Excellent, soon this talk of freedoms will end. DUTY will be Germany's catch call again!
Excellent work Renss
Excellent work Renss
-
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Along with the rest of the world, I'm eager to see how Willie is going to lead and how the world will react to that.
Great work as usual, Renss, great work.
Oh, how is the money incoming in comparision to the outgoing.... is Germany still running tight for the next several years or have things worked themselves out?
Great work as usual, Renss, great work.
Oh, how is the money incoming in comparision to the outgoing.... is Germany still running tight for the next several years or have things worked themselves out?
sniff...good bye old Kaiser...double sniff...hello Willie. Don't screw it up, kid.
- 1
Hey, have you hit the Socialist Revolutions yet? I don't recall when they start (I've never gotten a monarchy past 1880 or so, let alone 1900), but I seem to recall them being pretty horrific.
Hmm... I don't recall any particular concentration of revolts, but then again I had pretty much constant revolts for a long, long time (partially because of what Prussiablue points out!el presidentse said:
o ).I must also admit that I think I may have screwed something up with the whole "constitutional democracy" thing. It says "monarchy", but I had universal suffrage, etc. Not sure what I missed.
And yes, Coz, I'll miss the old boy too! He was very, very fun to write for. And Fritz was with us for a very good long time. The readers of this AAR kind of grew up with him, wouldn't you say?
But I think Wilhelm will be fun to write for, too. I know he is, because I've already written many of his scenes. I'm writing way ahead, now... having nothing else to do at work these days. That should mean that I can maintain an every 2-3 day posting schedule fairly easily.
Which brings up a question... I notice a few of my old faithful readAARs have not made an appearance recently. For some (i.e. Stnylan), I know what is keeping them, but... I know that many of you like the faster updates, but am I losing readAARs because I'm going too fast and it takes too long to catch up? I'd be glad to know if I am.
Thanks to everybody! I'll post more feedback for those who I missed later. Must run pick up the wife. She wouldn't understand if I tried to explain, "Well, Dear... There were all these comments on the AAR thread... "
o Be seeing you!
Renss
Ah: the Socialist Revolutions are actually an event, a la the Liberal Revolutions, only I think with more militancy and without an end.
Which could be nasty if you already have to deal with constant revolts...
Which could be nasty if you already have to deal with constant revolts...
Rensslaer: What would a “German Century” mean, if it were to be led by this man (Kaiser Wilhelm II)?
good question! ! the eyes of the world are watching you, Renss! ! ! hmmm. perhaps i should say waiting?
oh, i noticed that your daily balance was negative 34.9 £ ! is this a 'normal' thing for you (meaning that you are increasing debt even in peacetime)? or, was this just a "bad day"? i do hope that you obtained reparations from Russia after your "little war" with them...
el presidentse, Rensslaer: Socialist Revolutions
IIRC, the Socialist Revolutions started about 1848 and lasted for 2 to 5 years. also IIRC, Marx published The Communist Manifesto in 1848.
excellent ! ! ! !
good question! ! the eyes of the world are watching you, Renss! ! !
hmmm. perhaps i should say waiting? oh, i noticed that your daily balance was negative 34.9 £ ! is this a 'normal' thing for you (meaning that you are increasing debt even in peacetime)? or, was this just a "bad day"? i do hope that you obtained reparations from Russia after your "little war" with them...
el presidentse, Rensslaer: Socialist Revolutions
IIRC, the Socialist Revolutions started about 1848 and lasted for 2 to 5 years. also IIRC, Marx published The Communist Manifesto in 1848.
excellent ! ! ! !
(Actually, *those* would be the liberal revolutions - the rebels there were mostly middle-class and capitalist upper-class, wanted democracy or democratic reform, and were overall one of the bigger nemeses of Marxism when it became a force in revolutionary activity (the 1870s on). I believe you are correct on the Communist Manifesto, but it was a product of the heady, violent days of the Springtime of the People - not the source thereof, to be sure. Renss has already hit and dealt with them - I think the game has scripted socialist revolution in store for him still, though.)
Quoth the VIP global revolutions file:
So the reign of Wilhelm II is looking to be a most terrible time indeed...
Quoth the VIP global revolutions file:
Code:
#META#3- The Socialist Revolution (Trigger: 1905+,lack of specified Social Reforms, ?Monarchy?)
