Concert of Europe: Gameplay Thread

[windjammer]

While having been at war with the Netherlands not a long time ago, the Kingdom of France was pleased with the reopening of trade with the Netherlands and the beginning of more peaceful relations, started with the regent Marie Louise.

The Kingdom of France is alarmed by the recent coup made in the Netherlands that might have dramatic consequences. We're asking again what are the intentions of the dutch republic towards its neighbours.

It is the King of France's duty to protect its people and its borders and I will consider any possibilities to fulfill this duty.

[Lumine]

The Kingdom of Prussia and Corsica could not agree more with the words of Sardinia-Piedmont and Great Britain, we find the events taking place in the Netherlands deeply concerning. We second their proclaims and their lead in recognizing William V of Orange as rightful sovereign and Marie Louise as regent.

The events taking place in the Netherlands and Poland should concern us all, and we all on the Monarchs of Europe to discuss and take urgent action.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Sublime Porte has no interest in the upheavals in the Netherlands, other than stating beyond any doubt we do not wish to see the situation resulting in escalation of European tensions.

[Spamage]

The Flight of the Caps
Polish Agents Arrange Jailbreak in Stockholm!

All eyes in Swedish society were focused on the upcoming fate of the 21 Caps found guilty of fomenting insurrection against Adolf Frederick's government. Before the King could publicly announce his decision however, events overtook him. A group of Polish agents, Republican soldiers, helped organize a prison escape in the middle of the night on August 1st. The Swedish soldiers on guard were either incapacitated or, in two instances, killed. The escapees and the conspirators boarded a ship outside of Stockholm's harbor and have reportedly landed in Lithuania, where the Caps have been greeted as defenders of Republicanism and "the People". The move has further ratcheted up tensions around Poland, as it is clear the National Assembly will defend Republicans both within and outside of their borders. While the Polish Government denies involvement, some in Stockholm have angrily demanded the return of the convicts. Others argue the outcome was best for both the Swedes and Poles, with few lives being lost and a tricky issue solved, though perhaps a new one was opened in the process.

[Dr. Cynic]

The Dutch Republic:

- The Dutch Republic has no desire to quarrel with our neighbors in Europe. We wish to send envoys to negotiate our recognition to the great powers, and we will look to begin negotiations with the Kingdom of Great Britain for the return of William V. We will also be sending envoys to the rest of the continental nations to negotiate treaties of trade and friendship. We have no quarrel with nations that desire to do business with us.

- The office of Stadtholder shall only be a temporary measure to govern the country. The Dutch Republic is embracing the the idea of republicanism. We will be writing a new constitution that will set out the rights of Dutch citizens. To that end, we will be holding elections to the first Dutch Parliament to create a constitutional framework. Voting will be open to ALL Dutch citizens (men and women) who are over the age of 20.

- The Dutch Republic will look to expand in the East Indies and in New Holland where possible, but we will not bankrupt our nation to do so. Our primary goal at this present time is stability in Europe and expansion where feasible.

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

Keeping rightful royalty in place and having a charter of rights, those two things aren't mutually exclusive. Just look at Sardinia-Piedmont.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

A partial re-mobilization to reinforce the Ottoman forces in the Balkans is hereby ordered. The reorganization of the Janissary Corps is postponed, given difficult situation.

[Dr. Cynic]

Keeping rightful royalty in place and having a charter of rights, those two things aren't mutually exclusive. Just look at Sardinia-Piedmont.

We feel quite apart from such a sentiment. We were a Republic once before, and we should be so again. A monarchy may work for other nations, but it did not work for us. We were governed quite poorly, and we, as Dutch citizens are simply taking our rights to govern as we had once before back. As I have made clear, we do not wish to make a quarrel with you or any other nation of Europe. In the end we desire what we have always desired: Trade and peaceful relations.

[Mike88]

Proclamation from His Majesty King Joseph I:

The kingdom of Portugal and the Algarves is sad and shocked by the news and events developing from the Dutch Kingdom. The Portuguese crown and government still recognises William V of Orange as the rightfull ruler and leader of the Dutch Kingdom and its territories.

