Age of Steam and Steel: Gameplay Thread

[Wikipedia delenda est]

Treaty of Versailles

I. The Suez Canal shall be administrated by an eight member Suez Canal Commission. One member each shall be appointed by: the Ottoman Empire, Russia, Scandinavia, France, the British Empire, the Netherlands, Austria, and Prussia.
II. The Commission recognizes the territory and jurisdiction of the Ottoman Empire over the Canal.
III. The Ottoman Empire recognizes the administrative authority of the Suez Canal Commission over said Canal.

X LOUIS XVIII

X Peter IV, Emperor of all the Russias

[YPestis25]

Treaty of Versailles

I. The Suez Canal shall be administrated by an eight member Suez Canal Commission. One member each shall be appointed by: the Ottoman Empire, Russia, Scandinavia, France, the British Empire, the Netherlands, Austria, and Prussia.
II. The Commission recognizes the territory and jurisdiction of the Ottoman Empire over the Canal.
III. The Ottoman Empire recognizes the administrative authority of the Suez Canal Commission over said Canal.

X LOUIS XVIII

X Peter IV, Emperor of all the Russias

xFrederick IV and Catherine, King and Queen of Scandinavia

[Kingpoleon]

Treaty of Versailles

I. The Suez Canal shall be administrated by an eight member Suez Canal Commission. One member each shall be appointed by: the Ottoman Empire, Russia, Scandinavia, France, the British Empire, the Netherlands, Austria, and Prussia.
II. The Commission recognizes the territory and jurisdiction of the Ottoman Empire over the Canal.
III. The Ottoman Empire recognizes the administrative authority of the Suez Canal Commission over said Canal.

X LOUIS XVIII

X Peter IV, Emperor of all the Russias

xFrederick IV and Catherine, King and Queen of Scandinavia

X Sultan Mustafa IV

[Orwell]

Treaty of Versailles

I. The Suez Canal shall be administrated by an eight member Suez Canal Commission. One member each shall be appointed by: the Ottoman Empire, Russia, Scandinavia, France, the British Empire, the Netherlands, Austria, and Prussia.
II. The Commission recognizes the territory and jurisdiction of the Ottoman Empire over the Canal.
III. The Ottoman Empire recognizes the administrative authority of the Suez Canal Commission over said Canal.

X LOUIS XVIII

X Peter IV, Emperor of all the Russias

xFrederick IV and Catherine, King and Queen of Scandinavia

X Sultan Mustafa IV

x King William II of the Netherlands

[Dereich]

Treaty of Versailles

I. The Suez Canal shall be administrated by an eight member Suez Canal Commission. One member each shall be appointed by: the Ottoman Empire, Russia, Scandinavia, France, the British Empire, the Netherlands, Austria, and Prussia.
II. The Commission recognizes the territory and jurisdiction of the Ottoman Empire over the Canal.
III. The Ottoman Empire recognizes the administrative authority of the Suez Canal Commission over said Canal.

X LOUIS XVIII

X Peter IV, Emperor of all the Russias

xFrederick IV and Catherine, King and Queen of Scandinavia

X Sultan Mustafa IV

x King William II of the Netherlands

X Francis, Holy Roman Emperor

[PSOL]

I’m very dissatisfied that Egypt gets no say in the running of Egyptian infrastructure and sovereign territory.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

My grandson, King Heonjong, told me a joke the other day that for an eight-year old was both quite amusing and quite insightful.  It was just after he'd received his weekly tutoring in the Anguish Language spoken in both Old and New Angland. "The Governor of Egypt is the King of De Nile." Granted , it took some time for the pun to be translated into a civilized language for my comprehension, as despite this translated version of my comments, I have no skill in the tongue he told his childish joke.

Humor is always in the ear of the listener, so I will comment only on the insight. The Valley of the Nile, from its delta to its cataracts, is the heart of Egypt. Suez is for Egypt only a nearby desirable borderland, but so long as the Governor controls the Nile, he will demonstrate that he possesses the Mandate of Heaven for the sovereign territory of Egypt. Rather than whining about events beyond his ability to control, I'd recommend instead either seeing if there is anything he could honorably offer the self-appointed Suez Canal Commission that would induce them to accede to his stated desire of including him in their deliberations, or seek opportunities elsewhere along his borders, such as in the interior of Africa.

Queen Regent Sunwon

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

Treaty of Versailles

I. The Suez Canal shall be administrated by an eight member Suez Canal Commission. One member each shall be appointed by: the Ottoman Empire, Russia, Scandinavia, France, the British Empire, the Netherlands, Austria, and Prussia.
II. The Commission recognizes the territory and jurisdiction of the Ottoman Empire over the Canal.
III. The Ottoman Empire recognizes the administrative authority of the Suez Canal Commission over said Canal.

X LOUIS XVIII

X Peter IV, Emperor of all the Russias

xFrederick IV and Catherine, King and Queen of Scandinavia

X Sultan Mustafa IV

x King William II of the Netherlands

X Francis, Holy Roman Emperor

X Frederick III Hohenzollern, King of Prussia

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

조선 법원 선포
Proclamations of the Court of Joseon

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Queen Regent Sunwon in accordance with the advice of the advisors of her grandson King Heonjong, announces on this Surital of the third year of his reign (1836) the following edicts:

Revised Edict Concerning the Ministries and Provinces

1. The government of the realm shall be entrusted to various ministers (장관 - janggwan) and governors (지사 - jisa). Minsters shall head ministries responsible for certain functions of government and governors shall be responsible for governing a province according to the edicts of the sovereign. Subministers (부장관 - bujanggwan) shall oversee ministry performance within a particular province and shall be subordinate to both their minister and their governor. They shall attempt to resolve conflicting instructions from their superiors and if unable to secure harmony from their superiors shall bring the matter to the attention of our court for resolution.

2. The governors, ministers, and subministers shall all be appointed by the king and serve at his pleasure.

3. There are to be nine provinces. In addition to the eight traditional provinces established by King Taejong (태종), there is established a ninth province, Jeju (제주) consisting of the island of the same name and all other lands of Joseon beyond the sight of the Joseon peninsula, except for those in Ulleung County, which shall remain attached to Gyeongsang Province.

4. The following are to be the principal ministries:

• Ministry of State (국무 사역)
• Ministry of Personnel (인원 사역)
• Ministry of Justice (법무 사역)
• Ministry of War (전쟁 사역)
• Ministry of Ritual (의정서 사역)
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (야만인 사역)
• Ministry of the Navy (해군 사역)
• Ministry of Finance (재무 사역)
• Ministry of Public Works (공공 사업 사역)
• Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (농림 수산 사역)
• Ministry of Commerce (상무부 사역)
• Ministry of Transportation (교통 사역)
• Ministry of Eomnum (언문 사역)
• Ministry of Mines and Prisons (광산감옥 사역)
• Ministry of Inspection (검사 사역)

5. Clarification of certain ministerial responsibilities and requirements.
Emissaries from the courts of China, Japan, and Viet Nam shall be received by the 국무 사역. In light of this, the Minister of State and his subordinates shall be required to be proficient the use of hanja (한자). All other emissaries from beyond are realm shall be received by the 야만인 사역, save those that the Minister of Foreign Affairs deems to be from lands that are sufficiently civilized that the Ministry of State would be best suited to handle relations with.

The Ministry of Public Works shall be responsible for the construction of government buildings, facilities, and forts as well as bridges, canals, and reservoirs. As such it will coordinate with other ministries, especially those of State, War, and Transportation, to see to their needs. It shall also coordinate with the Ministry of Mines and Prisons concerning what prison labor resources it can make available for the construction of public works.

