Gilded Ambitions: Concert of Europe Part V (Gameplay Thread)

[Lumine]

Québecois Propaganda

Among other pieces of propaganda amidst the war, the National Anthem will be heavily promoted all across the nation, and will be played on various sports, cultural and institutional events.

Le Chant des Québecois - National Anthem (OTL Chant des Girondins)

By the voice of the thunderous canon,
Québec calls her children to arms,
“Let's go”, says the soldier, to the battle!
Our sacred nation calls.

To die for the Fatherland,
To die for the Fatherland,
It is the most beautiful, the most desirable fate,
It is the most beautiful, the most desirable fate.

Citizens, let us march into battle,
A free continent calls for us all,
We fight for honour and glory,
And in the end, victory will be ours!

To die for the Fatherland,
To die for the Fatherland,
It is the most beautiful, the most desirable fate,
It is the most beautiful, the most desirable fate.

Brothers, for this most holy cause,
If we are martyred on the field of battle,
We will not utter a single complaint,
For the Empire will bless our names.

To die for the Fatherland,
To die for the Fatherland,
It is the most beautiful, the most desirable fate,
It is the most beautiful, the most desirable fate.

[Lumine]

Empire of Québec

Proclamations and Statements from Her Imperial Majesty

ON THE ISSUE OF FEMALE SUFFRAGE

Her Imperial Majesty has been heartened and encouraged by recent decisions by our North American neighbours in Mexico and New England to embrace the cause of female suffrage, a major step towards equality in a world striving to maintain the path of progress.

During this second Sacred Union, the women of Québec – mothers, sisters, daughters – have all shared in their own way in the sacrifices to ensure victory, and they too deserve to win the peace when it arrives.

It is also Her Imperial Majesty’s belief and her hope that the arrival of female rule to the Empire over the past eight years, as well as the successful leadership shown by female leaders such as the late Scandinavian Queen-Empress, and our respected and current opponent Queen Mary of Britain, showcases the immense waste of talent associated with the lack of female participation in democratic rule.

Although Her Majesty the Empress will in no way presume to dictate her views to the political parties on this matter, she nonetheless has decided to publicly endorse the cause of female suffrage on a personal basis, and warmly encourages the political parties to consider their own stances on the matter.

Her Imperial Majesty will ultimately defer to the wisdom of the people, but it is her passionate wish that the Empire lead the way in enfranchising women, and that the next electoral contest, to be called at such a point in which the military and international situation allows, may prove to be the last General Election without their active participation.

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The Green-Blue Entente Cordiale (1903)

The Empire of Quebec and the Turkist Empire hereby agree to expand the terms of the Bursa-Montréal Accord into a deeper relationship, under the following terms:

1.) The signatories hereby designate each other as preferential diplomatic, economic, trading and military partners for the Middle East and the Americas.

2.) The signatories agree, in lieu of a formal alliance, to consider means of cooperation and collaboration in future international crises.

3.) The Empire of Québec will send a naval mission to Bursa to help rebuild and reconstruct the Turkist fleet based on fully modernized guidelines.

4.) The Turkist Empire will provide an immediate loan to bolster the economy of Québec. In return, Montréal shall make relevant military technology available to Bursa.

5.) At the conclusion of the Colombian War, the Turkist Empire will provide manpower to Montreal for the purposes of infrastructure rebuilding and construction of new key projects.

6.) At the conclusion of the Colombian War, Québecois private companies will be provided with benefits and/or other encouragement to invest within the Turkist Empire. At such a point in that the Québecois economy has recovered from present conditions, the Empire of Québec will also provide long term capital infusion for the industrialization of the Turkist Empire.

7.) An Office of Economic Exchange (OEE) shall be established with headquarters in Bursa and Montréal. The OEE will coordinate with the relevant economic and trading ministries of each nation to ensure both signatories can complement their respective importation needs with local exports from the other.

8.) REDACTED by the order of the Emniyet and the Imperial Security Bureau, for purposes of national security.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

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Mexico City-Montréal Accord (1903)

In light of the recent signing of the Treaty of Mexico City, the governments of Mexico and Québec jointly agree that:

1.- Hostilities between both signatories as part of the Louisiana-Mexico war are considered to be over with the formal end of said conflict.

2.- The Quebécois government, whilst acknowledging Luis II as the present sovereign of Mexico, reserves its right to withhold recognition on the proclamation of an Empire of the Mexicans until a later date.

3.- The Quebécois border at Vaudreuil shall remain open for the remainder of 1903 for the arrival of refugees that wish to seek asylum.

4.- The Mexican government will allow and aid French-speaking population in Liberia & California that desires to resettle into the Empire of Québec within the province of Vaudreuil.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[Lumine]

Treaty of Bogota (1903)

A Treaty between the Kingdom of France, the Divine Republic of Brazil, the Empire of Québec, the Commonwealth of New England, the Republic of Japan, and the Kingdom of Portugal, and, the British Union, New Holland, and the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia, putting an immediate end to the Colombian War.

