The Kingdom of Spain
Reino de España
Alfonso XIII 1886--Present Day
1894:
1895:
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The Kingdom of Spain
Reino de España
Alfonso XIII 1886--Present Day
República de Chile
The Kiel Regatta
The secretary entered the president’s office bearing a white envelope, which he placed on the desk of the head of state. President Montt looked at the neat and flowing cursive writing, and picking up the envelope said: “stiff,” commenting on the quality of the paper inside. “This is an invitation.” And indeed it was an invitation. An invitation to the Kiel Regatta in Germany. “How splendid,” said the secretary, when the President informed him of the envelope’s contents. “The arrangements will be made immediately for your attendance, Señor Presidente.”
Telegram to His Excellency Adolf von Bieberstein, Foreign Secretary of Imperial Germany
Foreign Secretary, - I am writing to you on behalf of the President of the Republic of Chile to extend his gratitude for the invitation to the Kiel Regatta and to confirm the attendance of Admiral Montt, our President, at the event in Kiel.
Admiral Jorge Montt,
President of the Republic of Chile
P.P. Ventura Blanco Viel
Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores, Culto y Colonización
President of the Republic of Chile
P.P. Ventura Blanco Viel
Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores, Culto y Colonización
Julio Argentino Roca and Argentina
Alejo Julio Argentino Roca Paz is born in 1843 and joins the Argentine army at the age of 14. His military career sees him fight in the Argentine civil war between Buenos Aires and the provinces and in the War of the Triple Alliance. Roca gains the rank of colonel, and then general by fighting against the numerous revolts in the 1870s.
In 1878 Roca is made Minister of War and is tasked with dealing with the frontier issue. Realizing that there is no way to end native attacks other than putting native land under effective government control Roca organizes the conquest of the desert to “extinguish, subdue, or expel” the natives of the Pampas. In 1880 Roca leads the military in crushing the rebellion of Carlos Tejedor that finally settles the status of Buenos Aires as a part of Argentina.
Given his success in the Pampas and in crushing the Tejedor revolt Roca is the obvious choice for President in 1880. During this time Roca brings under state control many Church functions, including primary and secondary education. An expanded role for the government leads to greater state control of the economy, typically in favor of the oligarchs who are behind Roca. Throughout the time period most government policies are designed to benefit large landowners and promote agricultural exports. As an example, the Argentine railroad is designed and built in order to help cattle exports to Europe.
Roca is succeeded by Miguel Celman who tries temporarily to chart a different path for the country. Celman privatizes some government enterprises, threatening the established interests. In 1890, with Roca’s covert support, opposition leaders stage an attempted coup against Celman. The coup fails, the opposition is discredited, but the weakened Celman resigns from office. This leaves Roca again as the most powerful man in the country.
From here on Roca holds the office of Senator and Minister of Interior and then President of the Senate. Both Carlos Pellegrini and Luis Saenz Pena focus on guiding Argentina through the worldwide economic slowdown while not challenging Roca’s political power. However, by 1894 radical ideas are becoming more and more commonplace in Argentina and radical demonstrations and protests are threatening to challenge the status quo that has been established.
Alejo Julio Argentino Roca Paz is born in 1843 and joins the Argentine army at the age of 14. His military career sees him fight in the Argentine civil war between Buenos Aires and the provinces and in the War of the Triple Alliance. Roca gains the rank of colonel, and then general by fighting against the numerous revolts in the 1870s.
In 1878 Roca is made Minister of War and is tasked with dealing with the frontier issue. Realizing that there is no way to end native attacks other than putting native land under effective government control Roca organizes the conquest of the desert to “extinguish, subdue, or expel” the natives of the Pampas. In 1880 Roca leads the military in crushing the rebellion of Carlos Tejedor that finally settles the status of Buenos Aires as a part of Argentina.
Given his success in the Pampas and in crushing the Tejedor revolt Roca is the obvious choice for President in 1880. During this time Roca brings under state control many Church functions, including primary and secondary education. An expanded role for the government leads to greater state control of the economy, typically in favor of the oligarchs who are behind Roca. Throughout the time period most government policies are designed to benefit large landowners and promote agricultural exports. As an example, the Argentine railroad is designed and built in order to help cattle exports to Europe.
