Concert of Europe: Gameplay Thread

[Lumine]

Proclamation from Sanssouci:

(The original proclaim was erased by accident, sorry!)

[YPestis25]

From His Royal Majesty, Adolf Fredrick, King of Sweden,

Prussia's pretensions to be the threatened nation in this matter are laughable at best and insulting at worst, and for Berlin to make demands of compensation for an accusation which they are providing no proof of is only further insult. It is now clear the my brother-in-law desires everything but peace in Europe.

With regards,
Adolf Fredrick, King of Sweden

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Without pointing fingers, the Sublime Porte considers any attempt to partition or split any nation by its neighbours as a clear threat to the longterm security in Europe.

[Kingpoleon]

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x Frederick II, King in Prussia

x Frederick V, King of Denmark-Norway

Without pointing fingers, the Sublime Porte considers any attempt to partition or split any nation by its neighbours as a clear threat to the longterm security in Europe.

We echo the sentiments of the Sublime Porte. Let it be known that any foreign power threatening another, particularly our new ally, or planning to partition such, will be considered a threat to the peace of Europe. We therefore ask that no nation henceforth make such offensive plans, for they should be beneath the honor of royalty.

[CMB222]

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x Ferdinand VI

[windjammer]

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x Ferdinand VI

xLouisXV

[GoTfan]

1) Marie Louise will remain untouched. She has not shown any inclinations to rebellion, and would be likely to turn down any opportunity to do so. However, the positions of Secretary of War, Secretary of the Admiralties and Secretary of the Colonies are to be filled by members of the Orangist faction.

2) Prussia has been a valuable ally of the Dutch people, and we shall remain aligned with them and the British. The Prussian advisors have been training our forces in modern techniques, including somewhat . . . unconventional methods of warfare. We shall be prepared to deal with any invasion of our territory.

3) Pieter Steyn of the Orangists is to be appointed Governor of New Holland. There are opportunities in this new land that we simply cannot ignore. Governor Steyn is to be given ships, provisions, 1,000 men to function as a garrison, and as many settlers willing to try and strike out, and be forever immortalised in the Netherlands as pioneers of this new land.

4) Our 40,000 standing troops are to be divided into the Army of the North and the Army of the South, with 20,000 men each. The Army of the North is to focus on offensive warfare, while the Army of the South will focus on developing defensive strategies to face a potential French invasion.

5) The border shared with the French is to be fortified immediately. A line of forts must be constructed without delay in order to guard against French aggression.

[DKrol]

June 1756
George II of Great Britain

A Proclamation From Kensington Palace

For many years now, the French and the Austrians have been aggressive in their diplomatic strategy and, although both Great Britain and Prussia have offered them several opportunities for peaceable outcomes, they've continued on their path of belligerency. The French are harboring the traitor Bonnie Prince Charlie in open defiance of an order from His Majesty the King, promising the territorial holdings of the Prussian Crown to their allies, and causing chaos and disorder across the New World. The Austrians refuse to recognize Silesia as Prussian land, despite the War on Austrian Succession clearly awarding Silesia to Prussia, continue to promote the disorder in Poland, and support the French in their acts of aggression. Any of these actions alone are grounds for war, combined they're impossible to ignore.

All diplomatic routes have been exhausted. A proposed peace summit in Hanover, originally offered to His Majesty by the Swedes, was squashed by the aggressive and belligerent King in France. Talks on the handing over of Bonnie Prince Charlie have been fruitless and requests for the Austrian Empress to recognize the Prussian right to Silesia have been for naught. This war is on the hands of the King in France and the Empress in Austria. Every drop of blood spilled shall be on their record with Almighty Got. Every life lost shall be borne on their shoulders.

We have therefore thought proper to declare War; and we do hereby Declare War against the French King and the Austrian Empress, who have so unjustly begun it, relying on the help of Almighty God, in our just undertaking, and being assured of the hearty concurrence and assistance of our Subjects, in support of so good a cause; hereby willing and requiring our Captain General of our Forces, our Commissioners for executing the Office of our High Admiral of Great Britain, our Lieutenants of our several Counties, Governors of our Forts and Garrisons, and all other Officers and Soldiers under them, by Sea and Land, to do and execute all Acts of Hostility, in the prosecution of this War against the French King and the Austrian Empress, their vassals and subjects, and to oppose their attempts: willing and requiring all our subjects to take notice of the same, whom we henceforth strictly forbid to hold any correspondence or communication with the said French King or Austrian Empress, or their subjects. And we do hereby command our own Subjects, and advertise all other persons, of what nation soever, not to transport or carry any soldiers, arms, powder, ammunition, or other contraband goods, to any of the Territories, Lands, Plantations, or Countries of the said French King or Austrian Empress; declaring, that whatever Ship or Vessel shall be met withal, transporting or carrying soldiers, arms, powder, ammunition, or any other contraband goods, to any of the Territories, Lands, Plantations, or Countries of the said French King or Austrian Empress, the same, being taken, shall be condemned as good and lawful prize.

And whereas there are remaining in our Kingdom divers of the subjects of the French King and Austrian Empress, we do hereby declare our Royal Intention to be, that all the French subjects and Austrian subjects who shall demean themselves dutifully towards us, shall be safe in their persons and Effects.

