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Secret Master

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The Waxing Moon over Iberia:
The Saga of Portugal

Scenario options taken: ICG version 2.0 with Ingermanland to the Teutonic Order, the Austrian Lowlands option, Free Ireland, Free Bretagne, and the Kalmar Union option for Denmark. Also, the "chaos hurts" option has been taken.

Also, I modified Portugal and Spain's CB shields. I have given them each CB shields all over the entire Iberian peninsula, to simulate the dynastic claims of pre-1492 that I have added on my own. (Read the Prologue to understand what I am talking about). As such, as long as Portugal or Spain exists, they will have casus belli on one another.

Some explanations for options taken:

I gave the Teutonic Order Ingermanland in order to increase their survivability a bit. The idea was to provide a buffer state between Danish wars with the Poles between Brandenburg and the Poles. It turns out to not do either of these things, but thats ok.

I gave the Austrians all of the former Burgandy lands for a few reasons. First, I got tired of seeing Austria getting kicked around so badly, so I gave them more land at the start, making them the major power they should be at the beginning. Second, I didn't want to give Spain too much of an advantage early in the game; if it came down to it, I wanted to be able to annex them without annexing all of the soon-to-be Netherlands. Both of these turned out to be moot points as well, albiet for different reasons.

I have already played the scenario out to the mid 1600s, so I "know the future" as it were. You will notice there is no mention of a Treaty of Torsidillas. Thats because it never happened in my game. I discussed it on another thread, and found that my case was very unusual, for the TOT never happens, but the Edict of Tolerance does manage to come around. It was very peculiar, but in the spirit of the scenario, a Treaty of Torsidillas would probably never happened any; the kings of Portugal were to pissed at both the Pope and Spain to agree to any silly thing like that. So, when you dont see the Treaty come around, dont think I forgot to mention it.

I will also beg your forgiveness for a few of the wars Portugal fights. You will notice that in some cases, only one thing happens during a year in some of these wars; Im not leaving anything out, however. Rather, its because there literally was nothing going on except what I listed. In one war I fight with Spain, the only thing that happens all year for about five years are my failed invasions of Sardninia tha take place in November just like clockwork. Also, the colonial conflicts Portugal gets into mean that once I occupy the only colonial possessions someone owns in North America, we sit and do nothing for 5 or 10 years, since they dont both to invade me in Europe. This is becasue of the free star the computer gets, so even as I occupy a few colonies, it is still demanding money for peace, which I refuse. And since I am occupying territories, there will be no automatic white peace. It gets so bad, one war I end up naming "The Quiet War".

Also, on another note, I would like to put a disclaimer up front. I have nothing against Muslims at all. However, the monarchs of Portugal for several decades think it is their job to Christianize the Muslims of North Africa, and they do so by the sword. Its not very pleasant, but it made sense for them to do that, considering I give them very reactionary religious policies. Once the feud with Spain is resolved and Austria gets dismembered, Portugal gets to be the uber-Catholics.

With all of that out of the way, let the AAR begin!
 
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Prologue: The Feud Begins

Prologue:

In 1479, the king of Portugal and the king of Castile resolved to end their disputes and to unite against the Muslim enemy. A dynastic union was enacted between their states, which should have ended with the union of Portugal to Castile, making them the most powerful force bordering North Africa; however, this was never to be. After the birth of twin girls in 1482, the king of Castile began to think better of his arrangement, especially when the dying king of Aragon signaled a willingness to unite his house with Castile. Twin girls, though they were very cute, were not what the king of Castile had in mind for heirs to a united throne of Portugal and Castile. In 1488, the king of Castile gained an annulment from the Pope, and bastardized the twin girls related to the Portugese king. He then married Isabella of Aragon, uniting Castile with Aragon, and creating the Kingdom of Spain. The king of Portugal was infuriated with both Ferdinand and the Pope, and began pressing his claims on the throne of Spain, via his relation with the twins. In retaliation, Ferdinand pressed claims against the throne of Portugal via the same twin girls. Attempts by the Austrians, the new super power in Europe after annexing Burgundy through a royal marriage, to mediate the dispute failed miserably. The side benefit to this would be the growing alliance between Spain and Austria. The Muslim states in North Africa took this as a sign to not support Granada, for if Portugal and Spain are going to be at war with one another, then why support Granada? Of course, regardless of the status of the dispute, Ferdinand and his wife Isabella declare war on Moors in Granada at the beginning of 1492, with the intention of completing the Reconquista without the Portugese. By 1492, this situation had not resolved itself in any meaningful way, as both Portugese and Spanish nobles and people were split on the issue. This has left the Iberian peninsula divided in a feud, which will resolve itself through war. In the end, only Portugal or Spain will survive. Who will it be?
 