(Out of game comment: I learned about the traditional Joseon ministries since I wrote the original edict, so I am revising the edict to include ones to handle functions that had not been handled at the ministry level in the original edict.)
Edict on Academies

To supplement the scholarship of the Seonggyungwan (성균관), there are to be established specialized academys (학회 hakhoe) in the fields of military affairs, naval affairs, engineering, agriculture, mining, and science. These academies are to be involved in not only domestic scholarship and research, but also in studying and adapting for domestic use the techniques and skills of foreign scholarship. As such, they shall be authorized to bring in foreign scholars who shall not be subject to the usual restrictions on foreigners in where they may go within our realm, for a period of no greater than three years per scholar, with which to collaborate and to assist in the education of our young scholars and military officers. They are also directed to prepare translations into our language of foreign books and journals relevant to their subject area.

[Spamage]

1836 Midturn Update

Pope Victor IV Dies in Rome
Conclave to Convene and Elect Successor

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

   News emerged from the recently reconstructed Vatican in March 1836 that Pope Victor IV, head for the Catholic Church for the past 16 years, died peacefully in Rome. His papacy, still overshadowed by the events of almost half a century ago, was largely one of maintaining the status quo and preserving the Catholic Church in the face of modernization. So weak as to largely be insignificant in broader European affairs, his tenure saw the Papal States become a semi-neutral arbiter between the continued French and Habsburg plays for dominance in the peninsula.
   He leaves the Church with serious challenges. Catholic Republicanism, the scourge of the Papacy after the events in the 1780s, has reemerged in the Americas, ignoring Victor IV’s condemnation. France and the Holy Roman Empire are experiencing serious challenges to the traditional property holdings of the Church, public opinion turning against perceived clerical greed. Church attendance all throughout Europe has still only slightly recovered in the long aftermath of the Great Italian War. Some hardliners in the Vatican are hoping that the next pontiff will have a firmer hand and restore some of the lost authority of the Papacy. Alternatively, there are those who would see the Church continue to remain decentralized, allowing for broad regional autonomy.
   In this new era of national consciousness and power-politics, there are other areas of concern as well. With Piedmont having just fallen firmly into the French orbit, some in the Italian peninsula are concerned the Papal States will become the next battleground of intrigue between the French and Habsburg factions. This feeling is particularly pronounced in Rome proper, as well as Latium more broadly. Indeed, this sentiment has seemingly been confirmed by the emergence of sizable French and Austrian factions in the College of Cardinals, which is set to convene in the next couple of weeks and elect the new pope. The attitude in the holy city is one of tension and unease, no one wanting to disturb the fragile peace.
   There are three major factions in the College of Cardinals, none possessing a majority at the moment, but numerous cardinals expressing a willingness to be swayed. The Italian faction is the weakest, the number of Italian Cardinals having declined severely in the aftermath of the Conclave at Assisi (1787) and during Leo XII’s subsequent reign. Backing Cardinal Giacomo Giustiniani, the Italian faction seeks to see the independence of the Papacy preserved, perhaps eventually to be used as an avenue of consolidating the separated Italian states, though there are some pro-Neapolitans in their ranks as well. Although not Catholic Republican, the Italian faction is fiercely nationalist and resents the decline of regional autonomy.
   The French Faction is the largest and consists of French cardinals plus their counterparts from Piedmont, Parma, Genoa, and Modena. Naturally this group would be more amenable to King Louis XVIII and the French government on the international stage. In terms of policy, the French faction is also seen to be slightly more reformist, preferring for the Papacy to remain somewhat weaker and giving sovereigns more authority over the Church in their territory. Bartolomeo Pacca is seen as the French candidate.
   The Habsburg faction consists of cardinals from the hereditary Habsburg lands, as well as their client states in Italy. Only slightly smaller than the French faction, this group is seen as more doctrinally conservative, demanding the Church maintain its traditional role as a part of the government. That being said, it is expected they would be generous in any dealings with the Holy Roman Emperor. Pietro Francesco Galleffi has been identified as the Habsburg-backed candidate.
   Besides these three camps there is a moderate group of neutral candidates that has indicated a willingness to be convinced. It will be up to these various interest groups to help determine what the future of the Papacy will look like. Most observers of the internal Catholic politics are expecting a lengthy conclave, though prior sessions have proven them wrong in the past.

SCANDINAVIA STRIKES PERSIA
Brutal Assault Signals Aggressive Return to Region

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

   The insult to Scandinavian pride in Persia with the rapid collapse of Hormuz was bound to be avenged. Angered by the Qajar attack, and the likely Russian involvement in said offensive, the Swedish Monarchs personally organized a counterstrike in the region. With the hostages still in limbo, as the Qajars demanded their handing over, speed was of the essence.
   Fortunately, the acquisition of Socotra in 1835 made the prospect of a Scandinavian return to Persia feasible. Under the excuse of arranging for repairs in Djibouti (so not to alert the Russians of their true intentions) the Scandinavian fleet departed from the Suez and rendezvoused at their outpost in the Arabian Sea. They would be joined by several sizable contingents from various outposts in the region.
   The Qajar forces were caught unaware when the Scandinavians opened fire on Hormuz, Kish, and Lavan just a few weeks later. Most of their men away fighting the rival factions in the civil war, the Scandinavians had an easy time of it. A brief attack by the small Qajar fleet was easily repulsed and the islands fell after landings were ordered. Although their casualties were light, numerous Persian civilians, as well as some Russian officers sent to the region for military guidance, were killed. Thus, the Persian Gulf is now in Scandinavian hands, the hope of many in Stockholm being that the government will provide more much-needed aid to the collapsing Zinatian faction on the mainland.
   With the numbers now present in this theater, albeit with some supply troubles, the Scandinavians have the potential to undertake some serious, direct military action in the Persian Civil War, should they so desire.
   This move by Stockholm, intended to reiterate that Scandinavia is a power to be reckoned with in the Indian Ocean, has outraged both the Russian military officials and the Qajars. In St. Petersburg there are some openly calling for retribution directly towards Scandinavia on behalf of the slain Russian advisors. Meanwhile, the Qajars have used the propaganda of “returning foreign oppressors” to great effect.  Looking further afield, it is widely understood that this crisis jeopardizes the recent Russo-Scandinavian cooperation as part of the Seven Power Alliance. How other powers, especially the Habsburg Empire, respond to these escalating tensions near there own concessions remains to be seen. No action has been taken in regards to the Scandinavian hostages yet either, but it is now assumed by most that Vienna will return them to Hormuz.

[DKrol]

A Proclamation from the Court of King Louis-Philippe II Bourbon

On the War For Mexican Independence: The King in Spain, known around the world for his poor rule and brutal regime, has continued to impose his will on the people of Mexico. Despite suffering a serious loss in the Gulf of Mexico, and an embarrassing defeat in Monterrey, the King presses on in his Sisyphean effort to keep the Mexican people under his yoke. The results of the war in recent month show two things. First, the desire of the Mexican people to be free burns hotter than ever. Second, the great powers of the New World are greater in skill, resolve, and ability than the crumbling regimes of the Old World. These factors together have already sealed the fate of the King in Spain. One can only hope he sees the writing on the wall before every Spaniard in Mexico dies.

On the Issue of the Mississippi River: The course of the Mississippi River is the sovereign water of the Kingdom of Louisiana and that sovereignty must be respected. Any attempts to infringe on Louisanan rights in and along the waterway will be met with a swift rebuke and an appropriate response.