# A) The Revolts are spreading [POPs 7-9 =Con+5,Mil+7/POP 6= Mil+5]
# The Socialist Revolution
event = {
id = 25002
random = no
invention = yes
trigger = {
NOT = { government = { type = socialist } }
NOT = { government = { type = communist } }
NOT = { constitution = { type = proletarian_dictatorship } }
OR = {
AND = {
OR = {
reform = { type = press_rights level = free_press }
reform = { type = trade_unions level = all }
}
OR = {
NOT = { reform = { type = voting_rights level = suffrage } }
NOT = { reform = { type = political_parties level = all_allowed }}
}
}
AND = {
OR = {
reform = { type = voting_rights level = suffrage }
reform = { type = political_parties level = all_allowed }
}
OR = {
NOT = { reform = { type = press_rights level = free_press }}
NOT = { reform = { type = trade_unions level = all }}
}
}
AND = {
OR = {
NOT = { reform = { type = voting_rights level = suffrage } }
NOT = { reform = { type = political_parties level = all_allowed }}
NOT = { reform = { type = press_rights level = free_press }}
NOT = { reform = { type = trade_unions level = all }}
}
}
}
NOT = { local_flag = { name = SOCIALIST_REVOLUTION value = 1 } }
}
date = { day = 21 month = february year = 1895 } # was 1890
offset = 25
deathdate = { day = 30 month = december year = 1920 }
name = "EVT_25002_NAME"
desc = "EVT_25002_DESC"
action_a = {
name = "ACTIONNAME25000A" # The Revolts are spreading
command = { type = pop_consciousness which = 100 value = 1 } # all are touched a bit
command = { type = pop_consciousness which = socialist value = 4 } # 1 + 4 here = +5
command = { type = pop_consciousness which = communist value = 4 } # 1 + 4 here = +5
command = { type = pop_consciousness which = anarcho_liberal value = 4 } # 1 + 4 here = +5
command = { type = pop_militancy which = socialist value = 3 }
command = { type = pop_militancy which = communist value = 3 }
command = { type = pop_militancy which = anarcho_liberal value = 3 }
command = { type = local_setflag which = SOCIALIST_REVOLUTION value = 2 }
command = { type = plurality value = 20 } #Reduced
command = { type = rebel_spawn_rate which = socialist value = 50 }
command = { type = rebel_spawn_rate which = communist value = 50 }
command = { type = rebel_spawn_rate which = anarcho_liberal value = 50 }
}So the reign of Wilhelm II is looking to be a most terrible time indeed...
elPresidentse, if I am reading that right, I think I would have avoided it because I had universal suffrage. I don't recall that I ever triggered the event, so I missed it somehow. Thank heaven, I think!
Ghostwriter, yes that was a bad day. If you look at the left side of the graphic, it shows a much better balance of income/outcome.
Renss
Ghostwriter, yes that was a bad day. If you look at the left side of the graphic, it shows a much better balance of income/outcome.
Renss
Good thing. I'm not 100% sure that it wouldn't trip if you had only universal suffrage and not any other reforms, so if you haven't played ahead any, you're not out of the woods yet...!
Yeah, but the game has been over for months! Oh well. I wish I'd realized at the time something was wrong.Vincent Julien said:
Renss
Ouch! You gotta hate when that happens, eh?
So, when do we get to see Willie start screwing things up? (I'm hoping he doesn't but I'm a pessimist about dear Willie.
)
Argh, the suspense is killing me. You know the war is going to start, but not when or how. Great AAR, by the way. I'm looking forward to the outcome.
I'm very interested to know what are you going to do next, you've only have 26 years left!
Five days since an update... I don't think I'm going to make it...
I apologize in advance to anyone people who might come running here thinking there is a new update because of this post.
I apologize in advance to anyone people who might come running here thinking there is a new update because of this post.
It's coming to an end my friends
I really want one . Great AAR alas I shall probebly cry when it is over. So many hours reading this- it's all coming to an end. Make it go out with a bang though . Promise us that once your done with this you will that day start a new AAR and make it just as good :wacko: plz?
I really want one . Great AAR alas I shall probebly cry when it is over. So many hours reading this- it's all coming to an end. Make it go out with a bang though . Promise us that once your done with this you will that day start a new AAR and make it just as good :wacko: plz?
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Dave! Welcome, and I must say I am honored that my humble AAR rated your first post in the Paradox Fora!DaveK said:
And Iron Skull comes very close, also!And a warm welcome to St. Therese!
Whoa! Hold your horses, folks!Iron_Skull said:Reenslar I'm going to eat your brains if we don't get an update today
Actually, I've been spending a lot of time planning the last quarter-century over the past 3 weeks or so. I assure you, this is not yet the beginning of the end, as Churchill would say.I believe I am about 2/3 of the way through... perhaps 3/4. Upcoming updates will get a little more deeply into intrigue and espionage. And I have another special guest appearance by Dr. Herz coming (hear that, Draco???