PREAMBLE:

The signatories, sharing a common concern over the length and viciousness of the present conflict, its economic impact on the world, the hardships of civilians, and the lack of a decisive victory despite specific advantages, hereby agree to pursue an end to the war that acknowledges realities on the ground whilst seeking acceptable compromises.

They hereby agree to the following:

GENERAL:
• Complete cessation of all hostilities upon the agreement of all parties, to be followed by a ten-year non-aggression pact between both sets of signatories.
• The release of all prisoners of war, hostages, and other detained persons to their respective party, including dead bodies.
• A pledge from each party to not intervene in the domestic and internal affairs of each respective party.
• An investigation from the belligerents on the causes of the war, including but not limited to Colombian funding and supplying of subversive groups in Brazil before the outbreak of war, is conducted starting less than one year after the signing of this treaty.

ECONOMIC:
• Both sets of belligerents shall immediately end all naval blockades and work to restore submarine telegraphic cables.
• The Commonwealth of New England shall assume full responsibility for the unfortunate demise of Her Royal Highness the Princess Helen. Chairman Fitzgerald shall be turned over to an international tribunal in Zürich for trial as to his violations of the laws of war, details to be determined.
• Québec and New England will fully fund the reconstruction of all cities targeted by the explosions of August 1902, as well as aid and assistance to victims.
• Colombia’s share of the Panama Canal profits under the 1871 Treaty of Bogota is abrogated.
• The open and safe passage of Colombian citizens from the Philippines, Haiti and other ceded territories back to Colombia is guaranteed for five years.

TERRITORIAL:
The Holy Republic of Gran Colombia, while fully preserving its independence and autonomy, shall make the following concessions:
o The Pacific Colombian islands, with the exceptions of Easter Island and the Society and Austral Islands, and the Colombian Lesser Antilles to the Empire of Québec.
o Panama and part of the Peruvian highlands to the Divine Republic of Brazil.
o Colombian Malaya and the portion of New Guinea previously negotiated between New Holland and Colombia to New Holland.

Additionally, the following territorial changes will take place:
• The Republic of Japan shall annex the Philippines and Aceh.
• The Kingdom of France shall establish a protectorate in the island of Haiti.
• The Kingdom of France will annex the Panama Canal Zone and establish full control over the canal. The profits will be shared between Brazil and France.
• The Holy Republic of Gran Colombia will cease cooperation and collaboration with the Andean Free State and any other would-be rebels within present and new Brazilian borders.
• The Divine Republic of Brazil shall take possession of the Andean Free State.
• The Empire of Québec will annex Tierra del Fuego.
• A demilitarized zone of 2 km along the Peruvian border between Colombia and Brazil will be established.
• The Empire of Québec and the British Union will agree to status quo antebellum.
• The British Union shall annex the western half of Adirondack and the southern half of Fairfield County.
• Aside from these territorial changes, all belligerents will return occupied territory not previously mentioned.

OTHER:
• New England, Britain, and Québec fully recognize the present borders of North America and will not provide aid or assistance to any rebels or domestic agitators.
• All belligerents agree that the Treaty of Trois Rivieres, while preventing even further loss of life, is in need to reform to prevent loophole abuse.
• The need for reform notwithstanding, both sides agree to drop any claims of usage of biological warfare in the course of the conflict.
• [REDACTED].

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[Lumine]

Her Imperial Majesty expresses her sorrow and condolences over the unfortunate demise of His Holiness Pope Clement XIV, a steady hand during difficult times for the Church and the Catholic world as a whole.

Cardinal Édouard-Charles Fabre, Archbishop of Montréal, shall be dispatched with haste to Europe in order to participate in the upcoming Conclave. It is the view of Her Imperial Majesty that a neutral city and a proper venue should be selected with haste in order to hold said Conclave, and she appeals to the Holy Roman Emperor and the King-Emperor of France to reach a viable understanding on the matter.

Cardinal Fabre, though having his own autonomy as a Prince of the Church, has been advised by Her Imperial Majesty not to attend any schismatic minority Conclave, nor to support any radical candidates to the Chair of St. Peter.

[Lumine]

Midjourney, made by Spamage

Let us Win the Peace
Her Majesty addresses Parliament

Empress Wilhelmina entered the National Assembly yet again, and this time with a much firmer step after recovering from her successful pregnancy. The deputies gasped at seeing her attire, much removed from the traditional royal dresses of the past. This time Wilhelmina had arrived dressed in a black hussar uniform in the Prussian style and wearing a pair of menacing black gloves, and a silver ring decorated with the Hohenzollern Eagle.

