The End of Peace (Map Game)

It's the Year 1870 and the world is on the verge of war. In Europe, the French Empire under Napoleon the Third prepares for war against Prussia, which has been provoking Napoleon for the past few years. In the United States, President Grant leads the nation through reconstruction, but faces opposition by white militant groups. In China, the Qing Dynasty still continues to reign, but in a weakened state after decades of humiliation and faces three rebellions. Meanwhile, in South America, the continent sees the end to one of the bloodiest wars in history as the forces of the Triple Alliance close in on the forces of Francisco Lopez.

As the world continues to march into war, many wonder who will rise and who will fall after the End of Peace.

Rules

 * Don’t be an idiot.
 * Don’t be implausible.
 * Have fun.
 * Algorithm Page

Moderators

 * Head Mod: User:Colgan dog
 * Mod: User:Ycasto
 * Mod: User:Nkbeeching
 * Mod: User:AshokSurya (aka Dev)
 * Mod: User:TheCrimsonOracle
 * Algorithm Mod: User:Stephanus rex

Sign ups
Sign up rules are: Can’t be two nations at once, you can only put your name by one. To claim a country, please put your signature next to the country you wish to be. If your nation has a puppet, protectorate, colony or whatever, then you may put your name under them and play as them as well as your nation, just put the subjugated state’s turn underneath its master's turn. If someone wishes to play a colony, puppet, protectorate, etc. then ask the master nation’s player first.

Western Europe

 * United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland -
 * Cape Colony -
 * British Gold Coast -
 * British Guyana -
 * British Caribbean -
 * British Aden -
 * British Raj - Dev
 * Australia -
 * New Zealand -
 * Second French Empire - Th3Legnd27
 * French Algeria - Th3Legnd27
 * French Guyana - Th3Legnd27
 * French India - Th3Legnd27
 * Cochinchina - Th3Legnd27
 * French Caribbean - Th3Legnd27


 * Principality of Andorra -


 * Kingdom of Spain -
 * Spanish East Indies - Erizium (talk)
 * Cuba -
 * Spanish Caribbean -


 * Kingdom of Portugal - AtomicSwagBloke
 * Angola - AtomicSwagBloke
 * Mozambique - AtomicSwagBloke

Central Europe

 * Kingdom of Denmark - Jefferson
 * Iceland - Jefferson
 * Greenland - Jefferson


 * North German Confederation - Adolf Coffee


 * Grand Duchy of Baden -


 * Kingdom of Bavaria -


 * Grand Duchy and Hesse and by the Rhine -


 * Kingdom of Württemberg -
 * Kingdom of the Netherlands -
 * Dutch East Indies -


 * Kingdom of Belgium -


 * Grand Duchy of Luxembourg -

Eastern Europe

 * Russian Empire - Tullin
 * Grand Duchy of Finland - Tullin

Southern Europe

 * Kingdom of Italy - Ycasto
 * Austro-Hungarian Empire - Colgan dog
 * Principality of Serbia - Person67
 * Romania -
 * Kingdom of Greece -

Northern Europe

 * Kingdom of Norway (In a personal Union with Sweden) -
 * Kingdom of Sweden (In a personal Union with Norway) - Ahoys123

Northern Africa

 * Kingdom of Morocco -

West Africa

 * Republic of Liberia -
 * Kingdom of Cayor -
 * Ashanti Empire - Foothillball
 * Kingdom of Jolof
 * Kingdom of Dahoney -
 * Empire of Bornu -
 * Dagbon Kingdom -
 * Kingdom of Dendi -
 * Sokoto Caliphate -
 * Toucouleur Empire -
 * Wattara Empire -

East Africa

 * Ethiopian Empire -
 * Sultanate of Zanzibar -
 * Ankule Kingdom -
 * Kingdom of Buganda -
 * Kingdom of Tooro -
 * Kingdom of Busoro -
 * Kingdom of Bunyoro -
 * Rwenzururu Kingdom -

Southwestern Africa

 * Kongo Kingdom -

Southern Africa

 * South African Republic (Transvaal) -

East Asia

 * Empire of the Great Qing (China) - BjornJohanAndresen (talk) 19:30, June 20, 2019 (UTC)
 * Kingdom of Great Joseon (Korea) (tributary of the Qing) -
 * Empire of Japan - With Blood and Iron (talk)

Southeast Asia

 * Great Nam (Vietnam) - Emperorkangxi
 * Kingdom of Siam - Tashaci
 * Burmese Empire -

South Asia

 * Kingdom of Nepal -
 * Kingdom of Sikkim -
 * Kingdom of Bhutan -
 * Emirate of Afghanistan -

West Asia

 * Ottoman Empire - FranzJoseph24 (talk)
 * Sublime State of Persia - DRAFIGO13 (talk)
 * Emirate of Jamal Shamar -
 * Sultanate of Muscat and Oman -

North America

 * Dominion of Canada - Darkight1000
 * United States of America - Mr. Orwell
 * United Mexican States - Curmudgeonly yours - Crim

Central America

 * Republic of Guatemala -
 * Republic of Nicaragua -
 * Republic of Honduras -
 * Republic of El Salvador -
 * Republic of Costa Rica -

South America

 * United States of Colombia -
 * Republic of Venezuela -
 * Republic of Ecuador -
 * Empire of Brazil - Guilhermelcb (talk)
 * Republic of Bolivia -
 * Republic of Chile - w0h i'm back
 * Republic of Paraguay -
 * Republic of Argentina - Steph (talk)
 * Republic of Uruguay -

Oceania

 * Kingdom of Hawaii - Bel of the illusions
 * Kingdom of Tahiti -
 * Kingdom of Bora Bora -
 * Tonga -

1870
'''And we have begun! Feel free to sign up and post any time you want! This turn will be a little longer than usual to give time for everyone to post.'''

'''The State newspapers of Imperial France publish Emperor Napoleon III’s declaration of war against Prussia and her German allies. After news hits Berlin, Prussia mobilizes for war against France, and manages to get the rest of the German states to join her.'''

'''In the United States, terrorist groups like the Ku Klux Klan, who oppose reconstruction and the newly amended 15th amendment, continue to harass Northern Troops and commit hate crimes against the newly freed slaves of the South. Many in the government demand immediate action against these criminals.'''

'''In China, numerous rebellions such as the Panthay Rebellion by Hui Muslims threaten the centuries of uninterrupted rule by the Qing Dynasty. In other news the Qing Emperor continues the Tongzhi Restoration of “the traditional order”.'''

In South America the Paraguayan War, also known as the War of the Triple Alliance, comes to an end as the forces of Paraguayan Dictator Francisco Lopez are massacred at Cerro Corá.
 * Second French Empire: With our declaration of war on Prussia, the Imperial Army’s size is increased from 385,000 Men to 620,000 in order to rival the Prussian Force. The Main French Army, the Army of the Rhine under the command of Marshall Francois Bazaine consisting of 250,000 Men, is sent to the region of Alsace-Lorraine in preparation for the incoming Prussian Force while a reserve force of 200,000 Men is established. With the Emperor Himself leading the French Armies, the Empress takes control over internal affairs while the Emperor leads the Imperial Army. Emilie Olivier the current Prime Minister of France is replaced by the Charles Montauban, Comte de Palikao as the Empress-Regent sees him as a capable Administrator, capable in leading France against the Germans. (Secret) As Napoleon III arrives with his forces on the Front lines he sends German messengers from Alsace-Lorraine to the Southern States and the Rhine in order to convince the Catholic Regions of Southern Germany and the Rhenish Nationalists in the Rhineland promising to help them establish independent states in Southern Germany and in the Rhineland protected by the Empire.The Emperor also sends messengers to Austria-Hungary to attempt to convince them in joining the French in their struggle against the Germans in order to have their revenge against Prussia for the Austro-Prussian War (Player and Mod Response) (End Secret). Acknowledging Prussia’s Military might, Napoleon III and Bazaine decide to fight the War defensively positioning their forces in Nancy while the Reserve Force is split in two and positioned in the cities of Verdun and Vesoul. With this, the Empire prepares to face the Germans as troops entrench themselves to face the Prussian Army.
 * Rhenish Nationalism was dead around this time. - Mod.
 * Empire of Vietnam: With the constant threat of colonization, Emperor Tu Duc recognizes the importance of westernization. Thus, a process of westernizing the military begins. A process of conscription begins implementation. A policy is also installed requiring westernized training for all military personnel, including officers.  A process of western reform also begins. Looking to King Rama V's reforms, Tu Duc implements many Siamese-style institutions, including Vietnam's own Auditory Office for westernized tax collection and a western-style Council of State. A process of reform starts, slowly transforming the government into a western-style government.  Recognizing the dangers of a French invasion, Tu Duc attempts to reach an agreement with France. The French can keep the territory they currently hold in Vietnam as long as they do not proceed to annex any more Vietnamese land. He promises to pay tribute to the French as well if they agree to his terms. Tu Duc requests to purchase modern arms from France and also proposes a trade relation with France. (FRENCH RESPONSE NEEDED) Tu Duc sends a diplomatic envoy to neighboring Siam, seeking a trade and military alliance. (SIAM RESPONSE NEEDED)
 * Kingdom of Siam: We accept. King Rama V hopes that this partnership will bring prestige and benefit to both of our great nations.
 * Kingdom of Hawaii: King Kamehameha V enters the seventh year of his reign, during which he marries the daughter of a prominent member of the missionary party, Charlotte Smith. Following this he begins to initiate reforms at her behest, including granting universal male suffrage toward all males on the islands further allowing the missionary party to control the legislatures. In addition to this the ability to change the constitution must be done with the approval of three-fourths of the legislature. Many plantation owners within the legislature knowing they need fresh workforce for Hawaii open up the country to immigration from countries such as China and Japan along with Korea and the Spanish East Indies and British India. This begins a minor demographic shift as people from Asia immigrate introducing elements of Asian culture to the lower class. Probably most important, King Kamehameha V and Queen Charlotte are announced to be pregnant and expecting in the next year in October. The kingdom begins to expand its trade allowing various goods to enter and sugar being grown in the plantations. The Monarch begins to organize a royal military loyal to him in order to better protect the people of Hawaii from revolts and such. He also begins a minor encouragement of cultures of his people blending Hawaiian and American cultural aspects.
 * Nippon: The leaders of the Meiji restoration continue to pursue relentlessly their reform policies to ensure that Japan emerges from its place of slumber into the world as a strong and independent nation. Under the guidance of the so called Meiji Oligarchy in particular Okubo Toshimichi, spearhead the centralization of administration with the various hans or feudal domains having been fully handed over to the central government by the various daimyos allowing for Okubo to appoint men based on loyalty and skill. Military reform begins in earnest under Omura Masujiro as plans to begin implementing conscription across all classes is laid out to unify the commoners and former samurai into a unified imperial army. Production and purchase of modern firearms and artillery is also expanded as the Osaka arsenal is expanded to accommodate the plans for military expansion more arsenals are planned for construction. These facilities are meant for the production of rifles, Gatling guns (OTL this was true) and ammunition. Training along western lines is also heavily implemented particularly along French lines. Large scale naval expansion and modernization is also put forward as plans to build along the lines of the British are made. Using the ships purchased during and before the boshin war as the core along with ships captured from the shogunate navy efforts to bring the ships under control of the various daimyos continues.  The ironclads under Imperial control in particular are used to enforce imperial control over the sea lanes. Efforts by the central government to curve and slowly integrate the massive samurai class (numbering some 1.9 million) into the new order and society begins slowly by the government taking over the payment of stipends (previously a responsibility of the daimyos). Construction of model factories, roads, ports and of railways by the government grow as economic development and industrialization are the at the heart of the economic plans for modernization. Samurai and merchant are encouraged to invest in these endeavors. Many of the now unemployed samurai do indeed invest and become involved in the new government either as administrators or as officers seeing the way the wind is blowing following the final defeat of the traditionalists in Hokkaido the previous year. Major tax reforms are also planned to begin in 1871 once the han system has fully been abolished, and central authority fully implemented throughout the Islands. Plans are also made to begin education reforms to improve literacy in Japan and help the process of modernization. In an effort to consolidate Tokyo's authority over the Japan and its dependencies troops are moved into Hokkaido to reinforce control over the island and prevent possible incursions from the mainland, while an envoy is sent to the Ryukyu kingdom along with 5,000 troops to bring the king of Ryukyu back to Tokyo so that he may be bestowed a title of nobility within the newly created Kazoku (Japanese Peerage), and to garrison the islands. Envoys are sent to the French, British, Prussians, Spanish, Russians, and Americans to begin trade talks, to hire advisors and to settle possible disputes. Furthermore, plans for a diplomatic and academic mission to Europe and North America is planned with requests to all the mentioned countries to allow for such a mission to occur.  An envoy is also sent to Qing to open trade relations with Qing on the basis of equals and hopefully open up an embassy in Beijing. Feelers are also sent to Joseon, Dai Viet, and Siam to begin opening trade relations with them. (Player and mod responses as required, please)
 * Kingdom of Siam: We agree. We hope this partnership shall bring us glory and prosperity.