On the Issue of New Orleans: New Orleans, the finest city in the New World, was damaged in the attack from the King in Spain. This attack, though harsh, will not defeat our spirit. Though some have urged myself and my family to flee the city for our safety, I pledge that I will not leave my subjects to fend for themselves in this time. Our sovereign soil has come under attack. Our great religious center, the Saint LouisCathedral, has come under attack. Our way of life has come under attack. This attack will not go without response. But, in the most immediate terms, we must focus on keeping our people safe. A special force, the National Gendarmerie, is hereby granted a Royal Charter to serve as the front-line law enforcement agency and domestic security force in the Kingdom. 20,000 men will be raised to serve as the initial corps of the National Gendarmerie, under the command of Jacques Dupre and answerable directly to myself.

On the Issue of a Royal Wedding: It is with great joy that I announce that Crown Prince Phillippe is betrothed to Princess Marie of Quebec. This marriage will solidify the bonds between our kingdoms as the great powers of the New World. Given the harsh realities of the ongoing war, a large ceremony would be out of order. Instead, a smaller ceremony will take place as soon as is practical and a public celebration will occur to commemorate the end of the war and Mexican independence.

By Order of His Majesty King Louis-Philippe II Bourbon

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

Is Blair still interested in playing? Britain is the only one of the seven Suez powers to not sign the Treaty of Versailles and I haven't heard back on a PM I sent, but he has been on TE some.

[Blair]

Treaty of Versailles

I. The Suez Canal shall be administrated by an eight member Suez Canal Commission. One member each shall be appointed by: the Ottoman Empire, Russia, Scandinavia, France, the British Empire, the Netherlands, Austria, and Prussia.
II. The Commission recognizes the territory and jurisdiction of the Ottoman Empire over the Canal.
III. The Ottoman Empire recognizes the administrative authority of the Suez Canal Commission over said Canal.

X LOUIS XVIII

X Peter IV, Emperor of all the Russias

xFrederick IV and Catherine, King and Queen of Scandinavia

X Sultan Mustafa IV

x King William II of the Netherlands

X Francis, Holy Roman Emperor

X Frederick III Hohenzollern, King of Prussia

X Charles III

[PSOL]

Declaration by the new King of Egypt

The time has come for Egypt to sever all ties with the Ottoman realm. No longer will Egypt be considered an Eyalet still under Turkish rule, but an independent kingdom. I am now King Resid Mehmed Pasha— King of Egypt, Cyrenecae, and the Sinai. No longer will we ever join the Ottomans, but forge a new destiny to become a leading power in the Islamic world.

On ownership of the Isthmus of Sinai, or the Suez Canal

The current situation is clearly here to stay, and as such I am relenting complete control to the various European powers. However, I am disappointed that I was not welcome into the pact as a representative but the Ottomans were.As we control the land bordering the other side of the Suez, and took part in the liberation of the area, we demand a seat at the table.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

조선 법원 선포
Proclamation of the Court of Joseon

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Queen Regent Sunwon in accordance with the advice of the advisors of her grandson King Heonjong, announces on this Chuseok of the third year of his reign (1836) the following edicts:

Edict Concerning Railways

It has come to our attention that some peoples have begun to make use of railways to ease the transport of goods and people.

1. The Ministry of Transportation is ordered to establish a Bureau of Railways (철도국 Cheoldogug).
2. The Bureau is ordered to begin surveying potential routes, with priority to be given to the following routes:

• Seoul to Incheon
• Pyeongyang to Nampo
• Busan to Daegu
• Seoul to Suwon
• Seoul to Kaesong
• Pyeongyang to Wonsan
• Suwon to Daejong
• Pyeongyang to Sariwon
• Daejong to Daegu
• Kaesong to Sariwon

3. The Bureau is directed to make preparations to produce or procure rails of domestic manufacture.

[thumb21]

Edict on Christians

As the Emperor has made clear previously, the Emperor takes the view that the spread of foreign religions within our Empire is a threat to the security and integrity of the Empire. Last year's edict succeeded in expelling thousands of missionaries spreading these incorrect teachings within our realm and the spread of Christianity in our realm has stopped. We now face a question of how to treat the people who have been converted by these missionaries. They are subjects of our Empire and they should prove themselves by being patriotic and supporting our struggle for order throughout the realm. This shall not be mistaken for leniency for any Christians found to be involved in any plots for rebellion. The Emperor's edict from last year concerning the spread of foreign religions within our empire shall be revoked. The ban on entry for missionaries shall remain but expulsions of those already within the realm should cease.

Edict on events in Taiwan

The Dutch refusal to engage with the Holy Roman Emperor's attempts at reason, their arrogant treatment of Japan in negotiations and their failure to produce a concrete plan and time scale for their withdrawal leaves the Emperor with no choice but to strongly condemn the Dutch seizure of Taiwan. Taiwan is an integral part of our realm and we do not consider the occupation of this land by a foreign power to be legitimate. We call on the King of the Netherlands to immediately withdraw from our Empire and call on Chinese people under Dutch occupation to carry out their patriotic duty and disobey Dutch forces.

Edict on Seperatist Provinces

The Emperor cannot agree to the Hui demand for ending our claims over that region due to the precedent this would set in future. However, we warn seperatists against falling for sweet gestures from the Manchus. They have no intention of carrying out what they offer, as they have shown our people time and time again. A nation subservient to Western companies and interests is not in the interests of the Western parts of our Empire, just as it isn't for Han people in the East of our Empire. Our policy with regards to seperatist factions shall depend on their actions during this war. Seperatists who support the Manchu faction can expect very little autonomy and those who align with the rightful emperor can expect significantly more autonomy.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

Treaty of Busan

The realms of Britain and Joseon pledge to the promotion of peace and amity between our subjects.

Among the measures taken to so promote amity shall be measures to promote commercial intercourse.

To that end British ships and merchants shall be permitted to trade at the Joseon ports of Incheon and Busan while Joseon ships and merchants shall be permitted to trade at the British ports of Botany Bay and Auckland.

x Queen Regent Sunwon on behalf of her grandson King Heonjong of Joseon

[Elcaspar]

-Your choice to continue in the tradition of da Silva Lisboa was highly praised, but as is typical in republics, political camps are emerging, debating the future of the country. The upper-class planters were put out by your reforms meant to gradually phase out slavery, aligning with the rural lower classes as a Conservative Party. While they have praised your lowering of tariffs with some powers, as they rely on shipping of their goods to the rest of the world, this group has pledged to limit further immigration. The Liberal Party of Brazil, on the other hand, wants enlightened, activist reforms to spur the realm into new action. Ranging from infrastructure projects, the establishment of tariff barriers in order to promote domestic industrialism, and sped up abolitionism, they have an ambitious program. Thus far you have been able to remain above the fray, but more and more people are questioning which party you sympathize with.

-President Bernardo Pereira de Vasconcelos is aligning himself more towards the Liberal Party, however he also intends to make it clear that while he agrees with most of it's ideas, there are some places where he differs with them. He supports the lower tariff policy of the Conservatives for example, and favors a more gradual approach to get rid of slavery in the country. To this effect President Bernardo Pereira de Vasconcelos has announced an infrastructure project, that will seek to modernize existing infrastructure, as well as expanding it into areas that have little or no infrastructure where possible.


-There are concerning reports to the north, with the rapid collapse of the Executive Regency Council in Bogota and the declaration of the Holy Republic of Colombia. Needless to say, given your own government’s commitment to enlightened, liberal republicanism, events there have caused great alarm in Brazil. The destabilization of politics and purging of the military in Colombia has meant Brazilian influence has all but been expelled for the time being. Some would have you involve your republic in this theater, even if the Spanish themselves maintain a substantial military presence, in order to guarantee that you do not gain a hostile, militaristic neighbor to the north. Yet, the fact remains that, although perhaps close in proximity, events in Colombia are occurring at a great effective distance, given the shielding role provided by the Amazon rainforest. On the other hand, perhaps the Holy Republic could be given diplomatic recognition as a means of placating them? How will you approach the developments in the north?