Which vendetta to pursue? The reign of King Joao II

Which vendetta to pursue?
The reign of King Joao II
(January 1st, 1492- October 9th, 1495)

january%201492.jpg


January, 1492: The situation at the beginning of the year is challenging for the king, but there is good news. He has finally negotiated an alliance with Navarre so as to have assistance should the cowardly Spanish press their claims on Portugal through war. He also has a full treasury and settlers willing to settle. The explorer Diaz is in Cape Verde, ready to set sail to find the sea route to India.

His first priority is to build Portugal's defenses. As such, he orders money poured into the fortifications in all cities of the country, including Tangiers. The remaining money goes into traders being sent to Cochin in India, and to parts of Africa.

Diaz follows his orders, and begins to sail to the Cape of Good Hope, with the intention of making it far past it this time.

In March, Joao receives word that the hated Spanish have completed the Reconquista. Granada no longer exists. He knows now that the faithless Ferdinand will begin converting Muslims by the sword. Joao begins to wonder whether he might do the same in Africa.

In June, Diaz sends a letter stating the presence of a new nation, called Persia, in the far east. Joao takes note in this, but is not overly concerned. Also in June, Joao shows his diplomatic acumen by giving Navarre and England royal marriages.

In September, Joao surprises his nobility with an offer of royal marriage to Spain. He reassures them, saying "For the moment, I have no wish to war with Spain. By the time this marriage is dust, it will there will be a ripeness for war against the loathsome Spanish. In the mean time, let them have less cause to attack us, for our immediate enemy follows the Prophet." These statements make clear Joao's intention to make war against Muslim states in North Africa, rather than against Spain.

By December, Diaz has made it past the Cape of Good Hope, and is now returning to Cape Verde. He has discovered a host of new lands along the African coast, including Muni, Karroo, and Ciseki.

January, 1493: With the fortifications complete, Joao orders that the tax system be revamped. He begins appointing tax collectors in his provinces. Also, he orders traders to Muni and Ciseki, to trade in the ivory and sugar cane in those provinces. He specifically outlines a set of rules designed to be friendly to the natives in the areas of his trading posts. "I cannot afford to send troops to every hole in the wall in Africa, and so I order you to treat the natives there with dignity and respect, even if their customs are strange" he tells his ministers.

On the diplomatic front, he carefully crafts a letter to the king of Scotland. It is intended as an insult, but the ultimate goal is to make him want a royal marriage with Portugal.

King Joao also continues to eye Morocco intently, waiting for any sign of weakness so they may be dispatched.

In February, king Joao "apologizes" to the king of Scotland, and offers a royal marriage to prevent future misunderstandings. The king of Scotland accepts the proposal, though he is wary of Joao.

In April, the army's preeminent field marshal reports that mobile field artillery can be produced. This advance is great news to King Joao, and he begins eyeing Morocco ever more greedily. Also in April, Joao arranges a royal marriage with Portugal's good friend, the Hanseatic League.

In July, Joao marries his niece to the prince of Modena with much pomp and circumstance.

In August, Venice's treachery against the tiny state of Ragusa is revealed; the Doge has broken a royal marriage with them to declare war. The Pope is heard condemning the action, even as other Itallian city-states decry the Pope's influence from France.

In order to snub the Pope, Joao has one of the twins married to the Doge's son, joining Portugal to Venice in a marriage.

In October, the remains of Diaz's expedition have returned to Cape Verde. The storms around Africa have taken their toll, and he requests more ships, which Joao provides.

In December, Joao arranges a royal marriage with Portugal's good friend, Pommerania.

January, 1494: Joao gives a sign of his contempt for Muslim states when he gives the orthodox country of Georgia a royal marriage. Traders are also sent to India and southern Africa.

By February, Diaz sets out once again. His goal is to break through the last uncharted waters between Portugal and India, thus providing a sea route to the east.

In June, Joao sends a letter of warning to Tuscany, asking them why they do not want to marry into his respectable family.

In August, they relent and allow a royal marriage.

January, 1495: Joao receives word that his traders have claimed the southern tip of Africa for Portugal! He orders a day of feasting to celebrate. Also, the creation of tax collectors continues. So far, no weakness has been shown in Morocco, but Joao feels it is only a matter of time until they get in a war from which they may be blind sided from.

January%201495.jpg


In February, Joao convinces Milan to accept a royal marriage. As he continues marrying into the royal families in Italy, he can see that he may be able to start making bids towards being the Holy Roman Emperor. Not as yet, since the Habsburgs of Austria retain much influence in Germany, but perhaps in many years.

Also in February, more good news is received at court. The province of Cochin in India is now claimed for Portugal. Even better, Diaz has completed a mapped sea route to India and is returning to Cape Verde. Joao is most pleased by these developments.

