Concert of Europe: Gameplay Thread

[Dereich]

stop, or we will be forced to see this as no less or more than an attack on Denmark itself. The legitimacy of Peter III will not be questioned!

Has anyone threatened the French? Truth be told, belligerence is the pretty part of Paris and the very vice of Vienna.

Ok

[Dereich]

Imperial Decrees of 1759

-In the interests of stability and the future of the Empire, the Electors are hereby summoned to elect a new King of the Romans. For their contributions in defense of the Empire and victory in the Battle of Hesse, the Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt is elevated to Elector of Hesse. 

- I hereby call certain committees of the Princes together to consider reforms necessary to rationalize the Empire so as to prevent an event like the Tragedy of 1758 from occurring again. Until such changes are realized and due to the major disorder within the Empire, the Circles are temporarily suspended until such time as reform can be realized through the Diet.

-Due to the uncertainties of the current international situation, the following decree on tariffs will be enforced: no tariff between Imperial States shall be set above a maximum of 100% of the good's value. Any Imperial State trading with a Non-Imperial State shall set a minimum tariff of at least 2% of a good's value. As this interferes with matters normally wholly left within the purview of the Princes, this decree will be submitted for confirmation to the Diet.

Retirement Announcement

When the regency of the Hapsburg Realms was thrust on me by my wife's murder, Bohemia and Vienna were occupied, the Royal House was captured, and foreign armies looked set to devour Austria and the Empire. The nobility were rendered timid and the people lived in fear. No longer. Despite the vitriol of my enemies and the ferocity of their arms, Austria and my son are safe and whole. The Empire, with a new sense of purpose, will be stronger than ever.

I have said what needed to be said and accomplished what needed to be accomplished. Therefore, I will leave my son's kingdoms in his capable hands. I will go to Frankfurt to oversee the election of the next King of the Romans and to oversee the beginning of Imperial Reform. Then from that role, too, I will retire. The wars and struggles of this generation are done. To my son and the next generation I wish my fondest farewells and best wishes that they might achieve a better future than we did.

Francis, Holy Roman Emperor

[Spamage]

The Concert of Europe

June 1759

Nations, Leaders, & Players:
Russian Empire- Regent Catherine Romanov (Henry Wallace)
Kingdom of France- King Louis XV Bourbon (Windjammer)
Kingdom of Prussia- King Fredrick II Hohenzollern (Lumine)
Archduchy of Austria- Emperor Joseph II Habsburg (Dereich)
Kingdom of Great Britain- King George II of Hanover (DKrol)
Kingdom of Spain- King Charles III Bourbon (LouisvilleThunder)
Ottoman Empire- Sultan Mustafa III Osmanoğlu (Kalwejt)
Kingdom of Sweden- King Adolf Frederick (YPestis25)

Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont- King Charles Emmanuel III Savoy (TimTurner)

Kingdom of Denmark-Norway-Iceland- Frederick V Oldenburg (Kingpoleon)
Republic of Venice- Doge Francesco Loredan (GOTfan)

Kingdom of Portugal- King Joseph I Braganza (Mike88)
United Provinces of the Netherlands- Grand Pensionary Jacob Gilles (Dr. Cynic)

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

Popularity:
Frederick II of Prussia- High
Louis XV of France- High
Francesco Loredan of Venice- High
Joseph I of Portugal- High
Joseph II of Austria- High
Charles III of Spain- High
Mustafa III of Ottoman Empire- High
Frederick V of Denmark- Moderate
Jacob Gilles of the Netherlands- Moderate
Adolf Frederick of Sweden- Moderate
George II of Great Britain- Moderate
Charles Emmanuel III- Moderate
Catherine of Russia, Regent- Low

Ongoing Conflicts:
-War of the Three (Two) Tsars: Kingdom of Sweden, Petrine Russia v. Pauline Russia

Russian Empire:

-You have managed to recapture Riga, thanks in large part to French aid, but the war in the north is still yet to be concluded. St Petersburg, the city of Russia’s aspirations to be a western power, sits in the hands of the Swedes. Moscow too remains up in arms, so your Court has been forced to rule from Kiev. Your armies are luckily largely intact, so how will you proceed in the war?

-Several thousand Cossacks, as well as a large group of serfs who fled from their estates, have offered to join your side in the war, but they have several demands. First, the serfs desire you promise them their freedom, as well as that of their families, should they join your side. The Cossacks meanwhile want assurances of local autonomy and lower taxes. Some in Kiev urge you to accept the offer, while other landholding nobles and clergy have demanded you reject it, fearing the precedent set of liberating serfs.

