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Sergeant
Apr 28, 2004
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Deo Vindice: The Agrarian Empire and the Shadow of Slavery

Author's note: This AAR will attempt to roleplay a CSA that has completely rejected western ideals- there will be no factories or industry ever produced. The economy will be floated by force of arms- the demanding of indemnities from more prosperous neighbors. The nation will work like a 19th century North Korea, maintaining a vast army it can barely support. This is a collaborative AAR- wish us luck!

Chapter I. Antebellum

The Confederate states of America has been called the most conservative of revolutions, and justly so. In 1860 the south stood, unique among the civilized world, as a region dominated by cotton, the cross, and the sword of steel. Under the harsh beat of the southern sun, Dixieland was governed by an aristocratic oligarchy acting upon chivalric ideals and backward interests. Surpassed by the industry of the north, and under siege by a liberal movement of self-righteous enlightenment that sought to end chattel slavery across the American continent, and in so doing, make a pauper out of the region that had risen to its seat of power from such a rotten edifice. The south was attacked on all sides for its slave-based economy, and this took its toll on southern culture.

Always known for its charm, bravery and grace, the south turned into itself, exchanging the fashion of London and Paris for the palmetto hat and the homespun dress; Angry southern Baptists screamed upon the pulpit of the unspeakable evils of immigration, industry, and foreigners as a whole.
As Lincoln was elected in Washington DC, the south convulsed in anguish. Bitter fighting between the populace of a polarized nation spilled blood in Kansas, Missouri, Maryland, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and the north of Texas.
South Carolina, led by men such as Wade Hampton and carrying on the legacy of John Calhoun, would not long suffer Lincoln's rule. The Palmetto State dissolved all bonds with the union of states, and as the river of time flowed inexololerably onwards, was soon joined by Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

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Southerners are traditionally and as a matter of course rash people, and, left to their own devices, the grand temper tantrum of the land of cotton might well have waned. It was not to be, however, and in a political blunder, Lincoln demanded soldiers to squash the "rebellion" through force of arms- A move that would immediately alienate Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia into the open arms of Dixie. Kentucky and Missouri convulsed with a burning fire, luckless lands where north and south collide.

The south approached the war gaily, a chance for adventure and to lie low the northern foeman, and, of course, win the eye of the southern belle. Seizing federal arms, a long and perilous war lay ahead for the small nation-to-be, a war that, even should it be won, was fought for the most dubious of causes, that of enslaving fellow man. It must be wondered then, how Dixie managed such childlike eagerness for the roar of battle, an eagerness they maintained even after seeing the fires of war visited upon the home front.
On the political spectrum, many candidates emerged to be the president of the confederate states of America. From moderate Mississippi planter Jefferson Davis, to the extremist fire eaters such as Barnwell Rhett.

Ultimately, the presidency was to be claimed by self-made man and dark horse candidate Nathan Bedford Forrest. Preaching a message of hate, a message of force-of-arms, and closeness to god, the last being singularly odd for a man who had led by southern standards what must be seen as a secular life.

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(Nathan Bedford Forrest, the first president of the CSA.)
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(Leonadis Polk, the first vice president of the CSA)

Closeness to God it was, though, for his running mate, a sharp contrast to the angry man from Tennessee, Leonidas K Polk, Episcopalian bishop, soft spoken, high born and well-mannered, assumed the role of vice president. The "Planter and the Preacher", The odd couple would eventually form an unbeatable team deeply seated in a position of boundless power within their nation.

With a dedicated pair at the helm and a population enthralled by bloodlust, the "nation" entered the war for southern independence with vigor.
 
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I think you will need more than luck if you refuse all industrialisation, but it certainly sounds like it might be an intersting ride.
 
Where's that map from, incidentally?
 
A very interesting, and curious, start. I wonder why you chose Forrest as first President, rather than Davis.

As a born and bread southerner, I will read this to see how you do. And remain slightly flumoxed why Stephens was not the first Vice-President (said as a Georgia boy.) ;)

As has been suggested, without industrialization, you might have a struggle before you. But it sounds like that is what you are after. Good luck.

