberland. The Empire also holds a small outpost on the Cape in southern Africa.
Britain is ethnically dominated by the English - some say 'Anglo-Saxon' population - with significant minorities in the Irish, Scottish and Welsh. Cultural differences can be significant, but state-mandated use of the English language and the centralization of power in England has ensured stability for centuries. Roughly 16 million are registered Anglicans or Old Waldensians, with a large Catholic population and some numbers of heathen African subjects. Religious strife has been minimal since the Compromise of 1560, which founded the Church of England as an union of Catholic and Waldensian doctrines, and guaranteed tolerance for holdover adherents.
Government:
Britain is governed according to the principles of absolutist rule. The King is the final authority in all things. No representative assembly exists and political activities are banned by law. Private presses must only print material approved and directed by the state. Slavery remains legal in Britain. The economic policy of Britain can be described as protectionist and interventionist, the state keeping a close eye on industrial and economic development with frequent regulation. The state only supports the official Anglican religion, but other faiths are allowed with some restrictions. The peoples of the British Isles are equal before the law, though colonized subjects have no protections to speak of.
History & Culture:
The Wallachian Empire was born in uncertain circumstances in the aftermath of the Great Plague. The present ruling dynasty, the Draculesti, claim descent from various legendary figures of the period bearing the same name. Its predecessor, the Wallachian Kingdom, expanded in the medieval period to encompass most ethnically Romanian territories. In the early modern, the state grew further and came to dominate the Balkans and Ruthenia. Its growing dominion over the steppe and Ruthenia have extended its power into the north and east as well.
Wallachia is a culturally and religiously diverse empire. Its inhabitants hold to many customs and beliefs considered unusual beyond its borders. Superstitions related to the powerful ruling house are common and well known even outside Wallachia. Bogomilism is the dominant faith, but large Orthodox and Catholic populations exist as well. Ethnic Romanians come up to roughly 14.3 million; Ukrainians, Hungarians, Serbs, Slovaks and others make up notable minorities.
Government:
Wallachia is governed according to the the principles of absolutist rule. The Emperor is the final authority in all things. No representative assembly exists and political activities are banned by law. Private presses must only print material approved and directed by the state. Slavery and serfdom remain legal in Wallachia, with all inhabitants considered the property of the Draculesti. The economic policy of Wallachia can be described as state capitalist and protectionist, leaving the reins of economic activities tightly in the hands of the state. Minority religions face persecution and their adherents are not allowed in public office. Minority citizens face discrimination.
History & Culture:
The Kingdom of Nikaea arose from the aftermath of the Great Plague as one of many pretenders to the fallen Byzantine Empire. During the medieval period, it became the dominant power in Anatolia and Greece. Nikaea enjoyed a notable degree of internal stability and avoidance of war for the early modern period, until 1610, when the Kingdom was inherited by King Pietro of Italy, and thus became a component state of the Guerran Empire in personal union. Forced Waldensian conversion efforts and extensive Italian wars served to destabilize the realm somewhat, leading to a number of dangerous revolts in the 1600s and 1700s, though with Italy's assistance Nikaea also came to hold all of Greece and Anatolia proper.
In 1830, the Statutes of Autonomy effectively severed rule from Firenze and granted Nikaea self-rule for the first time in centuries. Nikaea's King remains Galeazzo Maria I of Italy, but it is considered a sovereign state with its own foreign policy and right to self-determination. This 'commonwealth' system was instituted to prevent an outright Nikaean secession. This concession has not entirely satisfied Greek nationalists in Nikaea, who demand a ruler who speaks the same language and holds to the same Bogomil faith as the majority of his people.
Nikaea is divided between Bogomilist believers, who make up the largest religious grouping and encompass most of the common people, and Waldensians, who are represented more in urban and educated classes. Minorities of Catholics, Orthodox Christians and Sunni Muslims also live within Nikaea. Ethnically, the majority-Greek state rules over some numbers of Armenians, Macedonians, Bulgarians and others on the peripheries.
Government:
Nikaea is governed according to the the principles of absolutist rule. The Royal First Minister is the final authority in all things. No representative assembly exists and political activities are banned by law. Private presses must only print material approved and directed by the state. Slavery remains legal in Nikaea. The economic policy of Nikaea can be described as state capitalist and protectionist, leaving the reins of economic activities tightly in the hands of the state. Non-Waldensian believers face persecution and their adherents are not allowed in public office, including the largest national confession of Bogomilist Christianity. Minority citizens face discrimination.