Given at Our Court of Kensington, the [INSERT IG DATE HERE] Day of June, 1756, in the Twenty ninth Year of Our Reign.

God save the King.

[DKrol]

June 1756
George II of Great Britain

The Issuing of Letters Patent: The Earl of Loudoun’s success in the Ohio River Valley is greatly applauded by His Majesty the King. As a reward for his success, His Majesty the King grants the letters patent to create him Duke of Northumberland in the Peerage of Great Britain.

In recognition of her marriage to His Majesty the King, His Majesty the King grants the letters patent to create Anna Amelia as Her Majesty the Queen in the Peerage of Great Britain.

In recognition of her marriage to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, His Majesty the King grants letters patent to create Maria Louisa of Naples as Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales.

On Military Appointments: Major-General Robert Clive is hereby appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of British Forces in the Indian Theater.

The Duke of Northumberland retains his leadership as Commander-in-Chief of British Forces in the New World.

Field Marshal Sir Jeffrey Amherst is hereby appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of British Forces in Europe.

Admiral Sir Charles Saunders is hereby appointed as the First Lord of the Admiralty.

[Lumine]

The Kingdom of Prussia, rejecting the aggression of King Louis XV and Empress Maria Theresa hereby declares war on both. We will not stand while they carve Europe as they please, and having had ample time to show their peaceful intentions we cannot but embrace the arguments of our friend and ally His Majesty King George II. We ask the princes and nations of Germany and the Holy Roman Empire to take a stand against the tyranny of Maria Theresa, and we offer our protection to German princes under threat of expansion by France and Austria.

We will not stand while Prussia is divided by a coalition of hostile powers, and we will fight as only Prussians know to.

[GoTfan]

The Republic of the United Provinces will not allow wanton aggression to rage over the continent, perpetrated by the Kingdom of France and the Austrian Empire. The Austrian refusal to acknowledge Silesia as Prussian territory should have been a sign, but Anne, in her peaceful nature, believed a diplomatic solution was possible. It is now apparent that one is not.

With diplomacy exhausted, the people of the Netherlands will follow the example of of its allies Prussia and Great Britain,  and hereby declares war on France and Austria.

[Kingpoleon]

- We repeat that Moltke is an ally of every true Dane and Norwegian. However, he is not above us. We therefore proclaim that his position as overseer will be as strong as ever. We are above his duties. We make all decisions - he, and many others, including our most loyal nobles, simply oversee the fulfillment of our decisions. However, he shall be made slightly less prominent at royal events, as well as be encouraged to befriend and ally with nobles and members of the court.

- The Danish East India Company is to maintain current profits until peace in Europe is seen. Once war is done with, and its ships have assisted as told, then we can discuss further developments.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

In the light of Europe descending into the state of war, additional regular forces shall be deployed to His Sacred and Imperial Majesty's possessions in the Balkans, while we order our vassals in Crimea and Vallachia to mobilize their own forces and put on standby.

This is a purely precautionary move in case of any waring European power violating the Ottoman neutrality.

[Kingpoleon]

Denmark-Norway declares war on the enemies of its alliance, France and Austria. France promised us most of Prussia if we would attack Prussia with all our troops. Recognizing this as a potential Swedish plot to allow Sweden to attack us and make us a vassal, we considered it an act of aggression in addition to the fact that they are at war with Prussia. We suspect and suspected they were going to make, or had already made, war plans against us. With this in mind, our opinion of the French diplomats is quite low. We advise France to find new ambassadors.

[Wikipedia delenda est]

The Russian Empire, in light of recent Prussian-Anglo-Dutch-Danish aggression, has formally declared war on Prussia, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Denmark-Norway. The Prussians and their allies declared war on our allies, France and Austria, and we will not stand by and see them attacked. We will honor our defensive pact and fight back.

[Lumine]

Proclamation from Sanssouci:

It seems clear from the latest declaration from our friend and allies in the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway that our warnings about France have been right, King Louis XV shamelessly offering the Kingdom of Prussia to the highest bidder to satisfy his ambitions while the Empress Maria Theresa dances to his tune. We call on the nations of the Empire to rebuke the aggression of the French King and the Austrian Empress, and make an open call to all the subjects of Prussia to stand for their King and nation. This is a war for our survival against those who would split Europe as they please, and against those who would see our very end as an independent nation.

[Wikipedia delenda est]

1) This order, regarding the rebellion in Lithuania, has been sent via PM.

2) To avoid any trouble that may arise, I hereby declare that Peter, and anybody who voices support for him holding the crown over Paul, shall be banished to Siberia. This is an unfortunate decision that I have had to make, but I believe that it is in the best interest of the safety, security, and stability of the Empire.

3) More settlers shall be sent immediately to the colony of Alaska. All ships will be highly stocked with essential supplies, such as food, in order to avoid starvation. In regards to the Aleuts, the policy of enslavement shall continue. We need to use them if we want this colonial venture to be successful. Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do about our diseases killing them. In Alaska, a mercantilist economic system shall be established. The collection of raw materials, such as sea-otter pelts, shall be emphasized, and these pelts shall be imported to Russia. Colonists shall only be allowed to import pelts into the Russian Empire; the export of pelts from the colony to foreign countries shall be prohibited. In Russia, the pelts will then be made into high-quality, finished goods such as clothes. The clothes will finally be exported to other European countries, and profit and prosperity will ensue.