Escorted by the Prince Consort, Old Prince Louis and other key courtiers, Wilhelmina advanced to the throne, stopping on her way to gracefully offer her hand to the aging Prime Minister Papineau for a kiss. Though not one to completely forget Papineau’s outrageous behaviour nine years ago, he had been her Premier for the entire eight years of her reign, and they had achieved great things together. Ultimately, she had learned valuable lessons by governing with the Social Union of Québec, lessons she would not throw away on a whim.

“And to think”, she pondered, “in another world I’d just be Queen Consort of France.” Much as she had once detested Cousin Louis – now Louis XX of France – for having the unmitigated call of ditching her in order to marry a Bourbon-Savoie, she now admitted the French King had chosen wisely. After kissing the ring of Archbishop Fabre, Wilhelmina stood with her back to the throne.

And then she spoke.

Monsieurs,

The events of the past three years have been memorable and challenging for us all.

In this brief period of time, we have undergone major changes domestically and on the world stage and which have given us all pause to ask ourselves the important questions on the future of this grand Empire and its brave citizens.

We have been tested across the land, the sea, and for the first time, from the air. We have successfully weathered out the storm, expanding the borders of our Empire while protecting ourselves from enemy invasion from a fearsome and respected great power.

Messieurs, let us speak plainly. The price has been heavy. All citizens have sacrificed something for the good of the nation, whether on the field of battle, on the shifts at the factories, in the farms, or in the noble professions that keep society running. Today we must recognize and honor their sacrifices.

(A moment of respectful silence)

To you, messieurs, I pay tribute today as well, for your steadfast and unyielding support. From the Prime Minister to the most anonymous backbencher, every man has done his duty, and nothing was left undone.

But now comes the hard part. Now we must win the peace, gentlemen, and win it in such a way that none of our sacrifices prove in vain.

We promised you three years ago that we would not countenance the loss of constitutionalism and the erosion of accountable government. It is now time to fulfil that promise. This Parliament has survived for six years now, and you gentlemen must now go to the people and seek their wisdom, to consult them on the path we are to follow next.

Pursuant to the Constitution of the Empire, and after a final set of legislative proposals, this session of the National Assembly will be dissolved and a new one called forth, to be elected in a new General Election at the end of this year.

We will encourage all parties to put forward their own proposals on how to win the peace, and we shall work with the next government, just as we have with the present one, to improve and expand the État-Social, to bring relief to all those injured or affected by the war, to regain economic prosperity, and to enjoy our hard-won gains. 

Messieurs, the order of the day is simple: let us win the peace!

Vive la Nation! Vive L’Empire! Vive le Québec!

Proclamations and Statements from Her Imperial Majesty

ON THE 1903 GENERAL ELECTION

Her Imperial Majesty, fulfilling the promise made to the public last year and in light of the signing of the Treaty of Bogota, will decree a dissolution of Parliament on October 15th. General Elections to the National Assembly will be held on December 1st, 1903.

ON THE IMPERIAL WAR BOARD

The Marquis de La Durantaye is congratulated on the efficient and hard work of the Imperial War Board during the recent conflict. The Board will hereafter lead efforts in demobilization, early reconstruction of previously occupied areas and new acquisitions, and the shifting of industry back into civilian production, to be dissolved on January 1st 1904 and replaced by the previously existing government institutions. In recognition of his effort, the Marquis will be appointed to the Senate and awarded the Imperial Ordre du Mérite.

ON THE NEW IMPERIAL TERRITORIES

The Colombian Lesser Antilles annexed by the Empire will become the new imperial territory of the West Indies (Indes Occidentales).

The Pacific Islands annexed by the same treaty will also become the new imperial territory of Polynesia (Polynésie).

The Imperial Governors of the West Indies and Polynesia shall cooperate closely with the provinces of Puerto Rico and Hawaii.

The austral lands recently annexed will become the new imperial territory of Tierra del Fuego (Terre de Feu).

As a result of a 99-year lease negotiated with the Mapuche, the island of Chiloé will become the new imperial territory of Alexander Island (Ile Alexandre). Unlike Polynesia, Tierra del Fuego, and the West Indies, and recognizing the temporary nature of the lease, Alexander Island shall not be eligible for accession into province status.

[Lumine]

On the Establishment of a Jewish Homeland
The birth of New Judea

Her Imperial Majesty has been deeply touched in recent years by the ongoing diaspora of the Jewish people, particularly in regard to Europe. Although national governments are blameless on it, it is with concern that Her Majesty sees the rise of antisemitism in certain corners of the Old World, and with great sympathy that she looks at the plight of a people still looking for a viable homeland.

Therefore, after consultations with the government and relevant individuals, Her Majesty is proud to announce the formation of the Jewish Immigration Company (JIC), a privately funded institution that will work with the Empire to pursue the mass settlement of European Jews in the Empire of Québec.