History & Culture:
The Kingdom of Aragon arose as a Catalan state in the medieval period, establishing itself as a regional power in the shadow of greater Islamic realms. In 1241, the Kingdom passed to the Guerra Kings of Tuscany and was ruled in personal union for the next five hundred years. During this time, Aragon expanded to encompass all of eastern Iberia and Occitain Languedoc. Tuscan reluctance to go further stagnated Aragonese borders and prevented any potential union of the peninsula. Aragon seceded from Tuscany in 1703 to go its own way. It expanded further into central Iberia through this century, but has since stabilized within its present-day borders.
The Kingdom has roughly equal Spanish- and Catalan-speaking populations, as well as minority communities of Basques and Occitain French. The majority faith is Waldensian Christianity. Large Catholic minorities can be found chiefly in the western parts of the state. The strong Paulician community of Bilbao is also noteworthy, one of the few remnants of the once-vibrant popular heresy in the region.
Government:
Aragon is governed according to the the principles of absolutist rule. The King is the final authority in all things. No representative assembly exists and political activities are banned by law. Private presses must only print material approved and directed by the state. Slavery remains legal in Aragon. The economic policy of Aragon can be described as state capitalist and protectionist, leaving the reins of economic activities tightly in the hands of the state. Minority religions face persecution and their adherents are not allowed in public office. Minority citizens face discrimination.
History & Culture:
The origins of the modern Kingdom of Denmark are in medieval Sjaelland. The Sjaellander duchy gradually emerged as the most successful of Danish successor states, but it would not unite Denmark until the 1500s. From there, it would grow to encompass Norway and much of southern Sweden and be declared a peer Kingdom of the great powers of Europe. Later expansion was directed east and southwards, bringing many ethnically Sorbian and German lands into the Kingdom. In the Succession War of 1759, Sjaelland fell under French-Burgundian rule in a forced personal union. This union lasted until 1833, when growing tensions and uncooperative administration persuaded the French Emperor to relinquish their claim on Sjaelland. This peaceful end to the union allowed France and Denmark to retain their alliance, and see the younger son of Emperor Charles V, Louis, rise to the throne of the latter as Ludvig I Guerra, King of Denmark.
The Danish Kingdom rules over a multitude of ethnic groups. Danes make up only 2.7 million of the state's total population, with Sorbs forming the largest population at around 3.5 million. Minority groups include Norwegians, Germans, Pomeranians and Swedes. Religiously, the northern parts of the Kingdom mainly practice Protestant Christianity, with the Germans of the south mainly Catholic. Sorbian communities vary between Orthodox and Protestant believers. The Kingdom also records Lollard and Waldensian minorities.
Government:
Denmark is best classified as a semi-constitutional monarchy. The King is advised by a parliament, the Rigsdag, which is composed of and elected by Danish and Norwegian men meeting certain wealth and property requirements. The King retains the power to intervene in legislation and dismiss the Rigsdag as desired. As political parties and activism is banned by the state, excuses to arrest or dismiss troublesome politicians are many. Private presses must only print material approved and directed by the state. Slavery remains legal in Denmark. The economic policy of Denmark can be described as state capitalist and protectionist, leaving the reins of economic activities tightly in the hands of the state. Minority religions face persecution and their adherents are not allowed in public office. Only ethnic Danes and Norwegians enjoy full legal and political rights; minorities face discrimination.
Starting with an overview of the Great Powers of our time. Except the tail-end of these nations to shift a lot during play. Next up, the Secondaries, and any interesting regional powers I can think of.
In Postcards From Eternity, we follow the life of an immortal and the great realm of Tuscany founded by him on their paths through history. In the first part of the AAR, we followed the Duchy of Tuscany as it grew into a strong Kingdom in the north of Italy; in the second part, we witnessed the rise of that kingdom into the great power of Italy. The House of Guerra spread across Europe and now rules most major powers of the continent.
The industrial age begins, with Italy poised for a golden age or for chaos and collapse.
We begin with an overview of the great powers of the time...