[YPestis25]

From His Majesty, Adolf Fredrick, King of Sweden:

Seeing my allies threatened, and having my name trampled through the dirt, hereby declares war on the Kingdom of Great Britain, the Kingdom of Prussia, the Dutch Republic, and the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway. The Kingdom of Sweden is prepared to meet any foe on the battlefield who dares threaten our sovereignty, or that of our allies.

[CMB222]

His Majesty, Ferdinand VI, seeks peace and Spain will not be joining the war at this time but our troops are being readied as a precaution. Also, our defenses along the French border are to be refitted and modernized.

[Spamage]

Major Events
 July-December 1756

OSMAN III ASSASSINATED!

Following the Sultan's decision not to end the jizya, and to force the issue if pressed, most Orthodox subjects backed down and diligently paid up. It could be predicted though, that there would be many who would continue to obstinately refuse. A local official in Greece, taking the Sultan's line "I'll chop off some heads to appease my pashas" literally, quickly pushed forward with death for several Orthodox residents. Naturally, the local community was inflamed (several local priests naming them martyrs) though no open revolt broke out, with Osman III attempting to restore calm.

This seemed to be the end of the matter until several months later, an Orthodox subject disguised himself as a palace worker, infiltrating Topkapi Palace. Upon seeing the Sultan after dinner, the over-zealous man jumped him and plunged a knife into his chest, before being ripped away and sent to the dungeons. Within hours Osman III was dead and Mustafa III ascended to the throne, with rumours abounding about the murder. Some claim the man was an angel sent to punish the Sultan, others that he was an agent of a foreign government. Despite Mustafa's attempts to control the situation and have the prisoner interogated, the man remained silent even through torture and up to his execution. There is great unease in Constantinople.

IVAN VI DISAPPEARS?

Ivan VI, the onetime infant Czar deposed by the Empress Elizabeth in 1740, has disappeared after years of imprisonment, amid much confusion. In the years following his deposition the 16-year-old was kept alone and confined in a cell, never truly knowing other people. Weeks ago however, his prison was assaulted by persons unknown and the guards killed, men dressed in black reportedly spiriting the would-be Emperor to safety. A rigorous search in the area was conducted, but no evidence turned up, save for horse tracks in the snow heading west for several miles. Who could have taken him? What are they planning? Some have accused the Empress of murdering him, others blame a foreign power, still a third group sees a fifth column in the Empire, looking at those who would use Ivan VI to restore Russia as an isolated power. There is great consternation in St. Petersburg.

Pompadour's Prussian Adventure, "Dirty" King Louis?

It is said, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned", a lesson King Louis XV learned the hard way over the last few months. After suddenly reforming his character and kicking out his mistresses, many of them have begun to cause problems for the French monarch, including Madame de Pompadour, his onetime favorite. With the invitation of Frederick II, she fled to Prussia, grabbing as many state documents as she still possessed before leaving. In Berlin she has tarred the reputation of the French King, spreading salacious stories about his lust and mocking him profusely.

A second story emerged during this period as well, with printers in Amsterdam and Paris running with it. It reportedly emerged from a foreign agent. In essence it states, "Gossip in the highest circles in Istanbul centers around one of Cissarian slave girls, sent as the Sultan's personal gift to the King of France and sent back. The girl is said to swore on the Holy Quran Louis actually did attempt to have an intercourse with her, but was unable to prove his manhood, despite desperate and increasingly pathetic attempts. He then insulted the Sultan in most unspeakable terms imaginable, and tried to hide his shame by sending slave girls away." Needless to say, neither the Ottoman ambassador nor the Pope have been pleased with these developments, the Turks insulted over the alleged affront to the Sultan and the Pope embarassed by his praise for the King. Could this damage the efforts of the French King to form an alliance with the clergy in his country? Only time will tell.

Alliance between Caps and Royalists in Riksdag, King granted "Temporary" Powers

In Sweden, King Adolf Frederick managed to win back a bit of power for the Crown, primarily as a result of Sweden joining the War of the Grand Coalitions. The Caps, happy with the alliance with Russia, were willing to form a majority government in a coalition with the Royalists, under several conditions. While Adolf Frederick has been given overall oversight of the War, peace negotiation, and foreign affairs in general; he has been forced to cede domestic power to the Caps. Specifically, the King has allowed them greater control over the finances and the land reform efforts currently underway. The new government has been quickly denounced by the Hats, who were already upset with the Russian alliance, but so far the public appears largely receptive to the arrangement.

Seminoles Attack British Florida! Local settlers massacred!

Upset over the trading of Florida from the Spanish to the British, the local Seminoles have taken action into their own hands, brutally attacking the incoming British settlers. Seeking full freedom, they have proclaimed an alliance with France, hoping to aid them in weakening British North America, though it appears the French were unaware of the Seminole's plans before they occured. It remains to be seen whether or not the French will accept their offer of friendship, but with images of brutal slaughter being spread throughout Europe, there are undoubtedly many who would condemn them for doing so. This event is crucial, because it occurs at a time when the powers are trying to fight for control of other parts of the continet. Could the war spread to Florida too?

