Principia Moderni IV (Map Game)

The Ming Dynasty still rules over the vast lands of China. On the other side of the world, the Hundred Years War continues between England and France. Europe is still stuck in the old ways of feudalism and chivalry while the notions of a New World are considered figments of the imagination.

We welcome you to the long-awaited fourth expansion of that immortal series. Welcome to Principia Moderni IV! Starting in 1400 AD, this is the dawn of the modern world and the tail end of the Middle Ages. The Renaissance is just kicking off in Europe, while the nations in the western side of the continent are locked in the last gasp of the Hundred Years War. The Muslim world is still reeling from the invasions of Turks and Mongols, with the Caliphate resting in the collapsing Mamluk Egypt and the Ottomans on the rise in Anatolia. Make it count.

The first game was the most successful on the wiki, leading all the way to the modern day with mostly plausible posts and little controversy. The second game reached almost to the modern day, but failed due to a plethora of ASB events and moderator bias. The third game was much more worthy of the first, almost running into implausibility but climbing back into a shining glory by the end. Riding on the latest reforms of map games since the end of PMIII, this is the most logical next step in that evolution. Remember,  above all other rules, — have fun.



Important Pages

 * Rules and Algorithm
 * Alliances 
 * Holy Roman Empire
 * Feudal Dynasties
 * College of Cardinals
 * Nations

The Night's Watch (Moderators)

 * Lord Commander Scrawland
 * First Ranger Wolves
 * First Builder Callumthered
 * First Steward SkyGreen24
 * Maester GunsnadGlory
 * The Mountain that Rides Feudy McPlagueface
 * The Rising Tide Solace
 * Eunuch User:Person67

The Wildlings
All users currently on the wiki may play unless otherwise noted.

Banned Users
A ban from plausibility strikes lasts 30 days, after which the third strike is repealed and the banned player is unbanned. However, the newly unbanned player rejoins the game with two strikes, as a form of probation.
 * Bear - 1648

Plausibility Strikes
'''Three strikes and you're out! Each strike resets after 30 years of the most recent strike.'''
 * Fallacy I
 * Eljefe316 I

Moderator Strikes
These are strikes for moderators and how they moderate. The same three strikes rules apply. If a moderator is banned from moderating. However, they can still play as their nation. Mod strikes can be delivered in one of three ways: Moderators can be given strikes for the following reasons:
 * 1) If a sufficient number of players (more than half of all players voting) vote to give a moderator a strike.
 * 2) If I, Scraw, give them a strike.
 * 3) If a majority of all mods (i.e., more than half of the total number of mods, excluding that moderator) vote to give a moderator a strike.
 * 1) Exhibiting bias that would benefit the nation they are playing.
 * 2) Exhibiting bias that would negatively affect a player they have a personal dispute with.
 * 3) Making a ruling that contradicts a proven fact from OTL or an established fact from earlier in the game.
 * 4) Overruling a decision of a majority of moderators.



1860
''' With their defeat in the war, the German government removes Napoleon from office and installs his brother-in-law Muller as the acting head of state. Napoleon and the men most loyal to him decide to depart from the continent. '''

Frustrated by two major wars in Europe which they many are unsure why they should care about. ''' Elections in the Burgundian colony of New Netherland led to a separatist party gaining a majority in the legislature and request the Burgundian government give them full sovereignty the same way the Kingdoms of Avalon, Savannah and Iroqious all have sovereignty. '''


 * Belkan Empire: The war ends and while casualties are high with nearly 650,000 dead and almost another half-million maimed or injured by the war, many permanently. The war, however, is over. Belka has proven to not just its neighbors, but to the world that she is a major power and contention with her is not something to be taken lightly. The armies return home besides two 50,000 strong garrison forces apiece which remain in Austria and Czechia respectively. Belka announces following the war its withdrawal from all its existing alliances, however, maintains strong friendly connections with both Iberia and Russia due to long standing national friendships, or other non alliance based organizations. This is particularly done specifically to allow Belka's newfound strength and power to develop outside of the existing basis of an alliance network. The Empire's advancement in this war having pretty much no damage done on the homefront has, however, taken a significant toll on her financial system as loans, war bonds and other war related expenses have mounted. However, with a victory and Europe needing to be rebuilt open contracts are taken by Belkan industrial companies to begin rebuilding in Austria, Czechia and other nations as well at least until their own companies take over the industrial repair deals. The Belkan army standing at nearly 1.9 million is drawn down significantly to operate much more heavily on a smaller professional force. The Belkan army is downsized with its forces being drawn down from 1.9 million to around 800,000. This is done as a money saving venture as well as room for the Belkan navy to expand and grow naturally as well as bring many veterans a much needed reprieve from their military lives. The returning soldiers now being discharged are given multiple options as they return. Many are discharged with a nice bonus as well and the men who return home to their wives or even single are quickly married. Almost one million returning soldiers take up many industrial jobs, as well as moving on Belka's final frontiers in Moldavia and Carpathia/Transylvania. Farms and communities spring up in mere weeks as the organized soldiers establish new towns on the frontiers beginning major settlement of Belka's final lightly settled territories. In a move with the Chinese delegation the Belgrad-Beijing Cooperation Treaty is proposed to the Chinese to codify the terms described (candies and I have discussed terms heavily). The end of the war has had a profound impact on the psyche of the Belkan people. War, while a glory and prestige winning movement, has reared its ugly head as something to also be afraid of and this marking the largest loss of life in Belkan history in a non-civil war, the tsar, the Soviet, and all facets of government agree that withdrawing into a much more isolated position in Europe is for the best so as to not be drawn into the rest of Europe's highly destructive and taxing wars. With the war over more attention is paid to Belka's colonies and dependencies. The Bahamas, purchased just before the war, finally sees the movement of true Belkan administration with many of the colonial officially being dismissed as nearly 10,000 Belkan troops and a squadron of 15 ships arrive replacing the light force which established control years before. With the annexation of most of Algiers as well, the Belkan colony of Tunisia is renamed and restructured. The North Africa Dependency is established in its place and a garrison of 20,000 remains in Tunisia as its capital to oversee the centralization of Belkan power over the colony. With Seuz completed as well, Belka being the closest as well as one of the primary owning interests of the canal organizing the Suez Defence force out of Damietta and also brings in a massive fleet to take host in Damietta. The Suez Defence fleet is established holding ten battleships, 15 cruisers, 20 third-rates and five corvettes. The fleet specifically boasts Belka's finest, a refit of many of the ships with iron plating as well as three of Belka's new "Destroyer" designs effectively making this one of the most modern fleet forces in the world. The Belkan navy in all efforts begins to develop heavily an ironclad force specifically around turret based designs with full intents to test out a battleship with these concepts. In Adulis, Belkan engineers begin some of the first construction of a railway aiming it toward Egypt as it is to link up with Damietta which sees its own railway beginning construction. Novo Sarajevo is also expanded near Dar es Salaam and expansion of exploratory efforts continues. Belkan patrols begin to look for suitable colonial opportunities in West Africa and a force of 1000 marines establishes a fort and trading town on the coast at the site of OTL Libreville naming it Port Volda with two cruisers hanging off the coast to provide fire support in case any natives come knocking. This is established directly next to the Russian outpost already existing there. The Belkan empire begins further restructuring and upgrading of its rail networks as steel production explodes into many non war related industries. A Small force of 20,000 is marshalled in Vasiligrad and deploys to Algiers, readying itself for a movement into one of the African states on the Western coast. Belkan population reaches 66 million and growing as a baby boom takes hold.
 * China says oui
 * Russia: The String-Baroque revolution occurs spurring a name change from string-baroque to something different as mass dance parties in towns occurs for the youth. String-Baroque becomes known as Bugi-Vugi. This is mainly because of the new highly popular Karelian Group Joseph av Fjell producing a trio of hit songs such as "Fires Rising", "Railroad Tune" and "Siberian Song". A local Siberian group also makes noise in the east of the country. Known as Bronstein-Tymoshenko Superpower (or BTS for short) has a hit song called "You ain't seen nothin yet". Another Siberian group made up of war veterans calls itself Chernobog after the Great War operation. The Great War Cossack-poet Dimitri Popov writes about his idea of the "Easy Rider" after hearing Chernobog play for the first time with their song "Born to be Wild". Settlers that set themselves up in central Poland return from the now Polish rump state to settle the new frontiers taken from Poland. With only 220,000 casualties from the Great War the population 47 million people. In a political move, the occupation forces in Prussia's African colonies are with drawn with the Elbentein force going home and the Hussein troops going to Fort Posdka Krovi. Admiral Kolchak returns to Russia after spending a couple of years in Burgundian South Africa. Kolchak seeing the clear superiority of steamships advocates before the newly established Naval Committee a new fleet. There are to be four fleets in total for the Empire. The Baltic would be 150 ships, the Black Sea fleets would each consist of 100 ships, the Pacific would be 200, and African Squadron would consist of ten. It is expected to be at the end of the decade and provide jobs to the million men out of work. The Baltic fleet would consist of 15 battleships, 30 cruisers, and the rest being frigates and destroyers (split evenly). The Black Sea fleet would consist of ten battleships, 25 cruisers, and an even number of frigates and destroyers. The Pacific fleet would be mainly stationed in Arcadia with a large flotilla of ships for East Asian travel. This fleet would be 25 battleships and a large base of smaller ships. The African Squadron would be three cruisers and seven frigates. All these ships are steam powered. The first copies of Haussmann Artillery are manufactured in Kiev.
 * Argentine: Test


 * Kingdom of Burgundy: The end of the war is celebrated, and last year's mass celebration in Amsterdam amongst the League members drains most of the reserves of alcohol in the city (although the massive influx of coin to the establishment, and the respective taxes, proves a boon). With Burgundy granted occupation of the Rhines West Bank, the region is organized into six Military Districts: Militär Distrikt Kleff, Gülich, Köln, Tréier, Zweebrúcken, and Aaltkierch. Each of the districts maintain their elected mayorships, but the maintaining of law and order falls to the military governors. Like after the 1834-40 war with France, the Army and the Navy order comprehensive reports on the military’s conduct during the war. The Army’s report commends the mass use of artillery, especially in the opening French invasions, and during the course of the Normandy offensive. The Haussmann rifled breechloaders are praised for their superior effectiveness against the older smoothbore muzzleloaders. In the case of the Navy, Admiral Rupert Klaasen, the reports author, deems Burgundy's wooden-hulled ships obsolete in light of the power of explosive shells. To compare, he highlights the record of the ironclad floating batteries against French and Rhenish artillery. He recommends further expansion of the ironclad force, both seagoing like the newly commissioned SMS Dreadnought, and riverborne, to patrol rivers such as the Rhine. Grand Admiral Cornelis van Roosevelt endorses the recommendation, in fact he has already ordered a halt to the construction of new wooden ships-of-the-line, and for the older ships-of-the-line to be mothballed pending their decommissioning. The five ships of Kinnik Rogier-class, intended as steam-powered 120-gunners, are ordered redesigned. The top two gun decks are to be stripped off (reducing their armament by 80 guns), and the weight saved is to be put into the armor to be attached to the hull, and arming them with rifled breech-loaders. They are subsequently redesignated “armored razeed frigates”. The Kinnik Wëllem II, Burgundy's first iron-hulled warship, is launched this year, along with her sister ship, Kinnik Robert III. In total, by the end of the year, the Royal Navy has commissioned five 30-gun armored frigates of the Dreadnought-class, launched and fitted out two ships of the Kinnik Wëllem II-class, and begun conversion of five ships of the Kinnik Rogier-class into armored razeed frigates. Meanwhile, knowing that other countries will eventually deploy ironclads in strength, the Admiralty commissions a study into developing shells capable of piercing an ironclad's armor. Hearing of the results of the New Netherlands and the new government's request, King Robert authorizes a crown committee to enter negotiations with the separatist government. By the time the news reaches New Amsterdam, and they prepare to send their envoys on their way back to Burgundy, the year has ended, and the negotiations are slated to begin the next year. In Australia, Burgundian ships from the East India Company, under the command of Captain Abel Tasman, land at OTL Hobart, Tasmania, and establish a trading fort the Burgundian EIC names Tasmanstad. The Burgundian colony of Neiuw Friesland, the new official name for the Burgundian colony in OTL Liberia, expands 50 px east along the coast. Garnaalië expands 50 px south. Colonial government-owned land on Neiuw Zeeland expands by 50 px.


 * Persia: (posting for Ethan): Shah Ali Amirsaleh is proud to announce his nation's independence from the Arabs. He is a nobleman from Fars province of Iran. He is of Gurkani and Amurid descent, and uses this to legitimize his throne. Textile manufacturing, a major industry, is nationalized. Iron ore follows and steel production with it. Meanwhile, saffron and spice exports to other nations are taxed, those being nationalized, with the production of saffron and containers modernized, now occurring in small workshops. The military begins the process of being converted into a professional Royal Army of about 40,000 soldiers, including 5000 imperial guardsmen. (DIPLOMACY TO BELKA - WE REQUEST HELP IN CREATING AN INDEPENDENT PERSIAN ARTILLERY FORCE AND NAVY). The firearms are replicas of Arabian-Persian flintlock muskets.
 * Belkan Dip: We agree to help the Persians as well as offering a deal to sell enough rifled muskets to bring the Persian army much closer to the modern era of firepower. We also wish to discuss other potential trade deals and possibility of other agreements.


 * French Republic: The two back-to-back losses faced in the Franco-Burgundian War and the Great European War anger much of the French population, to the point where soldiers returning from war often find their wives having left them or they are being discriminated against by normal citizens. The new Chancellor doesn't do much about this discrimination nor take any action to help their situation. Many veterans of the war find jobs in mining and industry upon returning from the war. Henri Deville, a French chemist, finally discovers a way of producing Aluminium in an industrial setting. The first produced bars of Aluminium are shown on display in Paris. Many corporations nation-wide begin investing heavily into the newly easily-accessable resource. All outside corporations, both private and public, that have established histories in the nations of any League of Eagle's nation are instantly rejected, mainly due to Henri having lost his brother in the Burgundian invasion of Normandy. Due to the large casualties faced in the war, the military is reduced greatly in active combatants, from being the 1.5 million it was at the start of the war to a compact 450,000, mainly consisting of men that had joined either voluntarily or conscripted in the final year of the war. Regardless, the economy faces some harsh blacklash following the initial uplifting of the crippling blockade that caused the starvation of much of the population, and remains relatively low by the end of the year. The French navy, which was temporarily decommissioned and stored until after the war, consists of a mere ten second-of-the-line battleships and 24 frigates. French ambassadors are sent to the Kingdom of Mali in hopes of offering them French protectorateship, offering them "advanced technology from the future", as well as the ability for elites, kings and their sons in Mali to visit Paris and become educated at French universities and academies if they wish (Mod). In French Nigeria, expansion is made 50 px in the north. The Pact of Steel is formally disbanded, and thus all diplomats in the state of Germany are recalled back. In terms of participating in the Mediterranean Concord, the French Chancellor sees almost no point in France maintaining a partnership with her enemies, and only asked to be in the Concord based on the fact that Belka maintains a larger industrial base than France, thus produces more advanced goods that are somewhat needed in France. Argentine is properly supplied weaponry and other goods to help out the state in the war with Brésil and Mapuche.[Misc information] Private First Class Alexandre Marsan returns from the Iberian war front to discover his girlfriend and wife had left him. He later discovers that a few of his fellow war-buddies had committed suicide, possibly due to being shellshocked (having PTSD) on the Franco-Iberian border. To take his mind off these issues, he begins to write string-baroque music and participate in local politics as a member of the Democratic Faction in Lax, Aquitane: His hometown. Somewhere in Normandy, Corporal Hyacinthe Pelay finds himself becoming the heir to his father's fortune following the death of his brother, who was killed in the initial invasion of Sardinia, Iberia. With this new amount of wealth at his disposal, he initially spends it on alcohol and other goods meant to cause intoxication as a way of relieving the stress and horrors of war suffered from the loss of life he had seen in the Burgundian invasion and occupation of Normandy. He later finds himself writing string-baroque music, poetry and painting art, as a way of coping with the suffering sustained. Under the pseudonym "Benoit Dylan", he releases his first self-titled compositional music piece.
 * Empire of Brésil: After correspondence with Mapuche war leaders, Andre has concluded the perfect place to break up the Argentine line. In addition, Tomás pressures him for a conclusion to the war, as France is not now distracted by the Great War. So, it is decided. The fate of Argentine will be made at this one town. The location selected: Parané. Following a buildup along the front, the Brésilians push forward, before reaching the town - 400,000 Brésilian soldiers in all. 60,000 Mapuche were expected to arrive soon. Who will win? Find out in The Battle of Parané!