***
Excerpts of 'The Ceasefire of Nations: the Global Peace of 1821-1836', written by Karl Sorenssen (Kobenhavn: 2001)
(...) For fifteen years, there was no recorded conflict anywhere on the globe. Rarely had such a long interlude from war been seen in the pre-modern world. Recovery from costly wars and a shifting balance of power ensured peace in Europe and through the powerful empires of the West, elsewhere as well. Instead of war, populations grew, industry boomed and the global economy appeared on the rise. (...) In the Guerran Empire, this period saw a disarmament and demobilization, with Italy's forces decreasing notably in size. The Crown of Nikaea was in 1830 granted increased self-rule, effectively elevating it to an independent nation allied to and owing allegiance to the same head of state. Similar developments could be seen in France and Denmark as well. (...)
This prosperity could not and would not last. 1836 began as peacefully as its predecessors, but the skyward climb of the economy could no longer be sustained. A crash was coming. For a brief, glorious moment at the beginning of that year, the world breathed and still dreamed of peace. (...)
***
Excerpts of 'Wanderer's Atlas: 1836; On The Great Nations Of The World', an often-censored and controversial political and cultural almanac publication published between 1815 and 1941
I.
The Kingdom of Italy
Population: est. 41.48 Million
Capital: Firenze, est. 3.5M in capital area
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Head of State: King Galeazzo Maria I Guerra
State Religion: Waldensian Christianity
Estimated Army Size: 222 000 standing, 888 000 reserves
Top Producer Of: Steel, Cement, Fertilizer, Explosives, Clippers, Fabric, Fish, Fruit, Wine, Luxury Clothes, Luxury Furniture, Ammo and Small Arms
The Kingdom of Italy
Population: est. 41.48 Million
Capital: Firenze, est. 3.5M in capital area
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Head of State: King Galeazzo Maria I Guerra
State Religion: Waldensian Christianity
Estimated Army Size: 222 000 standing, 888 000 reserves
Top Producer Of: Steel, Cement, Fertilizer, Explosives, Clippers, Fabric, Fish, Fruit, Wine, Luxury Clothes, Luxury Furniture, Ammo and Small Arms
History & Culture:
The Kingdom of Italy - officially, the Kingdom of Italy and Empire of the Maghreb - lies in the Mediterranean Sea in Southern Europe. This ancient and wealthy peninsula was united under the Guerra Kings of Tuscany in 1796 from its component states of Naples and Tuscany into the modern nation of Italy. This process of Italian unification is generally thought to have began in 1171 with the formation of the Kingdom of Tuscany, one of many states arising from the civilizational collapse of the Great Plague. Centuries of steady expansion saw the Tuscan Kings subjugate their neighbors and come to dominate Italy. From the 1400s onwards, the Tuscan state also seized most of the region of historical Austria. Its expansion in North Africa reached its present height in the 1700s, while its overseas empire once included both the United States and Mexico; which separated through a mutual agreement in 1796. The dominion of Nicaragua, in Central America, remains a part of Italy. Italy also holds coastal territories in West Africa and island outposts in the Pacific Ocean.
Italy is the second-most populous nation in Europe, with an estimated population of 41.48 million inhabitants. The latest census reveals much of these demographics. Of this population, a majority of 27 million are ethnic Italians, but large colonial populations of Berbers and Maghrebi subjects can be found outside the peninsula. The Austrians of the Alpine provinces form another distinct ethnic group. Italian holdings along the Adriatic also incorporate Croatian and Italo-Dalmatian communities. The city of Nizza, on the north Mediterranean coast, boasts a French-speaking population that has been part of Italy for over six centuries.
Italian culture is rich and cosmopolitan, influenced by the peninsula's ancient past, Renaissance flourishing and modern-day imperial prosperity. The capital city of Firenze is the nation in miniature, displaying all three elements inside its expanse. Religious and regional differences can be strong between the north and the south, as well as with German-speaking Austria and overseas provinces, but love of good food, sentimental music and football come together to unite all. Religiously, the majority of Italian citizens are Waldensian Christians. Considerable minority populations of Catholics can be found especially in southern Italy, Morocco and Austria. The Maghreb is home to many Sunni Islamic communities, while Bogomil adherents can be found as small minorities in southern Italy and Cyreneica. Other minorities include African paganists, Paulicians and Orthodox believers. Religious festivals are central in the lives of most subjects of the Italian state, whatever creed they follow.