Roca is succeeded by Miguel Celman who tries temporarily to chart a different path for the country. Celman privatizes some government enterprises, threatening the established interests. In 1890, with Roca’s covert support, opposition leaders stage an attempted coup against Celman. The coup fails, the opposition is discredited, but the weakened Celman resigns from office. This leaves Roca again as the most powerful man in the country.
From here on Roca holds the office of Senator and Minister of Interior and then President of the Senate. Both Carlos Pellegrini and Luis Saenz Pena focus on guiding Argentina through the worldwide economic slowdown while not challenging Roca’s political power. However, by 1894 radical ideas are becoming more and more commonplace in Argentina and radical demonstrations and protests are threatening to challenge the status quo that has been established.
Internal Cable between the Minister-President and Minister of the Interior on Austrian railways
To: Alfred Erwin, Fürst zu Windisch-Grätz
Given the atrocious state of Austrian and Hungarian railways, I ask that you create a unified Austrian rail company. Such a thing would be beneficial to the entire empire.
From: Olivier, Marquis de Bacquehem
Internal Cable between the Minister-President and Minister of the Interior on Austrian railways; Response
To: Olivier, Marquis de Bacquehem
That is an excellent idea, I shall commission a report on the issue immediately. Hopefully such an entity can be established immediately.
From: Alfred Erwin, Fürst zu Windisch-Grätz
The Kingdom of Siam
ราชอาณาจักรสยาม
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
It is with great pleasure that I am able to announce that His Most Excellent Majesty, King Chulalongkorn, shall be delighted to make an overseas visit to Europe so as to attend the Kiel Regatta. The Maha Chakri Royal Yacht shall represent His Majesty's subjects at the ceremonies in all of her magnificence, and His Majesty eagerly awaits a spectacular show of seamanship from all those attending.
His Royal Highness Prince Devawongse Varopakarn
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Following the invitation by His Majesty, Wilhelm II, German Emperor it is my pleasure to announce that although, due to His relative youth, His Royal Majesty will not attend the Kiel Regatta a Spanish delegation will attend the event. The delegation shall be led by His Highness the Duke of Galliera as the representative of His Majesty the King. In addition Antonio de Aguilar, Marquis of La Vega de Armijo and Minister of State will attend as a representative of the Spanish Government, Admiral Pascual Cervera will represent the Royal Spanish Navy and General Valeriano Weyler will represent the Spanish Army. This delegation shall travel onboard the Pelayo, the largest and most powerful ship in the Spanish Navy and the Spanish government will endeavor to send a yacht in order to compete in the races.
~Her Royal Majesty, Maria Christina, Queen Regent of the Kingdom of Spain
Communique in regards to the Kiel Regatta:
His Majesty, King George I, has instructed the ambassador of the Kingdom of Greece to personaly attend the festivities and regatta in Kiel, whilst Prince Nicholas of Greece and Denmark will travel from Greece to attend the events. His Majesty, due to the planning for the revival of the Olympiad in the year 1896.
OOC: On the map, the greek border are messed up. Greece did not have Epirus until the Balkan wars. Furthermore, the borders of French Indochina are those of 1914, not of 1894 - Siam still held western cambodia and a small piece of Laos. Montenegro's borders are also post-balkan wars, and currently the Sanjak of Novi Pazar should be under Austrian occupation (though ottoman administration, so perhaps also mark that as occupied)
Internal Cable between the Austrian Minister of the Interior and the Hungarian Minister of the Interior concerning expanding railways
To: Hieronymi Károly
The Austrian government wishes to build two (2) additional rail lines, which will pass through the lands of the Crown of Saint Stephen. We would like your assent on the building of a line that splits from the Vienna-Venice line which will cut through Zágráb on through into the Condominium of Bosnia and Herzegovina and ending at the city of Sarajevo.
Furthermore, the government would like to split another line off from the Budapest-Bucharest line in order to reach the Transylvanian capital of Großwardein, as well as the populated city of Klausenburg whereas it will end at the Bukovinan capital of Czernowitz.
I ask that this be responded to promptly.