Settlement will take place along a specifically designated portion in the south of Vaudreuil Province, across the eastern half of the Snake River Plain (the RL southeast corner of Idaho), in lands that are primed for agricultural use. The JIC will provide generous settlements to local inhabitants to willingly relocate to other provinces, but no current resident may be compelled to leave.

The area of settlement will become an imperial territory under special administration, bearing the name of New Judea (Nouvelle Judée). As with all imperial provinces and territories west of Champlain, the Pacific Gendarmerie shall guarantee the safety of all resides of New Judea.

A special railway – the David Express - will be set up between the ports of entry of Roquefort and Québec City and the new settlement of Zion (Sion), future capital of New Judea, for the purposes of safety transferring Jewish immigrants.

The Constitution of Québec will be amended to allow for the public worship of the Jewish faith in New Judea, and the territory will be eligible for accession into province status – still under special administration – once it hits the sufficient population. New Judea will have cultural autonomy under the protection of the Empire, with Yiddish and French as official co-languages.

A non-elected Administrative Council will handle matters of cultural autonomy, and the territory will be administered by an ethnically Jewish Imperial Governor. Monsieur Lyon Cohen, also known as Yehuda Leib Cohen, will be appointed as the first Governor of New Judea. The citizens of New Judea will enjoy Québecois citizenship and will have the same rights and duties as all imperial citizens, including military service.

[Lumine]

The Empire of Québec will not be participating in, or legitimizing any Conclave that is summoned as the result of threats of military force, diplomatic coercion, or, as it has been alleged, designed to benefit any single European power.

We strongly regret that one of the moments of highest solemnity for Christendom may be used and/or manipulated for the purposes of national prestige, and urge for reason to prevail. We strongly encourage incumbent rulers to see reason and de-escalate before their passions threaten to spark new armed conflicts.

[Lumine]

It is the position of Montréal and its aligned cardinals that a Conclave in Konstanz held under the compromise safeguards proposed by the Kingdom of France would be acceptable, and one in which they would be pleased to participate to avoid any danger of a schism in Christendom.

We appeal to the Holy Roman Emperor's wisdom and sense of fairness to accept a compromise, for he may hold in his youthful hands the fate of our Church and of European stability.

[Lumine]

Her Imperial Majesty is relieved at the news of the compromise regarding the Konstanz Conclave, and will be pleased to confirm the attendance of Cardinals Fabre, Kain and Chappelle.

A select company of the Imperial Guard will escort Cardinal Fabre - and provide security for the Louisianan cardinals should New Orleans not dispatch its own force - and provide security within the terms of the compromise.

Québec-aligned cardinals will be issued instructions to work constructively to reach a successful outcome for the Conclave.

[Lumine]

The Montréal-Rio Entente (1903)

The Empire of Quebec and the Divine Republic of Brazil, in light of their recent cooperation, common diplomatic interests, and the need to guarantee further stability in the American continent, hereby agree to formalize their relationship under the present terms:

1)    The recognition of their diverging ideologies and backgrounds, pledging to respect them and not undermine their respective domestic stability.

2)    The signatories hereby designate each other as preferential diplomatic, economic, trading and military partners for South America and North America respectively.

3)    To jointly oppose any attempt to seize Brazilian or Québecois territory within the American continent.

4)    The signatories agree to consult each other on relevant diplomatic and military decisions that might have an impact on the American continent.

5)    To grant privileged access to Québecois traders in Brazilian African ports.

6)    The Divine Republic shall be designated the prime exporter of coffee, rubber, sugar, bananas and tobacco to Québec, provided at a discount price.

7)    The Empire shall be designated the prime exporter of coal, petroleum, fertilizers and wheat to Brazil, provided at a discount price.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[Lumine]

Russo-Québécois Accord of 1903
An accord between the Russian Republic and the Empire of Québec,

The signatories hereby reaffirm the validity of the Russo-Quebecois Treaty of 1875 and the Russo-Québecois Accord of 1876, including the mutual recognition of each other as primary strategic, economic and diplomatic partners for their respective continents. They also agree on:

1.-) A mutual tariff reduction on Pacific trade, complemented with further expansion of the Russo-Québecois Shipping Company’s capital and scope of operations.

2.-) The provision of an economic loan to the Empire of Québec to bolster its economic standing.

3.-) The joint reaffirmation of constitutionalism and the rule of law against domestic threats of authoritarianism, separatism, and/or radical ideologies.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[Lumine]

The government of Mexico is hereby notified that the seizure of any state or private assets from the Empire of Québec, unless corrected, will be met with a strong response.

It furthermore states that, as a general principle, the forceful and unjustified seizure of foreign assets is and ought to be unacceptable to the civilized international community.

[Lumine]

Wilhelmina inspects the Imperial Guard
Midjourney, made by Spamage

New England calls for aid,
and Québec answers!

