Changing one's stAARs

[Terraferma]

I guess you can say that I am well overdue for an AAR since I've been roaming around these forums for a couple of years now. Many people here on the forums from Diplomacy to Hearts of Iron and everything in between have inspired me to create my first and very own AAR and I hope this encourages others to do the same. After deciding to do my first AAR I was stuck with the question of which country to play as. I did a little bit of research and finally decided on the country to play as and help change its history. (Hence the title changing one's stars .) And that country for better or for worse is...

Brazil

Difficulty/A.I. Aggressiveness: Normal/Normal

Version: Vickie 1.4

Cheats: None

Goals:

• Survive
• Prosper
• Change country's history
• Finish game as one of the Top 20 nations in the world

It should be noted that I began this AAR as a prototype and initially didn't think to actually publish/post it on the forums but as the game progressed I decided that I might as well contribute to the forums by doing more than commenting on other AARs. This is also the very first time that I was playing Victoria so I had no prior knowledge nor practice in the game's mechanics at the time (should be a fun learning experience eh?). Unfortunately I lost some of the game data so our story really begins in 1861, but don't sweat it I have compiled a brief summary of what went on during the first decades of our endeavor and how Brazil came about. And here it is:

Prologue

Brazil began as a mere colony of Portugal when it was discovered by Pedro Alvares Cabral in 1500. Due to successful profits elsewhere in its trade empire Portuguese interest in their large colony didn’t pick up until 1530. In its first century the colony’s major export, which gave it its name, was the brazilwood. It is a large tree prized for its red dye. During the first two centuries of the colonial period, attracted by the vast natural resources and untapped land, other European powers such as the French and the Dutch tried to establish colonies in several parts of the Brazilian territory in defiance of the Treaty of Tordesillas. The treaty divided the new world between Spain and Portugal.

In 1808 the Portuguese court fleeing from Napoleon's troops, which had invaded the territory of Portugal proper, moved aboard a large fleet escorted by British ships with all the government apparatus to its then-colony Brazil establishing themselves in the city of Rio de Janeiro. From there the Portuguese king ruled his empire for 13 years before returning home. In 1815 the king vested Brazil with the dignity of a united kingdom with Portugal and Algarves. When King John VI of Portugal left Brazil to return to his European territory in 1821, his elder son Pedro stayed in his stead as regent of Brazil. One year later Brazil declared independence from its mother nation of Portugal thus starting its roller coaster history as a constitutional monarchy.

The mid to late 1830’s were marked by Brazil being humiliated in what started out to be a war solely against Uruguay that spiraled out of control due to poor military leadership and the entrance of Argentina and Paraguay into the conflict. It resulted in the loss of a chunk of land to Uruguay. To add insult to injury during the war a military revolt under the command of a disgruntled officer erupted deep inside the country spreading out in all directions like a wild fire consuming half of the nation at its peak further hindering the war effort. If that weren’t enough, a series of political assassinations took place after the war from anarchists wishing to derail the monarchy. In 1841 Brazil sought to compensate for the loss of land to Uruguay by declaring war on Venezuela.

After over a year of warfare Brazil was defeated again this time not only losing a swath of land to Venezuela but their entire army was destroyed. Following on the heels of the defeat even more social and political upheaval rocked the country with revolts and assassinations occurring at all corners of the nation. The economy itself had been stagnant since after the first dismal war. On May 7th 1845 Brazil had a liberal revolution that saw the end of the conservative party’s longstanding grip on power, for the time being. Due to Chief of Staff Diego Hidalgo’s poor performance in leading the country during the last two wars he was replaced by Chief of Staff Sanchez. The revolution would cease five years later with the Conservatives eventually regaining their lost power and tightening their grip for decades to come.

After the debacle in the early 1840’s Brazil would spend much of the decade and even into the early 50’s rebuilding its army and stabilizing herself both politically and economically.

Brazil's precarious situation in 1851

Then finally with its army strong enough and the country ready for what was to come, Brazil declared war on Venezuela in May 1852 beginning the “Reclamation Era”. The war would last a grueling six years before Brazil emerged victorious taking back all the lost land in Venezuela’s possession and then some. The majority of the decade was spent at war with it formally concluded on April 30, 1858. But Brazil's revenge was far from satisfied as they proceeded to declare war on Paraguay on September 1st 1859.

