The Heirs of Caesars: Habsburg AAR

The reign of Maximilian II: 1564-1576

When Maximilian II came to power Austrian reputation was not in a good shape. Princes of the North were unhappy with Austrian aggression against Hannover, Bremen and Saxony and plotted with Phillip II of Spain to make him the Emperor instead of Maximilian. While they failed at first, their persistance guaranteed more trouble later.

Meanwhile, the Protestant heresy was spreading to the south of France, where Huguenots declared their state in the province of Dauphine. French handled the revolt admirably, annexing the newly born country within the weeks of its declaration of independence.



In 1567 Poland and Lithuania became one country. After victories over Golden Horde the new empire stretched from the shores of Baltic to the mountains of Ural. The Polish Eagle was trying to prevent Russian Bear from walking toward the Siberia. A dangerous thing to attempt.

In 1570 the Emperor decided the time has come to punish Turks for annexing Croatia - at the time of annexation a vassal of Austria. A war was declared and soon a wave after wave of Turkish soldiers clashed with Imperial armies in Croatia and Dalmatia. Hungarians too crossed the border in force and attempted to grab some land for themselves.

The Pope was delighted. Spain felt relieved - Turkish Algerian allies threatened her coasts for far too long time. Even Protestant heretics welcomed a new crusade against the infidels. Everybody except French rejoiced at these news. French, instead, put the knife in the back of the Christendom, by attacking Burgundy in February of 1571.



The war with France lasted a full year. Imperial armies managed to defeat several large French armies, while the combined forces of Lorraine and Burgundy captured Berri, Nivernais to Lorraine, Orleans and Paris. In the same time Austrian armies fought their way through the Balkan mountains and descended on Thrace, besieging Constantinople. On sea, Imperial Mediterranean fleet raided as far as Ionian islands, but then met its match near the shores of Crete. Outnumbered and outgunned, the navy was forced to abandoned its raid and retreat to Sicily, suffering at the hands of Algerian pirates along the way. One third of the ships were sunk and the fleet did not dare to leave the friendly waters until the end of the war.



In February of 1572 French accepted peace offer from Burgundy, ceding Nivernais to Lorraine. The Ottomans tried to chase the Imperial army from the walls of the Second Rome, but this time God smiled upon Christians and granted them much desired victory. In June the city fell and to celebrate this victory the merchants of Baden built a refinery and presented it as a gift to the crown.



Few days later the Ottomans accepted Austrian peace offer, ceding Croatia and Serbia to Austria and Transylvania to Hungary. The former two provinces were soon granted independence. Serbia lost it almost as soon as the celebrations were over (1575).

As Turks declared war on Croatia (January of 1576), Maximilian's attention is diverted to the west, when Palatinat declares war on Burgundy. Hungary dares to dishonor Austrian alliance, but is persuaded to re-think its her position. Just as Imperial armies cross the Palatinat border, France makes the alliance with the enemy, somewhat complicating the matter.

As forces of Palatinat bravely advance on Luxembourg and Alsace, Imperial army delivers defeats an enemy at the walls of Koln. Maximilian takes the celebration of this particular victory way too serious and is found dead from drinking two weeks later.
Rudolf II is declared Archduke of Austria. The crown of the Holy Roman Empire is again lost to the Spanish branch of Habsburgs. Phillip II finally gets the object of his desires.

Amric, my previous car was green, what do you have against that poor color? As far as Poland and Russia go, I'll post a nice screenshot next time, it is really nice to see them embrace each other like lovers and yet fight like a married couple.

Judge, France did something bad, but I was glad to see it - very historical, considering French secret alliance with the Ottomans against Habsburgs.

Next update just might be here today, no promises though.

The reign of Rudolf II: 1576-1612

Most of the Austrian rulers inherited the country during peace time. Rudolf II was one of the few exceptions. When he came to power Austria was fighting yet another war with France and her ally Palatinat. The Archduke (having lost the Imperial throne, Rudolf II's titles were the Archduke of Austria and King of Italy. The fact that he ruled an area large enough to be called the kingdom meant nothing until Austria remained part of Holy Roman Empire) let his generals handle this war and turned his attention to the east.