In May, the Mameluks of Egypt are wiped out by the Ottoman sultan. Joao hears the states in the south eastern part of Europe begin to murmur at his power.

In August, Joao has negotiated a royal marriage with Savoy. This is to counteract French influence in the region.

In September, Spain issues a declaration of war against the Ottoman sultan. Half of her alliance refuses to honor the call to arms, including England. Joao immediately seizes the opportunity, and offers England a place in Portugal's alliance with Navarre. Henry VII accepts.

On October 9th, 1495, King Joao II dies in a jousting accident. His son, Manuel I, succeeds him.

Joao's reign has been a mixed bag, but he has left his son a solid diplomatic foundation to rest his rule upon. The feud with Spain will continue and be the legacy of his heirs. Also, the question of what to do in North Africa will be central in the years to come.
 
Can infidels be converted by the sword? The reign of King Manuel I, the Crusader

Can infidels be converted by the sword?
The reign of King Manuel I, the Crusader/Ruthless
(October 9th, 1495- December 21st, 1521)

Upon his coronation, King Manuel made it clear that his father's policies would continue. He even went so far as to renew Portugal's claim on Spain. "Even though my father is dead, we still remember Ferdinand's treachery. We Portugese have a long memory, and those who cross us should fear us." This claim on the throne of Spain has made Spain the worst enemies of Portugal, but Manuel is making a calculated move. A royal marriage still binds them together, so the Spanish would be foolish to declare war now.

For their part, the nobility love the new king, for he is competent in all matters.

January, 1496: Significant portions of Africa are occupied by Portugese traders. The new king no longer wants Diaz to explore around Africa, until some ports can be set up. Rather, he wants Diaz to focus on traveling west. Rumors abound that the Spanish have discovered a new land across the Atlantic.

In June, king Manuel demonstrates his diplomatic skill. He convinces Denmark to give Portugal a royal marriage, even as their precious Union of Kalmar falls apart around them.

In September, Manuel convinces Charles VIII of France to marry into his family. There is hope of diplomatically encircling Spain.

January, 1497: Field Marshal Camoens has volunteered to lead land explorations of new areas. Diaz is sent to pick his men up and transport them aboard ship with his expedition. Tax collectors are being promoted in Tangiers now.

In June, Diaz has picked up Camoens' men, and has set off west to find America. Also, the peasants in the Azores have increased the fortifications there of their own accord.

In July, Vasco de Gama has gathered an expedition and is ordered by Manuel to help Diaz explore the New World.

In November, France declares war on Spain. Manuel sees a possible opportunity to weaken Spain.

In December, royal marriages are given to Bavaria and mighty Austria.

January, 1498: Tax collectors are almost finished in all provinces. Soon, the Azores will be brought up to standard with the rest of Portugal. Diaz and de Gama continue to explore towards America, encountering the Carribean islands.

In June, conquistador Camoens lands in Caribe, and begins exploring the huge landmass past the Antilles.

In July, cartographers confirm that Portugal is the first to discover India.

In September, Camoens encounters fierce natives in Guyanna, but he annihilates them. He has also discovered gold in the area, and hastens a letter back to King Manuel.

In November, Camoens is defeated by natives in Surinam. He withdraws quite bloodied.

On Christmas day, the hostile natives in Surinam are crushed by Camoens, and he advances onward.

January, 1499: General Albuquerque offers to lead an exploration on land. When Diaz returns to Tago, he will be picked up and taken to America.

Also, Manuel begins building troops in Tangiers, in anticipation of war with Morocco.

In March, Camoens loses to natives in Marhoni, but when he returns, he finds them all dead from small pox. He continues to explore.

In April, surprising news reaches Manuel. England has declared war on Scotland. He honors the alliance, even as he hears news that Spain has honored their pact with the Scots. Without even calculating it, Manuel has a chance to take land from Spain.
 
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The Scots' War (April 22nd, 1499- December 20th, 1499)

The Scots' War
(April 22nd, 1499- December 20th, 1499)

Portugal, England, and Navarre are in war against Spain and Scotland. Spain has been at war with France for a few years, so they are already weak and without many allies.

Manuel orders the army into Spain, driving towards Madrid. Reinforcements from Tangiers will be boarded on ship, and taken to back up the drive against Spain. With luck, Madrid will fall quickly.

april%201499.jpg


By May, Estramanduras is occupied without a fight. The province has no fortifications. The army marches towards Madrid.

By June, Madrid is under siege.

In August, the completion of a revolution in agriculture is reported to the king. Portugal's provinces are producing more taxes.

By October, the reinforcements from Tangiers have landed in Tago, and are marching to Madrid. Madrid will soon fall to the army.