Government:
Italy is governed according to the principles of absolutist rule. The King is the final authority in all things. No representative assembly exists and political activities are banned by law. Private presses must only print material approved and directed by the state. Slavery remains legal in Italy. The economic policy of Italy can be described as state capitalist and protectionist, leaving the reins of economic activities tightly in the hands of the state. Minority religions face persecution and their adherents are not allowed in public office. Non-Italian citizens face discrimination.
***
II.
The Empire of France
Population: est. 42.17 Million
Capital: Paris, est. 1.6M in capital area
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Head of State: Emperor Charles VI Guerra
State Religion: Waldensian Christianity
Estimated Army Size: 264 000 standing, 1 056 000 reserves
Top Producer Of: Tobacco
II.
The Empire of France
Population: est. 42.17 Million
Capital: Paris, est. 1.6M in capital area
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Head of State: Emperor Charles VI Guerra
State Religion: Waldensian Christianity
Estimated Army Size: 264 000 standing, 1 056 000 reserves
Top Producer Of: Tobacco
History & Culture:
The modern Empire of France is the successor of two states. The 'Northern Kingdom' of France was formed in 1443, the successor to the medieval realm of the same name which collapsed in the Great Plague, by Lollard aristocrats of the Duchy of Champagne. The 'Southern Kingdom' of Burgundy came to be around 1400, founded by the Waldensian Dukes of Viennois. These two powers soon became dominant in the region and were destined to battle for hegemony of all France. This centuries-long contest would by the 18th century be essentially won by the Southern Kingdom. In 1787, the last remnants of the Northern Kingdom were annexed by the King of Burgundy, who declared the Two Frances united and the venerable French Kingdom not only restored, but surpassed by a new French Empire.
Burgundian expansion was not limited to France itself in the centuries of war. French territory encompasses the Swiss Alps, the Rhineland and parts of the Low Countries. French-speaking regions in Brittany, Provence and Languedoc remain part of other states despite growing French diplomatic pressure to see them 'returned' to the Empire. (...)
France is a divided nation. In the south, a Waldensian and Occitan identity dominates over that of a French one. These heartlands of the Kingdom of Burgundy retain a far more Mediterranean and Southern European cultural experience. The strongly Lollard northerners are a distinct population, leaving France split on the lines of its component Kingdoms despite official unity. Administrative systems, official language standards and culture are still strongly separate. Germans and Wallonians form large minorities with their own customs and generally Catholic faith.
Government:
France is governed according to the the principles of absolutist rule. The Emperor is the final authority in all things. No representative assembly exists and political activities are banned by law; however, public meetings of non-political groups are allowed. Private presses must only print material approved and directed by the state. Slavery remains legal in France. The economic policy of France can be described as state capitalist and protectionist, leaving the reins of economic activities tightly in the hands of the state. Minority religions face persecution and their adherents are not allowed in public office. Minority citizens face discrimination.
***
III.
The Shahdom of Persia
Population: est. 26.22 Million
Capital: Tabriz, est. 1.2M in capital area
Government: Semi-Constitutional Monarchy
Head of State: Shah Abbas IV Ustadh
State Religion: Sunni Islam
Estimated Army Size: 315 000 standing, 1 575 000 reserves
Top Producer Of: N/A
III.
The Shahdom of Persia
Population: est. 26.22 Million
Capital: Tabriz, est. 1.2M in capital area
Government: Semi-Constitutional Monarchy
Head of State: Shah Abbas IV Ustadh
State Religion: Sunni Islam
Estimated Army Size: 315 000 standing, 1 575 000 reserves
Top Producer Of: N/A
History & Culture:
The modern Persian Empire was born from the medieval Daylamite Kingdom around the Caspian Sea, which itself emerged from the ruin of the Ilkhanate in the 14th century. This local power slowly subjugated central Persia under its own banner while expanding rapidly in the steppe of Tartary. Their present borders extend deep into Russia and Ruthenia in the west and cut through the Caucasus in the south. It has shared the Persian region with its allies the Mughals and the Allawids of Iraq for centuries, but in the last fifteen years it has become apparent that Persia considers such lands its natural provinces as well.