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

His Sacred and Imperial Majesty wants to caution his Muslim subjects, with their just anger, not to lay blame on hundred of thousands of loyal Orthodox and Jewish people living in His realm. It is not known whether it as the act of one madman or a wider conspiracy, but we must recognize the possibility of foreign forces, or traitors within, attempting to throw the Ottoman State in the unrest by antagonizing Muslim against Christians and Jews, for they are victims of this dastardly assault on the state as well.

The martial law is being declared thorough the Empire in case of another dastardly attack being prepared.

(That retard in Greece grossly exceeded his authority by conducting what was essentially a massacre. You don't conduct massacres without the Sultan's order. Bring me his head, but keep it a secret for now.)

[Spamage]

The Concert of Europe

January 1757

Map Changes:
-British capture Louisbourg
-Father’s War in Poland continues
-Russia takes part of East Prussia
-Prussia invades Saxony
-Dutch invade Austrian Netherlands
-Swedes capture Christiana
-Marathas seize Indore
-Growth of Russian Alaska
-Growth of Portuguese Brazil


Nations, Leaders, & Players:
Russian Empire- Empress Elizabeth Petrovna (Henry Wallace)
Kingdom of France- King Louis XV Bourbon (Windjammer)
Kingdom of Prussia- King Fredrick II Hohenzollern (Lumine)
Archduchy of Austria- Empress Maria Theresa Habsburg (TimTurner)
Kingdom of Great Britain- King George II of Hanover (DKrol)
Kingdom of Spain- King Ferdinand VI Bourbon (CMB222)
United Provinces of the Netherlands- Regent Anne of Hanover (GOTfan)
Ottoman Empire- Sultan Mustafa III Osmanoğlu (Kalwejt)
Kingdom of Poland-Lithuania- Augustus III Wettin (X)
Kingdom of Sweden- Adolf Frederick (YPestis25)

Kingdom of Portugal- Joseph I Braganza (Dereich)

Kingdom of Denmark-Norway- Frederick V Oldenburg (Kingpoleon)

Economic Standings:
Kingdom of Prussia- Very Strong
United Provinces of the Netherlands-Strong
Kingdom of Great Britain- Strong
Kingdom of France- Strong
Archduchy of Austria- Moderate
Kingdom of Denmark-Norway- Moderate
Kingdom of Portugal- Moderate
Russian Empire- Moderate
Kingdom of Spain- Moderate
Kingdom of Sweden- Moderate
Ottoman Empire- Moderate
Kingdom of Poland-Lithuania- Weak

Ongoing Conflicts:
-War of the Grand Coalitions: Kingdom of France, Empire of Russia, Archduchy of Austria, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Poland-Lithuania (and others) v. Kingdom of Great Britain, Kingdom of Prussia, United Provinces of the Netherlands, Kingdom of Denmark-Norway (and others)

Russian Empire:

-Empress Elizabeth, while your removal of Grand Duke Peter was a success (he, his mistress, and his entourage being ignominiously shipped off to Siberia), an even bigger problem has arisen with the escape of Ivan VI from confinement. The lack of information on the disappearance has shaken the Court and worried your advisors, as the former Czar could easily be turned into a puppet for your enemies. How will you go about searching for him? Some suggest forced searches of the estates of the Russian nobility, others that spies should seek him out in the cities of Europe. Still a third group desires you to put a price on his head in order to ensure he cannot cause too much trouble.

-War has been declared, and thus far your Army of the Baltic has had a respectable showing, even though they've taken larger casualties that their opponents due to a worse quality of troops. There are many expressing concern though, over the vulnerability of the supply trains through Poland which have become easy pickings for the local Sejm rebels eager to stop them en route to Prussia. With winter upon the forces, some are suggesting you withdraw from East Prussia and attempt to secure Polish supply lines before continuing to push west, other advisors are demanding a full-on assault of Konigsberg in order to try to attempt to retrieve supplies there. What will your military do?

-There has been growing backlash from the traditionalists in Russia following your actions over the last few months. First the disinheritance of your adult male nephew has concerned a lot of conservatives in Russia who see great uncertainty in a regency. Then, by backing Augustus III’s attempt to institute an absolute monarchy, you undid your father’s decades old policy of keeping Poland-Lithuania weak. Lastly, your Court continues to be the center of western culture in a largely eastern nation, with state balls and art flourishing there. There are many who believe you, like your father, do not have the traditional interests of the Empire close at heart. They see your recent involvement in European squabbles as confirmation of these fears. With Russia no longer fully garrisoned due to the war, some advisors are urging you to reconcile with them, others to fully suppress them. Regardless, something must be done because the tension continuing to build in your realm is un-sustainable.

Kingdom of France:

-The situation in the Americas is troubling King Louis, but not lost. The fall of Louisbourg is highly concerning to your commanders in the New World, with the army of Montreal looking vulnerable to a potential British attack. Some locals have offered to help join the small 5,000 man army, but they demand sizeable tracts of land in the event of victory as well as the right to a local assembly. This could prove helpful, though it also risks infuriating your native allies such as the Huron in the region. Will you seek local recruitment in the New World? What military actions will be taken in this potentially profitable theater of the war? Along similar lines, how will you respond to the Seminole request for an alliance?