 * Kingdom of Egypt: We request Bahrain from Belka. (FEUD RESPONSE NEEDED!). We return any French sailors captured by the Egyptian Navy to France, but keep any captured French cargo and ships, and incorporate them into the Egyptian military. We continue to build up our infrastructure by building roads along the Nile, building schools nationwide, and expanding our major cities of Giza and Alexandria. The king continues to encourage study and research in Islamic sciences, along with encouraging a traditional Islamic lifestyle for every Egyptian Muslim and their family. The Egyptian army continues to train with Belkan weapons and Belkan shock tactics. An Egyptian Security Force is made to guard the border between the British-Belkan Suez Canal Zone, and the rest of the Sinai, but we request that Belka allow the Egyptian Security Force operate in the Suez Canal Zone to help enforce the law. (FEUD RESPONSE). Alia City continues to grow.
 * OOC Solace: Since I had temporary decommissioned my navy by the end of the war and wasn't able to actually use my navy due to the blockade caused by literally everybody, it is safe to say that you had captured no French naval ships nor obtained any French industrial technology.
 * Person: Solace is correct, no French ships were captured by Egypt. 
 * Belkan Dip: We agree to the sale.
 * Scandinavian Empire: Emperor Sven III Gyldenløve continues to oversee the democratic transformation of Scandinavia. The end of the war is celebrated in Scandinavia, and we mourn the dead. We, otherwise, improve relations with the British, possibly hinting at a major trade involving the Sudreyar.  Scandinavia continues building railroads, with two lines being continued: one from Stockholm to Malmö, and one from Jönköping to Riksdale. We finish building a steel processing factory in Jönköping and continue to build one in Linköping. Finally, Scandinavia seeks to expands its fleet. Scientiae Dei is continually funded by the state, along with the State Bank of St Birgitta. 
 * Iceland: We establish a major port in Reykjavik for whalers coming from the New World and encourage further whaling in Iceland and open a branch of Scientiae Dei to collect Icelandic sagas. We encourage whaling in Spitsbergen and found a small whaling settlement on Hejnriksholm after no other resources were found.
 * East Frisies: The East Frisies are incorporated into the Scandinavian Empire autonomously, in order to smooth the transition. German is discouraged through propaganda and East Frisian is promoted. The islands become home bases for the navy, with naval bases built on Borkum and Heligoland.
 * Kingdom of the Isles: We encourage whaling among the community of the Isles. We also establish a few kelp farms and textile factories.
 * Ny-Sjaelland and Vinland: Activity is flourishing in Christianshavn and whaling and commerce are major points. The colony prospers due to the income it gets from processing goods coming from Vinland and Scandinavia proper. Olafsborg and Vinland become incorporated and logging and whaling are encouraged, while also scouring for mining. Plans for a railroad from Olafsborg toward the inland are drawn up.
 * Prins-Rupert Island: Benat Aritza supports Basque immigration toward Prins-Rupert. Whaling is encouraged on Prins-Rupert. 
 * Greenland: We support slow expansion on the coast and we expand whaling.


 * Kingdom of Prussia: The Great European War is over. Prussian troops celebrate victory but feel empathy to those that they had killed - their own brothers. Regions remain occupied until the Treaty of Florence is signed and in the meantime, whomever we had kept as POW’s are let go with fresh clothing and well taken care of. Following the conflict, it was a time to rebuild. War-torn areas like Hanover and Wolfsburg which faced harsh conditions begin to be recovered. Shelters are opened up for the homeless. Government Funded housing begins being established due to the number of houses destroyed. Farmers on the countryside also receive small loans to re-establish their fields and purchase more property to supply food. A good thing is that following the war, with men returning home, birth rates began to rise. Saxon politicians are given seats in the Landtag post-war as well. Seeing the occupation of the Western side of the Rhine, liberals in power and conservatives alike see this as something gone too far. A sovereign German State should have the right to administer their regions without foreign occupancy. The Landtag votes in the spring to cut all arms trade with Burgundy. We also take an exit out of the League of Eagles. Russia remains a very close friend and honor their protection of our colony in Africa. The United Deutsche Front is established as a movement for a united German people and establish a headquarters in Hamburg. People within our nation from both Saxon and Prussian regions no longer see the title of Saxon or Prussian fitting but recognize as German people. The United Deutsche Front calls for a name change and plans a referendum to be reviewed by the landtag for further approval for a name change. This gains traction from the liberals and Neutralist in power. In the meantime, companies invested in pre-war territory see the chance of cheap cleared out land as a way to build new factories and houses across Saxon land. With recover in full swing, investment expands. We accept the Polish people into our nation. In the meantime, some Prussians begin to move in seeking business. Public schooling is expanded. Taxes are lowered on the lower class. As a form of foreign aid, doctors with members of a new charity organization called the Red Heart serve food to those in need within our German neighbor and diplomats are sent over as well to work on relationship recovery. Mining for iron is expanded in Silesia. Mass recruitment kicks off with 18,000 troops being recruited. Research is done and our new recruits are trained differently from before being taught new strategies that had helped during our time at war with our German counterparts. Our newly developed rifles begin to be introduced to the military. Whatever we had of our Hausmann breech-loaded artillery is expanded throughout the military with our own version of such beginning to be tested in small groups of infantry consisting of several thousand people. A mutual free trade agreement is offered to Great Britain (Person Response). King Heinrich delivers a Christmas speech discussing the values of German and national unity. Our ships complete construction in the Baltic Sea. The main ship of the line is transported to Hamburg. Three of the frigates are stationed in Lubeck and the other corvettes in Königsberg. Izaak Muller begins designing ships made of iron for naval use with three beginning to be constructed in the Elbe River called Braunes Wasser Ironclads which have 30 guns. A new colonial venture is made with 3000 men led by General Karl Munster. A large amount of Quinine is also dispatched with his men over concerns of Malaria while fighting in the jungle. War is declared on the state to the south of the Kongo with victory in sight. We launch our very first ironclad called the Krieger, a 40-gun model ship of the line and begins doing naval manuevers and used for training outside the Hamburg Naval Yard.
 * Prussian Angola: After years of expedition and exploration, settlements are made and land is cleared. Several dozen boats come into the colony transferring colonist over by the hundreds. This leads to the establishment of several towns. In the meantime, investments are made for further expansion inland with expeditionary carving out 30 px of land to be expanded along the coast and slightly inward to the hills. Natives are introduced and treated with respect but we do apprehend whoever threatens our people their. Farms begin to be established.
 * Greater Hussein: After years of settlement and colonial growth, the search for more land grows. We expand another 30 px inland. In the meantime, cotton and tobacco introduction is expanded to produce a more better agricultural economy while the first factory is opened in Elfenbein for clothing production. Schooling is expanded with the first institution for science and astronomy is planned to be established next year. Road network and small ports are established farther along the coast. Ships begin to send goods to Angola to kick off the areas of colonial expansion. Treatment to the natives becomes more accepted with them being introduced to our customs. 8000 more people move into homes across the region and New Berlin continues to be transformed into a more tropical counterpart of our homeland with plants and trees being planted to make people feel more at home within the colonial capital. Quinine makes an appearance in the colony to treat those with Malaria after several dozen colonists had fallen ill.
 * British Dip: We accept.
 * Iberian Dip: Iberia will sell its colony in Angola to Prussia for 500,000 Iberian Real (400,000 1860 USD). Furthermore, Iberia will retain control over the largest port city in the colony.
 * Prussian Dip: Accepted.
 * Republica Iberia: With peace finally in the air, Iberian forces return home after years of war. The army is reduced to a force of 200,000 of which 20,000 is designated as an expeditionary force. The economy is steadily converted away from war-time production. The government focuses investment on the soldiers returning from war this year in order to reintegrate them into society. This investment is distributed in one of three forms: educational, one-time investment or long-term investment. Education and one-time investments are the most popular by far attracting the vast majority of the soldiers. This boost in capital helps to jump start the economy and raises tax-revenue. Furthermore, marriage rates swell as tens of thousands of the soldiers marry their sweethearts with some of their compensation money. Educational institutions see record enrollments as thousands attend college for the first time in their lives. The boost in economic growth rapidly encourages more industrialization as new companies open and expand.
 * En La Republica de Morocco: The Moroccan Assembly, which is comprised primarily of coastal Reformist Muslims continues to provide support to Reformist Mosques in an effort to promote attendance and conversion. The government provides these mosques with a stipend to use in charitable works that promote Reformist Islam. On Omar Ramzi’s farm, the farmer once again goes to dump the waste of his fields into the ditch, only to find that the thick layer of plant matter has created what many might consider an impossibility. Small trees sprout on the banks around the ditch, and under the layers of vegetation Omar discovers a myriad of small insects and mushrooms. He finds the occurrence magical and shows his whole community which is all surprised by the vitality of the patch. Several of Omar’s neighbors adopt the practice.
 * En las Antillas Ibéricas: La Asamblea Colonial continues to encourage the production of sugar for export and sale. While the region faces stiff competition from other sugar producing countries, the business is still profitable. The Colonial Legion of 2000 is kept as a standing defense force of the Antillas.
 * En las Indias Orientales Ibéricas: La Asamblea Colonial continues to encourage the production of spices for export and sale. While the region faces stiff competition from other spice producing countries, the business is still profitable. The Colonial Legion of 2000 is kept as a standing defense force of the Antillas.
 * En África Ocidental Ibérica: The Colonial governor faces even greater pressure to expand, and so the colony petitions the central government to annex Senegay (State just south of Iberian West Africa) and to open the region to Iberian colonization. The Iberian Government, although hesitant at first, agrees and demands that Senegay submit or be invaded. (Mod Response, Please) (If they refuse, war will be declared) The 20,000 strong expeditionary force is transported to the West African Colony to ensure that any threat can be carried out.
 * Senegay says they will fight. Person.


 * China: After almost two years (with periodic visits from the capital itself to check up on their progress), the Beijing Mission - otherwise known as the Grand Embassy of the Huifu Emperor - returns yielding favorable results. Gold continues being mined, in order to stabilize the economy. Guano fertilizer is used in the cultivation of grain to further heighten agricultural productivity, while the usage of glans condoms and abortifacient medicine to prevent unwanted births is used to curb run-off population growth. In China, sericulture (production of silk), the cultivation of tea and the production of porcelain remain the main industries. In Korea, the cultivation and harvesting of ginseng and cotton and the production of jewelry (made of high-quality gold and precious gems) are emphasized. The Beijing-Belgrad Co-Operation Treaty is signed, laying the foundation for an amicable Sino-Belkan relationship.
 * The Battle of Parané (Brésilian Turn Pt 2): This was a humiliation. In the first attack, 70,000 men were sent to assault Argentine defenses. They promptly retreated back to camp. Next attack, 100,000 men were pushed into another massacre. Not realizing the futility, Andre ordered 300,000 men to assault their positions. Yet more were slaughtered. Finally understanding the strength of Argentine fortifications, the order was given: Surround the city! Combined with Mapuche forces, the Brésilians encircled the entire settlement, cutting off food and supplies, and setting up trenches of their own. The city is expected to starve in a year.
 * United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland: With the end of the war in Europe partly as a result of British action it is clear there are still issues in Europe and elsewhere. Seeing the rapid rate of African colonisation the British plan to ramp up their own colonisation with the government approving settling in Ghana with the colony named after the Ghana empire which isn't actually that near. The British land at three sites where they plan to establish ports and defences Takoradi-Sekondi establishing Fort Sekondi, Grand-Bassam with Fort Bassam and Torman (Tema) creating Fort Torman. Each site has 1500 British soldiers land and start work on the ports and defences offering to trade with the locals for iron products, cotton, tobacco in exchange for them helping with the construction work. The British shift 10,000 European and 10,000 Sepoy along with the African regiments of 40,000 soldiers back to Swahili and send two first-rate ships-of-the-line, three second-rate ships-of-the-line and nine frigates to support operations against the Zulu being conducted by the Swahili with British officers in command. (Fallacy can lead them within reason bearing in mind they are British commanded). Defences are constructed south of Corringham and at East Tilbury to repel someone trying to sail up the Thames. Seeing the rise of the Ironclad work continues on the Warrior class while there are plans for a general overall of the navy and the army. The navy are going to make a transition to ironclad steam powered ships but because ironclads are not best used on large ships we plan to build a new line of frigates first with another two ironclads ordered this year. There also plans to make five floating batteries for river fighting. The army is planning to convert their rifled muskets to breech-loaders to allow faster rate of fire seeing the importance of this. The army is downscaled a bit with the end of the war but it is clear there still needs to be an army. In Salish we start mining out all the gold and a gold rush begins with people moving over there rapidly. England has a population of 18.2 million, Wales has 1.2 million, Ireland has five million people, and Scotland 2.8 million. In Britain, based in southern England, there are 30,000 professionals and 50,000 men in Ireland, 70,000 European soldiers and 300,000 Indian Sepoy in India spread out across the continent, 10,000 British soldiers, 10,000 Sepoy and 40,000 African soldiers in Swahili. 10,000 in Uluru, 5000 in West Africa. There are two fleets: one at Hull and one at Bristol, each comprise ten first-rate ships-of-the-line, 24 second-rate ships-of-the-line and 50 frigates.
 * India: Reprisals post rebellion continue while the new Indian army is organised and prepared taken from lower classes and castes with promises of better pay and lands. Artillery and cavalry are kept on the low for this army with most of that being British and a higher proportion of infantry amongst them. Frustrated by India still having some independence Parliament orders this new force to send 75,000 Indians and 15,000 Europeans into the Western Rajput states while an equal number invade Punjab and bring India more firmly under its control with the intention to distribute land taken to loyalists. 50,000 Indians from the north and 20,000 British soldiers keep working over South India retaliating against nobles who participated making space for loyalists from Bengal, Sindh and Gujarat to be given lands. The rest of the Indian army and British support keep working the labour battalions on defences from last year on the border with China.
 * Uluru: A steady flow of people from Britain mainly convicts and India (convicts) is maintained and a militia is formed. Seeing Burgundy landing in Tasmania - which is close to Uluru - the Governor of Uluru plans a counter landing at Little Swanport moving a mix of Uluru natives, Brits, Indians and soldiers to set up a port, defences and make some farms.
 * Ethiopian Empire: With the war over all Letter of Marque for privateering are revoked. The navy benefited greatly from raids made on merchant shipping gaining vast knowledge of naval warfare. So much so, that the first service academy is set up in Adulis and Named the Royal Naval College. Followed by the Royal Army College in Axum. We, as Belkans, ask for advisers to teach at the service colleges to aid our armed forces. The first member admitted to the Army College is Prince Theodore. Roads continue to improve - as do living conditions. With Turkana farming to abundant the birth rate has gone up with more availability to food - as does literacy with the additions of more schools around the nation.
 * Belkan Dip: We agree to sponsor Belkan military advisors to both the war college and naval college. We also wish to bring together a 40,000 strong force under Belkan training and direction to be brought up to Belkan military standards to officially establish the Belkan Foreign Legion.


 * Swahili: We continue colonial expansion in Northern Somalia, in the South and in the Malindi and Mombasa area. Colonization increases as medicine and weaponry become more widespread. In the Swahili heartland, the profitability of cloth factories and cotton farming had led to a sharp increase in the number of slaves. With foreign support, a major offensive into Transvaal is initiated. A naval academy is constructed in Malindi.
 * Sefuwa: All Swahili colonies in Southwest Africa are organized into Sefuwa. Colonisation begins to connect the settlements.
 * Huriya: Political integration continues with Swahili bureaucrats being sent to oversee more political processes.
 * Rowzi: Political integration continues with Swahili bureaucrats being sent to oversee more political processes. As more soldiers enter Swazi, Rowzi is even more closely integrated to improve logistical efforts.

1861
''' The separatist politicians are pleased to enter talks with the Crown Committee and make it clear that they desire full sovereignty and self-governance for New Netherlands. '''

''' Fighting between Brésil and Argentina takes a toll on both sides as their armies are too large more so to Brésil for its really large army, they can't be fed and supplied properly leading to hunger and some diseases as well. '''

''' After heavy fighting and financing said wars by printing money, borrowing and large government budget deficits in Europe as high spending on African colonialism and shipbuilding continue. The value of currencies remains unsustainable and high inflation breaks out as people rapidly try to invest in gold and other commodities over rapidly devaluing currencies. Prices rise in shops across Europe and imports become harder to do. Demanding higher pay to combat inflation strikes break out in London, Paris, Brussels, Berlin and Belgrad and many other cities. Farmers are reluctant to sell goods leading to food shortages in cities. '''

''' A lot of veterans leave their respective armed forces in Europe to find no jobs to return to and become angry with crime rising. '''