Persia today encompasses a broad variety of minorities. According to the latest census, Ugrian peoples in the north in fact outnumber ethnic Persians. Tatars, Russians, Ukrainians and Kurds also form large minority peoples. The Sunni state religion also represents only roughly 11.5 million of its inhabitants, with Quranist Islam, Tengriism, Orthodox Christianity and steppe paganism being the faiths of many subject peoples.
Government:
The Shahdom of Persia is best classified as a semi-constitutional monarchy. The Shah is advised by the Majlis representative assembly, which is open to and elected by Sunni Persian men of property. The Shah remains the absolute authority in all matters, however, with the power to veto any legislation proposed by the Majlis and to dissolve the assembly for any perceived failing. As political parties and activism is banned by the state, excuses to arrest or dismiss troublesome politicians are many. Private presses must only print material approved and directed by the state. Slavery remains legal in Persia. The economic policy of Persia can be described as state capitalist and protectionist, leaving the reins of economic activities tightly in the hands of the state. Minority religions face persecution and their adherents are not allowed in public office. Minority citizens face discrimination.
***
IV.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
Population: est. 26.63 Million
Capital: London, est. 2.2M in capital area
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Head of State: King Oswald Augustus I Guerra
State Religion: British Waldensianism (Anglican)
Estimated Army Size: 162 000 standing, 648 000 reserves
Top Producer Of: Canned Food
IV.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
Population: est. 26.63 Million
Capital: London, est. 2.2M in capital area
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Head of State: King Oswald Augustus I Guerra
State Religion: British Waldensianism (Anglican)
Estimated Army Size: 162 000 standing, 648 000 reserves
Top Producer Of: Canned Food
History & Culture:
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, commonly known as the British Empire, was born from the English Crusade of 1327. This Catholic holy war led to the founding of a new Kingdom of England in Britain. De jure, this was the restoration of a pre-1040s Kingdom of England that collapsed in the Great Plague, but the new realm did not simply inherit the lands of its predecessor. Steady expansion saw the Kingdom of England gradually subjugate Wales, Ireland and Alba. The Union of Great Britain was declared in 1560 and the unification of the Isles completed in the next decade. Today, the Empire possesses the northern island of Iceland also, as well as the tip of Brittany on the continent. It once possessed a prominent colonial empire in South America, but it's only remnant is now the small mountain dominion of Cumberland. The Empire also holds a small outpost on the Cape in southern Africa.
Britain is ethnically dominated by the English - some say 'Anglo-Saxon' population - with significant minorities in the Irish, Scottish and Welsh. Cultural differences can be significant, but state-mandated use of the English language and the centralization of power in England has ensured stability for centuries. Roughly 16 million are registered Anglicans or Old Waldensians, with a large Catholic population and some numbers of heathen African subjects. Religious strife has been minimal since the Compromise of 1560, which founded the Church of England as an union of Catholic and Waldensian doctrines, and guaranteed tolerance for holdover adherents.
Government:
Britain is governed according to the principles of absolutist rule. The King is the final authority in all things. No representative assembly exists and political activities are banned by law. Private presses must only print material approved and directed by the state. Slavery remains legal in Britain. The economic policy of Britain can be described as protectionist and interventionist, the state keeping a close eye on industrial and economic development with frequent regulation. The state only supports the official Anglican religion, but other faiths are allowed with some restrictions. The peoples of the British Isles are equal before the law, though colonized subjects have no protections to speak of.
***
V.
The Wallachian Empire
Population: est. 35.80 Million
Capital: Bucharest, est. 438 000 in capital area
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Head of State: Emperor Constantin III Draculesti
State Religion: Bogomilist Christianity
Estimated Army Size: 234 000 standing, 702 000 reserves
Top Producer Of: Wool, Machine Parts, Cattle, Artillery
V.
The Wallachian Empire
Population: est. 35.80 Million
Capital: Bucharest, est. 438 000 in capital area
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Head of State: Emperor Constantin III Draculesti
State Religion: Bogomilist Christianity
Estimated Army Size: 234 000 standing, 702 000 reserves
Top Producer Of: Wool, Machine Parts, Cattle, Artillery
History & Culture:
The Wallachian Empire was born in uncertain circumstances in the aftermath of the Great Plague. The present ruling dynasty, the Draculesti, claim descent from various legendary figures of the period bearing the same name. Its predecessor, the Wallachian Kingdom, expanded in the medieval period to encompass most ethnically Romanian territories. In the early modern, the state grew further and came to dominate the Balkans and Ruthenia. Its growing dominion over the steppe and Ruthenia have extended its power into the north and east as well.