The events in Bogota are highly concerning to the Republic of Brazil. The purging of the military and the establishment of a Catholic Republic are a grave threat to Brazilian influence in Columbia, as well as to the liberal republicanism of Brazil. In a move both to secure Brazilian influence in Columbia as well to fight the Spanish, 30,000 men of the Army of the North will make preparations to invade Columbia.


-Some in Brazil would have you expend the war against Spain to encompass all colonial powers operating in the New World. With Prussia’s assault on Haiti and alliance with the Spanish, many see their holding in Guyana as a prime target for conquest. Beyond the Prussians though, the British, Dutch, French, and Scandinavians all have paltry outposts in the Caribbean that could become rich plantation islands for an activist Brazil. Still, too much expansion could risk raising the ire of Europe. Although outright invasion seems unlikely for the time being, it must be remembered that the combined strength of the European economies could wreak havoc on Brazil. Will you take action against the other colonial powers in the Americas and embrace the role as the leader of liberation in the Americas?

For the current moment the Republic of Brazil will only commit ourselves to liberating the Prussian holding in Guyana. For this purpose the Republic of Brazil will arrange for 10,000 men from the Army of the North to converge on the Prussian holding from every direction, given that Brazil borders the colony in every direction. Additionally there will arranged for a small naval task force to blockade the colony.

-Other Military Actions:
The Republic of Brazil will continue to siege Montevideo alongside the La Platans, and will also send a blockading force of ships to try and speed up the siege. Additionally there will be arranged for a force of 1,000 men that will be used to secure and fortify the Strait of Magellan, and we will accordingly also reach out to La Plata for aid in this regard. The goal will be block off Spanish access to Peru.

[Blair]

Treaty of Busan

The realms of Britain and Joseon pledge to the promotion of peace and amity between our subjects.

Among the measures taken to so promote amity shall be measures to promote commercial intercourse.

To that end British ships and merchants shall be permitted to trade at the Joseon ports of Incheon and Busan while Joseon ships and merchants shall be permitted to trade at the British ports of Botany Bay and Auckland.

x Queen Regent Sunwon on behalf of her grandson King Heonjong of Joseon

X King Chalres III

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

조선 법원 선포
Proclamation of the Court of Joseon

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Queen Regent Sunwon in accordance with the advice of the advisors of her grandson King Heonjong, announces on this Dongji of the third year of his reign (1836) the following edicts:

Edict Concerning Coinage

1. Future issues of 1 mun and 2 mun bronze cash coins shall carry inscriptions in both hanja and eonmun.

2. The Bureau of the Mint within the Ministry of Finance shall investigate whether it would be worthwhile to undertake the production of silver coins and if so, of what purity and size. This report is to be prepared as a memorial to be presented to the court next year and shall consider whether such coins would be useful and acceptable to our merchants, farmers, and wrights for domestic use. Hence, the coinage of other countries shall only be considered to the degree necessary to prevent such coins from being fraudulently presented as being equivalent to Joseon coins of greater purity or weight.

[Blair]

A royal annoucement.

A Government of National Unity.

These are difficult & challenging times for our country, both at home and overseas.

For that reason his Majesty King Charles III has announced the formation of a new Government of National Unity, with a general election to be held in 18 months time after the current crisis. The new cabinet shall consist of...

Lord Palmerston- Prime Minister

John Spencer, 3rd Earl Spencer- Chancellor of the Exchequer

The Viscount Melbourne- Foreign Secretary

Sir Robert Peel- Home Secretary & First Secretary of State

Duke of Wellington- Secretary of State for War & the Colonies

Edward Ellice- President of the Board of Trade

[Blair]

Peel Commission Annoucement.

Upon the annoucemnt of Sir Robert Peel as Home Secretary the results and conclusion of the committee can now be released.

Legislation shall be presented before parliament which will outlaw practice of Slavery including the owning and purchasing of slaves from 1838.

Compensation shall be granted for those who own slaves, with an additional program of investment granted for the Americas and impacted regions- with funding earmarked from the creation of the Suez Canal ownership stake.

[Spamage]

1836 News of the World

Struggle for Supremacy: Spanish America 1836

(Source: Wikimedia)

Concessions of Zaragoza

  The inconclusive nature of the war in the Americas gradually began to wear on Spanish morale throughout 1836. With the faraway fighting entering its thirteenth year, opposition at home would finally erupt. Perhaps provided some encouragement from abroad, Catalonian opponents of the regime rose up in Barcelona in June. Although the region had long loathed the House of Bourbon, dating back to Philip V’s seizure of the city in the later stages of the War of the Spanish Succession, there had largely been peace for the past century. No more. Over the course of a week a series of riots crashed through the city. The opposition demanded a constitution, regional autonomy, and a clear plan for the fighting in the Americas. There were also demands to limit conscription and end the transportation of soldiers from Spain. Though a combination of the military and local police restored order, it was clear that Philip VI no longer had an unchallenged mandate to operate in the Americas. Unrest in Catalonia would be coupled with similar expressions of opposition among the Basque country, urban liberals in Madrid, and even in some quarters of the military.

   As the assassination of the Dauphin in Paris illustrated in September, the sovereigns of Europe were no longer safe from the wrath of their subjects. Eager to head off any opposition, and in a savvy political move, King Philip VI departed Madrid and met a local deputation in Zaragoza. Here, the King of Spain promulgated the “Concessions of Zaragoza,” offering a compromise aimed at blunting any revolutionary sentiments and stabilizing the domestic political situation in Spain. King Philip announced that no further Spanish soldiers would be sent to the Americas, but conscription in the colonies instead would now be the primary source of recruitment for that conflict. Yet, the King would go further, pushing through reforms aimed at expanding the appeal of his government in a wide range of areas. In emulation of his French relations, a new Cortes elected by property holders was proposed, albeit in far more of an advisory capacity than France, with representation for both the metropole and all of Spain’s various colonial holdings, which were all decreed to be “core” Spanish territory. Viceroys would be chosen by the King, pending the approval of the respective regional delegation in the Cortes. Internal tariff barriers were abolished, the power of the Catholic Church curtailed in favor of the Crown, while the Church was instead compensated with the establishment and control of Catholic schools throughout the Spanish Empire. No direct mention of the Basque or Catalan issues was made, but it was expected the nationalists would be appeased by offers of national representation in the Cortes.

   Clearly inspired by the example of Louis XVII in the last century, Philip VI’s Concessions of Zaragoza may be seen by some as only the most moderate of reforms. The Crown retains almost total control of the government in every way but mere symbolism. Yet, in a realm as conservative as the Kingdom of Spain, the new reforms have caused a great shift in public opinion. With domestic support for the Crown once again surging, especially with the new elections of 1838 now officially approaching, the prospect of continued Spanish involvement in the Americas seems almost certain.

Collapse of the Union of La Plata

  Events in Colombia would reverberate throughout the other factions in South America, the most substantial results emerging in the Union of La Plata and the rebel faction in Upper Peru. The Union of La Plata had always been somewhat tenuous, local municipalities retaining broad autonomy despite a united front. With the collapse of the Spanish war effort in the region and their subsequent relocation to Chile, the loose threads binding all of these local rivals together began to fray, despite foreign attempts to prevent this.

    The Jesuits have undoubtedly been the most instrumental group in spreading Catholic Republicanism throughout South America. Having been expelled from most of Europe throughout the 1700s, and with long-established connections with native communities, a new strain of republicanism has emerged, combining a sense of indigenous nationalism with Catholic fervor. Nowhere has this been more evident than in Paraguay, which became the first region of the La Platan Union to withdraw its representatives from the broad Assembly of Equals in Buenos Aires. Asunscion was declared the Capitol of the Republic of Paraguay, a state modelling its government off of Colombia, while those deemed to be insufficiently loyal to the new regime have been expelled or forced to take oaths of allegiance.