As a side note, you might try and break up your exposition more. Instead of this:
Southerners are traditionally and as a matter of course rash people, and, left to their own devices, the grand temper tantrum of the land of cotton might well have waned. It was not to be, however, and in a political blunder, Lincoln demanded soldiers to squash the "rebellion" through force of arms- A move that would immediately alienate Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia into the open arms of Dixie. Kentucky and Missouri convulsed with a burning fire, luckless lands where north and south collide.
The south approached the war gaily, a chance for adventure and to lie low the northern foeman, and, of course, win the eye of the southern belle. Seizing federal arms, a long and perilous war lay ahead for the small nation-to-be, a war that, even should it be won, was fought for the most dubious of causes, that of enslaving fellow man. It must be wondered then, how Dixie managed such childlike eagerness for the roar of battle, an eagerness they maintained even after seeing the fires of war visited upon the home front.
On the political spectrum, many candidates emerged to be the president of the confederate states of America. From moderate Mississippi planter Jefferson Davis, to the extremist fire eaters such as Barnwell Rhett.
Ultimately, the presidency was to be claimed by self-made man and dark horse candidate Nathan Bedford Forrest. Preaching a message of hate, a message of force-of-arms, and closeness to god, the last being singularly odd for a man who had led by southern standards what must be seen as a secular life.
You might try this:
Southerners are traditionally and as a matter of course rash people, and, left to their own devices, the grand temper tantrum of the land of cotton might well have waned. It was not to be, however, and in a political blunder, Lincoln demanded soldiers to squash the "rebellion" through force of arms- A move that would immediately alienate Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia into the open arms of Dixie. Kentucky and Missouri convulsed with a burning fire, luckless lands where north and south collide.

The south approached the war gaily, a chance for adventure and to lie low the northern foeman, and, of course, win the eye of the southern belle. Seizing federal arms, a long and perilous war lay ahead for the small nation-to-be, a war that, even should it be won, was fought for the most dubious of causes, that of enslaving fellow man. It must be wondered then, how Dixie managed such childlike eagerness for the roar of battle, an eagerness they maintained even after seeing the fires of war visited upon the home front.

On the political spectrum, many candidates emerged to be the president of the confederate states of America. From moderate Mississippi planter Jefferson Davis, to the extremist fire eaters such as Barnwell Rhett.
Ultimately, the presidency was to be claimed by self-made man and dark horse candidate Nathan Bedford Forrest. Preaching a message of hate, a message of force-of-arms, and closeness to god, the last being singularly odd for a man who had led by southern standards what must be seen as a secular life.
Take the advice as you will. Certainly no offense meant. But it might help these tired eyes of mine. :rolleyes: :D
 
stnylan It will certainly be a challenge, that's for sure.

lifeless Who can say, I guess we'll find out.

Faeelin I found it in google search images; just searched for a map of the CSA.

coz1 It certainly provides an interesting change. Stephen's words on the white race were ultimately found to be bad for the CSA's Public Relations. ;) Who knows, maybe your Stephens will appear in the future. Or maybe there won't be a future for the CSA. And yes, we are indeed looking for a struggle, hopefully it won't be too much for us.

No offense taken. :)

Now onto the next chapter!
 
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Chapter II. The Three Virginians
Author’s Note: The author of the previous chapter has fallen ill to depression, he should be back to writing for the third chapter.



When the first states seceded in December of 1860, the southern gentlemen and youth alike enlisted for the freedom and sovereign of their states. From boys with barely a stubble of hair on their upper lip to men who had experienced too much and yet too little, the southern spirit was one of eagerness. Thousands signed up for many reasons, adventure, for the cause, or just to kill some damnyankees. Every state from Florida to Texas had old and young alike ready to sign for the oncoming bloodshed.

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(Robert E. Lee would take up the reigns of the Army of Northern Virginia, the largest of the armies in the CSA.)

The question now was who would lead the armies of the southern states, who would be the one to face the northern tyrants in battlefield and bring the south its desired freedom. In most minds there was no question of who it would be; having recently rejected an offer by Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee had returned to Virginia where he would later receive the Army of Northern Virginia by a nearly unanimous vote.

The two other armies, the Army of Tennessee and the Army of Shenandoah, were also under question. Though more officers were being called up every month, there was a question on who would be most fit in leading the said armies in victory. There were only two other gentlemen who stood out among the others who were available.

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(Thomas Jackson, the most favored of the three, would lead the Army of Shenandoah.)

“Tom Fool Jackson,” a nickname of his by the cadets that he taught at the Virginia Military Institute, was the second choice for a general. Born and raised Clarksburg, Virginia, Thomas Jackson was a highly respected man by his peers. His faith in God was unbreakable and he lived his life in constant servitude for the all-mighty. Vice President Leonadis Polk personally asked for his position as the General of the Army of Shenandoah. Both the President and Vice secretly preferred him over Lee; Forrest disliked the old aristocratic ways that Lee had showed time and again and Polk preferred his overly Christian attitude.

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(Jeb Stuart, the youngest of the three, was given command of the Army of Tennessee.)