His majesty,


Royal decree:

By his majesty King Joseph I, the Jesuit organization is banned from the all Portuguese territories. This organization goes against the beliefs and traditions of the Lusitanian Church and have a hidden political agenda against the King and his government. Those who violate the royal decree will he punished with death.

His majesty,


The minister:

[YPestis25]

Statement from Stockholm Palace

The Polish actions in Stockholm are unacceptable and a clear violation of Swedish sovereignty. Clearly Poland, not content to sow chaos, discord and death within their own lands now seek to spread it across the breadth of Europe. The Cap conspirators were subject to a fair trial and were awaiting sentencing, and their removal ensures that justice can never be done for those killed and injured in the Stockholm Coup. Rest assured to the powers of Europe, the Kingdom of Sweden will not stand for this provocation.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Out of respect for our allies' position, the Sublime Porte will not extend diplomatic recognition toward de facto government of the Netherlands.

Additionally, His Sacred and Imperial Majesty is deeply alarmed with the news from Sweden and is concerned the situation may escalate due to a work of rogue individuals, meddling with affairs of foreign nations.

[Kingpoleon]

We, the nation of Denmark-Norway-Iceland, request the immediate withdrawal of French volunteers from Russia.

[YPestis25]

Decrees from Stockholm Palace

His Majesty Adolf Fredrick would like to congratulate the brave Swedish soldiers on their conquest of St. Petersburg. For the first time in over 30 years, the Swedish flag flies south of the Neva. However, much work remains to be done, but surely Swedish valor will win the day.

At home King Fredrick would like to express his support for the completion of the land reforms implemented by the former government in the Riksdag. While the King recognizes the frustrations of those who lost land, the effectiveness of these reforms cannot be overstated, and the increase in arable land within Sweden played a large part in the economic stabilization of the realm. However, King Fredrick is a merciful monarch, and is thus willing to compensate those who lost land in the reforms with  new holdings in the new lands acquired once the glorious war in Russia  is concluded.

His Majesty has also chosen to support the implementation of a new program to spur the construction of a series of  workshops in Sweden's major seaside towns and cities. These workshops will help furnish the creation of a new Swedish navy, which will allow the protection of new lands across the Baltic. This new naval program will also require the expansion of existing dockyards throughout Sweden, and thus His Majesty has authorized this expansion primarily in Stockholm, Gotland, and Malmo.

The King recognizes that these are hard times for the Kingdom of Sweden, but hard times breed great men, and Sweden has always risen to meet a challenge. God Save the Riksdag! God Save the King! God Save Sweden!

[Dereich]

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X Joseph II Hapsburg

[At-Large Senator LouisvilleThunder]

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X Joseph II Hapsburg

X King Charles III of Spain

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

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X Joseph II Hapsburg

X King Charles III of Spain

X  King Charles Emmanuel III of Sardinia-Piedmont

[Spamage]

World Military Update
July-December 1759

Summary: Just when most subjects hoped peace was restored, new wars have broken out in Europe. Prussia and Britain have jointly attacked the United Provinces, drawing in Poland who demands the rights of a fellow republic be respected. In India the French, aided by thousands of Spanish soldiers, launched a suprise attack on the Maratha Confederacy, winning two early victories. Meanwhile, fighting continues to rage in Russia. Swedish assaults on the Catherine's Army in the north have resulted in another stalemate, while Peter III has finally been evicted from Moscow.

War of the Two Republics

United Provinces of the Netherlands, Free Republic of Poland-Lithuania
v.
Kingdom of Great Britain, Kingdom of Prussia, Kingdom of Sweden

Assault on the Hague: Decisive Dutch Victory

Attempts by the Royal Navy to land a British "Continental Army" in the southern United Provinces failed miserably, cannons firing upon the army attempting to land. After hours of being unable to make progress, the British were forced to withdraw, thousands dead. There was substanial Dutch outrage, especially due to the fact war had never been formally declared. When word reached Amsterdam that the Prussians had crossed in the North, tensions only rose further.