 * República de Argentina: With Paraguay under occupation by members of the Triple Alliance a delegation is sent to meet representatives of Brazil and Uruguay to discuss the dissolution of Paraguay under the terms of a new Treaty of Montevideo. In early March the Treaty of Montevideo is to be finalized and signed by the members of the Triple Alliance and the Provisional Government of Paraguay which will officially dissolve in May following the establishment of provisional occupation governments on both sides of the new border. Argentine troops are dispatched to secure the region, overwhelming any marginal resistance that might attempt to prevent the annexation. However with the massive loss of life in Paraguay, the prospect of stability is expected to out-weight the pain of the occupation. Immediately President Domingo Faustino Sarmiento sets to work expanding the scope and prosperity of the nation's rebounding economy. Thankfully, Argentina’s debt from the war remains small compared to that incurred by the Brazilians, and thus the nation quickly returns to the reforms of Sarmiento’s administration. A true modernist, Sarmiento emphasizes the establishment of secular education institutions across the country, having already built hundreds of schools and higher education facilities. Following the experience of the war, a new military institute is constructed and staffed with veterans. It shall serve as the flagship of military education for the nation. Internationally Sarmiento reaches out to European cruise liner companies, offering them discounted coaling and port fees to come to Argentina. Already a hub of immigration from Europe, the president believes it is these skilled European immigrants who will help kick-start the Argentinian economy. His actions draw increased immigration from an overly crowded Europe. These settlers are to be granted lands in the Chacos Region or can choose to remain in the coastal cities and find work in either factories, manufacturing, or other industries there.
 * United States: We start off January with four important events in the history of our union. The Brooklyn Bridge starts construction in New York. John D Rockefeller incorporates Standard Oil. In Reconstruction African American males are given suffrage via the 15th Amendment and Virginia is admitted into the Union after five years of Federal Occupation. As time goes on in Utah women are granted suffrage as Mississippi is admitted into the Union. Hiram Rhodes Revels is voted as the first black senator in the US, this a major advancement in black empowerment. By March Hamilton Fish proclaims the 15th Amendment as Texas is admitted into the Union. Christmas and other holidays are made into Federal Holidays by congress. The first pneumatic subway opens in New York City and Georgia, the last former Confederate state is admitted into the Union. However because of the massive anti-black presence in the south President Grant keeps federal troops stationed in the south. The Eutaw Riot takes place as vote intimidation against Africans in Alabama and intervention by Federal Troops prevents a massacre. The riot prompts federal troops to be stationed in an around the state to protect blacks at the voting stations. The Klan perpetrators of the event are also sought out by Federal Marshals on charges of terrorism. The Democrats by inches win the Alabama gubernatorial election. Sections of the transcontinental railroad are finished in Colorado. Meanwhile the US army also looks into using the Gatling gun as an anti-infantry and infantry support weapon similar to artillery. President Grant also improves a vast ship modernization program to reinforce the navy with modern ships and weapons. Development of a new class of ironclad begins (think American version of HMVS Cerberus). However, plans of construction are estimated to begin by 1871 or 1872. The Japanese are met by older Federal officials in the Embassy there. A trade agreement is hashed out which is to reopen relations between the two countries on friendlier terms than 1852 and the 1864 Shimonoseki campaign. However, despite being against Chinese, anti-Asian laws do upset the Japanese diplomats a little bit. Seeing potential profits several businessmen ask Hawaii to buy large tracks of land for sugar plantation's (Bel respond). President Grant in order to rebuild the economy from the civil war accepts the Japanese request for American arms and machinery. Namely single shot breech carbines and Union-Pacific getting thoughts about expanding its railroad up to Alaska and maybe a branch in Japan.
 * Japanese Dip: The Japanese envoy requests for the purchase of American arms, and machinery as well as for the Japanese to begin employing American advisors while Japanese students be permitted to study in the US. On another, a mission to North America and to Europe is planned the Japanese delegation requests permission for this delegation to start off in the US.
 * Hawaiian Diplomacy: We inform the American businessmen, that they must follow the land reform laws passed by the Missionary Party, which state the government cannot allow sale of private land and to own land they must apply and be approved for a license, and gain assent from the land owners to buy the land.


 * Austro-Hungarian Empire: Our current Head of State is Franz Joseph, Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, King of Bohemia, King of Croatia and so on. The empire begins construction of factories within its major population centers such as Vienna, Budapest, Zagreb, and Lviv. Many of these factories are arm factories and produce weapons for the Austro-Hungarian Army, which go through extensive training with this weapons. At the start of this year we inaugurate the Musikverein in Vienna, a concert hall. We form the National Association of Philosophers and Intellects to bring the great minds of the empire in one place. Imperial Army troops are sent down south to the Austria-Ottoman Border and ordered to garrison there till further notice. We declare neutrality in the Franco-German conflict. We send in troops to the Austrian-Italian border to defend from any possibility of an Italian assault.