The third and final major general that was chosen was “Jeb Stuart,” as was his nickname amongst his peers. Little was known about Jeb Stuart, he showed a great eagerness and youthful spirit that appealed to many. Forrest, demanding a stout and courageous man for command of the Army of Tennessee chose the younger Stuart for the job. It didn’t hurt things that Stuart too had a great liking for horses. Though disappointed that he would be given the Army of Tennessee, an army of infantry only, he still took great pride in such a prestigious command.

So it was that these would be the first of the generals that the South would use against the foemen in the north. They would be the men who would hold the handle of the knife as it pierced the giant.
 
Three most excellent generals - the North better watch out.
 
If there was one thing the south was blessed in, it was Generals. I wonder if Forrest might not get out there and lead if things get hairy.
 
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Chapter III. The Great March Onward
Author's Note: The author of the first chapter has once again had misfortunes, this time with the lack of internet. As I am Author B it looks like I will be writing another chapter.

The men were trained, the ammunitions were stocked, and the horses were fed. The Army of Northern Virginia was finally ready for combat. At its stead stood the white bearded Lee, his mind was already meticulously thinking up a battle plan for how he would first engage the northern men. There was a strong feeling that Lincoln would not allow a war the war to last long before he would demand an engagement.

On the fifth of July 1861, scouts reported that the main bulk of the Army of Potomac, lead by General-in-Chief Winfield Scott, were marching along the north Virginian regions. This action was more of public demand than any actual tactical or strategical endeavor. General Lee had heard reports that the size of the Union army was far greater than that of his own. Deciding to hold his position his actions would anger those of his peers, including General Thomas Jackson, and those of the populace. With minimal resistance General Scott’s Army of Potomac took the region of Manassas without any real resistance.

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(A few pro-Unionist newspapers in Kentucky published such pictures to help sway people’s opinions about secession.)

Though things were looking dim in the east, Jeb Stuart was set on changing things in the west. Ever since the southern states had seceded from the Union, Kentucky was one of the questionable states. Though it did have its use of slavery and it was considered a "slave state," Kentucky tried to choose a path of neutrality in the conflict. Generals and politicians on both sides of the war soon saw that the neutrality of Kentucky was one of a dream. With his orders approved by the upper command, Jeb Stuart launched the first offensive of the war.

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(Many young boys much like this one were heard crying out the latest headlines, that Stuart has gained ground without a single loss of life.)

While the newspapers in the Union were raving at how they had launched their first offensive and gained a large strip of land, the southern newspapers were all rooting for Jeb Stuart. With each town that was captured came a cheer from the people back home. The daring and dauntless man’s reputation was rising quickly through the hearts of every Confederate. The news that General Lee had let the Yankees take Confederate land without a fight was carefully located near the back of most papers.

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(A southern regiment being drilled in the newly pacified city of Paducah.)

By August 15th, 1861, the Army of Tennessee had eradicated all resistance from Paducah and the surrounding area. Without wasting a day he moved forward to Louisville. It was Stuart’s goal to bring Kentucky within the folds of the Confederacy by Christmas. Whether they were realistic goals or not were of question. Every day more Union soldiers arrived by train from the east.

The Forrest administration was worried about a new conflict rising on its eastern borders. It seemed as if European intervention in Mexico was inevitable. With the Abe Lincoln showing no regret over the declaration of war that several European states had delivered to its southern neighbor, President Forrest wondered if it was up to the Confederacy to save it from its downfall. These, however, were just simple questions asked in private conversations. At the moment there was nothing that could be done for the Mexicans.
 
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Heaven's no, its difficult enough to survive as is without worrying about Mexico. And so the thing gets underway.
 
I was going to say - Mexico is the least of your worries. However, it does look like you may have lost a region but gained a state with Stuarts actions.
 
Very interesting AAR. While at this point I doubt we will see much of the effect rejecting industry and other 'western' ideals will have on your development, I hope you survive the war with the North (even if I will be rooting for the North) so that we can see more.
 
Sorry for the lack of updates. I had a rather large project due for school. I should be updating fairly regularly for now.

stnylan: That it is. If I had the men to spare I would certainly send help to our southern cousins.

coz1: We'll certainly see how it turns out.

rule_brittania: Truthfully I've never tried it before so I can't say how well I'll do. With only nine million people it'll be a challenge.

Darks63: Comments appreciated! :D

Machiavellian: Certainly, but give it a few decades and I'll start hurting. Supplying a large army without having the money to back it? Oi!