On November 30th, Madrid falls to the army. Manuel orders the army to occupy Murcia even as Albuquerque sails to occupy the Baleares Islands.

Then, before Manuel can negotiate peace with Spain, Scotland suddenly gives in to English demands, and pays war damages. The war is over with no gains for Portugal. Manuel is furious.
 
The Fall of the Pope...

January, 1500: Manuel orders Albuquerque to begin explorations in Africa via land.

In June, the maps stolen from Madrid during the Scots' War have finally been decoded, and are beginning to help Portugese explorers. More explorers are sailing to explore the Americas.

At the end of June, shocking news comes from Rome. Spain has annexed the Papal States by force! The Christian world now generally loathes Spain for its depraved actions against the Pope. Manuel was quoted as saying, "It serves both of them right for their treachery against my father. It is also the sort of irony that makes my life worth living."

On August 2nd, Diaz dies. Manuel provides a nice funeral for his most favored explorer.

Also in August, the Portugese army is delivered to Tangiers, to keep watch on Morocco.

In November, General Albuquerque is massacred along with his men in Africa while exploring.

January, 1501: With the new century dawning, Manuel sees good prospects for Portugal. His explorers and conquistadors continue to chart the new lands in America. He is building up his army so that it may be used to vanquish Morocco. Soon, the time will be ripe for war.

In March, Spain signs a humiliating treaty with Savoy. They cede Catalonia to Savoy. Manuel laughs in the presence of the Spanish ambassador.

In October, Spain has finally paid for their annexation of the Pope. They sign a humiliating peace with France, ceding Euskadia and Gerona.

January, 1502: Manuel gives monies to traders so they can set up shop in the Americas. His goal is to bring as much cultivation of tobacco and sugar into Portugese possession as possible. Remaining monies go into the army in Tangiers, as Manuel awaits the perfect time to strike.

In February, Manuel arranges royal marriages with Helvetia and Hungary.

In March, conquistadors report the presence of a heathen nation, the Aztec Empire. Manuel takes note of this, and orders his conquistadors to feel them out.

In July, mighty Denmark peacefully adds Holstein to its lands.

In August, Portugese cartographers confirm that Portugal is the first to discover the Isthmus of Panama.

In November, conquistadors report the presence of a huge heathen empire in South America called the Inca Empire. Manuel tells them to scout them out, but to avoid conflict.

January, 1503: Large tracts of South America have been explored. Traders pour into the new lands, trying to claim them ahead of the Spanish. Because France has Spain's maps as well, they are beginning to gain a foothold in South America.

January%201503.jpg


January, 1504: Exploration continues. A confused set of wars in eastern Europe are occurring, but Manuel is unconcerned.

January, 1505: General Almeida, a conquistador, is recalled from South America to the army in Tangiers. His expertise in warfare will be needed in the forthcoming war against Morocco. General Almeida is a siege genius, and Manuel places him in command of the army with much pomp and circumstance. Money still pours into traders for the New World, with the remainder going into the army.

In June, Manuel is ready for his war with Morocco. He confers with his nobles, and declares war on Morocco on June 1st.
 
The Infidel War

The Infidel War
(June 1st, 1505- July 16th, 1506)

Manuel does not ask England or Navarre to honor the alliance, for Morocco is a local problem for Portugal. Morocco has no allies, and so the army begins to move into Morocco proper.

On July 17th, the Battle of Fez of fought. General Almeida gives such a one-sided victory to Portugal, that King Manuel has him made a Prince of Portugal directly upon receiving the news. The Portugese army lost 23 men, 1 horse, and 1 cannon to 9,000 Moroccan troops dead. The cannon and horse were lost due to bad powder exploding incorrectly, and not to enemy action. Also, the general received a sprained ankle, but his physician thinks he will make it through.

In two weeks, the capital of Morocco, Fez, falls to Almeida's forces. He pursues the fleeing Moroccans into the desert.

In November, the Battle of Marrekech is fought, and Almeida crushes them completely once again. Morocco begs for peace, but Manuel does not give into their request. Almeida settles down for a short siege.

January, 1506: On the 9th, Almeida assaults the garrison in Marrehech, killing the Moroccans to the last man. Manuel is pleased with his exploits, and sends him into the Sahara.

In other news, the king hears that Portugal is now the world's largest producer of sugar cane.

In February, Almeida outmaneuvers the army of Morocco, and annihilates them to the man at the second Battle of Marrekech. He marches on the Sahara with no Moroccan army in his path.

In May, heresy spreads through the lands. Obscurantism is motivating unrest among the peasants. Manuel calls in the Inquisition to deal with the heretics.