Her Imperial Majesty expresses her utter outrage at the outrageous, deceitful, and duplicitous behaviour of Queen Mary of Britain, whom we judge no longer worthy of being taken at her word of honour.

We equally denounce the so-called punitive expedition against the Commonwealth of New England and the feeble disguise used to justify it, behind which lies a cynical gambit to allow Queen Mary to impose her will on a fellow North American power, and to bury her own mistakes behind the butchery of innocent civilians and the theft of their property.

The Empire of Québec has had the privilege of counting New England as a friend and ally for over thirty years, a period during which we have shed blood as brothers. Though we do not condone or justify the acts of former Chairman Fitzgerald, who must face justice for his acts, neither will we accept the destruction and annexation of our ally.

It is the will of Her Imperial Majesty, firmly backed by her people, that further acts of aggression  against, or the annexation of, the Commonwealth of New England, either by the Allied expedition or any other power, will be treated as a declaration of war on the Empire of Québec.

As a result, the Imperial military will be partially mobilized and readied up to back up this statement, and legislation will be sent to parliament to greatly increase conscription and military service.

Additionally, the following measures will be implemented with immediate effect:

-The immediate severance of all diplomatic relations with Britain, and the immediate expulsion of the British ambassador to Québec. 

-The recall of our ambassadors to Vienna and Stockholm, and the declaration of the Austrian and Scandinavian ambassadors to Québec as persona non grata for the duration of this crisis.

-By virtue of British non-compliance with the terms of the Treaty of Bogota, the Empire will declare itself freed from any war reparations payments to Britain.

-The imposition of a 50% tariff on all British imports, as well as on all British goods arriving or passing through Québecois ports.

-A 25% tariff will also be imposed on Austrian and Scandinavian goods for as long as the occupation of New England continues.

-The immediate abrogation of the Austro-Québecois Aeronautical Accord of 1900. A formal ban on helium exports to Austria, Britain and Scandinavia will be established.

-The immediate abrogation of the Scando-Québec Commercial Agreement of 1876.

Though we stand firm and resolute in aid of our ally, we nonetheless state the the Empire is prepared to  attend diplomatic talks to reach a solution to this crisis, protect the continued existence of the Commonwealth of New England, and avert war.

[Lumine]

Empire of Québec

Proclamations and Statements from Her Imperial Majesty

REGARDING THE NEW GOVERNMENT

Monsieur Henri Bourassa, Leader of the New Movement for Québec, is hereby appointed Prime Minister of a majority coalition government with the Catholic People’s Party and the Working Farmer’s Party.

Her Imperial Majesty will be working closely with Prime Minister Bourassa in the coming weeks to address several urgent matters, including the pandemic, the New England crisis, and the upcoming legislative measures to be enacted.

REGARDING THE OUTGOING GOVERNMENT

It is the will of Her Imperial Majesty to pay tribute to Monsieur Amedee Papineau, who has had the distinction of serving as Prime Minister of the Empire for almost a decade, serving with distinct energy, zeal, and a lifelong preoccupation with the lives of the working class that has culminated on the construction of the État-social.

The Empress extends a warm invitation to her first Prime Minister for a farewell dinner at the Imperial Palace, an honor she intends to reserve solely for her greatest premiers. At such a point in which M. Papineau decides to retire from the National Assembly, royal appointment to the Senate and the title of Duke of Montebello will be his, should he desire them.

REGARDING THE IMPERIAL SUCCESSION

All loyal citizens of the Empire rejoice today, for the Imperial Family has been blessed with a second child to further the lawful succession.

Her Highness Princess Augusta Louise of the House of Hohenzollern, the Empress’ first daughter, is now second in line to inherit after Prince Imperial Frederick. In the absence of a second male heir, Princess Augusta will be styled as Princess of Mont-Royal.

REGARDING THE 1903 CONCLAVE

The Empire of Québec warmly congratulates His Holiness Alexander X over its historic election, the first American-born Prince of the Church to reach the Chair of St. Peter. As the Archbishop of Québec, the until recently Cardinal Fabre was a guiding voice and a source of moral inspiration, and we can think of no better man to lead Christendom at a particularly difficult moment.

In recognition of the increased relevance of the Americas in the affairs of the Church, the achievements of the Empire of Québec in defense and in protection of the Faith, and the Empress’ well-known devoutness; Pope Alexander X has been pleased to bestow upon the Empress of Québec and her successors the permanent title of “Most Devout Majesty”.

[Lumine]

Wikimedia Commons

The État-social, Phase II
Empress Wilhelmina outlines a pro-natalist agenda for the Empire

Following the appointment of Henri Bourassa as Prime Minister, Her Imperial Majesty addressed another joint session of the National Assembly and the Senate, in which she outlined the need to resume the État-social agenda and to take it into a novel direction that reflects the change in government.