-Several high-profile bishops of the Orthodox Church have approached you, upset over Peter III’s behavior. Your former husband is a devout Lutheran (hence his previous declaration of religious freedom) and makes no secret of his disdain for the Orthodox worship. These clergymen promise you an excommunication of Peter, but only if you will make a universal decree that the Russian Church shall never be taxed. Will you accept their offer?

Archduchy of Austria:

-You have come to the Imperial Throne at long last, Emperor Joseph. After two years in the captivity of Frederick of Prussia, it must no doubt be a relief to finally have your freedom. The wheel of state continues turning however, and there are already issues that must be addressed.  The first matter is Spain’s inheritance of Naples. The Kingdom was once held directly by your grandfather, only being surrendered on the condition that the Bourbons keep it separate from Spain itself. Charles III has just directly defied the Third Treaty of Vienna. How will you respond on behalf of your realm?

-The assembled delegates of the Empire were pleased to hear of you taking the reins of state, your father’s tarnished legacy having cast an air of unease over the assembly. The Diet, afraid of Prussia, is largely receptive to most proposals, especially now most of the dissenters have left the Empire. Do you have any ideas? Furthermore, what city will the Diet now permanently meet in? Some are calling for it to continue in Frankfurt, others for it to be moved back to Rothenburg. Still a third group believes holding it in Vienna itself would be a wise solution.

-Your father’s agricultural policies have had initial success, with the Potato seeming to be quite popular in Bohemia, however some advisors have noted that there is quite a bit of land laying either vacant or untended. These territories were either held by victims of the Plague or are presently occupied by nobles who have bigger concerns elsewhere. Some are advocating a full-blown seizure of the territories and ambitious resettlement. Perhaps the Polish refugees? This could alienate the elites in Austria though, a proposition that could be dangerous in the uncertainty of a new reign.

Kingdom of France:

-Well done King Louis, victory in India has established France as the dominant power in the north. There are new issues having to do with religion, foreign relations, and autonomy that have arisen however. The Jesuits and Pope Benedict XV are demanding you begin the process of forcefully converting your new subjects from the invalid religions of Hinduism and Islam. There are also grave concerns about the expansion of the Maratha Confederacy, which has renounced its alliance with you following the seizure of Delhi. Lastly, there are some who believe the new colony should be turned over to the French Indian Trading Company, perhaps as a way to save money. Others see this as greatly diminishing your control over the region. How will these crises be solved?

-You have conducted a wide variety of economic reforms, which have been positively received by much of the middle classes. Merchants are sending goods throughout all the regions, transportation appears to be faster, and money is flowing in many regions. Even so, there was strong opposition to your actions from the nobility, who see the moves as greatly damaging their remaining shreds of economic influence. Without greater regional autonomy, they lack the ability to make as much money as in the past. Even though they’ve stuck with you through their taxation, as well as the Estates General, their patience has grown quite thin. It does not help that your slandering of the Duke of Orleans after your assassination attempt has made them even more furious.

-There is also unease in the northern Flemish regions of France. Having been annexed to your realm by the force of arms, without sharing language or culture, there are quite a few angry people in your lands. They have been further incensed by the establishment of parochial schools throughout the Kingdom, as the French clergy have insisted on forcing the Flemish children to be taught in French. Placards denouncing you as the devil have been circulated and some are worried a revolt is imminent. What will you with to these unhappy Flemings?

Kingdom of Great Britain:

-War it is! In the Americas your false native allies have murdered your people and damaged your settlements, frustrating attempts at further expansion. The Iroquois, Cherokee, Shawnee, Creek, Wabnaki, and Seminole have banded together in a loose coalition against further British settlement. Though, by the grace of God, your men were sent from Ireland, how will they be used? Which natives will be fought first? Or perhaps it would be better for them to come to you? Colonial officials are waiting for instructions from London.

-Your decision to sell Hanover has had mixed reception. The move was cheered in Parliament, who had come to view that realm as an unnecessary vulnerability on the Continent. Furthermore, they were excited that you chose your British subjects over the Germans, especially with the large gold payment from Prussia. Others saw you as having abandoned your subjects, and are worried they could be traded away on a whim. Austrian rumour-mongering of your being insane has certainly done your public image no favors.

-The Continent of New Holland, which your people have dubbed “Australia”, is growing nicely. Now that the Dutch and you have agreed regions of control, your people do not fear expanding. Even so, every day it become clearer that the native Aborigines resent your presence. Since the arrival of your people they have been pushed from their lands and suffered disease. Some fear if the situation is not addressed soon, you could have another war against your colonists, only this time in Australia instead of North America. What will you do about Australia?