-It has been noticed by your trade fleets and admirals that the Barbary pirates have been far more aggressive with French ships than those of the British or Dutch since the fighting began. While the French navy is undoubtedly superior to the vessels of the Beys of Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli, the fleets remain in port because of a British blockade and the widespread fears of risking sea battles, forcing your trade vessels to contend with the pirates swarming the sea all alone. Some are urging you to attempt to bribe the pirates in order to secure your intra-Mediterranean trade while others urge full-on aggressive action, up to the shelling of the cities of the North African Coast. How will you proceed?

-The declaration of war has had a highly beneficial effect on your popularity in your Kingdom. While the foul stories about your lust have circulated throughout the streets of Paris, they’ve been discredited by many government officials as the slander of foreign enemies. In addition, your aid of the poor has also been well-received, though is proving expensive. If not handled, these costs could seriously weigh down the Kingdom. As you’ve worked to ally your government with the clergy, who have aided your fight against poverty, there are some in Versailles who have expressed suspicion of several bishops’ efforts. It is well-known the Church in France has high levels of corruption, so these advisors are urging a full-scale investigation of these clergymen’s finances. Will you proceed, even if it means angering the Pope further?

Archduchy of Austria:

-Congratulations on your victory, Empress, though the war is not won yet. While the Austrian army has halted the first Prussian attempt to assault Bohemia, you still remain no closer to retaking the all-important territory of Silesia (the whole cause of the war). Saxony too, an ally, sits occupied to the north. Will you heed the calls of several generals and undertake an aggressive counter-offensive in order to retake these vital Imperial territories?

-Some are urging you to use the War as an opportunity to reform the Holy Roman Empire, greatly strengthening the powers of the Imperial Crown. They desire you remove Brandenburg (Prussia) and Hanover from their positions as electors of the Holy Roman Empire, though such action could rip the Empire apart completely, as other protestant princes will not take kindly to such discrimination. Those for strengthening the Empire are also calling for you to officially reclaim the Netherlands as Imperial Territory, an issue supposedly resolved following the Eighty Years War. Will you attempt to strengthen the long decentralized Holy Roman Empire or leave these actions for a time of greater stability?

-One issue in the vast range of nationalities in your forces is the lack of unifying ties, save the Habsburg Monarchy. Your soldiers do not speak the same languages, come from the same areas, or care about the same issues. This has meant the various divisions of your army have been highly segregated, Hungarians fighting in Hungarian units, Bohemians in Bohemian units, and Austrians in Austrian units. There are calls by some to mix the forces and enforce German as the primary language. While this would mean greater battlefield cohesion and more integration, it could also lead to the enflaming of nationalist sentiments among the soldiers. Will you reform the military or allow it to function as it is at present?

[Spamage]

Kingdom of Great Britain:

-With their defeat at the Battle of Indore, the Mughals have demanded immediate action from the army of Bengal to defeat the French and Maratha in India. While your overtures with the Persians were met favorably, they were unable to commit to your side, waiting to see what the Ottomans are planning before deciding. This means you are largely on your own in continuing to prosecute the War here. Some suggest continuing the policy of naval blockade, viewing a land battle as too risky, while others see the French forts near Bengal as easy targets.

-You have won two victories in the Americas, though the fight continues. The Seminoles have attacked your settlers in Florida, certainly causing the colonists throughout the New World to take notice. Many men have come forward with the offer of enlistment, though they demand real changes to the traditional policy. In the past, American militiamen have been treated with contempt by European soldiers, unable to join the regular army, receive the higher wages that entails, and the possibility of promotion. These potential recruits demand the chance to join the forces as regular soldiers in the army, as well as property following the conclusion of the war. This action could be helpful in replenishing your numbers, but risks alienating the Iroquois and Cherokee, who understand these “tracts of land” often mean their territory. What should be done?

-Your Hanoverian subjects are quite upset with you, George II. While they are supportive of the War, especially with your alliance with the Kingdom of Prussia, they are gravely concerned with the removal of their garrison to Saxony. With the French clearly determined to take aggressive action on the Continent, they are calling for more troops to be sent to them, in order to provide for their safety. Perhaps other local princes of the Empire could be persuaded to protect the region? Or maybe relocation is the best action? The choice is yours.

United Provinces of the Netherlands:

-The States General have largely gotten behind your entry into the War, though there remains a vocal pro-French faction in Amsterdam. There are some suspicions that the French government itself is funding these groups and there are calls for you to issue orders curtailing the right of printers to spread pro-French news, arrest those government officials who express pro-French sentiments, and punish those attempting to do business with them even during war. Will you enact these harsh measures, supported by a wide range of loyal Orangists and Republicans, or allow the principles of free expression and liberty to reign even in a time of conflict and division?

-You have largely established domestic peace between the two major parties by the admission of the Orangists into the government. This is a blessing as the war has come to the doorstep of the Netherlands. While Brussels was captured from the surprised and small Austrian garrison after a large battle with the French, your combined Anglo-Dutch-Danish Army remains outnumbered. Some are urging you to enlist the local Flemish population, though they have their own demands. While they are Dutch-speakers, they are also Catholic. They will only fight for your government if a greater degree of toleration is assured in any potential post-war union. Will you accept their demands, and anger some in the Protestant northern provinces, or continue to fight with the forces already gathered?