Wallachia is a culturally and religiously diverse empire. Its inhabitants hold to many customs and beliefs considered unusual beyond its borders. Superstitions related to the powerful ruling house are common and well known even outside Wallachia. Bogomilism is the dominant faith, but large Orthodox and Catholic populations exist as well. Ethnic Romanians come up to roughly 14.3 million; Ukrainians, Hungarians, Serbs, Slovaks and others make up notable minorities.
Government:
Wallachia is governed according to the the principles of absolutist rule. The Emperor is the final authority in all things. No representative assembly exists and political activities are banned by law. Private presses must only print material approved and directed by the state. Slavery and serfdom remain legal in Wallachia, with all inhabitants considered the property of the Draculesti. The economic policy of Wallachia can be described as state capitalist and protectionist, leaving the reins of economic activities tightly in the hands of the state. Minority religions face persecution and their adherents are not allowed in public office. Minority citizens face discrimination.
***
VI.
The Kingdom of Nikaea
Population: est. 17.63 Million
Capital: Prusa, est. 2.6M in capital area
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Head of State: King Galeazzo Maria I Guerra
State Religion: Waldensian Christianity
Estimated Army Size: 150 000 standing, 750 000 reserves
Top Producer Of: N/A
VI.
The Kingdom of Nikaea
Population: est. 17.63 Million
Capital: Prusa, est. 2.6M in capital area
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Head of State: King Galeazzo Maria I Guerra
State Religion: Waldensian Christianity
Estimated Army Size: 150 000 standing, 750 000 reserves
Top Producer Of: N/A
History & Culture:
The Kingdom of Nikaea arose from the aftermath of the Great Plague as one of many pretenders to the fallen Byzantine Empire. During the medieval period, it became the dominant power in Anatolia and Greece. Nikaea enjoyed a notable degree of internal stability and avoidance of war for the early modern period, until 1610, when the Kingdom was inherited by King Pietro of Italy, and thus became a component state of the Guerran Empire in personal union. Forced Waldensian conversion efforts and extensive Italian wars served to destabilize the realm somewhat, leading to a number of dangerous revolts in the 1600s and 1700s, though with Italy's assistance Nikaea also came to hold all of Greece and Anatolia proper.
In 1830, the Statutes of Autonomy effectively severed rule from Firenze and granted Nikaea self-rule for the first time in centuries. Nikaea's King remains Galeazzo Maria I of Italy, but it is considered a sovereign state with its own foreign policy and right to self-determination. This 'commonwealth' system was instituted to prevent an outright Nikaean secession. This concession has not entirely satisfied Greek nationalists in Nikaea, who demand a ruler who speaks the same language and holds to the same Bogomil faith as the majority of his people.
Nikaea is divided between Bogomilist believers, who make up the largest religious grouping and encompass most of the common people, and Waldensians, who are represented more in urban and educated classes. Minorities of Catholics, Orthodox Christians and Sunni Muslims also live within Nikaea. Ethnically, the majority-Greek state rules over some numbers of Armenians, Macedonians, Bulgarians and others on the peripheries.
Government:
Nikaea is governed according to the the principles of absolutist rule. The Royal First Minister is the final authority in all things. No representative assembly exists and political activities are banned by law. Private presses must only print material approved and directed by the state. Slavery remains legal in Nikaea. The economic policy of Nikaea can be described as state capitalist and protectionist, leaving the reins of economic activities tightly in the hands of the state. Non-Waldensian believers face persecution and their adherents are not allowed in public office, including the largest national confession of Bogomilist Christianity. Minority citizens face discrimination.
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VII.
The Kingdom of Aragon
Population: est. 9.71M
Capital: Tarragona, est. 1.2M in capital area
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Head of State: King Alfonso II de Mendoza
State Religion: Waldensian Christianity
Estimated Army Size: 135 000 standing, 675 000 reserves
Top Producer Of: N/A
VII.