From: Olivier, Marquis de Bacquehem
Internal Cable between the Hungarian Minister of the Interior and the Austrian Minister of the Interior concerning expanding railways
To: Olivier, Marquis de Bacquehem
We are pleased to hear that the Austrian government is investing in the prosperous Kingdom of Hungary and its surroundings, and we are willing to agree to the proposal if a most important condition is agreed upon. The Hungarian State Railways should be given ownership of 25% of the shares for the railways constructed inside the lands of the Crown of Saint Stephen. This will give a more even distribution of profit and also ensure that the interests of all partners are considered.
Should this minor change be accepted, we will allow the construction of these rail lines by the Austrian government. We wish you good luck in this project and thank you for your efforts in improving the joint infrastructure of Austria and Hungary.
From: Hieronymi Károly
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Internal Cable between the Austrian Minister of the Interior and the Hungarian Minister of the Interior concerning expanding railways
To: Hieronymi Károly
Perfectly acceptable, glad this could be done easily.
Thank you.
From: Olivier, Marquis de Bacquehem
GM Note: Orders due the 15th at 22:00, GMT. Stats are coming but a city building game has really slowed down the process.
Raising the Armenian Question
Among the Armenian elite a small core of nationalists had formed. They had witnessed Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece and Romania attaining autonomy and then independence and believed that the same could be done for their homeland. Supported by a sizeable portion of the ecclesiastical hierarchy and bolstered by the creation Armenian National Assembly that helped them organize, they had lobbied most European capitals to force the Ottoman Turks to make concessions. But their timing had been bad, for the Ottoman ruler didn't view concessions as a viable option, unlike his predecessors. Instead he sought to centralize and strengthen the Empire .
The sick man of Europe was trying to heal himself and saw the Christians as a cancer he had to get rid of. They had always worked for Russia and the various enemies of the Sublime Porte and couldn't be trusted. Abdul Hamid II believed only he could be entrusted with the perpetuation of his empire, and to do so he was willing to take hard measures. The recent wars against the Russians had been hopeless for Constantinople and no help could be expected from the other Powers, as the Austro-Hungarians occupied Bosnia and Herzegovina and the French and the British had vested interests in the Holy Land and Cyprus. The Turkish state needed self-strengthening and the creation of the Hamidiye was solely one measure that meant to help the empire stabilize. This Ottoman version of the famous Cossacks had to take care of the borders of the country, mainly the Russian one, but when news came that the Armenians were getting organized, this irregular force was brought against them to quell any nascent uprising. The treaty of Berlin was meant to force the Turkish state to reform the Armenian provinces and that was something the centralist Abdul Hamid wouldn't have. If he eliminated the Armenian revolutionaries, there would be no need for reform.
Abudl Hamid II knew European Turkey was vulnerable and wanted to make sure he wouldn't be backstabbed internally should a conflict arise
Abdul Hamid feared that a revolt was getting organized and didn't want to let his opponents have time to prepare themselves. Hamidiye regiments were thus dispatched to root out all revolutionary organizations. Churches and homes were searched, livestock and grain were stolen, and all suspected revolutionaries – mostly men who refused to give up their belongings to the irregulars -were executed after trials by kangaroo courts. This strengthened the Armenian national movement and the two main parties, the Hunchak and the Danshak, saw their membership swell. Ironically, the new members were mostly Western Armenians, living in the cities, and the oppressed masses of Eastern Armenia remained largely apolitical, simply praying for the persecutions to end.
In the past two years clashes had already taken place between the Armenian nationalists of the Hunchak and the Hamidiye*; so when news came that an uprising was taking place in Sasun, the troops quickly converged on the city, with the assistance of local Kurdish and Turkmen herders. A few hundreds Armenians had taken arms and seized the city, executing local Turkish officials and proclaiming the independence of all Armenian vilayets. This was a slight the Turkish ruler couldn't forgive and in a matter of days, the city was taken by the Ottoman soldiery. Captured leaders gave information to the Turkish authorities about the clandestine networks the two parties had in the East after receiving false amnesty promises. The Hamidiye thus learnt the identity of thousands of members of both the Hunchak and the Danshak and quickly arrested and executed those they could find, along with their friends and relatives. The Armenian national movement had been struck a hard blow and its organizations in the East were mostly disbanded, its leadership forced to flee abroad.