In the view of the Empress, one of the biggest challenges faced by the Empire is the relative lack of population compared to other regional powers, an issue that prevents Québec from “unleashing its potential and fulfilling its manifest destiny”.

This, in turn – argued the Empress – is fuelled by issues like child mortality rates, lack of support for mothers, a decrease in moral values and the promotion of family as the basis for society, and a lack of incentives for “the patriotic duty of procreation”. In Her Majesty’s view, to not address this “crisis of natality” would mean disaster for the Empire in the long term.

To correct this, Her Imperial Majesty announced the start of a major pro-natality agenda as the second phase of the État-social, mixing incentives for families and mothers, increased social and health protection, a crackdown on “immoral practices”, and a major long term propaganda campaign to invite citizens to form large families as part of their duty to the Empire and nation.

For the year 1904, the Empress announced an ambitious “Family Code” (Code de la familie) sustained by several pieces of legislation under a “pro-natalist” banner, outlining the following policies:

-The establishment of a “Mother’s Day” as a national holiday to celebrate motherhood, including large civic festivities.

-Mass government propaganda promoting procreation as a patriotic duty, as well as praising mothers as doing an essential contribution to the nation equal to serving in the battlefield.

-Providing free health care to pregnant women, as well as deliveries free of cost to poor or middle-class women.

-A complex system of tax benefits, societal incentives, and public service advantages to couples with more than three children.

-The provision of long-term marriage loans to couples, with 25% of the original loan being forgiven for every new child.

-The provision of maternity leave of one month before and after the birth, paid for in equal parts by the employer and the state, as well as generous maternity grants.

-A 15% income tax increase on unmarried men above the age of 25 who do not belong to the clergy.

-Incremental tax exemptions to heads of families with more than five children.

-Stringent abortion bans with exceptions solely for cases of mortal danger to the mother’s life. Inducement to abortion will also be considered illegal. Abortionists that practice after the ban will be prosecuted as having committed a capital crime.

-A ban on the sale, production and promotion of contraceptives, with anti-natalist propaganda criminalized.

-Working alongside the Church to promote the pro-natalist agenda at every level of society.

-A substantial expansion of schools, maternity wards, and any infrastructure that may be put under strain by increases in the birth rates.

Aside from these policies, Her Imperial Majesty also introduced the “Electoral Fairness Act 1904”, a bill that will, at long last, enshrine female suffrage in the Empire to take place at the next General Election.

*DISCLAIMER: Believe it or not, most of these policies were enacted in RL and I've had to tone down one or two out of decency. At one point Third Republic France was sending abortionists to the guillotine!

[Lumine]

Wikimedia Commons

Rebirth of the Papal States

A Concordat between the Vatican and the King-Emperor of France

For eleven centuries, the Papacy brought light and stability in the Italian peninsula by virtue of the Donation of Pepin, in which the brave and illustrious King of the Franks transferred vast dominions from the Lombards to the wise rule of the Holy Mother Church.

For eleven centuries this endured, until a contemptible conspiracy in the year of our Lord 1836 brought the Eternal City and all Papal territories under the control of the Neapolitan Crown. Over the next seventy years, the Church languished because of it, enduring decades of mismanagement and ruin due to the disastrous acts of the Neapolitan Royal Family.

Today, this historic injustice is being corrected. A Concordat has been signed between His Holiness Pope Alexander X and the King-Emperor of France, the Most Christian King Louis XX; under the mediation of the Empress Wilhelmina of Québec.

Under the terms of this Concordat, His Majesty Louis XX will resuscitate the Papal States under the wise, autonomous and independent leadership of the Pope. The new Papal States will comprise the regions of Lazio, Tuscany and Romagna, in a vast extension of Papal authority.

His Holiness will govern these vast dominions with the assistance of his Cardinal Secretary of State and a new Papal bureaucracy. The new Papal States and the Pope will be guarded by a Papal Army comprised of Catholic volunteers from across the world, itself led by a Captain General of the Church.

By virtue of this generous donation to Christendom, His Holiness, who has just returned to the Apostolic Palace to commemorate the return of Rome to Papal rule, celebrates the wisdom of the Most Christian King, which will go a long way in restoring the temporal power of the Holy Mother Church. His Majesty Louis XX is to be crowned Defender of the Christian Faith and Protector of Latin Europe by His Holiness in recognition of his efforts.

[Lumine]

Her Imperial Majesty naturally hopes for a peaceful diplomatic resolution to the present situation in the Italian peninsula.

It is her personal view that Christendom has great motive to rejoice at seeing a strengthened Church, a restored Papal States, and a Papacy with greater autonomy, and believes this to be an excellent example of how our shared, common faith can prevail over - and transcend - narrow personal interests.