[Spamage]

Kingdom of Prussia:

-Peace has arrived, Prussia has grown, and the Empire has been expelled. Your subjects are excited about the success of your reign Frederick, so much so that they were largely willing to overlook the high bill for Hanover. Prussia’s authority as a Great Power certainly seems to be unchallengeable. Yet, new national concerns have arisen to replace the old. Alexander II and the Polish exiles continually remind you of the upheaval in their homeland, calling for aid to restore the old order. From what your commanders along the border have observed, it does seem that Poland’s armed forces are quite large and intimidating, so you must be careful to not make any mistakes. How will you respond to the birth of the Republic of Poland?

-The Duke of Wurttemburg has requested your personal intercession with Joseph II of Austria to ease the restrictions on his territory and achieve the return of his family. Thus far the Empire has decided to keep the tariffs on trade at unreasonably high levels, admonishing Wurttemburg for leaving, and openly taunted him with the loss of his wife and children. He has always been a personal friend of yours, so how will you aid him?

-Ascension Island has been colonized, a group of hearty Prussians founding the small community of “Friedrichsstadt”. As your realm enters the great colonial game, ambitious advisors are eager for further commands. How and where should Prussia introduce itself to the rest of the world? Some look to Africa, others to Asia and Australia. To where do you look Frederick?

Ottoman Empire:

-An outrage has been committed against you! The vile wretches of Moldova have sought to overturn centuries of benevolent Ottoman guidance, inspired by the actions of a few crazy radicals in Warsaw. The self-proclaimed Republic of Moldova has offered you peace if you withdraw from their region and recognize their independence, potentially avoiding a large war so soon after the plague, though many view this as weakness. They demand Iasi be seized by force and the locals taught a lesson about attempting to defy Turkish rule. Certainly a tough response would send a message to the other minorities in your empire. What will you do?

-As was stipulated in the agreement ending the war with Austria, a trade deal is to be established between you two. The new Duke of Pannonia, a vassal (for now) of yours is especially eager for some sort of deal to be reached, in order to ensure the maximum benefit for his new subjects. Will you send an Ottoman delegation to discuss a deal with the Austrians? If so, what will be your terms?

-Peace against the other powers of Europe seems to have been achieved, with the exception of the unrest in Moldova, and so your Orthodox subjects have once again demanded the taxation system of the realm be reformed. They especially highlight that, with the deaths of thousands in the Plague, you are more reliant on them for revenue than before. Beginning to make other subjects pay their fair share could boost state revenue, though at the expense of some Muslim support.

Kingdom of Sweden:

-You have managed to capture St. Petersburg, restoring Swedish rule to the area for the first time since the reign of Peter I and the humiliation of the Great Northern War. Even so, much work remains King Adolf Frederick. A determined Russian enemy sits outside the city, Riga has been lost, and Catherine’s Court seems to have stabilized in Kiev. With a vast Empire remaining to be subdued before peace can be established, what will you do over the next few months?

-The disloyal Caps have been assembled and tried, per your orders. 21 members of the Riksdag have been found guilty of participating in the insurrection against your rule, and been sentenced to death for their treason. Some in Stockholm want you to commute their punishment, perhaps even pardoning them, in order to placate the opposition. Others believe showing weakness in the face of such an outrage would weaken your rule. What will you do to the rebellious subjects?

-With the Hats, a noble faction, back in control, the land reform effort has become politicized once again. While the program was finally ended in the last weeks of the Cap ministry, the Hats have reopened it and begun to re-legislate land ownership. Thousands of Swedes face eviction from their newly-granted lands if you do not step in, though your new coalition in the Riksdag could be irrevocably damaged should you speak up. What will you decide?

Kingdom of Denmark-Norway-Iceland:

-A scandal has emerged in recent months in Copenhagen, following the acquisition of Danish India. The Danish East India Company has been revealed by several officials to be a hotbed of corruption, where officials were selling the rights to property in India to the highest bidder, ignoring existing owners. Others were embezzling money that ostensibly belonged to the Crown. Some have urged you to shut down the Company, even if it means decreased revenue, while others believe that it ought to be reformed. What will you do about the Company, which has become quite embarrassing?

-You have vocally been in favor of Peter III in Russia, but there is another issue closer to home in regards to the would-be Tsar. As the Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, Peter is technically the sovereign to quite a bit of territory in the southern part of your Kingdom. Should he seize the throne of Russia, undoubtedly the region would ignore technical Danish control and look to St. Petersburg for instructions. Some are calling on you to revoke the titles from him, others to extract it in return for financial support in his fight against Catherine (though this would violate the treaties signed throughout Europe). How will you respond to the potential loss of Holstein-Gottorp?

