Tides of War - AAR

[King of Men]

Sweden​

1858-61​

The civilising effort in Africa was at last beginning to pay off, as Swaziland was brought under the Swedish crown - or rather, added to the Dukedom of Zululand. However, greater game was afoot in Indo-China. Sweden and Greece had negotiated an agreement with the Netherlands for mutual support : The Greeks and Dutch would share Korea, while Sweden - clearly the senior partner in such an alliance - would gain Siam, Annam and Cambodia. All would support each other with troops and ships, and hold the Great Powers off each other's backs.

Alas, though, it was not to be. The Italians, having assured Europe that Tripoli was their last territorial ambition in Africa, proved true to their word by demanding Korea. The Dutch immediately switched sides, salvaging their projected gains in Korea - if not their honour - by offering to share the peninsula with the Italians. The Greeks, shocked at such perfidy, immediately went back on their own word and attacked Siam as "compensation." Sweden was left without an ally in Indo-China, without two-thirds of her anticipated annexations, and considerably bitter. However, King Oscar's son, Carl XIV-and-IV, had little choice but to acquiesce, for now. The disorders that had shaken Sweden after his father's death, due to the Government's demand for insight into his affair with a commoner (*) had left the army weak and the economy shaky. He consoled himself with plans for the annexation of Annam and Cambodia.

However, great events intervened. America's long-standing rancour over the slavery question had at last broken out into open warfare, and the United States government called on its allies - including Sweden - to aid in crushing the rebellion. In truth, there seemed little Sweden could add to such a mighty conflict, and meanwhile the troops waited, literally off the coast of Annam, for the order to go ashore. But alas, the stubborn and arrogant rebels refused Sweden's offers of an honourable peace. Hence, Annam must perforce wait until the United States could deal with their rebels. In order to hasten that event, Sweden sent models of its new, breech-loading rifles to the Americans, in exchange for drawings of their new machine tools.

This was of great help in the program of industrialisation, which continued apace with the aid of the Italian moneys - although the Italians were not notably swift in their payments. In particular, the great iron mines of Luleå and Falun were linked to ever-better railroads, increasing their output enormously - which was well, for iron was now so scarce that its price had risen to equal that of steel! The literacy drive also continued, although King Oscar did not live to see the day when every Swedish peasant could read of his deeds; on his death, he still mourned for those two percent out in the deep woods that had no letters. But his son swore to complete the great work, and King Oscar could go satisfied to his eternal reward.



(*) This is my way of explaining what the AI did to me, the utter bastard, and at the same time a nod to Blitzkrieg's posts in this thread.

 

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France​

Confusion Reigns

1859 - 1861

Ahh what a bitter harvest our past has sown.

These days, it is hard pressed for the French to find a pleasant conversation with those leaders from other nations, lest they be of our small group of stalwart friends.

Austria's annexation of Japan, and the Italian and Dutch people's annexation of Koera, as well as the Swedish and Greek annexations forced us to place a protective shell around China. Attempting to take their coastal lands in order to modernize and develop them, France ran afoul of a world gone mad with the mythic levels of propoganda against our nation.

So it is that France is forced to gurantee their sovereignity and that of China through the threat of our armies.

China itself was not an open and closed case though. The French armies had met with the stiff resitance of 2 and a half million Chinese soldiers, who strangely were equipped with modern equipment. (We tend to wonder who we owe that development to). Though France carved a large swath in northeastern China, we were forced to sue for an early peace and gained but little. Not even enough to land was gained to fulfill our obligations to allies. So it is that France must refirt and retool, all the while being forced to keep massive manpower in Europe for the inevitable storm we know Prussia is planning to release on us, with their double dealings whispered backroom plots.

Then, even after we had somewhat settled the China affair, war in Mexico drew our attention and our government was forced to mobilize again. For the Mexican government after we supported the wrong party, refused to allow us our needed peace.

So it was that the French government fell into a period of confusion, unable to respond adequately, we let three months slide by with our forces ready to go enforce a white peace with Mexico stuck in a military limbo.

Nothing had been accomplished and our nation is exhausted, not a good state indeed.



(ya, I happened to click where the wrong button suddenly popped up and joined a war I didn't want in the Mexican intervention, we all know it happens, sigh)

 

[Traveler]

Italy​

1859-1861​

New alliances and betrayal will shape our future. Our plans were for peaceful expansion of our infrastructure and the equipping of new armies that would make our nation strong. Unfortunately the fickle nature of other nations would delay these plans and press our newly trained forces into battle.

A Land of Plenty :

Our Foreign Ministry had heard of a far east country, Korea, with large amounts of coal and iron that could be used by our industries to further their development. We sent emissaries to Korea to seek relations with this uncivilized nation in an attempt to determine if we could help modernize them in exchange for some of their resources. The Koreans were extremely suspicious of any foreigners since the Austrians began their campaign to subjugate the Japanese. This paranoia led the heathens fire on our ships, seriously damaging them, mistaking us for Austrians.

The incident forced us to rethink our plans. Due to the heightened state of alarm in Korea it was apparent we would have to take a more proactive stance and bring stability to the backward people. Disarming them for their own safety and installing a more reasonable government would be our only course of action.

Intriguing Development :

Military observers were sent to Japan to watch the Austrians as they fought these new adversaries in order to give us incite on what we might face in Korea. Meanwhile our newest divisions were sent into the Italian Alps to train as we knew the lands there were very mountainous.

Information came to our attention that the Greeks were also planning on acquiring resources in Korea by force. The Greeks have always been considered friends of ours and we have helped them in their effort to bring order to Oman by lending our navy to their effort there. Unfortunately the Greeks were very suspicious of our intentions there and would hear none of our ideas, ending our negotiations abruptly walking away stating Korea was theirs.

Stunned by their bold declaration we soon learned that Netherlands, Greece and Sweden had signed an agreement to support each other in the Far East to gain colonial holdings there. The Dutch learned about our interest in Korea through the Greeks and came to us to talk about this potentially volatile situation. Amazingly the Dutch for whom we held in contempt up till now were very reasonable. We quickly came to an understanding and felt we could work together to bring order to these unfortunate pagans.


New Friends :

Our Generals sat down with the Dutch, as Italian forces began to stage in forward bases established in Amami, to go over battle plans. All relations with Greece were severed as they had revealed themselves as more of an enemy than our perceived impression of the Dutch. Soon our armies were ready to go and on September 29th 1860 we declared war on Korea. Our first landings came in Wonsan moving north, followed by a second landing in Kangnung which moved south. The Dutch landed in Kwangju and proceeded north from there.

The Koreans marshaled huge forces and came at us in waves. Our forces overwhelmed them with superior fire power, cutting them down by the thousands. Even though the Koreans had recently received knowledge of newer military technology their primitive nature just couldn’t master it. Our armies marched relentlessly sweeping all that opposed us from the fields of battle. Two hundred thousand Korean defenders made there last stand in the mountain fortress at Pyongyang where the Dutch and Italian armies met to fight as one.

This finale battle is all but decided. The coming months will tell of whether this adventure with the Dutch will bring riches or regret. Our hope is for a better relations with our new found friends. We would have to reconsider our stance on Sweden as our impressions of the Dutch was wrong, so too could our policy towards Sweden be unsound.



...

 

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France​

Retrenchment​

1861 - 1864​

By May of 1861 the French people were exhausted. Years of war had left a scarred population and very little in the way of economic development. Our technology was well behind the rest of the world, and even our vaunted economy was quickly finding the gap between itself and the world's other great nations dwindling.

French Intervention in Mexico

Yet still the French soldiery had battles to fight. We had found ourselves forced to intervene in Mexico's problems. Though the government of France tried to make peace, the responses coming from Mexico had been of little help. War would be fought; we hoped it would be short and result in little change to the political landscape, but it would have to be fought.

So it was that in late May, more than two months after our levied troops first reported for duty, the French fleet set sail with 70,000 soldiers. It was enough, we were sure, to occupy Ciudad de Mexico and end the war. Our troops landed in Mexico by mid June and subdued the towns and cities in route to the Mexican capitol. Within three months our goals had been met and we set out to await the Mexican peace.

But nothing was sent and our own offers of peace were ignored. So we sent our fleet home to Marseilles to gather an even larger force. Meanwhile the small expeditionary force set about expanding our coastal control and the Italians began landing on the southern-central Pacific coast of Mexico.

We would split our army into 2 forces; one of 50,000 would continue to subdue the coast, and one of 20,000 would prevent partisian attacks. By the time our reinforcements arrived, we had seized everything south of Corpus Cristi, though we had not ventured inland. This new force of 140,000 was split into three armies. One of 50,000 men went north towards Corpus Cristi (while our original army branched inland and northwest), another army of 50,000 men went straight west. The thrid army, of 40,000 men, joined forces with out 20,000 man army and attemped to establish control from Mexico's capitol to their Pacific coast.