-The efforts to settle New Holland were a resounding success thus far. Though a number of the new settlers perished quickly, the situation eventually turned around. There is a whole continent to settle and the colonists sent by you are urging for more people to be sent as soon as available. A major problem however, is that there seems to be few people to spare with such an intense war raging. Will you acquiesce to their demands and send Dutch citizens, enlist foreign settlers, or leave the colony as is for now?

Kingdom of Spain:

-Your decision to keep Spain neutral, by allying with Britain then establishing a non-aggression pact with France, was initially mocked by some of your subjects as indecisive foreign policy. Yet, now that war has been declared, they see your foresight in keeping Spain’s options open and you have been widely praised. Spain’s neutrality raises its own problems though. Should vessels of both factions be permitted to dock in Spanish ports and trade in Spanish cities? Some argue that ships from neither side should be welcomed by the Spanish, as their entry is far too risky others see that as too damaging to the national economy. What economic policies will be pursued in concert with your neutrality?

-Your stepmother, your late father’s second wife, has been no stranger in criticizing you and your government. Elisabeth Farnese enjoyed near complete control over Spanish policy during your father’s reign, setting up your half-brothers on the thrones of the Two Sicilies and Parma, though has been isolated from power once you inherited the throne. Now she and her shadow court have begun to urgently insist that Spain side against the French in the conflict, going so far as to host the British ambassador and openly express her desire that Spanish soldiers join the the “slaying of the French”. This was a highly embarrassing incident, especially in the wake of your neutrality, and there are many urging you to take action against her, even if it angers your half-brothers in Italy. Perhaps Elisabeth could be exiled? Or maybe given some minor power at Court? Regardless, the situation must be handled before she undermines your government further.

-The last few decades have seen the growth in the popularity, and price, of beaver pelts in Europe. As a result, there have been calls for an increased supply of the good, most commonly found along the western coast of North America. While California, one such area, has been the home of numerous missions, little formal settlement has been undertaken. Some in Spain, seeing the potential for profits, have urged you to encourage settlement of this potentially valuable territory, though doing so could invoke the ire of the natives in the region. With the massacre of the British in Florida by the Seminoles still on quite a few of your subject’s minds there are many who are not keen to make enemies of potential allies. Will you capitalize on the demand for beaver pelts or leave the matter be and allow the local missions to continue to administer California?

Kingdom of Prussia:

-King Frederick, truly you have earned the appellation of “the Great” over the last six months. Prussia seemed to have expanded in every direction with the easy seizure of Swedish Pomerania, and the quick capture of both Danzig and most of Saxony. The realm is not without problems though. The Russians have a sizeable force in the largely undefended East Prussia, with the traditional heartland of your Kingdom at risk. Junkers are urging for a force to be moved against the Russians as soon as possible, in order to ensure that they will not have to eventually face a dual Polish-Russian invasion.

-The freeing of the serfs was hailed throughout your Kingdom, giving hope to thousands. It has been said Prussia is an army with a nation, so naturally some advisors have urged for you to begin enrolling these freed subjects into the military, they potentially providing a large boost to the potential recruitment numbers of your Kingdom. This is not without risk though, as they would undoubtedly be of worse quality than the traditional Prussian career soldiers. What will you do? Risk diluting the traditions of the Prussian military or face the possibility of a severe manpower shortage?

-With the control of Danzig and other Polish territories, some in your forces have seen an opportunity in the vast riches of the local Catholic Church. They are openly urging you to seize the gold and lands of the Church in order to better fund the war effort, with the added benefit of simultaneously erasing superstition from the land. Local Protestants, long angered by Catholic oppression under the Commonwealth, have even begun to take action into their own hands in several communities, throwing rocks at stained-glass windows and harassing priests. More cautious advisors remind you this could potentially force more Poles into the arms of Augustus, though perhaps the opportunity is too good to pass up. What will you do?

[Spamage]

Ottoman Empire:

-Mustafa III, you come to the throne after a highly traumatic event in your nation. Your cousin and predecessor was brutally assassinated by a fanatical Orthodox subject upset over the jizya. There are reports of clashes between Muslims and Orthodox Greeks in the Balkans and Macedonia, with cooler heads seeming to prevail in Constantinople itself. The Patriarch of Constantinople, seeking peace, has come to Topkapi Palace with the offer of a compromise. He will order the Orthodox people to pay the jizya if he is able to give the assurance of a general reform of taxes to be conducted within the decade, establishing a system where the payments are distributed more evenly among all your subjects. Will you accept this offer and seek to calm the situation? Or perhaps a show of strength will convince the Orthodox and Jews to back down on their calls for reform?

-The Western “Vacations” offered to officers have proved to be a roaring success. Contacts between Ottomans military leaders and the officers of realms on both sides of the new war in Europe have been established, with friendships forged and tactics discussed throughout the Hookah Bars and palaces of the Capitol. Some of your officers are now reiterating their calls for the military to be reorganized along western lines, though undoubtedly some sort of agreement would need to be reached with the Janissaries for this to succeed.