 * Sublime State of Persia: Shah Nasser begins a reform of the Persian army by modernizing its structure to better suit Persia's situation. Meanwhile, the Nasser defense line begins to be constructed on our border with Russia as a precaution. The shah reasserts the Russian tsar that we do not want any further wars.
 * Kingdom of Nepal: The Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana attempts to establish direct relation with the British government once again and sends an envoy to the British Government in London (British Response). Seeking to expand relations he also sends an envoy to the Japanese government in Tokyo (Japanese Response). The Jung Bahadur Rana also requests the British resident in Kathmandu to send British advisors to help modernise the Nepali Army (British Response). Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana tries to improve the education of the country by encouraging traditional informal schooling systems.
 * Jap Response: Tokyo gladly accepts the Nepali request to open relations.
 * Kingdom of Italy: The Kingdom of Italy had been born just a few years before after a series of internal and external conflicts, which united the various Italian states. Now, after these internal conflicts are over, the nation has still large issues with instability. The south of the country, formerly known as the Kingdom of the two Sicilies, is still one of the poorest regions of Western Europe and bandits sabotage the Italian rule. The current King, Emmanuel II. and his parliament are in a rather heated dispute, on how to solve the problem in the south, the lack of foreign investments and the overall bad economic situation. One proposal is, to move the capital from its current place in Florence to the southern Italian city of Naples, as this could appease the locals. After months of fighting, the King gives in, and the capital is moved to Naples. Yet this has to come with a series of reforms. One of them is a unitary and compulsory education system with the Prussian model, under which both boys and girls have to go to school for at least four years, to gain literacy and learn basic mathematics. Another problem is the so called Lazzeroni-Question named after the infamous Lazzeroni, the poorest of the poor within the Naples. These people are often homeless and a large factor for rebellions and support for bandits. The establishment of hospitals for the poor, a regulated bread price and the new educational reform are the hope to keep them quiet. Seeing the coming conflict between the North German Confederation and France, the Italian high staff hopes for orders, that could help Italy out of French dependence. SECRET Both the Navy and the Army are prepared to cooperate with the Germans in the coming war, as a secret military alliance was made in 1866 (GERMAN/PRUSSIAN RESPONSE NEEDED). The navy is ready to seize Corsica and French North Africa, with around 30,000 men being stationed at the French border and a major conscription taking place to enlarge the size of the navy and the army. 10,000 will be stationed around Rome to attack the French garrisons in the Papal States, and 5,000 to seize Algeria. The rest will be used as a back up to help with the campaign in northern France or as reserves. SECRET END The railway projects are continued, while the import of grain is lowered, to keep the local economy from falling apart.
 * Principality of Serbia: The Belgrade officer military academy is formed and mandatory national service of a year is introduced. An agricultural university is set up in Nis, British farmers are asked to come and run the new Ministry of Agriculture (Mod Response) which will supervise education, lending to farmers and tax breaks to increase agricultural productivity. Loans and tax breaks are offered to farmers who introduce the Norfolk crop rotation system and Dutch plows. While the Enclosures Act is passed eliminating much common land and consolidating smaller holdings into larger holdings. Removal of internal barriers such as customs tolls and such while the National Bank of Serbia is founded which will provide a role as a central bank. A land value tax, income tax, corporation tax, duty and sales tax are established as the new forms of taxation and this new cash is used to start construction of railways going from the south of the country to the north while heavy fortifications are beginning construction at Vranje, Leskovac and Prokuplje. We propose a free trade deal with Austria-Hungary and Romania (Mod and Player response). As a result of some of the tax reforms and Enclosures Act civil disturbances amongst the population begins with rioting in Belgrade and resistance to the new taxation we ask our Russian and Austrian allies to send 20,000 troops each to help keep order in Serbia.
 * British Dip: A group of British farmers agree to advice and run the ministry of agriculture.
 * Austrian response: We agree to a formalized free trade deal, we also agree to send 20,000 troops to aid the Serbian government in restoring order.
 * Romania agrees to creating a free trade deal. - Mod
 * United Mexican States: Since revolting from Spain, Mexico has undergone many iterations. This instability has caused an interest in political thought throughout Mexico, though it has also sparked much violence. Only recently, Maximilian's reign over Mexico was cut short, with France withdrawing from Mexico and Maximilian being executed by the forces of Benito Juárez. Now, President Juárez works tirelessly to keep Mexico free from the influence of Europe. Scarred by the countless atrocity visited upon Her soil by the French, Mexico seeks to improve relations with the United States. Though this is a controversial decision to some Mexicans due to the Mexican-American War only a few decades ago, Juárez stresses, "Ours is a new Mexico, one that cannot be taken from us. One that does not forget the hardships we endure, but learns and evolves." It proposes a number of trade deals with the United States, particularly involving cheaper textiles - a sector that had been severely impacted by the US Civil War and aftermath - from Mexico. though Juárez learned from the blowback of the McLane-Ocampo Treaty not to take matters to an extreme. Work on the railway from Mexico City to Veracruz begins this year; work on the railway had begun nearly 30 years prior, yet the workers were forced to halt construction due to the civil wars. Mining and textiles continue to provide Mexico with a large source of income - the mining industry especially booms this year as efforts to expand Mexico's railways past Veracruz are underway even before the line is finished. In addition, Juárez's efforts to expand the industrial sector of Mexico results in a further spike in mining productivity and profits. Settlers from towns once ravaged by the civil wars begin to fan out to the countryside, especially in Tamaulipas, which had been one of the last states resisting Maximilian's reign. Chihuahua also sees marked improvement this year, particularly due to its agricultural output and its position as a trading hub. Juárez has payed particular attention to Chihuahua's well-being in recent years, especially due to a growing scandal regarding allegations of Juárez's involvement in the assassination of General Canto. As matters begin to boil out of hand, Juárez considers suspending Chihuahua's voting rights, but decides against it. The situation in Chihuahua fizzles out. In the meantime, a number of Mayan and Nahua native communities see prosperity via Juárez's economic reforms. Juárez, a native himself, believes in using the discontinued cacique system, which would result in the natives of Mexico having more of a voice in its political system. Mexico bolsters its military with a wave of recruits, ready and able to protect Mexico from the imperialists of the world.
 * Qing Dynasty (China): After three rebellions, The Qing would grow weaker as time passes on due to their age and rebellion. They also have problems with Europe mostly Britain (considering they lost Hong Kong) The Qing relationship to Europe would grow weaker and their economy would also weaken. However, with Europe about come to another war again, they decide to raise its army, attempt trade with the U.S. (United States response needed). China also decide for a possible invasion of Hong Kong (it's secret, though, so no response for Britain) Qing also decide to bring more troops to Korea in order to prevent a possible Korean uprising or a Japanese invasion of them (Qing Korea and Japan response needed ) After the rebellion by Hui Muslims, The Qing began to force Muslim in their area to leave China, forcing them to move to the Middle East, racial segregation also began as Chinese Asian are living much better lives than Hui Muslims. When the French-Prussian war begun, We knew that Europe may have another continent-wide war, so we decide to improve our economy and armed force. The king of China decides that they would stay neutral if a war in Europe broke out, however, will support Prussia due to France starting to colonize Vietnam (Prussian and France response needed) We knew that if our support and possible war with Britain failed, it would spell the end our empire. The Qing also decide to have a more friendly relationship with Vietnam and Siam as European colonialism reach near them (Vietnam and Siam response needed)
 * Kingdom of Siam: King Chulalongkorn is deemed mentally mature enough to rule Siam without a regent and assumes the title of King Rama V. His first reform is to establish the Auditory Office, a government office which is solely responsible for Tax Collection. Before, tax collectors had managed tax collection, but many of them were corrupt. However, due to the fact that tax collectors were a source of wealth for some nobles, this caused much consternation among the nobility, especially the front palace (Viceroy). Later that year, Chulalongkorn establishes the Council of State, a privy council and a legislative body. Council members are appointed by the King. These actions quickly drew the ire of the Front Palace and much of the aristocracy, as their power was being eroded. He continues the hiring of western mercenaries to train the army western-style.   A western navy is made. (OTL we had the technology to do so)  along the lines of the British composed of steam ships. A plan is made to improve literacy all over the nation, but only teaching Central ThaiTo help aid our modernization process, we ask the British, Prussians and Americans to begin trade talks, allow us to hire advisors, and to settle border disputes (if any).
 * you need to build it over time With Blood and Iron (talk) 13:08, June 19, 2019 (UTC)


 * Empire of Russia: Long live Tsar Alexander II! The tsar invites foreign leaders to Saint Petersburg. With a heavy emphasis on the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and their Queen Victoria, the King of Prussia William I, and Dutch King William III. (Mod and player response) These monarchs and their diplomats are invited to discus the Russian empire and the plausibility of reform in it. With this as a way to get new ideas of how to do the reforms. The Army also begins its preparations to start the civilising and conversion of Khiva in an armed manner. The a small army force of 5,000 men is also readied at the Xinjiang border for if the situation around the Dungan rebellion escalates further. While at the same time emperor himself gives permission for soldiers to make cannons and smaller boats on the Caspian Sea. Further, we reach to the Persian empire about fishing rights and military movement around the Caspian Sea. Seeing the Serbian tax rebellions the army readies army 20,000 men with 15,000 being for only policing duties and 5,000 for possible battles. With this, Alexander gives full support to Prince Milan. Slavs unite in all struggle one people three faiths. The emperor also begins to encourage foreigners to settle in Russia and bring industry to Russia due to it. One of the first steps of reforms is also the standardisation of Autonomy which specify which gets what rights. This is to simplify Russian and make it easier for administrators to switch to regions of needed. This will make it so all Duchies, Grand Duchies, etc., will know what their rights and duties are that they have to abide by.
 * The Northern German Confederation: with Prussia and her allies at war with the Second French Empire, it is taken into the hands of the government to rally the people in our efforts against the French menace. As a result, plans are drawn for an invasion through Alsace and Lorraine. The railways are taken full advantage of as the Prussian and various German Armies are sent off toward what would be settled as the primary location for invasion. Supplies are also transported and so are various military weapons and equipment such as guns, artillery, and more. 938,500 men are sent off to the battlefield with an additional 300,000 troops to follow as locations such as the likes of Metz, Sedan, Verdun, and Vesoul see the German Army march onward led by the commanders Helmuth von Moltke, Prince Freidrich, Albrecht von Roon, and Otto von Bismark. These battles of course would amount to a combined German Victory over the French Forces with the capture of Napoleon III. Farming and Agriculture continues to be a success which would assist in providing food to the German people and the military as the brave men on the battlefield continue to lead the nation to victory. In the meantime, Bismark continues to push for the idea of a united German State especially moving forward following the successes achieved by the united German people as the fate of the war. More railroad companies take advantage of the plots of land still left open and undeveloped by setting up areas of development to create future rails to use as more people especially now more than ever, the government uses it as a reliable source of quick travel. with the campaign against the French going very well, the next stage of the war is set with Helmuth von Moltke and Albert of Saxony leading the siege on Paris in September with 300,000 troops.
 * Qing dynasty (China): Due to our failing economy, we send diplomats on a boat to Prussia. After two weeks we arrived at Germany asking for asking for alliance and economic support to the kaiser(Prussia response needed) 
 * Please add an algo. -mod
 * Império do Brasil: With the end of hostilities in Paraguay, Brazilian diplomats are sent to attend peace negotiations in Uruguay. After much deliberation the Treaty of Montevideo is concluded by mid year, including the annexation of the majority of Paraguay proper into Brazil is ratified. Some of the annexed Paraguayan land is integrated into the state of Mato Grosso (OTL Brazilian gains) with the majority of the territory reorganized into the a province, temporarily under military rule. With most of Paraguayan males having died during the bloody war vast swaths of land would be left un-owned and the Imperial Government would take advantage of this, seizing these territories. seized plots of land would be granted as payment for due military salaries and pensions, the ones not given out would be sold and used to pay debt. The soldiers that fought in the war would also be incentivized to settle in Paraguay with the excess lands and unmarried women being an attractive deal. With the end of the War of the Triple Alliance large celebrations would be held through out the country, Pedro would take this opportunity to hail Count Gaston of Eu, Husband of Isabel, as a war hero along with Caxias and others, introducing him in good light to public eyes. After having focused his attention in the struggles of the conflict for five years Pedro II would turn his eyes to the economy of the nation, which now faces a debt of 11 years-worth of government revenue. With peace successfully negotiated, regional tensions at an all time low and due payments being made with land, the military size and spending is drastically cut down. Knowing that the war expenses will cost Brazil much needed investment in development, The Emperor and the Ministerial Cabinet would look to compensate for this without spending government money. Pedro would also begin planning a large trip to Europe during which he would appoint his daughter Isabel as regent, despite still not believing in her to be a proper heiress to the throne he would decide to introduce her into political life as to prepare her for the regency,
 * Dominion of Canada: The Dominion of Canada is a very new Nation Formed in 1867, the nation is three years old. Although now an independent nation, we are considered a part of the British Empire and can make laws and decisions only with Britain approval. The nation is a democracy like its neighbour, the United States. We want to have friendlier relations with the U.S. - as well with other nations. currently, Manitoba has joined the confederation

1871
The Franco-German conflict will be at a stalemate until algos are made.

China protests Japan’s increasing expansion of influence in the ryukyus and threaten to send warships to the ryukyus.

All trade deals are accepted, some German Catholics join the French army, and the Ryukyan king accepts the Japanese offer and heads to the islands to be crowned, while the garrison set up on the island.

Mexico’s agricultural sector sees a huge boom with the government’s new policies and the sector begins to prosper.

British Columbia is annexed into the Canadian Confederation.

The First Cat Exhibition is held at the Crystal Palace in London.

Excavation of some ruins in Turkey are beginning to look promising for stories of an ancient city from Greek times.