Mexican War

As our forces drove forward we attempted to make peace with Mexico, but again and again we were rebuffed. City after city fell to the French and Italian forces, but still the Mexican government showed no signs of caring for its people. By the time a year had past, June 1862, the French government had long stopped caring what happened and just desired peace. Still our armies rolled on and still no peace was proposed or accepted. By September France had changed its stance; Mexico must now pay dearly for the lives of our French boys and for the bread this Mexican War had stolen form them and the French economy.

Finally though, Mexico started to cave. On November 4, 1862, Mexico made peace with Italy, giving Eureka, Monterey, Los Angeles and San Diegoto Italy and Corpus Christi to France. We had hopes of peace yet, and when just a few days later the Mexican government established a white peace with the US, we were sure peace was coming.

On Novermber 17th, the time came, Mexico accepted peace with us and gave France San Juan del Rio, San Fernando, San Bernardino, San Antonio, Roswell, Revilla, Phoenix, Nombre de Dios, Monterrey, Mazatlan, Matamoros, Lubbock, Jose del Parral, Hermosillo, Guaymas, El Paso, El Orite, Durango, Cuitlan to France, Chihuahua, Charcas, Castañuela, Caliente, Buena Vista and Acaponeta. A stunning victory had been won and we gained far more than we ever would have thought possible.

Honoring our agreement with the US, we traded them their claimed lands for a nominal fee and left a 40,000 man calvary garrison in Mexico, while we tried to figure out just what to do with these land we never really wanted.

Aftermath of the Mexican war

Retrenchment in North Africa and the Near East

Long had Egypt been a bone of contention among the nations of the world, who used its name for all manner of atrocities. We would set about ending this ability.

Long had Greece discussed with us the sale of Syria. Finally we, though we knew they would use this as a route to Armenia (which our ally Russia was storngly against them gaining) we agreed as the returns on these unprofitable provinces would be great indeed.

Following the sale of Armenia we made great show of the freeing Egypt, and on Dec 7th, 1851, the Dominion of Egypt was born.

Following this great political coup, we sold the rest of lower Judea to Sweden and then sold the Sudan to the Netherlands.

A Redistributed Egypt

We also sold a vast majoirty of our African claims (as we had fallen greatly behind in the colonial push and could never really claim anything) to Russia and Sweden for advanced technologies.

These sales of land would help to greatly improve the French nation, as the entirety of the mainland French Empire was laid with advanced rail (level 3). Even so, by the end of that, and some factory building in conquered Mexico, we were in debt over 400,000. So we finaly agreed to the sale of southern Belgium to the Netherlands, a sale in which we pocketed close to 200,000 and about 5 new technologies.

By November of 1864, the French economy is drawing more than 1,100 a day and paying under 600 and debt is barely above 200,000.

Still we find it strange that giving up colonies can be more profitable than keeping them; but it is an idea that has merit, for it has again made the future for France bright indeed.

 

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Empire of Russia​

1861 - 1864​

Russia moves in the mid 1860s staggering from the rumblings of the disheartened. The Czar continued his lavish spending of the budget. The many projects that had taken thirty years to date had caused the peoples of Russia no end of hardship. Although the year of 1861 started out well, the map of Europe...Nay Russia herself would change drastically in less than four years. Once mighty Russia would fall.

Late in 1861 unrest enveloped the realm. Large groups of rebels struck in many varying provinces for as many and as diverse reasons. The Czar tried to reason with the peasants, but even when the air had cleared and many peoples lay dead or dying the rebels continued to sprout like weeds.

Armies were declaring themselves at a rate of two or three a day. It soon became apparant that the Czar could not continue to force the majority of his peoples into submission.

The revolts in Russia proper gave impudence to some of the varied ethnic groups that had lived as Russian citizens for many years. The Czar was convinced that maybe it would be best to allow these groups a form of Independence. This might ease the pain of the people, give them hope and heart, and cause them to lay down their arms.....or at the very least lessen the territory that the Russian army had to police.

So it was that Russia anounced unrest in the north and released the Finnish peoples to their own, albet mentored rule. This was followed by the release of the Baltic states and Poland. This was quickly a failed plan for quelling the revolts. ALthough the plan did work as to saving the army less territory to cover, it didn't fix the underlying problem. It made it worse. So taxes were lowered to 75% on the poor and measures were put into action that would help the Czar to realize the solution that would save the honor of Russia.

With in a year those plans came to fruitation. A years too late it would seem. In the middle of the night a score of officers and government ministers awoke the Czar to discuss the continued future of his line. It was apparant to the Czar that he must either declare a Constitutional Monarchy or they would find someone to replace his majesty that would declare it. The Czar ever the practical survivalist signed the document into law less than a hour after it was presented to him.

Freedom was declared and elections launched. It would soon become apparant that many people would not settle for even this limited level of Russian rule. Armenia, Georgia, the Ukaraine, and others would be given sovereignty. The Czar refused to dismantle the Empire any further. The people were not happy. The revolts continued even when taxes were lowered to 20%. Although the debt grows so too will stability.

The Final straw has fallen in the Eastern Med. Greece has demanded yet another concession. Their allies have once again put on their persuasion masks and spat their well learned lines. Russia has had enough. Their was a time when Russia had wanted to break the power the Ottomans had in to smaller states. This would have freed Russian of a strong southern enemy. They have been met with resistence from the glorified CA at every turn. This self same champion of the OE sits back and allows the Greeks to demand more and more of OE lands. Russia has decided that a strong OE is preferable to an unstable, aggressive and strong Greece. As such the Governemnt issued a proclaimation guaranteeing the Independence of the Ottoman Empire. Any further acts of aggression by the Greeks will be met with swift and terrible action from the Russians.

Many believe that Russia is weak because she was concilatory in the past. It is high time to disabuse them of that notion.

Russia eyes the future with uncertainity, but she will face it with honor, hope, and dignity.

 

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Empire of Austria​

1859-1864​

The War in Japan

From the central staging area on the main Island, armies were sent both North and South. Two other forces were dipatched to take the two Southern Islands. The force in Kyushu had a particularly hard time of it, but luckily managed to take the high ground before the enemy could. While some forces were moping up in the North, the army in the Southern part of the main Island was progressing very slowly. It soon stopped, and even had to retreat from Matsue in face of an overwhelming Japanese assault. The campaign turned from a Blitz into a prolonged chess game.

Elsewhere Europe Awakes

The invasion of Japan may have sparked jealousy in the halls of the Great European Nations. France demanded a part of Japan, then decided instead to go for China. This angered Czar Alexander II, whom had long proclaimed Chinese independence. On behalf of his wishes to stop the subjugation of a nation of 300 million people Emperor Franz Joseph threatened war against France if she would not leave China alone. Yet the Russians did not wish their will to be fulfilled so strictly, and would not support the plan. Austria respectfully followed the wishes of the Russians. Meanwhile, the Greeks attacked and annexed Siam, and Italy and the Netherlands began to carve up Korea. It was a time of massive warfare in the East.

Yet Emperor Franz Joseph had said to the Czar that Austria would relinquish Japan if France relinquished Egypt. The Conquest of Siam, China, and Korea upset this possibility and unfortunatley after that the relinquishing Japan alone would not restore the old ballance of power. More on this can be found in diplomatic archieves.

The Final Stroke

The Japanese forces had now grown to well over 500,000 men spread out between Kyushu and the adjacent southern tip of the main island. As stalemate grew on the mains Island, foreign observers of all walks tried to give advice to our armies. Some were urging instant attack, not realising the enemy's strength, while others were urging immidiate peace, not realisng the good strategic posiion that the Austrian Imperial Army occupied. With fresh re-enforcements, Austrian generals managed to surround and fought several smaller Japanese armies on Kyushu. In a desperate campaign, All of Kyushu was finally liberated and probably 15 Japanese divisons were destroyed.

Some Divisions managed to escape in small boats to the Main Island, but the army of the enemy now found itself encircled The last blows were soon delt to the former Empire of Japan. From all sides Austrian forces attacked Matsue and in that battle forced the Japanese army back to it's toe-hold in Hagi. The Battle of Hagi was started by a tired Austrian Vanguard against many times their number. But just like many battles before, the other armies eventually showed up to give Austria a serious advantage. So, it seemed a fiting end that this epic scope of a war which draged on for three years and cost 400,000 pounds, had the most important, largest battle involving perhaps three quarters of a million soldiers on both sides be the very last battle of the war.