-Egypt has always had a somewhat unique status in your Empire, with the local Mamluks retaining influence there even despite their defeat centuries ago. As a result, there is a far greater degree of autonomy there and potential revenue lost. There are some in Istanbul who are calling for Egypt to be reorganized from an Eyalet into a formal province, despite the potential for local backlash. This is generally the same faction that was urging for the continued commercialization of the Empire, so the same opponents could take action into their own hands. Others are urging for Egypt to remain as-is, with the potential for the Empire being dragged into a war to the north making potential domestic changes a bit too risky.

Kingdom of Sweden:

-The Coalition deal with the Caps and the Royalists seems to have been a good idea, with most of the Swedish people solidly convinced that the prospect will succeed, so long as both sides act in good faith. Your wife, ever persistent on asserting royal power, sees the deal as an opportunity. She argues that you should use the war as an excuse to suppress the Hat faction, using their hatred of your Russian allies as an excuse to lock them up or at very least bar them from holding seats in the Riksdag. This could exacerbate tensions at a time of war, though it may be beneficial for restoring the absolute monarchy in the long run.

-While you have captured Christiana, the largest city in Norway, Danish soldiers remain in the area. The war is yet to be won and some military advisors have begun to adviocate for a far more active naval policy. With the vessels you ordered constructed in early 1756 being added to your fleet, they demand you attempt to wrest the control of the Baltic from the Danes and British in concert with the Russian fleet. This would allow for trade to return to normal, though it could mean you would lose your navy entirely. Will your fleet remain in port or challenge your enemies for naval supremacy?

-With the Caps in control of the land reform program, it could be expected that they’d take an active position in favor of the peasants and the clergy. Even so, they have begun to seize lands from several prestigious noble families, though avoiding the property of active royalists, and given it to the lower class. While the nobles receive limited compensation, many view these actions as an infringement on their traditional rights and are vocally complaining. They demand you intercede on their behalf, though doing so would break with the agreement you have just made with the Riksdag and angering the peasants who have been given the land to cultivate. Whose side will you take: the Caps or the nobles?

Kingdom of Poland-Lithuania:

-Augustus, while you’ve undoubtedly enjoyed rapid, twin victories in the Father’s War, the rebels are actually far from being defeated. Though their standing armies have been crushed, the development of localized warfare has been a negative turn of events in the Kingdom. Thousands of peasants, afraid of foreign Austrians and Russians in the realm, have heeded the calls of the Sejm and whole villages remain declared against the imposed absolute monarchy. They have proved worthy opponents, knowing the terrain far better than troops from other areas of the realm ever could, disrupting supply lines, attacking stragglers, and attempting to recruit more people to their cause. Your military advisors are urging a brutal response, the burning of the countryside and the pillaging, without regulation, of the rebellious regions. While this would lead to the deaths of thousands, and probably injure both the innocent and guilty, it may also prove highly effective. What actions will be undertaken by the Royalist forces to end the civil war?

-The invasion by Prussia of Poland and Saxony was a shocking betrayal. Attempts to build a navy were lost along with the important city of Danzig, your only ports now being those recently recaptured from the rebels with Russian aid. Your realms have been drawn into a war you did not declare, the Saxons (your original subjects) have been scattered, and their is great uncertainty as to whether you should keep focusing on ending the civil war or on regaining Saxony and freeing your other subjects from the yoke of Prussian control before they get too used to it.

-Over the course of the civil war you have captured many nobles who declared for the Sejm. Thus far they, and captured family members, have been held under military guard in Warsaw by your soldiers. What is to be done with them? Some are urging for the execution of those who took up arms against you, the confiscation of their lands, and the creation of new, more loyal vassals. Others argue mercy would be far better in attempting to reconcile the realm, even if the nobles remain uncooperative in the future. Or perhaps they should be left to rot in prison. The choice is yours.

Kingdom of Portugal:

-Great work so far King Joseph. The city of Lisbon is finally showing real signs of recovery almost a year after the devastation of the earthquake. Buildings have been restored, the economy is repairing itself, and Portugal is looking prepared to reenter international affairs. There are questions about the quality of the buildings reconstructed, though. Some are urging you to order new buildings adhere to a rigid code, even if it means limiting the overall scale of recovery and tearing down some of the repaired buildings (something your people may not take too kindly to), though others argue diligence now will pay off later. What will be done?

-Mysore has been particularly receptive of your increased attempts to influence the states of western India. The ruler there has proposed a favorable trade agreement as well the an alliance between your realm and his. All he asks in return is that Portugal guarantee his people’s future independence against any other European power that could try and infringe upon it. This agreement, coupled with the rapid growth of Portuguese trade as a result of neutrality, has the potential to be highly profitable for the Kingdom, though it risks giving up a bit of control over your policy in regards to India. Will you accept and create a new alliance or decline and continue to look for ways to expand Portugal’s direct holdings in the areas around Goa?