Armenian fighters, shortly before the battle began
However this small scale event had deep consequences. Local religious and secular authorities were shocked to see that the Armenians were so traitorous – disregarding the double taxation and the persecutions they had to bear with – and incited the Muslim smallfolk to 'expell the Christian traitors'. Relations between communities broke down and Armenian villages were attacked by Turkish and Kurdish raiders, with the the authorities either turning a blind eye or encouraging them. The Armenian revolutionaries had been defeated but the Armenian peasants were the ones who suffered the most from the aftermath. As the body count was rising, European capitals were once more reminded of the Armenian question.
((I have just been banned from #wir_main for reasons which appear to me to be extremely vague and odd at best by someone on Fryazan's account. He refuses to provide any kind of reasoning to me or other players so I am left to guess why I am banned. To me, that is an unacceptable level of unprofessionality that I cannot put up with as player of this game and something that will actively hamper me from participating.
Some of you have noted that Fry's account may be hacked; I hope so. If that is not the case, consider this my resignation from the game.))
Some of you have noted that Fry's account may be hacked; I hope so. If that is not the case, consider this my resignation from the game.))
República del Perú
In the office of the Presidente de la República, Remigio Morales Bermúdez
An older man in his late 50's sat alone in a regally decorated office, perusing through stacks of various letters and forms whilst sitting in a rather comfy looking chair. The man carried a tired, stressed look on his face, his forehead split up by deep wrinkles. The silence of the otherwise quiet room was interrupted by a loud knocking coming from the door. Sighing, the man looked up from the paper-covered desk. "Come in." The door opened to reveal a young man carrying a thick letter. "Yes, Manuel?" the older man inquired.
"El Presidente, it appears we have been invited to a regatta in Kiel by the German Kaiser himself."
"Ah... Hrm. Well, that is well and good. I suppose we should go, then?" An awkward moment of silence passed between the two men.
"Er, is that a yes, El Presidente?" The president nodded slowly.
"Is that all?" The secretary shifted slightly.
"Well, I suppose you would want to know about your recent decisions: the subsidies you ordered for the mining industry should be taking effect soon. Also, a diplomat is on the way to Bolivia to establish closer ties and trade agreements." The president nodded again. "...That is all sir."
"Very good. Thank you, Manuel. You may leave." The secretary bowed slightly, before exiting the room. Leaning back in the chair, the president sighed.
"Clerk, arrange a meeting with Stoilov and his cabinet, we must discuss the ramifications of this Armenian development at once. If Hamid intends to treat Europe in this fashion we must be prepared."
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The heinous and unlawful rebellions within the Armenian vilayets have been suppressed, and once again peace shall reign over the eastern reaches of the Empire. To the loyal Armenian citizenry, those who with immense fidelity stood shoulder to shoulder with the Hamidiye and the Imperial forces in putting down this violent insurrection, your sacrifices in the name of duty and honour shall not go in vain – it is the great hope of the Sultan that in the coming years great technological innovations shall make inroads into the six vilayets and forever banish the notions of rebellion from the minds of the Armenians, and all other peoples within the Empire. We are all Ottoman, and we must remain unified, lest we all fall to the wayside.
Let us, as a nation, as a people, move on from these differences and clashes, these squabbles and argument, for the good of the Empire and all the subjects of the Sultan.
His Imperial Majesty, The Sultan Abdülhamid II, Emperor of the Ottomans, Caliph of the Faithful
A brief history of the political parties of Bulgaria, 1879-1894
Conservative Party (1879-94):
The ruling party for the first year of the Principality's existence, the Conservative party always struggled to achieve electoral success. In 1881, the party supported Knyaz Alexander's coup, but liberal opposition forced the Prince to back down and ultimately power was handed to the Russian generals until Alexander restored the constitution. Following this series of events, the party remained loyal to Alexander while it's power dwindled, and till it's demise was hostile to Ferdinand. In 1894, the party is tipped to join the People's Party of Konstantin Stoilov. The party traditionally supported monarchism and russophilia.