The government of Austria never imagined the horrific cost and effort that the war would demand. Once again we underestimated our enemy. About one million Japanese died in fanatical defense of their living God, and perhaps 150,000 sons of the Empire of Austria died to shake them of their backward illusions.

Holy Crusade on the Muslims

Toward the end of the campaign in Japan Austria still did not have the intenational respect which she had hoped for. The assembly voted to launch a serious of invasions in Pakistan and Arabia to liberate the people there, even before the war in Japan was over. Emperor Franz Joseph thus reluctantly ordered the war weary troops in Japan to entirely new lands. The bulk of the army would go after the various tribes of Pakistan and Afghanistan, in a brilliant campain. Meanwhile a smaler force would take out Arabia. Resistance in both expeditions was nothing like Japan, and so Austria only spent time thier to liberate them, provide them with modern tools for a healthy and moral lifestyle, and liberated them as Satelites. Even disolving alliances with those which might ever threaten Russia. Not one pound in tax was collected, nor were the people subjugated. The lines of the maps were redrawn to more accurately reflect ethnic communities in the New Pakistan. They were simply freed, and thank God that at last this provided Austria with a reputaion smilar to the presteige she had prior to the Crimean war.

Back to Europe

During this time Russia was having many difficulties, releasing one nation after annother to assuage the number of rebellions in its troubled lands. It was an act most just and applauded by all of Europe. First the baltic states were released.

Meanwhile the Schleswig-Holstien crises happened and Austrian and Prussian troops fought Denmark in the Pomeranian lands. The war was short but bloody, and a white peace was eventually signed.

Eventually Russia began to surrender even more nations, and so out of a similar nationalistic spirit, Austria gave three provinces to Poland.

It just so happened that Greece foolishly declaired war on the Ottoman Empire during the middle of a peace treaty. England was enraged by this as an affront to the way nations behave, and declaired war on Greece. Many Austrian subjects felt that the English were being overreactive and volunteered to fight in the Greek army. Though they are not officially soldiers of Austria, our people are proud of the volunteer's current titanic struggle with the greatest nation on Earth.

 

[Traveler]

Italy​

1861-1864​

The war in Korea waged on. One last battle would be fought before absolute victory could be had. Pyongyang was the last stand for the Koreans, there they were utterly crushed by the combined might of the Dutch and Italian armies. After the battle Korea, was divided from north to south. The west would be governed by the Dutch and the east by the Italians.

Final Victory in The East :

Our fight in Korea was over but there were more battles to be fought. The United States of America had fallen into a civil war. The southern states had seceded and were fighting for independence. The Mexicans, to the south, saw an opportunity and entered into the fray on the side of the rebels. This was an outrage. We could not stand by and allow our new friends in the west to be harassed in this manner.

We quickly sent our battled hardened forces from Korea to the Northern Pacific Coast of Central America. Well versed in the art of naval landings, our crack troops quickly established a beachhead in Tejupa. Interestingly the French had also been similarly outraged and were making landings on the eastern side of Mexico. The Mexican government had all their forces in the north pressing into the United States, leaving their capitol vulnerable. The French took swift advantage of this blatant oversight. We quickly moved to secure as much territory as possible to force the Mexicans to leave the north.

With all of Mexico under joint control between the French and Italians they offered as much land as they could in order to end the occupation. The war was over for us. The lands we received were quickly turned over to the US, in the hopes it would prevent any further aggression from the Mexicans.

Troubling Times :

Our armies now proven in battle were allowed a well deserved break. Some were stationed in Korea to help govern our interests there as the rest were sent home. We set about improving the lands in Korea and increasing our factories and infrastructure in Italy.

Although all seemed very bright for our people we could not help but grow concerned at the actions of other nations. Our closest friends the Russians began to release many people giving them freedom under new governments. At first we were over joyed at such magnanimity shown by such a great power, but soon grew very concerned as one nation after another were birthed. Russia was reduced to almost half her former size. The bear needed aid and Italy would send all manner of help possible to assist. The Army of Sardinia were quickly loaded aboard ships and would be sent to Russia to quell the rebellions there in hopes of bringing peace to her troubled lands.

Europe Needs to Pay Attention :

All nations seek to better the lives of their citizens and may from time to time engage in colonialism to bring this to pass. I’m sure most would agree that if due cause would present itself that the occupying of another peoples lands could be warranted. But with such endeavors comes the need for reasonable nations to ensure that open and continued belligerence not go unchecked.

Greece once considered an ally had proven themselves to be dubious. Drunk on their own ambition they waged war all over the globe. They grabbed lands wherever they saw prospects of glory and riches. The machinations they wrought would bring hardship and death to many people around the world. Many Great Powers would be woven into a complex web of intrigue. At one moment they were called friends, then soon called enemy as the whims of the Greeks changed. They moved to sway the opinions of other nations to further their lust for more. Constantly espousing their desperate situation and that they should be spared any reproach as they only sought to improve their position.

As of late it appears we are not alone in our contempt for Greek aggression. With mercenary armies the Greeks have conducted several campaigns to systematically subjugate the Ottomans. Before the ink could dry on the latest truce signed with the Ottomans the Greeks once again attacked with their hired armies. The English outraged at this insidious act declared war and moved to put an end to the barbarism of the Greeks.

Something must be done. Greece is not the only offender but at the moment is the most reckless. The nations of Europe must come to an accord and redress these matters.



...

 

[King of Men]

Sweden​

1861-64​

It is good to be loved, but better still is to be needed. At the beginning of the sixties, many nations felt they needed Sweden's support, and were willing to pay for it. First out were the Dutch, who signed over a rich province of their Korean conquest in exchange for passage through Zululand and into the Boer nations. Although the General Staff had toyed with the idea of conquering them, the Dutch, with their bond of blood and language, plainly had the better claim; and besides, those unruly and independent farmers would not take well to being conquered by Arab troops. Let the Dutch bleed for the Transvaal.

The Greeks, having annoyed so many nations, also felt the need of Swedish friendship, and agreed - again - to sign over Siam, in exchange for Swedish troops for their renewed plans of conquest. This was agreed to, with the caveat that the transfer of richest Siamese provinces might wait until the Ottoman wars were ended - a mistake on Sweden's part, as it turned out, although, for a change, this was no fault of the Greeks'. The Swedish army, which had been standing off the coast of Annam, awaiting the order to invade (whether Annam or Siam would be the target had not been quite clear) was returned to Jerusalem, ready for the Greeks' Syrian campaign.

Last, and most tragic, of the friends of Sweden were the Danes. That ancient brother people, often a foe, but always an honourable one, had declined sadly from the days when Christian IV stood against Gustavus Adolphus himself, and kings trembled at the sight of Dannebrog. Now, all unawares, they had stumbled into another dispute with Prussia over the fate of Holstein, and asked for Swedish aid. It seems unlikely that the Danes expected to receive it, for Sweden had been a staunch ally of Prussia since the Crimean War; but a drowning man will grasp at any straw, and to the world's surprise, Sweden responded.

If the truth were told, King Carl XIV-and-IV was not responding purely from the goodness of his heart, although sympathy for a brother people was a powerful motive. Still, great nations are not moved by sympathy, but by the calculation of interest. Swedish aid, indeed, was more visible on the negotiating table than on the battlefield, although the threat of Swedish armies always rumbled in the background - as far as the Danes knew. Thus, when a compromise whereby only half of Holstein was annexed to Prussia, and Denmark's sovereignty and territory remained intact - this despite the fact that their armies had been annihilated and their land occupied - all Denmark was jubilant. King Carl rode in triumph through Copenhagen at the side of the newly-crowned Christian IX, and the cheers of the crowd were as much for their former foe as for their current king.

The war had proved that Denmark could not stand alone in the new world that was emerging. The story is told that when Carl XIV-and-IV proposed a military and economic Union, Christian breathed a sigh of relief. "I knew the Common Constitution would bring us nothing but trouble," he is reported to have said, "but, if Denmark is to be conquered, I prefer Swedish mercy to Prussian blood and iron." By the Treaty of Copenhagen, King Carl became the Crown Prince of Denmark; there was an immediate merger of military, foreign, and economic policies. Denmark, like Norway, was to keep its own Constitution and Parliament; but, with the new Scandinavian Union emerging as a Great Power in its own right, there could be no doubt that the Swedish King called the shots.