The Kingdom of Aragon
Population: est. 9.71M
Capital: Tarragona, est. 1.2M in capital area
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Head of State: King Alfonso II de Mendoza
State Religion: Waldensian Christianity
Estimated Army Size: 135 000 standing, 675 000 reserves
Top Producer Of: N/A
History & Culture:
The Kingdom of Aragon arose as a Catalan state in the medieval period, establishing itself as a regional power in the shadow of greater Islamic realms. In 1241, the Kingdom passed to the Guerra Kings of Tuscany and was ruled in personal union for the next five hundred years. During this time, Aragon expanded to encompass all of eastern Iberia and Occitain Languedoc. Tuscan reluctance to go further stagnated Aragonese borders and prevented any potential union of the peninsula. Aragon seceded from Tuscany in 1703 to go its own way. It expanded further into central Iberia through this century, but has since stabilized within its present-day borders.
The Kingdom has roughly equal Spanish- and Catalan-speaking populations, as well as minority communities of Basques and Occitain French. The majority faith is Waldensian Christianity. Large Catholic minorities can be found chiefly in the western parts of the state. The strong Paulician community of Bilbao is also noteworthy, one of the few remnants of the once-vibrant popular heresy in the region.
Government:
Aragon is governed according to the the principles of absolutist rule. The King is the final authority in all things. No representative assembly exists and political activities are banned by law. Private presses must only print material approved and directed by the state. Slavery remains legal in Aragon. The economic policy of Aragon can be described as state capitalist and protectionist, leaving the reins of economic activities tightly in the hands of the state. Minority religions face persecution and their adherents are not allowed in public office. Minority citizens face discrimination.
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VIII.
The Kingdom of Denmark
Population: est. 11.51M
Capital: Kobenhavn, est. 414 000 in capital area
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Head of State: King Ludvig I Guerra (Louis I Guerra)
State Religion: Protestant Christianity
Estimated Army Size: 150 000 standing, 600 000 reserves
Top Producer Of: N/A
VIII.
The Kingdom of Denmark
Population: est. 11.51M
Capital: Kobenhavn, est. 414 000 in capital area
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Head of State: King Ludvig I Guerra (Louis I Guerra)
State Religion: Protestant Christianity
Estimated Army Size: 150 000 standing, 600 000 reserves
Top Producer Of: N/A
History & Culture:
The origins of the modern Kingdom of Denmark are in medieval Sjaelland. The Sjaellander duchy gradually emerged as the most successful of Danish successor states, but it would not unite Denmark until the 1500s. From there, it would grow to encompass Norway and much of southern Sweden and be declared a peer Kingdom of the great powers of Europe. Later expansion was directed east and southwards, bringing many ethnically Sorbian and German lands into the Kingdom. In the Succession War of 1759, Sjaelland fell under French-Burgundian rule in a forced personal union. This union lasted until 1833, when growing tensions and uncooperative administration persuaded the French Emperor to relinquish their claim on Sjaelland. This peaceful end to the union allowed France and Denmark to retain their alliance, and see the younger son of Emperor Charles V, Louis, rise to the throne of the latter as Ludvig I Guerra, King of Denmark.
The Danish Kingdom rules over a multitude of ethnic groups. Danes make up only 2.7 million of the state's total population, with Sorbs forming the largest population at around 3.5 million. Minority groups include Norwegians, Germans, Pomeranians and Swedes. Religiously, the northern parts of the Kingdom mainly practice Protestant Christianity, with the Germans of the south mainly Catholic. Sorbian communities vary between Orthodox and Protestant believers. The Kingdom also records Lollard and Waldensian minorities.
Government:
Denmark is best classified as a semi-constitutional monarchy. The King is advised by a parliament, the Rigsdag, which is composed of and elected by Danish and Norwegian men meeting certain wealth and property requirements. The King retains the power to intervene in legislation and dismiss the Rigsdag as desired. As political parties and activism is banned by the state, excuses to arrest or dismiss troublesome politicians are many. Private presses must only print material approved and directed by the state. Slavery remains legal in Denmark. The economic policy of Denmark can be described as state capitalist and protectionist, leaving the reins of economic activities tightly in the hands of the state. Minority religions face persecution and their adherents are not allowed in public office. Only ethnic Danes and Norwegians enjoy full legal and political rights; minorities face discrimination.
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Starting with an overview of the Great Powers of our time. Except the tail-end of these nations to shift a lot during play. Next up, the Secondaries, and any interesting regional powers I can think of.
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