Croatia (Principia Moderni III Map Game)

Croatia is a sovereign absolute hereditary monarchy in the Balkans which was granted its sovereignity with the Treaty of Cluj-Napoca. Following the Great War against Austria, the Croatian sphere spread which led to Croatia becoming significantly more powerful.

Before 1400

 * Main Articles: Kingdom of Croatia and Personal union with Hungary

The Croats, a slavic tribe arrived in what is now known as Croatia in the 7th century, after which they begin to create small states. The Croatian Kingdom is born around 925, during the reign of Tomislav. Its peak was reached during the reign of Petar Krešimir IV and Dmitar Zvonimir. In 1102, it entered a personal union with Hungary. Because of the Hungarian succession crisis, Croatia also changed its dynasty often until the rule of Sigismund of Luxembourg

1400s
The reign of the House of Luxembourg brought prosperity and peace to the kingdom, albeit at the price of freedom and sovereignity. Many priviliges promised by the Pacta Conventa were ignored as well as the two golden bulls of Andrew II and Bela IV. The Croatian nation was under influence of Magyarization and the culture suffered.

1500s
With the decline of the Hungarian power and the loss of Poland, Croatia was able to gain sovereignity in the late 1530s through the War of Hungarian Reduction, led by Poland, Romania and the Roman Empire. After the Treaty of Cluj-Napoca also called the Liberation Treaty (Povelja Oslobađanja), the independent Kingdom of Croatia was restored and a member of the cadet branch of the Trpimirović Dynasty from Montenegro took up the crown under the name of Petar Krešimir V. During the rule of the renewed Trpimirovićs Croatia prospered economically and through the help of Ivan Nelipić it also became more united due to the decrease of the nobility's power. In the 1560s Croatia entered the war against Austria, fighting alongside the Spaniards and the Romans. After a decisive victory, Croatia gained the Knyazdom of Slovenia as a vassal. Due to a portion of the Croatian forces occupying Trieste in order to weaken the Austrian naval power, many stayed which led to the creation of an interim government ruled by Ivan Nelipić, who was appointed by his son Božidar. His son married the Queen, daughter of the previous King. Božidar became Prince Consort, which soon led to his wife transfering the power to him. He then proclaimed himself absolute ruler of Croatia, which led the population to rejoice as it meant the coming of a new age for the Croats. Soon ending the economic crisis through numerous new mines, improved agricultural techniques and increased trade, Božidar declared the annexation of the Knyazdom of Trst by the Kingdom after the two nations entered a personal union due to Ivan passing the title of Knyaz to his son.

Government
The Croatian government is in its essence an absolute hereditary monarchy, however, it still retains the Sabor as a parliament. Although the Sabor is compromised of nobility primarily, the rise of townsfolk led to many administrative positions being led by wealthy people, rather than nobility.

Administrative Divisions
The Kingdom is divided into sub-national entities called Županija. Each entity is governed by a council of affluent locals who elect a Župan who serves as the Governor of the division. A term lasts for five years, and there are no limits on how many terms one person can serve which leads to most Župans governing for decades.

Although most governors of territories are called Župan, they sometimes do hold an additional different title, which gives them the same power. Exceptions are Trst's Alfonso Pezzi, who acts as the Knyaz of Trst and Dživo Gundulić, who acts as the Ban of Goa.

Official Allies

 * France
 * Britannia

Unofficial Allies

 * Westphalia
 * Romania
 * Roman Empire
 * Poland

Friendly

 * Hispania
 * Tartary
 * Scandinavia

Neutral

 * Hungary

Weary

 * Austria

Army
The Croatian army is able to muster one hundred thousand foot soldiers, sixty thousand cavaliers at any time. This minimum has been set out by King Petar Krešimir V, who, during his early life, had access to the book De Administrando Imperio in which it is stated that these numbers were available as early as 925.

Navy
The Naval forces of Croatia consist of 200 previously Hungarian ships. These ships are by far more advanced than the Croatian-built ships which are, as of 1535, being dissassembled and replaced with newer ones. Through aid of the Albionic naval officers, the Croatian Navy or Hrvatska ratna mornarica (HRM) has developed its ability and through trade across the Mediterranean the adaptability to longer journeys has been created.