Meanwhile, Greece had been conquering their longed-for Armenian provinces and handing over Siamese ones to the Swedish crown; the transfer was nearly complete when disaster struck. A breach of truce, even with the Muslim Turks, was too much for Great Britain to swallow, and she declared war on Greece. The principal effect on Sweden was that the last Siamese provinces, swiftly overrun by Indian troops, could not be handed over. Although not completely broken-hearted to see the Greeks get their comeuppance, Sweden was ill-pleased at the loss of three rich provinces. Still, little could be done about Great Britain except note their actions for future reference.

The future looked bright. To the East, Imperial Russia was in trouble, was indeed disintegrating. Ancient nations, lost to the light of history for centuries, reappeared : Poland, the Ukraine, Lithuania. Even barbarous tribes like Kokand and Khiva were given their sovereignty again by the increasingly desperate Czar. But most significant was the emergence of an independent Grand Duchy of Finland. To be sure, the Grand Duke was a relative of the Czar, and his reign rested on Russian troops - whatever the Finns might think. Nonetheless, in a victorious Baltic war it would be easier to negotiate an annexation with an occupied Finnland, than a transfer of territory with a nation that could draw on Russia's mighty hinterland. The General Staff adjusted their plans accordingly. The Middle East, India, China : Surely one of these would unleash a Great War. When it came, Sweden would be ready.

 

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We will be the most powerful nation in Europe…no wait... The WORLD!!!
1859-1864
(Inside drake’s mansion)
Bussemaker: Sir, I have hand picked two leaders to command the awesome power of the Dutch foreign legion.

Drake: Good… Where are they?

Bussemaker: Just outsides this door… (Claps and two men enter) This is General Van Spilbergen, and this over here is General Dokkum.

Van Spilbergen: Sir! (salutes)

Dokkum: Sir! (nods)

Drake: Ah yes, Dokkum, I remember him… its a good thing he got promoted… Now we have four Generals in the HOLE Dutch army… more then enough for now.

Bussemaker: You mean Bolsward and Van Daalen?

Drake: Ask yourself for a second…. Who else could I mean?

Bussemaker: um… right sir

Drake: Anyway, the time has come... for us to become more powerful then we have ever been before!!!

Bussemaker: You mean more powerful then the swedes?

Drake: PRECISELY!!!

Bussemaker: How are we going to go about this? I mean we have made our army bigger... but europe doesnt seem to care.

Drake: We shall INVADE KOREA!

Bussemaker: pfft! hahahaha hehe haha!

Drake: What! you dont think we could take them?

Bussemaker: hehe haha....... Well sir... our army isn't big enough to take and hold korea, no matter how much we have recently expanded it.

Drake: Darn.... well maybe we could make a deal... some foreign help... yes...

Bussemaker: Who are you going to find that even cares about korea?

Drake: Well lets see... France doesn't care much for that region... Spain is the same... Prussia doesn't want or even need colonies... The swedes... um yeah... The italians... hmmm they are friends with russia... who wants to protect korea... ah ha! the greeks are greedy enough to do it!
(Runs out the door and starts heading to the Greek Embassy)

Bussemaker: Wait sir! bah... he doesnt know who hes dealing with!... oh well, its not worth the run.

(Drake runs to his horse and rides across the street to the greek embassy)
(At the front desk)
Drake: Take me to whoever has power here.

Greek Guard: Why would I let some snob speak to the greek prime minister?

Drake: DO YOU KNOW WHO YOUR TALKING TO?

Guard: No

Drake: I AM DRAKE, THE PRESIDENT OF THE DUTCH EMPIRE!

Guard: So?

Drake: grrr.... you're useless... heres a gold coin... fetch!
(throws it and the guards runs cheerfully off)
Drake: Imbecile...
(Drake walks up the ONE staircase to the head office)
Drake: Who is in charge here?

Diplomat: None of us, we all answer to Elias Damaskinos

Drake: What the hell is Elias Damaskinos

Diplomat: Our Lord, Prime Minister Elias Damaskinos

Drake: Oh, so thats whats the greeks call their leaders... Can you send him a message for me?

Diplomat: No, you can speak with me, he has givin me the power to make offical choices.

Drake: Damn you greeks are confusing, anyway... We would like to know if your country is willing to help us invade korea.

Diplomat: ah yes, korea... we have...plans... involving that country. We will help, but only if we get the northern half.

Drake: Isnt that the usless half? you can have it... deal.
(Drake walks out the door)
Diplomat: hehe... excellent
(Drakes arrives back at his mansion)
Drake: Good... now lets just look at a map of korea... Oh god no... south korea is worthless!

Bussemaker: I was trying to tell you the greeks want what we want earlier...

Drake: The Deal is off! If we can't have the good part of korea... they certainly won't. I'm going to write a letter to those greeks to tell them to stay away from korea!
(takes out a pen and writes a shorts letter)
There...

Drake: We should get russia's permission, it is in their sphere of infulance..

Bussemaker: Good thinking... for once

Drake: SCOTT!

Scott: Yes?

Drake: Go to russia and convince them to either help us take korea, or stay out of it while we go solo.

Scott: Ok, sir.
(Scott leaves)
Drake: I'll just relax until he gets back... (falls asleep)

(IN THE MOTHERLAND)
Scott: oh boy... its cold.... better find the tsar... (sees a man on the street) Sir, can you tell me where the tsar might be at this hour?

Commoner: He would be in his palace, that way... it is the one that looks like it had the whole countrys money poured into it.

Scott: Ok, thanks
(Scott arrives at the front door and the guards lead him to the TSAR)
TSAR: What is a dutchmen doing in my country?

Scott: Our nation wishes to... colonize korea.

TSAR: Korea? if you dare try and steal Italys claim I will crush your country into the ground!

Scott: gulp...Italys? I guess they would be the ones to talk with... bye?

TSAR: Yes, begone... let me return to my lavish lifestyle and vodka!
(A week later at drakes mansion)
Drake: Italy eh? hmmm we should meet with them then.
(Drake goes to the italian embassy, a block away)
Drake: hello Mr. Palmeri, I would like to discuss your nations claim on korea.

Palmeri: Korea... Not you too... the greeks have been demanding all of it from us and threatening us and threatening to supply them with modern guns.... the list goes on.

Drake: We are willing to negotiate fairly, and the greeks also tried to cheat me on korea.

Palmeri: How about you get the East Half and Italy gets the west half, here is a map for your inspection (pulls out a pen) the line would be draw right about here (draws in the line).

Drake: Excellent, and I thought getting a good, fair deal would take all day, I look forward to our invasion of korea.
(As the months go by, it is decided that Van Daalen will lead the invasion and the other 3 generals will follow his orders)
(ONE YEAR LATER)

Drake: the moment of our glorious rise in power is at hand, looking back at the past year... as austria enslaved japan... has proven that they will be no challange to the Dutch Foreign Legion, it is in the hands of Supreme Dutch Commander Van Daalen now...

( IN KOREA )

Van Daalen: Come on troops, we can't fall behide, the Italians have already taken the beach! Press up the mountain lads!

Van Daalen: Look troops, a korean... SHOOT UM!

(and that is what happened to all korean soldiers)
(The next month korea is conquered)
Drake: Yeah! All your korea is belong to us (dances) We are more powerful then ever! With all this money it can only mean one thing.... SPEND!
(Drakes runs two blocks to the french embassy)
Drake: What is for sale?

French Diplomat: well... our economy isnt so good right now... so southern belguim... some of egypt... and a small area in africa.

Drake: I'll take it all for 200k in gold, and some tips on how to run a better economy!

Diplomat: SOLD! To the president in blue.

Drake: yay, i win!, now i must go to the russian embassy!
(At the russian embassy)
Drake:Can I buy your 3 islands in indonesia?

Russian Diplomat : They are worthless, you can have them for... 35k

Drake: Sold! heres your cash!

(A week later)

Drake: Its good to be the king...

Bussemaker: Your a president though...

Drake: The only president there ever will be... muhahah

Scott: Sir, The Russians have broke up into many small pieces and prussia has gone to war with denmark!

Drake: what the.... russia?

Scott: Yes, its terrible

Bolsward: I cant help but notice you mentioned Prussia,my home country, may i take my twenty thousand german troops and help them?

Drake: Sure, help our friends...

Bussemaker: We should liberate the Dutch people in oranje and incorporate them into the Dutch empire.

Drake: Good idea... This is a job for Van Daalen's part of the foreign legion, send them at once... I await news of our victory... This will help us become THE MOST POWERFUL NATION IN EUROPE...no wait... THE WORLD!

 

[Lotus Lo]

Prussia January 3rd, 1859 – November 1st, 1864

Overview

Map

The Railed Road to Economic Recovery

After building a few key factories and staffing them properly, the Great Education Program was put on the backburner because of the strain on the existing infrastructure. This had to be dealt with in order to fully implement the Great Education Program. So rail lines were laid all across the nation and we are now on par with the British (lvl3). However, with in the last year it seems the French have finally started to catch up in that department.