Convinced as she is that no man - or woman - would ever dare to threaten or intimidate the Vicar of Christ instead of pursuing proper avenues, Her Imperial Majesty remains confident that reason and faith will eventually and inevitable prevail in the hearts of men, and fervently prays for it.

[Lumine]

New uniforms for the Imperial Armed Forces,
Wikimedia Commons

ON THE REORGANIZATION OF THE MILITARY

It is the will of Her Imperial Majesty that the Army and Navy of Québec be reorganized into the Imperial Armed Forces, with the purpose of streamlining the imperial military as a whole.

As per Article 33 of the Constitution, the Empress is Supreme Commander of the entire imperial military, and is assisted in her task by civilian and military institutions.

The Ministry of the Army and the Ministry of Navy will remain the civilian-led institutions supporting and organizing the military, providing the necessary logistical support, and leading the way in technological development in close cooperation with the Academie des Sciences.

In turn, the military-led Admiralty and General Staff take the lead in military extensive planning, training, strategic and tactical development, and the operational performance of the Armed Forces. As outlined previously, the Marshals of the Empire will command the armies or overall theaters in close cooperation with their respective Chief of Staff.

In recognition of the various land formations created by successive Emperors, the Imperial Guard, Foreign Legion and National Guard are all recognized in their respective and individual roles:

-The division-strong Imperial Guard, made out of elite soldiers, is tasked with the defense of the capital and with protecting the Empress on the field of battle.

-The corps-strong Québec Foreign Legion will remain the shock troops for colonial operations, based on Hohenfriedberg Bay (OTL Pearl Harbor), Hawaii.

-The National Guard, the Empire’s military reserve, remains tasked with maintaining domestic order, putting down revolts or riots, and providing a source of military training for citizens under conscription, with units created from local recruits from a single province to maximize efficiency in mobilization.

In recognition of the rapidly changing nature of warfare, Her Imperial Majesty has also authorized the creation of the Québecois Zouaves, an elite brigade of specialized troops for sensitive military missions, subject to innovative and arduous training, Prussian-style discipline, and trained in various types of warfare.

[Lumine]

Treaty of Syracuse (1904)

A Treaty between the Hapsburg Monarchy, Kingdom of Scandinavia, the United Kingdom of Great Britain, the Empire of Québec, and the Commonwealth of New England.

PREAMBLE:

The signatories, noting the ongoing economic strife, the growing threat of the pandemic, and the need to avoid full-scale war across the North American continent, hereby agree to the following:

DISPOSITIONS:
1.- The complete cessation of all hostilities upon the agreement of all parties, return of all POWs with exclusion of those involved in point 7, and the military withdrawal from, as well as the return of all occupied territory not mentioned as having been ceded.
2.- Western Massachusetts, Western Connecticut, and the remainder of New York State shall be transferred to the British Union.
3.- The northern portion of upstate New York returned to Britain shall become an internationally guaranteed demilitarized zone. No British fortifications may be constructed there, nor British troops enter. Moreover, the area will remain open to New Englander trade and civilian movement.
4.- Safe transfer will be offered to all Adirondack, Western Massachusetts and Western Connecticut residents who prefer to remain citizens of New England.
5.- New England will pay financial reparations for the loss of Scandinavian and Austrian civilian lives and merchant ships in the attacks.
6.- New England will repay a loan made by Scandinavia before Operation Sunset, with preference given to the payment of reparations to victims.
7.- To secure proper justice over the unfortunate demise of Princess Helen, an international tribunal will be held on Geneva. It will be comprised of neutral judges, concerning solely high-ranking officials – political and military – involved in the planning and execution of Operation Sunset. Sentences will be up to the discretion of the judges, with all signatories pledging to comply by and accept them.
8.- A formal and personal guarantee from the Holy Roman Emperor and the King-Emperor of Scandinavia to the Empress of Québec that the treaty will be complied with on part of Britain.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Most Devout Majesty,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[Lumine]

Empire of Québec

Proclamations and Statements from Her Imperial Majesty

REGARDING NEW ENGLAND

Hopeful of ratification of the Treaty of Syracuse and of avoiding a repeat of the Treaty of Bogota - which would bring severe consequences -, Her Imperial Majesty nonetheless aches deeply about the grievous wounds inflicted on New England and its brave people, whom she salutes and honors as true friends, comrades and brethren to the people of Québec.

Our joint history, dating from the New Englander revolution against British tyranny in 1791, is one that fills us with pride and hope for the future, no matter how grim the present may seem. Empress Wilhelmina's admiration for her valiant neighbor remains strong and resolute, and moving forward, the Empire will be working closely with the New England government to ensure that the worst effects of the present situation can be addressed immediately.

Subject to approval by Acting Chairman Collins, the Empire is prepared to receive and assist refugees until such a time in which they can return home, assist in the movement and proper relocation of citizens from annexed territories, deliver goods to prevent famine, aid the New Englander merchant fleet, assist in the reconstruction of Boston and any damaged cites of infrastructure, and lend forces or assistance in maintaining order.