''' Napoleon and his followers travel to the New World, visiting Iroquois and Savannah before arriving in Aztlan via Texas. '''
 * Belkan Empire: Under the cover of a dark rainy night on the African coast, a force of 5000 Belkan troops lands in the Kongo assaulting Zaire in a flashy and extremely speedy way. Armed with Belka's famous Zastava Needle Rifle, heavy complement of breech-loading guns, and ships especially designed to hold and transport cavalry safely with the utmost care allowing for a large cavalry contingent, and Quinine the Belkan army lands and assaults nearby towns and cities with clear naval support to bombard the coast into submission. Interestingly enough the expedition is a financed private venture in which Belkan forces are loaned out to nascent Africa Cordial Company (ACC) which is an offshoot of the large industrial firm known as Mogilev Steel, and subsidiaries effectively allowing it to operate on the company's dime rather than the government's. The colonization venture in the Kongo is expected to yield some economic results. The Armed force of 5000 sees great success as multiple native armies are crushed in quick succession by brutal shock warfare tactics and large scale artillery bombardment. The Belkan forces secure much of the country in short order and begin organizing a colonial government. Interestingly enough a large portion of Wealth is taken from the former royalty as a form of payment for the expedition Which immediately begins fortifying the Capital and bringing in native officials to handle the colony. Civilian resistance while initially high ends quickly as the First major riot is Quelled by the Belkan colonial expedition force. The homefront sees even more military drawdown as the Belkan Soviet of War dissolves an entire field army of 200,000 in response to many requests for a discharge leaving in the field 600,000 Belkan troops. The freeing up of funds is used rather than on expansionary projects but on paying off war bonds and loans taken out by the war in order to stabilize the Belkan ruble and prevent the free fall in value of the ruble. Control of the flow of money is put on by the government as an attempt to curtail or prevent major inflation or even hyperinflation which occurs and some money is put back into the hands of the first purchasers of war bonds with their first bit of interest. While this does slow down economic development to a level, the deft handling of the Belkan financial network and bonds securities prevents a mass economic issue. The rapid expansion of industry is even curtailed as a way to prevent runaway issues of idling industry being unused as the "Industrial Control Acts" of 1861 are passed effectively limiting industrial growth for periods of five years to be renewed. Interestingly Austria and Czechia now principalities with local nobles on their thrones follow Belkan model governance. Austria in particular relies heavily on the Belkan industrial firms for rebuilding of its shattered capital and the City of Gorz which took its own significant number of casualties to its people and its buildings. In another note, taxes are raised except on larger families which would go against Belka's population growth model and a new series of taxes are put on industries specifically to finance the relatively quick payoff of war bonds and loans. In general, while met with some hostility, the lack of homefront damage, huge demographics changing events and the previous implementation of industrial laws and lobbying laws force the rich who have enjoyed unparalleled prosperity to pay their taxes. The middle and lower classes, while subject to somewhat higher taxes, are not in the same range as the upper class and aristocratic class which argue against the taxation increase. However, in a show of solidarity with his country Tsar Vladimir, usually exempt from taxes on his own personal estates and subject to extremely low taxes on his family-run businesses and companies, removes the exemption and pays the higher taxes in all regards. "The rich and extremely fortunate of Belka have no arguing position when their own tsar does his part to pay and take responsibility for the war he got the country involved in." This is still a rather unpopular move with the higher classes but with his submission much of the Supreme Soviet and even the Vozhd himself submits to the tax changes effectively hoping to garner the public opinion of the country. The country's election sees decisively the retaining of power by the now renamed Tsarist party, which in a landslide takes total control of the government barring some holdouts from other parties. The move to allow taxation to be implemented on themselves as well as the tsar submitting himself to taxes has removed a significant barrier between the people and the government. The upper class and aristocracy are effectively forced into a normal tax system with the Visegrad Tax Proposition coming into effect to codify proper tax rates for all classes including a minimum tax rate enforced. The government officials tax rate sits as 15% while the middle class sits at 10% and lower class at 5-6%. The aristocrats and upper classes are forced into a 25% tax and while this leads to some volatility, the loyalty of the Army sees the only tax riot of the upper class to be put down in quick order as the aristocratic wards of Belgrad are put in their place. In regards to Belka's growing crisis in food production, an unprecedented involvement of the government in the affairs of food sale, something not generally done, is put out with wide ranging price controls of basic food crops being put into effect until the Belkan financial system stabilizes. Under immense pressure from mining magnates the governor of the province of Transylvania allows the exploitation of the Rosia Montana gold and silver ore veins once again and modern mining processes are put into effect to effectively help Belka's financial institutions meet in the middle allowing for a higher available amount of money available in general. Belkan consumer goods are traded rather than funds in both Ethiopia and Egypt to bring more bullion to decrease the paper note to bullion ratio in the Belkan banks. Belka's naval expansion is fully curbed in the face of this new financial crisis as multiple ironclads are laid to rest for the time being.
 * Belkan Maghrebi Dependency: The Maghrebi Dependency, as it is called, becomes one of Belka's primary colonies, while not particularly profitable in an economic sense its agriculture has become somewhat notable as it has expanded due to land reclamation as well as the expansion of urban farming which has become a major way food is provided in the colony. With a population of roughly six million the colony sees some notable amounts of Belkan ethnic settlement with a thriving community of roughly 25,000 Belkans having immigrated or settled as a result of the war or in the recent year as a result of the economic crisis. The Dependency - as a result of the extreme measures taken on the Belkan financial system - takes a large loan to develop a large land reclamation project around Tunisia and Algiers respectively in order to expand arable land. This will be done particularly with canals and other water storing projects. It is noted that an unexpectedly large amount of cottoBelka with intent on resale to the rest of Europe and even a few factories are opened this year purchasing domestic Chinese goods opening up a few textile mills and attracting Chinese workers hoping to capitalise on the Belkan industrial involvement in the city. City planners arrive in short order looking to turn Hong Kong into a shining example of Belkan culture, industrialism and power abroad in the globe - and particularly Asia. The first things to be put under construction are a series of modern port facilities and barracks for the eventuality of a large Belkan garrison to be stationed in Hong Kong.
 * Belkan Zaire Dependency: The victory over the native armies by the Zaire expeditionary force, has gone down in military history as it has become abundantly clear that many native states can't compete with any European army. The commanding officer of the expedition, Colonel Tarasov takes command of the new colonial state and immediately begins organizing the new state and assessing it for the ACC sending a frigate back to relay information to the homeland and the ACC. The raiding of the Royal treasury of Zaire has led to a surplus in the expedition effectively producing a net profit, however, as a transport ship bringing Belkan colonial officials and supplies for the now named Zaire Garrison. The Colony itself is approached a bit differently than the Maghrebi dependency or the Ethiopian protectorate in which offers are made to various nobles of Zaire to pay lip service to the Belkan tsar and the colonial government and in response will be treated in a more autonomous fashion than the directly ruled territories of Zaire. In response roughly one-third of the nobility agree to take the deal being treated effectively as the Emir states while paying a general tribute every year to the Belkan empire and also providing manpower if needed. The rest.. constituting roughly two-thirds of the new colony is ruled much like Maghreb with general rights and practices being respected as long as they don't interfere with common law. a general assessment of the economics of Zaire reveal stunning potential for cash crops like cotton and coffee as well as huge potential for rubber production something Belka has sorely needed its own source for. The ACC even in regards to the bad financial situation at home, take a bullion loan to directly pay for the development of the colony as it begins a full catalogue and harnessing of the regions economic potential even shipping the first wave of rubber product back to Belka as a sample. With a population of roughly nine million the Belkan administration begins seeing the need for a very sophisticated colonial administrative network to handle this state.
 * French Republic: Assuming Mali has denied the request for protectorateship and the need to re-initiate colonization in Africa following the loss of Algeria and part of Nigeria, 5000 soldiers armed with the most modern French weaponry and assisted by most of the navy and artillery invade Mali through the small passageway it has with the Pacific Ocean. This colonial war is also the first time quinine was used in the forefront in hopes of stopping any possible Malaria attacks. Bombarding the coastal cities and blockading the country with most of the French navy available at hand, Mali is defeated by August with the siege of their capital city and the surrendering of their military. Although originally intending to make Mali a protectorate of France, the discovery of vast gold mines prompts for it to become a valuable asset to France, and soon the French Republic of Mali is established. The population is 36 million. Shipments of modern weaponry and other industrial military technology is sent to French Nigeria to help expansion in the region. In the case of rebellion, a total of another 15,000 troops are sent to Mali, totalling the troop count to 20,000. Possibly more later. Taxes are increased, and reforms to put veterans into the workplace begin to combat inflation. The first shipment of gold is brought into France, and is sold worldwide to any and all countries that want gold. Alexandre Marsan, very irritated with the current status of France, prophesizes an ideal state in where property is collectively owned by the government and every citizen is paid "according to their abilities and needs". Due to the introduction of such ideas at this time, he gains local popularity upon the release of his pamplet "Manuscrit Communiste". The term "communism" is coined, in which everything is effectively shared as a 'community' than a specific number of people. Hyacinthe Pelay reenlists in the military for another tour of six years, as he is effectively "instutionalized" in the military lifestyle and although his life and fortune are great, something is missing from inside. The first stock exchange is opened in Paris.
 * French Republic of Mali: Under the new colonial President Eric Collard, massive numberss of citizens begin to be forced into labor in the gold mines. By the arrival of the 15,000 additional troops, any citizen suspected of possibly revolting against the French are properly killed, regardless of whether or not they were involved with anything. This is mainly meant to decline morale before it rises enough for a possible rebellion. Strategies used in the original conquest of Maghreb are also used, but to a lesser extent. Since no French citizens or any other type of people are allowed in Mali, forced labor against the Malians continues and the first large shipment of gold is sent to France.
 * French Republic of Nigeria: Agriculture does its thing. Under Colonial President Joseph-Marie Jouvin, oil palm exported begins being back to France in trade for more modern and powerful weapons.
 * Empire of Brésil: "We can fight no more, as our mothers wail at the deaths of their sons, as an entire youth die for their country. We must say that no more blood shall be spent in vain. Our head hung low, defeated, we must learn from our mistakes, lest this stain repeat itself." These are the words spoken by Tomás, as he acknowledges the defeat at Parané. Tomás, with his legacy forever tarnished, abdicates in favor of his son, Theodore de Medici. Theodore is nowhere near as venerated as Tomás was at the start, but Theodore has shown a keen interest in relations with neighboring states, as well as economics. He, however, has the difficult task of reconstruction. However, first, he must negotiate a peace. He offers to cede all previous Argentine land, excluding Paraguay. The troops will be withdrawn if the peace talks go through. On the matter of reconstruction, a loan of 100 million USD is taken from the Bank of Belka, to be invested in infrastructure. In addition, Theodore invites Belkan businesses to compete on equal terms with Brésilian ones in the matters of railways and lumber mills.
 * Belkan Dip: We agree as long as Brésil agrees to pay a higher than normal interest rate due to the ongoing financial issue in Belka.
 * Kingdom of Prussia: With a financial crisis setting in, this will be the ultimate test of the central bank. Currency production is slowed to counter inflation. With the strikes in Berlin, The United Deutsche Front makes an appearance advocating support for the workers to have their voices heard. This causes member traction. The strikes go on for some weeks but its events slow to a crawl before halting altogether excluding isolated events from certain businesses. With strikes almost gone, we begin tackling crime with more police hired and put into service. Veterans who had come back home to no jobs begin to be given jobs at military factories to produce arms and equipment. PAA is established as a government funded program to aid in veterans getting their needs with shelters for those without families to care for being made in the largest of cities with food being provided. Dreyse Needle Guns continue to be expanded within our armed forces. 20,000 more people join the military as not only is it seen as a job but also something men could be in and be employed into an honorable position. Training is also expanded with generals teaching men combat professionally and even veterans getting paid to work alongside to teach them tactics of battle. The Department of Agriculture puts in an act fining farmers dozens of Marke’s over having certain surpluses of goods. Posters are posted putting farmers who refuse to give up their food as evil and spiteful people as they cause starvation. New military factories and factories for large corporations are established out in Saxony as recovery continues. Due to us wanting to move on from the days of Napoleon and our beliefs that German Brothers must stick together - especially in times of financial crisis - we offer them a free trade and arms agreement (MOD RESPONSE). The United Deutsche Front sees their proposal accepted by the Landtag and a referendum is planned for next year to change the name of our nation. New armored ships begin being built out in the Baltic with the SMS Walzer beginning to be built. Ships constructed before 1835 are planned to all be decommissioned by 1870. Military spending is raised while the budget for scientific funded studies being removed completely and left to the private sector. Taxes is raised on all classes which result in small pockets in the nation having outrage. This also like the rest of the strikes and protests just leads to people not liking certain things but there is not much that they coul really do about it. Polish people are given the option to return back to their homeland or go to a colony if they choose not to stay in Prussia. 35% of Polish citizens pack their bags while the rest stay.
 * Prussian Angola: With the seizure of the Lower Kongo and purchase of Iberian Angola, they are united into the state of Prussian Angola. With armed forces occupying the territory and colonists moving in, farming is spread in solidly controlled zones. The natives of the Lower Kongo begin to be taught our ways with communication being necessary for their survival. With their villages and capital in shambles, businessmen from Hussein and Prussia seek to develop the land. Simple brick roads begin being built connecting villages while their out-of-date infrastructure begins being replaced with German-style one story homes. This begins to lift the grudge of us being seen as foreign invaders who had taken their homeland and is rather seen as a blessing. We expand inward by 30 px with the guidance of locals. We help with their farming and it leads to us being able to send exotic goods back home. Merchants of the previous nation begin to learn our language for communication which begins being spread out. Jahre is established as the capital of the colony right next to our original settlement.
 * Greater Hussein: With towns and villages furthering development and New Berlin seeing further expansion of growth, new schools and libraries are built. A colonial military branch is established and 800 join including several dozen natives. Weaponry from the Homeland is introduced as well. Six new factories open in Elfenbein. We expand 30 px.
 * ​​​​​​​German Diplomatic Response: Müller agrees to the agreement due to the economic depression. ~Wolves.
 * Russia: Alexander Yanukovych invents the Phonautograph and grants his first record to be that of Stephen Mueller's new (yet controversial song) "Abracadabra". In rural Siberia, many more religious folk separate themselves from the Bugi-Vugi culture of young people. One man, Vissarion Yakov pioneers the "Sibir Sound" with his "revivalist" song, "Good Ole Boys". The panic of 1861 occurs in the Feograd Stock Market. There is a swift dip in the market for two months leading to government intervention. The Market Act of 1861 is passed by the tsar's council opening for large amounts of taxation coming from the newly acquired territory in Eastern Poland, and the Ukraine to pay for the war. The Ukraine is taxed heavily for the reason that it got the most government funds from the national railway act. Zapad holds a monopoly over the entire country in the railroad business. Despite the rising crime rate which is mainly confined to Feograd and Tsaritsyn. Many men despite turning to crime see the railroad as a great job opportunity, because at least they make some money. Stock holders put their money into Zapad for the completion of the North-South Railway started last decade. Moscow once again becomes a hub of transportation as the Central Line to the main railway starts construction. By late this year seeing the relative speed of the Zapad's construction, and government need for more money to upgrade the fleet as plenty of ships are scrapped or build the newer ones, Zapad rail is both hired for the steam motors for the ships, and heavily taxed to pay for them. Philosopher Vladimir Leonov from Tsaritsyn writes the "Bolshevik Manifesto", in a response to the corporatization of industry in the nation. He predicts that the workers will eventually rise against the corporations and aristocracy and form a completely new state which he calls "Equalism", where the wealth is spread among the people evenly from the rich. He then believes that there would eventually be the "Post-Equalist" Society to which he calls Bolshevism based on his manifesto's title. He describes this as a classless society where everyone is the majority, and no man has more money than his fellow man. The reason for this is the discovery of gold in the "Rocky Mountains". In Novorossiya, the region of St Gregory (OTL British Columbia) is flooded with immigrants from the Caucasus and Ukraine. Those from Ukraine are trying to escape the high taxes.
