Age of Steam and Steel: Gameplay Thread

[NyIndy]

The Treaty of Boston (1835),
A Treaty between the New England Confederation and the Kingdom of Quebec,

1.) The signatories hereby recognize the historical links between both nations, dating back to their close relationship in their respective struggles for independence. They also recognize the mutual benefits to be found in a close relationship. Therefore, both signatories hereby commit to the following:

2.) A close economic relationship, in which both signatories commit to lower current tariffs by 50%, and to consider each other as a “Most Favoured Nation” in terms of trade.

3.) A defensive military alliance, committing each signatory to intervene in case of a war of aggression initiated by another party.

4.) The recognition of their present borders and areas of influence and/or interest.

x Louis-Henry, King of Quebec

John Qunicy Adams, Chairman of New England

[NyIndy]

Confederation of New England:

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

-Chairman John Quincy Adams, the Confederation of New England is still a young nation. It has not even been a half century since brave men, of which your late father was one, stood up against British tyranny and declared independence with the aid of Quebec. The politics of New England was initially dominated by your northern neighbor, but in the last decade or so true independence has emerged. With that independence has come freedom of action and diplomacy, but also concern over the safety of your nation. It is clear that some sort of foreign ally will be necessary, however unpopular a prospect that is with your proud fellow citizens. Some believe that you ought to reaffirm your ties with Quebec, seeing Britain as too much of a threat. These people would have you seek to liberate your former brethren that still sit under the British yoke. Others would have you change course and seek friendship with Britain against Quebec. Of course, there is also the possibility of finding a distant benefactor to ward off potential threats, such as France, Scandinavia, or far-off Brazil. How will New England face the world?

New England shall continue her beneficial relationship with Quebec, while also trying to remain friendly with foreign powers such as Scandinavia, France, and Brazil.

-New England is young, and domestic politics is still yet to calcify into any secure order. Many in your cabinet argue that the Articles of Union signed during the Second French and Indian War, which bound Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont together were too weak, leaving too much power in the hands of local assemblies and towns. They would have you call a constitutional convention and remake the government in a more sensible fashion. The opposition counters and threatens protest and revolt if their liberty is challenged. Will you organize a constitutional convention? It is clear your party would have the votes to do so should you desire…

Chairman Adams will call a constitutional convention in Boston which will seek to strike a balance between strengthening the government and ensuring all New Englander's liberty remains protected. Chairman Adams shall tour his country, making speeches in support of the convention to assuage the fears of New Englanders that the Government is not trying the replicate the tyranny seen under the British, rather ensure that it will be in a position to ensure prosperity for their nation, and to defend it should the British come knocking again.

-As in Quebec, high rates of immigration from the Old World is leading to some tensions between the established population and newcomers. Unlike Quebec, most of the immigrants to New England come from Scotland or Ireland. Some see the resources of the Confederation as strained, trying to integrate too many newcomers too fast. It’s true that property prices have gone up and local cities have exploded in size, the new dwellings constructed being less than acceptable. Still, with the first factories opening in Boston, others believe that immigration will fuel the future of the region. What will your policy be on immigration?

Chairman Adams has been very impressed with the abilities of the Factories springing up across New England, not only in giving employment to New Englanders in search of work and a decent wage but also as an opportunity to turn New England into an economic power capable of punching well beyond their weight. As such, understanding immigrants will be vital in assisting in this industrial growth, Chairman Adams is encouraging immigration to the Confederation. In addition, Adams will work with legislators to ensure all New Englanders won't have to fear when it comes to finding adequate housing by subsidizing building programs across the nation. Adams will make speeches welcoming immigrants from across Europe, pointing out that New Englanders are united by their belief in liberty rather than a country or region of origin.