Battle of Groningen: Major Prussian Victory

The Prussians, crossing into the Republic from Ostfriesland, were much more successful than the British. In the Battle of Groningen the outnumbered and suprised Dutch were slaughtered by the massive Prussian Army intent on restoring William V. Prussian soldiers have secured much of the northern United Provinces, Groningen being the largest city captured. The shattered remains of the Dutch army have returned to Amsterdam and joined with the victorious army of Hague. The fate of the United Provinces now hangs in the balance.

Assault on Gdansk: Major Polish Victory

There was an effort, in response to the jailbreak at Stockholm, of the Swedes to seize Gdansk. Several thousand soldiers crossed the Baltic and nearly forced entrance to the city. With minutes to spare however, the locals were able to close the gates, preventing the capture of Gdansk. With news of Polish movements in the south, the Swedes were eventually forced to reenter their boats and flee back to their Kingdom, greatly outnumbered.

Battle of Tczew: Decisive Polish Victory

The Polish Army, having been preparing for eventual conflict in Europe, sprung into action. Thousands of men crossed into Prussia, intent on reaching Gdasnk (which Sweden had put under siege). Frederick and his army allowed them to gain land, hoping for them to over-stretch. By the time they faced the Prussian forces, several days of looting Prussian lands had passed. The two forces met in the Battle of Tczew, with the Poles marching up the Vistula. Frederick of Prussia himself led his soldiers, but was unable to work his usual magic on the field. Fighting was intense,  brutal, and close. The fervor of the Polish soldiers was only matched by the Prussian discipline. This discipline however, was not invincible. After facing wave on wave of Poles, the Prussians broke and fled back towards Brandenburg. A horrifying defeat has been inflicted against Prussia as the war in the east now sits open. Will Prussia have to withdraw its men from the Netherlands?

Invasion of Saarema and Hiiumaa: Decisive Swedish Victory

While the attack on Gdansk was an embarassing failure, the Swedes were able to further cement their ascendant power in the Baltic with the easy capture of Saarema and Hiiumaa. Very few lives were lost as the islands quickly changed hands.

Franco-Maratha War

Kingdom of France
v.
Maratha Confederacy

Battle of Dhule: Decisive French Victory

Half of the massive Franco-Spanish-Muslim Army quickly crossed into the western half of the Maratha Empire, catching local official off-guard. Within weeks however, a Maratha force of roughly similar size had been assembled, war elephants and all. In the Battle of Dhule however, the French were able to make good use of their superior weapons and routed the Maratha force. Thousands fell in the retreat or were captured in the days after. The remains of the Maratha Army have fled south, with much of the territory in the area falling to French control.

Battle of Puri: Slight French Victory

In the east, the French had slighly worse luck. In this area too, the French faced off against a Maratha Army of similar size. The locals were able to use their knowledge of the terrain to some effect against the French, though they were eventually forced to yield to the massive numbers. After hours of fighting, the Maratha Army has fled inland, largely intact.

War of the Two Tsars

Pauline Russia
v.
Petrine Russia, Kingdom of Sweden

Battle of Novgorod: Stalemate

Swedish forces, bolstered by the arrival of 35,000 Danes, attempted to win in Northern Russia, moving out from St. Petersburg. They were met by a formidable Russian Army, aided by the arrival of the French mercenaries, just near Novgorod. In a battle stretching 11 hours, the Swedes were forced out of the region and back towards St. Petersburg. Though they've captured the entirety of Lake Lagoda, very little other territory changed hands.

Third Battle of Moscow: Slight Pauline Victory

There was promising news for Catherine and Paul to the north however, where Peter III and his outnumbered army faced the Pauline men outside of Moscow. Following several hours of defeats and miscommunication, Peter III was forced to abandon the city, some of his supporters afraid this is a bad sign for his future. Catherine's men have recaptured the city, restored the Patriarch, and given new energy to her once-flailing faction. Will it be enough to end the civil war once and for all?