 * Empire of Russia: Long live Tsar Alexander II! Soldiers are readied on the borders of the Khivan Khanate, with a warning that troops will advance if the Khan does not recognise Russian sovereignty over his nation. While at the same time diplomats do inform him that if he is to surrender the sovereignty to Russia that he will be made Grand duke of Khiva. and that with this move he will able to rule his land how he sees fit as long as he accept Tsar Alexander as his master and that he will recognise him as his Protector. For this Russia will allow the Muslim faith in his lands. The Khan will also be allowed to have his own language, anthem, flag and Coat of Arms. So we request that he will accept. If not, the 15,000 Russians will cross the border into his lands and take away all his rights. (Mod response). While at the same time the standardisation of government ranks is continued with now three basic levels, Grand Duchy, Duchy and County. With Grand duchies having the right to have their own language, police, religion and Duma with the Duma being able to make laws in the region. While the question if all grand duchies can use a flag is debatable as some consider the Russian flag as the only flag that should be flown in Russia. The level of Duchy has the ability of an own language, and religion and a Lesser Duma which only has the ability to advise and make suggestions. Counties will have the ability of an own of basic lesser taxation and being able to  make a language other then Russian the secondary language if they request.
 * Mod Response: The Sultan of Khiva accepts the Russian demands becoming an integrated protectorate of the Empire.


 * I’m Sorry man but we are gonna have to remove you as China. You are new to map games hence you don't have enough experience to play as China. Again I’m sorry. You may choose another nation.
 * It's alright, I understand. I am sorry. I will play better. I promise I will act better. Darkight1000
 * Kingdom of Italy: Seeing how many of the French soldiers are caught up in the stalemate, the first official measures are taken to prepare the troops at the border as well as the navy to intervene in the conflict. Artillery is installed in large quantities at the border near Nice, while the light infantry is mostly concentrated to take charge of an attack in Lazio (central Italy, around Rome), most of which are former Brigade members who fought around a decade ago in the unification wars. Their officers are experienced in unconventional warfare, such as using bandits to their advantage and gaining support from the locals. SECRET Especially those former "red shirts" are sent under cover behind the border into Nice and the Italian towns of the region, to clear the way for a coming invasion, by spreading pro-Italian propaganda (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED) SECRET END Its now standardized, that messages are communicated via horse, as bicycles rely on more or less properly made roads, making slipping through enemy lines or into enemy-controlled territory more difficult. The navy has learned from their former mistakes and has now improved their coordination and self-evaluation, with intense studying in battle-tactics, which are now put into praxis. The lighter ships of the Italian navy are sent out to cruise along the Algerian coast and the heavier are sent west to slowly cutting off Corsica from the mainland, as it is one of the major strategic. As long as the stalemate lasts, more and more troops are sent to the border, while the 10,000 men in Lazio are reduced to just 7,500, to strengthen the naval operations in north Africa. In May, war is declared on France, when Italian troops seize the papal states and capturing the undermanned garrisons in central Italy. The war in the north goes much slower however, the first major battle occurs in Nice, with about 15,000 men participating, with additional 900 former Brigadists. There, the Italian population is called to pick up the fight with their fellow countrymen. The navy bombards north African cities controlled by the French, putting pressure on these cities by cutting their communication lines with a major blockade over Algiers and Oran. This war boosts the industry, as rifles, artillery and ammunition are built en masse. (to be continued)
 * Mod Response: The propaganda campaign is somewhat successful. The red shirts are able to establish safe houses in Nice and surrounding areas.


 * Persia: The shah continues his policy of modernizing the army, which is now divided into two field armies consisting of 24 divisions each in war time and one field army in peace time. We secretly begin to build fortification on our border with the Ottomans and also sends five divisions there. Meanwhile, an expedition to study the feasibility of rebuilding the ancient capital of Persepolis is planned.


 * Russian Diplomacy: Our government once more ask the Persian government to the tables to create a treaty about the Caspian Sea and future relations. The diplomats inform no response will be seen as an aggressive action and will get sanctions. As the future of the Caspian Sea and area are seen as treats to Russian safety as a sovereign.
 * Austro-Hungarian Empire: fortifications and barracks are built on the Austrian border of Ottoman Bosnia. Factories are ordered to pump our rifles for the Armed Forces of the Empire. The government takes on government reforms for agriculture in the empire, lowering taxes and allowing farmers’ to choose the prices of their crops and to sell them on the market. To better the conditions in Galicia, large investments in agriculture and infrastructure are made there, and more autonomy is gifted to the locals in politics and economics. The navy patrols the Adriatic Sea ready to protect the empire from a possible Italian revanchist attack. We send diplomats to the Russian Empire offering to increase ties and strengthen the Three Emperors Alliance (TULLIN RESPONSE NEEDED). 20,000 Austrian troops cross the border into Serbia and help contain and suppress the rioters. They move in on the cities where the riots are the biggest and the violence is the greatest do whatever it is the Serbians want them to do in order to defeat the revolt. Field artillery is included in many of the divisions on the Austrian border, along with the installation of normal artillery.


 * Nippon: Tokyo Declines the outrageous demands of Qing. The Ryukyu Kingdom has been a vassal of the Satsuma Domain since the 1600s, and is under Japanese sovereignty. Tokyo in agreement with the king of Ryukyu disband the kingdom in favour of the Ryukyu Domain as a protectorate of Japan. The Japanese naval forces made up of eight ironclads, several steam powered frigates, and smaller ships, more ironclads are being purchased from the Americans along with breech-loaded rifles and artillery pieces. More firearms and munitions are produced at the Osaka Arsenal. Another arsenal is beginning construction in Nagasaki. The port of Nagasaki, Osaka, Tokyo,and other major cities also receives funds for an upgrade to start developing facilities capable of building modern ships. The final face of abolition the Han system is carried out with the consolidation of the 260 domains into 72 prefectures throughout the islands. The previous daimyo and samurai provided with government bonds that are reimbursed based on a lottery annually. The samurai are also encouraged to join the officer corps and the administration. With the Chinese threatening war the differences that exist amongst the members of the Meiji Oligarchy over conscription set aside their differences and agree to push through universal conscription. To make this more palatable to the commoners the planned land reforms are put into effect providing massive amounts of lanjd to become available for purchase and for development. New tax laws are also put into place to simplify and streamline tax laws and collection. The core forces of the imperial army (roughly 35,000) made up of the Satsuma, Chosu, and Tosa Clans as well as former Tokugawa troops who swore loyalty to the Meiji emperor upon his ascension to the throne form the core of the new imperial army which now numbers 80,000, plans to expand it again as soon through conscription. There remains some lingering tensions between former enemies but the external threat of the Qing to Japanese national interests keeps everyone together. The Japanese forces Efforts to fund development and industrialization continue.Support is offered to the Koreans should they desire Japanese assistance to resist the Qing invaders. 
 * Untied States: On April 20th, President Grant sings the Ku Klux Klan Act which suspends the law forbidding the military from becoming law enforcement to combat the Klan Grant extends this to the length of the Confederacy where Federal troops raid and arrest thousands of Klansmen. The Klan in South Carolina is virtually decimated. Construction of the Grant Class Iron-clad (essentially a Miantonomoh accept raised several feet higher and the hull has waterline armored plating). Ships under Admiral John Rodgers arrives in Japan carrying US diplomats to the Japanese government offering several trade agreements and asking for a naval base for the US Asiatic Fleet (NK if you may). Due to experiences in the civil war with massed fire taking out volumes of men, then later moving on to trench warfare, the army sees the benefits in adopting the Sharps 1867 single shot carbine for the whole US army instead of having single firing muskets. Commanders see the idea of expending more lead than men and adopt the mentality of superior firepower. Army researchers go into making a breech loading cannon with a breech similar to that of the Armstrong gun. The Great Chicago Fire happens killing 300. The First Major League Game happens between unknown teams.
 * Nippon Dip: The Japanese allow for the Americans to refuel and use Japanese ports but at present can't accommodate the request for a base of their own however with rising tensions with Japan offer to help the Americans the possibility of a port if they assist in dealing with Qing
 * República de Argentina: With the apparent success of the Treaty of Montevideo, the Army of the Republic, numbering 20,000 infantry and 10,000 cavalrymen begin to demobilize. 20,000 troops, are released from service. Meanwhile, the remaining Argentine troops occupy roughly the bottom 25% of Paraguay proper, while another 2,000 cavalrymen are dispatched to begin securing the Chacos region. President Domingo Faustino Sarmiento orders Colonel Alejo Julio Argentino Roca Paz, a young but impressive commander, to lead this division in establishing a series of fortresses and subduing any natives. A new government policy of repayment is determined and large tracts of land in the Province of Paraguay are settled by soldiers as payment for their service. This settlement is carried out by a purpose-created battalion of Army Surveyors who take inventory of the land obtained from the war, its inhabitants, and new owners. Internationally, President Sarmiento launches a major diplomatic endeavor. Diplomatic missions are sent to major global capitals such as London, Berlin, Rome, Madrid, Paris, St. Petersburg, and Washington. These diplomats serve a dual purpose, firstly they establish the beginnings of economic and scientific relations, but critically they serve as a tool to distribute pro-Argentine literature. In Argentina, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs establishes a Department of International Opinion which produces pro-Argentine articles in foreign languages, notably English, French, Italian, German, and Russian. These are distributed to newspapers in these countries through the diplomatic offices. A particularly strong diplomatic team is sent to the United States of America, seeking to establish a “Special Relationship” between the Republic of the North and the Republic of the South. The diplomats are quick to paint Argentina as a friend and ally to the United States and attempt to convince the leadership there that Argentina is equally dedicated to democracy, equality, and liberty. To solidify this relationship, Argentina asks to purchase the four hulls of the Kalamazoo-class ironclads, currently sitting in drydock and have them completed without armament by 1873. (Orwell Please) These ships are to be renamed the Rio Plata-class, and feature an added super-structure to improve fire-control, optics, and a new yet-to-be-acquired armament. To increase the simplicity of the design and reduce the overall cost to operate the ships it is decided to limit the number of additional secondary weapons to eight Hotchkiss Revolving Cannons in the superstructure. On the home-front, more schools are constructed and children are given free access to these public schools from the ages of five to twelve. Although not universal, this has the effect of granting poor urban children decent educations. Meanwhile, the government begins the negotiations with the Church to nationalize, standardize, regulate, and make free the multitude of Catholic schools and colleges in the nation. Having returned to peace, the economy surges. Driven by increasing agricultural exports and growing agricultural productivity, exports boom taking the economy with it. Immigration from abroad accelerates. These immigrants are sold land for cheap, emulating the Homestead Acts of the United States. They are granted land in Chacos, Paraguay, and along the southern line of colonization in Patagonia in exchange for a 5% tax on their farm-produce for five years. In an effort to accelerate the economy further, the government begins plans to expand the rail system.
 * Principality of Serbia: Much of the resistance to tax reform has been reduced by the presence of Austrian and Russian soldiers but there is still a focus on restoring law and order. Super phosphate fertilisers are imported from Britain while further land reform is pushed through and work continues on building a railway from the south of the country to Belgrade. The Ministry of Agriculture run in part by the British continues to withhold tax breaks from those who don't move over the Norfolk crop rotation system. Loans are given for the beginning of coal mining in Kolubara for export.
 * Qing Dynasty (China): After the decline of our message we decide to mobilize our navy and send around 20 outdated ship to Ryukyu. After two hours we arrived and order the last message to Japan telling them to leave the island once and for all or war will break out if a decline also happen again our ship orders to fire on the navy and invade the island if they don't back down. we also start to build more advance ship to catch up to the Japanese and industrialized our nation and send more war ship to it as we quickly bu


