Encore of Europe: Gameplay Thread

[Huey Long is a Republican]

*A defensive coalition against France and Austria apparently.

In the first draft perhaps, but the queen has decided it to be unfair to single out any Nation for the idea of Peace and will allow any Country to join in said Coalition, and even offers said invite of the Coalition to France as a sign of good faith.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Ottoman Empire, which too belongs to the European family of states, will not even contemplate joining any alliance established in order cultivate hostilities among powers. Just a couple of decades ago Europe had been divided into mutually hostile coalitions, engaged in cruel warfare, and we do not want to have any part in this again.

This is especially important when it comes to our relations with Vienna. Learning from years of conflict and overcoming numerous mutual grievances, the Houses of Osman and Habsburg decided to work together in order to secure peace and stability in the region, and the Sublime Porte is, in the light of recent revelations, even more committed to carry on.

[At-Large Senator LouisvilleThunder]

A Proclamation from Madrid

My message to all loyal subjects in the Kingdom of Spain,
In order to support crucial economic developments, I hereby announce that a national bank should be created in order to consolidate the kingdom's finances in order to fund internal improvements such as roads. Also, all regional and local taxation shall be consolidated into a centralized Spanish treasury in order support the expenditures and debt payments previously owed. Roads shall be constructed to aid commerce in both the Spanish homeland and in the New World colonies. Also, improvements in agricultural techniques as well as new industrial technology shall be implemented from research funded by the government. In addition, an agency shall be formed which will manage reckless and irresponsible wasteful spending so that our expenditures can be directly targeted into measures which grow the economy in forms of internal improvements and strengthening the military. A general liberalization scheme shall be implemented which would promote trade with peaceful friendly powers. In foreign policy, it shall be the Spanish crown's policy to condemn belligerent disturbing moves by other powers that aim at disturbing the peace and the balance of power such as Portugal which has shocked me. Spain is willing to be a key player in promoting stability and general prosperity in Europe and the world. Lastly, in regards to the rebellion in Quebec, the Spanish crown shall demand that all belligerent actions should end for the mutual common good as Spain wishes to be a fair ruler from this point forward and that we are open to reasonable discourse to settle our differences. May God bless the Kingdom.
-King Charles III of Spain

[ASPN]

A Declaration:

By approval of the Quebec Convention, we hereby declare.

*Quebec shall be a free and sovereign nation, seperate from the Tyrant in Madrid who stiffened our expansion, after being devastated by Britain, and sold to you like cattle.

*Any attempt by Spain to bring their heel down upon us will be met with armed resistance.

Vive la Quebec

(Here can be seen, the various signatures of the Convention members.)

[_]

The Polish-Lithuanian Republic
1782

Diplomacy:

The President has been shocked to learn of the plot of the Portugese Queen to potentially start off a new world war within Europe, and is particularly insulted that the Queen would think that the Republic had any wish of violence due to a difference of governance between other nations and the Republic.  The Republic reiterates that it has no wish to start a war with anyone, and wishes to rebuild itself after the turmoil of the past few decades. However, the Republic does wish to make it clear that if provoked it will defend itself and it's people from conquest.

In regards to Prussia, the President joins the Prussian people in mourning the loss of Frederick II, and humbly requests that he be allowed to attend the Funeral of the King so he may pay his respects to him in person.

In addition, the President wishes to announce that the Republic will be sending diplomat Franciszek Bukaty to Vienna to attend the congress on slavery, and will convey the Republic's complete abhorrence for the institution of slavery and lobby for a swift end to the international slave trade.

Constitutional Reform:

President Tadeusz Kosciuszko, after some reflection and consulting with advisors, decided to reform the constitution to better serve the people of the Republic, as well as guarantee them of their natural rights.  The reforms to the constitution shall be listed below.

I:  The election of a President shall occur once every 10 years instead of 5, and there shall be no term limits for the President.  As such, next presidential election will occur in the year 1792.

II:  The election of representatives to the National Assembly shall occur every 5 years instead of 3. As such, the next assembly election will occur in the year 1787.

III:  All male citizens of the Republic, aged 18 and above shall be allowed to vote in presidential and assembly elections.

IV:  The power of appointment of judges shall remain in the office of the President, but the National Assembly must vote to confirm each judge, with a simple majority being required.  In addition, only a 3/5ths vote shall be required to recall any judge, rather than a 2/3rds majority.

V:  A bill of rights shall be established, guaranteeing the following rights for all citizens of the Republic.
   
1:  The rights of freedom of speech, the press, assembly, protest, and religion.
   
2:  The right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury for all accused of a crime.
   
3:  Protection from unreasonable search and seizure unless a warrant is issued by a Judge finding
    probable cause for such.

With these rights and reforms established, it is the belief of the President that the Republic will now truly give it's people the voice they deserve in their own government, as well as protect their natural rights.

Domestic Affairs:

In addition to the reform of the Constitution, the President wished to begin the reconstruction of the Republic's economy, as well as to be prepared for it's defense.  As such, he proposed the following reforms.

1:  The tax system of the Republic shall be reformed in order to make sure taxes are properly collected and any corruption shall be rooted out as soon as possible. The landed and wealthy will have new taxes levied upon them in order to create a fairer tax system, while merchants and business owners will have their taxes cut in order to promote the hiring of new workers.

2:  The Republic shall spend 75% of all new funds on the creation of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure in order to help modernize the Republic and give employment to those Citizens who need it.

3:  In time of war, all able bodied men between the ages of 18 and 25 shall be conscripted into the army in order to protect the Republic.

4:  The Republic shall spend the remaining 25% of all new funds on the expansion of our navy, specifically on the construction of 10 Ships of the Line and 5 Frigates, as well as the expansion of our trade fleet.

The Church:

The President, himself a Catholic, recognizes that the Church still has a place in the Republic, as such, he makes the following decrees on the Catholic Church in the Republic.

1:  All Church lands within the Republic will be untaxed, so as to allow the Church to continue educating our citizens in the way of god and giving charity to those who need it.

2:  Catholicism shall remain the official religion of the realm, and is urged by the President to help with aiding local governments in daily affairs in any way it can.

With this, the President hopes that the church will recognize it has a friend in Warsaw, and continue enlightening the people of the Republic for the coming years.

Conclusion

With these reforms implemented, and the Republic's wishes for peace in Europe stated, this is all the announcements the Republic has to make. May god bless the Polish-Lithuanian Republic, and the continent of Europe.

X President Tadeusz Kosciuszko of the Polish-Lithuanian Republic

[windjammer]

Statement regarding Poland-Lithuania

The King of France applauds the recent announcement of General Kosciuszko to end the religious persecutions that all Catholics faced in Poland for more than 20 years. We can only hope this announcement will be followed by concrete actions regarding this matter.
King of France and Very Christian King Louis XVI

[YPestis25]

Declaration from Stockholm Palace

After extensive negotiations His Majesty Emperor Paul and His Majesty King Gustav have agreed to a comprehensive non-aggression pact between the Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Russian Empire. His Majesty King Gustav is immensely pleased with this development and looks forward with confidence to a renewed period of Russo-Scandinavian friendship.

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x Gustav III, King of Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Protector of Iceland and Greenland.

[Wikipedia delenda est]

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x Paul, Emperor of Russia

[Spamage]

1782 News, Happenings, and Events

Poor Harvest
Lack of Produce causes High Food Prices, Higher Anger

     A series of bad weather events in Europe in 1782 has led to a very poor harvest heading into the year 1783 for much of Europe (this actually occurred, interestingly enough). A wet summer has been followed by early frost in September, causing yields to fall and quotas not to be met. As a result, the price of food in France, Iberia Scandinavia, the German States, and Italy has risen substantially. Eastern Europe was less affected, a plus for realms such as the Ottoman Empire, Poland, and Russia, but even so, yields were down in these regions as well, if only slightly.
    Governments with large closer colonial empires, Britain, Portugal, and Spain will probably best be able to meet the long-term strain caused by shortages of key crops such as wheat, but even so, it will take time to get supplies shipped. Already there are reports of hungry peasants across the Continent. Indeed, many are asking why governments were not better prepared for this eventuality? While the worst will be over by the next spring when new crops begin to ripen, it is expected that the coming winter will be a tough time for communities regardless of the sovereign. Perhaps East Europe and the colonial empires could play a key role in alleviating immediate shortages, though that depends on the willingness of their governments and people to act.
     Minor states in West Germany have attempted price controls, setting a maximum for bread, but this has led to even greater shortages. How will the leaders of Europe respond to this unpredictable development, especially seeing the consequences caused by it?

WAR! PRUSSIA AND OTTOMANS LAUNCH SURPRISE ATTACKS ON PORTUGAL! NATION RALLIES TO QUEEN’S DEFENSE! HOW WILL EUROPE RESPOND?