 * Aztlan: The Tlahtoāni, Carlos de Mérida e Augusthino Diltwa I dies and his successor Benitho do Merida Dilthwa Juarez I takes power, he is confused by Napoleon's arrival in Aztlan and wants to know why he has come (Mod Response). Guadalajara is written in by a Jalisco local about the grand city and it does surprisingly well around the country. We also wish to purchase a Japanese trade port in Edo (Mod Response). 
 * BTW, sorry I was inactive, my laptop had some problems but I managed to get back on my desktop, hopefully I am still Aztlan and haven't gotten the boot.
 * Republica Iberia: The economy is steadily converted away from wartime production. The republic continues investment in the veterans of the War of the Pyrenees, but also begins to direct some of the money to the reconstruction of Navarre. French Navarrens, of which there number roughly 140,000 are given the option of swearing loyalty to the Iberian Republic and promising to learn one of the Iberian Languages, swearing loyalty to the republic and moving to an Iberian colony with a small travel subsidy, or returning to France. Roughly 40,000 decide to return to France and cross over the border to rejoin their countrymen. However, another remainder is for the most part willing to stay, with a group of 15,000 deciding to strike out in a colonial venture. The French-speaking Navarrens form the Navarre West Africa Colony and establish a settlement near the mouth of the Gambia close to the existing Iberian outpost there. With support from the Iberian garrison they swiftly establish control over the uncontested coastline. The monetary troubles that plague Europe are to a small degree reduced by lack of Iberian spending in naval development in the last four years while other nations have been constructing increasingly costly ships. Several of the more antiquated Iberian ships are sold to avoid paying repairs and maintenance fees. The government also takes the drastic action to simply remove money from circulation, taxes to some degree go unspent reducing the inflation while the monetary crisis contributes to a significant slowdown in economic development. Although stunted by the war and their capital intensive nature, narrow gauge lines become increasingly common so the Iberian government standardizes narrow rails at 1000 mm apart. These lines are easier to lay and are much cheaper on the rough terrain. Unemployed, unmarried and after a few months of gambling and drinking, nearly broke, there are thousands of angry soldiers in Iberia. However, tales of African gold spread after the discovery of gold in Mali. The soldiers, organized by the war, pool what money they have to purchase surplus arms, which the Iberian government wells them for cheap, and travel to Africa as adventurers. A group of 2000 lands south of Mali and begin to ravage the small nation there. A further 1500 led by a particularly brutal man, well known for having survived two French bullets and for his unholy bayonetting of a drummer boy, Hermenegildo “Dois” Cortez begins a campaign against Dakar. The invasions, while not sponsored by Iberia, pillage their respective nations, and having found no real gold establish pseudo governments. The Iberian government then offers the “Conquistadores” protection as colonies which they can manage should they wish.
 * Republica de Morocco: The Moroccan Assembly invites the Provisional Algerian Government into the fold as Algeria is annexed by Morocco. Elections for the new region are to be held shortly. The republican government, which is comprised primarily of coastal Reformist Muslims continues to provide support to Reformist Mosques in an effort to promote attendance and conversion. The government provides these mosques with a stipend to use in charitable works that promote Reformist Islam. The practice of using decaying vegetation as a moisture trap and as cover for the insects and other organisms required for the growth of more water intensive plants continues to spread. The practice is, of course, still very minor, but has increased slightly the production of certain orchard crops.
 * ​​​​​​​Antillas Ibericas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of sugar production and as a stopover for ships headed out into the Atlantic. The Colonial Garrison is reduced to cut costs to 1000.
 * ​​​​​​​Indias Orientales Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of spice production. The Colonial Garrison is reduced to cut costs to 1000.
 * ​​​​​​​África Ocidental Iberica: The colony annexes what was formerly Senegay this year and begins to integrate it into the colony. Seeing the easy victory, half of the colonial forces return to Iberia and the remainder continue supporting colonial expansion and security efforts. The colony grows rapidly into the now more accessible sahel.
 * Kingdom of Burgundy: In light of the economic crisis, King Robert and the States-General are forced to accept cuts to the government's budget. Among those hit with cuts is the Royal Navy, which in response decommissions and sells to break up 14 second-rate, and seven first-rate ships-of-the-line, all commissioned prior to 1830. Although the remaining budget to the Navy would’ve allowed eight of those ships to remain in service, Grand Admiral Roosevelt opts to use the money that would’ve gone into maintenance for the older ships to continue construction of the armored frigates, which in turn keeps unemployment in the shipyards down. As such, the SMS Kinnik Wëllem II and SMS Kinnik Robert III are completed and commissioned on schedule. Construction on the Kinnik Rogier-class armored razeed frigates also continues. Though construction on other ships was supposed to halt, after an inventor by the name of Johan Erkensen put forward his own money to fund construction, the navy authorized the construction of an experimental ship to be named Monitor. Talks begin with envoys from the separatist New Netherlands government. It’s decided that while the talks go on New Netherlands with retain its seats in the States-General. The first matter of contention in the negotiations is the matter of defense for New Netherlands, whether Burgundy should bear some responsibility in aiding the lands militarily. A few vindictive members of the crown committee insist that due to New Netherlands request for sovereignty, they should fend for themselves, these are met by the more fervor of the separatists, who insist they could stand on their own. These parties are quieted by the more moderate member of both delegations. The leader of the crown committee, Baron Lodewijk vun Sint-Vith (chosen for the position due to past experience as the Crowns representative to New Netherlands), raises the point that, due to New Netherlands being a trade-based economy like Burgundy, would New Netherlands be able to afford to raise a military of similar proportion (if not size) to Burgundy. The separatists leader, Frederik Lucassen, not having the most recent economic date on hand, requests time to have such documents transported from New Amsterdam, which is granted. When the documents return with the data, there begins being real talk of cutting off Burgundian military support to New Netherlands, especially from the aforementioned wings of the delegations. In a private, off the record dinner however, Baron Sint-Vith raises the point to Lucassen that the figures, while they look good maintaining a military, do not look so good for establishing one. For one, the experienced Burgundian officer corps responsible for training New Netherlands troops would be lost, leaving them with a leadership void, as well as without their supply line of modern armaments. The navy would have to be built up from scratch. Lucassen concedes the point, adding that New Amsterdam has neither the facilities nor the resources at its disposal to build a modern fleet, that until they do, contracting construction to states such as Burgundy, the UK, France, or Belka. France is obviously out of the question, the UK would be unlikely to accept due to overlapping land claims with Iroquois, and both men are leary of allowing Belka leverage over New Netherlands. Sint-Vith and Lucassen agree that there’ll be parties on both sides that’ll refuse any contract for Burgundy to build ships for New Netherlands. That also doesn’t mention that New Amsterdam lacks the drydocks to service ships-of-the-line or oceangoing ironclads. A quiet conversation with Grand Admiral Roosevelt later, it’s estimated that it would be a decade at the very least before New Netherlands could natively build a modern warship. After discussing the matter with King Robert, it’s decided that Burgundy's official offer to New Netherlands will be that Burgundy will assume responsibility for New Netherlands defense at sea, will maintain its officer corps in the New Netherlands army as well as supplying them with modern weapons, and New Netherlands will construct the necessary facilities to base modern warships out of New Amsterdam. With the unemployment among war veterans, the Burgundian West African Company decides to take advantage of the situation. Offering lands to those who sign up, they organize a small army of 5000 previously unemployed war veterans. After securing naval support from the Royal Navy, the BWAC launches an attack on the Mane Kingdom, immediately north of the Neiuw Friesland colony. After defeating the technologically inferior Mane army at the battle of Pepel, and again at the battle of Bo, the country is annexed into the Neiuw Friesland colony. True to their word, those that wish are given lands for them to own and develop, while they are further employed as peacekeepers. A settlement called Fräistad (OTL Freetown) is established near the site of the battle. The colonial government of Neiuw Zeeland continues consolidating territory. Neiuw Friesland (OTL Liberia) expands 50 px southeast along the coast. Garnaalië (OTL Cameroon) expands 50 px south. The Burgundian territory around Tasmanstad (OTL Hobart, Tasmania) expands 50 px along the coast.
 * ​​​​​​​Ethiopian Dip: We offer to buy some of the decommissioned ships.
 * ​​​​​​​Burgundian Dip: The offer is accepted.
 * ​​​​​​​Ethiopian Dip: We offer to buy two first-rates and four second-rates.
 * ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Burgundian Dip: The offer is accepted, the ships will be sailed to Malta, where they will be reserved until the Ethiopian crews claim them.
 * ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Ethiopian Response: Sailors from the Red Sea fleet are transported down the Nile and sailed to Malta where they will wait for the ships to arrive and sail the ships around Africa into Adulis.
 * ​​​​​​​After about four weeks - which is how long it takes for a clipper to get there and back - they present the economic data. This data proves New Netherlands can maintain a force sufficient in size for its defensive needs. Person.
 * United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland: With the economic crisis being really serious it is clear powerful measures are needed to combat this rampant inflation. Parliament passes an emergency budget heavily cutting expenditure temporarily and increasing taxation. Interest rates are raised heavily to discourage borrowing. Income tax was increased to the maximum rate of 20% and a minimum rate of 10%. The window tax is reintroduced and a tax on every hide of farmland issued as well and threshold for those paying income tax is lowered to £75 a year. All in all this tax hike hits everyone rich and poor, rural and urban quite hard. To keep food supply steady Britain asks to borrow (Mod response) grain from Avalon, Iroquois and Savannah promising to repay with interest and sell at market rates. In an attempt to encourage British farmers to sell, maximum price caps are put in place which will move with inflation encouraging farmers not to try to be smart by waiting for prices to rise. Worried about exports rising due to a weak currency taxes are placed on exports while tariffs are lowered. Expenditure is lowered as ships are given skeleton crews and moved into port while further construction is put on hold. A lot of the army are moved into reserve while pay for the remaining ones is cut angering many of them but they are offered the opportunity to move to Uluru or India. Education and subsidies are heavily cut. The demands of strikers are ignored by the government and bosses are told they can fire them. Riots break out in London in June due to inflation and cutbacks leading to further protests in the midlands by veterans and strikers. Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds all have areas of the city taken over by rioters and production grinds to a halt. The Crown Jewels, the Gold at the Bank of England and many other people move their valuables outside of the city and this is made clear to people so as to discourage looting. The army are called in but many of them voicing their own frustration refuse to help leaving the government powerless. The government and upper class move out to the countryside leaving the cities to be taken over by rioters. After a few days of anarchy though food and alcohol begins to run out and looting ends while violence against people alienates many and the riots stop. The government moves back into London and order is restored with a fair amount of damage though there is a lack of convictions. The upper class begin to move out of the city and demand better law and order on government behalf. Not possible right now. If Swahili wants to keep British and Indian troops assisting they need to pay the wages of said troops. In Salish we start mining out all the gold and a gold rush begins with people moving over there rapidly especially with poverty in England. England has a population of 18.2 million, Wales has 1.2 million, Ireland has five million people, and Scotland 2.8 million. In Britain, based in southern England, there are 20,000 professionals and 30,000 men in Ireland, 50,000 European soldiers and 300,000 Indian Sepoy in India spread out across the continent, 10,000 British soldiers, 10,000 Sepoy and 40,000 African soldiers in Swahili. 10,000 in Uluru, 1000 in West Africa. There are two fleets: one at Hull and one at Bristol, each comprise ten first-rate ships-of-the-line, 24 second-rate ships-of-the-line and 50 frigates.
 * ​​​​​​​India: With the British government announcing that it requires cash. The British soldiers who are laid off are encouraged to take lands in India. The Viceroy announces the blood guilt law fining all of British India for its participation in the rebellion which contributed to the economic failure. The blood guilt law has around 10,000 British and 80,000 Indian troops move from region to region demanding a set payment from the whole area to be raised how ever they wish. This inflow of gold, jewellery, precious stones and other valuables is sent back to London. The British forces sent to take the Western Rajput states and Punjab last year keep fighting and push forward while industrial scale looting behind the rear lines to provide money for London. The rest of the Indian army and British support keep working the labour battalions on defences from last year on the border with China.
 * ​​​​​​​Uluru: A steady flow of people from Britain many of them unemployed and India (convicts) is maintained and a militia is formed. Gold is mined and sent back to Britain due to the high prices demanded for it.
 * ​​​​​​​The British request for the loan is granted. -scraw
 * Ethiopian Empire: Ioshua thanks Belka for their help and negotiates for a 30,000 member Foreign Legion and the ability to decide when it's committed to combat. With the economy in Europe tanking Ioshua makes moves to keep the Ethiopian economy stable. The government begins to pay farmers not to overgrow and buys surplus stocks to keep it off the market. The bank of Ethiopia slows minting of coins by 20% and encourages people to continue spending to maintain regular prices. Public works goes into expanding the docks at Adulis and building more roads.
 * ​​​​​​​Belkan Dip: We remind Ethiopia they are a BELKAN protectorate, not a Burgundian and that Ethiopia will act as such. Belka reserves the right to sell anything and everything to Ethiopia and the right is to not be infringed. We remind them that we were willing to invade last time, and this time is no different. Ethiopia was given a free hand in its internal workings not its external. Further acts to cooperate with other powers outside the Belkan sphere will result in consequences. Do not undercut the Empire again.
 * Kingdom of Egypt: Egyptian ships arrive at Bahrain and drop off soldiers who then go on to occupy the rest of the island, including the outpost that was previously run by the French before the surrender. An Egyptian Coast Guard is set up around Bahrain to protect it from foreign invaders. The Egyptian flag is raised high above the outpost. French citizens and soldiers along with their families that still remain on the island are giving one year to leave Bahrain. We continue to build up our infrastructure. This includes building roads along the Nile, schools, and expanding our largest population centers, Giza and Alexandria. The King decides to call for parliamentary elections, seeing as how the citizens stopped the obscenity laws from being passed years ago, and fears a possible uprising if the government continues to undermine the people’s wants. The new members of parliament will then go on to elect a new prime minister, with the candidates being handpicked by the King. The King continues to encourage an Islamic life style for all Egyptian Muslims and their families, along with encouraging the study and research of Islamic sciences. The city of Alia continues to grow. The government begins to encourage larger investment and jobs in mining, as it wishes to grow its wealth and maybe get some sweet cash by selling gold and silver to European countries to help them with their crisis. Big mining businesses are founded, mostly controlled or owned by members of the Royal Family, and quickly begin to buy out mines to begin investing in mining and extracting resources. The growing of cotton is also encouraged, and any farmers around the Nile are encouraged to grow cotton on their land (all of this being grown around the Nile, of course, where there is fertile land and soil). The cult of personality surrounding the Muhammed Ali Dynasty only continues to grow, as portraits and statues of Muhammed Ali the First and Second pop up around the country. Poetry written by Muhammed Ali’s daughter is seen everywhere in Egyptian markets, and books starring Muhammed Ali’s grandson are also common, mostly portraying him as a warrior sent to battle evil and Satan himself. The Egyptian army continues to train using Belkan shock tactics and European weapons.
 * ​​​​​​​French Diplomacy: There are no French people living there, as once Belka bought the island, they were all moved either back to France or to a small island in Indonesia. So essentially, Egypt is occupying a Belkan island.
 * Scandinavian Empire: Emperor Sven III Gyldenløve continues to oversee the democratic transformation of Scandinavia. Due to the recession, projects are delayed.  Scandinavia delays building railroads, with two lines being continued: one from Stockholm to Malmö, and one from Jönköping to Riksdale. We finish building a steel processing factory in Linköping. Finally, Scandinavia seeks to expand its fleet. Scientiae Dei is continually funded by the state, but spending is cut on Scientiae Dei and funding is cut entirely from the State Bank of St Birgitta. We propose a land swap to Britain, trading the Sudreyar for (insert name here, OTL Sao Tome and Principe) (Person response, please.)
 * ​​​​​​​Iceland: We establish a major port in Reykjavik for whalers coming from the New World and encourage further whaling in Iceland and open a branch of Scientiae Dei to collect Icelandic sagas. We encourage whaling in Spitsbergen and found a small whaling settlement on Hejnriksholm after no other resources were found.
 * ​​​​​​​East Frisies: The East Frisies are incorporated into the Scandinavian Empire autonomously, in order to smooth the transition. German is discouraged through propaganda and East Frisian is promoted. The islands become home bases for the navy, with naval bases built on Borkum and Heligoland.
 * ​​​​​​​Kingdom of the Isles: We encourage whaling among the community of the Isles. We also establish a few kelp farms and textile factories.
 * Ny-Sjaelland and Vinland: Activity is flourishing in Christianshavn and whaling and commerce are major points. The colony prospers due to the income it gets from processing goods coming from Vinland and Scandinavia proper. Olafsborg and Vinland become incorporated and logging and whaling are encouraged, while also scouring for mining. Plans for a railroad from Olafsborg toward the inland are drawn up.
 * ​​​​​​​Prins-Rupert Island: Benat Aritza supports Basque immigration toward Prins-Rupert. Whaling is encouraged on Prins-Rupert. 
 * ​​​​​​​Greenland: We support slow expansion on the coast and we expand whaling.
 * ​​​​​​​British Dip: Yeah, we will make the trade.