 * Joseon Dynasty: The outcome of the recent foreign interventions prompts outrage within the Confucian scholar—gentry, who are now well aware of the technological disparity between the West and the East. With a decisive American military victory in the Battle of Ganghwa, which has left a foreign force in proximity to the capital of Seoul, the Koreans are now coerced into negotiations. With the threat of another foreign intervention and the imposition of an unequal treaty increasingly imminent, the imperial court is restless. King Gojong, now aged ~19, dismisses his father as regent with the aid of his consort, Queen Min, and her clan. Nevertheless, he still lacks the charisma necessary to unite the divided aristocracy; as a result, the conservative faction remains predominant in Korean affairs. King Gojong orders a tax reform law which regulates the tenant-landlord relationship, whilst also establishing a head tax (instead of a household tax) based on coinage, grain or corvée. He also bans the practice of buying licenses to deal with an excessively large nobility, which is now largely comprised of middle-class smallholders and prohibits the practice of slavery — thus reducing the caste system to four tiers (aristocracy, lesser nobility, commoners and the « untouchables »). Queen Min continues to assume a larger role in governance. She successfully advocates for the legalization of Christianity to avoid further clashes with European powers and ends the centuries-old isolationist policy. In spite of this, China remains a close partner, and Korea reaffirms its allegiance to the age-old civilization through the continued observance of tribute – opposition to the Qing in the form of Ming royalism and anti-Manchu sentiment continue to manifest. Queen Min tries to rationalize opening up to foreigners by asserting that China has undertaken the recent Tongzhi Restoration and there are many new reformist-minded statesmen. She also increases the regular army to 22,500 men (split between Seoul, and the eight provinces) — though they continue to be armed with muskets, low-caliber cannons, and rocket launchers, in addition to polearms. With Korea now open to trade, the government sends delegates to meet with Western dignitaries in Shanghai and other Chinese hubs – specifically, the British and Russians. The government also tries to bolster the production of silk and ceramics (especially celadon and lacquerware), the mining of gold, as well as the cultivation of tea, cotton, and ginseng.
 * Diplomacy to Russia: The Koreans want to establish an open market with the Russians (no tariffs) – thus allowing Russia to acquire lucrative goods such as celadon, lacquerware, silk, and tea, while Korea could acquire industrial machinery and blueprints. The Koreans also ask permission for private advisors to help educate the bureaucracy. The Koreans also remind Russian dignitaries of the recent legalization of Christianity, including Orthodoxy.
 * Russian Diplomacy:Russia will allow allow the free trade and even thanks Korea for the trade opportunity.
 * United Mexican States: A presidential election takes place, with Benito Juárez winning by a slim margin. Though he has held office throughout the French invasion, his administration has been marred by controversy and scandal. His opponent, Porfirio Diaz of Chihuahua, loses much of his political clout, as Juárez did not suspend Chihuahua's voting rights as he had OTL. This, coupled with the booming agricultural sector, allowed for Juárez to remain in office, being elected for a fourth term. He enacts a number of policies giving increasing rights to local farmers and miners. These reforms result in a number of caciques rising in southern Mexico. These Mayan caciques form militias, nominally to protect their interests against future foreign incursions. The agricultural boom trickles into Mexico's textile industry. Textiles, which form a backbone of Mexico's economy, are sold for cheap prices to the United States, Cuba, and many Central American and South American states. This boom in textiles requires large-scale infrastructure remodeling, however, and Mexico's relative lack of industrial prowess prevents this textile boom from creating too large an economic bubble. French methods of spinning textiles teach some more industrious Mexicans with the resources to start such facilities to industrialize the process of textile weaving. This practice, which has traditionally been performed at home, especially by indigenous cultures, becomes increasingly automated. This need for automation puts more demand on the mining sector of Mexico for the resources needed for the facilities. In addition, the rail line to Veracruz results in an unprecedented need for iron, which results in a massive boom in the iron industry. The Mexican GDP rises significantly because of this. However, given the past few years, many Mexican economists remain skeptical. Indeed, the life expectancy of Mexicans has decreased since its independence from Spain. This is largely due to the numerous wars, internal rebellions, and the resultant famines. However, at this time things are looking up for both the people of Mexico and Her economy. The railroad to Veracruz enters its final stage, while preliminary tracks are laid down in Tamaulipas and Guerrero. A flood of former Confederates enters Mexico from the United States, many of whom settle down in Tamaulipas and Chihuahua. Free from restrictions from the United States and given relatively-free range in Mexico, these settlers begin to conglomerate in agricultural regions. They, too, form militias in the event of American aggression. As they seem to be relatively harmless, Mexico intends to allow these communities to grow. The government offers a number of land grants to settlers in Baja California. The Mexican military continues to swell this year, as this new economic boom encourages young Mexicans everywhere to pick up arms in the event of another foreign incursion. The navy is especially improved, as Mexico especially would like to avoid a repeat incident with the likes of France. The Italian invasion of France is celebrated. A street ballad: Canción de Nápoles becomes popular among Mexicans, though many other popular songs - the kind not appropriate for polite company - are written about France's defeat at the hands of Italy.
 * Império do Brasil: Pedro would himself tutor and introduce to government affairs his daughter Isabel in preparation to her Regency period, also working to appear more with her and her Husband in public and in court to improve their popularity. The Emperor’s deliberations with his ministers from last year to current would conclude the need for an aggressive policy of industrialisation, to be able to compete with the industrial explosion in Europe and USA. To achieve this objective a large legislative package of industrial incentive and economic liberalisation policies would be organised. The project would be presented by His Imperial Majesty as means to greatly reduce luxury goods costs and increase export revenue of coffee, by improving infrastructure, and so would be favourable to the politically dominant agrarian elite. Among the many laws planned for the proposal would be fiscal incentives, temporary subsidises, incentives for investment and entrepreneurship, easier regulations, expansion of education, etc. The reform would begin implementation in the current year focusing on bureaucratic changes and span some years more. Preparing for his year long voyage Pedro would, always thinking about the nation, decide to take Imperial diplomats and hundreds of intellectuals along with him. The Emperor would depart late, in September and arrive in Lisboa where he would meet his relative King Luis of Portugal, his stepmother Amélia and visit the tomb of his father Pedro I and historical sites in the country. Further, a trade deal and immigration treaty would be proposed [PORTUGAL RESPONSE]. After that he would visit The UK, France, Switzerland and Italy. While in Great Britain Pedro would meet Queen Victoria and Prime Minister William and negotiate better relations and a commercial agreement for coffee exports [UK RESPONSE] While in France and Italy trade and immigration agreements would also be negotiated [FRANCE, ITALY RESPONSE NEEDED]
 * British Mod Response: A commercial agreement for coffee exports is agreed upon. The United Kingdom looks forward to better relations with Brazil.
 * The German Empire: following the defeat of the French at the Siege of Paris early on this year, a new constitution was signed and put into place which would include all German states that have so far worked in this mighty effort against their mighty and great foe. As a result, the German Empire would be declared effectively the following year when the constitution would go into effect. This decision was made prior last year in December by the Reichstag with the offer of the Emperor's title being given to the Prussian King. As the day for the Imperial Proclamation to be decided, it would be the 18th of January to coincide with the coronation of Frederick III von Brandenburg's coronation of Frederick I in 1701 which would found the Kingdom of Prussia. With Kaiser Wilhelm declared at Versailles, treaty discussions would begin following the celebration. German troops remained about in. Northern France with troops in Dijon and people back at home hearing the news that would shake up the world. The Treaty of Paris would begin to be laid out and the terms would be presented the following year with hostile actions ceasing and the French army at least for the Germans, defeated as they engage in war with the Italians. Developments continue with infrastructure seeing greater growth and development abroad with the spread of industrialization abroad. The Berlin-Munich railway begins construction as a broad and complex railway network is seen as the ambition of the German Railway Owners as profits from them go sky high. Chinese Investment is also given and rather than the German's hold an alliance with the Chinese, it is seen for the time being that the states remain non-aligned and rather we offer economic investments with silk and other Chinese products being seen as things to profit from as a result with the request of purchasing of a Chinese Port in Qingdao for about two million Reichsmarks. Advisors are sent off to Japan in order to assist in their needs. Furthermore, Germany looks forward to a mutual trade agreement with the land of the rising sun.
 * Chinese Diplomacy: China would allow the purchase of Qingdao if in addition to the two million Riechsmark, Germany also invests more in the Chinese economy and provides military assistance, in the form of advisers, ships, and equipment.
 * Dominion of Canada: After agreeing with Britain, Canada will annex British Columbia and will become a part of the Confederation. Canada economy would also grow as we began to expand our industry. Many people from Europe begun to move to Canada (most were refugees from the Franco-Prussian war) We also began to expand our military, more people would join the army ranks

1872
The Crackdown on the Ku Klux Klan by the government is successful with it decimating the Klan and basically causing it to become defunct.

The German armies manage to defeat the French and capture Paris, with Napoleon the Third being captured and imprisoned in an unknown location.

A group of former Paraguayan soldiers who survived the War of the Triple Alliance group up and form a militia group of around 500 and flee to the jungles where they wage guerrilla war against the Argentine and Brazilian governments and what they perceived to be an occupation of their homeland.They have little support from the local populace.

The Italians manage to beat back the French in the west, while they defeat the garrisoned French army in Rome and march triumphantly into Rome.

The Third Carlist War begins in Spain.

The New Zealand Wars end between the British colonial government and Maori tribes.

Britain buys some forts from the Dutch in West Africa.

A large solar storm happens, the Northern Lights are seen as Far south as Cuba.