In the east the Ottomans were again on the move, fighting Croatia - a recent vassal of Austria. Rudolf quickly dispatched several delegations to Croatia. Most of them carried large amounts of money. One went with the offer of alliance. In April of 1577 Croatia entered the Austrian alliance with Burgundy, Lorraine and Hungary. Unfortunately, her allies were too busy to declare war on the Ottomans. However, the Austrian gold help little kingdom to survive the Ottoman onslaught and fight back.

Meanwhile, Austrian fleet engaged French navy in the Ligurian sea and won couple of large naval battles before being driven back to the port of Genoa. Austrian army had better luck, defeating French army at Picardie.

In September of 1577 French made peace with Burgundy, ceding Berry and paying 13,000 in war indemnities. A month later Koln fell to Archduke's forces and Palatinat was force by Burgundy to cede the province to Austria and pay 90,000 ducats to Austrian alliance.

Meanwhile, Rudolf's investigation in the election that cost him the Emperor title, led him to believe that the guilty party is the Catholic Helvetia, which decided to throw her support behind Spain's monarch. Helvetia was Austrian vassal once and the Archduke decided the time has come to re-establish that relationship.

Thus, Austria became the first country that officially embraced Counter-Reformation after the Council of Trent took place several years ago. Claiming that Helvetian Catholicism is just a cover for practicing Protestant heresy, Rudolf declared war on Swiss in May of 1578, same day as the country changed her religion. Overall Austrian policy of tolerance toward every branch of Christianity seized to exist. More and more power was granted to churches and Pope began playing much more important role in the Austrian politics.

Meanwhile, Swiss call for help was answered by Swiss allies in Poland, Hessen and Denmark. Rudolf II obviously did not plan for such turn of events, but was seen rather happy - the war gave him a chance to extend his domain north and conquer the richest prize in the northern Empire - the city of Mecklenburg. It seemed as if Rudolf was become less and less patient with Imperial Electors and decided to take all of the Empire by force and then sort out his relations with the neighbours.

Swiss fought with uncommon valor and their invasion of southern Germany was not easy to stop. Hessians too crossed the border in large numbers, but were easily defeated at Wurzburg. Poles and Danes proved to be the real enemy. Considering their smaller allies put up quite a fight, this acknowledgement sounds more like a compliment.

Austrian fleet tried to protect the Netherlands' coast, but was defeated by combined fleets of Poland and Denmark. In April of 1579 Poles captured Magdeburg. Army after army invaded Silesia. Danes ravaged the Netherlands. Hessen successfully defended their province of Kleves.

Then came a break. Swiss armies were annihilated and Bern occupied in October of 1579. Hessen lost control of one city after the other. The war still continued though, with Danish ships raiding as far as Sardinia. Austrians rushed large armies northeast and pushed Poles from Silesia. Holstein was captured by Denmark. In spring of 1580 Austrians invaded Poland and by June took control of Wielkopolska province. Hessians, meanwhile, liberated Munster.

In September of 1580 the news came from the west that France lost war with Scotland and had to cede Morbihan - a rather embarassing defeat for the French crown. Scotland once again holds two provinces in Brittany... not for long, as the future will show.

Another year passes with marches and counter-marches. Victory goes hand in hand with defeat, but step by step Austrians push the enemy back. In April of 1581 Hessen capitulates, ceding Kleves and Mainz plus paying 103,000 ducats in war indemnities. Rudolf uses the victories Austrian armies from that front to put more pressure on Poles. Four months later they pay 187,000 ducats and cede the former duchy of Pommern (Hinterpommern and Vorpommern) tp Austria.

Denmark stands alone against the might of the Austrian military machine. Holstein is again in Austrian hands and so is Mecklenburg. Jutland follows, but the attack on the Danish capital is thwarted by Danish navy that defeats Austrian attempt to move ships out of the port of Bremen.

In February of 1582 Croatia is annexed by the Ottomans. Croatian resistance lasted for quite a long time and Rudolf vows for himself and his children to aid Croatian people in their struggle for independence.

In April Danish resistance collapses and they offer Mecklenburg in exchange for peace. The offer is accepted. Helvetia becomes Austrian vassal and leaves Polish alliance. The Duchy of Lorraine agrees to become a part of Austria, provided they still keep their own Dukes. Rudolf II shows the rest of Europe that Austria is not interested in any land outside of her sphere of influence by giving away two Lorraine's former provinces to his ally - the Duke of Burgundy.