On July 26th, the most bittersweet thing happens. General Almeida personally leads the final assault into the fortifications in Sahara, securing the garrison. Then, as the last few Moroccans were being slain, he was stabbed by a wounded Moroccan. He died in the honor of battle, giving victory to his king. Manuel declares a week of mourning for Portugal's greatest hero, even as he annexes Morocco. The family of Almeida is given vast feudal lands in Morocco in gratitude for his service to Portugal.

Manuel now has a sizable population of Muslims within his borders. He does not approve of this at all. He begins to order missionaries to convert the infidels.

Portugal now looks like this.

July%201506.jpg
 
Biographical Extract: Manuel Almeida

Manuel Almeida
General of the King's Army and Prince of Portugal (1470-1506)

Prince Almeida was a man born to the lowest rung of the nobility in Portugal. His father was a landless knight in the direct service of the king. His family's fortunes were certainly in decline, and when his father died in 1492, it was left to Almeida to make his own mark in the world.

The Age of Exploration would prove to be a time of Providence for Manuel Almeida. He had served with distinction during the brief Scot's War, and he had come to the attention of the Duke of Algarve. This got Almeida recommended to the king as a man who could lead expeditions in the New World. Almeida, though he felt unequal to the task, did not object, and would begin leading expeditions in the Americas. By 1502, he would be the first European in the Isthmus of Panama, claiming the junction between North and South America for Portugal. This would earn him some renown in the court of the king. What would prove just as valuable would be that his expedition did not lose a single battle with natives for the three years it explored Central America. His skill as a leader was almost legendary, thanks to the letters his men sent home to their families.

When King Manuel decided to settle accounts with Morocco, he decided that Almeida would make a good choice. This was for two reasons: first, he was popular for his exploits in the New World, and second, he was a convenient choice, politically. Rather than play favorites with nobles at court, King Manuel could use Almeida as a "dark horse" general for the army. In January of 1505, he names Almeida "General of the King's Army" and has him prepare to invade Morocco.

King Manuel got far more than he planned for in General Almeida. His exploits in the war against Morocco were of truly epic proportions. The Battle of Fez, where only 23 of his own men were killed to 9,000 of the enemy, was such a great victory that it is still studied today as an example of proper use of artillery. These exploits would lead to King Manuel's great thanks, and he elevated Almeida to the status "Prince of Portugal", more or less adopting his general as one of his own children.

Prince Almeida was a siege genius. There was not a fortress built by Latin or Muslim technology he could not break with 10 pieces of field artillery and troops to build trenches to undermine walls. His text on proper employment of artillery is still required reading in Portugese military academies.

It was with great disappointment that Prince Almeida would die at the very end of the campaign against Morocco. When a wounded Moroccan stabbed and killed Almeida at the end of his assault in Sahara, King Manuel would put Portugal into mourning. One of Portugal's greatest heros had died in his prime. In gratitude to Almeida's family, he passed to them vast lands in conquered Morocco. In his brave actions on the battlefield, Almeida earned the respect of his men and secured a prosperous future for his family.
 
What!?:eek:

Portugal loses two conquistadors and all it has to show for it is Morocco and a few maps of Africa?!

Take my advice. Forget Europe and concentrate on India. Colonise it and take out any nation that is not allied. For Portugal trade is the key to start with but you can probably afford one colonist a year to get a base in India from which to begin operations against the locals. Once you have them, money will be less of a problem and you can probably make your own way in Europe.

Actually made the same mistake myself with Portugal in going for Morocco. If anything, the thing to do is attack from both sides to take their fortresses and keep the army for yourself.

Hey, long way to go but don't be surprised when the explorers and conquistadors start to dry up ;)
 
Well, Lionheart, Portugal ends up taking a different course in the New World. It is now the mid 1600s in the game, and I have decided to leave the Aztecs and Incas alone (and so has everyone else, because they know I will annex them to keep another European power from getting them). Just a hint for the future, Portugal has left India and the South Pacific for someone else... In the end, my conquistadors and explorers do just fine and I have ended up exploring and claiming all of America, north and south. With all those Tobacco and Sugar planations, I dont really need India.

P.S. Wanna guess how I get North and South America away from Spain, Gorion? There is something magical about a war brewed in Europe and what colonial possessions you get to steal from everyone as a result...
 
Nice

I always wanted to try Portugal, but never came around to it. Looking forward to reading this AAR. If it's half as good as the Kalmar-AAR we're in for a treat :)

Can this one please end on a more positive note though? ;)
 
Ahh, a new AAR by the (Secret) Master! My days at work are saved again!:D
I'm interested to see how Portugal holds its own against Spain. but the Spaniards seem to have gotten off with a bad start, bing the bad guys of Europe, without the army to defend their gains, apparently.
 