Moldovan Revolution

Ottoman Invasion: Stalemate

Ottoman efforts to restore order were frustrated by intense opposition from the Moldovan people. While no major pitched battle has taken place, forays into the north have left thousands on both sides dead and no major cities captured. The fighting in this important area seems to just be heating up, though no Polish soldiers have arrived, in a suprise to many.

[Spamage]

The King is dead, God Save the King
GEORGE II DIES OF OLD AGE! George III Assumes Throne

Stress over the events in the United Provinces, as well as years on the throne of Britain, took their toll on King George II. Already quite aged, the King fell ill in October and died in early November, just days after news reached London of the failure to capture the Hague. While many were suprised, no foul play is suspected. His grandson, the Prince of Wales, was quickly named George III of Great Britain, with the people looking to him to lead the realm through such troubling times.

George II's reign saw Britain transformed. The alliance with Austria was abandoned, expansion occured in North America and Australia, and the dream of British India was scrapped. Economic transformation was another hallmark of his many years on the throne, with a new system seemingly emerging in the British Isles. Thousands mourned his passing, lining along the streets during his funeral procession. He is widely viewed to have been a good, patriotic King (the sale of Hanover cementing that reputation in particular) though his real legacy will be determined by the sucesses or failures of his heir. With war in full swing, there cannot be too much time for somber remembrances.

BRITAIN AND PRUSSIA ATTACK UNITED PROVINCES!
Nation Unites Against Foreign Threat

Without declaring war Prussia and Great Britain launched a joint attack on the Republican government of Jacob Gilles. The people of the United Provinces were outraged, moreso when word reached them that William V had been seperated from his grandmother in Britain. The Dutch populace proved willing to give the government the benefit of the doubt in the face of two outrageous attacks.

Many in Europe were highly critical of Prussia and Britain. Mecklenburg, Hesse-Kassel, Oldenburg, and other north German principalities have suspended their membership in the German League in protest. This has, to some, confirmed their fears of Prussian expansion, though others were sympathetic to the cause of William V. The most important reaction however, emerged to the east...

POLAND ATTACKS PRUSSIA!

When word reached Warsaw of Prussia's attack on the Netherlands, the National Assembly was outraged. Here was proof, in their eyes, that Prussia was a warmonger and willing to attack other republics in order to install monarchs. In a series of rapid-fire measures the Assembly openly declared war on Prussia, Britain, and Sweden (all three having attacked either Poland or the Netherlands "without cause"). A bounties were set on the heads of Alexander II and Frederick of Prussia in particular. Many wonder if Venice will honor its recent alliance with Poland or if it will attempt to remain neutral.

The conflict has caused the radical atmosphere to become even more intense. Several noble captives have been executed as Prussian agents, with some calling for tribunals to be set up against Prussian captives, counter-revolutionaries, and clergy. While the Assembly as a whole has resisted calls for now, it does seem realistic the situation could shift.

The Young King of Naples

One area of Europe where was was avoided however, was in Italy. Austria and Spain reached an amicable agreement, seeing Parma handed over to Sardinia-Piedmont and Naples being given to a younger son of Charles III, though the King remains as regent and Naples has become a satillite regime for the time-being. Many in Italy applauded the moderation of both sides in seeking a peaceful resolution rather than subjecting them to the same sort of depravation observed to the north.

Native War in Americas

Even with the death of George II, there was widespread success against the rebellious natives in the New World. Thousands of Cherokee were killed in Georgia, fleeing back across the Appalachians, while the Iroqouis have fought a colonial force to a standstill. In the middle colonies however, the natives enjoyed some success. Several hundred British settlers were killed in Virginia itself, shocking local civilians and causing them the flee to the coast. If the larger plantations are at risk remains to be seen, though members of the House of Burgesses are doubtful.

Portugal Expels the Jesuits!