In 1583 the series of rebellions shock Austria with their brutality. Archduke's response is equally brutal. No rebel survives the aftermath of the battles.

In 1584 England declares war on Scotland. The war lasts for six years, with England finally overpowering Scots with numbers. In June of 1590 Scots cede Strathclyde, Morbihan and Bretagne. They still keep most of Ireland and the Archduke toys with the idea of giving them Ulster. Unfortunately, Scots chose to become Reformed Protestants - heretics in the eyes of Austrians.

In 1589 people of Brandeburg declare their independence from Poland. With them rebels the city of Magdeburg - conquered in previous war by Austria. Archduke decides to let it go, in hope that Brandenburg will cause enough problems for Poland to keep the Poles away from the Empire. To an extend, his policy works. Poles conquer the province of Brandenburg, but fail to wipe the Principality off the Empire's map.

In 1592 Hungary declares war on the Ottoman empire. The Austrian forces clash with the Ottomans in Croatia and Dalmatia, which became the battlegrounds between two countries. Ottomans suffer higher casualties and cannot boast of too many victories. Algerian pirates receive quite a beating from the Austrian navy. Unfortunately, after two years of fighting Hungarians make peace for mere 76,000 ducats.

In 1595 Rudolf diverts most of the gold to eridicating the heresy within Austrian borders. Such unwise policy will persist through the reminder of his reign, bringing success in some places, but rebellion and suffering in the most.

In 1598 the Electors once again showed their treacherous nature
by electing Phillip III of Spain as Emperor.

In 1599 Swiss left Austrian alliance, canceled the vassalization and converted to Protestant faith.

In 1600, Prince Karl - one of the most able commanders in Austrian army died.

Rudolf II was not looking forward to the year 1601.

In 1601 Poland had a civil war and Spain lost a war to England. The conflict was mainly fought in the colonies, Spain had to cede Barahona.

In 1604 Rudolf had yet another bad year. Numerous failed conversions faded in comparison to the Hungarian treachery. In January of 1604, two weeks after Christmas, Hungary converted to Reformed Protestantism, broke the vassalization and left Austrian military alliance. "They are on their own" - was the Archduke's verdict.



By 1604 Poland and Muscowy divided most of the Golden Horde lands between themselves. Muscowy also came out a winner out of the war with Denmark. Poland... Poland just had a civil war and was happy to be still advancing east.



In 1605 Poland annexed Golden Horde and Russian patience with her western neighbour ran out. The inevitable conflict between Polish Eagle and Russian Bear started. The Eagle could not take to the skies in time and was stepped on by the Bear. Even though the war lasted for five and a half years, the outcome was never in doubt. In June of 1611 Poland ceded Orenburg, Astrakhan, Krementjug, Lugansk, Volgograd and Mozyr to Muscowy.

In 1607 Duchy of Brittany declared its independence from the French crown. After a brief war in which French King was forced to recognize the Duchy, Rudolf was able to convince the Duke to enter the Austrian alliance with Burgundy. Louis XIII and his Prime minister were not too happy. However, having married Anne of Austria, the King was forced to swallow this hidden insult from Vienna.

In 1612, finally at peace with himself and the world (if not with heretics and rebels) Rudolf II died, replaced by the Archduke Mathias.

Judge, thank you, I am seriously thinking about editing the color

Anibal, I am still failing badly in my other goal: no Protestants in my lands. Thousands of ducats are spent and only couple of provinces converted. France caught up with me in military land tech. Outrageous!

Aha, I knew I missed something You're right, and I actually started to move innovativeness slider to the left as soon as the danger of Dutch revolt has passed. I figured I can put it in the story as the change of Austria from enlightened country to Spain-like religious policeman I guess another 50 years or so, unless I am lucky and clergy keeps asking for little favors...

Russian Bear and Polish Eagle in 1614



The reign of Mathias: 1612-1619

February of 1612 Hungary converts from Reformed Protestantism to Orthodox Protestantism - a much milder form of the heresy. This gives hope to the Archduke that it might come back to the Catholic Church one day. A series of revolts shake the country - a fine welcome to the new ruler.