 * Qing Empire: Although the Japanese takeover of Ryukyu is massive loss of face, in the imperial court the Empress Dowager Cixi wants to avoid any major conflict. China will therefore tacitly allow the Japanese to have the Ryukyu kingdom. Still, the Empress Dowager does order 10,000 Chinese troops to be deployed to Korea as a security force. Officially, these will be there to protect the Korean government, but are also there to prevent the rise of Japanese influence. As the suzerain of Korea the Chinese government is fully within its rights to do this. China also supports the government of Queen Min as long as it does not seek to disturb the current relationship between the two countries. But instead of international affairs, the court turns its attention to the internal turmoil. The Tongzhi Restoration continues under the Empress Dowager's authority, allowing some modernisation to occur. She appoints Prince Gong, the statesman and diplomat, as the Grand Chancellor of the empire. He decides to continue the Restoration and advocates for the Qing Empire to constructively engage with the European great powers, and to a lesser extent Japan. He is opposed by the conservative factions but has the Emperor's and Empress Dowager's support. Prince Gong begins laying the legal framework for the creation of a new government, hoping to eventually create an Imperial Constitution that will create a modern state in China, looking to the German Confederation as an inspiration. An administrative reform is also planned to streamline the bureaucracy and increase efficiency, with the aim of raising the budget and tax revenue. A railway system is planned to be built to connect major cities of China, especially those in the south, with Beijing and the northern areas. A number of modern arsenals and weapons factories are opened in some major Chinese cities with European help, being able to produce rifles, some light artillery. China also places an order from German shipyards for six ironclad battleships (German or mod response). The imperial armies are mobilised to deal with the Panthay Rebellion in Yunnan. Zeng Goufan and Li Hongzhang are tasked with putting down the rebels as the dynasty's best generals. Some 40,000 troops are deployed to Yunnan, most of them provincial forces from the Guangxi and Yunnan Armies, but with some modernised troops of Li Hongzhang's Huai Army deployed from the capital to assist. A marriage is arranged between Emperor Tongzhi and Empress Xiaozheyi.
 * German Dip: the order is accepted and will be completed by mid to late 1878
 * United States: Brigham Young of Utah is arrest on charges of polygamy, and is guilty as he had 25 wives. Yellowstone National Park is created. The Amnesty Act of 1872 is passed granting amnesty to former Confederate soldiers. 27 people are killed in a 7.9 earthquake in Eastern California. We agree to sell the ironclads to Argentina. Two men on the Wyoming-Colorado border forge a false diamond rush. Meanwhile in Asia, acting under Federal ok, Admiral Rodger agrees to help the Japanese with the Chinese problem, especially after the Korean expedition. the first Grant Class ironclads are set to be commissioned by 1874. Because of the victory in the Korean Expedition, We ask for a trade between the US and Korea to be opened (Candies respond). New breech loading cannons are outfitted onto ironclads. The US navy is also set to be expanded with a string of naval bases running from Boston to Tampa Bay. President Grant is reelected over Horace Greely. A woman named Susan B. Anthony is arrested trying to vote. The Great Boston Fire happens over a coarse of two days. The Modoc War erupts in Northern California and Oregon against Modoc Indians. P.B.S Pinchback becomes the first black governor of a state, that being Louisiana.
 * Kingdom of Siam: The development of our navy continues, with a naval academy made in Pattaya and a shipyard in Tha Kam, south of Bangkok. We wish to purchase four ironclads from the United States to create a truly modern navy(USA RESPONSE REQUESTED). However, even with these advances, a major problem looms. The state of Siam is still semi-feudal, being a collection of city-states and princedoms all pledging allegiance to Bangkok. In the Chao Phraya Basin, this is not much of a problem, as Bangkok directly controls these lands. However, this is not the case in Laos and the far reaches of our nation, as authority rests on the shoulders of local princes However, an immediate annexation of tributary states would cause great turmoil and would weaken our country. To make the execution of reforms easier in the future, a better education system for officials and people from the upper class is made so that implementation of these reforms will be quicker and easier. Weapon and Arsenal factories are opened in strategic locations across the nation, producing rifles and artillery. The traditional methods of Torture for offenders are not to be used anymore, as they are deemed inhumane. A western judicial system is established. A railway is opened connecting Bangkok and Korat (Nakon Ratchasima) with the help of european powers. Reforms are made to make the bureaucracy more efficient, hoping to increase the budget and tax revenue to fund projects such as railroads. To further fund these projects, many nobles are to have their share of state revenue decreased, especially that of the Front Palace, as 1/3 of all state revenue goes to him directly.
 * Vietnam: Emperor Tu Duc continues his campaign of westernization. He works to root out the massive corruption that plagues the Nguyen court. Missionaries are also allowed in the country, and a policy of religious tolerance is installed. Minorities, especially those in the south, are given more rights in an attempt to gain their favor. The Sip Song Chau Tai are given partial autonomy in an attempt to win over their favor. The Yellow Flags raiding in the upper Red River Valley are given an ultimatum: they can stop their activities and move out of Vietnamese territory, and nothing will happen to them as long as they stop plundering Vietnamese territory. If they do not heed this warning, Tu Duc threatens to wage war against the Yellow Flags. He also sends a warning to the Red Flags in Northern Laos, as they also pose a threat to the Tonkin region. If they dare move into Vietnam, they will be struck down. (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED) After much consideration, Tu Duc sends diplomats to Japan, declaring interest in trade between the two nations. (JAPAN RESPONSE PLEASE) The military is continuously westernized as well. Western mercenaries are hired to provide western-style military training to the Vietnamese military. The Vietnamese army is also organized in a method similar to western nations. In an attempt to hasten Vietnam's modernization, Tu Duc sends diplomats to the United States and Great Britain, proposing trade between Vietnam and both nations. Besides trading goods, he also wishes to purchase modern arms, ships, and equipment from both nations. (USA AND BRITAIN RESPONSES NEEDED, MOD RESPONSE FOR USA IF ORWELL DOESN'T RESPOND) Tu Duc also requests of King Rama V of Siam to give him some western-style boats, hoping to build up a western-style navy. (SIAM RESPONSE NEEDED) Seeing the importance of such actions, Tu Duc, looking to the massive reforms to the north, attempts to emulate them. He carries out many reforms to westernize the Vietnamese government and lay the groundwork for Vietnam's own Imperial Constitution, which will create a modern Vietnamese nation. He also installs administrative reforms to improve the bureaucracy and its efficiency, hoping to raise the budget and tax revenue. Tu Duc requests to hire advisors from the United States and Great Britain to aid in his westernization of the country. (USA AND BRITAIN RESPONSES NEEDED, MOD RESPONSE FOR USA IF ORWELL DOESN'T RESPOND) He also requests Japan to aid him in building a railway in his nation. (JAPANESE RESPONSE NEEDED)
 * Siam response: We will lend you five steam powered gunboats for the development of your navy.
 * British Mod Response: The British respond by sending advisors to the Vietnamese court. Britain also agrees to the sale of modern arms and equipment to Vietnam. The British request the establishment of a trading post in the northern part of the country. (Think about the French)
 * Vietnam Response: We allow the British to have basing rights, fleet docking rights, and refueling rights in said port. However, the port will remain under Vietnamese control.
 * British Mod Response: Britain agrees.


 * Persia: The shah agrees to negotiate a possible treaty with Russia under the following conditions: the meeting will be at the border in the Caucasus with Russia and the tsar will attend in person.(RUSSIAN RESPONSE NEEDED). Factories are ordered to produce more rifles and war equipment in preparation for a possible campaign.


 * República de Argentina: The 125 or so rebels operating in the Province of Paraguay are hunted down and swiftly executed by a force of over 2,000 troops garrisoned in the province. Local villagers are offered significant rewards for information, and as the people are generally exhausted of war and the rebels have little support they oblige. Fighting rages over the Chacos region between troop sunder the command of Colonel Alejo Julio Argentino Roca Paz and natives, but after a daring “tentacle” maneuver the Argentine forces capture, kill, or disarm nearly all the native population. With most of the region secure a series of border forts are built at the town of Ibibobo, San Antonio del Parapeti, and just south of Puerto Quijarro. The Army Surveyors Corps are quickly retasked to surveying Chacos, and preparing the vast fertile plain for settlement by rapidly arriving immigrants from Europe. The steam of immigrants from the old world turns into a flood as the economically prosperous Argentina’s international outreach pulls investment, poor immigrants, and skilled laborers seeking a better life. Tens of thousands arrive in 1871 alone, largely from Italy, but also from the UK, Spain, and France. With the Carlist War in Spain, propaganda supporting immigration to Argentina is increased in the country and a particularly large exodus of people fed-up with the monarchy, the civil wars, and the lack of economic opportunities. In Argentina, the economy continues its surging growth. Fueled by rising agricultural exports, productivity becomes the main concern of government economists. Industrial equipment is imported from Europe and the United States to introduce mechanization to farms in and around the Plata Basin. Furthermore, transportation to the south and interior is made a top priority and a standardized rail gauge at the 1,435 mm used in the United Kingdom and the United States. More schools are constructed in the rural areas and poorer neighborhoods of urban Argentina. The government reaches out to the Remington Company in the United States asking to purchase tooling and a licence to produce Remington M1867s in Argentina. Assuming the Americans agree to the proposal the guns will be chambered for 9x55mm cartridges and manufactured in Buenos Aires. (Orwell Please) The plan also calls for the development of a more cavalry-friendly version of the gun with a lever-pull to open both the hammer and block allowing the cavalryman an extra hand to keep on the barrel and the reins of his horse. 
 * US rep: Remington is burdened enough with the federal order and cannot supply breech loaders to any other nation until the federal order is complete by summer of 1873.
 * British Raj: The Railways and canal projects started in the past years are continued and slightly expanded. The newly formed Department of Agriculture begins to expand the network of canals in the Ganges river valley and the Brahmaputra river valley to put more land under irrigation and make it independent of rainfall for irrigation. The same Department is also charged with the creation of new grain storage units across the Raj including godowns and silos. The University of Allahabad begins construction. The Governor-General, the Earl of Mayo is assassinated. Thomas Baring, 1st earl of Northbrook becomes the Governor-General.


 * Empire of Russia: Long live Tsar Alexander II! Victory over Khiva is celebrated by the emperor and his nobles. While at the same time 25,000 soldiers are readied on the Bukhara border. Where Russian diplomats give the Emir the a letter stating "If you emir of the Bukhara, keep Russian companies from creating jobs and civilising your lands. And keep your anti-Russian policies in place. So we request that you surrender your lands to the Russian crown where you are allowed to keep your privileges and rights as a Grand Duke of Bukhara, where just like with the Khivans Russia will allow the Muslim faith in his lands. The Duke will also be allowed to have his own languages, Duma and police force. (Mod response). While at the same time, Russia invites Serbia and Montenegro to the Slavic Congress in  Kiev while we also ask Austria and the Ottomans to allow the Macedonians, Bulgarians, Bosniaks, Croatians, Czechs and Galicians to come to congress too.(player response) . While at the same time the Emperor ensures the invited that Polish and Ruthenian representatives will be allowed to openly speak their minds at the congress too. To discus the future state of slavic autonomy and unity. With this the tsar also gets a commission ready to discuss the possible creation of a second Polish grand duchy, and a white Ruthenian duchy. While at the same times plans are drawn for new railroads far across the empire. With the current situation in Korea and China soldiers are told to ready their defences and know the exact borders and prevent any soldier from crossing the border while Civilians are allowed to cross but need to be disarmed.
 * Bukharan Mod Response: The Emir of Bukhara refuses to submit to the Russian demands. (Rest will come as a mod event).