). Major wars... lots to come.Rey, thank you for staying with me through such a long run, since almost the very beginning!
Prussiablue, thank you for your post. I really do like doing the broad perspective of each Kaiser as they move on into the next world. You don't know where you're going unless you understand where you've been!
Vincent & Earth's Savior -- Yes, the pesky SGF is still there. They may yet forge a defensive alliance with Krakow, and then we'll ALL be sunk!
Thank you all for your very kind words... and Draco, Coz, Ghostwriter, el Presidentse, thank you all for your loyal support! You guys are great! I can't promise Wilhelm II won't be a disappointment, though he will probably surprise you here and there. Let's just say that Wilhelm is liable to be a surprise at any turn. Keep an eye on him!
BBBD, at least, may get what he wants!
And, Iron Skull, you won't have my brains just yet... Update coming in a few minutes, here. New characters and all...
Renss
Please forgive yet another character sketch (somewhat alike to the social debate in Luxor, Egypt which many of you seemed to enjoy) to introduce you to the principals (double entendre) of the new Royal Family. Consider it an examination of quite a different kind of battle, in preview to the more conventional one. It touches on some of the major political and sociological conflicts of the day in a cozy and timely setting… After observing a Christmas truce, I promise to get down to serious warfare on Monday!
For your benefit (and mine!) here is a chronology of the relevant familial events.
1864 – Wilhelm becomes Fritz’s firstborn, destined to become Kaiser Wilhelm II – note that this Wilhelm was born 5 years after his historical counterpart, as warfare kept his father away from home
1882 – Wilhelm marries Duchess Ella, of Darmstadt (an a-historical marriage – this relationship pre-dated his with Dona of Schleswig, who he historically married)
1882 – Friedrich Wilhelm born (Fritz) (he is 12 in 1894)
1883 – Waldemar born (pronounced "Valdemar") (Wally) (11)
1884 – Ewald born (10)
1885 – Charlotte (9)
1886 – Julius (deceased)
1887 – Hannah (7)
1888 – Maximilian (Max) (6)
1889 – Gretah (5)
1891 – Augustus Wilhelm (Auwi) (3)
Yes, many of the names hearken back to Ancient Rome. Wilhelm II was quite fond of Roman history.
***********
“Charles,” said seven-year-old Princess Hannah. “I should like to have another serving of the roast pig.”
Instantly, a servant, uniform elaborately festooned with embroidered cords and silver buttons, stepped away from the wall and tended to the young lady’s needs.
Besides little Hannah, the entire new Royal Family of Prussia surrounded a long banquet table of great age and heritage, laid with the finest delicacies of the Realm.
Kaiser Wilhelm II and his wife, the Kaiserin Ella, had conceived nine children – the 12-year old KronPrinz Friedrich Wilhelm, Waldemar, Ewald, Charlotte, Julius, Hannah, Maximilian, Gretah and Augustus. An empty chair was always kept for Julius, who had died of illness at the age of six.
Also in attendance for dinner were the Kaiser’s widowed mother – the dowager Empress Viktoria – Chancellor Leo von Caprivi, Prince Pietr van Rensselaer, Count Philip Eulenburg, Reverend William Hechler, as well as Magister Joachim Longanecker, who would soon face his doctoral examination and review at Berlin University. The Kaiser’s friend, the talented Count Eulenburg, had undertaken to tutor the Royal children in the arts, while Hechler covered theology and Longanecker instructed in history, science and politics.
“I confess,” the Chancellor said, “I am very troubled by the various reports from the Russian frontier. It is clear they are gearing up to go to war. It is as apparent as what we saw in the buildup for the Persian war, but I think surely they mean it for us this time.”
While the Kaiser nodded concernedly, Rensselaer added, “I have dispatched Gregor Hirsch to hold one on one talks with Foreign Minister Sinitsyev. I have also detailed emissaries to Persia and Constantinople to try to work out some arrangement of cooperation. I am not hopeful on those matters, though. And from my conversations with Ambassador Kiryevskiy here in Berlin, I can sense that he deftly avoids admitting something he knows to be true.”
Kaiser Wilhelm shook his head. “We have been allies and friends with Russia for decades! Blood relatives and common partners.”
“It is true,” Rensselaer said, “I am confounded by how our relationship with Tsar Alexander has evolved as your father’s health faltered. This is surely about you, Your Majesty, but how he can translate personal animosity into a casus belli, I do not know.”
“Hatred clouds his mind,” Eulenburg intoned deeply, his beard and manner of speech adding a professorial air to his statement. “There is nothing anyone can do in the face of sheer obstinacy.”