By the time the revolts are supressed, the Ottomans are on the move again - aiming at runaway Hungary. Von Wallenstein is given the command of the eastern Imperial (old name stuck even though Austria is no longer the home of the Emperors) armies. The war is declared. Hungary might be a traitor, but the Archduke prefered the heretic to the infidel on her throne.

Algerian pirates once again try to land in Liguria and are repulsed with heavy losses. Von Wallenstein leads some 35,000 men to Pest, trying to liberate the province... all in vain. In August of 1615 Hungary capitulates, ceding Transylvania, Bujak, Banat and Moldova.

Considering that the Ottomans were set to conquer the whole of the country, the Archdule could have considered the Hungarian surrender an acceptable comproside. He chose not to. He swore that for every Hungarian province the Ottomans will have to part with one of theirs.

In November the heretics in Schwyz were converted to Catholicism. Mathias was nothing like the enlightened and tolerant rulers of the past century. Under him the country were becoming increasingly intolerant toward the other faiths. The inquisition got its hands free to do the God's will and the results were more than satisfactory.

The war raged on through 1616 and 1617. Meanwhile, in the south of France Huegonots and some ambitious nobles started a war of independence against the Bourbons. Their crusade spilled into neighbouring Piemonte with the most sad consequences - in May of 1617 the Duchy of Provence declared independence from France. The province of Piemnote followed their lead.

The Archduke was not a very generous man. He declared war on Provence almost as soon as Provence declared war on France. There was a big reason to hurry. He did not want French capturing any land in this war.

Pappenheim was granted command of the Army of Italy and led the invasion of the Duchy. He arrived just in time to finish the rebels at Genoa and besiege the city that fell to the enemy a month ago.

Meanwhile, the news of a large peasant revolt in Bohemia made Mathias hair turn grey. There were no troops left to spare and the rebels were too numerous (three large armies, 60,000 men altogether) to ignore. Common sense or not, Mathias still chose to ignore. "I will think about it tomorrow", he said.

By January of 1618 Austrian armies advanced as far as Macedonia and Hellas. New Turkish Sultan, Osman II, was not in the mood to negotiate yet. After all, he arrived to power on a promise to repel the Christian invasion.

Hungarians showed their treacherous side again by starting a border dispute over Presburg. The Archduke showed his kindness by paying them to shut up. "My ancestors should have never let those heretics be when they had a chance to rule the whole of Hungary", he thought. Alas, the chance to rule all of Hungary was gone now.

By 1619 Papenheim liberated Liguria and Piemonte and advanced far into Provence itself. The rebels in Bohemia captured Silesia, Moravia, Bohemia and proceeded to invade Erz and Sudetenland. Von Wallenstein captured Constantinople and scores of Turkish provinces in the Balkans and Greece. The time for peace has come, but Mathias would not be the one to make it. He died in March of 1619 from a heart attack. If there ever was contest about which Archduke left the biggest pile of problems after his death, Mathias easily could qualify to take part in the finals.

Other important events during Mathias' reign: France enters Spanish alliance. It now includes Spain, France, Sweden, Norway, Bremen and Saxony. The alliance nature is clearly anti-Austrian. It would last for years and would succeed for awhile in slowing Austrian expansion in the north Germany.

Moment of triumph: Von Wallenstein's invasion of the Ottoman empire. Constantinople is sacked for the second time.



Bohemian rebellion four months after Mathias' death. Started in three provinces. Two rebel armies joined in Erz - not a wise decision considering attrition. Or, on the other hand, a very wise decision, considering Papenheim's proximity.

Amric, a bit bloodthirsty today, eh? I'd gladly follow your advice, but I am already on year 1636. Yes, conversions do start to work (my innovativeness stands around 4 at the moment, bless the Church for helping out ).

Glad you like the screenshots. Time to post your own. Need help?

Maybe you could just rename .txt to .bmp and then be able to edit them?

Yes, it is shocking that you did not touch the game for quite awhile. I tried that and then before you know it I am writing another aar that I intend to finish Amazing, isn't it? I am charmed by this game, and not in the good way.

Anyway, thanks for the comments. Another update tomorrow, the one that is really filled with action

Judge, we shall see that

Anibal, I really don't want to fight Spain even after all the trouble they caused me. This is supposed to be Habsburg AAR, how can I fight Habsburgs in it? The right answer: provoke them into attacking me I shall see if this can be arranged.