This project however was not with out its costs. It ended up putting Prussia into 200K more debt, bringing the total at one point 600K. This has now been mostly paid off, to the tune of 135K, as the improvements paid for themselves quite rapidly.

In order to finance all this we had to look the other way when it came to corruption and so it was rampant all through out. Now that we have a stable economy the President announced a plan that would wipe out all crime in Prussia over the next 10 years. It will be a long and costly struggle to root out the corruption.

The Prussian Army Develops

In the last five years the world has seen a sharp increase in the attempt at pacifying the lands of abroad. The people hear about these ventures taken by other countries and mostly disregard them as they are more interested in the German people and its welfare and eventual statehood. There is much talk about the need to stand strong and the only way to do that is to unite Germany.

Many young men are eager to join up in the ranks of the Prussian Army. There have been many successful campaigns in recent years and a swelling of German nationalism.

Austria sent requests for military aid in the conquest of Japan. It was agreed that we would send the 1st Army and the means of transportation to help. They arrived to take part in the conquering of the south and destruction of their peasant army. After the Japanese Campaign they headed to South Asia still under the commands of the Austrians.

The 1st Army was called home to deal with the insolate Danes. They landed in Denmark and crushed any resistance. Quickly the country was overrun. Unfortunately this brought us into contention with the Swedes as they had strong ties to Denmark. Fortunately they didn’t even have time to react and a deal was struck with us gaining half of Holstein and all lands back to the Danes, but at a beating. They in turn looked to the Swedes afterward finally submitted, creating the new nation of Scandinavia.

A call for aid to improve the Greek situation in the Middle East was approved. This was supported because a German sits on the thrown and we have no love for the Turks. Talks were held with Russia over the Greek Situation. Now we two had fought a costly war over the Ottoman Empire, and it was a touchy subject. Finally a deal was struck and the 2nd and 3rd Army marched toward the Balkans. When they arrived they were placed under Greek control and Greece declared war on the Ottoman Empire.

Peace was made with only modest gains for the Greek. It seemed they did not create much of a push though Syria, so the 2nd and 3rd Army was shipped to Syria, for the next war. Greece was a little hasty and desperate for iron so war was declared and the peace treaty violated. This time Greece got the iron rich mountains, but it also got a war with Britain.

The Beginning of a New Eastern Europe

Russia seemed on the road to recovery after the Great Crimean War but an invasion into Persia overstretched even the peoples of Russia. Revolts seemed to spread and word of ferocious put downs and harsh treatment seemed only to fuel the fire. Eventually the map of Eastern Europe would change as Finland, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, and the Ukraine were given autonomy. It also seems that the Czar has given up some power and reformed enough to keep the rest of Russia intact.

Deals are being worked out to increase the Pole Position. Already Austria has given some lands to Poland and Prussia will follow suit soon. Prussia in fact welcomes all the new states and hopes they will be a permanent addition.

 

[King of Men]

Sweden​

1864-68​

The beginning of the period saw that great goal, for which generations had struggled, finally reached : Scandinavia became the first nation in the world where everybody could read. King Carl declared a national holiday on the date of his father's death, in memory of the monarch who had done so much to bring the nation to this point. But the joy of accomplishment was brief, for the shadows of war were drifting over Europe.

Austria's annexation of Japan had, according to the Czar, upset the balance of power in the Far East. When Austria, citing France's retention of Chinese territories, refused to grant the Japanese Home Rule, Europe trembled on the brink of war. Nation after nation mobilised; Swedish troops were called from their work of pacifying Denmark, north to the Finnish border. The mood of the telegrams going swiftly back and forth between Vienna, Berlin and Stockholm was confident, even jubilant : At last the Crimean War could be avenged.

Yet as war drew ever closer, awaiting only the final word for the troops now massed on the borders to be unleashed, second thoughts broke out - and not, it seemed, only in the Central Alliance. Already mobilisation was draining treasuries intended for peacedul industrialisation; what might be the result of a long war? An additional consideration for the Central Alliance was what the Dutch would do; an unreliable ally at best, their addition to the French left flank could easily be a disaster. The Greeks, after their losing struggle with Britain - ended with the confiscation of their fledgling colonial empire - were an inconsiderable force; Spain and Great Britain had already declared their neutrality.

Thus, when the Italians - at the last possible moment - put forth a compromise, the Central Alliance was ready to consider it. Austria was to keep her dominion over the northern part of Japan, while granting the Emperor rule over the southern half. Unnerved by the powerful Italian forces concentrating in the Alps, Austria agreed.

This, it turned out, was a mistake. No-one had realised quite how much the Austrian economy and army had come to depend on the hardy Japanese peasants; as confidence in the Austrian stock market plummeted in the wake of the diplomatic concession, the economy took a rapid nose-dive. Meanwhile the army's strength was cut in half as divisions were returned to the Japanese Emperor.

The consensus in Berlin and Stockholm - and, belatedly, in Vienna - was that it would have been better to risk a war, than accept defeat without a clash of arms. "War cannot be avoided, only delayed - to your enemies' great advantage," so Machiavelli tells us, and it seemed once again that the Italian sage was correct. Austria was weakened, France as strong as ever, and what had been accomplished? Nothing, save to drag the gold and black through the mud. The three powers of the Central Alliance resolved, therefore, that there should be no more concessions. If Russia and France once again threatened war, they would get one.

To the death, if necessary.

 

[unmerged(11148)]

Empire of Russia​

1864 - 1868​

After the collapse of peace inside Russia, the revolts sprung forth in the fertile pastures of neglected peasantry. As soon as the army quelled one revolt it was followed by two more. Soldiers were runningall over the Empire in the hopes of perserveing her honor, dignity, and her very borders. The Czar was no longer the absolute rule. The change had come to late though.

The new Russian President vowed that no more lands would be released as it did little to stop the revolts and only hendered the country's economy and logistics. Russia began to crawl inward to stave off the rebellions as best she could. Luckily her loyal allies were willing to help. By 1868 Russia had nearly as many forgeing troops as she did her own army. Even this could not stop the spiraling descend into hell. Russia eventually had no choice but to follow Austria into bankruptcy. Still the rebellions continue.

Europe​

War raised her mishapened head and sniffed the air of Europe. Ripe with the reeking disgust of broken promises and dishonorable intentions. Smacking her lips War prepared to spread herself eagerly across the continent.

Austria's blatant disregard for treaties once again brought tensions to the European theatre. Austria was given the go ahead in her conquest of Japan only after agreeing that she would release her immediately to independence. The Czar and the new President understood that immediate can sometimes take some time. It was not until word reached St. Petersburg that Austria had tied Japanese independence to that of China AND Korea. Russia expected at least some acknowledgement to the treaty that she had entered into with Austria. Any negotiation over the East Asian question would have been welcome. None was forth coming.

Like a pack of thieves the CA sprang into action to acknowledge Austria's rights to demand the independence of Chinese and Korean territories.

Russia tried to approach the problem by calling attention to the existing treaty. Not once did Russia demand that the Japanese be freed with out consideration of the the other East Asian territories. Russia would feel much better if the area was not directly controlled by any European powers. Still the tensions rose as the CA blamed first Russia and then the rest of The Alliance with warmongering.

Russia soon saw that war was almost guaranteed. The President held a meeting of the ministers and asked the situation. He was concerned about the situation as a whole for the country. The president signed the order to mobilize the Russia war engine even in light of the dangers. Russia would not dishonor her agreement with her allies. Even with the consequences that such action was sure to impose on the already unstable interior.

War was averted only by the fast diplomatic genius of the King of Italy. Russia sighed in relieve and turned her attention back into herself. Not daring to take her attention from the rebellions even when mighty Austria fell from glory. Soon Russia would suffer the same economic fate, but Russia would fight all the way down into the pit and even their spit in the eye of the devil with her last breath if needs be.

 

[Lotus Lo]

Prussia November 1st, 1864 – January 28th, 1868

Much news has come in from around the world. Things seemed fine for two years. Negotiations with Russia over a neutral and larger Poland were going well, and not much of anything was coming from the West. Inward development was still the policy, the same since 1854.

Then there came a scare. France had mobilized for war! The French government announced that it was just training exorcises and seemed to last briefly. This however raised some flags among the high ups and a new strategic defense plan for the Rhineland was implemented.

In 1866 a small rift had been exposed between Austria and Prussia over new German nationalism in Prussia. This was quickly repaired, paving the way for a Prussian Germany. There was also a need to work out things quickly, with the French Army doing recent ‘exorcises’ and recent mumblings about the Russian Bear.