Im going to try and end this one on a positive, peacful note... Since I have played far ahead, I can tell you after about a century of very long and bloody wars, Portugal has almost freed herself from the excessive BB incurred from a certain annexation. I think for the last century of the game, I may try and avoid wars completely. Then again, considering how France has been acting, it may be a moot point...
 
The conversion of Muslims by the sword

January, 1507: Missionaries are sent to provinces in North Africa. Manuel hopes to convert the Muslims peacefully, but if they resist, he will not hesitate to convert them by the sword. Meanwhile, the new provinces in North Africa are already yielding new revenue and making Portugal far more wealthy.

In March, missionaries report great success, with Sahara and Toubkal now becoming Catholic. Manuel is most pleased.

In July, Manuel convinces the Palatinate, Lorraine, and Wurtemburg to give Portugal a royal marriage. These countries recognize Portugal's growing power.

In December, France peacefully annexes Brittany into their realm. Manuel sends them his blessings.

January, 1508: Manuel notes that Morocco and Tangiers refuse to convert to Catholicism. His answer is thus, "Since they will not convert peacefully, then they must convert by force. They shall even pay heavy taxes as they do so." He orders tax collectors raised in the provinces even as he orders the Inquisition to begin converting them by force.

In September, shocking news arrives at court. The Ottoman sultan has forced Spain to cede Rome to the Turks! The Pope is no longer held under the thumb of Spain, but is now taken by the Muslims. In response, Manuel demands harsher measures against his Muslim subjects.

In November, Naples throws off their submission to Spain and ceases being their vassal. In response, Manuel offers them a royal marriage, which they accept.

January, 1509: The Muslims still will not convert. Manuel orders the harshest measures possible to be taken against them. "They will convert to the true faith, or they will be sent to Hell!" he was quoted as saying. The good news at court is that Portugal is now the world's largest producer of tobacco. This is earning the merchants a tidy profit.

In March, royal marriages are arranged with Bohemia and Hess.

January, 1510: The Muslims still will not convert, but they refuse to rebel either. Manuel is quite confused by this, even as he orders more torture and burnings. Upgrades continue in North Africa. Traders are being sent to the New World in droves.

Also in January, a royal marriage is arranged with Saxony.

In April, Tangiers rises in revolt. Manuel does not send in the army yet.

Then in May, Morocco rises in revolt. Manuel has his excuse to slaughter Muslim's wholesale, and he sends in the army.

In October, Fez is secured from the Muslims, with heavy slaughter of innocents. King Manuel is rapidly gaining a reputation for ruthlessness.

January, 1511: Revolts continue in Tangiers and Morocco. The army is being used to repress them to lower the population. Trading posts in the New World continue to receive royal financing.

In October, Tangiers falls to Muslim rebels. The army moves in to crush them.

January, 1512: Manuel continues to repress the Muslims in North Africa. Trading posts continue to be set up in the New World.

In February, the clergy begin speaking out against the cruelty of Manuel's purges against the Muslims. He is incensed that they speak out against his conversion of the infidels, but has no choice but to kowtow to them and he begins buying them off.

In July, Tangiers is secured amidst much slaughter.

January, 1513: Repressions against the Muslims continue. Spain has gained a few centers of trade in the Americas. Manuel is worried that they might pass them in the colonization race.

In October, Manuel has reaped the reward of his persecutions. Morocco has converted to Catholicism.

January, 1514: Irony stalks the court at Portugal. Even on the news of the conversion of some of the Muslims, the heresy of Luther begins to spread across Europe. Manuel adopts a similar attitude to Lutheranism as he does to Islam, though none of his people practice the new heresy. Traders pour into the New World.

In July, horrible news reaches the court at Lisbon. The Ottoman sultan has annexed Hungary. Manuel was quoted as saying, "To all those who question my treatment of Muslims in Tangiers, now look upon the face of the infidel. If we do not prevail, they will prevail over us." Reprisals against Muslims continue in North Africa. Eastern Europe can expect to be at war for some time now.

January, 1515: Amid the repressions in North Africa, traders have almost consolidated all explored lands in America. Colonists are now being sent to some places to create colonies just like Spain is doing.

In March, a refinery is opened in Oporto. This did not require royal funds, and Manuel is most pleased.

By June, several nations have declared war on the Ottomans. A large war is breaking out in eastern Europe, just as Manuel predicted.

January, 1516: Rebels are sieging Tangiers. The good news reaching the court at Lisbon is that Table, in south Africa, is now a colony. Manuel pours money into the new colony, wanting it as a base for expansion into Asia.

In July, Manuel renews his alliance with Navarre and England.

In November, France declares war on Spain. Manuel is most pleased.