The reign of Ferdinand II: 1619 - 1636

Ferdinand's first year of rule could hardly be called boring. With the throne and Archduke's crown he inherited all sorts of problems, such as the war with the mighty Ottoman empire (fortunately, Austrians were winning it), the war with rebellious Provence and suprisingly successful Bohemian uprising.

Ferdinand decided to concentrate his efforts on the rebels first. The Ottoman armies west of Constantinople were all defeated and only 10,000-20,000 men were required to occupy all of the Balkans. Von Wallenstein was recalled from the east and having his army reinforced moved on to Moravia. Papenheim attacked the Bohemians in Bavaria and annihilated one of their armies. The rebellion's future looked bleak. Having been placed between two best Austrian commanders of the time, Bohemians had no chance to succeed. By 1621 the rebellion was over.

In June of 1620 Hungary converts back to Catholic Faith. Another reason for celebration is found. In the same time Hessen annexes Palatinate. Another target is defined.

In 1621 the Electors make Phillip III the Emperor. This comes as no suprise to Austrians - the Spanish King was backed by all of his allies in the Northen Germany and France. Still, Ferdinand feels a little jealous. His personal empire is way larger than continental Spain and he feels he deserves the Emperor title more than his Spanish cousin.

In December of 1621, after Austrians occupied all of the Ottoman territory west of Constantinople, the Sultan sued for peace. Austrian terms were quickly accepted and Turkey ceded Croatia, Wallachia, Hellas and Macedonia. Three countries were given independence - Croatia, Wallachia and Greece. Macedonia was left to Austria, which trained its people to fight a guerilla war against the Ottomans. Once the mission was accomplished, Macedonia was transferred to Greeks.



The fate of Croatia was finally sealed. It was quickly invited in Austrian alliance to prevent it from being annexed again. Wallachia was not as lucky - the Ottomans took revenge on the little state few years later.

In the west peace was made with Provence. Piemonte was returned to Austria, while Provence itself became Austrian vassal and soon an ally. The Duchy still remained in possession of three French provinces: Provence, Dauphine and Languedoc. It was surrounded by three countries on land: Spain, Burgundy and Austria.

A few months later the Duke of Provence decided the God is for Protestants and soon converted, defying his Austrian suzerain and leaving Austrian alliance.

In March of 1623 Ferdinand II declared war on Hessen, continuing Austrian expansion in the north. The war lasted more than a year. Hessians put up quite a fight, but Austrian generals - Papenheim and Piccolomini - were too much for a small country to handle. In 1624 Hessen paid 88,000 ducats and ceded Pfalz.

Almost as soon as this war was over Austria declared war on Brandenburg. Von Wallenstein and von Hatzfeldt were given the command this time - both performed admirably. Eight months after the beginning of hostilities Magdeburg was again an Austrian city.



Meanwhile, Turks annexed Wallachia and Austria began sending cash to Hungary, trying to strengthen her in case of the possible Ottoman invasion.

Nine years that followed were spent in peace and prosperity. It was not so outside the Empire. Spain had numerous revolts in Aragon and Navarra. Turkey conquered two provinces from Morocco, which enabled it to annex her long time vassal - the Algerian pirates. Sweden annexed Norway.



Austrian internal politics were focused on fighting inflation (more than 50% in 1630), promoting right people to right posts (excellent first minister would be one example) and growing army with volunteers.

The heroes of the last war - Papenheim and von Wallenstein both died in bed, while the other, no less brilliant commanders took their place. The Archduke was ready to make another push in the Balkans and to avenge Wallachia's quick fall. In July of 1634 he again declared war on the Ottomans. To his suprise, so did Poland and Hungary. A local conflict turned out to be an all-out crusade against the infidels.

The Austrian Navy handled the Algerian fleets, which were hastily incorporated in the Ottoman Navy, while on land Montecuccoli attacked on land. Hungarians and Poles were quite successful in their invasion of the Ottomans and everything seemed to go well for Ferdinand... except for the fact that he died in the middle of the war... just like his predecessor 17 years ago. Again, the future of the Austrian conquests in the Balkans would depend on the Archduke named Ferdinand. Ferdinand III, the ruler of Austria, Bohemia, Italy, South Germany and the Netherlands.