 * Nippon: Having secured the Ryukyus, Tokyo formally annexes the islands as the Okinawa prefecture. Military modernization and expansion continues with the full implementation of mandatory conscription. Impressed with Germany's victory over France, German advisors are invited to Japan to teach. The first railway from Tokyo to Yokohama is built (OTL), with another one from Osaka, to Kyoto beginning construction. The land and tax reforms are passed with private ownership being legalized, and ownership being simplified and notarized with deeds being issued. land value is appraised to establish market value. Taxes are simplified, lowered slightly, and to be paid in currency. The Currency Act is passed consolidating the various coins into the new Japanese Yen, which is defined by 1.5 grams of gold and 24.26 grams of silver. Some small model textile factories are commissioned to be built by the government, while construction of a new arsenal in Tokyo begins. Five more Ironclads are commissioned from the Americans. The Education reform act is passed and the first public schools and first public libraries are opened, The Shogunate academy is turned into the Tokyo Imperial University, while learning to write, read, and basic math are made mandatory for conscripts. Stipends for samurai are progressively moved to government bonds. Samurai also encouraged to invest their bonds or stipends to help fuel national growth, some larger financial groups start to emerge acting as modern banks though not officially under that name at present The Iwakura mission begins with a tour of the USA. Hundreds of Japanese students also begin going abroad to study. A Japanese envoy to Qing and Joseon are also sent. Alarmed by the Russian movements on the continent The Hokkaido Garrison is augmented while plans for an expedition to Karafuto is planned to reinforce Japan's claims over the island.
 * German Dip: seeing interests in investments into Japan, the invitation is accepted.
 * Kingdom of Italy: The war with France goes well, when Nizza is occupied by Italian men and the triumph in Rome. This leads the army to more confidence and proves, that a well organized army and communication is key. All communication is now done by horseback or, if it is sure that a more urban area is attacked, via bicycle. SECRET The next goal is an invasion of Corsica, because the Corsican inhabitants are viewed as ethnic Italians, oppressed by the French. The invasion is set up for September, but the plans are already drawn out after the Battle of Rome. Around 9,000 men and 25 ships (nine of them are cargo) are mobilized to launch an invasion in two waves. To clear the waters, decoys are set up around North Africa, attacking the city of Oran and putting more pressure on the region. The already patrolling heavy ships will keep the Tyrrhenian Sea cleared. END SECRET The first attack is launched in late August with a surprise attack in the cover of night, the second attack is launched three days later with another thousand men near Bastia. The men are ordered to capture Bastia as fast as possible and convincing the locals, that Italy will do everything to keep French influence from the island. Some red shirt officers are already send over in April to establish a few safe houses in Ajaccio and Bastia while spreading propaganda, making the Corsicans welcoming the Italian liberators (MOD RESPONSE, PLEASE). Trade relations with the nations of Latin America are welcomed.
 * Mod Response: There is a certain amount of resentment against the Italian troops entering Corsica. The propaganda campaign was only slightly successful. However, the Italian administration is able to contain the resentment as many welcome the Italians as liberators.


 * Austro-Hungarian Empire: We establish the ministry of culture to promote and regulate the cultures of the empire and espouse a common culture of brotherhood and tolerance. The imperial army continues to build up on the Austria-Turkey border with drills being conducted. We send a diplomat to Greece requesting the furthering of diplomatic relations and permission to send a naval detachment to dock at Patras and elsewhere (MOD RESPONSE NEEDED). Naval drills are conducted in the Adriatic Sea. We commission two dreadnoughts to be developed for the Imperial Navy. The 20,000 Austrian troops sent to Serbia are ordered to head over to Ottoman-Serbian border and to garrison there and to also train Serbian troops.
 * Greek Mod Response: Greece accepts the request to further diplomatic relations. Greece also gives the Austro-Hungarian Navy docking rights for their ships in all ports of Greece.
 * Principality of Serbia: Super phosphate fertilisers are imported from Britain while further land reform is pushed through and work continues on building a railway from Aleksinac to Belgrade. The Ministry of Agriculture run in part by the British continues to withhold tax breaks from those who don't move over the Norfolk crop rotation system. Coal mining begins in Kolubara for export. The Army contracts out horse breeding to suppliers to massively increase their supply of horses for transport and communication. Construction and improvement of fortresses at Zajecar, Uzice and Sabac.


 * Korea: The government humbly receives the 10,000-man expedition sent by the Qing, with King Gojong reaffirming Korea's status as a Chinese tributary. Private foreign advisors (~500) are hired by the government to aid in the modernization effort; they are given accommodations in Seoul, where a foreigners’ quarter is established. As ties with the West are consolidated, several officials are sent to study newly-established Qing facilities – whilst foreign missionaries are encouraged to establish private educational institutions, due to the inability of the Korean government to sponsor a trip overseas. The approach is still successful, as the schools established by the foreign missionaries serve as a model for the future educational system. Hangul is promulgated as the sole official script, with all texts that are previously written in Hanja being transliterated. However, an important problem persists – the lack of a reliable international partner. A small modern arsenal is constructed in Seoul, with a stockpile of only a few thousand modern firearms; there are future plans to expand it (as well as augment the navy), specifically establish a small munitions plant and a steel plant to jump start domestic production. Under the leadership of Queen Min, Korea has numerous administrative reforms. The total number of executive bodies is raised to eight, with ministries regulating imperial examinations and foreign affairs being established. The caste system is fully abolished – though substantial social stratification remains. The imperial examinations system, which is used to determine the bureaucracy, remains – though it is expected that the curriculum would be revised to fit modern expectations for governance. Emphasis is placed into expanding Korea’s trading profile. Centralization is encouraged through the establishment of labor-intensive workshops utilizing traditional looms. Foreign missionaries teach merchants and craftsmen modern production methods, with a few nascent factories being fitted with industrial machinery (mainly in the capital region). Main exports include lucrative commodities such as tea, silk and cotton textiles, celadon and lacquerware ceramics.
 * Império do Brasil: The policy of settlement of veteran soldiers in Paraguay would see much sucess and tens of thousands of brazillians would settle vacant lands and take Paraguayan widows to marriage. Paraguay would continue to be reorganized under a temporary military govenor and Paraguayan assets seized in the war and local taxes would be used to rebuild needed infraestructure in the new province. about 1,500 still active veterans of the Triple Alliance War would be organised and, still familiarized with the terrain and the guerilla warfare in the late stage of the conflict, sent to hunt down the Paraguayan insurrectionists with help of other local garissons numbering some thousands. Information would be requested to the conflict exhausted locals and brazillian settlers. Continuing his trip, Pedro II would travel from Palermo to Athens and visit the Greek sights, also meeting King George I. From there he would go to Egypt, meet the Khedive and tour the wonders of the ancient county, for which the erudite Emperor would  share great interest for. After Egypt Pedro would visit Austria and meet the Habsburg part of his family and then go tour Germany where he would also congratulate the newly crowned Kaiser Wilhelm and his chancellor Bismarck for their unification of the nation. Finally he would go to Belgium and then return to Brazil. Cordial relations and Commercial and Immigration agreements would be negotiated with the Germans and Austrians [GERMANY AND AUSTRIA RESPONSE]. Throughout his voyage Pedro II would leave a marking impression in the public for his simplicity and humility, the Emperor would wear common clothes, travel in public transportation and walk among and talk with the common folk regularly. His and his diplomats’ actions would attract many immigrants to Brazil in the in the coming years. The imperial diplomats would also negotiate with European businessmen and corporations, incentivizing them to invest in the growing Brazilian industry and bring over their businesses. The many Brazilian Intellectuals brought with Pedro would have studied the many countries visited and upon his departure they would stay in Europe to further study in the universities in Portugal, France, UK, Germany and Italy. Moreover, mirroring what japan did, circa 5,000 Europeans and also Americans would start being hired to teach in Brazil and improve the dire educational situation in the country. While Pedro was away the regency of Princess Isabel, with her having been tutored by him, would see success with the Free Womb Law that grants freedom to children born to slaves approved, despite initial reluctance by the agrarian elite. The Emperor would return in July 1872 to Rio de Janeiro. After his return the regent princess Isabel and her husband would not be again isolated from political life. In Europe, Pedro II would have analysed the education and economic systems there and upon his return realise the full extent of Brazil’s lacks. With this a massive educational reform based in the Prussian Volksschule and the British school boards models would be organised, aiming to establish free and universal education for the common folk. The Creation of hundreads of school boards would troughout the country be issued, these boards would then organise the construction of Elementary schools, the raising of funds from local taxes and admnistrate the institutions once operational. A new tax would be created in municipal and provincial levels to fund the education and the Imperial government would also provide loans as funding. Attendance between the ages of 5-13 would be compulsory whenever possible. The curriculum would be nationally standardised per grade and involve reading and writing, math and other sciences to lesser extent, it would further include the teaching of discipline and the creation of a sense of national pride and identity. The European scholars being hired and coming over would be first employed to teach teachers in normal schools, which would also be expanded in number, and universities
 * The German Empire: as negotiations persist behind the scenes and the Italian Army persists to prove themselves worthy of glory, a final draft for the combined demands of the Italians and Germans are presented in a treaty that is planned to be signed the following year. In the meantime, the new constitution continues to prove to be a success and as a result, the government continues to function as usual. The Railway from Berlin to Munich sees completion while new railway companies continue to incest in local and national rails. Large Investments begin to pour into the Imperial German Navy as to expand its force with recruitments beginning to rise. The Construction of 4 new ironclads under the newly designed Frederick-Class begins. As infrastructure and agriculture continues to improve, so does the expansion of industrialization across Germany grows with Steel Mills and Textiles and clothing grow especially with greater imports from abroad. The German Army acts quite friendly to the French under the occupation of sections of territory in the nation. This is mainly in part due to the orders to act generously to the French with some taking actions of public service and others assisting in the cleanup of areas torn by battles and even others assisting in the identification of bodies and giving those who had lost loved ones, their condolences. This policy has proven to be quite effective in ensuring that the French people could learn first hand of German treatment and in the process, effect their opinion as a result. The German African Co. and East Indian Co. look forward to expansion of territory within East and Southern Asia while also looking forward to the establishment of German Settlements within Africa. An agreement is made to assist in the establishment of a german settlement in the Gabon-Congo region of Africa following the return of an expedition team led by Freidrich Hans Becker. Education is seen as something to truly be taken seriously as before with the push for more institutions of education and the expansions of libraries and Archives are made with a better recording of events.