    In a move reminiscent of their uncles, Abdul Hamid and Frederick William II took bold action against Portugal midway through the year. Accusing Maria I of attempting to start a war, they launched one in order to chasten her. Although claiming the move was in self-defense, even with Maria’s last-minute attempt to host a peace conference, the wide range of Prussian and Ottoman attacks across the globe have caused many to challenge the assertion and demand some sort of action be taken.
    The fighting began in Portugal itself in March, when Prussian agents were discovered in Lisbon harbor after setting fire to several vessels of the Portuguese navy in an attempt to sabotage the government. The people, shocked to the core by the political reforms, were rallied to the government’s cause. News would slowly trickle in of campaigns in other parts of the world aimed at decapitating the Portuguese Empire.
    A massive Prussian expedition sailed across the Atlantic, docking at Saint Domingue at immediately attacking the colony. Opening fire on the colony’s small capital of Le Cap, the city soon capitulated. The white colonists though, eager to protect their lucrative profits and furious about Prussian treachery, have fought back. An intense guerilla campaign has begun on the island’s interior while Prussian soldiers have begun to die quite rapidly due to not being used to the climate and the many tropical diseases they were unprepared for. With little pitched battles so far, this situation is the most volatile. Thousands of slaves have likewise gotten involved, using the chaos as a means to escape. They have not run into the arms of the Prussians though, who have been justifiably accused of atrocities committed against both slaves and free when the city of Le Cap was captured. Furthermore, with no clear instructions from Berlin on the matter, many runaway slaves have been recaptured by the Prussians and returned to the sugarcane fields as they try to conquer the colony. Those who have escaped either the Portuguese or the Prussians have fled into the hills and have launched raids to free their brethren.
    In Southern Africa, a simultaneous campaign was launched to expel the Portuguese from Angola and Mozambique. Angola was taken rather quickly, the mild garrison surrendering after being surprised by the arrival of the Prussians. Mozambique was a different matter. The Prussians on this side of the continent were not ready for both intense local resistance and a terrible march from New Prussia. Raids by locals and heat have caused this expedition to lag. Following a large battle, where the local Portuguese armed native Africans in their desperation, the experienced Prussians were pushed back, out of their element and halfway across the world, their oft-vaunted morale stunted for the time being. With heavy casualties, the invading army has retreated for the time being, though the Portuguese in Angola have likewise been severely mauled.
    Prussian demands sent to India arguing for the evacuation of colonists due to isolation from their homeland were only met with indifference at best, and nationalistic fury at worst. Frederick William II was burned in effigy in the streets of India by indignant Portuguese officials and, for the time being, Mysore shows no signs of wishing to abandon its protector (especially considering the sizeable Portuguese force transferred there).
    The Ottomans, indicating their friendship with Prussia still stands, joined in on the assault. East Timor has been captured following the arrival of an Ottoman Navy, the locals shocked when it opened fire.
    While Abdul Hamid and Frederick William’s actions were undoubtedly daring, many in Europe have viewed the attack quite negatively. It is one thing to talk of war (like Maria was probably doing with foreign governments), it was something else entirely to start one. In Spain, a fellow Catholic colonial nation, and in Britain, which has a very old alliance with Portugal, many common people were quite concerned about Prussia’s move. Pope Adrian VII, just days after issuing a stinging rebuke of Maria for his reforms (which he still will not retract) strongly condemned the moves, arguing that needless blood had been spilled by Prussia once more. Coupled with the events in Sardinia-Piedmont, the calm situation across much of Europe has been shattered.
    Overall, Prussia has seized a portion of Saint Domingue, the Mauritius, and Angola. The
Ottoman Empire meanwhile has successfully also taken one of the Mauritius islands and surprised East Timor. Portugal retains Mozambique and its Indian possessions, not to mention Brazil, Guyana, and its Atlantic islands. With Maria’s decision to send men to India though, occurring before the outbreak of war, it is unclear how the situation will be moving forward.

“Maria the Mad”?
Queen’s Controversial Actions Face Domestic Backlash, Overshadowed by War

     Queen Maria Braganza of Portugal may have thought she was preempting any internal dissent when she commanded the drafting of a constitution for Portugal, but what she offered was so surprising, it was not even the radical’s final aim. In a STUNNING move, she announced that not only would all citizens be able to vote, but so would all men and women. In addition, in the staunchly Catholic realm, all religions were permitted. These were ideas so radical, rather than bringing the people together, it has caused great unease in Portugal and its colonies, tanking her popularity for the time being while people try to understand what has occurred.
      Local administrators in many realms have outright refused to allow women to vote, demanding further clarification from Lisbon. Though an election was held as scheduled in December, there were numerous irregularities, a low turnout, and suspicions in Lisbon that local administrators had actively sabotaged the vote. The resulting Parliament, thanks to intervention, has a range of factions from ultra-Conservative absolutists to pacifists calling for peace with Prussia. Some are calling on the Queen to call new elections before the body sets out to work so as to end doubt about the voting and election result.
     Once deemed as taboo, there are now some who are calling for Maria’s husband, King Pedro III, to take over control from his wife following her decisions. Others look to her son and heir Prince José. Indeed, the Portuguese Catholic Church has been quietly seconding these calls from the pulpit, though not outright, through veiled references to St. Paul’s view on the wife’s role in marriage. The nobility, which viewed the Queen as an ally following the harsh reign of Pombal during her father’s time on the throne, was completely outraged. This discontent only increased when the disliked advisor was invited back to Court and into Royal Favor. Nobles have withdrawn from Court, with only a small cadre of loyal supporters remaining around Maria. While there is ample evidence of a foreign power, probably Prussia in light of their attacks and espionage, amplifying these internal divisions, it does appear much of the rage is genuine.
     The only group supporting the Queen is the lower class, mostly the women of the lower class (the men resent the idea of being forced to serve in Portugal’s military). Pleased by her reforms, she’s been hailed by some of the largest radical republic papers across the continent, dubbed by one as “the only monarch that should keep their head”, but staunchly condemned by both the center and the right (i.e. a large portion of her subjects). The people of Lisbon, even once to her face, have dubbed her Maria “the Mad”. While young playwright Olympe de Gouges dedicated her most recent show to Queen Maria, the Pope has issued harsh strings of criticism of her “carelessness and wanton republicanism”.
     The colonies too reacted with surprise at the proposals. While pleased by promises of self-rule, here too the idea of religious toleration and female suffrage was greeted with such shock it may be too early to understand the long-term consequences.
     The surprise attack of Prussia has changed the situation though. While there is domestic resentment over the reforms, the stunning attack has rallied almost everyone to the Queen’s side, for the time being. It is seen as a move of great dishonor, causing innocent Portuguese to lose their lives in surprise attacks. Indeed, even newspapers that were railing against the Queen, calling for her to step aside, while not apologizing, have gone on record arguing that these matters should be decided once peace returns or only if Maria continues to act somewhat erratically.

CHAOS IN SARDINIA-PIEDMONT!

     The sovereigns of Europe, as if they needed no reminder of the threat of republicanism poses, have been shocked by the events which rocked Sardinia-Piedmont in the latter half of 1782. King Victor Amadeus III, son of the much-beloved Charles Emmanuel III, was quite unlike his father. Protesting against the push for representative and democratic governance, upon his ascension he reversed the reforms championed by the middle class and sought to restore the old order.
    This idea was not impossible, as his first nine years on the throne demonstrated. Though there was much grumbling against his reactionary views, the reformers found themselves powerless and outnumbered. The King made their job of rallying support quite difficult by paying lip service to the Constitution and there were some in the realm who felt that the Kingdom needed time to digest the rapid string of reforms that had been enacted during the 1760s. Yet, Victor Amadeus, while praising the “noble spirit” of the drafters and his father, simultaneously violated the document. Elections were not called and the National Assembly had been largely purged of the reformists during the first year of his reign.
     The poor harvest of 1782 caused tensions throughout the realm as the price of bread and other staples of the economy rose. This alone wouldn’t have been disastrous had the King not been so adamant about pursuing controversial political reforms at the same time. Upset about the events in Poland (seeing the power of the press to provoke a civil war with incendiary headlines), he moved to limit the freedom of speech in his realm. A series of laws, planned for several years beforehand, were enacted where the government would gain the ability to shut down papers at will. The urban middle class, fed up with high bread prices, offended by the return of feudal privilege, and now goaded forward by journalists fearing for their profession, had enough.
    Riots in Turin in September caught the government off-guard. The King, who was in the city, fled to estates in the countryside and ordered his ministers to re-establish order. The soldiers would not act though, unless the King personally joined them. During the several days while this was communicated, they defected. By the end of the week, the King was arrested. He was joined by most of the aristocratic generals who vainly tried to seize back control of their men. The armies of the House of Savoy, once proud and feared throughout Europe in the days of Prince Eugene, turned completely on their longtime patrons.
    Sardinia, despite its isolation from the center of the action, has joined in the revolt. Nobles all across the island have been rounded up and imprisoned unless they agreed to renounce their titles and privileges on the spot.
    A council of reformists has met in Turin, debating the future of the realm. Some advocate placing Prince Charles Felix (the youngest son of the King at 17 years of age) on the throne as a constitutional monarch, hoping he has not been too polluted by his father’s absolutists aims like his older brothers. Others believe it is time for the realm to become a full-on republic, inspired by the recent developments in Quebec and Poland. There are even some who look to the other houses of Europe for potential candidates, eager to get a fresh start after 700 years under the House of Savoy. Whatever the case, as the representatives debate their actions have shocked the Continent. Pietro Verri, a Milanese political thinker who has become disgusted with Habsburg absolutism, has emerged as an early leader of the rebels despite not being from the Kingdom originally.
    It remains to be seen how several major powers will react. France, with the long-term potential of inheriting neighboring Modena and right next to Piedmont, has become a refuge for many nobles who have fled the realm, causing internal political division. Austria, also possessing so much land in Italy, has likewise felt early ripples of the events, even though they are just months old. Undoubtedly other realms in the region will too as time passes. How will Venice react to the birth of another potential republic next door? The most critical situation though, is in the Republic of Genoa. Unlike its Venetian rival, there were no large-scale democratic reforms championed in this city-state. The result means that the old noble oligarchy has faced a serious threat from the masses in the city. Depending on the events in Turin, Genoa could be a place to watch…

Austria Abandons Cyrenaica, Cooperates with Returning Ottomans

     Joseph II, recognizing that the situation in North Africa was likely unsustainable given the intense local resistance, responded warmly to Ottoman proposals of cooperation. Istanbul, upset with the raids on Egypt and looking to further signal the increased centralization of the Ottoman Empire, would be handed all of the Austrian territory as the two powers cooperated in order to push the Tripolitanian rebels back into the desert. While the situation in the East has been positive so far, the Venetians in the West have been further overwhelmed, losing more men and several small coastal settlements.
     Ali Karamanli, after a failed negotiation with Austria, has nevertheless proclaimed himself the “Sultan of Tripolitania”, seeking to rally the region against the Catholic colonizers. The Ottoman involvement could weaken his chances though, undermining the religious arguments for resistance, but the new Sultan has also been vehement in denouncing the “wretched Turk” who seeks to recapture the lands. While technological development has ensured his people have been forced from most of the coast, it is undoubtable that the Tripolitanians are unparalleled desert fighters, as the defeat of several European scouting expeditions has indicated.