-The deportation of potential traitors in the former war has proceeded with mixed results. Some have been deported, per your command, to Greenland and Iceland. Others are refusing to go, however, pleading for mercy. They do not wish to leave their homeland for a faraway, uncertain exitance. Officials in Copenhagen are urging you to hold firm, though your wife has requested you show them mercy. What will you do?

[Spamage]

Republic of Venice:

-Several Polish diplomats have arrived in Venice, greatly admiring your efforts to make the Venetian Republic more representative. The Free Republic of Poland has officially requested an alliance with your Serene Republic, arguing that fellow republics must stand together against the stain of monarchism across Europe. While there are some ambitious officials who were quick to back the agreement, others fear the potential for Venice to be drawn into an uncertain war in the future. How will you respond to these Polish diplomats?

-With the War of the Grand Coalitions now a thing of the past, some are questioning whether the League of Armed Neutrality should be ended as well. Numerous members have expressed their desire to leave, though some in Venice believe allowing it to end leaves opportunities unrealized, such as potential trade agreements or military cooperation against the pirates. Still, with no major war, it is quite difficult to justify a coalition of neutral powers.

-The Plague has entered your realm, though Venice itself remains clean. There are widespread reports of deaths across northern Italy including Verona and Ferrara. If such a large disruption is not dealt with, and dealt with effectively, not only could the Plague spread, but economic damage could be lasting. How will you work to rid your fellow citizens of this wretched curse?

Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont:

-Your declaration of the rights of your people has been met with universal acclaim. Subjects across the land have celebrated your rule and your image has been greatly aided by the move. The largest opponent of the move was your son and heir, though. He has been infuriated by your action, which he sees as caving into the pressure of the rabble and tying his hands for his future reign. His fears may have been confirmed, with some now demanding that you create some sort of national legislative body in order to provide oversight to the affairs of Sardinia and Piedmont. How will you respond? The conservatives are demanding your refuse.

-With the Spanish inheritance of Naples, the ominous specter of Spain in Italy has returned after many decades. As the Duke of Parma, in addition to King of Naples and Spain, Charles III has lands quite near to your domain, causing great fear among your subjects. Will you demand he surrender the crown of Naples or perhaps attempt to work with Spain instead in order to keep your people safe?

-Some advisors suspect foreign involvement in the growing discontent on the island of Sardinia. Locals are agitating for an entirely separate government from Piedmont (along the lines of Corsica and Prussia). Mysterious pamphlets have appeared in Cagliari and some suspect that other supplies are being smuggled into the locals. Poland,Britain, Prussia, Spain, France, or the Ottomans would be the prime suspects, though thus far your spies have been unable to narrow the list any further. How will you deal with this Sardinian opposition. Some at Court are urging decisive and brutal repression in order to crush any rising before it is organized.

Kingdom of Portugal:

-The Tavora family has been dutifully disposed of, much to the horror of many of the old nobles in Portugal. Pombial is seen as having cemented his influence over your person due to your acquiesence to the move and it has antagonized the upper classes. Some believe they should be courted over the next few months in response, perhaps offering some sort of noble privilidges to placate them. Others believe you should seek to cultivate allies in the middle and lower classes of Portugal. What will you decide?

-The annexation of Santo Domingo was a diplomatic victory. But, with the island now under Portuguese control, the question of land ownership has arisen. There are many local French plantation owners, yet some Portuguese settlers desire these properties be reappropriated to your traditional subjects, with the French being exiled. They believe the foreigners could be dangerous and difficult to manage, always wanting to return to French-rule on the island. Others argue this would enflame local tensions with too little of a reward. What actions will you take regarding this issue?

-The Spanish have a variety of missions east of the Uruguay River that are quite close to your own holdings in Brazil. The local Jesuits have been working to convert the natives, though some argue that they are doing so at the expense of Portuguese regional control. Sebastião de Melo, your close advisor and friend, has always disdained the Jesuits and urges you to remove them by whatever means necessary, in order to reaffirm Portuguese power. Will you negotiate with the Spanish regarding the border of Brazil? Or perhaps the Jesuits should be removed by force?

Kingdom of Spain:

-Welcome to Spain, King Charles. You have been blessed with the surprising death of your brother, which has left the Spanish Crown free for the taking. This technically violates the Third Treaty of Vienna, regardless of your brother’s decision to allow you to restore the personal union of Spain and Naples. While the nobles of both realms generally support your rights to the titles, the reaction of the other powers of Europe remains to be seen. Some cautious members of your entourage believe you should abandon Naples to a younger brother or son, while loyalists believe you are entitled by divine right to rule both Kingdoms. What will your answer be to the Neapolitan question?