1862
''' New Netherlands agrees to Burgundy's terms on defence and wants to keep negotiations moving. '''

''' In Belka, Austria and Czechia, many nobles especially from Austria and Czechia feel aggrieved by the higher taxation, the war and by the high spending like loaning money to Brésil so they take their money, selling what land they can and emigrate to places in the New World avoiding Belkan officials as best as they can so they keep money. '''

''' In Burgundy, France, Scandinavia, Prussia, Russia and Iberia the persistent overspending on wars in Africa, the army and shipbuilding leads to further high inflation and the people begin to move to a barter economy over cash. Fighting occurs in some cities over wages. '''

''' In Britain the heavy cutbacks led to a recession with a fall in GDP and a rise in unemployment. On the plus side, though, the rate of inflation is reduced and starvation doesn't quite set in. '''

''' Across Europe there are a lot of scary groups talking about overthrowing monarchies. Their literature spreads across Europe and trade unionism is on the rise. Radical groups form in large industrial nations like Britain and Burgundy. '''


 * Ethiopian Empire: Ioshua reminds the Belkans that we will not be bullied and we have cooperated, we saw a chance to expand our navy and we did it. We also remind them that we are an empire with far more lineage then they have. Ioshua hopes all problems are resolved seeing as we were simply buying hardware. The Emperor searches secretly for defense plans made by Zera Yacob in the 1400's so he may edit them for modern day tactics in the case of invasion. Only his son and top military and government officials are informed. Work on the docks of Adulis is put on hold while the Empire looks for money to fund it. The regular army adds another 5000 men to the ranks bringing it to 105,000 men. The roads around the nation continue being built at a consistent rate. Mining expeditions are sent into the interior to increase output of metals produced in the Empire. Adulis shipbuilding picks back up with the end of the war and privateering. The new ships are studied and their designs begin being produced. New buildings in cities begin to represent a more European style, but still maintain African roots. Ezana City opens its first workshops which refine the grain saving the farmers time, seeing as they don't have to send it to one of the big three cities. The lake begins being used for irrigation spreading farming even further from the cost.
 * Belkan Dip: Buying hardware from another country is exactly the problem. If you are a protectorate, by definition you are not dealing with another state foreign policy wise. It will be overlooked this time, but Ethiopia is not to deal with potential Belkan rivals of all states.
 * Russia: The tsar cuts the army from one million active men to 300,000. He slashes naval spending by simply closing the shipyards. This leads to more men out of work. These men begin to protest outside the Palace of St Rurik, they demand jobs and money. The Tsar begins to pave the way for democracy and declares a national assembly be created in light of the economic crisis. Tsar Vladimir passes the Stimulus Act which will pump some money into corporations who will use that money to expand their businesses and hire more people. Diplomats are sent to Texas and Brésil offering to sell them decent quantities of the vast stockpiles of modern weapons and ammunition (Bel and Falcon Respond). A telegram priority nationalizes any gold found in St Gregory, Novorossiya. This leads many miners to be unhappy and move south for further riches in the rump British Protectorate of Salish, joining the Brits in the Gold Rush.
 * ​​​​​​​This offer is accepted by Brésil.
 * French Republic: The 1862 Paris Riots occurs, with the result being the standing army being moved in to disperse the violent riots and effectively disperse the violent rioters. Reforms begin being further set in, mainly toward constitutional and employment reforms, such as tax cuts and deregulation on an industry or business. The French Chancellor revises the title "Chancellor" back to "President", and after working with the overly democratic National Congress, is able to pass a presidential reform that decreases the year limit of a President to four years, with the President not being able to run again. Due to the current President being two years into his term, he has two more years before the end of his term, thus making him incapable of running once again for the government position as President. The Military Iniative is declared over. Alexandre Marsan begins to rise in the political sphere, as his proposal for the "ideal peasant and worker state" gains him national noriety. Marsan announces his bid to run for President in 1864 under his newly created faction, the Communists. Hyacinthe Pelay finally returns to combat, serving as a commanding officer in the French Mali. The shipments of gold from Mali begin to be relayed worldwide, mainly being imported to locations that lack the gold treasures. At the end of the year, the standing army is reduced once again from 550,000 to 250,000 as a means of saving resources. The navy consists of one first-rate battleship, five second-rate battleships, and 13 frigates. Railroads continue to be built. 5000 troops are to be sent to Mali every year for a total of four years, which would bring the total number of troops in Mali to ~50,000. Les Miserables is published, historifying the events from the French Revolution to the Great European War about an ex-convict and his experiences from being a young juvenile in-and-out of prisons to being a war hero and obtaining redemption. The Gauthier Gun (ATL Gatling Gun) is patented by French inventor Gilbert Gauthier, and becomes an icon for the future of warfare, due to its ability to "reduce the size of armies and so reduce the number of deaths by combat and disease". He has also said to have made the weapon 'to show how futile warfare is' after experience combat first-hand in the French-Iberian Front of the war. Possibly more later.
 * ​​​​​​​French Mali: Consolidating the state under his grasp following the execution of the Malian King, President Eric Collard sends out ambassadors to the neighboring states to Mali (Masina [northeast], Ori and Orun [southeast]) declaring their Kings to surrender their sovereignty to the French government, and in return will remain alive and receive a portion of all profits made in exports following the increasement of French investment in the region (Mod). Outside of continuing the mining of gold, its exportation, and the new investment into the iron ore and bauxite mining projects, everything goes as planned. In the case of war with the nations that decline the offer of becoming states under the French government, 6000 troops are put on call in the need for arms, while the remaining troops continue to enforce labor protocols.
 * ​​​​​​​French Nigeria: Palm oil continues to be distributed and sold worldwide.
 * Republica Iberia: The Navarre West Africa Colony with support from the Iberian garrisons and outposts proceed to expand to quickly fill the small region of unclaimed land. The monetary troubles that plague Europe grow worse, being blamed on overspending on ships, troops, and colonies. This explanation befuddles the assembly as Iberia has not launched a new warship since 1856, and slashed the armed forces to a relatively small 200,000 following the War of the Pyrenees. Iberian colonies might have grown, but the government is not paying the conquistadors so how could inflation have grown? Regardless, gold from the kingdoms of West Africa begins to enter Iberia through the conquest of the conquistadors. Several of the more antiquated Iberian ships are sold to avoid paying repairs and maintenance fees. The government also takes the drastic action to simply remove money from circulation, taxes to some degree go unspent reducing the inflation. The monetary crisis contributes to a significant slowdown in economic development preventing industrial expansion. Tales of the Conquistadors reach millions across Iberia. Hundreds of disenfranchised soldiers sign up to join the now increasingly powerful clique. Hermenegildo “Dois” Cortez, with a cold and brutal charisma, inspired thousands to join him. However, thousands more begin protesting across the major cities of Iberia where the food crisis is most severe. The government attempts to appease the rioters with food handouts and promises of change, but the riots continue. A group of Belkan Syndicalists begin spreading their beliefs on unionism among the protesters and the practice begins to spread across Iberia. Thousands of unions and syndicates form across the country and strikes begin to slow and plague production. The government steps in to prevent a crisis and mediates a massive settlement plan. Laws are passed that mandate government involvement in negotiations and rules of mutual respect and non-violence. A major series of negotiations between the largest unions and their employers leads to a general plan for future negotiations. Rather than give the union members their demands for massive sudden wage hikes, the government gets both sides to accept a small wage hike every year for a decade. This will stabilize inflation and help reduce the economic crisis. Furthermore, the unions press for more progressive tax rates and reduced taxes for the working class. The government doesn't act on this yet, but begins to feel the pressure.
 * ​​​​​​​Republica de Morocco: The Moroccan Assembly, which is comprised primarily of coastal Reformist Muslims, continues to provide support to Reformist Mosques in an effort to promote attendance and conversion. The government provides these mosques with a stipend to use in charitable works that promote Reformist Islam. The practice of using decaying vegetation as a moisture trap and as cover for the insects and other organisms required for the growth of more water intensive plants continues to spread. The practice is, of course, still very minor, but has increased slightly the production of certain orchard crops.
 * ​​​​​​​Antillas Ibericas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of sugar production and as a stopover for ships headed out into the atlantic. The Colonial Garrison is reduced to cut costs to 1000.
 * ​​​​​​​Indias Orientales Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of spice production. The Colonial garrison is reduced to 1000 to cut costs.
 * ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Macaçar Iberica: After the Iberian Makassar Company was granted a charter in March by the Iberian government to be given the rights for the chartered colony, the trading company rented several vessels to transport scores of men to set up a system of governance in the Makassar subcolony in Indias Orientales Ibéricas, also known as the Iberian East Indies, in southern Sulawesi (Celebes in Iberian). A new trading post, named Little Makassar (port), was planned and started construction early in the year to help expand the (Iberian) spice trade in Oceania. This company, led by former mercenary Ezequiel Isadore Paleologa De Hoyos, also conducted a census on the part of disputed land they find themselves granted upon. The current population of Makassar would be almost 800,000 (I calculated and made a rough estimate after reducing population, IRL).
 * ​​​​​​​África Ocidental Iberica: The colony annexes what was formerly Senegay this year and begins to integrate it into the colony. Seeing the easy victory, half of the colonial forces return to Iberia and the remainder continue supporting colonial expansion and security efforts. The colony grows rapidly into the now more accessible sahel.
 * ​​​​​​​Cortezia: Having declared himself the director of Dakar, Cortez and his men are reinforced by 1000, 1000 from the southern expedition join Cortez in addition to 2000 new recruits, as Cortez calls for the invasion Diafanu (Nation East of Dakar). He has his second in command defende Dakar with 500 men. The remaining 2000, armed with Henrique and Sandoval Rifles, march to face Diafanu. The Diafanu Army, led by its king, meet Cortez near the border and offer to pay off the now regionally infamous conquistador. Cortez and his 2000 men face an army of 12,000. The fighting a fierce, the Diafanu warriors are fierce, but they melt under the trained fire of the Iberians. The battle is not without Iberian losses and 500 men are killed by the Diafanu. Native loses are beyond counting. The remainder of the army cuts a swath through Diafanu, until they discover the source mines in central Diafanu. Cortez also imports several hundred doses of Quinine for his men to be used in the event of Malaria. Transportation is provided by allowing two decommissioned frigates that the military is renting to the conquistadors. Funding has so far been coming from the conquistadors themselves and a few wealthy colonial families who seek new opportunities in West Africa, but the military is providing very minor assistance in the forms of discounted weapons and the ships for rent. (Just to be clear, these guys are generally self-funded adventurers who have purchased very cheap surplus weapons and boats, and organized to try to make it rich in a new land with tales of gold. It's not a government enterprise so it's costing me less directly and the spoils almost certainly are a net benefit.)
 * Belkan Empire: In an unsurprising move, Belka is forced to deal with yet another potential problem, the rising power of the newly developing Trade and Labor Syndicates. However, the fact that the Supreme Soviet and the Tsar have been mostly on the side of the unions and Syndicates has gone over well and a huge upswing in popularity occurs. The Syndicates of Belka form quickly and in a massively organized fashion. Being led mostly by Army Veterans or older industrial workers such as foreman and managers, hundreds of Syndicates form in many cases endorsed by the government which in most other countries would oppress or attempt to destroy them. The formation of the Syndicates also leads to the publication of the relatively non-radical "Syndicalism in the Belkan World" a book which champions the early efforts of the Belkan state to curtail oppressive industrialization practices and its current process to retain the jobs and functionality of the industrial work force and provide for their welfare. The political movement of Syndicalism forms with the three leading Syndicates known as the Veterans Syndicate, the Pan-Belka Syndicate, and the Vasiligrad Syndicate forming in a coalition to monopolize on the political movement garnered. Multiple Soviet representatives join the movement leading to the Vozhd and the Tsar to push for the formation of a Coalition government between the Slavocist party, and the Syndicalist party which agree to codify the many progressive gains made by the Belkan government in the face of its economic crisis. In this regard a concession is made to the Syndicalist party to divert tax funding to a universal education system following the end of the economic crisis. While Czech, Austrian and some Belkan nobility and upper class try to flee, the final one-third of the aristocratic immigrants are caught and tried for Tax Dodging and imprisoned with a sentence of 15 years. Their families fortunes are halved and their lands confiscated and the sales previously made are rendered null and void and the buyers money refunded. The money taken from the families is relatively substantial as many of these families had been hoarding money and asset for years which are split up or used to pay off Belkan debt and war bonds. These seized funds make a decent dent in the debt and war bonds as the drastic measures taken this year begin to bear fruit as the massive tax revenue incoming this year stabilizes the Belkan ruble and sees it gain in value. Confidence - once shaken by the loans given out to Brésil and possibility of a failed expedition to Zaire - is brought to heel as the Belkan Stock Market in Sofiya shows moderate but noticeable gains and public spending in the economy shows a small rise as confidence in the Belkan ruble remains solid. While the rest of Europe's economies remain in a free fall or almost depression levels the Belkan nosedive has been averted for the time being and current levels of spending remain until tax revenue in the next few years can make up for the spending. Another method for getting out of the recession, the mining and production or procuring of more gold and silver has led to the inflation of the rruble to halt as gold and silver influx begins the process of meeting in the middle with the semi-inflated and devalued currency. In order to put the unemployed to work, a government program is put in place to build more railways and get the unemployed section of the workforce 'to begin gaining wealth and also put money back into the economy. There is some resistance that the increase in spending due to the necessity of paying these men is over the top, however, in agreement with the Syndicalists who say that as many people as possible need to be employed labor syndicate or not, prompts recruitment drives for the unemployed to work on Belka's railway network in upgrading or bringing new railways to more rural parts of the country and also sees the employment of the unskilled into these positions as well as the developing of natural resource deposits across the country. The fixing of agricultural prices also sees confidence in the agricultural sector as farmers are able to sell their crops for relatively the same price as they would have before the economic dip and hence do not go broke. Industrial growth as a result of the anti-expansion laws is halted as work to keep everyone employed is kept as the highest priority. As per the agreement with China, the First concession is taken control of with the Belkan Crown Colony of Hong Kong coming under Belkan administration. 
 * ​​​​​​​Maghrebi Dependency: The Dependency this year sees notable growth of its cotton industries as it exports its first crop to Belka's textile factories. Marked as a crown colony, the Belkan colonial government remains fully in respect of traditional customs that do not violate common law of the homeland. A new wave of settlers, people not able to make a full living in the homeland reach Algiers this year setting up the Belkan quarter in the city.
 * ​​​​​​​Zaire Dependency: Under its own government, essentially, the Belkan colonial government of Zaire establishes full control over the country now having recruited many minorities against the Bantu majorities which are used in a temporary divide and conquer strategy. Knowing the fiscal situation at home, the Belkan colonial force of 5000 still sitting in the capital known Zairiya City and now home to the Belkan colonial government begins an intense campaign to fully pacify the country. A patrol force of 1000 is sent out into the jungle with native auxilaries paid out of the still functional seized treasury of the country. Their auxilaries lead them to many of interior settlements and villages which are pacified with only a few notable examples in which the colonial forces use heavy handed force to pacify. After roughly six months of pacification and only light casualties the force returns to the capital delivering a slew of treaties to the colonial government which now begins to show a profit from the economic productivity of the country. Belkan trade ships, showing up a full two to three years earlier than expected are greeted with shipments of rubber, cotton, sugar and other cash crops including a surprising amount of fruit which is purported to take off in Belka for its novelty as well as taste and appeal to the masses.
 * ​​​​​​​Hong Kong Concession: The Belkan concession in Hong Kong (Macau can't be occupied as long as Russia is there) is assumed under the auspicies of the Legation city, a diplomatic and trade city to sit at the mouth of a major Chinese river for trade and economic activity. The city is small and noted to only have roughly 65,000 people between the city and the Kowloon peninsula. However, the arrival of a Belkan squadron of 15 ships including two Belkan iron-sheathed upgraded first-rate battleships draws crowds amazed at the sight of the Belkan warships. An assessment of the islands and Kowloon brings surprise to the Belkans noting that this region will be perfect to headquarters not only a fleet but potentially an entire East Asian colonial administration. The first movement of Chinese goods through makeshift modern ports is shipped back to Belka with intent on Resale to the rest of Europe and even a few factories are opened this year purchasing domestic Chinese goods opening up a few textile mills and attracting Chinese workers hoping to capitalise on the Belkan industrial involvement in the city. City planners arrive in short order looking to turn Hong Kong into a shining example of Belkan culture, industrialism, and power abroad in the globe - and particularly Asia. The first things to be put under construction are a series of modern port facilities and barracks for the eventuality of a large Belkan garrison to be stationed in Hong Kong.
 * Empire of Brésil: With the loans from Belkan banks, Theodore funds a massive infrastructure project. Canals spring up connecting various rivers, roads get paved for miles upon miles. Even the rural communities now have steady access to urban centers, and many people choose to migrate to the blooming urban communities of Saint-Denis and New Valois. These urban centers, however, also attract unsavory types. As European immigration essentially quadruples, minority communities become commonplace in many cities. Homicides double. Anti-immigration rhetoric becomes more widespread, with slurs against the French and Iberian communities becoming ever present. Regardless, hundreds of Europeans still travel to Brésil, seeking a new life in the cash crop fields of the Amazon, or amongst the rattling machinery that is gradually cropping up in various hubs. In other news, Theodore hires a new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Johan Frederikson, which is controversial due to his Scandinavian lineage. Johan does prove to be skilled, however, as he manages to assure Belkan bankers about the soundness of their investment. He also travels to London, offering a sum of money to be negotiated, for the acquisition of three ships-of-the-line, as well as ten frigates (PERSON RESPONSE NEEDED). Requests are sent to Mapuche, New Grenada and Peru, for the negotiation of a treaty pertaining to trade amongst them, as well as mutual defense against outside threats (MOD RESPONSE, PLEASE). Brésil also proposes the Trans-Atlantic Trade Compact, to nations such as the Arcadian states, and European states (MOD AND PLAYER RESPONSES NEEDED).
 * Empire of Brésil: With the loans from Belkan banks, Theodore funds a massive infrastructure project. Canals spring up connecting various rivers, roads get paved for miles upon miles. Even the rural communities now have steady access to urban centers, and many people choose to migrate to the blooming urban communities of Saint-Denis and New Valois. These urban centers, however, also attract unsavory types. As European immigration essentially quadruples, minority communities become commonplace in many cities. Homicides double. Anti-immigration rhetoric becomes more widespread, with slurs against the French and Iberian communities becoming ever present. Regardless, hundreds of Europeans still travel to Brésil, seeking a new life in the cash crop fields of the Amazon, or amongst the rattling machinery that is gradually cropping up in various hubs. In other news, Theodore hires a new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Johan Frederikson, which is controversial due to his Scandinavian lineage. Johan does prove to be skilled, however, as he manages to assure Belkan bankers about the soundness of their investment. He also travels to London, offering a sum of money to be negotiated, for the acquisition of three ships-of-the-line, as well as ten frigates (PERSON RESPONSE NEEDED). Requests are sent to Mapuche, New Grenada and Peru, for the negotiation of a treaty pertaining to trade amongst them, as well as mutual defense against outside threats (MOD RESPONSE, PLEASE). Brésil also proposes the Trans-Atlantic Trade Compact, to nations such as the Arcadian states, and European states (MOD AND PLAYER RESPONSES NEEDED).
 * French Diplomacy: Sure, why not?
 * Aztec Diplomacy: Of course, we accept.
 * Brésilian Diplomacy: The alliance or the trade treaty?
 * Both
 * Burgundian Dip: Burgundy expresses interest in the trade compact.
 * Iberian Dip: Iberia will attend any preliminary meetings.
 * Belkan Dip: We take interest in the deal. (Make a page, Falcon)
 * British Dip: Not interested in free trade but we will sell you those ships.
 * Kingdom of Burgundy: The talks with the New Netherlands separatists near a head. The Burgundian Crown Committee puts forward what it sees as the best proposal, the New Netherlands territory will be turned into the Kingdom of New Netherlands, which, while King Robert will remain their head-of-state, will have complete internal autonomy and the ability to form separate trade agreements with other countries (although Burgundy will receive preferential deals), New Netherlands' foreign policy will be tied to Burgundy's, though it will be allowed to have consulates in other countries, and Burgundy will reserve the right to ask for New Netherlands military assistance in the defense of Burgundy or the other Arcadian territories, though New Netherlands will hold say over how much - if any - support they will contribute (essentially the deal Canada got when it became a dominion OTL). The discovery of a new source of gold in southern Patagonië is received as a welcome surprise, as its expected to help with the economic crisis. Much of Burgundy's gold, however, is kept in reserve as a way to combat inflation. The treasury also orders interest rates raise to discourage borrowing. The States-General also authorizes a raising of taxes, as well as a new round of budget cuts. Although the Navy was slated to receive more cuts of its own, they were voted against by much of the ruling coalition. The deputy leader of the Conservatives in the House of Commons, Coenraad Snijder, said during the debates on the matter, ”The prosperity of the Kingdom is directly conditional on the state of our forces at sea. The garrison of a fortress would not weaken themselves by undermining the foundation of their wall, why would we do the same to ours?” Despite this, Naval shipbuilding largely grounds to a halt, the exceptions being the launch of the armored frigates Kinnik Rogier, Holland, and Kearsarge. The remaining two of the class Orkaan and Donneren are planned to be launched next year, their construction drawn out in an effort to keep up employment. The only other naval ship under construction, the experimental SMS Monitor, is launched, armed with two 15” rifled guns housed in a rotating turret designed by inventor Johan Erkensen. It is made clear that any attempt to overthrow the government by radical forces will not be taken lightly, and conspirators will be tried for treason when any plots are discovered. On the subject of trade unions, King Robert orders a royal commission to study the matter, taking under consideration from corporations and these unions alike, to make recommendations to the States-General as a result. Engineer Karel Simonis files a patent for an open hearth furnace.
 * Belkan Dip: Belka offers Burgundy the opportunity to be the first nation to list its businesses internationally on the Sofyia Stock Market to better display the raw economic, industrial, trading, and finances of its own nation as well as for any other nations listing on this stock market. This will allow a more codified process for free enterprise as well as facilitate much higher trade potential between the two countries as well as any other countries which decide to list on the Sofiya market.
 * Burgundian Dip: Burgundy agrees and gives its businesses permission to list themselves on the Sofyia Stock Market.