Joseph I, determined to increase state control over the Church in his Kingdom, ordered the Jesuits expelled from Portugal. Despite the open objections of his daughter and heir Maria, the King viewed the decision as in his Kingdom's best interest. Thousands of pounds of gold have gone straight into the Portuguese treasury, while Pope Benedict XV has issued a public condemnation of the move, though he did not go so far as to excommunicate Joseph. The reactions of the Portuguese people has yet to be seen.

PLAGUE SPREAD TO FRANCE BY FOREIGN AGENTS!!!

The most horrifying event in France happened, the Plague arriving in Marseilles, Toulon, and Bordeaux. While the government had undertaken extensive efforts to keep their territories clean, it did not stop the disease. The new transportation networks, constructed by Louis, backfired in the sense they have allowed it to spread much quicker. The most shocking news however, was the revelation by some French agents that a foreign power had directly ordered the disease spread among trade ships going to French harbors. While they have been unable to determine who as of now, the news caused widespread indignation throughout the Kingdom.

Imperial Reform

Joseph II of Austria was able to push through a series of reforms in the ailing Holy Roman Empire, which were met with a suprisingly high level of support by Princes who realized something needed to be done. The power of the Electors have been decreased (their house being abolished in return for more seats in the regular Diet). Now, with only two legislative houses, a series of tariff reforms were passed. A maximum tariff has been established between members of the Empire, with trade seeming to be the goal. The most important success however, was the establishment of the "Imperial Veto". The Diet, with the approval of the Emperor, now can veto the foreign policy decision of a single member, should their actions be deemed damaging to other Princes. This would allow them to be censured, or even invaded should they not desist. An important point though, is that both the Diet and Emperor must back the proposal before it can be enacted.

Elections held in Sardinia Piedmont! Estates General Established!

Charles Emmanuel III proved to be one step ahead of other realms by acting in favor of reform rather than resisting it. Seeking to redirect the diconent elsewhere, the King granted a Charter of Rights which has been followed by the creation of the Estates General in Sardinia-Piedmont. The move was hailed by reformers, with many praising the King's benevolent actions. While his son has privately condemned his father, there is little he can do to stop the people at this point.

By making these choices of his own free will, the King has retained a lot of perogatives. The body is mainly viewed as advisory, only demanding votes for when taxes as proposed. While they will voice their opposition to actions they do not support, there remains little chance at this movement of them moving against their benefactor.

[Dereich]

The decision of Prussia to march through Imperial territory without permission or warning is an outrageous and unacceptable breach of Imperial sovereignty. That he would be so callous as to immediately march a large army through a nation still trying to recover from the wounds he inflicted on it and with whom he now shares no political bonds is beyond belief. It would seem clear from this action that Prussia no more respects the sovereignty of the Empire now than he did when he attempted to dissolve it.

The Duke of Ostfriesland is IMMEDIATELY summoned to explain to the Diet what he knew about the intentions of this FOREIGN POWER and their plans to march through Imperial Territory and to explain why they were able to do so without hindrance or he will face an Imperial Ban for treason.

Prussia must justify its actions immediately or face the full fury of Imperial arms. Austria will immediately mobilize and prepare for war, pending a Prussian response, so that we are not caught flatfooted by an undeclared attack like Saxony, Poland, and the Dutch were.

[GoTfan]

1) We are eager to establish formal relations with the Republic of Poland, but little more than that. We will offer a trade agreement between our nations and provide supplies needed to get those affected by war in Poland into housing with land to tend, but on the condition that remaining Royalists are treated fairly. Those who committed no crime deserve no punishment.

2) The League of Armed Neutrality has no need to exist in times of peace, but in order to prevent another war taking place, Venice offers the chance for members to vote on the creation of a League of United Nations, in order to ensure peace and prosperity throughout the world. All powers are invited to sign on to such an accord, should the League of Armed neutrality ratify it.

3) We must take proactive steps to ensure the Plague is kept at bay. Notices identifying the symptoms will be plastered all over the walls of Venice and her territories. In addition, the state will fund quarantine stations for those affected. Those affected by the Plague who voluntarily turn themselves over to quarantine workers and survive, will be duly rewarded once the storm has passed. Doctors are encouraged to do what they can, an the state will pay incentives for those who make significant contributions to ridding the world of this disease.