-Your mother, the former Queen Elizabeth Farnese, was largely sidelined during the reign of your half-brother, who had her banished from Court. Her vocal calls for Spain to involve itself in the War of the Grand Coalition went largely unanswered, further demonstrating how much influence in Spanish politics she has lost. Now, with your reign, she has requested to return to Court, in order to help support your government. While she brings with her experience, as well as connections, her presence will also remind Spaniards of the last years of your father's reign, which were not viewed entirely positively. Will you welcome your mother or keep her from Madrid?

-Spain has a vast colonial empire. Stretching from California to the Philippines, Spanish vessels are in every sea. While your late brother sponsored missions to expand California, other regions were largely neglected, allowed to remain in statis. With your new reign, some are calling on you to reassert Spanish dominance by expanding your presence in the East Indies, New Orleans, and South America. Colonies are not cheap though, and others in Madrid believe it would be best to hold off on active expansion for the time being. What is your policy going to be in regards to the Spanish Empire?

[Spamage]

United Provinces of the Netherlands:

-You have assumed power at a time of great uncertainty in both the Netherlands and Europe as a whole, Grand Pensioner Welles. With the flight of young William V and his grandmother to Great Britain, some are calling on you to negotiate his immeadiate return. Others believe that it is best to ignore him and push forward as usual. There is a third faction that wants to abolish the Stadtholdership entirely and make the United Provinces a true republic. How will you deal with the matter of the monarchy in the aftermath of your successful coup?

-The Dutch enjoy a large colonial empire, thanks in large part to the actions of the former regents for William V and their predecessors. New Holland sits in Oceania, the Dutch East Indies remain firm, the Cape Colony allows for control of trade from Asia, and there even remain lands in the New World. With trade and colonialism clearly backbones of Dutch economic policy, some advisors are encouraging a rapid expansion of the East Indies and New Holland through wars with the other, minor powers in the region. They see this as a way to cement your influence and gain access to new resources. Others believe this to be too expensive and risky, fearing the loss of the territories you already control. How will you handle the colonial situation?

-There are only four republics in Europe: yourself, Genoa, Venice, and Poland. With the exile of William V, it is believed by many that you should seek new allies in order to prevent an Orangist restoration, something which could see the Republic permanently destroyed. There is a large degree of sympathy for the Poles in your government, with some desiring an alliance with that highly controversial power. Others believe you should pick a side in either of the two large alliance groups in Europe (the British-Prussian and Austrian-French alliances). How will you navigate the complicated world of European diplomacy?

Armies & Locations

Kingdom of Prussia
150,000 Royal Army
28,500 Army of Hanover
15,000 men garrisoned
(Can raise 13,896 more)

Kingdom of France
50,000 Army of France
38,000 Army of Delhi
5,000 Army of Quebec
10,000 Army of India
40,000 men garrisoned
(Can raise 100,500 more)

Kingdom of Great Britain
26,616 Army of Ireland
16,000 Army of Britain
36,616 Army & Garrison of the 13 Colonies
9,236 Army of Louisbourg
10,189 Army of Ohio
5,794 Army & Garrison of Australia
(Can raise 10,000 more)

Kingdom of Sweden
81,631 Army of Sweden
12,000 men garrisoned
(Can raise 5,000 more)

Kingdom of Denmark-Norway-Iceland
15,000 Army of Denmark
29,900 Army of Bohemia
(Can raise 32,000 more)

Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont
25,390 men raised and mobile
8,000 men garrisoned
(Can raise 10,000 more)

Kingdom of Spain
60,000 men raised and mobile
25,000 Army of Naples
25,000 men garrisoned
15,000 Army & Garrison of New Spain
10,000 Army & Garrison of South America
2,000 Army & Garrison of the Philippines
(can raise 40,000 more)
 
Russian Empire:
112,200 Army of Siberia
84,700 Army of North Russia
25,000 Army of the Volga
49,000 Mercenary Allies
(can raise 5,000 more)

Archduchy of Austria
50,000 Army of Austria
(can raise 160,700 more)

Ottoman Empire
125,534 Army of the Danube
20,000 Army of Istanbul
20,000 Army of Ukraine
35,000 men garrisoned
(can raise 25,000 more)

Republic of Venice
12,000 men raised and mobile
(can raise 20,000 more)