January, 1517: More colonists are being sent to Table. In addition, explorers are now sailing up and down Africa's coast, discovering new provinces.

Good news comes to the court at Lisbon. Portugal is now the leading producer of ivory. Manuel is incredibly pleased by this developement.

In July, Manuel arranges royal marriages with Portugal's good friends, Navarre and England.

January, 1518: Tangiers has fallen to rebel Muslims. Manuel orders the army in to clear them out. Explorers continue to find more provinces that produce slaves and ivory. Manuel wants to lead the production of slaves so that he has the labor to begin colonizing America.

Meanwhile, Manuel notes that he no longer has a royal marriage to Spain. He considers intervening in their war with France to grab some provinces.

In March, Tangiers is sacked from the rebel Muslims. Also, a royal marriage is given to Scotland.

In September, Lorraine is annexed by force of arms by Austria.

In December, royal marriages are conducted with Portugal's good friends, Pommerania and the Hanseatic League.

January, 1519: Colonists continue to be sent out, as are traders. Spain's war with France continues. Manuel decides that he may intervene in the coming year if the opportunity presents itself.

Also in January, Carlos of Spain is elected Holy Roman Emperor. Manuel swears aloud at the proclamation.

In March, Tangiers converts to Catholicism. Portugal is now united under the one, true faith. Manuel is pleased by this development.

In August, Spain cedes Rousillon to France. Manuel cheers at their defeat, and still considers war.

In September, a royal marriage is conducted with Genoa.

January, 1520: Various upgrades to Portugal's colonial empire continue. Manuel is now caught in a tricky situation. The North African state of Algiers is weak and would be easy to convert to the true faith. On the other hand, Spain is growing weaker by the day. A quick grab of land there would perhaps be more profitable. Manuel decides to wait a year, and try and upgrade his army before making a decision on which way to go.

In March, a royal marriage is conducted with Milan.

By June, Manuel notes that the Canary Islands are undefended. Spain is also taking away trade in the center of trade in Lisbon. Manuel has decided that war with Spain is the answer. By going to war, he already has casus belli, and he can then initiate a trade embargo to get them out of the center of trade. Hopefully, at least the Canary Islands, and perhaps other provinces, can be added to Portugal.

In October, a royal marriage is conducted with Savoy.

January, 1521: Plans for war against Spain are afoot. Manuel orders the creation of more artillery for the army, and also orders his conquistador, Correros, to board ships and to sail for the Canary Islands. In his words to the nobility, "It is time for mighty Spain to feel the wrath of the righteous men of Portugal!" The nobility mostly favor the upcoming war, but a few express concerns with the rising tide of Portestantism whether or not fighting against fellow Catholics is wise.

In march, Manuel receives good news. Spain is at war with the Aztec Empire. This might divert some resources away from her homeland.

By May, the navy is positioned off the coast of the Canary Islands. The army has received its extra cannons. Manuel is ready for his war. On the 8th, he declares war on Spain.
 
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The First Iberian War

The First Iberian War
(May 8th, 1521- July 1st, 1525)

Portugal calls upon her allies, England and Navarre, to fight the hated Spaniards. Spain's allies of Scotland, Austria, Tuscany, and Naples rally to her cause.

In the first move, Correos moves to occupy the Canary Islands, while the army strikes deep into Spain proper. The goal is to sack provinces all the way to Madrid, get their maps, then settle for a peace.

In June, Manuel authorizes a trade embargo against Spain.

By August, Estramadaras has been occupied without a fight, as well as the Canary Islands. Toledo is now under siege by Portugese soldiers.

On October 14th, the Battle of Toledo is fought. Spain defeats the Portugese, and they lift the siege. Manuel is furious with his commanders.

In November, the retreating army lays siege to Valencia. The Spanish do not pursue, and begin to march on Oporto. Meanwhile, Navarre has Aragon under siege.

On December 21st, King Manuel the Crusader/Ruthless has died. His son, Joao III, assumes the throne and the war. His reign has been a success, but has produced a legacy of hate with both Muslims and the Spanish. The bloodbaths in former Morocco will not be equaled for many years.

How to deal with an inheritance of hate?
The reign of King Joao III (December 1st, 1521- June 17th, 1557)

Joao is a wonderful diplomat, just as his ancestors. He proves this by giving royal marriages to Kleeves, Cologne, Brandenburg, Poland-Lithuania, and Moldavia all at the same time.

He also has inherited his father's war. He reassures the nobility saying, "We will prosecute the war against the Spaniards with all of our strength. Let them fear us!"

January, 1522: Joao begins borrowing money from wealthy subjects in the realm. He desperately needs the capital to fight Spain, as Carlos of Spain is throwing everything he has at Portugal, rather than dividing his resources between Portugal and Navarre.