King Louis XVI and Pope Adrian VII Establish “Army of the Sacred Heart” in French India

     The French government has begun to recognize the sheer level of challenges posed by governing a distant realm with completely alien faiths practiced. King Louis XVI, seeing missionary activity as insufficient and not effective enough, moved to change the relationship between the Crown and Church on the subcontinent. After a quick negotiation with Pope Adrian VII, it was agreed that the Vatican would accept the formation of a new, domestic force of Indian Catholics based primarily on religion. Named the “Army of the Sacred Heart” (Armée du Sacré-Cœur) in honor of Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French Jesuit heroine, the new leader of the order has been blessed by the Pope in person. Rather than operating missions, the Jesuits now have returned to their focus on education. Seeking out the children of converts, or those willingly turned over by Hindu, Muslim, and Jain parents hoping they have a better life, these young men will learn to become “warriors for Christ and the King”.
    Indeed, with the promise of a better future, many of the “untouchables” have turned over their sons to the Jesuits in the hope that they will be able to break the social cycle. This has done little to endear the army towards the “higher” castes though, who look upon the conscript children as turncoats and inferiors. Conscription of them has largely undermined attempts by the French government to incorporate members of the higher castes into the administration, as some refuse to work with a foreign government they deem to be undermining the social order. There has also been some backlash, though it has been limited to the grumbling of traditionalists who abhor the increased presence of Catholicism.
    In fact, there are also many of other faiths who have been pleased by the relaxation of the emphasis on conversions by the Jesuits as, under Papal orders, the holy order has retooled its focus towards education. These non-Catholics remind their neighbors that, with conscription being voluntary, their own faiths do not seem to be directly threatened. As the Army of the Sacred Heart develops though, this could change. Many will be following the events of this area with great interest.

[Spamage]

Colonial Tensions!
Portugal expands into Zanzibar, Prussia and Britain Found Rival Colonies in the Falklands

    Whatever the political situation in Europe proper, the expanded empires of that continent continued to expand, though not without confusion or tension.
    Maria I of Portugal, in a move that was praised even with her dramatic reforms elsewhere, invested in Portuguese colonial expansion in Zanzibar, setting up a further base of operations and creating yet another stopping point for Portuguese vessels moving between Lisbon and India. This move was seen as even more wise following Prussian assaults on her other two major African territories. While the locals offered token resistance, gunfire and gold managed to placate them for the time being as a new government is established in the region.
    Prussia, even with the new King, also focused on colonial investment. Frederick William, in addition to seizing the foreign colonies of other powers, ordered further settlement northwards in New Prussia. While this has been successful, there is a marked increase of native tension. Local tribes highly resent further Prussian encroachment, grabbing more land in the last few decades than the Dutch did in their entire century of rule. If not managed properly, this situation could become a thorn in the side of the local administration.
    The largest area of tension though, occurred over a set of small islands in the South Atlantic. While George III and Frederick William were honoring the late Frederick II in Prussia, their respective governments were feuding over who controlled the islands. Britain, claiming the islands, sent a small expedition to work on establishing a local naval base, with 100 marines to serve as guards. Prussia too claimed the islands, sending another expedition out from New Prussia, landing months later to the east of the British area. There has been intense competition for local resources, though outright conflict has not yet occurred. Many in London are perplexed by the Prussian colonial activism, with some in the Cabinet wondering openly if the French colonial rivalry is being replaced by one with Britain’s former staunch ally.
    Another Empire also entered the colonial game for the first time, with Austrian settlers arriving in Southern Africa to establish a trading expedition. While thus far the situation appears positive, the location chosen sits between Portuguese Mozambique and New Prussia. Will these colonists be caught in the middle of a conflict they are not a part of?

Spain Discovers New Continent (Again…)

     The world was shocked when a Spanish ship, blown south by an intense storm while around Cape Horn, apparently encountered a whole new world, previously unknown to the rest of the planet. They allege that there is a vast land consisting entirely of ice sitting south of any other known landmass. Though there is some confusion whether this is a territory of ice or land with ice on top of it, thousands are hailing the event as a scientific breakthrough. Large birds, named Monja Penguins for their resemblance to Spanish nuns with black and white feathers, have been seen on the shores.
    Though low on supplies and near starvation when they finally managed to dock in Buenos Aires, the men have survived to spread news of this new territory. They have given the right to name the new world to the King of Spain and attempted to claim the entire region for the Crown, though it is likely of little value and impossible to settle or enforce. In a sadder note, some newspapers have christened this the end of the “Age of Discovery”, pointing out that it seems the entire world is known to European powers. After 300 years of searching, Spain seems to have played a role in both the opening and closing of this period. With no new lands to be found, powers will now have to compete over a finite number of resources, territories, and manpower.

Viennese Conference on Slavery Opens
Colonies Eyes Proposals Warily as Governments Debate Issue

     Even with the outbreak of hostilities in both Italy and Iberia, the Conference of Vienna has officially been organized by the Austrian government. Representatives of many European states have been invited to participate as the controversial issue is finally faced with a general discussion.
    Joseph II has in particular drawn quite a bit of praise for his proposal of the meeting, bolstering his credit with humanists and Enlightenment thinkers (though there are some legitimate questions about how the Austrian soldiers conducted themselves towards the locals in Cyrenaica, even if the word slavery was never used). There has been growing division in Europe over the issue of slavery for decades, with many seeing it as an immoral practice. From the Vatican to London there have been pamphlets denouncing it, but many of its defenders argue that it is an economic necessity.
    Indeed, slavery is backed staunchly by many colonists. In New Spain, Brazil, and the Fifteen Colonies slaves are often employed on plantations in order to harvest the cash crops Europe so desperately desires. Furthermore, in both the Ottoman Empire and Russia there are also practices akin to slavery, if not labeled as such outright. Will serfdom be viewed as akin to slavery? What about the slave raids conducted by the Crimean Khanate? This is just one of many issues this conference will have to resolve if it hopes to come to any sort of general agreement. Even with more immediate concerns and the outbreak of war, many will be watching the proceedings here to see whether or not some sort of consensus is reached. Already some have denounced the gathering as one of “radicals”, one Charleston South Carolina newspaper noting, “the only proper outcome of this gathering would be a solid defense of the necessity of our peculiar institution”.

INDUSTRIAL ESPIONAGE! FRENCH AGENTS ATTEMPT TO STEAL PLANS FOR WATT STEAM ENGINE! WERE THEY SUCCESSFUL?

     In a move that has infuriated the British government, a series of French agents have been apprehended, seeking to transport plans for the Watt Steam Engine back to Paris. Indeed, they seem to have been working for the French government itself, though they allege that they are employed by French businessmen. Whatever the case, the move has caused fury in the British Press. Denounced as "good for nothing", prominent newspapers portray the French as scheming, unable to come up with their own ideas and seeking to steal great British innovations.
     In Paris the government has denied any sort of responsibility, though their near-simultaneous announcement of a science show is seen by many in Britain as a clear sign of guilt. Whatever the case, the Cabinet is calling on a suspension of trade with France and a demands a full apology from Louis XVI, though the ultimate decision on the matter is up to George III to decide.
     Interestingly enough, there may have been one agent who escaped with the plans besides the two that were apprehended in London. There are worrying reports of a "LePier Steam Engine" emerging in the Rhone valley. Whether this developed independently, was stolen from London, or is as functional as the Watt Steam Engine remains to be seen. Many suspect it will be unveiled at the Scientific Exhibition set for Paris at the end of 1783.

[Spamage]

Royal Families of Europe

House of Bourbon: France
Head: King Louis XVI (1729-) m. Maria Josepha of Saxony (1731-1767)

Direct Heirs (Underlined) and Descendants
a.   Louis, Dauphin of France (1751- ) m. Maria Beatrice d'Este (1750-)
1.   Louis, Petit Dauphin (1773-)
2.   Marie Josephine (1775-)
3.   Charles Joseph, Duc du Brittany (1779-)
4.   Joseph Guillaume, Duc du Aquitaine (1782-)

b.   Louis-Auguste of France, Duc du Berry (1754- ) m. Bathilde d'Orléans (1750- )

c.   Louis Stanislas Xavier, Comte du Provence (1755- ) m. Marie Joséphine of Savoy (1753- )

d.   Charles Philippe, Comte du Artois (1757- ) m. Marie Thérèse of Savoy (1756- )

e.   Marie Clotilde (1759-)


House of Bourbon: Spain
Head: Charles III (1716-) m. Maria Amalia Wettin (1724-1762)

Direct Heirs (underlined) & Other Descendants:
a. Maria Josefa (1744-)

b. Maria Luisa (1745-) m. King George III of Great Britain (1738-)

c. Charles, Príncipe de Taranto (1748-) m. Marie Clotilde of France (1759-)
1. Isabella (1781-)
2. Philip (1782-)

d. Ferdinand IV, King of Naples (1751-)

e. Gabriel (1752-)

f. Antonio Pascual (1755-)


House of Hanover
Head: George III (1738-) m. Maria Luisa Bourbon (1745-)

Direct Heirs (underlined) & Other Descendants:
a.   Charles, Prince of Wales (1760-)

b.   George William, Duke of York (1763-)

c.   Mary (1767-)

d.   Amelia (1769-)


House of Holstein-Gottorp
Head: Gustav III (1746-) m. Anna Petrovna of Russia (1757- )

Direct Heirs (underlined) & Other Descendants:
a.   Catherine (1777-)

b.   Louisa Ulrika (1779- )

c.   Anna (1779- )

d.   Albertina (1781- )

e.   Sophia Eleanora (1782-)


House of Habsburg-Lorraine
Head: Joseph II (1741-) m. Maria Josepha of Bavaria (1739-)