New England has gone through a difficult ordeal at the hands of Perfidious Albion, but it need not face it alone. To the citizens of the Commonwealth, we say it with clarity and pride: the Empress and the people of Québec stand with you.

REGARDING THE PANDEMIC

The Empress remains distinctly concerned with the rapid spread of the Colombian Flu across most of the civilized world, as well as on its arrival into the shores of North America. It is her belief that strong, decisive action on behalf of the government and with the support and mobilization of civil society can help minimize the death toll as well as prevent the loss of the hard-won economic recovery, sparing the Empire from some of the worst scenes witnessed in other continents. Measures enacted will include:

-Slowing down the pace of immigration at key ports, installing quarantine facilities protected by the National Guard. Special isolation, disinfection and sterilization measures will be adopted on the "David Express" to permit the continued Jewish emigration into New Judea.

-Enact - through the Imperial Governors - preventive and ongoing bans on large mass gatherings, to be expanded into more restrictive quarantine and social distancing measures as soon as an outbreak is identified. Measures are to be sustained, and reintroduced for future outbreaks.

-The mass production of gauze mask to be delivered to all medical personnel and to the general population to wear while outside. Public officials - including the Crown - will lead by example on the matter. Fines will be established for those who do not comply.

-A large public information campaign will be enacted (posters, newspapers, etc.) to inform the public about the Colombian flu, preventive measures (such as constant washing of hands and the use of masks) and to dispel any myths or instances of misinformation.

-Official propaganda will be distributed across the Empire portraying the ongoing battle against the Colombian flu as a patriotic struggle, calling on citizens to do their duty by doing their part to contain the epidemic.

-Foreign trade and economic activity will not be shut down, only being limited by the measures relating to social distancing.

-The government will collaborate closely with the Church to ensure that religious services can be provided more often but with greater limits as to the total number of people who can attend.

-The hiring of doctors and nurses, as well as the education of new generations of such professionals, to ensure all hospitals are properly staffed.

-The constant, ceaseless sterilization and disinfection of hospitals, public transportation and other key infrastructure.

-Though no censorship will be imposed, an Office of Health Information will work closely with the newspaper media to ensure accurate information is delivered to citizens.

-Whenever necessary, the Imperial Armed Forces and the National Guard will step up to assist authorities in the handling of the pandemic.

[Lumine]

Treaty of Kupang (1904)
A Treaty between the United Provinces of New Holland and the Empire of Québec

The United Provinces of New Holland and the Empire of Québec, wishing to restore their earlier and positive diplomatic and trading relationship, as well as citing the need to provide stability to the Pacific Region, hereby agree to the following:

1) The recognition of their present borders and spheres of influence, as well as mutual commitment not to undermine their respective domestic stability.

2) To lower tariffs on New Hollander rubber and palm oil on Québecois Pacific ports, and on Québecois wheat and timber on New Hollander ports.

3) To hold joint naval exercises on the Québecois Sunwon islands and the New Hollander Solomon islands, in order to help increase the efficiency of both navies and push forward their modernization.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Most Devout Majesty,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[Lumine]

Treaty of Yokohama (1904)
A Treaty between the Republic of Japan and the Empire of Québec

1.) Japan and Quebec agree to their existing borders and sphere of influence, and pledge not to undermine each other's domestic stability.

2.) The Quebec government shall receive a 10% stake in the Philippines Mining Corporation.

3.) The parties agree to a non-aggression pact of five years, renewable by mutual agreement.

4.) The parties agree to mutual support of industrial projects in the Pacific.

5.) The parties agree to coordinate expeditions across underdeveloped regions in their respective spheres to identify natural resources for economic exploitation.

6.) A Japanese naval mission will assist Québec in matters of naval development, modernization, tactics and naval projects. Québec will repay the Japanese Republic by providing Zeppeling technology and a supply of helium.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Most Devout Majesty,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[Lumine]

It is the personal and earnest opinion of Her Imperial Majesty that to start a Europe-wide general conflict would represent, with the greatest respect possible to all involved actors, the height of irresponsibility. And furthermore, that to do so in the middle of one of the largest epidemics ever seen, while injecting a religious sense into it, would truly represent the height of lunacy, and unleash horrors mankind has not yet seen in an industrial scale.

Although Her Majesty has very strong opinions about specific matters as well as the behavior of certain actors, she nonetheless wishes to beg the statesmen of Europe not to plunge the civilized world into utter darkness over matters of pride, and will continue to support efforts at mediation. With great reluctance, she is also at present urging Québecois nationals to return to Imperial territory, to seek refuge in the Swiss Republic, and/or to travel to the designated Scandinavian ports for a swift return home.