4) Venice unequivocally condemns the outrageous and unwarranted attack on the Republic of the United Provinces by Prussia and the United Kingdom. This was an internal affair that was being resolved by the Dutch people when the powers that be decided to intervene in matters that did not concern them. As such, the People's Assembly is to vote on issuing sanctions on trade with Prussia and the United Kingdom. Venice will not stand for this wanton violation of the peace.

[Lumine]

Proclamations on Poland / Netherlands:

1.- The Kingdom of Prussia is beyond outraged at the actions of the National Assembly in Warsaw, declaring war and invading Prussian territory while placing a bounty on the head not only of our ally King Alexander II, but our His Majesty Frederick II himself. We respond to the challenge by announcing that the National Assembly, a body hijacked by violent, bloody radicals is our sole enemy, and that the Kingdom of Prussia and Corsica does not consider itself at war with the Polish people itself.

2.- It should be remembered the Kingdom of Prussia did not recognize the rebel forces who unlawfully took control of the United Provinces of the Netherlands by murdering their own countrymen and forcing the rightful sovereign William V to leave the country. An intervention was in order to depose the rebels and restore William V to his throne. The Kingdom of Prussia is therefore not at war with the United Provinces and its peoples but with the rebels who unlawfully seized the government and installed their own regime through force, violence and murder. All the more, Prussian troops have been given clear, direct orders to treat the Dutch people with the outmost kindness on this struggle against the before mentioned rebels.

3.- The march of the Prussian Army into the Netherlands was made possible through a fair and cordial negotiation with the Chancellor of Ostfriesland, the Kingdom of Prussia recognizing the need not to cross foreign territory without an agreement being in place first. Our offer to confirm Ostfriesland as an independent territory with no Prussian claims on it (as the death of the last ruler of Ostfriesland in 1744 had left the territory under nominal Prussian control) was readily accepted, allowing our troops to cross lawfully through a sovereign land under the most strict discipline.

Therefore, we see no unlawful action undertaken by our realm as Ostfriesland was respected in every moment. Nonetheless, we recommend frank and open discussion with the Emperor and the Imperial Diet to avoid any further conflict, and request Ostfriesland not to be punished by acting within their then powers and before the new reforms (of which Prussia had no knowledge of) were passed.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

His Sacred and Imperial Majesty the Sultan received the news of Polish attack on Prussia with horror and disbelief. Prussia had long been an ally of the Sublime Porte and can no longer purse policy of mediation. Unless the hostilities cease immediatelly, we will have no choice but to fully committed to our ally.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

PLAGUE SPREAD TO FRANCE BY FOREIGN AGENTS!!!

Given the plague originated in the Ottoman lands, a thorough investigation shall be concluded whether there's any, even incidental, connection.

It is also His Sacred and Imperial Majesty's strong belief nations of the region should come together to work on a plan to contain/battle the plague.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Because of Polish action against Prussia, the Sublime Porte have no choice, in the light of its foreign committments, but to reverse its supportive stance toward the Republic if this war goes on.

[Dereich]

In light of the need for expediency and the high likelihood of passage by the Diet, Imperial action will be taken pending the Diet's imminent veto and possible further action owing to the Duke of Ostfriesland's actions. The Duke is hereby on notice that any attempt to flee the Empire without facing the Diet's judgment will be interpreted as a forfeiture of any claims on land within the Empire.

Ostfriesland is placed under Imperial occupation until their conduct has been justified by the Diet. The borders of Ostfriesland and the rest of the Holy Roman Empire are hereby closed to the Kingdom of Prussia. The Imperial States should be on high alert and either begin mobilization or prepare to do so at a moment's notice. 

Any soldier bearing Prussian colors who attempts to enter the Holy Roman Empire will be shot on sight, any goods crossing through the Holy Roman Empire meant for Prussian soldiers will be seized, and any organized attempt to circumvent these commands will be taken as a declaration of war against Austria and the Holy Roman Empire.