Direct Heirs (underlined) & Other Descendants:
a.   Francis (1763- )

b.   Maria Theresa (1765- )

c.   Maria Anna (1769- )

d.   Maria Carolina (1770- )

e.   Maximilian (1771- )

f.   Maria Carlotta (1773- )


House of Hohenzollern
Head: Frederick William II (1744-) m. Frederika Louisa of Hesse-Darmstadt (1751-)

Direct Heirs (underlined) & Other Descendants:
a.   Frederick William (1771-)

b.   Frederika Louisa (1774-)

c.   Augusta (1775-)

d.   Henry (1777-)


House of Romanov
Head: Paul I (1754-) m. Maria Antonia of Austria (1755-)

Direct Heirs (underlined) & Other Descendants:
a.   Peter Pavlovich (1772-)

b.   Paul Pavlovich (1775-)

c.   Alexander Pavlovich (1777-)

d.   Frederick Pavlovich (1779-)

e.   Constantine Pavlovich (1780-)

f.   Maria Catharina Antonina Pavlovna (1782-)


House of Braganza
Head: Maria I (1734-) m. Peter III (1717-)

Direct Heirs (underlined) & Other Descendants:
a.   Maria Clementina (1759-)

b.   Joseph (1762-)

c.   Maria Isabel (1764-)

d.   Joao (1770-)


House of Orange
Head: William I (1748-) m. Louisa of Britain (1749-)

Direct Heirs (underlined) & Other Descendants:
a.   William (1769-)

b.   Louisa (1770-)

c.   Anne (1771-)

d.   Caroline (1772-)

e.   Louis Alexander (1775-)

Safavid Dynasty
Head: Ismail III (1733-) m. Maryam Bakhtiari (1749-)

Direct Heirs (underlined) & Other Descendants:
a.   Husayn (1769-)

b.   Abbas (1770-)

c.     Ismail (1774-)

d.      Mohammas (1779-)

[Huey Long is a Republican]

Queen Maria Braganza of Portugal addresses her Nation and Empire,

To the peoples of the Portuguese Empire, it is true that we are witnessing an era of Radical Reform and Radical changes and it is true that some recognize myself as Mad. I would like to address these people that if they believe God is so holy and so dear to their hearts, why don't they respect his main hope: For all to be equal and loved as one. I am implementing ideas that God himself is most likely a Supporter of the idea that all are equal under his watch and all are to have the same rights as one another. These reforms are to bring the idea that I believe God requests. In order to show solidarity with said reforms, we will request New Elections to be held in March of 1782 so the People truly do have a voice.

As regarding the War, after looking over some ideas from Trade, we are barely gaining much from Slavery and instead it's costing us much cash to participate in this Cruel Institution. Thus, we'll declare that as of Right Now, Slavery is to be Null and Void and any Former that helps aid is in our Wars will be given the Right to Practice Religion and the Right to Vote, though our Military will not tolerate any attempts to kill Colonists or Former Slaves and will treat attempts to do so as Hostile.

Regarding the ElWar between our Country and Prussia and the Ottomans, we are massively disgusted with the Hypocrisy of Prussia to not cause War but they do so themselves. Does the King of Prussia think so highly of himself that he is above his own Standards? We will however have simple rules in that No Citizens will be harmed, and all Captured and Wounded soldiers will be treated Equally and Fairly, and all Slaves will be freed. We, unlike our Enemies, do have a Moral Compass.

Finally, regarding the Famine, we will instantly Distribute as much Food as possible to those who need it most and I will make it a point to fast for 14 days to show my Solidarity with those that are starving. Furthermore, we will create a National Food Reserve that will collect a fourth of all Harvests each year and store it for the case of a Poor Harvest not affecting our Empire as much, if at all, in the future.

xQueen Maria Braganza of Portugal

[Lumine]

Declarations from Berlin (III)

On the Portuguese Intervention:

On account of the conspiracy uncovered by Prussia not long ago to thrust Europe into another bloody, large-scale conflict, and owing to the duplicitous intentions of the Queen of Portugal which not only included an unprecedented military build-up through the use of mass conscription but the deployment of large continents of troops towards India - in what could only indicate an aggressive intent against France -, it was decided by the Kingdom of Prussia and Corsica, with the assistance of the Ottoman Empire, that taking action was in order to pre-empt a larger war of aggression conducted by Portugal through the containment of its vast colonial empire, all too ready to serve as the staging point of invasion at the behest of a monarch described by its own people as not being of sound mind.

As a result of this rapid, limited intervention in the Portuguese colonies their means to wage a war of aggression have been dramatically reduced and thus a major risk to Europe has been, we believe, successfully averted despite some setbacks and some regrettable devolpments caused by Portuguese citizens and slaves in the colony of Saint Domingue. We have, as we've stated in the past, no interest in seeing Europe plunged into another continent-wide war nor do we desire for a prolongued conflict that extends beyond our limited intervention to curb the potential for Portuguese aggression. And while we express our misgivings on the erratic nature of Queen Maria's confusing statements and orders, we are prepared to enter into immediate peace negotiations with Her Majesty to settle an end to this matter without further bloodshed. The chance for peace is on her hands, should her be willing to accept it.

On the Falklands:

The news of conflicting colonial interests in the Falkland Islands has come as quite a surprise to us, a development we did not expect as we have absolutely no desire nor interest in any conflict with the Kingdom of Great Britain. We will be approaching His Majesty King George III, whom we continue to consider a true friend, in order to seek a negotiated solution to this issue that will be, we hope, to the satisfaction of both the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Prussia and Corsica and will prevent an unnecessary conflict or source of tension from taking place.

Frederick William II, King of Prussia and Corsica.

[windjammer]

I would love to know why the Queen of Portugal moved a lot of her troops in India.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Whatever our past issues with the Habsburg Monarchy and the Polish-Lithuanian Republic were, His Sacred and Imperial Majesty the Sultan views any attempts to launch the war of aggression against our two major neighbours as a direct threat for peace in the entire Europe, for we know such a war wouldn't be contained. As a show of good faith and friendly intentions toward the two powers mentioned, the Ottoman State decided to join their Prussian ally preemptive action to deny the Kingdom of Portugal means to ignite the war of aggression.

Yes, we acknowledge it was a meticulously prepared operation both Prussia and the Ottoman State started to consider the moment our intelligence first accuired troubling messages sent by Queen Maria regarding forming a coalition against Austria, France and Poland-Lithuania. Only a fool wouldn't have considered his options throughtly and prepare for worst case scenario or, as in this case, how to prevent it in time.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Most Exalted Ottoman State is thoroughly reviewing its agriculture production to see if we'll be able to give a meaningful aid to our allies, keeping in mind we too experienced less productive harvest.

[Spamage]

The Encore of Europe

Turn 2: 1783

Nations, Leaders, & Players:
Major Powers:
Russian Empire- Emperor Paul Petrovich (HenryWallace)
Kingdom of France- King Louis XVI Bourbon (Windjammer)
Kingdom of Prussia- King Frederick William II Hohenzollern (Lumine)
Archduchy of Austria- Emperor Joseph II Habsburg (Dereich)
Kingdom of Great Britain- King George III of Hanover (Blair)
Kingdom of Spain- King Charles III Bourbon (LouisvilleThunder)
Ottoman Empire- Sultan Abdul Hamid I (Kalwejt)
Polish-Lithuanian Republic- President Tadeusz Kosciuszko (Not_Madigan)
Kingdom of Scandinavia-King Gustav III of Holstein-Gottorp (YPestis)
Republic of Quebec-President Louis-Philippe de Vaudreuil(Dr Novella)
Kingdom of Portugal- Queen Maria Braganza (New Tennessean Politician)
Safavid Empire- Shah Ismail III Safavid (Kingpoleon)
Kingdom of the Netherlands- King William I of Orange (JacksonHitchcock)
Provisional Government of Sardinia-Piedmont- Council President Pietro Verri (X)
Republic of Venice- Doge Gian Rinaldo Carli (GOTfan)
Qing Dynasty- Qianlong Emperor (Dkrol)

Economic Standings:
Kingdom of France- Strong
Kingdom of Great Britain- Strong
Archduchy of Austria- Strong
Qing Dynasty- Strong
Kingdom of Prussia- Moderate
Kingdom of Portugal- Moderate
Safavid Empire- Moderate
Republic of Venice- Moderate
Provisional Government of Sardinia-Piedmont- Moderate
Kingdom of Scandinavia- Moderate
Russian Empire- Moderate
Republic of Quebec- Moderate
Ottoman Empire- Moderate
Kingdom of Spain- Weak
Kingdom of the Netherlands- Weak
Republic of Poland-Lithuania- Weak

Popularity:
President Tadeusz Kosciuszko- Very High
Emperor Joseph II Habsburg- High
Qianlong Emperor- High
King George III- High
King Charles III Bourbon- High
Council President Pietro Verri- High
President Louis-Philippe de Vaudreuil- High
Emperor Paul Petrovich of Russia- Moderate
King Louis XVI Bourbon- Moderate
Doge Gian Rinaldo Carli- Moderate
Sultan Abdul Hamid I- Moderate
King Gustav III of Holstein-Gottorp- Moderate
King Frederick William II Hohenzollern- Moderate
Queen Maria Braganza- Low
Shah Ismail III Safavid- Low

Ongoing Conflicts:
Quebec War of Independence: Republic of Quebec vs. Kingdom of Spain
Tripolitanian Rebellion: North African Tribal Rebels vs. Ottoman Empire, Archduchy of Austria, Republic of Venice
Prussian-Portuguese War: Kingdom of Prussia, Ottoman Empire vs. Kingdom of Portugal, Kingdom of Mysore

Russian Empire:

-Georgia, a protectorate of your realm, seems to be the seat of recent intrigue. King Solomon I, who united the separate Kingdoms during the 1760s always proved to be a loyal vassal following the agreement between St. Petersburg and Tblisi. Now, with his nephew about to assume the throne, there are new questions about the loyalty of the region. The Kingdom has entertained both Safavid and Ottoman ambassadors recently, causing some to wonder if it is attempting to reassert its independence. Should you punish Georgia for its actions of merely talking with its neighbors or should Russia hold off? Coming down to hard could alienate the Kingdom, though not doing anything risks having it slip away. What will be done about your southern protectorate?