   When the central government in Buenos Aires attempted to restore order, there were more defections. Jujuy, upset with the moderation in the mainstream government, but not willing to join Paraguay, made common cause with the indigenous rebellion in Upper Peru. Corrientes declared its independence, a local military junta led Juan Manuel de Rosas decreeing it would defeat both the weak La Platan government and the Catholic Republicans in Paraguay, uniting the region under strong centralized authority. Mendoza and other rural regions in the west meanwhile have declared their own autonomy and demanded to be left alone.

    Thus, the Union of La Plata now consists of a weak central government based in Buenos Aires with the support of Mendoza and a few other nearby cities. The military is disintegrating, various generals defecting to the provinces based on their residence and political opinions, while communication between the factions has ceased. There are open calls for the resignation of Manuel Belgrano and further foreign intervention in the region, either from Brazil or, most surprisingly, Spain itself.

   Meanwhile, on the other side of the Andes the brave Chilean revolutionaries were utterly crushed throughout 1836 by the larger Spanish force. By midyear a sense of defeatism had taken hold, despite attempts by Quebec and other American powers to boost morale. The provisional government surrendered in November 1836 in exchange for immunity and pardons for those who had fought in the conflict. Although there’s little appetite to return to the way things used to be in Chile, some sparks of hope have been bolstered by the Concessions of Zaragoza and the prospect of a more relevant position in the Spanish Empire.

Mexican Theater of War

  The tripartite cooperation between Quebec, Louisiana, and the Mexican rebels continued in 1836, yielding gains and opening up a second front in the fight against the Spanish. As the year comes to a close, there are many in both Spain and Mexico who wonder if peace could finally be at hand, the position of the royalists in serious peril.

   Decisive defeat for the Spanish would be most evident in California. Reinforcements were not forthcoming, the government in far-off Madrid choosing instead to direct most of its attention towards operations in Southern Mexico and South America. With the Spanish forces severely outnumbered by the arrival of a second army from Louisiana, most of the local landowners cut their losses, surrendered to the invaders, and renounced their personal loyalty to King Philip VI. The Spanish Army in turn saw that victory could not be achieved. Although there were brief hopes of evacuation to the south, perhaps to aid in the defense of the Valley of Mexico, the naval aid never materialized. Thus, overwhelmed and beleaguered, the remnants of the Spanish army surrendered to the Kingdom of Quebec in November 1836. With their capture fighting in California has come to a close and the entire northern Mexican theater has been seized by the rebellion.
  
   A joint Quebecois-Louisianan landing at Veracruz would prove to be a success. By reentering combat in the south so soon after it seemed as though the Spanish had triumphed, the fresh wounds of the suppressed rebellion burst back into the open. Mass risings all throughout southern Mexico saw numerous towns change hands. An allied attempt to advance on Mexico City itself was beat back, the Spaniards demonstrating that, whatever the local political situation, their armies remain a force to be reckoned with. The government of the Viceroyalty of New Spain now finds itself with firm control of the Valley of Mexico, but largely cut out of the remainder of their claimed territory. The Viceroy, acting upon the advice of Madrid, has indicated a willingness to open negotiations, so long as the interests of the loyalists in the region are given a fair hearing. It is unknown how Louisiana and Quebec will respond.

March of the Holy People’s Republic

  Although the rise of Catholic Republicanism in Colombia caused alarm and led to a surge in the popularity of that ideology in other theaters of the fighting, Colombia was not Spain’s primary target in 1836, as results would demonstrate. José Mosquera y Arboleda, although a cleric, personally led a small, targeted expedition north towards Panama, where the attempts by the Spanish and Prussians to construct a canal were spoiled. Their equipment was sabotaged, surveys of the region destroyed, and work thus far damaged beyond repair, frustrating what could have been a profitable enterprise. Further to the south, guerrilla efforts were repeatedly crushed by the Spanish in the Llanos, Madrid expanding its hold over Venezuela.
 
   The actual Army of Colombia focused primarily on moving south towards Ecuador. At the Battle of Quito on June 19th, the much smaller Spanish army in the region was defeated, fleeing into the city which has since been placed under siege. There appears to be little worry in Peru over the situation though, as the sizable Spanish force garrisoned there seems more than large enough to deal with the threat posed by the Catholic Republicans. The Viceroy of Peru and local generals have deliberately engaged in a slow advance towards Ecuador, leaving ample men to defend Peru from rebels further to the south, and in the interim have ordered naval shipments to the army under siege at Quito. There is some concern these officials are acting overconfident in the face of a zealous foe, but thus far there is no concrete evidence to support this theory.

DAUPHIN AND DAUPHINE ASSASSINATED IN PARIS
FLEMISH NATIONALISTS SUSPECTED; DUTCH INVOLVEMENT UNCLEAR

(Source: Wikimedia)

    The Dauphin Louis of France, the son of King Louis XVIII, and the Dauphine, born Princess Louise of Louisiana, cultivated a reputation in France of being liberal, young, reform-minded individuals. The thirty-four-year-old heir contrasted greatly with the governance of his aging father. During his father’s turn towards conservatism in the aftermath of the Silent Revolution, it was the Dauphin who acted as a behind-the-scenes mediator with the various liberal factions and the Crown. Needless to say, in France proper the couple was highly popular and viewed as representing a future style of nineteenth century monarchy.

    The French Election of 1836 ultimately saw the Liberals win with the tacit support of King Louis XVIII, who vowed to undertake further reforms and return to the style of rule that characterized his early reign. The Crown, with the support of the newly elected government, was quick to nationalize Church property, establish a universal educational system, and pledge further action on the growing railroad network in France proper. The Dauphin was elated, in the first few weeks of 1836 frequently undertaking the journey between Paris proper and the royal residence of Versailles, where he served as a sort of informal diplomat in the awkward pairing of the Crown and some of the more outspoken Liberal reformers.

    This would be shattered on the evening of September 15th, 1836. As part of their image as more open royals, the Dauphin and Dauphine were known to frequent opera performances in Paris. Riding in an open carriage in the warm weather of the late summer, their journey was interrupted by an explosion. Some sort of explosive device, either a paper bomb or gunpowder-based, was lobbed into the carriage, causing great damage. Neither the Dauphin or Dauphine was killed instantly however, their injuries quite severe. Removed from the scene into the packed entrance of the opera house, both would take several hours to die, their wounds too severe. King Louis XVIII hastened to the city, but the clogged roads caused by the confusion meant he did not make it to his son’s deathbed in time. With the death of the Dauphin Louis, the new heir to the French throne is his son, the nine-year-old Prince Louis of France. Second-in-line for the throne is Grand Duke Xavier of Piedmont, another possibly consequential issue raised by the murder.

   It only took hours to locate the perpetrators of the Dauphin’s assassination, perhaps in part because they took no effort to conceal themselves. Lodewijk de Backer, an unemployed Flemish former soldier appears to have been the one to actually undertake the bombing of the carriage. Yet, he is merely one member in broader network of Flemish nationalists in Paris that has been uncovered, the group titling themselves the “Children of Willem” in honor of the King of the Netherlands. Preliminary investigations have made it clear that this conspiracy, consisting of around two dozen individuals ranging from a tavern-owner to other financiers back in Brussels and Antwerp, is wide-ranging and has the popular sympathy of many Flemings, who have watched the case with great interest. Their goal is nothing less than the full independence of Flanders from France, either under union with the Netherlands or as an independent realm. What Is less clear is the degree to which the Dutch government was involved. While there’s been no direct tie between Amsterdam and the murder of the Dauphin in Paris, it is suspected that some agents of the Dutch government, be they generals or civil officials, may have been in covert contact with the Children of Willem.