All the brouhaha was over Russia claiming that Austrian Japan should be free, with counteroffers by the Austrians that the whole of the Far East, including French China and Dutch/Italian Korea, should be free. This of course as unacceptable to the Russians. The Russians spout out lies of peace. They would risk open war to keep the Chinese and Koreans enslaved, when all the peoples could have freedom on this one deal.

Well this led to a mobilization of the Central Alliance. This led to scrambling diplomats on all parts. After nearly two months of negotiation a deal was finally hammered out that averted war. It took another 2 months for the gradual stepping down of the armed forces before war actually looked averted.

The deal broke Austria. Even with Scandinavian and Prussian support, they backed down and released Japan as a Dominion and kept the northern third. This led to the transfer of all Japanese troops and two thirds of the economic potential. Little clue did we have that the Austrian economy was completely propped up by the islands of Japan. It ended in an Austrian Bankruptcy. This has led to a growing support for the French to get out of China.

Luckily the Russians too were tipped over financially and they too went Bankrupt. This still leaves us in a precarious situation. There still seems to be activity among the French. They are ruled by a nephew of Napoleon and so can not be trusted. The French, with their never full acknowledgement of Prussia, will never support a united Germany.

With the recent aggressive arm-twisting of the Franco-Russo-Italian Alliance, war still seems a constant threat. Many a young men are being put into uniform and new upgraded railway system (lvl4) was installed that stretched from the Rhineland to East Prussia. The people want a Germany. It seems that we are prepared to fight for one.

 

[Traveler]

Italy​

1864-1868​

Tension grew as our requests for reproach concerning the colonialism of European nations abroad fell on deaf ears. We found ourselves in a situation where we felt action was our only choice. Although our country was far from where it should be with regard to our goal for the economy, we had to think of our military now.

Strength In Numbers :

The creation of an all Korean army was overseen by the Army of Sardinia which was stationed in our Far East colonies. Once trained and equipped this new force was brought to Italy. Our existing armies were increased and new headquarter units added. Defensive positions were established along the Alps bordering the Austrians.

Tides of War :

It wasn’t long before tension over the situation in Japan began to boil over. Russia and France had debated long enough. An ultimatum was issued to Austria, release the Japanese people from occupation or risk war with the allies. Austria did not waiver and balked at the demands. The alliance mobilized. Italy began to call up hundreds of thousands of it’s citizens from our fields and factories. Our armies were quickly moved to the Alps and stationed in forward fortifications established there. Russia and France also prepared for the coming conflict. The Central Alliance quickly marshaled their armies and mobilize as well.

Diplomats from all concerned nations tried desperately to avoid the strong current that was dragging us all to the point of no return. The coming conflagration would wreak havoc across the continent of Europe and surely around the globe. Economies and citizenry would be crushed by the thrashing of these powerful nations as we fought to subdue each other. A moment of Devine intervention sparked hopeful new negotiations. We offered to the nations of Europe that if Austria would merely release some of Japan, war could be avoided. The allies enthusiastically backed the proposal and soon the Central Alliance saw merit in it as well.


The Price of Peace :

The Austrians would have the final say of course and soon agreed that this proposal was indeed acceptable. The details of the new compromise were hammered out by the two alliances and soon all sides were de-mobilizing and moving their respective armies from each others borders. Italy was very proud of our ability to show strength with our military and acumen with our diplomacy.

Sadly though, soon after the release of the southern part of Japan, Austria plunged into an economic depression. Her markets crashed and soon the nation went into Bankruptcy. Although Austria was an adversary, we had never looked upon her as an enemy.

Russia also seemed to suffer. Russia’s economy was spiraling out of control and the people began to revolt across her lands. We sent ninety thousand troops to aid our closest friends in their hour of need. Alas, things appeared to be far beyond any hope for returning order to this very troubled land.






...

 

[unmerged(1633)]

France​

Whispers of War​

1864 - 1868​

These years, where war was close enough to touch, were actually times of peace and relative prosperity for the nation of France.

Following the unsuccesful negotiations with Austria, for the release of the Japanese people, our nation was determined to repair the balance of power one way or another. But when we mobilized forces for a 1 million man invasion of China, the unease that our action spread through the world made us more than a little uneasy. Along with the fact that these armies were costing us nearly 1,000 a day, we decided that this would not be the way and that China was all but closed to us. So demobilizing our armies we focused on development of France instead.

When Italy and Russia contacted us about the oppurtunity to make a preimptive strike against the rogue nation Austria we readily agreed. Mobilizing our troops we readied for the conflict to come. And though Prussia, Sweden and Austria somehow missed France's mobilization, they did not miss that of Russia and Italy and they themselves would the mobilize. What would follow can be called the greatest victory of diplomacy since that of Pope Leo.

Italy sprang into action, their diplomats laying down a plan to remove the splinter from Europe's mouth, that is Japan. And though Austria was very reluctant to agree, agree they would. War was averted and Europe remained free from death and blood.

We truth be told were happy at the outcome, again we could not afford the cost of this war. And so we dismantled our reserves and set about improving the economy. But things had changed. It was clear that our main opponent was now Prussia and that in any future war they would be the gates to victory. It was also massively clear that their armies dwarfed us greatly. And so were forced to begin to develop true standing armies. All in all we drafted over 150,000 regular troops and created two divisions, which was but a start, but would definately go a long way towards closing the gap.

As this era drew to a close we found Russia still in a state of tormoil. Sending 50,000 troops to eastern Siberia we offered help in putting down the rebellions and began the assembly of 50,000 more calvary in order to more quickly respond in that undeveloped land.

 

[Lotus Lo]

Prussia - The Wars of Unification


This was to be the defining point of our history. Tensions were high in Europe. To the east, the Russians were dealing with a rebellious population and a recent bankruptcy. To the south, the Austrians had implied that they wanted to expand south. We were led to believe that it was to be the Italians who would give up this territory. We were wrong. It was the Balkans that the Austrians were after.

This brought us into a war that we did not want. Worse still, it brought us into war against the British. Luckily they never managed more than temporary foothold. This did however deter troops from the Rhineland build up, occupying 100K infantry. Meanwhile the Austrians and Scandinavians were making headway in the Mid East.

Then the day came, the day that France could no longer accept a growing power in Germany. War was upon us in the summer of 1870. There was a war plan already made, for sooner or later war with France was to happen. France doesn’t even recognize Prussia, let alone allowing a united Germany.

Eager to avenge the Greater Crimean War, the Central Alliance backed us in our bid. This brought in Italy as well. All nations mobilized.

The invasion of France went well. There were some 500K troops for the initial pour in. Later to be followed by 1,000K reserves, and 100K from the North, after dealing with the UK landings. There was no initial resistance, so the first few provinces were captured with ease. There was an estimated force of 250K-500K just ahead of our troops, retreating back to Paris with out a fight!

Once at Paris we found a heavily guarded city, so a siege was to begin. As we encircled the city completely, an attack from all sides came upon Paris. A daring push of French forces numbering around 500K came from the south and broke the line, so we had to pull back. However, we were able to trap this new group in Paris.

After six months we waited to make our move. In the early spring French troops were seen making a dash for the sea. We had left an area undefended in hopes of cutting of a limb. Some 120K left Paris. Immediately 400K troops were sent in to push them back, and get ready for the counterstrike. Once those French were retreating a 2nd all out attack on Paris began in the end of March, 1871.

The 2nd attack attack of Paris was a success! After a month of fighting, in which 800K Germans and 800K French had died, the battle came to an end with a French surrender. We wanted to show that we were better than the French, allowing mercy. So 200K French men who were set for the slaughter, completely surrounded, were allowed to escape as the attack was called off.

This allowed us to then enter Paris a 3rd time, this time with out a fight. We then declared Germany on May 17th, 1871, the War of German Unification was ended, and we must now develop the new lands, and prepare for a menacing growl from the eastern bear.

 

[King of Men]

Scandinavia​

1868-71 : Victory and Glory!​

With Russia's internal troubles, and Great Britain's punishment of Greece, the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire had slowed. But Austria, smarting from its recent diplomatic defeat, and still possessed of a mighty army, saw an opportunity for vengeance and territorial aggrandisement in the weakness of its southern neighbour; orders were swiftly given to march south. Willy-nilly, the Scandinavian Union was drawn along; in truth, neither King nor General Staff were entirely displeased at the thought of acquiring the rich provinces of Mesopotamia.