-Russia is perhaps best equipped to deal with the food shortage facing the rest of Europe, your vast wheat fields dubbed by some as a “breadbasket of Europe”. Now, advisors think you may be able to use this to your advantage. They believe you should offer the grain to Europe, but at a high price. Perhaps industrial technologies could even be given in exchange? Certainly, the Russian economy could be the big winner from the rest of the continent’s bad luck. Will you exploit the situation?

-While your mother and your great-aunt both had aspirations in the New World, events at home kept them from pursuing their aims in Alaska. Now, with Russia at peace internally and the finances to outfit expeditions, some are wondering if the Romanovs should assume the role of colonizers once more. There are arguments for both sides. At Court there are some who see Alaska as a distant, unnecessary, frozen wasteland causing nothing but potential wars over Russia’s expanded claims in the region. They point to the difficult of dispatching settlers and the reluctance of some to relocate as reasons to sell or abandon the colony. Enthusiasts for Alaska though, believe it is a source of Russians prestige, reminding the other powers you must not be forgotten in the New World. With vast tracts of North America still unsettled, they see a future for Russian settlers slowly moving down the Pacific coast into land currently claimed by both Spain and Britain (not to mention the tribes that inhabit the region). What is to be done about Alaska?

Archduchy of Austria:

-Your son and heir Prince Francis is now twenty years old. In the age-old tradition of smart Habsburg marriage alliances, it is time to consider matches for him and your other children with the other royal families of Europe. There are certainly many candidates from all across the continent (Britain, France, Prussia, Spain, and others). Of course, as is the case in dynastic systems, there are factions in favor of the various parties all active in Vienna, scheming and seeking to undermine one another. Some have even proposed that you further tie yourself to Russia by wedding your children to your nieces and nephews, with valid Papal permission of course. How will Austria’s marriage policy be conducted now that you are in control?

-While undoubtedly your government was concerned about the situations in Modena and Bavaria, a third place is now in the midst of a crisis that needs to be solved. With the overthrow of the House of Savoy, your family’s onetime lieutenants and loyal generals in years past, the situation in Italy is clouded with uncertainty. There is one republic (Venice) and another realm that could take a wide range of forms (Sardinia-Piedmont). With your possessions in Tuscany, Lucca, and Milan near both of these areas some in Vienna are wondering what your aims in Italy should be. Perhaps it would be best to try and direct action in this theater? Others think you should try to cultivate friendly relations with the two realms.

-The pursuit of your land reforms of Croatia have been praised as an example of the power of an enlightened sovereign. Indeed, a solid pro-Habsburg class of small landowners has been established in the region, whatever the critiques of upset nobles and large landowners. Some of your administrators see a new target for future reform, both in Bohemia in Croatia as well as the rest of the Empire, the monastic communities. They see these organizations as incentivizing low production and limiting the Austrian economy by encouraging people to be less productive, praying instead of tilling the fields. There are staunch Catholics at Court though, who do not take kindly to the suggestion. Will your reform policy extend to seizing monastic lands?

Kingdom of France:

-King Louis, France is surrounded by diplomatic tension on all sides. Nobles from Sardinia-Piedmont flee into your realm denouncing the principles of the revolution and are vocally supported in their opinions by your daughters-in-law. In Quebec, fellow Frenchmen continue their fight for freedom, albeit without much Spanish action. Prussia and the Ottomans have launched an attack against a fellow Catholic nation, the Kingdom of Portugal. The British public is livid about your supposed theft of their intellectual property. With these diplomatic uncertainties, France, as one of the preeminent European powers, undoubtedly is expected to issue some sort of response, if not pursue some sort of direct action. How will you manage the storm that is rocking Europe?

-While many have praised your purge of corruption in India, it, coupled with the refusal of local elites to cooperate with your government following the creation of the Army of the Sacred Heart, means there is a real shortage of officials to handle the day-to-day administration here. Similar to the new army, the only ones who have converted are of lower castes and thus when the French India Office attempts to appoint them, locals ignore them and treat the government with disrespect. If you wish to continue to try and woo elites, a policy change will probably be in order. Some in Versailles believe you ought not to worry about their support, recognizing there is much more contentment following the end of the Jesuit conversions. Others think officials from France itself will be the answer. How is the French Raj to be handled?

-France too has been hurt by the poor harvest of 1782. Throughout the Kingdom bread prices are skyrocketing and peasants are not happy. Your colonies unfortunately are quite distant. This means that any food that could be sent from India will only arrive after the spring, though perhaps it could be wise to send it nonetheless and build a stockpile. You must either seek to weather the storm or find some other power willing to sell you their surplus. With the events in Italy serving as a warning, what is your response to the food crisis? Where shall France turn for aid?

Kingdom of Great Britain:

-The French have had the audacity to try and steal one of Britain’s greatest inventions yet! The public is furious, not to mention the North Ministry, and looks to you George III for action. Undoubtedly the suspected or, at very least, attempted theft of the Watt Steam Engine, whose patent you recently extended, is outrageous. How will you treat France following this move? Some are calling for a full-on embargo, while others think a strongly-worded letter would suffice. What is to be done?

-Pope Adrian VII (Henry Stuart) has received the Earl of Bute surprisingly warmly in Rome. His Holiness is willing to cede is claim to the Throne of Britain back to your family, but under one condition. His initial demand is that the Jesuit order, so long vilified in Britain, be allowed to operate freely in Ireland, the Fifteen Colonies, and Australia (but not in Britain itself), winning converts to Catholicism. He would also like to re-establish Catholic diocese throughout the British Empire, though of course he acknowledges the Church of England would retain all the cathedrals and properties it currently holds. The Church of England would staunchly oppose this move, reminding your government that as a Protestant monarch and head of the Church you have sworn to uphold their values. Others see it as a way to demonstrate a real commitment to religious toleration and all the while end the hated Jacobite movement once and for all. Will you accept the Pope’s offer?

-Britain and Portugal have had a treaty of alliance since 1373, meaning the last four centuries have been ones of peace between your two realms. A Braganza was even a British Queen at one point during the last century. Needless to say, with the Prussian attack on Portugal and the simultaneous dispute over the Falklands, there are many who are not looking kindly on Frederick William II in your realm. Will you get involved in this new conflict or hold off? How will you react to the war that has exploded in Europe between two Kingdoms that were supposed to be your allies?

Kingdom of Prussia:

-Your war against Portugal has had limited success thus far, King Frederick William. Angola is yours, the Mauritius have been captured, and even some damage inflicted upon the Portuguese navy with espionage. Yet, there are also less than ideal circumstances. The situation in Saint Domingue is explosive and chaotic, some fear you may have opened up a box that cannot be resealed with the explosive three-way warfare. Mozambique also remains Portuguese, with fine Prussians soldiers being defeated in part by African natives, a large embarrassment to your soldiers’ reputation. Will you continue to prosecute the war or has Portugal learned its lesson?

-With the Portuguese Constitution, Revolution in Sardinia-Piedmont, and the new Polish Bill of Rights, some are reexamining Prussian absolutism. Indeed, there are real divisions within your realm over those, in the majority, who hold that a sovereign has unlimited power to dictate affairs in their own territories. Stemming from a series of strong Prussian monarchs, the principles espoused by the state Lutheran Church, and the ideals of the past century, this group believes absolutism is the natural state of German affairs. A different opinion exists though, in the cities of Berlin and Konigsberg. There are urban populations in these areas who, seeing the events across Europe, believe it is time for the Prussian crown to give up power. They are a minority though and moving to appease them could provoke a backlash. Will you reconsider the level of absolute royal authority in your realm or shall Prussia remain a bulwark against chaotic constitutionalism in these troubled times?

-Prussian colonies have expanded as planned, with most settlements established as ordered. Even so, there are problems. First and foremost is the dispute with the British over the Falkland Islands. The issue seems to be becoming one of mutual national pride as newspapers in Berlin and London publish feuding interpretations. Another problem is the cost of all the expansion, which is starting to drain your treasury, though some see the long-term benefits outweighing any immediate loss of money. Finally, with the natives in South Africa growing restless, especially following news of the defeat in Mozambique, local officials are demanding an investment in defenses for the colony, yet another potential expense. Also, there is concern about the abolition of slavery in this colony, where the practice is alive and well. What will you do?

Kingdom of Scandinavia:

-Your reforms have been lauded widely King Gustav, well done. Indeed, under the guise of supporting local rule you have cemented absolutism on a scale unseen before in Scandinavia. Of course, as usually occurs, the drawing of new borders was not entirely without controversy. In this instance though, it is disputes about appointments to the new districts of Scandinavia. Many officials, disappointed when placed in posts deemed less prestigious (for example northern Norway, Finland, Iceland, or the Baltic Islands) allege corruption is influencing the process, those with favor or connections being placed before those with skill. They demand some sort of neutral authority make the appointments in the interests of fairness and getting the men of most ability in proper positions. Others allege this is a challenge to your royal prerogative and should be ignored. Certainly ceding group with appointment could negate the whole reason for the extensive reforms. There are different camps forming, so you should weigh in on this matter before it become too personal of an issue.

-With no son out of your five children, many are calling on you to formally name Princess Catherine your heir. Sweden itself has had female Queens rule before, though generally their reigns were either short (Ulrika Eleanora), ended in controversy (Christina), or ruled over 4 centuries ago (Margaret). You must begin to think about the future of Sweden after your death as, depending on who she is betrothed to and weds, Scandinavia will likely find itself under a new royal dynasty. Certainly, if considered carefully, this could be a carrot to hold out to other powers in exchange for an alliance, protection, etc.