January%201522.jpg


In February, Spain has sacked Oporto.

In Mach, Lisbon is under siege by Spain. Joao recalls Corroes from the Canary Islands, and orders him to cut Spanish supplies in Estramadaras and Murcia.

In April, Valencia falls to the army. The Spanish leave Lisbon intact, returning back into Spain to try and reclaim lost land. Joao orders the army to link up with reinforcements so as to press the advantage.

By May, Murcia has been occupied by Correos. The army sieges Toledo while awaiting reinfocrments. Meanwhile, Navarre has almost breached the defenses in Aragon.

In August, the second Battle of Toledo is fought, resulting in another loss for Portugal. On the upside, Aragon has fallen to Navarre.

By October, a third Battle of Valencia is fought, resulting in a Portugese victory. The province is under siege again. Correos has taken temporary command in the area.

January, 1523: Horrible news comes from the Holy Roman Empire. Wurtemburg has turned Protestant. Even worse, a fourth Battle of Toledo is fought, resulting in a Spanish victory. The siege is lifted once again. Joao pours money into the army, hoping to force them into a good peace before the country falls apart from war.

In February, the Battle of Cartagena is fought, turning the wheel of fortune back in Portugal's favor. Joao is pleased. He orders the army back Toledo.

In July, the wheel turns again, with Portugal losing the Battle of Estramadaras.

By November, Estramadaras is occupied, and Morocco is under siege by Spanish forces in North Africa. Also, Toledo is under siege once again.

January, 1524: The big news on the new year is that Hess has turned Protestant. Also, the war with Spain on the peninsula is thus.

January%201524.jpg


Joao takes another loan from his subjects to help raise more troops for the war. He wants to see Spain brought down, and they are beginning to weaken.

In February, England has had enough of the war, and signs a separate peace with Scotland, ceding the Marches.

In March, yet another battle is fought in Toledo, with Portugal losing again.

In September, Morocco has fallen to Spain.

January, 1525: Good news finally arrives at court. Estramadaras and Murcia have been occupied by the army, and Valencia has fallen to siege. This balances out the loss of Oporto and Morocco to Spain. Even better, Madrid is under siege and may soon fall to the army. Joao orders them to press the war as hard as possible, so victory may be had.

Finally, on July 1st, Madrid falls to the army. Joao enters quick negotiations with Carlos. He demands Estramaduras and the Canary Islands, in exchange for peace. Carlos accepts, but says, "On this day, you, Joao of Portugal, have humbled the Holy Roman Emperor. It will be on your head when the Protestants refuse to tow the political line. May you now know the regret you will feel later for your actions."

The war has been a success, but the victory has been incredibly costly. Because of a severe money shortage, Joao has a high amount of debt to pay off. Plus, some trading posts in the New World were burnt to the ground. On the plus side, Portugal gained Spain's maps, opening up the possibility of colonizing even more lands.
 
Avatar Change

Until this AAR is completed, I will use the avatar of mighty Portugal, just as I used the avatar of the mighty Union of Kalmar for my last one. Dont everyone get confused, its still me, just getting deeper into the frame of reference for Portugal is all.
 
S'nice!

Nice job, Secret Master. So, by the subtle way in which you speak, I take it you soon have no more Spanish troubles? That would be good, as the major colonial powers are always(at least in every game I have ever played) are Spain and Portugal. With one gone, the other has much more land available to them. I wish you luck. And let the Spaniards fall on their sword in shame.
 
A short period of peace

January, 1526: Repairs are commenced from the damage of the war. Trading posts are rebuilt in the New World, and upgrades are begun in the captured provinces.

January, 1527: Several more nations turn Protestant. It seems that while Portugal and Spain were fighting, several princes in Germany saw fit to change their religion. Joao is less concerned, noting that "I do not know which is worse. Protestant heresies or a mighty Spain."

By February, some of the debt incurred in the war is paid off.

January, 1528: More German states choose to join the Lutheran cause. Joao is angry, not because of the heresy, but because it is ruining decades of Portugese diplomacy. All of the new Protestant nations have broken their royal marriages with Portugal. Money is still being channeled in to repaying the debt.

January, 1529: Joao is not the monarch his father was. Poor government policies are hurting Portugal. The crushing debt will soon be erased, however.

In February, the debt is finally paid off. The finances of the country are returning to normal.

January, 1530: Joao notes that Algiers is now being bled dry in a war. He orders the army to North Africa, and he plans to invade and subjugate them. The nobility do not like this plan as much, considering Portugal has no casus belli against Algiers. But Joao dismisses their concerns, and prepares for war.

On April 1st, he issues a declaration of war against Algiers. He refuses to call his allies for help, and thus the North Africa War is begun.