A pall fell over the conversation of the adults, allowing the young KronPrinz an opportunity to go back a few steps. “Minister Rensselaer, did you say that Tsar Alexander is evolving?”
Mirth overtook gloom in an instant. Rensselaer tried to balance amusement, confusion and respect in his expression as he regarded the KronPrinz, trying to remember where this tied in.
Wilhelm explained, “The boys have been studying Darwin’s ‘The Origin of Species’ with Joachim.”
“Well then,” Rensselaer grinned at Longanecker. “I shall have to defer to your tutor, Your Highness. He is the authority here on evolution.”
Longanecker rued every time he became the center of attention at these dinners. He was always the odd man out. “Ahh… I would have to say, Your Highness, that some Tsars seem to evolve in reverse, into more simple creatures.”
Kaiser Wilhelm yelped out a burst of laughter, slapping the table excitedly. Friedrich Wilhelm – always his father’s son – mimicked the Kaiser almost perfectly.
Then Princess Charlotte unwittingly transferred the pressure from Longanecker. “Mother says that Darwin is a blasphemer!”
The Kaiserin’s face colored as the room became very still. “Charlotte, I… I simply meant that men should not try to displace God with science.” She looked to the reverend for affirmation, which she received.
Graciously, Longanecker came to her rescue. “Darwin described it as a process, Your Highnesses, which can be proved through science. You may believe as you will how that scientific process began.”
“A cute, atheistic answer,” Hechler challenged. The Kaiser seemed to be enjoying the sport of this back-and-forth. He beamed contentedly, waiting for the next round.
“Teacher,” eleven-year-old Waldemar asked. “How could a butterfly evolve? It does not make sense to me.”
Longanecker missed his point. “Well, the same as any other creature. Either through gradual change, or through unusual mutations…”
“I think he means,” Rensselaer aided, “how does one change in one season from a worm with a multiplicity of stubby legs to a beautiful insect with six elegant legs, wings and antennae, and somesuch? Was that gradual change? Or a freak accident? Or…” He waved his hand, as if grasping for the next option.
“Or something more miraculous?” Reverend Hechler finished for him, smiling at Longanecker.
“Well…” Longanecker seemed temporarily at a loss – something he was not accustomed to. “I am an archaeologist, Reverend, not a naturalist. But I have supreme confidence that those who more fully understand the theory will have an answer for you.”
Not unkindly, Hechler said, “I might dare to call your confidence a supreme arrogance.”
“Or,” Waldemar interjected tentatively, “faith.” Young Wally looked to the reverend to see if he had perceived correctly.
“An excellent observation, Your Highness!” Hechler confirmed. He fixed Longanecker in his eye. “Even when you do not have the evidence to back yourself up, you have faith in your science – that it is somehow more powerful than God.”
The Kaiser and Rensselaer both nodded, as if that was that. Longanecker remained silent behind a sheepish smile. He was outnumbered in this crowd. But perhaps his role in the childrens’ education, over time, could change the balance.
For your benefit (and mine!) here is a chronology of the relevant familial events.
1864 – Wilhelm becomes Fritz’s firstborn, destined to become Kaiser Wilhelm II – note that this Wilhelm was born 5 years after his historical counterpart, as warfare kept his father away from home
1882 – Wilhelm marries Duchess Ella, of Darmstadt (an a-historical marriage – this relationship pre-dated his with Dona of Schleswig, who he historically married)
1882 – Friedrich Wilhelm born (Fritz) (he is 12 in 1894)
1883 – Waldemar born (pronounced "Valdemar") (Wally) (11)
1884 – Ewald born (10)
1885 – Charlotte (9)
1886 – Julius (deceased)
1887 – Hannah (7)
1888 – Maximilian (Max) (6)
1889 – Gretah (5)
1891 – Augustus Wilhelm (Auwi) (3)
Yes, many of the names hearken back to Ancient Rome. Wilhelm II was quite fond of Roman history.
***********
“Charles,” said seven-year-old Princess Hannah. “I should like to have another serving of the roast pig.”
Instantly, a servant, uniform elaborately festooned with embroidered cords and silver buttons, stepped away from the wall and tended to the young lady’s needs.
Besides little Hannah, the entire new Royal Family of Prussia surrounded a long banquet table of great age and heritage, laid with the finest delicacies of the Realm.
Kaiser Wilhelm II and his wife, the Kaiserin Ella, had conceived nine children – the 12-year old KronPrinz Friedrich Wilhelm, Waldemar, Ewald, Charlotte, Julius, Hannah, Maximilian, Gretah and Augustus. An empty chair was always kept for Julius, who had died of illness at the age of six.