Liberal Party (LP) (1879-87, 94-):
Formerly the premier party of Bulgarian politics, the Liberals dominated Bulgaria from its creation till 1887, taking 100 of 171 seats in 1884. In the mid-80's, a series of internal disputes fractured the party, ending it's influence. In 1887 they won less than 20 seats from a total of 292. However, it is rumoured that the party intends to contest the coming election. The party supports secularism and parliamentary democracy.
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) (1884-):
Dragan Tsankov, a founder of the Liberal party, formed the Progressive Liberals after being dismissed as Prime Minister in 1884. Since it's foundation the party has struggled to found a strong electoral base, and regularly gains only a handful of seats in parliament. As the Liberal party, the PLP supports secularism and parliamentary democracy, and can be seen as the upholder of 'classical', or whiggish, liberalism in Bulgarian politics.
People's Liberal Party (NLP) (1886-):
Initially established by Stefan Stambolov as the 'Bulgaria for Itself' movement, the party gained it's current name in 1887. From it's foundation the party was immensely popular, winning 260/292 seats in 1887, and repeating this feat in 1890. Stambolov had held the office of Prime Minister since '87, before which he support Ferdinand to the throne. Despite this, he is now known for his opposition to Ferdinand's desire for autocracy, and his increasing paranoia distances him from the public. The party of the Bulgarian Bismarck supports parliamentary democracy and independence in foreign affairs.
Liberal Party (Radoslavists) (1887-):
A third splinter of the old Liberals, the party of Vasil Radoslavov has yet to make a significant impact on Bulgarian politics. Radoslavov himself is a known support of Austria, and his party represents the moderate or right-wing of the liberals.
People's Party (NP) (1894-):
The youngest party in Bulgarian politics, the NP was formed by Konstantin Stoilov intending to unite and revive Bulgarian conservatism.
Conservative Party (1879-94):
The ruling party for the first year of the Principality's existence, the Conservative party always struggled to achieve electoral success. In 1881, the party supported Knyaz Alexander's coup, but liberal opposition forced the Prince to back down and ultimately power was handed to the Russian generals until Alexander restored the constitution. Following this series of events, the party remained loyal to Alexander while it's power dwindled, and till it's demise was hostile to Ferdinand. In 1894, the party is tipped to join the People's Party of Konstantin Stoilov. The party traditionally supported monarchism and russophilia.
Liberal Party (LP) (1879-87, 94-):
Formerly the premier party of Bulgarian politics, the Liberals dominated Bulgaria from its creation till 1887, taking 100 of 171 seats in 1884. In the mid-80's, a series of internal disputes fractured the party, ending it's influence. In 1887 they won less than 20 seats from a total of 292. However, it is rumoured that the party intends to contest the coming election. The party supports secularism and parliamentary democracy.
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) (1884-):
Dragan Tsankov, a founder of the Liberal party, formed the Progressive Liberals after being dismissed as Prime Minister in 1884. Since it's foundation the party has struggled to found a strong electoral base, and regularly gains only a handful of seats in parliament. As the Liberal party, the PLP supports secularism and parliamentary democracy, and can be seen as the upholder of 'classical', or whiggish, liberalism in Bulgarian politics.
People's Liberal Party (NLP) (1886-):
Initially established by Stefan Stambolov as the 'Bulgaria for Itself' movement, the party gained it's current name in 1887. From it's foundation the party was immensely popular, winning 260/292 seats in 1887, and repeating this feat in 1890. Stambolov had held the office of Prime Minister since '87, before which he support Ferdinand to the throne. Despite this, he is now known for his opposition to Ferdinand's desire for autocracy, and his increasing paranoia distances him from the public. The party of the Bulgarian Bismarck supports parliamentary democracy and independence in foreign affairs.
Liberal Party (Radoslavists) (1887-):
A third splinter of the old Liberals, the party of Vasil Radoslavov has yet to make a significant impact on Bulgarian politics. Radoslavov himself is a known support of Austria, and his party represents the moderate or right-wing of the liberals.
People's Party (NP) (1894-):
The youngest party in Bulgarian politics, the NP was formed by Konstantin Stoilov intending to unite and revive Bulgarian conservatism.
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