-Scandinavia is one of the powers that has been hit by the food shortage across Europe the hardest. With little arable land, no colonies with high levels of food production, and an already cold climate, the region has noticed quite a high level of food shortages heading into winter. Will you reach out to another realm for aid? Your first cousin is the Emperor Paul of Russia, perhaps he would be willing to help? The British or Spanish could be other potential sources of food. Others believe that your realm will be able to endure this crisis, citing your popularity, though undoubtedly a famine would damage economic growth in Sweden, Norway, and Finland. How will you manage this continental crisis?

Kingdom of Portugal:

-The heretic and the heathen have teamed up against your Empire, Queen Maria. Prussia and the Ottoman Empire have launched a series of attacks that have destabilized the realm and caused great uncertainty about the future. Angola, which had been held for quite some time, is now in enemy hands. There are concerns about the fate of India, Brazil, and Saint Domingue. How will you prosecute this war, one that was declared on you and your people?

-A series of noble families seem to have won the support of your son and heir Prince Joseph, the prince coming forward to accuse Pombal of corruption during your father’s rule. The evidence they provide is scanty, yet even so they demand the old man’s arrest and removal from your administration. Some at Court fear the consequences of your refusal, while others believe that showing weakness would only cause other high-ranking officials to start making outrageous demands. How will you respond to these attacks on Pombal?

-Portugal too will be threatened by the food shortage during this winter, just like the other realms of Europe, though the situation here may be even more dire. With all of your fleets potentially threatened by the Prussian or Ottoman navies, there is legitimate concern that no large amount of resources will be admitted to the Kingdom from the colonies, causing widespread starvation. While your decision to fast has been praised, many hope you will be able to recruit a foreign power from which to buy food that can be shipped into your territory? Who, if anyone, will you approach?

[Spamage]

Kingdom of Spain:

-The establishment of the Spanish National Bank has been praised by many in your realm. The organization has already discovered much that could be changed in Spain in order to improve the economic position of your realm. While the Bank backs your proposals for a liberalization of the economy (and thus a deemphasis on the guild system), there are many wealthy merchants and manufacturers that are horrified at the idea. Spanish economic policy has been mercantile in nature for decades and this reorientation has caused some distress. Will you keep implementing liberal reforms and abolish the guilds? Another problem the bank has pursued is the level of corruption. Many paths lead back to the Court and government, with offices bought and sold, peddled by courtiers, nobles, and your own children for influence. The bank argues you need to crack down on these policies and create some way for neutral, qualified officials to be made government officials rather than those with the right connections. This, of course, could alienate your own governing apparatus. How will you handle corruption now that further light has been shown on the issue?

-Spain has achieved yet another moment of imperial glory with the (accidental) discovery of a vast, southern continent. It is up to you to decide what this new, new world will be called. Furthermore, as the first to reach the land (perhaps the first humans ever on this territory) some are wondering whether or not the region should be formally claimed as Spanish territory? An expedition to better ascertain the situation on this icy world has been proposed, but some at court see it as too expensive and of little importance given more immediate political issues. Will you seek to further understand this new land or give priority to the other areas of your quite vast colonial empire?

-It has been noticed many realms are doing clandestine business with your colony in rebellion, Quebec. Canadian furs are sold in Berlin while British businessmen have been reportedly investing in the land of that realm. In order to halt these insults to Spanish honor, some in Madrid believe you ought to institute a full blockade of the Gulf of St. Lawrence in order to halt the inflow of settlers and the outflow of raw goods. While a blockade could be expensive and antagonize other powers, it could also teach the rebels a lesson and starve them into submission. Others believe the time for direct action in this theater has come. There is a third faction which believes peace is the way forward. With the War for Independence continuing, how will you handle the situation?

Ottoman Empire:

-Your realm seems to have been successful in the initial campaign against the Portuguese and Tripolitanians, Sultan Abdul Hamid. East Timor is now safely in Ottoman hands while another colony has been gained in Mauritius. Furthermore, Cyrenaica is Ottoman once more and resettlement has commenced, though not without vocal opposition from the Tripolitanians themselves. Yet, now you must determine the way forward. Will the war with Portugal continue? How about the conflict in Libya? What should your next move be? Some in Istanbul are under the impression that you should expand operations to include invasions of Tunis and Algiers, putting these lands under direct Ottoman control once more. What will be your military policy in 1783?

-The Ottoman economy lags behind many of its European counterparts and, while there’s many potential reforms to make the system more efficient, they are not without controversy. The guild system dominates manufacturing of all sorts of goods across the realm, ensuring a steady supply or workers in a given industry while simultaneously raising prices and decreasing the quantity of goods produced. Abolishing the guilds would free up much of the economy but also provoke many of these craftsmen as their whole livelihoods are challenged. Another potential reform is the jizya. Muslims subjects are not really taxed, the Empire’s vast population of Christian and Jewish minorities footing the bill. While this is popular among the Turks and throughout much of the realm, some advisors point out the redoing the tax system could yield greater profits, though it could be condemned by the Muslim subjects and religious authorities. There are also potential technologies that could be invested in to improve mining and farming in the realm. What will your economic policies be?

-Your realm, with the vast food-producing regions of Mesopotamia and Egypt, is well suited to ease the food crisis throughout much of Europe, perhaps while gaining an advantage for yourself. Ottoman merchants are used to using the sea to ship goods from parts of the Levant and Egypt to the capitol, so if you were to strike a deal with some other power, perhaps food could easily be shipped to their lands in the Mediterranean as well. You could use the foul weather of Europe to extract either trade concessions, new technologies, or even higher prices from more desperate areas. Will you do this? Who will be approached? Remember that the Portuguese may pose a threat to any shipments outside of the Mediterranean Sea…

Republic of Quebec:

-The government has approved your proposed reforms de Vaudreuil and is now willing to back the eventual establishment of a Parliamentary system. The new debate, though, is over the executive position. Some think a strong presidency with long terms would suffice, like exists in Poland, while others do desire a monarchy. Candidates for the monarchy could be any of the royal families in Europe. Some point to you as a potential candidate, highlighting your aristocratic lineage and bold leadership in these trying times. What will be decided about the executive branch? A constitution cannot be finalized before it is determined.

-There has been increasing native agitation along the frontiers, with some initial skirmishes as tribes launch raids. Rumors abound. Some claim the Spanish are financing an attack, but the situation is most likely a push back against continued encroachment on their traditional lands. Around 12 Quebecois were killed in 1782 on a series of assaults against frontier communities. Observers warn of a potential coalition of tribes forming, the chiefs fed up with your lack of addressing their concerns. Will you try to make peace, launch an assault, or ignore the issue further? Undoubtedly being caught between hostile natives on one side and hostile Spaniards on the other is not an ideal situation.

-Being, at present, the only independent realm in the Americas, there are government officials who see this as a rare opportunity. Vast tracts of the continent, while claimed officially by the other powers, are lightly settled or completely unexplored. There are many in Montreal who believe you should press ambitious claims to the west for your nation, offer to purchase the lightly settled Hudson’s Bay from the British, and look to establish claims on the islands far to the north. Will you pursue this “manifest destiny” as some have proclaimed, even if it means alienating other governments? Or should Quebec win its independence and recognition from the various European powers before pursuing ambitious expansion?

Safavid Empire:

-The leaders of formerly independent realms have accepted your invitation to Court and agreed to serve you. While some suspect this may be a fragile alliance of convenience, your subjects see you as a wise ruler seeking to ensure domestic tranquility. On that topic, the issue of religion in Persia has taken center stage. Persia was initially Sunni, before the arrival of your dynasty in the 16th century resulted in the establishment of Shia Islam. During the chaos when the Afsharids and Zand Dynasties were struggling for dominance, Sunni Islam was restored and Shia Muslims were oppressed. Now, with your rule, many are calling for you to reaffirm your commitment to Shia Islam, seize lands granted to the Sunni, and force reconversion. The two forms are unlikely to coexist, due to intense tensions, so undoubtedly one must be favored. A Sunni suppression may not be looked kindly upon by the Sunni Ottomans, but it does provide more religious independence. Meanwhile, suppressing the Shia could help relations with other Islamic realms, but would mean turmoil as the by now traditional religion is suppressed. What will you do?

-Your meeting with the Ethiopian leader has been a success. Seeing your willingness to strike deals, envoys from several other neighboring realms have arrived to seek negotiations. The Sultan of Tripolitania requests your recognition and monetary aid in his struggle against the colonizers. The rulers of Oman too have sent representatives to seek favorable trade agreements and a defensive alliance. There is a faction that sees these potential agreements as worthless and instead seeks a new understanding with the Ottoman Empire. Will you accept the offers of the minor states or work to mend relations with Istanbul? How shall the Safavid Empire manage this chaotic situation? Certainly, there are economic benefits to both paths…

-Austrian advisors have arrived as requested, though not quite in the numbers demanded. Even so, the smaller group has begun to help train your men in the European ways of warfare. Alongside them though, have been a series of merchants, using the relative wealth of Austria to invest in lucrative business opportunities and seeking to circumvent regulations in order to establish their own trade networks with the homeland. Locals are furious about this, arguing Persians should control Persian trade, while others recognize punishing these Austrian merchants could cause the withdrawal of the entire advisory force. Will you act? Or should the situation remain as it is at present, little government oversight in exchange for good diplomatic relation?

Polish-Lithuanian Republic:

-Congratulations on the new Constitution! The citizens of the Republic have widely praised your reforms as wise and far-sighted. Now, with the political system set, rights assured, and your control of the nation continually on the rise comes the question of what domestic issues should be tackled next. While many have praised your economic reforms, there are some who think even more radical action is necessary, eyeing the rights and privileges of the guilds which have been thus untouched throughout the chaos of the past few decades. Some believe the bodies are cumbersome and obsolete, pushing for their abolition alongside your new tax reforms and infrastructure projects. Others fear that the men, out of work and obsolete in a changing economy, will turn to revolutionary aims in their free time and blame you for putting them out of work. Will you pursue further economic reforms or did you go far enough?