    Needless to say, the death of the Dauphin has roiled France proper, turning domestic politics on its head. While King Louis XVIII and the Liberals are united in their grief, there is legitimate concern about the survivability of their alliance without the Dauphin to mediate. French nationalists are out for blood, demanding brutal reprisals throughout Flanders. Flemings have petitioned for mercy, arguing that two wrongs do not make a right.  Neither the Conservatives or the Socialists have shown much care for the murder of the Dauphin, something that has aroused the suspicion of the most devout Liberals. The prospect of a regency or even further disputes over Piedmont seems possible once more, while the question of how the situation evolves further is an open one.

   It had seemed that France was a rare area of order in Europe, only realms beyond its frontiers feeling domestic turmoil in early 1836 (the risings in Barcelona, crisis in Germany, collapse of the Papal States in Italy), but now it seems the Kingdom is not as stable as has been long assumed. How King Louis XVIII, the Liberals, the Netherlands, and other sovereigns will respond to the death of the Dauphin is not known, but their actions will undoubtedly be crucial in setting the stage for 1837.

SIX GLORIOUS DAYS IN ROME
PAPAL STATES INTEGRATED INTO NAPLES

(Source: Wikimedia)

   The Papal Conclave drew much European attention in mid-1836, but none of the Catholic powers were able to foresee the dramatic developments that would occur simultaneously. As the conclave began, Rome itself descended into disorder. The prospect of being bound to either the French or the Habsburgs was an unpopular one in the Eternal City, nor was continued domination by the theocratic government of the Papacy seen as ideal. Reformist feelings were in the air. When the first ballot came back inconclusive, protests quickly filled the streets of the city, calling for a restoration of the Catholic Republican cause as had occurred in Colombia. Others demanded long-overdue reform and the ultimate goal of the crowds was quite muddled. Attempts by the interim authorities to assert order proved ineffectual after neither the soldiers nor the modest police force proved to demonstrate any real enthusiasm of turning on their fellow citizens. A council of five leading Romans set themselves up as the Regional Council of Rome, their first action declaring an end to the Papal States and establishing the state of Latium.

   What occurred next shocked observers. Ostensibly to restore order to their northern neighbor, soldiers from the Kingdom of Naples were on the scene within the week. Crossing into the Papal States they were greeted with cheering crowds as the soldiers of the Holy See stepped aside or joined, marching in lockstep. Suddenly the demands for Catholic Republicanism ceased in Rome, now the crowds instead demanding that their region be joined to the Kingdom of Naples. The Regional Council, highlighting the historic links between the Papal States and their southern neighbor, obliged. On October 11th, 1836 King Francis of Naples was officially declared the “Prince of Latium” by the Regional Council which then promptly dissolved itself, ceding its authority to the central government of their new sovereign. Thus ended the period that has become known to many locals as the Six Glorious Days, a period where the centuries-old government of the Papacy was toppled in one fell swoop.

   Needless to say, the pace of events proved quite dizzying. Before any of the other major Catholic powers could respond, the Papal States were utterly absorbed into Naples as calls for Italian Unification have grown ever louder. Already in the northern Austrian and French satellite principalities, protests against “foreign” rule have been noticed and some are afraid this new wave of Italian patriotism could topple the order established after the Great Italian War fifty years ago. Francis of Naples is now seen as the figure that could unite the peninsula, expunging the dark legacy of Catholic Republicanism from Italian Nationalism.

   Cynical observers have noted that the collapse of the Papal government was so rapid and complete that some sort of coordination between the Neapolitans and the Roman authorities must have occurred, though this need not necessarily be the case. Clerical rule has been unpopular for decades in Rome, if not centuries. The chain of events following the death of Pope Victor IV merely may have provided the perfect storm during which opportunists took action and Naples happened to be best-prepared to kill any thoughts of Catholic Republicanism in its cradle.

   The crisis in Rome overshadowed the conclave, which proved to be in a state of deadlock for several weeks. Not immune to events occurring outside, the Cardinals nevertheless divided into their traditional camps. The French efforts to get Bartolomeo Pacca elected as their favored candidate were undermined by Orleanist cardinals in their ranks seeking that a native-born Frenchman be elected instead. As the Habsburgs supported traditionalism, but the central government in Vienna did not bring too much pressure to bear upon the election, their cardinals proved to be the decisive swing vote. Combining with the Italians, they elected a compromise candidate: Juan Francisco Marco y Catalán. A Spaniard that is little known, it was hoped that by choosing a pontiff that supported the status quo, and would prove amenable to both the Italians and Habsburgs, the real issues facing the Church could be postponed.

    The newly elected Pope took the name Alexander IX, in honor of his notorious fellow Spaniard Borgia predecessor. As the conclave dispersed, the Church had to turn its face to a new reality. As a non-Italian, Alexander IX has shown little enthusiasm for the collapse of Papal authority or Italian Unification, refusing to leave the Vatican out of protest to the events in Rome. Even so, his condemnation of the collapse of the Papal States has been quite muted and many note that he has shown a degree of willingness to negotiate with the King of Naples, given that royal house’s Spanish background. His ultimate action may depend on whether or not the response of the rest of the Catholic powers in Europe to the events in Rome.

[Spamage]

Convention of Charleston
As Slavery Becomes Political Issue, Secessionist Elements in British America Grow

(Source: Wikimedia)

   The decision by the government of Charles III to move towards the gradual abolition of slavery, coupled with the establishment of a government of national unity, was widely lauded throughout Britain proper and in most of the extended British Empire. Subjects from New York City to Canberra applauded the move as long overdue and a necessary step in the progression of liberty. The striking over the issue in the British Isles seemed to subside and internal tensions gradually abated.
   
   The one area that did not take kindly to the King’s decree was the southern colonies in North America. Denouncing the reforms as an act of deliberate economic sabotage by a tyrannical government in London, Southern MPs stormed out of Parliament out of protest and almost universally departed back to their homes. John C Calhoun, an MP from South Carolina, summed up the sentiment of most of the opposition by stating: “our quarrel over this matter is not with the King, but with those who seek to use the Crown as a means of destroying our livelihood.” Yet, in the northern colonies the mood was one of elation, loyalty to the central government in London rapidly increasing among the population of the Great Lakes and Midatlantic regions.

   Seeking to band together, a broad number of colonies in the region voted to send delegates to Charleston for a convention to assess the situation. Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tunica (southern Mississippi and Alabama), Henrysland (northern Mississippi and Alabama), Florida, and Transylvania (western Kentucky and Tennessee) all ultimately were represented at the assembly. Notably absent were delegates from other slaveholding colonies such as Cumberland (eastern Kentucky and Tennessee), Delaware, and Maryland.

   The Charleston Convention was attended almost exclusively by the MPs representing the colonies mentioned earlier. After several months of meetings in late Summer, the body announced the Southern Charter. While repeating the loyalty of the region to King Charles III personally, the Charter denounced the centralization of power in London and demands that the colonies that have signed onto the document be granted their own fully devolved parliament with which to govern themselves. Should they be refused, they point to the precedent of the overthrow of James II of England as justification for them naming someone else as their sovereign.
 
   While British soldiers maintained broad order in the South, the announcement of the Southern Charter, coupled with the efforts of local governments to undermine support for Britain in the region, has led to severe challenges. Local militias have formed, fired by the preaching of zealous pro-slavery ministers, conducting operations that have made supply and communication in the region a headache for the British. These bands of men have been joined by military advisors from Louisiana, who were on the scene quite rapidly. It is expected by most that Quebec, New England, and Louisiana will seek to use the Southern Charter as a means of undermining British power in the region, if not militarily challenging it directly. Still, if the stability of this specific region has been shaken, it bears repeating that the overall announcement if abolition has done much to stabilize the broader British state.