That turned out to be easier said than done, though, for Great Britain stood by her client state. The Navy, with its poorly-maintained ships dating to the Napoleonic Wars, could do nothing - not even close the Sound; thus it fell to the army to defend Stockholm itself, in addition to conquering Mesopotamia and fending off British attacks in the Far East. It was a tall order, and one that was to prove beyond the strength of Sweden.

In the first task, fortunately, 2. Korps Norge (General Stang) and 3.Korps Danmark (General Rittmester) were given powerful aid from Prussia. Although the British managed a brief occupation of Stockholm, their casualties in the evacuation were such that the Baltic was left alone for the rest of the war, except for some brief raids on the Danish coasts - readily repulsed with Dutch aid.

4. Korps Fjerne Østen (General Støre) - a grandiose name for what amounted to a single overstrength division - was less lucky. British columns marched north from Singapore, south from Vietnam, and east from Burma; although the Far East forces had the advantage of interior lines, and the British attackers were hampered by the poor roads, there could in the long run be but one outcome. Nonetheless, General Støre fought a brilliant campaign of sudden assault, swift retreat, and delay, and managed to keep the enemy advance to the outskirts of Thailand for the months the war lasted.

For the decisive theaters were, of course, the Middle East and the Balkans, where the powerful Austrian armies had swept to the borders of Greece, annexing Serbia and Wallachia almost as afterthoughts - and halted, stymied by the border of a neutral country, and unable to use a British-dominated Mediterranean to bypass the Greeks. Meanwhile, a promising offensive by the Jerusalem-based 1. Korps Sverige (General Bjørnstjerne) had guttered to a halt, not from Turkish opposition, which was negligible, but from British counterattacks on the line of supply. Although these light attacks by a few divisions were soon halted by Bjørnstjerne's crack corps, the problem remained : The Ottomans were refusing to surrender, and the British were by no means fully committed to the war. And, as though that were not sufficient, rumblings of war were being heard in the North. The Central Alliance had long planned revanche against France; but to win such a war while still embroiled with Great Britain looked impossible.

The solution was obvious : Scandinavia must declare victory, and withdraw. But how to exit the war with honour intact? General Bjørnstjerne believed he had the answer. From his victory at Beirut, he marched northwards, pursuing the beaten British detachments into Syria, then - after some brisk skirmishing - across the border to Turkey proper. Anatolia proper, which had not seen Nordic warriors since the days of the Varangian Guard, now trembled to the sound of Bofors cannon. Although the march was arduous, light Turkish and British resistance was easily brushed aside, and by May, Swedish troops were laying siege to the Sublime Porte itself.

The Sack of Constantinople effectively ended the Balkan War in a Central Alliance victory; although Scandinavian gains were modest, the alliance with Austria had been upheld, enormous swathes of the Balkans had passed from neutral into friendly hands, and the honour of the Habsburg monarchy had been restored.

This was well, for France, meanwhile, had been preparing for war. Although surprised by the sudden cessation of the Balkan War, they nevertheless attacked Prussia in early June, with the declared intention of upholding the sovereignty of the remaining German nations. As both sides mobilised their full strength and called upon their allies, the world looked on in awe : Not even the Great Crimean War had seen such a mustering of strength. A million men on each side marched and countermarched, fought and bled; the irresistible push of the Prussian Army halted outside Paris, where three hundred thousand Frenchmen stood their ground and cried "Ils ne passeront pas!" while a relieving French army fought its way northward.

What could Scandinavia add to this battle? Of what account was its army of ten divisions in this maelstrom of Corps, Armies, and daily casualty lists longer than its entire enrolled strength? The confident manifestos of Prussia left King Carl reluctant to mobilise unnecessarily; at the same time, he did not wish to leave his ally in the lurch, even if the aid was only symbolic.

The solution presented itself swiftly : Egypt, suicidally loyal to its patron, declared war on the Central Alliance. General Bjørnstjerne, fresh from his victories in Anatolia, was ordered south - the Mediterranean being now clear of enemy warships. In two weeks Egypt was forced to submit, and the title "Ruler of the Lower Nile" added to the growing collection of the house of Bernadotte.

Having brought about the humiliation of Egypt, General Bjørnstjerne looked about for further targets. The African colonies of Italy were an easy march away; but there was no glory to be won in those barren desert lands, and nothing of value to force an enemy to the peace table. Instead, inspired by Austrian reports of enormous Italian offensives on their Alpine front, and believing that the Swedish Navy dominated the Mediterranean, he looked north. After all, he had already burned one ancient Roman capital...

The Sack of Rome, in addition to cementing General Bjørnstjerne's reputation with the Swedish population and winning him the title Saviour of the Nation, gave notice to the world that a new Great Power had been born. Sweden had at last recovered from the Great Nordic War, and was again a power in the land. To the north, the war was being ended with the near-simultaneous march of Prussian troops into France. Two rising stars, yoked together, now dominated the diplomacy of Europe, the humiliation of the Crimean War avenged.

And to the east, a wounded bear growled fiercely.

 

[unmerged(21796)]

The Netherlands
1864-1871
South African Liberation, Vacations, Deaths, and Wads of $$$

Van Daalen: Soldier, I’m not Gonna lie to you, this will probably be the easiest war you'll ever fight, hell screw that, you wont even fight it. They have no soldiers and their government was just taken over by a pro-Dutch party, so just go through the motions and you'll all get home alive

Dutch Foreign Legion: Harrah! Harrah! HARRAH!

[After the occupation of the country, Drake was sent a letter confirming the annexation of Oranje]

(In Korea)

"Crazy" Korean: This man has plagued our lands to long, and now, I shall plague his head, with lead. (He Loads his rifle) and with this shot, I shall end him.

BANG!

(Back in Amsterdam)

Drake: ahh, excellent, now that they are under own rule we have even more Dutch citizens under our control.

Scott: Um, Sir I think you should read this

(Scott hands drake a newspaper)

Drake: Oh god no, who was it?

Scott: It was Van Spirbergan

Drake: Damn he was a good, talented leader... and our only one in Korea... He shall have a state funeral, down the grand streets of Amsterdam.

Scott: Yes, ill get it ready for Next month, when his body shall arrive from Korea, to be borne away into the sacred lands of Holland.

Drake: Um yeah, something like that

(Next Month)

Drake: He shall be remembered, and hopefully his replacement can avoid a similar fate.

Scott: Hopefully

Drake: Well, I'm gonna get some rest, contact me if anything happens

Scott: Yes sir
(Back at the presidential mansion)

Drake: Time to take a nice, long nap...

Scott: Sir Sir wake up, the French are pushing the Japan matter and it may lead to war!

Drake: argh, I’m not even asleep yet.... argh... anyway... whats the current status?

Scott: The Austrians are refusing to comply and the Russians, French and Italians have mobilized, and the Central alliance is starting to mobilizing in response.

Drake: Damn, sounds like this matters gonna lit the power keg... and we just signed an alliance with Prussia last week!!! well... nothings probably gonna happen today, so can you leave so I can get back to sleep?

Scott: Ok, fine sir

Drake: Finely, I can take a nice long nap.....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

( Five People run into the room)

Prussian Diplomat: Sir, We request you honor our alliance! We are at war with France Russia and Italy.

Swedish Diplomat: Sir, We request you honor our alliance! We are at war with France Russia and Italy

Austrian Diplomat: Would you like a military alliance? But it doesn't count versus the United Kingdom! We are at war with France Russia and Italy!

French Diplomat: Would you like a military alliance? We are at war with Prussia Austria and Sweden!

Scott: Sir! The wars broken out!

Drake: What the hell? Why are you all in my room? Who are you? One at a time! I can’t understand any of you! Hey you German looking person, you speak first!

Prussian Diplomat: Sir, We request you honor our alliance! We are at war with France Russia and Italy.

Drake: Well...... Prussians have been our friends for a long time....... ok sure, you two next.

Swedish Diplomat: Sir, We request you honor our alliance! We are at war with France Russia and Italy

Austrian Diplomat: Would you like a military alliance? But it doesn't count versus the United Kingdom! We are at war with France Russia and Italy!

Drake: Well, it is an alliance, we can’t shame ourselves by dishonoring it, ok then to you, the Swedish guy, and no, no new alliances you other guy.

French Diplomat: Would you like a military alliance? We are at war with Prussia Austria and Sweden!

Drake: Did I say you could speak?

French Diplomat: Would you like a military alliance? We are at war with Prussia Austria and Sweden!

Drake: Is there something wrong with you?

French Diplomat: Would you like a military alliance? We are at war with Prussia Austria and Sweden!

Drake: No! Go away!

French Diplomat: Would you like a military alliance? We are at war with Prussia Austria and Sweden!