 * China: Government-sponsored economic modernization commences within China, with prime emerging centers being in the areas surrounding the Pearl, Yangtze and Yellow River Deltas alongside the Korean peninsula. The government continues to grant a greater financial role to the nationalized Bank of China, which reinforces the standardization of promissory banknotes (now officially referred to as "cash") while beginning a five-year phasing period for taels. As per the Belgrad-Beijing Co-Operation Treaty, the former leased ports Macau and Hong Kong are formally ceded to Belka as designated permanent colonies. Meanwhile, enclaves in Shanghai and Qingdao are also leased for trading purposes with a skeleton garrison of Belkan troops permitted for defense and administration. Facilities are constructed as part of the foreign government advisor program. With heavy support from Belkan advisors, constructions of four arsenals (in Seoul, Nanjing, Guangzhou, and Tianjin) start, all four would be approx. 40-acres (160,000m2) and would have the capacity to produce medium-calibre cannons and rifled muskets. Scholars are sent overseas to Belkan universities. Several institutional reforms begin: the transportation, energy, mining and other key sectors are nationalized, along with emergency and postal services. A universal income tax of ~5% is implemented. Major road segments are paved. Gold continues being mined, in order to stabilize the economy. Guano fertilizer is used in the cultivation of grain to further heighten agricultural productivity, while the usage of glans condoms and abortifacient medicine to prevent unwanted births is used to curb run-off population growth. Several chaebols receive government subsidies in exchange for accepting Belkan advisors and implementing the factory model (while phasing the putting-out model). The first experimental factories are established dealing with the mass production of light industrial luxury goods such as porcelain, jewelry and silk textiles. A modern plantation model is implemented in ginseng, cotton and tea cultivation.


 * Swahili: We continue colonial expansion in Northern Somalia, in the South and in the Malindi and Mombasa area. Colonization increases as medicine and weaponry become more widespread. In the Swahili heartland, the profitability of cloth factories and cotton farming had led to a sharp increase in the number of slaves. With foreign support, the army pushes farther South. Foreign veterans are recruited to train the army, especially those from the British and Belkan expeditionary forces. Foreign support units are also paid. With the economic downturn in Europe, European technical marvels are purchased and foreign engineers, businessman and scientists are hired with gold bullion. The influx of foreign interests had led to the exploration and excavation of numerous minerals in Swahili.
 * Sefuwa: All Swahili colonies in Southwest Africa are organized into Sefuwa. Colonisation begins to connect the settlements.
 * Huriya: Political integration continues with Swahili bureaucrats being sent to oversee more political processes.
 * Rowzi: Political integration continues with Swahili bureaucrats being sent to oversee more political processes. As more soldiers enter Swazi, Rowzi is even more closely integrated to improve logistical efforts.
 * There are things called patents. You don't just walk into a shop and buy state of the art equipment. Person.
 * Hiring engineers and businessman doesn't require patents and was done by Japan OTL (oyatoi gaikokujin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_government_advisors_in_Meiji_Japan ) and the Qing dynasty (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaiping_Mines, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiangnan_Shipyard, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosper_Giquel, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Léonce_Verny). Multiple foreign machinery was also bought historically by these and other nations during OTL. Furthermore, I was not implying the purchase of "state of the art", but common machinery for sale, thus not under consideration of patent law. Fallacy
 * Yeah, alright. Thanks for clarifying. Person.


 * Kingdom of Prussia: As the financial crisis continues, we begin to remove a modest amount of currency from circulation. Banks outside of the Central Bank are given limits of currency production. As this goes on, we begin to take imports of goods from the colonies in Angola and Hussein due to more farmland and crop growth capabilities in those regions. Notes begin to be replaced with silver and other precious metal based coins. With us trying to keep our same level of spending for our armed forces, we speed of the decommissioning of old ships and the scrapping continues. The Deutsche Front pushes the ideals that if the German people were to ever rise to glory, unification is the only way. Many people join the Deutsche Front which begins to compete with the Liberals and Conservative parties in the Landtag. Hesse is placed as Foreign Minister of Prussia in the fall. People leave their homes in areas still recovering from war to go to the colonies in seek of better work. Veterans find jobs from where they made their living to begin working in dockyards and also seeing government and political positions. Subsidies and funding for education face cuts to ensure that there is enough money to go around. Some 20,000 troops are moved into the reserves while another 10,000 join the armed forces and to save on money, are trained several times during the year. To save money from government factory production. Some government contracts are signed for private businesses to produce weapons. We offer the Germans weapon designs such as the Dreyse Needle Gun and artillery in exchange, we hold joint military practices which could help not only better the training of our armies but cut costs. Rationing begins in the “soup kitchens” as there is only but so much to go around. All over the newspapers from Hanover to Königsberg, people discuss the referendum with polls being in favor of the change so far and the United Deautsche Front holding rallies in support.
 * Prussian Angola: As newcomers from a nation facing crisis like Prussia flood in, new communities in and along the coast are established. Small Prussian villages are established inland as well. In the meantime, German begins being taught to the native populace with them getting to learn broken German. At least, although with us ruling over them with an iron fist, they start to lose their grudge over us as we teach them ways to grow crops which unlocks something even greater - a source of labor. Sugar cane and wheat are introduced and with the help of Prussian farmers get to know how to grow better. Things like bread begin being provided as well. Quinine is brought in larger quantities to help people that unfortunately encounter Malaria. With the help of locals, we are able to expand 13 px inland in Northern Angola.
 * Greater Hussein: With a wave of new migrants coming in, new homes are built. More farms are established in newly claimed territory and New Berlin is seen as a center for business in the colony. Prussians and Saxons who arrive find the Colony as a Tropical Haven. We expand another 14 px.
 * The Germans agree. ~Wolves.


 * Kingdom of Egypt: We continue to build up our infrastructure, such as roads along the Nile, building schools, and expanding our major population centers such as Giza and Alexandria. The King continues to encourage an Islamic lifestyle for all Egyptian Muslims and their families, along with supporting and funding studying of Islamic sciences and researching of Islamic sciences. The king, in order to please Belka, publicly denounces Ethiopia’s collaboration with Burgundy. The Egyptian army continues to train using Belkan shock tactics and European weapons. The cult of personality surrounding the Mohammed Ali dynasty continues. We continue to grow cotton and sell cotton to Belka, we also export gold to Belka.
 * United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland: While there is a recession the government decides to continue with its counter-inflationary policies of maintain a high budget surplus by a low military budget and other conservative spending as well as high taxes uniformly spread out to hit everyone which allows the government to take money out of circulation. The cash from Brésil is also taken out of circulation while interest rates are kept high at 10% to discourage borrowing. All of this results in an economic recession as demand decreases leading to a growth in unemployment. Pressure is put on the government to find an extra-economic solution to Britain's recession with talk of war in the form of colonialism for plunder. In response to the recession nothing is done to help those in poverty although fear of militant revolution leads to the creation of the Special Political Branch at the Metropolitan Police formed of 50 members of the Metropolitan police. This unit is tasked with infiltrating militant groups by going undercover, finding informants, performing sting operations and arresting members for interrogation. The urban firearms areas ordinance act is passed making it so all those living in a city and owning a weapon must register with the police force if there is one. This unit is also equipped for riot control and being given equipment such as entry tools, batons, riot shields, helmets, sawed down shotguns and carriages. England has a population of 18.7 million, Wales has 1.2 million, Ireland has five million people, and Scotland 2.8 million. In Britain, based in southern England, there are 20,000 professionals and 30,000 men in Ireland, 50,000 European soldiers and 300,000 Indian Sepoy in India spread out across the continent, 10,000 British soldiers, 10,000 Sepoy and 40,000 African soldiers in Swahili. 10,000 in Uluru, 1000 in West Africa. There are two fleets: one at Hull and one at Bristol, each comprise ten first-rate ships-of-the-line, 22 second-rate ships-of-the-line and 45 frigates.
 * ​​​​​​​India: Having taken the Western Rajput States and Punjab the British set about occupying them. The Indian army has 150,000 Indians and 25,000 British working on defences on the border with China while the rest of the forces are distributed across the country with 5000 British at the British strategic fort on the West Indian coast.
 * ​​​​​​​Uluru: A steady flow of people from Britain - many of them unemployed and Indian (convicts) - is maintained and a militia is maintained. Gold is mined and sent back to Britain due to the high prices demanded for it.

1863
''' As all European countries manage to achieve significant budget cuts this allows money to be taken out of circulation. The reduced spending leads to recession with issues such as higher unemployment but at the very least the rate of inflation sees a fall in European countries. '''

''' New Netherlands accepts its new status as an independent but connected country to Burgundy. '''

''' Napoleon and his followers travel to the far northern reaches of Aztlan, which are sparsely populated and highly autonomous due to their remoteness. '''


 * Russia: Tsar Vladimir VI feels he has done all he could to the economy and falls into depression for a month. After he recovers from some suicidal thoughts the Tsar announces the formation of a parliament called the Duma and the appointing of a Prime Minister. Committees are set up in most towns across the nation about voting for their representative. However, the voting is mostly done by hand as the peasants can't read. The tsar appoints Dimitri Kerensky as the Prime Minister. Although not part of any party, he associates himself with the United Russia Party, the conservative party in the Duma allied with the Kadets. Compared to the radical Bolsheviks in the house and the center-left Trudoviks, Kerensky was seen as the next domino in Russian democratization. However, the tsar's wishes of democracy are not seen in light by many of the nobility, especially the generals. The cabal of general-led loyal officers and men numbering 5000 into Novgorod outside the palace of St Rurik where they demanded the tsar abdicate and disband the Duma. The city's police and soldiers loyal to the state stood opposing the rebels behind barricades. The standoff eventually led to a gunfight. No one knows who fired first. However, the loyalists with their superior positions, easily massacred the rebels. The rebel generals and whatever survivors were left were deported to the Chukotsk Oblast in Siberia. Local troops in Russian Gabon cross the Gabon river and claim any land between the river and Belkan Zaire. The first String-Baroque Accords are held in Minsk. Those first inducted are Stephen Mueller and Cheslav Chistayavoda Vozrozhdeniya. However, frontman of the former band, Josif Fydorovich refuses to play with his old band mates and instead plays with upcoming star Sasha Brusilov who just had a hit song called "Born to Run". Whatever remnants of the Guuti civilization are slaughtered or taken prisoner by the Far East Cossacks of Novorossiya. The Duma begins to form the Reorganization Act of 1866 which would categorize two areas or governable territory in Russia as Oblasts (which are provinces), and Krais (which are territories needing admittance as a province). Diplomats are sent to Britain to discuss the possible Russian purchase of Salish due to the influx of some Russian gold miners who have set up some communities in the colony. Novorossiyan native Captain Vasili Mikhailovich plans to set sail for Russian Papua, and begin his exploration of the South Pacific. In response to Chinese intimidation, a force of 30,000 soldiers are dispatched to Siberia. These troops are told to dig in around major population centers. A diplomat is sent to the Forbidden City guaranteeing Russian neutrality in the war.
 * Aztlan: We have decided to industrialize the country, building railroads and using a new invention, the telegraph, as a way to easily communicate with the rest of the country.


 * You need to get mod approval before you industrialize. -Orwell
 * Strike one. Person. 
 * France: Two top tier ironclad-level battleships are produced, titled Archangel and Hellfire.
 * French Nigeria: Expansion is made 50 px.


 * Belkan Empire: Coming out of the crisis in terms have established Belka as a rock solid economy albeit having suffered at the hands of the crisis. The reigns of the economy are somewhat loosened as the attempts at a more competitive free market approach begin and the industrial expansion austerity measures are revoked allowing industry to grow competitively and naturally. As Belka becomes increasingly the main financial and stock center around the globe, it is becoming apparent that global economies are becoming much more interconnected and that a crisis for one could mean a crisis for all. Interestingly enough, while many expected the tsar and his Supreme Soviet to reneg on their agreements with the Syndicates, the Belkan government signed into law the Education Act of 1863 giving universal and compulsary education to the populace and implements multiple checks to make sure the schools are up to a high national standard. On top of this, the education system in poorer districts is subsidized to maintain a high standard. Literature and arts flourish as many post war arts push through and become much more prominent with the poem "The Siege of Vienna" becoming the most famous as it chronicles both sides of the conflict in concise yet great detail. While Heavy Industry grows and remains a mainstay in the Belkan nation, the growth of the Machine and Textile Industry due to preferential agreements from Egypt and the colonial exports from the colonies brings these to the forefront. It is estimated by the end of the decade the national income per person will have grown by half according to economists as they look at the current positive projections. While previously having been neutral or slumping, the stock market in Sofiya shows notable growth this year as many middle- and upper-class get involved in many more moneymaking and investment schemes in order to grow their own personal wealth. However, with the budget under control and a huge surplus under way, there are calls to lower the tax code to pre-war levels. However, the Vozhd and the Supreme Soviet refuse and only draw down taxes slightly. With the industrial magnates, and upper-class more or less under control, the taxes are only bumped down 5% for the upper class capping it at 20%. The arguments remain but the prominence of the Syndicates as well as a large part the military who see the tax dodging or lowering, see it as the Belkan aristocracy attempting to get out of "paying their fair share". The issue remains, however, for now, under control as the upper-class cannot argue the fact that their taxes were instrumental in ending the horrible crisis which had hit the country's economic system recently. It is also known that most political parties were insulated from the lobbying present in other democratic institutions. Corruption, while obviously present, is noted to be relatively low as the threat of reprisals and government supported groups which make exploitative industrialization nearly impossible have kept the levels low. With the threat of the economic strain significantly lower, the Belkan tsar and his Supreme Soviet reorganize the multiple acquired colonies and Dependencies into Crown colonies, with a directly appointed governor by the state being sent to handle the matters of the colony. The Crown Colonies of Maghreb, Zaire, Gabon, and Hong Kong are all established and highly talented governors sent to each as well as nearly 5000 more troops to Zaire to establish a domineering presence in the recently conquered state. As a result of a nearby powerbase with which to project from,  the Belkan outposts in North and South Gabon are connected following a quietly marshalled expedition which solidifies control of the Gabon coast in its entirety. The usage of Belka's new multi-firing gun also known as a "machine gun" of the hand-cranked and fired variety makes this an easy task as native resistance to the expansion is crushed easily. The population of Belka crests 67 million as a baby boom occurs.
 * Crown Colony of Maghreb: The new name of the colony is put out as the Crown Colony of Maghreb as it falls under control of a new governor who continues many of the same practices by the old governors. The amount of cotton grows as the expansion of canals continues specifically to reclaim and irrigate desert land. The Maghrebi colony boasts a population of 6.2 million as crop yields and availability of goods begin allowing for a higher population in the Region. The number of Belkan settlers in Maghreb increases as roughly 4000 settle this year.
 * Crown Colony of Zaire: The Crown Colony of Zaire begins exporting materials to the homeland in greater numbers and quantity. Against the advice of his advisors the governor refuses to rip up farmland for more cash crops and allows many farmers to continue their normal farming methods, only appropriating unused or underused land for the growing of cash crops like tobacco, sugar and more importantly cotton. Rubber harvesting becomes more prominent as the necessity of rubber becomes more and more apparent. The population is finally put to number as the census shows it at 9.1 million.
 * Crown Colony of Gabon: Being a newly developed crown colony, Gabon is put under a military governership and is given orders to request troops from Zaire if needed. Port Volda becomes the capital of the new Crown colony and some expeditions into the interior are conducted but more importantly control is established all over the coast.
 * Crown Colony of Durestov: As the push of Belkan administration becomes apparent more construction - specifically of dockyards and barracks - happens. With the declaration of war on China, the admistration is extremely concerned. However, as no overt moves have been made towards Durestov, the Belkan administration declares it a haven city and offers any displaced by the war to make their homes in the city and surrounding Belkan administered land. Being in no position to challenge the larger colonial empires of Burgundy and Britain, the city is put on high alert and the 1000 strong Garrison fortifies the region heavily. As a result of the haven declaration almost 40,000 Chinese arrive in a surprising number and the Belkan administration is forced to construct housing for the people. Loans taken from the bank ensure that the administration could house hundreds of thousands of Chinese refugees if needed.
 * United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland: The recession is still an issue. Wary of cutting high taxes or increasing spending which has kept inflation low. Still determined to fix the economy, Belka's agreement with China is looked upon in envy and in fear. The deal leads to a debate in the House of Parliament about the government's response to it. The British PM travels to Burgundy and to with all possible secrecy ask Burgundy for help invading China. A force of some 13,000 British soldiers and marines comprising cavalry and artillery regiments is assembled ostensibly to go to India to reinforce the position their and to be followed by two first-rate ships-of-the-line, three second-rate ships-of-the-line, five river monitors, 12 frigates, and 21 corvettes. This force sails to Burgundian Singapore which has all merchant ships and traffic impounded while the allied force moves through where it meets up with 7000 European troops from the Indian army who join up with the British and Burgundian force. The British and Burgundian forces continue on from Singapore going to Macau where with the permission of Russia (Orwell agreed, he can contradict me, otherwise) we resupply our forces again and move down the Pearl River and declare war on China. The reasoning for this war is largely to get Britain out of its recession. The allied fleet moves through and engages whatever the Chinese send to block it. A force of 40,000 allied soldiers supported by fleet, artillery and cavalry launch an attack to take Guangzhou repeatedly trying to storm it until it falls trying to land troops right on the wharf while the Allies move monitors up the Dong/East river blowing bridges where possible and interfering with the passage of troops by river craft. The Allied fleet sits in the Pearl River Delta waiting for a counterattack with corvettes and frigates going out to raid Chinese flagged vessels. England has a population of 19.1 million, Wales has 1.2 million, Ireland has five million people, and Scotland 2.8 million. In Britain, based in southern England, there are 15,000 professionals and 250,000 men in Ireland, 50,000 European soldiers and 300,000 Indian Sepoy in India spread out across the continent, 10,000 British soldiers, 10,000 Sepoy and 40,000 African soldiers in Swahili. 10,000 in Uluru, 1000 in West Africa. There are two fleets: one at Hull and one at Bristol, each comprise ten first-rate ships-of-the-line, 22 second-rate ships-of-the-line, 45 frigates, and 62 corvettes.
 * India:  On the border of China, Myitkyina, Mansi, Hseni, Mongton, Kawkareik and Keng Tung each have 10,000 Indian forces at them while another 80,000 Indian forces and 25,000 British forces the forces are held in reserve at Mandalay and fortify the city. distributed across the country with 5000 British at the British strategic fort on the West Indian coast. India has 220 million people.
 * Uluru: A steady flow of people from Britain - many of them unemployed and Indian (convicts) - is maintained and a militia is maintained. Gold is mined and sent back to Britain due to the high prices demanded for it.