1873
Argentina’s efforts against the ragtag group of rebels in Argentine borders are successful and the group's Argentine branch ceases to exist.

'''With Napoleon III captured, a new provisional government is formed with Adolphe Thiers being named its head. He sends Germany a message of surrender.'''

The Italians successfully invade and occupy Corsica.

'''RMS Atlantic sinks off the coast of Nova Scotia killing 547. Worlds first Kennel clubs is established in Britain. Britain in a war in Ghana ends the slave trade there. The area around Port Moresby is claimed for Britain.'''

Austrian explorers discovers OTL Franz Joseph Land (Colgan your choice of naming).

International Meteorological Organization is founded.

The Third Carlist War rages on with no end in sight.


 * Qing Empire: Under Prince Gong, the Tongzhi Restoration continues. The central government undergoes a new reform, with the traditional departments and ministries of the Grand Council abolished to be replaced by a new Imperial Cabinet. According to Empress Dowager Cixi, Prince Gong is to be the first Prime Minister of the Imperial Cabinet. The Zongli Yamen, in charge of relations with foreigners, is abolished and replaced by the Waiwubu (Foreign Ministry), a foreign office based on the ministries of the Europeans. The new cabinet ministries are intended to streamline the administration and improve the government's efficiency, while bringing it in line with European standards. They include: Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, Army, Navy, Education, Finance, Industry, Communications, and Justice. The are established but is expected to take several years before they are functioning fully as intended to reform the entire government. By order of the new Education Ministry, the famed imperial examinations are to be changed and reformed with a new system. Instead of the classics of Chinese literature, students will study Western subjects, including mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering, navigation, European law and history, among others. The classics will now only be one portion, with the majority of subjects being the practical new ones. The imperial exam degrees themselves will also be reduced and combined to make a simpler and more straightforward system. The Education Ministry's budget has been raised to open new schools to facilitate this. Military examinations will continue as well but with slight changes, testing physical strength along with knowledge of Western subjects as the imperial exams. They will be required to be considered for entry into the new Naval Academy established at Tianjin and Central Military Academy in Beijing. European officers and mercenaries are hired to serve as instructors. All of these reforms mainly exist on paper as of this year are expected to not fully take effect until the mid 1890s at least, and the government lowers the Imperial Household Department's budget significantly to cut costs and allocates more funding to the Education Ministry for the reforms. European instructors are hired and paid a large sum to work in new schools. Additionally, the most talented Chinese students are given scholarships to study in European or American universities by the government. Army and naval cadets are sent to study in the Prussian War Academy and the Royal Naval College Dartmouth, respectively. The Navy Ministry negotiates the purchase of ironclad warships from German shipyards, which are expected to be delivered in late 1870s. The Chinese army is still fighting against rebellions throughout the country.
 * Dominion of Canada: Wanting to trade with the United States, The Prime minister would ask Britain if they would allow Canada to trade with America (United States and Mod Response) Canada also wants to encourage people from Europe to move to Canada.
 * Republic of Chile: Observing the rapidly-changing political landscape both in its own neighborhood and around the world, Chile seeks to extend its diplomacy abroad. It gladly establishes diplomatic relations with the nascent German and Italian nations. In an attempt to increase immigration, Chile pushes several reforms aimed at attracting European immigrants; German and Italian nationals are targeted in particular. Looking south towards a potential avenue for both economic and territorial expansion, the government encourages Chilean nationals and newly-arrived immigrants alike to purchase plots of land in Araucania (at rather low prices from the federal government) and claim the land for Chile; considerable military forces are sent along with them to discourage Mapuche raids. We reach out to Argentina, officially recognizing the Peace of Montevideo, and request the negotiation of trade agreements with our eastern neighbor (Argentina plez). Meanwhile, in the port of Valaparaiso, the construction of new dockyards (for both military and shipping purposes) begins, coupled with a wave of naval expansion. With this new naval buildup, the government begins to take interest in the Pacific outcroppings that lie to our west, but refrain from any diplomatic outreach for the time being.
 * Argentina: We agree to open trade negotiations, and recomend that our countries jointly construct a trans-Andean rail line to connect our capital cities.
 * Chile: The Chilean government graciously accepts.
 * United States: E Remington and Sons invent the first practical typewriter in New York state. President Grant is sworn into office for his second term. The Coinage Act is vetoed by President Grant keeping the US in a bimetallist system. Levi Strauss patents some jeans. The first Grant class ironclads are launched and set sail. The army will be entirely refitted with Remington breech loaders. A near panic on Wall Street is avoided. The Modoc War ends. A Women's crusade against alcohol occurs in Ohio. The US accepts the Canadian request for trade. (More to Come)
 * Chile diplomacy: Chile requests the purchase of four U.S. ironclads for a negotiable price.


 * República de Argentina: With Gran Chacos under Argentine nominal rule, the region is flooded with settlers from Europe. With them spread modern educational systems sponsored by the government. Furthermore, the government emulates the United States in launching the construction of a rail line to the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra from the port town of Clorinda. The town, just opposite from Asuncion in Brazil has grown in importance in Argentina as it is the stop-off point on the Argentine bank of the Paraguay River before continuing south. With immigrants from both across the border and internationally the town has quickly grown to a bustling city of some 25,000 inhabitants. President Sarmiento places greater emphasis on attracting immigrants, hoping to reach 100,000 new European settlers in a single year. To accomplish this more supporting propaganda is released in Europe, and France in particular seeing their defeat and the proposed Treaty of Paris. Immigration totals reach 20,000 in 1873 alone. The economy continues its surging growth. With rail gauges standardized and rail-integration a government priority a series of half-national and half-private rail companies are established to constructed rail-heads across northern Patagonia and to connect the Chacos region to Buenos Aires. Furthermore, existing rail lines are to be extended into Cuyo to connect to mines, farms and ranches. The goal is to have 40,000 km of rail completed by 1890. Of particular interest to the government is the construction of more significant port cities to the south of Buenos Aires. Bahía Blanca is chosen as the best place to begin construction on a major port facility, but first the region must be secured. Colonel Alejo Julio Argentino Roca Paz and 4,000 cavalrymen ride south and begin what becomes known as the “Conquest of the Desert.” Using his tentacle strategy the troops encircle, capture, and disarm over 8,000 natives. These are placed onto pre-specified tracts of land and registered under the Argentine state apparatus. The campaigns will continue until 1875 at the current pace. Industrial equipment is imported from Europe and the United States to introduce mechanization to farms in and around the Plata Basin. More schools are constructed in the rural areas and poorer neighborhoods of urban Argentina. In an effort to improve the quality of education, curriculums are revised to include a set standard of basic mathematics, reading, writing, and then technical classes or agricultural classes, depending on the region. Dozens of small land-grant colleges are opened teaching subjects such as Engineering, Mechanics, Agricultural Business, Economics, Forestry, Physics and Mathematics, and Classics. The government reaches out to Sweden to study the tooling on their M1867 rifles. Assuming designs and tooling can be purchased, a national armory, La Armería Nacional de Argentina, will be built to assemble lever-action varrients on the M1867 employing a camming lever to open both the hammer and bolt. This system will prevent patent infringement claims from Remington while also allowing better use from horseback. (Mods Please) Following the Treaty of Paris Argentine Diplomats in Germany quickly make an offer to the German Empire asking to purchase the formerly French Alma and Provence classes of ironclads, as well as Krupp cannons to arm the La Plata class and to re-arm the Alma and Provence classes to a set of standardized rounds and cannons. This will include 370 17cm naval guns to be the standard for both sets of ships. (German Response)
 * Sweden says yeah. - Mod
 * Chile: Taking note of the recent Argentine expeditions, Chile suggests conferring in Punta Arenas to formally partition the southern lands, preventing a future conflict over the region. (SECRET) Chile notes its willingness to concede Patagonian territory in exchange for other concessions, such as military or diplomatic support for expansion into the north or the western islets. (END SECRET)
 * Principality of Serbia: Super phosphate fertilisers are imported from Britain while further land reform is pushed through and work continues on building a railway from Aleksinac to Belgrade. The Ministry of Agriculture run in part by the British continues to withhold tax breaks from those who don't move over the Norfolk crop rotation system. Coal mining is in Kolubara and begins in Kostolac for export. Contractors continue to increase production of horses for the army. Construction and improvement of fortresses at Zajecar, Uzice and Sabac. We request to buy on credit 80,000 single shot breech loading rifles and 800 muzzle loading rifled artillery from anyone with surplus equipment.
 * Italian dip: Italian gun manufacturers are interested in supplying the Serbian army with rifles for a small re numeration
 * Kingdom of Italy: With a victorious war in France and many new lands in Italian hands, the new regions and colonies are established. In the west, the formerly french Departements of Alpes-Maritimes, Hautes-Alpes and Alpes-de-Hautes-Provence are included into the Province of Piemont and Liguria (only Alpes-Maritimes) respectively. In Corsica, the Corse Republic is established on December 9th as an Italian protectorate. The Island is self governing, has its own parliament, police force and President, but relies on Italy when it comes to foreign relations, the military and the trade of some commodities. A new flag is also created, depicting the "moor's head" on an evenly split green and white background. The Mediterranean fleet was partially seized, with 5 minor battleships being confiscated. The city of Algier is renamed Algeri, with a special desert troop being trained, including native Arabs. The German Empire is recognized officially. An economic reform is made, including major tax brakes for investors in the heavy industry sector. This includes mining, civil manufacturing and the military sector. Especially German, American and British investors are invited and Italy presents its potential to them (AMERICAN/GERMAN/BRITISH RESPONSE). The railroad system is expanded further, with an extension of the railway on Corsica and into the south. Nizza is as well connected to the network. Similar to the Serbian model, farmers can get a small tax break if they use modern farming techniques. The Algerian oil fields have now some oil refineries to make an immediate export for the valuable petroleum. The King, now on a power high, seeks to expand the nation further, yet he is blocked by the parliament, worrying the costs of more expansionist adventures. A large dispute emerges, where the King and the conservative faction want to expand Italy's might to keep France and the Ottomans out of the sphere, while the Liberals seek for a future in that no conflict with the French happens again. They propose to only partially recognize the German gains of eastern France, reducing it to just Alsace-Lorraine and parts of Franche-Comté due to the large German population there. Everything else is proposed to be "disputed", but these proposals are put down by the parliament. The news of a rising Britain in Africa is taken with worry, some pushing for a similar move. Trade with west African Wolof kingdoms starts, with Italians establishing a provisional port at the mouth of the Gambia river, to trade with the locals, most notably the Kingdom of Jolof. This port however was built without the explicit consent of the local authorities.