   Yet, despite the opposition of Southern whites to the proposed abolition of slavery, that is not to say London lacks support. Among the thousands of enslaved people, word has spread of the eventual plans to free them. Not only have cases of escape rapidly ballooned with the announcement, the remaining enslaved populace has come to admire King Charles III and the British government as a whole. 1837 seems it will be a year of transition for the region. What form that will take, as rural leaders denounce the Crown and seize autonomy while slaves yearn for freedom, remains to be seen.

Ottomans Smash into Northern Egypt
Nascent Kingdom Toppled After Scandinavian Betrayal

(Source: Wikimedia)

   There were high hopes in Egypt that foreign seizure of the Suez would lead to further intervention in their favor. Yet, these were clearly misguided. Most of the European governments sold out the Egyptians, offering the Ottomans a role in the future administration of the canal, a tacit admission that they saw little hope for the rebels. Those that did seem to indicate serious material support, such as Scandinavia, engaged in such treachery that they were indirectly responsible for the collapse of the rebellion and Ottoman victory at long last.
   
   Resid Muhammad Pasha’s declaration of the Kingdom of Egypt was supported by his would-be subjects, but it came too late. Although further gains initially looked possible in Cyrenaica after the Battle of Tobruk in April, Ottoman reinforcement and resurgence resulted in a retreat on that front by late summer, the sweltering heat inflicting unnecessary casualties. With the collapse of the west, and the prospect of Ottoman troops approaching on land, the besieged city of Alexandria surrendered in late September, after more than a year of being blockaded by the Turkish fleet.

   The real fighting for the future of Egypt would take place in Cairo. Although a strong Egyptian defense kept the Ottomans at bay for most of the year, the sheer numbers of Turkish soldiers overwhelmed the rebels. To put it simply, the Ottomans could afford to have casualties to a degree with the Egyptians could not. When promised soldiers from Scandinavia did not materialize, and as it became clear that the weapons sent were deliberately sabotaged by that supposed ally, morale in the Kingdom of Egypt collapsed. News of the fall of Alexandria was the last straw. The common people of Cairo toppled the government of Resid Muhammad Pasha, putting the supposed King of Egypt in chains and surrendering the city to Ottoman rule. He has been transferred to prison in Istanbul itself, awaiting his fate. With the collapse of the central government in Cairo, the remainder of the region has fallen into chaos. Tribes to the west of the Nile have indicated they will fight on, seeking autonomy from Istanbul more than anything else. Although most settlements along the Nile itself have surrendered back to Turkish rule upon hearing of the fall of Cairo, scattered rebel remnants remain. It will be up to the Ottomans to cement their return to power in 1837, something that must be done rapidly before any of the European vultures seek to take advantage of the weak domestic situation in the region.

   The European belief that the Egyptian Revolution would fail may paradoxically have been the very reason the rebellion did not succeed. The inability of Resid Muhammad Pasha’s government to get any other power to intervene militarily directly on their side meant that the Egyptians were consistently outgunned and outnumbered. Tensions over the future of the Suez, and the desire among the Seven Power Alliance to not antagonize the Ottomans too much lest they seize back the canal, also were contributing factors to the lack of foreign aid. As the dust settles in Egypt, the Ottoman Empire now may once more have the ability to project strength outwards, a prospect that must be daunting for the powers on their border.

WARFARE IN ASIA EXPANDS
DUTCH ATTACK PHILIPPINES, JAPANESE ATTACK DUTCH FORMOSA

(Source: Wikimedia)

   The situation in East Asia was already precarious with events in China. Yet, the actions of the various powers to grab influence in 1836 would result in direct clashes. Three main conflicts would occur, two deliberate and one accidental as a result of the power vacuum. Over the course of a year the stability of the European outposts in the region has been shaken, while the prospect of fighting expanding further seems likely.

   The Japanese were eager to capitalize on the instability of the new Dutch colonial holdings in Hainan and Formosa. Claiming grievance over the Dutch past attempts to smuggle opium into their realm almost half a century ago and decrying their unbridled colonial expansion in the region, Shogun Tokugawa struck without notice. A force of roughly 40,000 men landed on the island, the Dutch defenses of around 5,000 ill-prepared and largely unestablished. They were joined by a Xing expeditionary force of 15,000 that landed on the western portion of the island. A simultaneous native uprising, initially supported by the Japanese, led to a total collapse of Dutch authority. After several brief skirmishes, those Dutch soldiers that were able to, evacuated. Yet, in the aftermath, new skirmishes have been reported between the Hakka hill people and the Japanese, their common colonial enemy no longer binding them together.

   The Dutch, in the meantime, were primarily concerned with offensive operations in the Philippines. Seeing the vulnerability of the Spanish outpost in the region, and hoping to expand their presence in the region yet further, an assault was led against the Spanish Philippines. Unintentionally caught in the crossfire were the Koreans, who had recently purchased the Batan Islands from the Spanish. Due to their focus in the Americas, the Spanish soldiers were firmly on the defensive, only able to endure sieges rather than undertaking any active role. Laoag and Baguio have been occupied by the Dutch, along with most of Luzon, but Manila stubbornly refuses to surrender, holding out hope for aid. With the fall of northern Luzon, and unaware of the new Korean presence, there was a Dutch attempt to take the islands, ultimately unsuccessful, that saw several dozen killed between the two sides. Whether Queen Regent Sunwon will use this as a justification to join the Japanese in further action against the Dutch colonies remains unclear.

   Thus, now East Asia features a separate colonial conflict outside of the Chinese Civil War. Spanish forces retain control of the southern Philippines and Manila, while the Dutch have gained most of Luzon but lost Formosa to the Japanese, who have shown a greater degree of dynamism. Korea has been insulted, caught in the crossfire between the Dutch and Spanish over islands they have legally acquired.
 
  The realms of the region are undoubtedly watching developments closely. Dutch defeat could embolden regimes in Aceh and Brunei to challenge their control of the East Indies. Alternatively, setbacks for Japan, or even Korea, could lead to a resurgence of the now quiet isolationist factions in either realm, both which may have been biding their time on the sidelines as the respective leaders have embarked on new dynamic policy programs.

The Saxon Affair
Prussians Attempting to Succor Minor Imperial Princes?

(Source: Wikimedia)

   The new understanding between the Habsburg Monarchy and the Kingdom of Prussia would almost immediately be put to the test. Mere months after a peace agreement for lasting stability in Germany was signed, rumors emerged of Prussian attempts to draw the minor Saxon nobles (to the west of the Kingdom of Saxony) into the German League, an act in direct defiance of the Convention of Prague. Reportedly, the King of Prussia was personally beseeching them on the basis of a shared Lutheran faith to leave the Holy Roman Empire, completely undermining the pledge to refrain from covert dealings with lesser princes in Habsburg-aligned Germany.

   These reports were just rumors, until some serious evidence emerged in the late summer. A routine border post between Bohemia and Silesia uncovered some letters hidden in a secret compartment of a wagon, responses from some of the minor Saxon Dukes, responding quite favorably to the proposal. Alleging that Habsburg favoritism for the Prince Bishops is unsustainable, some of the minor nobles expressed relief at the prospect of no longer being beholden to Vienna’s dictates. The intercepted messages were immediately relayed to Vienna, new leaking to the press due to some careless blabbering in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The public of Europe has eyed this situation with grave concern. Some minor princes in both the Empire and the German League have beseeched the Scandinavians to intervene and help sort out the situation before it spirals out of control, they being the third guarantor of the Convention of Prague.