Jape: Vikings eh? Longboats made of cotton from the deep south! ;)
 
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Chapter 4- The Cavalryman's Last Ride.
Authors note: Author's Note: The original author is back as the AAR's main author. His absence was that he lived in a warehouse, sort of, for a week due to domestic problems. Long story. Excuse the lack of sentences in some paragraphs, the author demanded that I leave everything as it was when he wrote it.

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The young and bold General Jeb Stuart. It was up to him to liberate the state of Kentucky.

The south began its offensive into Kentucky ostentatiously- there was great pomp and fanfare as Stuart entered the state as "The Bonnie Liberator." Volunteers streamed to the camp of the plumed cavalier, eager to defend their native state.

Ironically however, this would cause the south's first great defeat, as Stuart was bathed in glory and acclaim, awash in manpower and flushed from victory. Stuart however was sorely lacking the supply to take in new blood, and sabotage among the already low infrastructure in the south of the state meant that Stuart was ill-equipped to proceed any offensive, and would have to consolidate his gains.

The Cavalier of the old dominion knew no hesitation. Sallying what equipped men he could, totaling to some two divisions, he boldly sallied forth towards Louisville. Drawing his sword in the air, and declaring himself the protector of Kentucky, that it might The Cavalier of the old dominion knew no hesitation however, and sallying what equipped men he could, totaling to some two divisions, he boldly took Louisville, drawing his sword in the air, and declaring himself the protector of Kentucky, that it might "Be spared from woes and pains of Yankee rule."

From there, however, everything quickly went wrong for the confederacy- Louisville proved to have greater ties to the union then the confederacy, a booming industrial town that could not see itself as anything else. Where the farmers around bowling green saw confederate service as a great adventure, angry Kentuckians fired upon Stuart's columns, which led to Stuart, in one of his dramatic gestures that would characterize his checkered military career, declared Louisville "A free city, absent of the auspices of the great state of Kentucky", and proceeded to loot it and torch it, smashing the factories along the Ohio, threatening to "Drive the populace to the river's rolling flood, and die its waves in crimson with coward Yankee blood."

The union did not fail to take notice of this, and dispatched the newly formed Grand Army of the
West, under don Carlos Buell, 5 divisions strong, forded the Ohio under the chaos of a city governed by the sword.

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Stuart fought with conviction but he was eventually forced to retreat.

Stuart took to the battle with a great confidence that would lead one to believe he didn't realize his opposition- a belief altogether unfounded.

To the cavalier's credit, his command fought with great gallantry, and the battle raged for three days before the south was forced to concede the town to the union. The defeat was to have long-lasting effects, going to great lengths to shatter the myth of the immortal southern fighting man, and the cruel treatment of the city alienated much of Kentucky, and even worse, increased the as-yet shaky northern resolve to grind the south into the ground.

Stuart was not to know relief yet, falling back into Paducah, in the southwest of the state. Grant, under 5 divisions, (separate from the Grand Army of the West- buell's unnecessary occupation of a town eager to fly under the northern banner cost Lincoln the chance to crush the south in the western theatre, almost before the war had begun.) threw his army at Stuart, who had just received an important telegram.

P.G.T Beaureguard had labored endlessly on the home front, a propaganda master, recounting to cottonocracy the horrors of amalgamation and miscegenation, browbeating small towns, deftly demeaning now this and that that to poor townships, until such time as they would contribute the blood, rifle and foodstuff the decentralized confederate war machine needed to roll on. By hook or by crook he had assembled 8 infantry divisions and a cavalry division in Nashville, and dispatched the cavalry & 2 of the infantry to liberate Stuart, under Patrick Royayne Cleburne, an Irishman whose star was yet to rise.

The south was able to stave off a disaster, with Cleburne and Stuart, together outnumbered by grant and separated from each other, still able to confound the butcher-sot, who stubbornly refused to retreat in the face of an inferior force, which cost both sides dearly. Stuart appallingly so- his command, at the end of the battle, was 22 men, mostly of his personal staff, and himself, who by one of the bizarre happenstance of war, never met his death, certainly not for lack of trying.
Defeat of grant was not enough to explain away the horrible loss, and Stuart was officially relinquished of his command, which was given to Joseph E Johnston, not to see combat for months, until guns could be found to outfit new replacements.

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Joseph Johnston, the man who would replace Jeb Stuart.

A mere footnote to the south and east, the reluctant buell finally met Beaureguard, probing with two divisons against Beaureguard's 5-divison corps, which sent Buell unerringly northward for the time being.

By feat of arms the south had staved off disaster, but at the cost of their gains, and irreplaceable men and, even more dear at this early juncture, materiel.