 * Kingdom of Burgundy: Agreeing to Britain’s request for help against China, a force of 7000 troops are sent to Singapur. As naval support, the steam-powered ships-of-the-line Elisabeth de Eisen, Karel de Grousse (first-rates), Medway, Elba, Ostend, Rotterdam, and Somme (second-rates) are sent, along with the 40-gun ironclad frigates Kinnik Wëllem II, Kinnik Robert III, Kearsarge, Orkaan, and Holland, as well as 14 wooden-hulled frigates, and 20 corvettes as support. The Monitor, along with three recently-completed sister ships, are taken along via tow. Arriving in Singapur, 13,000 Malayan Troops are embarked to assist in the campaign, while another 30,000 are sent to the Malayan border and fortify themselves. Another 27,000 Malayans, and 50,000 Aceh-Sumatran troops are kept in reserve. Resupplying in Macau, the allies launch their attack on Chinese territory (see Britain post for details).
 * Kingdom of Ostdeutsche: The results are in. With a high turnout in the referendum, our kingdom will be changed from its old name to a more suiting name. The United Deutsche Front rejoice for victory for the German People. Although this is seen as something great and Heinrich accepts the name change with open arms, the economy is still being hammered. The former economics advisor is fired over his flaws with trying to contain unemployment which leaves someone else to fill the vacuum by the name of Olivier Von Celle. He proposes to the Büro für Wirtschaft that what is needed is modernization of German industry and must become also far more competitive. He notes that in the short term this will lead to a rise of unemployment. But in his memorandum, he explains how we could contain and even reduce this unemployment through a large scale program of Road Construction and Public Works. It passes on seeing negative views from conservatives but positive views from the Neutrals and Liberals who are open to new ideas that could help improve the nation and lead progress. Encouragement of modernization is made and wages are raised by law to One Zehntel Marke every hour to ensure that all workers are making enough money to at least ensure ends meet. The yearly budget is altered to add on to public works with most of the money being divided into the development of infrastructure and education with a small cutback to the military resulting in a temporary cut in funds which furthermore leads to a new decommissioning of old muskets and flintlock weapons with more old ships being mothballed. With that being said, the military only recruits 10,000 and another 12,000 are put into reserves while government factories continue using the budget to further produce weaponry mainly. Artillery also is squeezed in. Polish people continue to abandon their old homes and are allowed for return back to Poland safely which leads to a decrease in the Polish population by 10%. Joint military operations are done leading to each of the German commanders getting to know one another and a letter is sent by the king to Muller to discuss plans in private in his estate in Potsdam over further military operations with one another such as a unified military council for joint military manuevers (Mod Response). With the programs of public works kicking in, new government schools and buildings are built which add to jobs for veterans and citizens in need of work. The government also pushes companies that it has close relations with to modernize and become more competitive which seems to be the case. Only time will tell if Olivier's proposal shows a light within the darkness. A new private non government funded venture is made along the mouth of OTL Nigeria River with the assistance of only 800 volunteer soldiers from our reserves. They establish a camp and expedition site. Jungles are ventured and by fall, the first paid construction workers come over by sea from nearby German Colonies to help build a settlement named Anforderungen. It is planned to attract the rich. In the meantime, natives are taught to not be afraid and are given gifts and taught new things such as how to grow things properly and better hunting skills. They enjoy the soldiers and have attraction to them as time to time, they would allow them to come for dinner with a well maintained food supply from the colonies to sustain them. All is well.


 * Prussian Angola: Housing and huts are expanded outward for the natives with farther expansion Eastward in the Southern Kongo being made with an expansion of 14 px.


 * Greater Hussein: Colonists continue to make ends meet with no growth up the wealth ladder being made with the recession being felt afar. Native farmers begin to have a presence with expansion farther north and westward. This leads to expansion of 6 px. More roads and the idea of public works are also given the spotlight. The natives are allowed to purchase homes outside the colonial hubs of New Berlin and Elfenbein and the first Native/German families are established as colonists become closer attached to their native counterparts.
 * Belkan Dip: We offer a loan to the Kingdom of Ostdeustchland hoping to subsidize their own efforts at home as well as further strengthen confidence in the Belkan ruble as the growing World Anchor Currency.


 * Republica Iberia: The recession hits Catalonia particularly hard and union membership skyrockets as companies try to lower wages. The government, once again steps in to try to mediate, but negotiations breakdown and riots occur in Barcelona. Fortunately, efforts to ensure food stability are successful and food riots are avoided. The south is generally unaffected by the recession thanks to re-stabilizing food prices. A stock exchange is opened in Seville and begins to attract stocks. Offers to join the exchange are sent to the Papal State, Belka and France. While the markets remain depressed and somewhat volatile, the exchange begins to attract Catalonian and Andalucian companies. With government spending greatly depressed by austerity measures there is little to alleviate the economic woes. What little money there is to relieve the struggling economy is spent on a public works program building more roads and railroads especially between Castile and Catalonia.
 * Republica de Morocco: The Moroccan Assembly continues to provide support to Reformist Mosques in an effort to promote attendance and conversion. The government provides these mosques with a stipend to use in charitable works that promote Reformist Islam. The practice of using decaying vegetation as a moisture trap and as cover for the insects and other organisms required for the growth of more water intensive plants continues to spread. The practice is, of course, still minor, but has increased slightly the production of certain orchard crops.
 * Antillas Ibericas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of sugar production and as a stopover for ships headed out into the Atlantic. The Colonial Garrison is maintained at 1000.
 * Indias Orientales Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of spice production. The Colonial Garrison is maintained at 1000.
 * África Ocidental Iberica: The colony grows rapidly into the now more accessible sahel to the north of the Conquistador’s state. An effort is made to bring the Conquistadors directly under the colony.
 * Cortezia: Efforts to establish direct rule over Cortezia face firm resistance from the Conquistadors, who have begun setting up a system self government. The Conquistadors continue profiting from the land and thousands of native Africans are forced from their homes to make way for new farms and ranches. These migrants are forced south and east away from the more firmly held regions. Gold mines open throughout the western regions of the state and revenue from these mines allows the regional government to continue purchasing arms and equipment to fight the natives and secure the autonomous colony. The value of the gold contributes to plans to build a rail line from Dakar to the mining regions in the interior, but it is deemed too expensive.


 * China: With the Anglo-Burgundian invasion of the Pearl River Delta, a total of 200,000 troops (with light cavalry and light artillery support), all of which wielding firearms (albeit outdated) are dispatched south to attack Anglo-Burgundian advances along the Pearl River Delta. The outdated state of the Chinese military is compensated by its sheer size. Another 20,000 troops are sent to monitor the border surrounding the Shan States (which are under British suzerainty) and 100,000 are sent north, due to fears of a Russian attack. Construction on the Guangzhou Arsenal ceases, and resources allocated to it are quickly diverted to the construction of the Tianjin arsenal, which will be poised to be completed by 1865 (slightly ahead of its previously determined construction time). The universal income tax is raised to 10%, and many peasants voluntarily donate their excess grain to the national government, in order to fund the campaign. Major road segments continue being paved. Foreign government advisors and other Belkan nationals aiding Chinese modernization are advised to evacuate northward, and will be accommodated in the Summer Palace in Dalyeon. Factories dealing with the mass production of luxury goods for export, such as porcelain, jewelry and silk textiles, are built. More plantations are constructed.

Swahili: We continue colonial expansion in Northern Somalia, in the South and in the Malindi and Mombasa area. Colonization increases as medicine and weaponry become more widespread. In the Swahili heartland, the profitability of cloth factories and cotton farming had led to a sharp increase in the number of slaves. '''With foreign support, the army pushes farther South. Foreign veterans are recruited to train the army, especially those from the British and Belkan expeditionary forces. The first private foreign school is opened in Zanzibar, taught by Belkan teachers with a Belkan education curricula.''' Hungarian Republic: Begins work toward modernizing the country and opening new diplomatic actions with Russia and Prussia by sending them diplomats to create a strong alliance in fear of other powers. Would also like to extend a hand to any and all wanting to trade with Hungary.
 * Sefuwa: All Swahili colonies in Southwest Africa are organized into Sefuwa. Colonisation begins to connect the settlements.
 * Huriya: Political integration continues with Swahili bureaucrats being sent to oversee more political processes.
 * Rowzi: Political integration continues with Swahili bureaucrats being sent to oversee more political processes. As more soldiers enter Swazi, Rowzi is even more closely integrated to improve logistical efforts.

Hungarian Dip: Looking to Prussia or Russian architects to help Hungary industrialize and turn into a new ally for them.

1864
''' May I remind people to ask for approval before industrialising or they will receive strikes. '''

''' The Great Sheffield flood occurs killing 250. '''

''' Further social unrest by the lower class in cities grows. There is increasing formal unionisation with demands for government recognition in the largest cities of said union's rights. '''

''' China is at war with Britain and Burgundy and the fall of Guangzhou is damaging to them. '''

''' The recessions across Europe come under control as most nations return to growth and a sustainable inflation rate. The rise in gold supply is leading to fall in gold prices. '''

''' In Austria, Prince Werner Kruger (AM chose the name), by birth an Austrian noble returns to the country having been a commander under Napoleon in the war for a while. Supplied secretly in weapons by Rhineland he returns to Austria before recruiting some veterans from the war and begins a guerrilla campaign in the Alps with the goal of an independent Austria, targeting government officials working with Belka. Such as tax men and those accepting Belkan rebuilding help. '''
 * Persia: Shah Ali Amirsaleh welcomes the Belkan deal, and modern rifled muskets have been produced for the military . A carbine version is used by royal cavalrymen. Textile production is nationalized, along with mining which caused a recession in 1861-1862 but it is paying off and the economy is learning. Saffron production is given a national tax. (DIP TO BELKA - we offer part of our saffron tax if you help us produce saffron faster). (PLAYER) The shah is neutral in the China debacle. Meanwhile, 45,000 professional troops are stationed on the Arab border, the shah warning the Arabs that with Belkan help the Persian military is stronger. Also, the Royal Navy is stationed in the Persian Gulf, ready to liberate Oman should Arab aggression lead to war. Education is more standardized now, with more western ideas being taught. Architecture mostly remains that of the Muslim baroque, but it has evolved from the rashidun type. While trying to prove his kingdom will reach into modernity and enlightenment, the shah decides to still give administration an Islamic type. The “Grand Vizier” remains a title, while each province is divided into Wilayets ruled by a wali. These Wilayets include Iran, Khuzestan, Turkestan, Khorosan (Caspian area) and Medes (Iran Kurdistan). Each is ruled by a wali. The shah himself is of Turkic Kurdish heritage, but due to efforts a long time ago, all ethnicities consider themselves “Persian” due to cultural similarity.
 * No industrialising without approval. Person.
 * I mis-wrote nationalized as ‘industrialized’. But can you uncross the first? I got rifled muskets with Belkan help. The second was a typing mistake, because I was thinking about typing my industrialization potential on the talk page.
 * Belkan Dip: We agree and also request that Belka be allowed to operate out of one of Persia's smaller ports as a concession to be returned in the future.
 * Hungarian Republic: The new ruler has been elected Miklos and the military is fortifying its borders and continues to hope to ally and up its presence in the world and is no longer just limiting its diplomats to Russia and Prussia. A new Radical party has been formed by a young group of nobles and ran but failed to gain power in this election and will be trying again in four years to get both congress seats and gain power in the country. The inaugural speech of Prime Minister Miklós stated we must fear those who does not fear us. Hungary will remain neutral during this Austrian rebellion. As well as a process of minor industrializations and iron ore beginning to be mined in a much greater capacity. Oil and steel production are also nationalized and the radicals earn a couple of seats and begin campaigning in saying that the decision for neutrality was a mistake. The Republic of Hungary leader Miklos also vocally condemns the Marsinist Republic of France stating it is not a republic but rather a dictatorship - and a dangerous dictatorship at that - and declares them an enemy of Hungary's.
 * Franz Ferdinand is an Austrian name, you should use something more Hungarian. Also, how can you have a monarch in a republican country? 
 * Whoops, my bad! I misunderstood the county's politics.
 * Marsanist Republic of France: With this year's election occurring, the Communist Party is able to take hold in the position of presidency and substantially gain a majority within the National Congress. With this, Alexandre Marsan becomes the President, and now having an undeniable authority over the country with the help of the National Congress, is able to introduce a number of intense reforms meant to give the standard factory worker reasonable benefits, such as a base minimum pay for standard workers, set at a reasonable $0.20 francs. Additional reforms, meant to improve working conditions and the movement of child laborers back into the schooling and education department, begin. The military is reduced to an active combatant count of 75,000, while the reserve military is initiated to allow for soldiers to be called into combat, but otherwise can continue regular life ordinances. These reforms are meant to tackle the unemployment sector, as a means of putting money back into the people's pockets and introducing the government more into the lives of its citizens. In addition to these, women are encouraged to move into the work sector, with counter-culture movements meant to standardize a "strong and independent female" being sponsored nationwide. Outside of exporting and importing, isolation becomes a key policy as a means of un-involving France in European politics and better improving its relations worldwide, as well as to emphasize its consolidation worldwide. As a means of selling old weaponry produced during the Great European War and turning a profit, diplomatic missions to Brésil, Argentine, Peru, Gran Panama, and Atzlan offer to sell these weapons for a modest amount of money (Player/Mod). The navy, consisting of two ironclad-level battleships, ten second-rate battleships, and 13 frigates, begin monthly military exercises to better prepare for any case of war, although these only occur in French waters. Many politicians begin vying for the removal of France from the Mediterannean Concord, but President Marsan sees no reason to do so now. The Gauthier Gun begins to be produced at high levels in the hopes of equipping it as a standard weapon among the French army.
 * Marsanist Republic of Nigeria: With numerous reforms being introduced and the large linguistically French population in Nigeria, many of these reforms are put to a smaller degree as the "common farmer" movement is started - as a means of encouraging the expansion of farms, which would, in theory, allow for more agricultural goods to be produced, thus allowing for more to be bought, putting more money into the pockets of men in the farming sector and allowing for more exports to mainland France and worldwide, thus balancing the economy of Nigeria. Expansion is expected to increase by 25 px because of this. Exports continue.
 * Republic of Mali: Still a state of exploitation, a few reforms are put into place alleviating the use of force as a means of forcing production, but while the force is reduced, some amount of force is used as a means of regularly continuing the means of production. This will hopefully increase the means of production.