   The prospect of war between the traditional rivals has caused a wide spectrum of reactions throughout Germany. There are undoubtedly hawks in both camps that see fighting as a way to regain territory and settle the score once and for all. For the Austrians the war faction is led by the King of Saxony and the Duke of Hesse-Darmstadt. In the German League their counterparts can be found in the Duke of Brunswick and the Duke of Hesse-Kassel, eager to bask in military glory like their forebears. Those less enthusiastic about the prospect of another German war include the Duke of Württemberg, who has pledged neutrality, several of the Archbishop-Electors, the Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, and the Duke of Oldenburg.

   The issue of possible war has somewhat overshadowed the drama within the Holy Roman Empire, where Habsburg forces aided in rectifying the most egregious abuses against Church property, temporarily restoring them to clerical oversight while a broader panel would debate the future of each individual dispute in order to determine a lasting solution. Although the move has been decried by some, who look to the collapse of the Papal States as a sign of the inherent weakness of theocratic government, thus far the situation has proved stable. Some also have criticized the move as an Imperial power-grab, a line of reasoning that resonates somewhat better, though there is precedent for the Emperor resolving territorial disputes within the borders of the Empire.

Chinese Civil War Continues
Separatists Expand Their Involvement as Conflict Grows Deadlier

(Source: Wikimedia)

The South: Qing Escape and Collapse of the Guang

   The Guang Dynasty seemed to be the least threatened of the Chinese factions at the start of 1836, its truce with the Xing holding and the Qing army surrounded and under siege. Yet, the Xīn'ài Emperor grew overconfident, believing that the Xing and Qing would be so focused on fighting one another, mopping up the survivor would be short work. With this overconfidence came a lack of urgency for resolving the siege of the Qing army in Hunan province. Thus, Guang forces were stunned when the besieged army in Changde emerged to do battle. Although weakened by months under siege, the Qing soldiers understood they were fighting for their very survival. The Guang were unprepared and within hours what had been the siege of an ill-supplied force became a rout of the besiegers. Bolstered by the seizure of supplies from the Guang, Qing forces began a remarkable recovery of their position in 1836. Marching south out of Hunan, the province of Jiangxi surrendered to their authority in short order.

   The events in the south might not have proven quite so perilous for the Guang had not the Miao people joined in the fighting, eager to capitalize on the distraction of their neighbors. Wary of the prospect of a China ruled from the south, as that would mean far closer oversight of their regional affairs, the Miao themselves began operations in the west, seizing Chongqing and inflicting some serious defeats on the Guang in that area.

   As the year comes to a close, the Guang armies have shown signs of dissolving and the Qing forces could very well threaten Guangzhou itself in 1837. Refugees and deserters are fleeing en masse to the Xing territories, hoping that the Youfu Emperor will prove a more capable leader than their former overlord. It was the Guang who first emerged to challenge the Qing, rising in 1825, and they very well could prove to be the first of the three contending dynasties to collapse. In a desperate bid to curry favor with the west and secure his position, it has emerged from the panicked city of Guangzhou that the Emperor is willing to offer sizable concessions to any European power that will provide direct military aid. This prospect is scorned by most Chinese, but could ultimately be the only way to save the collapsing situation.

Central China: Qing Retreat, Hui Clash with Xing

   In the core region of China, 1836 saw continued advances for the Xing armies, aided by generous Austrian supplies, expanded Japanese military presence, and the Qing desire to maintain their position in the north, rather than Central China.

   Like the Miao to their south, the Hui government to the west recognized the necessity of intervening in the Chinese Civil War in order to protect their self-interests. Having already provided warning to the Xing, when it was clear that the fighting in the region was to continue, the Hui struck eastwards, attacking the Qing themselves and cutting off any Xing push northwards in their region. This has resulted in the capture of Ningxia and much of Inner Mongolia. Although these regions are sparsely populated, their loss prevents the Xing from undertaking any extended maneuvering beyond what is appearing to be substantial Qing efforts to defend Beijing and northern China.

   In the course of the Hui advance there were instances of clashes between various scouting parties, though no substantial fighting has yet occurred between them and the Xing. Continuing to stress their desire to simply be left alone, there is little evidence the Hui will undertake any further operations against the Qing. In the west, beyond the Hui gains, the Xing forces in the Army of Hubei were able to advance beyond the Yellow River and capture portions of Shanxi.

   The main theater of fighting in Central China saw continued Xing advances, the Qing being pushed further north beyond the Yellow River. An aggressive push to meet the Japanese occupiers in the Shandong Peninsula was successful, resulting in the further weakening of the Qing situation on that front. It is expected by most that the Yansheng Emperor is preparing for a vigorous defense of Beijing, Baoding, Tianjin, and the remaining cities of Northern China. Mongolian soldiers have been seen aiding Qing garrisons all throughout the region, perhaps a tacit acknowledgement of some sort of understanding between them and the weakened dynasty. Although the Japanese seizure of the Dalian peninsula shocked some at the Qing court in Shenyang, who feared a raid on the capitol, nothing further has materialized.

[Spamage]

Qajars Emerge Victorious in Civil War
Zinatians and Husaynians Crushed by Qajar-Russian Offensive

(Source: Wikimedia)

   As in Egypt, 1836 seemed to be the deciding year for the Persian Civil War. Scandinavia returned to the region forcefully midway through the year, seeming to forebode greater activity in the region. Ultimately though, they reached an understanding with the Austrians and Russians, their proposed aid for the Zinatian faction ceasing. The return of the hostages in Habsburg concessions proved almost anticlimactic, their year of tension finally over.

   On the mainland, Russia made a peace with the Durrani in March, gaining all of that realm's lands north of the Oxus River. This came despite Dutch offers of material aid to the Durrani in their fight. It is said that the Shah viewed the prospect of victory in a prolonged war with the Russians as far too costly to be realistic. With their withdrawal, Russia emerged with quite the bargain gains in Central Asia.

   Thus, joint Russo-Qajar operations were able to focus entirely on the other claimants for the throne. The Zinatians were already on their last legs, defeat in 1835 presaging further setbacks and their ultimate defeat in May. Zinat Shah was actually defeated by the Husaynians though, his nephew executing his uncle in revenge for the treatment faced by his murdered half-siblings shortly after the death of his father.

   Ottoman aid to the Husaynians had never been more than token, Istanbul far more focused on handling Egypt that dealing with the unclear Persian situation. Thus, after the Battle of Tehran, which saw Husayn killed mere weeks after his victory against his detested uncle, the situation became obvious. The Husaynians were rolled back in a quick mop-up operation, the total number of enemy soldiers too large to effectively counter. As Mohammad Shah Qajar became the clear winner in the civil war, he reached a quick understanding with the Kurds. Some suspect he offered them eventual control over Ottoman territory, but this has not yet been confirmed.

   Persia now is united. The weakened Afsharid government, forced on the people after the collapse of the Safavids, is gone. Now a new, energetic, nationalist family has taken the throne. Allied with one of the strongest land powers in the world, it is expected that time will demonstrate the aggressive tendencies of the new government. There is much humiliation to avenge, as would be demonstrated in the Scandinavian concessions at the end of the year.

   In December, when fighting was effectively over and peace was finally beginning to be reestablished a brutal outbreak of violence erupted in Hormuz. Several dozen presumed Persian agents, posing as merchants, opened fire in the concession, surprising the recently downsized Scandinavian garrison, which was specifically targeted. Numerous Swedes and Danes were killed, obvious targets for the attack. In the several hours of chaos, quite a few managed to escape, Scandinavian wares in tow. Although the identity of the men has not yet been made clear, already local Scandinavian officials are pointing their fingers at the Russians, while the Austrians seem to believe it was the Qajars themselves behind the attack. Whatever the case, it appears Persia may still remain a lasting source of tension, even if the war is concluded.