-With ideas of the “Enlightenment” entering Portugal, there are many beginning to question the relevance of the Inquisition in Portuguese society. Established at a time of general religious unease in the past, many subjects now see the institution as a way for the Church to bully, cajole, and build on its wealth, all the while punishing people for holding different opinions. The reformist faction demands the Crown end its backing of the Inquisition and outlaw it in the Kingdom. Other, more traditionalist-minded courtiers believe this to be a mistake and worry you will be antagonizing the Church at a time when its support is needed in Portugal, in light of recent calamities. How will you proceed?

[Spamage]

Kingdom of Denmark-Norway:

-The Swedish victory in Norway has alarmed the government, with many advisors openly fearing that the Swedes will attempt to recreate their quick victory over the Danes last seen in the Great Northern War. The loss of Christiana specifically was a huge blow to national prestige and some have been questioning whether “Norway" is truly a title worthy to be held by you if it is undefended. There are growing calls for Danish soldiers to be sent to recapture Christiana before the Norwegians lose hope, though this would potentially mean diverting resources from theaters in central Europe, which have been helpful to your allies thus far. How will you respond to the Swedish military gains over the last few months?

-Your lowering of Moltke's status has been widely seen as an act of strength at Court, especially when coupled with your recent declaration of war. With the War however, there are growing questions about the policy of freedom of expression that was declared at the dawn of your reign. Many nobles are urging you to be more restrictive with what is allowed to be published in Denmark, pointing out disappointed subjects could eventually turn the presses against the war and royal policy. Others believe the policy was intended precisely for times like these and that altering it would be breaking a covenant with your people. Will you impose limits on the freedom of expression or allow it to continue as it currently stands?
 
-With Frederick II’s decision to free the serfs of Prussia, there are many in Denmark who yearn for a similar policy to be enacted in your realm. The freedom of the press has not helped matters, with many publishers urging you to join in the reformist practices of the times. This opinion is not universal at all though, and could alienate many of the officials and nobles whose support is crucial during these dire times of conflict. Will you follow the example of your Prussian ally and forcefully liberate the serfs or defend the traditional practices of Denmark? Perhaps gradual emancipation should be pursued?

Armies & Locations

Nations involved in the War of the Grand Coalition have seen a boost in potential recruits, with more subjects willing to risk their lives for their government following the commencement of hostilities. Undoubtedly, as the war continues, more and more people may be persuaded to take up arms.

Kingdom of Prussia
60,430 Royal Army
29,100 Army of the East
7,888 Army of Pomerania
30,000 Army of Berlin (newly raised)
18,000 men garrisoned
(Can raise 20,000 more)

Kingdom of France
109,915 Army of Belgium
84,000 Garrison of France (newly raised)
5,000 Army of Quebec
17,640 Army Louisiana + Ohio
5,000 Army of India
(Can raise 32,000 more)

Kingdom of Great Britain
10,000 Garrison of Britain (newly raised)
32,000 Army of Belgium
35,000 Army of Hanover (in Saxony)
10,000 Army & Garrison of the 13 Colonies
11,280 Army of Louisbourg
13,857 Army of Ohio
3,000 Army & Garrison of India
(Can raise 45,000 more)

Kingdom of Sweden
39,200 1st Army of Norway
20,000 2nd Army
10,000 men garrisoned
(Can raise 20,000 more)

Kingdom of Denmark-Norway
35,000 men raised and mobile
7,100 men garrisoned
(Can raise 30,000 more)

Kingdom of Portugal
20,000 men raised and mobile
10,000 men garrisoned
7,000 Army of Brazil
(Can raise 15,000 more)

Kingdom of Spain
60,000 men raised and mobile
25,000 men garrisoned
15,000 Army & Garrison of New Spain
10,000 Army & Garrison of South America
2,000 Army & Garrison of the Philippines
(can raise 30,000 more)

Russian Empire
117,625 Army of the Baltic
80,000 Army of Russia (newly raised)
50,000 men garrisoned
(can raise 20,000 more)

Archduchy of Austria
104,000 Army of Bohemia
34,300 Army of Poland
55,000 Army of Vienna (newly raised)
(can raise 15,000 more)

United Provinces of the Netherlands
36,000 Army of Brussels
10,000 men garrisoned
10,000 Army of Amsterdam (newly raised)
2,000 men Army & Garrison of Dutch East Indies
1,000 men Army & Garrison of Cape Colony
(can raise 15,000 more)

Ottoman Empire
100,000 men raised and mobile (must be divided into armies)
35,000 men garrisoned
(can raise 60,000 more)

Kingdom of Poland-Lithuania
27,000 Army of Lithuania
4,500 Army of Opole
10,000 Army of Warsaw (newly raised)
20,000 men garrisoned
(can raise 45,000 more)

Navies of the World
Kingdom of Great Britain
171 Ships of the Line
125 Frigates

Kingdom of France
107 Ships of the Line
51 Frigates

United Provinces of the Netherlands
57 Ships of the Line
43 Frigates

Kingdom of Spain
57 Ships of the Line
28 Frigates

Kingdom of Portugal
35 Ships of the Line
20 Frigates

Russian Empire
34 Ships of the Line
10 Frigates

Kingdom of Denmark-Norway
22 Ships of the Line
20 Frigates

Kingdom of Sweden
27 Ships of the Line
15 Frigates

Ottoman Empire
20 Ships of the Line
8 Frigates