Also in attendance for dinner were the Kaiser’s widowed mother – the dowager Empress Viktoria – Chancellor Leo von Caprivi, Prince Pietr van Rensselaer, Count Philip Eulenburg, Reverend William Hechler, as well as Magister Joachim Longanecker, who would soon face his doctoral examination and review at Berlin University. The Kaiser’s friend, the talented Count Eulenburg, had undertaken to tutor the Royal children in the arts, while Hechler covered theology and Longanecker instructed in history, science and politics.
“I confess,” the Chancellor said, “I am very troubled by the various reports from the Russian frontier. It is clear they are gearing up to go to war. It is as apparent as what we saw in the buildup for the Persian war, but I think surely they mean it for us this time.”
While the Kaiser nodded concernedly, Rensselaer added, “I have dispatched Gregor Hirsch to hold one on one talks with Foreign Minister Sinitsyev. I have also detailed emissaries to Persia and Constantinople to try to work out some arrangement of cooperation. I am not hopeful on those matters, though. And from my conversations with Ambassador Kiryevskiy here in Berlin, I can sense that he deftly avoids admitting something he knows to be true.”
Kaiser Wilhelm shook his head. “We have been allies and friends with Russia for decades! Blood relatives and common partners.”
“It is true,” Rensselaer said, “I am confounded by how our relationship with Tsar Alexander has evolved as your father’s health faltered. This is surely about you, Your Majesty, but how he can translate personal animosity into a casus belli, I do not know.”
“Hatred clouds his mind,” Eulenburg intoned deeply, his beard and manner of speech adding a professorial air to his statement. “There is nothing anyone can do in the face of sheer obstinacy.”
A pall fell over the conversation of the adults, allowing the young KronPrinz an opportunity to go back a few steps. “Minister Rensselaer, did you say that Tsar Alexander is evolving?”
Mirth overtook gloom in an instant. Rensselaer tried to balance amusement, confusion and respect in his expression as he regarded the KronPrinz, trying to remember where this tied in.
Wilhelm explained, “The boys have been studying Darwin’s ‘The Origin of Species’ with Joachim.”
“Well then,” Rensselaer grinned at Longanecker. “I shall have to defer to your tutor, Your Highness. He is the authority here on evolution.”
Longanecker rued every time he became the center of attention at these dinners. He was always the odd man out. “Ahh… I would have to say, Your Highness, that some Tsars seem to evolve in reverse, into more simple creatures.”
Kaiser Wilhelm yelped out a burst of laughter, slapping the table excitedly. Friedrich Wilhelm – always his father’s son – mimicked the Kaiser almost perfectly.
Then Princess Charlotte unwittingly transferred the pressure from Longanecker. “Mother says that Darwin is a blasphemer!”
The Kaiserin’s face colored as the room became very still. “Charlotte, I… I simply meant that men should not try to displace God with science.” She looked to the reverend for affirmation, which she received.
Graciously, Longanecker came to her rescue. “Darwin described it as a process, Your Highnesses, which can be proved through science. You may believe as you will how that scientific process began.”
“A cute, atheistic answer,” Hechler challenged. The Kaiser seemed to be enjoying the sport of this back-and-forth. He beamed contentedly, waiting for the next round.
“Teacher,” eleven-year-old Waldemar asked. “How could a butterfly evolve? It does not make sense to me.”
Longanecker missed his point. “Well, the same as any other creature. Either through gradual change, or through unusual mutations…”
“I think he means,” Rensselaer aided, “how does one change in one season from a worm with a multiplicity of stubby legs to a beautiful insect with six elegant legs, wings and antennae, and somesuch? Was that gradual change? Or a freak accident? Or…” He waved his hand, as if grasping for the next option.
“Or something more miraculous?” Reverend Hechler finished for him, smiling at Longanecker.
“Well…” Longanecker seemed temporarily at a loss – something he was not accustomed to. “I am an archaeologist, Reverend, not a naturalist. But I have supreme confidence that those who more fully understand the theory will have an answer for you.”
Not unkindly, Hechler said, “I might dare to call your confidence a supreme arrogance.”
“Or,” Waldemar interjected tentatively, “faith.” Young Wally looked to the reverend to see if he had perceived correctly.
“An excellent observation, Your Highness!” Hechler confirmed. He fixed Longanecker in his eye. “Even when you do not have the evidence to back yourself up, you have faith in your science – that it is somehow more powerful than God.”
The Kaiser and Rensselaer both nodded, as if that was that. Longanecker remained silent behind a sheepish smile. He was outnumbered in this crowd. But perhaps his role in the childrens’ education, over time, could change the balance.
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