Kingdom of Portugal
20,000 men raised and mobile
10,000 men garrisoned
6,850 Army of Brazil
(Can raise 20,000 more)

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


Navies of the World
Kingdom of Great Britain
170 Ships of the Line
123 Frigates

Kingdom of France
107 Ships of the Line
51 Frigates

Kingdom of Spain
57 Ships of the Line
28 Frigates

Kingdom of Portugal
32 Ships of the Line
20 Frigates

Russian Empire
31 Ships of the Line
5 Frigates

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

Kingdom of Sweden
23 Ships of the Line
11 Frigates

Ottoman Empire
18 Ships of the Line
8 Frigates

Republic of Venice
10 Ships of the Line
21 Frigates

Kingdom of Prussia
2 Ships of the Line
5 Frigates

Kingdom of Portugal
32 Ships of the Line
20 Frigates

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

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Ottoman Empire, committing itself to the pledge of non-intervention in the Russian hostilities, was in the process of rectifying an earlier mistake by recalling the 15,000 of 50,000 Swiss mercenaries that were paid out of the Sultan's treasury.

HOWEVER, the French intervention proves once more that the agreement is and will remain an empty word, unless all parties resolve to observe the terms. The Sublime Porte was willing to fully normalize relations with France, letting bygones be bygones, but their recent actions forces us to consider undertaking a countermeasures in our mutual relations.

[windjammer]

Regarding the recent developments in Russia, I have contacted the different countries potentially involved in it.

The Kingdom of France doesn't wish the current civil war to escalate.

[Lumine]

A Proclamation:

Over the past four years the Kingdom of Prussia (and now of Corsica) has experienced progress and expansion that even His Majesty the King did not consider possible at the time. We’ve fought and bled on the expensive and costly War of the Great Coalitions, but we have secured once and for all Prussia’s role as one of the European Great Powers, winning over Swedish Pomerania, Royal Prussia, considerable parts of Saxony, German Bohemia and Moravia, a protective role over Corsica and now the Electorate of Hanover on behalf of the kind offer made by our friend and ally King George II, an offer that quite simply could not be refused.

Many will, of course, question where Prussia goes from here. Many question whether we harbor further designs of expansion, whether we desire war or would be willing to risk it on behalf of our ambitions. Allow us to put these doubts to rest: The Kingdom of Prussia and Corsica is more than content and satisfied with its current borders in Europe, and as we write this we do not forsee nor intend to expand further in the continent, offering reassurance to our friends in the German League that expansion is not only finished, but ultimately helpful for them as today we stand stronger and more able to defend them from aggression.

Some will question the issue of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Simply put, we consider His Majesty King Alexander II the rightful monarch of this realm, and we do not recognize the National Assembly, rejecting its acts of violence and unlawful behavior, as well as covert aggression towards our ally the Ottoman Empire. We hope for a collective and more broad solution to this problem, but come what may it should be noted our border with Poland was settled by the Treaty of Gdansk. The Kingdom of Prussia and Corsica will not attempt to rewrite this treaty, so we rule out here and now further expansion into Poland even if we are drawn into conflict.

Others will question another grave issue of serious concern of us, that of our allies in Wurttemberg and Hohenzollern. We believe the treatment of this members of the German League by resigned Emperor Francis of Lorraine to be wrong, unwarranted and unacceptable to us. Our position is clear, the royal family of Wurttemberg must be returned immediately and the embargo over our allies lifted, and we request immediate action by Joseph II of Austria on this issue, expecting he will only do what is right and lawful. As we expressed on the Treaty of Prague we desire disputes to be settled in harmony and without the desire to return to war, but as defenders of the League we cannot accept its members to be treated like this.

[Dereich]

The Ottoman Empire, committing itself to the pledge of non-intervention in the Russian hostilities, was in the process of rectifying an earlier mistake by recalling the 15,000 of 50,000 Swiss mercenaries that were paid out of the Sultan's treasury.

HOWEVER, the French intervention proves once more that the agreement is and will remain an empty word, unless all parties resolve to observe the terms. The Sublime Porte was willing to fully normalize relations with France, letting bygones be bygones, but their recent actions forces us to consider undertaking a countermeasures in our mutual relations.

It takes great courage for the Porte to publicly admit that they and their allies violated the Treaty of Paris by hiring and sending mercenaries to Russia and that they violated it first. It is so refreshing to see honesty from the Porte on matters like this, which would usually be private. We hope that all civilized nations take this example to heart and act similarly open and vocal in the future!

[windjammer]

Just to say that it has been settled in private and that the Russian civil war will not escalate.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Sublime Porte is satisfied with the official explanation submitted by the French Ambassador.