Drake: ahh! That’s it, Scott, tell that new general, Hebenal, to lead an army to Paris and request that they kill this man.

Scott: Right away sir

(One Month later in Paris, Louis Napoleon Looks out his window)

Louis Napoleon: Ahh yes, good the Royal Guarde Has arrived,

French General: Um sir, their not schedule to arrive for a week.

Louis: But who else could that be? Even look at their flag... what the...

French General: How could they get past ours lines? This is crazy!
(A Single Dutch Officer walks up to the window)

Hebenal: We are the Royal Army of the Netherlands, we request that you either kill your man at the French Embassy, or prepare for war!

Louis: Fine, will send a man for his head; now get out of my sight!

Louis: Drake, sir get up, news from the embassy!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Drake: what the...

Scott: Sir, wake up, Austria gave up Japan, and war was averted!

Drake: what the hell? It was all a dream?

Scott: What was?

Drake: Never mind....
(Another man walks in)

Bussemaker: Sir, there are reports that there’s a Dutch man living in Haiti.

Drake: What! Crazy! we must go down their and liberate him from them.

Bussemaker: Let’s see what that new general can do.

Drake: Alright, let’s send Hebenal and sixty thousand Dutch marines to bring him into the Dutch empire!

Bussemaker: Right away.
(A month later, in Santo Domingo, a province of the Haitian republic)

Hebenal: This is crazy, I never expected some small island to field hundred thousand troops... The troops have dug in so much that attacking is crazy... is this some new kind of warfare?

Messanger: Drake wants you to install that that one dutch man as president of haiti, new reports say he is the leader of a pro-Dutch party running for power.

Hebenal: That should be acceptable to them, as we own half their country already...

(Back in Amsterdam)

Scott: Sir, the dutch man has been installed as "President" of haiti.

Drake: Good, thats another part of the world that has imbraced Dutch influnce... and about oranje, it has come to my attienion that half their country isn't dutch, so grant that half self rule, under Dutch supervision of course.

Scott: Yes Sir

(After The Liberation of The Non-dutch nation of oranje, the next year was quiet, intill....)

Drake: I've been president to long, i need a break, maybe a nice long vacation is called for... yes... I deserve it... but who to leave in charge..... Bussemaker!

Bussemaker: Yes?

Drake: You are to rule in my stead well im gone on Vacation in Prussia.

Bussemaker: The Empire will be in good hands sir.

(8 months later)

(Drake Walks down the street to his estate to see military parades and lots of new activity by the docks)

(At Drakes Presidental Estate)
Drake: Hmm, I like what you've done, according to these reports... we are making twice as much money, and can afford new reforms for the workers, more money into fighting crime, a higher defence budget... and you commisioned 20 new ships! how did you do all of this?

Bussemaker: Well, our research teams made some real breakthroughs and... I noticed that our people were barly taxed.... so I adjusted some things with the budget and the taxes and thats how.

Drake: Hmm... well I like it, good work, your getting a raise.

Bussemaker: I already gave myself one sir, so just keep it at the good work.

Drake: hmmm... fine

Scott: Sir, New devolpment from sweden, the british took stockholm! And now their running around the swedish countryside

Drake: The British? thats crazy, to show our support send general's hadenal and van daalen and hundred and fourty thousand soldiers to repel the british, never liked those brits anyway.... they helped that flemish rebelion...

Scott: Right away sir.

(The Dutch armys cut through the british armies like a hot knife through butter in the Liberation of Stockholm and the Battle of Ribe, even though the swedish government doesnt give them any credit)

(Three Months later)

Scott: Sir, the french declared war on prussia!

Drake: Why???

Scott: Because the Spainish invited some Prussian Prince to become King of Spain.

Drake: Well thats just crazy, send the Prussians some korean "volunteers" and........ hundred and fourty thousand gold pieces to help them finace the war, oh, and send them some dutch military advisors, I want to learn of any new methods of fighting.

Scott: I'll get to it right away.

(Two Months later)

Scott: Sir, The Swedish took rome! and the prussians took paris and declared them selves Germany!

Drake: Well, I Bet this war cost everyone alot of money, money that we have... lots of.... and with this money, we will become....

THE GREATEST EMPIRE EVER!

 

[Traveler]

Italy​

1868-1871​

Our forces in Russia worked tirelessly to crush the many rebellions across their land. The leader of this once mighty empire went in seclusion in some far off remote place. We found it very difficult to work with the few Russian commanders left without leadership, as they appeared to have no cohesive strategy to combat the now civil war scale uprising. Our forces were ordered to a port in Azov where they would be loaded aboard ships and withdrawn.

An Honorable Agreement :

Tension once again began to rise among the nations of Europe as Prussia began to speak of a unified Germanic people under one flag. We understood their desire and have always found the Prussians to be an honorable nation. We may have been on different sides of issues but our forces have never met on the field of battle. Prussia sent an emissary to us and asked what our position was on the matter. We simply stated that we would stand with our allies but not move against the Prussians unless they brought their allies into the fray. This seemed to sit well with the Prussian ruler as well as the other nations concerning this matter.

German Unification :

Hostilities broke out between France and Prussia sooner than we expected and Prussia called upon their allies to help. This was quite shocking as it went against what had been agreed to. Prussian emissaries quickly went about ensuring all nations that this was not meant to involve them in the conflict but was just a reaction to the sudden outbreak of war. We were satisfied with this explanation but now found ourselves facing the unsavory hordes of the Austrians who were chewing up most of the once mighty Ottoman Empire.

Paris Lost :

Our plan was to occupy the Austrian forces in the Alps with two goals in mind. First to keep them from moving any military into the Prussian and French conflict. Secondly to pull them out of the Ottoman Empire in hopes the OE might regain some land. The first goal was met with great success as our combined naval and land forces occupied all of the Austrians as planned. The second however we were unable to judge as we had no credible intelligence as to whether the OE were gaining any ground.

Our French brothers were overwhelmed, much to our dismay. The Prussians fought valiantly and left no doubt in any ones mind that they truly wanted to be united. The main French army was fortified inside their capitol. They were soon cut off from any chance of relief and surrounded by huge Prussian armies. The end came as the Prussian field commander understanding that the French army had no chance and the coming battle would result in a death toll the likes of which had not been recorded in history. The Prussians offered the French garrisoned in the capitol to lay down their arms and leave the city. The French complied and the Prussians took Paris.

The Loss of Honor :

We were saddened by the defeat, but encouraged that this costly war would soon be over. Unfortunately the loathsome Scandinavians seeing an opportunity to sting us, landed forces in our unprotected capitol. This completely caught us off guard as our Roman army was in the Alps as reserves, in the event the Austrians overwhelmed us there. We had understood that although both sides had called allies no actual fighting would take place between them so long as the main parties, Prussia and France, contained the fighting between them. Alas, the Scandinavians either did not understand this or simply didn’t care. In any event our field commander miscalculated and left our capitol vulnerable. Our nation payed the price in prestige and the commander paid with his life.



...

 

[King of Men]

Sweden​

1871-78 : The Spoils of War​

To the historian's eye, little of interest occurred in this period. Scandinavia fought no wars, signed no treaties, and built no armies. Yet to the people of the Union, it was the best of times, an era of prosperity and peace. The long-delayed industrial expansion, hampered by years of necessary military spending, finally got under way. New factories were built; old ones expanded; railroads sprang up everywhere. The sons of farmers found work in factories; the sons of workers dreamed of becoming clerks; the sons of clerks became rich. Science and the arts flourished : Sweden led the world in the new school of Realist thought.

Yet for all the newfound wealth, there were those who grumbled. The reverse side of the shining medal of literacy was Marxism and other revolutionary doctrines, promising a paradise on Earth. Mere improvement was not good enough; an immediate utopia was what these radicals demanded.

Even among the moderates, there were those who felt that the laws of the land were in need of reform. Why should only the landed vote, when every child could read? And though King Carl could not give in to the demands of the revolutionaries, indeed was forced on several occasions to call in the army, he was prepared to listen to the pleas of reasonable men. He abolished restrictions on the press, and gave the Riksdag, Storting, and Folkting the right to organise in whatever parties they liked. He also created a national health system, building hospitals in every city; and promised further reforms.

Yet, while men of good faith agreed that the King was doing his best for the people, the radicals continued to grumble. Something was rotten in the states of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. King Carl needed to put it right before his kingdoms exploded beneath him - not from the righteous anger caused by genuine tyranny, but from the mean-spirited whining of the envious, whose lives were better by far than those of their grandfathers, yet could not live in peace while anyone was wealthier than they. And to the East, a great Bear watched, and rumbled, and stirred the pot.