-There are many concerning events on your borders and in Europe as a whole, Mr. President. The apparent rapprochement between Russia and Sweden is concerning. Even though there are not further signs of an alliance, that, coupled with the strong royal ties between Paul and the Austrian Habsburgs has some worried. Poland is being surrounded by potential enemies as the royal families of Europe weave a web of familial connections. Some hope that you will use the events in Sardinia-Piedmont as a chance to make a formal alliance with a fellow revolutionary state. Others see Safavid Persia as a potential distant friend. There is also a sizeable group, pleased with your Prussian visit, that hopes you will find a way to bind your two realms closer together. How will Poland ensure that it is not surrounded and devoured in the next few years?

-Despite the general popularity of your reforms, there are whispers of a simmering conspiracy. Foreign funding for conservative and reactionary forces has apparently resulted in growing networks throughout the realm, primarily consisting of people who feel the Revolution has not benefitted their standing in society. Primarily members of the former nobility and officials under the old government, they are reportedly seeking to eventually restore the monarchy. Even so, there has been no violence yet, the groups primarily taking advantage of your laws on freedom of speech to publish broadsheets denouncing your government for its “radicalism”. Some believe you should order an immediate suppression of these “subversives” while others argue that this is a real test to see whether or not you are truly committed to the principles of freedom of speech that you included in the new constitution. Will you suppress the reactionary organizations or allow them to continue to operate?

Kingdom of the Netherlands:

-Welcome King William, first monarch of the Kingdom of the Netherlands! Your leadership skills will undoubtedly be tested in this very trying time, though the Dutch have proven adept at the actions necessary to survive in the past. The first matter that must be addressed is diplomacy. The Netherlands has had a rough past 20 years. During your childhood the realm was invaded twice, once by the French who seized several provinces in the south, and once by the Prussians when they sought to overturn a republican revolution, taking the Cape Colony as payment. Clearly you must find strong allies who will protect the Netherlands in the future. With your wife being the sister of George III in Britain, not to mention your descent from George II, some suggest looking there for aid. Others see French ties as the way forward. What do you think?

-Unlike other parts of Europe, which were granting representation and right to their people years ago, the Netherlands in the 1760s moved the opposite way, a monarchy replacing a republic. Since then you have largely ruled as an absolute monarch, with some of your subjects happy to finally be rid of the constant feuding of the Staats General. Others think that representative government in the form of some sort of Parliament should be the way forward. Will you pursue any domestic political reforms or should absolutism remain the law?

-Despite setbacks, the Netherlands still possesses one of the world’s great colonial empires. With a growing settler colony in Australia, solid control of the Dutch East Indies, and the wealth of an expanded Guyana, your people still have a presence around the world. What will your colonial policy be? Should the Dutch continue to expand into new areas or consolidate the ones already owned? How will the regions be governed?

Provisional Government of Sardinia-Piedmont:

-The people’s voice must be heard, Pietro Verri! On a wave of discontent you and the provisional government have come to power in Sardinia-Piedmont, a mishmash of inherited territories stretching from beyond the Alps to the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Now, it is your job to decide what form the new regime will take. Will you declare a republic? Should the Crown be given to Victor Amadeus’ son? Or should some new sovereign be invited to the realm? How will Sardinia-Piedmont look after the Revolution of 1782.

-The Republic of Genoa sits directly to your south. While it is called a “republic” in reality a select group of noble families has governed the city-state for centuries. Since the House of Savoy was overthrown there has been new waves of tension in the city as the middle class seems to want to join with your new government. How will you respond to the Genoese situation? The oligarchs threaten you with war if you intervene, but there does seem to be a real, widespread desire for a change. Keep in mind though, aggressive action could cause other European powers too look less kindly on your new administration. You must think over the matter carefully.

-The largest question of all, and one that has not been addressed by your government’s meetings so far, is what to do about Victor Amadeus III. Securely imprisoned, there are wide disagreements about how the former King is to be treated. Some call for death, others want exile, and a third group thinks he should remain imprisoned. What will you do? Exiling him could cause him to come back at the head of an army, imprisonment risks escape and the same thing, while execution could alienate other European monarchies.

Republic of Venice:

-Doge Gian Rinaldo Carli, your election has been a major turning-point in Venetian history. After the death of Francesco Loredan, his successors remained as members of the old aristocratic families of Venice until the people chose you. For the first time in centuries, if not ever, a common citizen of the Republic will be governing Venice as the Doge. Congratulation! Yet, you have also been thrown into the middle of a chaotic scene. With the emergence of a rebellion in Sardinia-Piedmont, which could very well follow you as a republic, there is widespread disagreement as to how the situation is to be handled. Some want Venice to be neutral, others an active advocate of freedom. Generally, the difference in opinion is by class, with the poor supportive of Sardinia-Piedmont and the old oligarchs worried about the threat posed by other monarchies. What will your foreign policy be?

-The war in North Africa continues, though the Republic has lost ground. The Tripolitanians are ferocious enemies and likely know the region better than the Venetians ever will. With the success of the Ottomans and Austrians in the east, there are new questions about the future of Venetian Libya. Will you continue to fight to control the land, enlisting Ottoman aid but not completely withdrawing as the Habsburgs did? Or should Venice face the rebels on its own? How will you handle the military situation too? Should more men be sent or is the war too costly as is?

-Austria has begun colonial expeditions in far-off Africa, merchants returning with wealth and the prospects of economic benefits. Some in Venice are wondering if you too, as one of the great trade realms, ought not to seek out wealth in Africa. Not only would this allow your people to have a port to stop in on the way to trade with Asia (a prospect that excites most Venetians) it also could provide Ivory, raw materials, and prestige. It may be expensive though, a potential prohibition with the war against Tripolitaia. Will you follow Austria, Prussia, Portugal and others into Africa? Or should the Republic of Venice seek to maintain its former position as the predominant Mediterranean trade power?

[Spamage]

Qing Dynasty:

-Welcome great Qianlong Emperor, longtime leader of the Qing Dynasty of China. The Middle Kingdom has been the world’s greatest power for centuries now, but there are signs that lesser, barbarian kingdoms are catching up, if not surpassing, the Empire of China in technology and wealth. Thus, with merchants arriving quite often seeking trade opportunities, open ports, and diplomatic recognition, two factions have emerged throughout China. The “Western” Faction believes that you should open up China to the world after centuries of relative quiet isolation. They believe trade deals should be signed and the Qing Dynasty seek to become a major player, even if its weapons are getting somewhat dated. The “Eastern” Faction though, believes the status quo is preferable. They point to the potential destabilizing effect of allowing too much western goods, ideas, and people to flood the realm. China’s traditions are its strengths in their view. Which path will you choose? Or perhaps neither party is to be favored as you balance them against one another and seek to forge your own path?

-Your dynasty has emerged from the Northern Steppe and not from within China itself. As such, there are many who resent your rule as that of a foreign occupation, even if most of the population recognizes your family possesses the Mandate of Heaven. Your Empire is a diverse one. Most of your subjects are Han Chinese, but there’s also Tibetan, Mongol, Manchu, and Uyghur populations spread throughout your territories, all with different languages, cultures, and customs. While some believe that you should further emphasize Chinese values, this could alienate the Machu elite and the people of the traditional homelands in the north. Undoubtedly there are some who will never recognize a Manchu as the Emperor of China, no matter how Chinese they act. Will you emphasize Chinese culture or maintain the current configuration?

-As the most powerful government in the region, the Qing Dynasty has many tributaries and vassals. The two most prominent are the governments of Korea and Tibet. Both locations, taking advantage of a series of powerful revolts by the Mongols and other groups to the north in the past decade, have begun to pursue more independent means of existence. There are some in Beijing who believe it is time for your government to crack down on these regimes, either through direct invasion or economic pressure, in order to ensure they are Chinese vassals once more. Will you pursue action?

Armies & Locations

Kingdom of Prussia
70,000 Army of the West
70,000 Army of the East
5,320 Army of Angola
3,101 Army of Mozambique (in New Prussia)
13,901 Army of the West Indies
5,000 Madagascar Expedition
40,000 men garrisoned
(Can raise 2,000 more)

Kingdom of France
100,000 men raised and mobile
60,000 men garrisoned
40,000 Army & Garrison of India
(Can raise 90,000 more)

Kingdom of Great Britain
34,900 Garrison of Britain
25,000 Army & Garrison of the 15 Colonies
3,000 Army & Garrison of Australia
100 Falklands Garrison
(Can raise 100,000 more)

Kingdom of Scandinavia
40,000 Army of Helsinki
30,000 Army of Oslo
20,000 men garrisoned
(Can raise 45,000 more)

Kingdom of Spain
50,000 men raised and mobile
30,000 men garrisoned
5,000 Army & Garrison of New Spain
10,000 Army & Garrison of South America
2,000 Army & Garrison of the Philippines
(can raise 60,000 more)

Russian Empire
150,000 men raised and mobile
50,000 men garrisoned
(can raise 90,000 more)

Archduchy of Austria
130,000 men raised and mobile
35,000 men garrisoned
(can raise 75,000 more)

Ottoman Empire
90,000 men raised and mobile
29,201 Army of Tripolitania
1,700 Army of Timor
1,000 Army of Mauritius
45,000 men garrisoned
(can raise 67,300 more)

Polish-Lithuanian Republic
100,000 men raised and mobile
30,000 men garrisoned
(can raise 80,000 more)

Kingdom of Portugal
47,000 ‬Army of India
6,720 Army of Saint Domingue
9,000 Royal Guard
10,000 Army of Portugal
28,000 ‬Army of Brazil
6,731 ‬men garrisoned
(‬Can raise ‬2,000 ‬more)

Safavid Empire
50,000 men raised and mobile
25,000 men garrisoned
(Can raise 40,000 more)

Republic of Quebec
25,000 men raised and mobile
10,000 men garrisoned
(Can raise 25,000 more)

Provisional Government of Sardinia-Piedmont
30,000 ‬men raised and mobile
10,000 ‬men garrisoned
 (‬Can raise ‬40,000 ‬more)

Republic of Venice
25,000 Army of Venice
9,500 Army of Tripoli
5,000 men garrisoned
(‬Can raise ‬25,000 ‬more)

Kingdom of the Netherlands
40,000 ‬men raised and mobile
7,000 Army of the East Indies
2,000 Army of Guyana
15,000 ‬men garrisoned
 (‬Can raise ‬38,000 ‬more)

Qing Dynasty
90,000 Army of the North
75,000 Army of the East
90,000 Army of the South
30,000 Imperial Army
(Can raise 200,000 more)

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

Kingdom of France
110 Ships of the Line
50 Frigates

United Provinces of the Netherlands
52 ‬Ships of the Line
40 ‬Frigates

Kingdom of Spain
53 Ships of the Line
29 Frigates

Russian Empire
40 Ships of the Line
12 Frigates

Kingdom of Scandinavia
40 Ships of the Line
15 Frigates

Kingdom of Prussia
35 Ships of the Line
17 Frigates

Kingdom of Portugal
33 Ships of the Line
14 Frigates

Polish-Lithuanian Republic
16 Ships of the Line
16 Frigates

Ottoman Empire
25 Ships of the Line
10 Frigates

Republic of Venice
13 ‬Ships of the Line
22 ‬Frigates

Archduchy of Austria
11 Ships of the Line
3 Frigates

Provisional Government of Sardinia-Piedmont
10 Ships of the Line
2 Frigates

Republic of Quebec
3 Ships of the Line
7 Frigates

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Upon thorough consideration, His Sacred and Imperial Majesty the Sultan had decided to embark on bold and far reaching program of building and economic reform.