[DKrol]

June 1759
George II of Great Britain

A Proclamation From Kensington Palace

His Majesty the King made the decision to cede his reign over the Electorate of Hanover to his brother-in-law and nephew, His Majesty the King in Prussia, brother of Her Majesty the Queen. This maneauver was two fold. Firstly, it gave command of the German land of Hanover to a German, His Majesty the King in Prussia. Secondly, and more importantly, it allows His Majesty the King to focus his time and energy on his true and faithful subjects - those of the British Isles and the colonies beyond the sea. The funds gained with the sale of the Electorate of Hanover will be put to use improving the Kingdom of Great Britain.

Firstly, a new roads project will commence to connect the Kingdom. His Majesty the King has instructed the finest architects and builders to begin designing and laying the groundwork for a massive roadway, connecting Edinburgh to London and Cardiff with Ipswich. This new roadway, to be called the King's Cross Road, will allow the free movement of peoples across the realm in a manner never before seen. It will also allow His Majesty the King's Armed Forces to respond to crises in any corner of the realm with only days notice, improving the safety and security of all His Majesty the King's subjects. Similar public works will be coming to Ireland in due course as well.

Secondly, a new university will be chartered. His Majesty the King had directed the greatest minds of our age, from Oxford, Cambridge, and St. Andrews, to begin planning for a new university in Durham. Our society is coming up in an era when education, knowledge, and the liberal arts are held in a higher regard than any time before. In order to ensure his subjects are able to compete with the minds of the Continent, His Majesty the King has ordered the construction and commencment of the University of Durham in order to spread the wealth of knowledge to more subjects. This is the beginning of a larger education reform package within the realm.

While His Majesty the King is working to improve the lives of his subjects within the British Isles, he is also working to better the lives of his subjects beyond the sea. For his subjects in the 13 Colonies, swift action will be taken to secure their well being. The Natives have shown they are not civilized enough for negotiation and discourse, as the moment His Majesty the King offered an alternative to their demands, the Natives responded with terror and attacks. His Majesty the King, in his divine wisdom, offered the Natives the massive lands to the West of the famed Mississippi River for their sprawling tribal communities but they, in their uncivilized ways, spat in his face and rejected the wise offer.

His Majesty the King will accept no aggression or violence towards his subjects, regardless of where they reside. For his subjects in Australia, His Majesty the King is working to determine if the Natives there are as unreasonable as the Natives in the 13 Colonies. It is his sincere hopw that they are more reasonable and can learn to live side-by-side with the civilized subjects of His Majesty the King.

God Save the King!

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

His Sacred and Imperial Majesty the Sultan's ambassador in Warsaw presented a note to the Polish government regarding events in Moldova. Nothing new shall be announced at this stage, pending Warsaw's response.

On another note, the Sultan asks his friend and brother, the King of Denmark-Norway-Iceland, not to make any radical moves that would treat the peace we've just achieved in Europe, at least until the situation clarifies.

[Dereich]

Ascension Decrees of Joseph II Hapsburg

Germans, Hungarians, Croats, and Bohemians, a new era has dawn on the Empire. Old certainties fade and new realities must be confronted. The Empire will not stand idly by in ignorance of the rising calls for justice and reason to replace oppression and superstition. In the spirit of this new age for Austria, We issue the following decrees:

-The sentences of political prisoners who did not commit acts of violence are hereby commuted. This includes those captured in the course of defending the Empire, in the spirit of German friendship and cooperation.

-Censorship of written works and of the press will be relaxed. Only writings which blaspheme, attempt to subvert the government, or are starkly immoral will remain censored.

-Lands which have come into the possession of the Crown, especially in Bohemia, will be offered in freehold for a nominal fee to the Victorious Heroes of Graz or their widows and orphans in thanks for their courage and service in defense of their homeland.

-The arbitrary means by which landlords treat serfs will no longer be tolerated. Peasants will hereby be permitted to appeal directly to royal courts rather than landlord courts. The ban on the beating of serfs will be fully enforced. The robot is restricted to two days a week and may be provided through monetary payments to a landlord rather than forced labor. The cost to purchase ones freedom is hereby permanently capped; any arbitrary increase in cost is an offense which may be appealed to the Royal Courts.

-Whether he claims the title "King of Poland" by divine right or by the vote of the Sejm it is obvious that Alexander, as with Stanisław before him, no longer governs Poland. Acting in continued defiance of that fact is senseless and acts only to drive the slighted Polish people to ever more radical action. Therefore, out of common sense and necessity and following the lead of several other eminent countries, We instruct our Ambassador to Poland to present his credentials to the National Assembly in recognition that they act as the legitimate government of Poland and to normalize relations with the Polish Republic. This decree does not modify or violate obligations under the Treaty of Prague.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Hey, I recognized 'em first!