Meanwhile in America, on December 21st 1860 a few southern states had seceded from the union. In response the union declared war on the newly formed Confederate States of America a week after its formation. As the days progressed more and more southern states joined the CSA with the first casualties of the war being reported in. And to round off our story of some of the events that have taken place in both Brazil and the world that wasn’t the only action taking place on the North American continent. On January 12th 1861 France chooses to intervene in Mexico. Unfortunately for the Mexicans, the French weren’t coming alone. Without further ado, I present to you my ups and downs as Brazil.

[Terraferma]

Chapter 1: War in the North, War in the South

The PM Times

August 1, 1861

Rio De Janerio, Brazil- As the "war" against Paraguay "rages" on Spain wanted in on the Mexican intervention as they declared war on Mexico on February 1st, UK followed suit three days later. On the 20th of March a revolt occured in Fortin Falcon giving our forces something to do since there is no real opposition to speak of. The 3rd and 4th Corps were sent to put the uprising down and in late April they succeeded. On May 8th Brazil sent the same demand of land and satellite status dropping the war indemnities declaring it unfeasible, a day later Paraguay opposed the demand and "fought" on. The BHC began to contemplate total annexation but with increasing partisan activity they began to map out their demand of all but three provinces of Paraguay not including the capital. Meanwhile in America the American Civil War is in full swing with Union troops penetrating into the deep south being halted in Georgia but by the time they were in full retreat Union forces had set Atlanta ablaze.

Union troops marching past burned down homes

On June 6th Texas joins the Confederate States of America. Although late it brings some relief to CSA forces, this small morale boost was not to last. Days later Union forces smash again into the deep South and are there to stay burning Shenandoah down to the ground.

Union charge breaking through Confederate lines at dismal Battle of Shenandoah

On June 12th 1861 the war against Paraguay ends despite many believe it was all over by the third month of the war, the war overall lasts a little over a year. Paraguay caved into demands of all its land except its capital Asuncion, Formosa, and Encarnacion. As a result Brazil gained 63 prestige. On June 15th Defense spending was increased to its maximum and Eduacation spending went up 2 ducats. At the war's conclusion the Brazilian economy has boomed as Brazil held its national victory parade at the capital on June 20th.

The borders redrawn...

On July 22nd Idealism was invented by our brilliant scientists as they quickly went on to Malthusian Thought. As for the American Civil War...

The CSA in a state of utter disblief

Written by Terraferma

And I would greatly appreciate any and all feedback and comments!

[sagimine1]

continue i wanna see how this end

[stnylan]

Brazil is certainly dominating its region.

[Garuda]

Brazil is a nation I've never attempted to play as, so I'll follow along to see how it goes.

Good luck.

[Terraferma]

Ah it is certainly nice to see there is interest into this AAR of mine . I must also mention that in the beginning there will be a little bit of a gap between entries as by the start of the second entry we are in 1864 but after about 2-3 entries I believe it will be very consistent...kind of wish I stored the beginning in the first place. No matter. As we enter 1864 as you might have guessed CSA was defeated and ceased to exist and we are now in the midst of a war against Argentina. So i dont spoil the rest of this next entry...an update!

[Terraferma]

Chapter 2: Platinean War

The PM Times

May 1, 1865

Rio De Janerio, Brazil- On October 6th the lone infantry division guarding the capital leaves as General Caxias closes in. A day or so later a calvalry division arrives at the capital mere days before Caxias was to lay siege to his primary target while Fernandez and the 1st Corps in a surprise move march out of the beach head towards Azul. On October 15th the battle of Buenos Aires began, victory here would be a huge blow to Argentinean morale.

On the 22nd the 1st Corps reaches Azul as four days later a severely weakened infantry division of less than 1700 men joins the fight against our forces at Buenos Aires.

November 1st 1864

On November 1st the 4th and 5th Corps move to attack Corrientes in an attempt to make a surprise move on the enemy forces at the border. On November 11th the battle of Buenos Aires was won with both the defending infantry and calvalry divisions destroyed. This would mark the turning point of the war. On November 24th the ill-fated battle of Corrientes began.

November 30th 1864

Despite a depleted division Argentina's other defending division gave more support than we wanted as our forces suffered heavy casualties over the weeks during the battle until finally on December 12th the 4th and 5th Corps withdrew from the battle. On the same day Italy declares war on Austria as South Germany joins on the side of Austria. On January 2nd two enemy infantry divisions attacked Alegrete as the 3rd Corps under General do Erval defended the province as best they could. Meanwhile seeing an undefended Corrientes the 4th and 5th Corps began marching to capture it.