 * Kingdom of Egypt: in the dead of night, King Muhammed Ali II is raced into the royal hospital, where the best doctors and medics in the kingdom are called in, and use some of the best medical tools built in the kingdom. The King suffered from a stroke, which his personal doctor warned him a couple months ago that If his majesty is not careful, and doesn’t attend to himself correctly, he could suffer severe health issues, such as a stroke. The King did not listen, as he was too busy running the nation to be worried about monitoring his health, and didn’t bother to tell any of his personal staff or family about it, as he was worried of a possible coup or rebellion, as the king has numerous enemies in the kingdom, who oppose his reforms and friendliness towards Europe. The doctors, despite their work, are not able to save the King, and he dies at 7:24 AM on Sunday. The next day, it is announced to the world of the King’s Death, and the rest of the year is made a mourning period. The king’s last requests were, “don’t let my son, Hafez, take the throne, have my sweet daughter, Farah, succeed me, my son is not to be trusted.” Upon the request for his daughter to succeed the king, Crown Prince Hafez I of Egypt was told not to leave his room, and was basically put under “house arrest” in his own quarters, while his sister Farah I, Princess of Egypt, is crowned the new Queen of Egypt. Immedietly this causes an outrage with the crown prince and clergy, who say it’s European propaganda and pure lies of what the former king said, and that is outrageous for a woman to take the thrown! Apparently, the king knew that Hafez was less educated in western beliefs, and less liberal, always spending time with his conservative grandfather, and conservative clergy men, along with the caliph of Cairo, the king was always suspicious. Though, the people of Egypt, especially in the port city of Alexandria, support the new queen, and see her succession as legitimate, as the king should choose his heir. She was always as liberal as her father. The military is also very supportive of Queen Farah, as she is a staunch militarist, and wishes to keep the Egyptian army relatively modernized, though many, especially in the more radicalized lower ranks, are opposed and disgusted with the new queen’s views, and some even say the lower ranks are planning a coup against her, with possible support from Crown Prince Hafez and the caliph in Cairo. This year was a major turning point in Egyptian politics, and the world shall see how things turn out.
 * Persia Dip: Persia reminds forces in Egypt to act reasonable, for a coup could spell the end of Egypt as a stable state.
 * Belkan Dip: Belka offers to support the new Egyptian queen in her time of need as she attempts to wrangle control of the nation.
 * The queen immediately accepts the Belkan offer. 
 * Ethiopian Dip: We offer Prince Theodore as a worthy husband.
 * Russia: The Unions are recognized by a slight majority in the Duma with the only real opposition coming from the Lords in the Duma led by Sergei Bellingshausen. Meanwhile, members of the Kadets begin plotting with Zapad Railways for a political and economic plan to truly unite All Russia's and Novorossiya. The early plans for the Trans-Siberian Railway are drawn up and plans are set for construction to begin in 1868. The Hungarians are initially told to screw off but are accepted by the Duma and Prime Minister Kerensky to reinvigorate relations between Russia and Hungary seeing as Russia now shares a border with Hungary in Eastern Galicia and Bukovina. Meanwhile, to rid the nation of the economic crisis despite the possible threat of a Chinese invasion, many representatives of the Siberian border provinces with the Khanate give speeches of the "atrocities" committed by Khanate tribesmen on Russian citizens living on the border. The warhawk senator Joseph Malanov delivers a speech to the Duma which convinces a simple majority and puts some thoughts in the head of Kerensky of war with the Khanate. Already the threat of border security has the governors order militiamen to the frontier. However, the lack of inactivity in any skirmishes are put as that the militia scares off the Turks from attacking. The phonautograph is used to record the number one band in the country, Bronstein-Tymoshenko Superpower. This band records their hit songs "Hey You" and "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet". The popularity of the distorted guitar due to the priceless records leads to the construction of a phonautograph record factory in Minsk. In the South Pacific Captain Vasili Mickhailovich goes on his exploratory course. He discovers the a cluster of islands close to Papua he terms the Green Aleutians (OTL Solomon Islands), and enroute to Neuiw Brabant he stumbles across a large island with a nice natural harbor, he later calls the island New Danila (OTL New Caledonia).
 * Belkan Dip: We offer to buy Macau from Russia.
 * Russia: We agree after the Sino-Anglo-Burgundian War has concluded.
 * Hungarian Dip: We offer to trade steel and oil in Hungary for guns of Russia's and support in Hungarian industrialization.


 * Republica Iberia: The Republic is greatly concerned by the rise of the “Marsanistas” in France, and their radical views. In Congress, the Prime Minister Leão decries their disregard for the family as outrageous. He demands that ”We, the government of Iberia, we must pursue aggressive reforms to the economy and military. We have fought the French countless times, and we must remain ready to defend ourselves from their new and unholy ideology. We must adapt so that we might defend ourselves from the unholy devils who would see our wives and daughters work in the factory.” Congress then begins work on a series of reform bills designed to recreate the Iberian economy and society. Stipends are given to married couples to increase their ability to care for children, in effect this incentivises having children which leads to greater population growth. Meanwhile, to prevent a glut of farmers and to provide labor to the now rapidly growing industrial base, resources are provided to second and onward sons of rural farmers to move to the cities. Education reform also occurs in the Belkan model, focusing on grammar and mathematics as well as history and geography. The flurry of reforms revitalizes the economy, which rapidly expands as companies regain confidence in future growth. Unionist activities continue, but government brokering prevents the unions from starving out the labor supply and encourages economic stability. The political changes in France are not the only worry for Iberia, having heard of the Gauthier Gun, the army approaches the Vento Rifleworks to create a more militarized version of the Enrique Rifle to improve Iberian firepower. The resulting weapon, the Model 1864 Vento Lever Action (OTL Winchester Rifle), proves very reliable, effective and accurate. Production begins late in the year, but picks up at a fast clip. The navy also faces concerns and begins the production of a central battery ironclad armed with eight 200mm muzzle-loaders in the casement and with two Haussman breech-loaders of 150mm mounted in a turret at the fore of the ship.
 * Republica de Morocco: The Moroccan Assembly continues to provide support to Reformist Mosques in an effort to promote attendance and conversion. The government provides these mosques with a stipend to use in charitable works that promote Reformist Islam. The practice of using decaying vegetation as a moisture trap and as cover for the insects and other organisms required for the growth of more water intensive plants continues to spread. Implementation of the new agricultural practice finally catches the attention of the government which immediately sees the economic possibilities. Its adoption is encouraged and farmers across Morocco begin to use the technique. Exploration of coal and iron deposits in Morocco resumes and a suspected coal deposit is found in the north east. European immigration to Morocco is restricted to the Algeria region. This immigration begins to displace the Algerian population in parts of the coast.
 * Antillas Ibericas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of sugar production and as a stopover for ships headed out into the Atlantic. The Colonial Garrison is maintained at 1000.
 * Indias Orientales Ibéricas: The colony continues to enjoy the profits of spice production. The Colonial Garrison is maintained at 1000.
 * Macaçar Iberica: The recent effects of the recession had been somewhat reduced due to the profits of the spice trade in Oceania, which was further linked around the globe. Unfortunately, the colony sold back most of the rented ships earlier than usual to reduce the deficit/expenditures. Meaning they would have to rely their smaller rented "merchant" ships that passes by to help move along products. To help with settlers and to strengthen their claim in southern Sulawesi, several other forts/trading posts were planned in the peninsula for the forseeable future. The trading post that was initially started had its construction of basic buildings completed, including the local "government/trading" house for the Makassar company. Construction for 5 merchant ship were planned and expected to be completed by later 1865 or early 1866.
 * África Ocidental Iberica: The colony grows rapidly into the now more accessible sahel to the north of the Conquistador’s state. An effort is made to bring the Conquistadors directly under the colony.
 * Cortezia: The disputes between the Conquistadors and the Colonial Government of África Ocidental finally reach a boiling point. The 20,000 men of the Iberian Foreign Legion are deployed to restore order and prevent the Conquistadors from establishing independence as they had sought. After four months of sporadic fighting the Conquistadors surrender, except for a small group of 500 under Cortez who flee to the African state of Sine.


 * China: The effort to recapture Guangzhou fails, despite Chinese troops outnumbering Anglo-Burgundian troops by a factor of four. Despite this failure, the sheer size of the troops prevent the punitive force to penetrate deep into China. The evacuation of the surrounding metropolitan area commences, and trade around the Pearl River delta is shifted to Fujian for the time being. The humiliation caused by the disastrous defeat emphasizes the urgent need for military modernization, and strengthen the desires for a closer diplomatic relationship with Belka and Russia. Due to large numbers of evacuees and refugees fleeing to Belkan Hong Kong, its image among Chinese intellectuals continues to consolidate as a positive one. Diplomats are sent to Russia to formally establish several provisions for an amicable relationship similar with that which has been established already with Belka. In addition, isolationist elements ingrain itself into Chinese politics, and the idea of the reestablishment of the concept of Chinese suzerainty and the tributary system are crushed. With the war campaign having the potential to drain the National Treasury, budget cuts and abolition of outdated government offices are kept to maintain the current surplus of ~70 million silver taels (equivalent to approximately five million gold taels). The income tax rate is raised slightly to a universal level of 12.5%. Zeng Guofan and Li Hongzhang, both of whom being former military officials, continue to lead the military-industrial reform. As a part of institutional reforms, a more centralized form of administration is implemented, with twenty first-level subdivisions (provinces) establishing corresponding to those of the historical Eighteen Provinces plus Mongolia, and Upper and Lower Korea. Meanwhile, a bicameral legislative body known as the Grand Secretariat is promulgated: the lower Secretariat drafts/revises laws, the higher Chancellory approves of them. Both function as de facto advisory bodies for the monarch. Similar to the Joseon period, the Huifu Emperor establishes the People's Office to hear cases in which aggrieved subjects felt that they had been exploited or treated unjustly by government officials or aristocrats. The systematic four-tier class system is abolished. Construction on the three major arsenals/industrial facilities (Tianjin, Beijing, Seoul) are poised to be completed by 1866 (within three years), each having a maximum production capacity of 37,500 firearms annually, and an area of 40 acres. The activities of foreign government advisors continue, but shift their operations mainly north. Gas lighting, and modern papermaking and glassmaking methods are introduced. Major road segments are paved with concrete, and preexisting waterways and canals are improved. Machinery and coal power is introduced to increasingly labor-intensive industrial facilities (which replace the small-scale workshops), with textile mills being constructed en masse with a few government subsidies. Due to a rise in demand, the mining industry (particularly gold, copper and iron ores and coal) see a boom.
 * British Dip: Before offering peace allied forces loot the city for anything of worth. Once done doing this, we offer to end the war with China and return paying three tons in gold to Britain and Burgundy each for five years to make a sum total of 30 tons of gold to be paid as ransom to the Allies.
 * Belkan Empire: Tsar Vladimir sadly dies this year and is mourned in a large state funeral. His son Uliyam takes place as the Tsar of the Belkan Empire and supports much of his father's policies including doubling down on the colonial policy which has divided Belka for the last few years following the war. While taxes have been relatively high still on the upper classes he decided to introduce a few tax breaks specifically on those starting a buisiness to give them a break to a degree and those with larger families. This does not detract from tax revenue too greatly. The Belkan empire's stock market, now easily the center of global stock trading and financial deals, sees Sofiya explode in numbers as immigrants, and many Belkan financiers and traders move on the Financial capital of the Empire. Spreading out across the country it becomes clear that a more decentralized model of economics has been fielded in the empire with many regions specializing in different things. Belgrad is the heavy industrial capital while Vasiligrad has quickly become the Arsenal of the country. Sarajevo is the primary production of locomotives and railway materials while Trieste has become the absolutely largest shipyard in Belka and possible all of Europe being able to house almost 100 warships at any given time and put nearly 25 warships to construction when engaged to full capacity just at this singular port. Some other cities are known as tertiary builders of many of the same things but in Belka a new trend has started to emerge - textile production. Cotton from Egypt and Maghreb has led to the birth of a competitive albeit medium sized textile industry which has started to take much of Europe by storm. The research into further developments of naval technology in the country sees turrets take on a new force of power as the first ironclad cruiser is laid down. However, without the shells to make up for the difference in armored power, the first two of Belka's armored cruisers are outfitted with Steel pointed Rams akin to ancient naval combat. The situation in Austria while troubling is not entirely hopeless. After some disastrous setbacks against Prince Werner, Kruger - a young Belkan Colonel - takes command of the 50,000 strong Austria garrison force. Grigori Gorbitsov takes command and immediately begins taking reprisals and hostages of known insurgents. Hiding in the Alps, the Colonel - a former mountain division soldier - leverages this and replaces one of his divisions with a highly specialized Mountain Combat Division, known for their operations around Vienna during the great war. They ascend into the Alps, albeit without artillery and only with little cavalry support. However, they do not intend to fight conventionally. They intend to play better at Kruger's game than he can. The Division clears a camp high in the mountains and garrisons it in secret and begins setting ambushes and traps all over the mountains while in the nearby towns and cities obvious targets are left wide open albeit somewhat planted to prevent huge massive damage to targets and to bait Kruger. This allows many of his insurgents to leave the mountains in regular intervals while the Mountain forces from Belka trace directions, the insurgent's secret routes, and even plan out ambushes and finally plan to use explosives to wash an entire rebel encampment off the mountain at some point. After months of baiting the trap is sprung and the Mountain Division unleashes a huge co-ordinated attack when they know most of the rebels are at their bases in the mountains. Patrols are targeted, encampments are washed down the slopes with explosive-caused avalanches, and finally, one of the main camps in the mountains is found and a secret weapon is deployed to which there is currently no defense. The major camp, just one of a few has gas canisters rolled into the encampment or opened above so the gas can flood down the slopes. In just a few moments this camp is flooded with Mustard Gas as gas mask-laden Belkan troops look downward having successfully attacked. After this, the Mountain Division retreats from the mountains awaiting Kruger's next move hoping to have done a very large amount of damage to the manpower and morale of the Rebels. The home front is relatively peaceful and population boom continues with the population hitting 69 million this year.
 * Crown Colony of Maghreb: The new name of the colony is put out as the Crown Colony of Maghreb as it falls under control of a new governor who continues many of the same practices by the old governors. The amount of cotton grows as the expansion of canals continues specifically to reclaim and irrigate desert land. The Maghrebi colony boasts a population of 6.2 million as crop yields and availability of goods begin allowing for a higher population in the region. The number of Belkan settlers in Maghreb increases as roughly 3000 settle this year. In an attempt to more rigidly organize settlement the Belkan upper quarters are established in all major cities as Belkan populations in Tunis, Algiers and other major cities hope to seperate the poor underclasses from the Belkan richer middle- and upper-classes. Richer Maghrebis are allowed into these quarters and some domestic industry is built mostly textile in order to facilitate some further wealth generation in Maghreb. All the factories are Belkan owned.
 * Crown Colony of Zaire: The Crown Colony of Zaire begins exporting materials to the homeland in greater numbers and quantity. Against the advice of his advisors the governor refuses to rip up farmland for more cash crops and allows many farmers to continue their normal farming methods, only appropriating unused or underused land for the growing of cash crops like tobacco, sugar and more importantly cotton. Rubber harvesting becomes more prominent as the necessity of rubber becomes more and more apparent. The population is finally put to number as the census shows it at 9.1 million. The first wave of roughly 2000 Belkan settlers and administrators arrive and begin setting up a new settler colony and capital at the mouth of the Congo river establishing a fort and moving all administrative control to the new city of New Thessograd.
 * Crown Colony of Gabon: Being a newly developed crown colony, Gabon is put under a military governership and is given orders to request troops from Zaire if needed. Port Volda becomes the capital of the new Crown colony and some expeditions into the interior are conducted as more treaties and expansion into the Gabonese/Cameroonian interior is conducted. The Russian colony near Libreville is rounded as the Crown colony of Gabon links up with Belkan Zaire.
 * Iztochna Aziya: The war between the European coalition and China continues. With Chinese endorsement of Durestov as a haven for Chinese, more housing is constructed as a result. After years of buildup and construction the Belkan crown colony officially pays for the stationing of roughly 20,000 Belkan soldiers, roughly two divisions-worth in Durestov which after arrival begin the full construction of a massive strategic fort dead center of the city acting as both a citadel and assurance of Belkan control over the peninsula. The Strategic fortress is slated to take nearly five years to complete. The influx of Chinese goes from thousands to nearly tens of thousands as Chinese refugees supported by the Chinese government show up and take refuge within the borders of the city and its surrounding area. The Regions population as a result has nearly doubled and large amounts of food are bought from abroad in order to clothe the people and clothing is also imported for cheap purchase. All basic needs are provided. However, a choice is made to put the Chinese refugees to work with Belkan benefits allowed if they were to become permanent residents of the Crown colony now boasting a population of nearly 140,000. This sees the construction of a few textile mills as well as a domestic munitions plan to supply the Belkan Garrison which arrives in the middle of the year. To further solidify control as well as deter any further issues between the coalition, China and Belka, a squadron is sent. This includes Belka's first ironclad cruiser armed with a ram and three 13-inch guns as well as its tertiary arms, one first-rate battleship, three ironclad destroyers and five frigates which take up patrol routes and also begin to set up shop in the new ports. With the purchase of Macau and its impending annexation into Durestovs governmental structure the city is fully designated the headquarters of Belkan Iztochna Aziya (Belkan East Asia).
 * Ethiopian Empire: The Emperor continues to build the trust of his people as well as showing a good image to his son and teaching his son to run the empire. The economy slowly begins to stabilize as people continued to spend regularly. Larger workshops open around Lake Turkana moving even more people into Ezana City. The docks of Adulis continue expansion after a two year hold. We ask Belka if they will build a railway from Axum to Addas Ababa to demonstrate the modern marvel to the Royal family. Another zoo begins being built in Adulis to show European visitors Ethiopian Ecology. Government funding is sent to all schools around the nation as school is being made compulsory for kids ages five through 12.


 * Kingdom of Burgundy: The first of the loot taken from Canton in the expedition arrives in the year. Gold and silver taken from the city is put in reserve, to be used to back up the nations currency. Two ironclads are commissioned this year, designed as proper oceangoing turreted warships. Named Nederland and Bourgogne, they’re actually converted steam frigates with their masts and top decks stripped away, and then armored and equipped with three turrets like those on Monitor and her sisters (the design is similar to the otl USS Roanoke, although more seaworthy). They were initially intended to receive a hodgepodge of different caliber guns, but were ultimately armed with six 12” rifled muzzleloaders. In a test of their seaworthiness, they’re sent on a run to Malta under escort by a squadron of steam frigates, and after an inspection in Malta’s docks, are to return to Burgundy. Grand Admiral Cornelis van Roosevelt retires from the navy due to his age, and is as Grand Admiral succeeded by Graf Hendrik vun Lure. Graf Lure continues Roosevelt’s policies, and authorizes the decommissioning of all ships-of-the-line commissioned prior than 1840. This brings the total number of Burgundian ships-of-the-line to 19 first-rates, and 38 second-rates. The Navy plans to use the funding freed up by those decommissionings to fund the expansion of the ironclad force. Since the economic crisis has ended, and the income for the government recovers, Crown Princess Mary pushes through an expansion of the education system, with a new curriculum focusing on math, history, science, and language.
 * Occupied Rhineland: The occupation of the Rhine Left Bank continues. The military governors largely take a hands-off approach, allowing local municipalities autonomy in their local matters so long as it does not undermine the military administration. The cities of Bonn, Koblenz and Mainz receive facilities to allow the ability to base river monitors built in Stroossbuerg as they move along the Rhine.