[Dereich]

Hey, I recognized 'em first!

So you did. Corrected.

[windjammer]

Statement from the King of France
We congratulate Emperor Joseph on his election as the new Holy German Emperor and applaud his commitment for the current Franco-Austrian alliance. We are committed as well on making this alliance continue.
It must be said as well that the Kingdom of France seeks a continuing peace. Unless being attacked or being threatened by an another European Power, diplomacy is the way the Kingdom of France wishes to settle any potential disagreements that might be occurring.

[Spamage]

REPUBLICAN COUP IN THE NETHERLANDS!
REGENT MARIE LOUISE AND WILLIAM V FLEE UNITED PROVINCES!

The United Provinces were greatly destabilized by the defeat in the War of the Grand Coalitions, the government of Marie Louise being widely discredited due to its signing of such a harsh peace treaty with France. The loss of Dutch territory was considered an outrage, with many soon forgetting how desperate the situation had been in early 1757. Marie Louise remained largely popular with the common people though, attempting to retain her influence by thwarting the actions of the Republicans. Elections were delayed, laws were not implemented, and the power of the Stadtholdership was greatly increased. With the events in Poland, and then Moldova however, the Republicans were emboldened rather than deterred.

The Former Grand Pensionary of Holland Jacob Gilles began to plot with other Republicans to overthrow Marie Louise as regent. An alliance with several disgruntled generals, who she had blamed for the invasion of the French, and the Republicans took form throughout early 1759 all under the government's nose. By the time it was clear something was afoot, it was too late. On the morning of July 7th, 1759, a group of armed soldiers attempted to arrest Marie Louise. The regent, grabbing her grandchildren, was protected by a small royal guard which gave her enough time to escape. The Dutch Royals hopped aboard a ship and crossed the English Channel as it increasingly became clear the Republicans were overthrowing her government. Orangists were arrested all throughout the government (including the sitting Grand Pensioner Pieter Steyn) by soldiers as Gilles decreed a "Council of Regents" to govern in the name of his absent sovereign. When the Dutch people protested the move, upset over the unpopular process, they were met with the full force of the military, which cracked down on the rioters. Dozens were killed in the streets.

In his opening address, Jacob Gilles has openly avowed to repair the Dutch Republic. He yearns for a return to the Golden Age of the previous century and is willing to take drastic action to achieve it. What he will do remains to be observed.

Yet another European nation has fallen to Republicanism, with Gilles assuming control of the United Provinces. Though his intention is ostensibly to govern in the name of the young Stadtholder, the power of that office has been severely limited and the Republicans have resumed active control over the government. Orangists are calling on other European powers to hear their plight and save their leader while Republicans are jubilant.

[GoTfan]

The Most Serene Republic of Venice hereby recognises the Republic of Poland as a for al nation and is eager to extablish diplomatic relations. An Ambassador is to be dispatched immediately.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Jizya is hereby abolished and an unified tax code shall be used from the next tax season on. (Let's be honest, my good courtiers. It was unavoidable, especially with more s**t happening now.)

[DKrol]

June 1759
George II of Great Britain

A Proclamation From Kensington Palace

His Majesty the King has agreed to open the doors of Kensington Palace to his grandson, William V of Orange, and his late daughter's mother-in-law, Marie Louise. Anne the Dutch may have distanced herself from her father, His Majesty the King, but the sins of the mother shall not imperil the son.

[windjammer]

We ask Grand Pensioner Steyn to publicly declare his intentions towards the Neterlands' neighbours.

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

Dispatch from Sardinia-Piedmont:
The events coming from the United Provinces are deeply disturbing, and worthy of condemnation. There is nothing justified or right about the treatment of Marie Louise, and when the people rightfully protested, they were murdered in cold blood. Marie Louise should be able to serve as Regent in peace, not be harassed by bad actors.

[DKrol]

June 1759
George II of Great Britain

A Proclamation From Kensington Palace

The sentiments of the dispatch from Sardinia-Piedmont are echoed by His Majesty the King's Government. The Government will continue to recognize William V of Orange was the rightful sovereign of the United Provinces, and Marie Louise as regent until he maturity. His Majesty the King has instructed the Government to find suitable accomdations for the Stadholder and his regent grandmother within distance from Kensington Palace. A bounty has been placed on Jacob Gilles' head by His Majesty the King.