1. There shall be universal, unified tax code in the Ottoman State.

2. We shall construct another world wonder in form of the Suez Route, to facilitate transoceanic trade by making it much easier than it is now. A proper land route shall be constructed to link the two ends of the Suez Pass, in addition of commencing the works to build a waterway alongside the route for more convenient movement of goods via barges and smaller ships. Accordingly port facilities at the both coasts shall be expanded.

3. Our newly conquered colony in Timor shall serve as a trading base with the region, spearheading for economic expansion there as well as to help establishing closer political and religious ties with the local Muslim rulers.

4. Only partial resettlement of Tripolitania is to be completed, pending further deliberation.

[windjammer]

Statement regarding the Portuguese-Ottoman-Prussia

The King of France believes that what happened to Portugal is a punishment for Queen Maria's blatant scheming and warmongering against the Very Christian realm that is the Kingdom of France.  The Kingdom of Portugal having moved almost all its army to India is clearly a direct attempt to engage hostilities against the Kingdom of France in its colonies. The King of France would like to personally thank the Kingdom of Prussia and the Ottoman Empire for having made these preemptive strikes. Had they not done so, it is in the King's opinion that the Portuguese army would have tried to invade French India without even a proper war declaration.

xKing Louis XVI

[YPestis25]

Statement from the Court of His Majesty King Gustav III

Recognizing the need for friendly diplomatic ties between the states of central and northern Europe, particularly in these troubled times, His Majesty King Gustav III and His Majesty King Frederick William II have agreed to the betrothal of Princess Anna of Scandinavia and Prince Henry of Prussia.

His Majesty King Gustav III is overjoyed at the match and hopes that it will aid in the continuation of peace in central and northern Europe. His Majesty the King is confident that closer relations between the Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Kingdom of Prussia are in the best interests of both nations.

Due to the young age of the betrothed, the marriage will not take place for several years, but the Scandinavian and Prussian courts are confident that the marriage will be personally and diplomatically fruitful.

[Lumine]

Declarations from Berlin (IV)

As promised in past declarations, and owing to our interest to prevent a long conflict over the necessary intervention in Portugal, fair and reasonable terms have been offered to Queen Maria of Portugal.

Even when there is ample reason not to make a generous offer after receiving news of new conspiracies plotted from Lisbon to involve several new powers into the war - including encouraging an invasion of Prussia - and turn it into the very same European War that the Queen has attempted to deny being among her nefarious plans, we have remained true to our word and extended our hand in the name of peace, fairness and decency. It is now undeniable that the intentions of Portugal were to wage a war of aggression, particularly upon the confirmation of the deployment of almost half their entire military forces on India.

We can only hope that the Queen of Portugal will see reason for once, and agree to ending hostilities before more blood is shed. Let no man deny her responsibility if she chooses to continue this war.

Frederick William II, King of Prussia and Corsica.

[DKrol]

Statement from Yuanming Yuan

His Imperial Majesty the Son of Heaven, Emperor of China, has announced in his divine wisdom a change in policy. The ports of China will be closed no longer. Each of the fine people of Europe are invited to dispatch a noble ambassador to the Forbidden City to meet with the Grand Council. After a series of meetings have been held, the Grand Council will issue a recommendation to His Imperial Majesty. One European people will be chosen as the honored trading partner of the Qing dynasty. This is not a dismissal of China's greatness. Merchants from the honored trading partner will be allowed to export their goods only at the port of Shanghai, which will then be inspected by Chinese officials and then distributed and sold by Chinese merchants. A portion of the income from those sales will be given back to the honored trading partner. His Imperial Majesty believes that this is the path to Chinese prosperity.

His Imperial Majesty the Son of Heaven, Emperor of China, has announced in his divine wisdom a second change in policy. The Grand Council will be reformed to accurately represent the diversity of the Empire among its 12 members. Three members will be of Han origin, three members will be Manchu, two will be Mongol, two will be Uyghurs, and two will be Tibetan. A strength of the Qing dynasty is the many people who are brought under the Mandate of Heaven of His Imperial Majesty. It is fitting that the Grand Council, His Imperial Majesty's closest advisers and courtiers, be reflective of the people they are charged with administering.

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

A Brief Statement of the Fate of Victor Amadeus III and The Lesser Demons in His Service

“I will not waste the people’s time by recounting the circumstances that brought about the recent and fortuitous events which have led to the establishment of this proud, Catholic republic.  The people already know that story all too well.  They have tasted the bitter, rotting fruit of oppression.  They have starved in the streets while the false king Victor Amadeus III mocked Christ with one side of his mouth and spat upon every principle of good governance with the other.  

What could we hope to teach about sacrifice to an impoverished mother who goes hungry so that her young child may eat that she does not already know?  Ask the worker who owns none of the means of production and yet toils beneath the yoke of exploitation about greed.  He’ll tell you all about the corruption and cruelty of the false king Victor Amadeus III.  Yes, the people know better than anyone the truth behind the black villainy and hedonistic heresy of that most infamous fiend.  The so-called king Victor Amadeus III was little more than a charlatan with delusions of grandeur claiming a divine right that he did not possess, not least of which because he was no different than the money lenders in the temple.  Not a man, in truth, but a beast in human skin content to fiddle like the Pagan Emperor Nero while the people suffered.  A devil who dared call himself divine!

I do not say that every Piedmontian nobleman in service to this vile fiend was a servile sycophant simpering for scraps from the table of a delusional dilettante destined for despotism.  Some, I assume, are good people.  I only wish those that are would do more to make their presence known.  I should have rather liked to have met one.  

It must be said that the possibility exists for a more enlightened breed of nobility when those men are truly guided by Christ.  One can only assume that it was His divine hand which guided the Venetians toward that most divine form of government: the republic.  In Portugal, we have even seen nobility embrace radical ideas that – whatever merits they may or may not have – one would seldom think to ascribe to nobles.  Most importantly, this class produced The Pope himself.  One must take care to acknowledge such nuances, inconvenient though they may be for those who would see the rivers run red with the blood of the guilty and innocent in equal measure.  Justice is balance, after all.

And yet as is so oft the case, the Piedmontian nobility were overthrown because the mad fools – each seeing a Midas in the making where good Christians see our reflections – cast aside the cross and chose instead to worship at the alter of Mammon.  The people in their wisdom, guided by the divine hand of our Lord, cast off the atheistic shackles of oppression and cry out for a Catholic republic.  

While the two most important distinctions which may exist within a society are, to be sure, religion and economic class, we must be still be just.  The Piedmontese nobility who served the false king shall be tried for their crimes against the Piedmontian people.  Those who are convicted by a jury of twelve at the conclusion of a fair trial will be punished not for their economic class or family name, but for their crimes against the Piedmontian people.  Enlightened nobles such as the Pope may take comfort in this fact; this shall not be an indiscriminate mob, but a just and orderly process.  This policy shall only apply to those nobles who served the false king Victor Amadeus III.  

However, I have always condemned torture in the harshest of terms like every good Christian and would not see even my worst enemies flogged or tarred.  That is not justice; it is vengeance. With the new Catholic republic, there shall be a new and far more civilized means of speedy execution.  Those convicted shall be given over to the loving embrace of the guillotine and the national razor will shave their necks clean.  Their estates shall be sold and the profits used to feed the poor and middle class.    

And what of the false king Victor Amadeus III?  Christ commands us to be merciful and merciful we shall be, for are we not a Catholic republic?  The false king shall be given two options.  He may abandon all titles, lands, claims, and incomes and then – with a proper escort until the deed is done – immediately enter the priesthood for the rest of his days.  In that way, he may yet atone for his sins and one day see the kingdom of heaven.  No truly penitent soul, not even that of the false king, is beneath the mercy of Christ who died for our sins.  Alternatively, if the false king believes himself so great that a life spent in the service of our God in heaven is beneath him, he shall find his neck as been shaved razor clean by the guillotine.  

We must put the question to the false king Victor Amadeus III.  Shall he repent and live a simple, unassuming life in the service of God?  Or is he a man so black of heart that he would rather become a king of Hell than kneel before Christ in the kingdom of heaven?  The choice is the false king’s and his alone.  May God have mercy upon his soul, for if he chooses poorly, the people will surely have none.  

In the days ahead, I shall give several more speeches covering the Piedmontian school of foreign policy, the rights and principles of our great Catholic Republic, a treatise on our national philosophy of Catholic Republicanism, and a few remarks about slavery.  Thank you, may God guide our dear Pope in his divine wisdom, and may He watch over us all during these early days of our Catholic Republic.”

- Pietro Verri