However, they instead turned south to aid the embattled 3rd corps. On January 28th the 1st Corps liberates with the help of Caxias the province of Azul. General Caxias marched all his troops out of the capital to both reinforce Azul and to lure the enemy to the capital to try to wipe them out. Whether or not this would of worked will never be known.

[Terraferma]

Peace is offered, more than I expected

On February 11th the war is over, in the process we regained most of our pre-war prestige and practically the whole border and then some.

Expansion of the Brazilian Empire

A victory parade was held in mid march in honor of our victorious armed forces. General Caxias received his second Combat Cross 2nd Class for his capture of Buenos Aires. His reputation of "The Conqueror of Capitals" preceeds him.

Admiral Tamandare receives his second Naval War Service Medal.

Our income rose and with that so did Defense spending. On April 13th the Swiss declared war on Mexico to join France. And here we have pictures of the two ongoing wars.

The French occupying parts of Mexico

The newly formed Italian nation versus the Hapsburgs

Written by Terraferma

[stnylan]

The war that should determine who will be the boss of South America. Off to a good start.

Edit: And concluded in a fitting manner, I see.

[Terraferma]

Our next entry jumps another three years into 1868 with Brazil in the midst of another war(I'm becoming quite the warmonger) this time against Colombia and her ally Venezuela. Our chief rival was Argentina but during this war I started to think that my true rival and threat was Colombia. It was also in this war that a pivotal decision would be of great impact to Brazil both in the short term and long term. This is a WHAT IF scenario though I can't completely be sure if it were the true outcome but hey...it makes a good story.

Chapter 3: Blood and Glory (The What If scenario)

The PM Times

April 13, 1868

Rio De Janerio, Brazil- On March 4th Caxias and the 2nd Corps reach Bogota but Colombian divisions are moving in to stop him. The battle of Sao Fernando Porto was decisively won as the Brazil main forces march northwest towards Tabatinga. On March 11th Austria annexed Hungary but little attention was paid to this irrelavent event. On march 12th the enemy division in Manaus is wiped out as the 5th Corps under General barros claims its first victory. On March 18th a battle erupts at sea and at the capital Bogota.

On march 25th Admiral tamandare wins the naval battle sinking one frigate almost second the other while suffering light damage. By April the situation has changed in Bogota and we have lost contact with the 2nd Corps.

Manuelito was rummaging through the bushes doing the work of his poor mother who had fallen ill. His father had left to fight a war that was far away. Manuelito was on his knees in his linen white shirt and cotton tanned pants fingering the dirt looking for the berries that he dropped from the bush. He was a seven year old little boy given the task of being the man of the house while his father was gone. A distant pop rippled the air. He cocked his head up standing up dusting off his pants. Another pop. He began to walk slowly to investigate the strange noise as he started up a hill. He heard another popping sound but louder through the sound of his feet crushing the grass beneath him.

He began to hear voices and even more popping sounds and then came the yells. He began to run up the hill and when he reached the hill what he saw left him speechless. He could see the entire city of Bogota and smoke was emanating from it. He looked down to the city and saw men in uniforms running in all directions with rifles. The city was under siege.

The Colombian troops were running on a narrow street leading to the two story government building.

“Vamonos! Vamonos!”

The sound of their boots and heavy breathing filled the air. As they closed in on the building shots rang out. A bullet ripped through one of the soldiers creating an exit wound on his neck. He immediately crashed onto the cobble street letting go of his rifle gasping at his own blood spurting out. Still his comrades continued as one by one they were shot by the Brazilian defenders holding the building. Colombia had declared war on Brazil in a bid to end its aggression on the South American continent. Its ally Venezuela though weak provided some help in the war effort. Brazilian forces under the command of General Caxias, the Conqueror of Capitals. They had arrived a week ago with no resistance and began to take over the city declaring martial law. Some 30,000 troops occupied the capital of Colombia.

Caxias was in the building giving out orders and receiving ever deteriorating reports of enemy forces closing in on the city. They were encircled, there was no turning back. There would be no surrender. Caxias rubbed his brow deep in thought as to mount a strategic defense to capture the city. His orders were to take the city at all costs to end the war on Brazil’s terms. He had already annihilated a cavalry division before arriving to the capital. It all seemed as though any attack on the city would be futile. For several days the Colombian forces would attack with as many as 30,000 troops of their own and yet they would come out of the city limping, bleeding, beaten. Now an unimaginable 70,000 men were bearing down on the city. There was no supplies, no food and the ammunition was nearly gone. No matter, it was over 2 to 1 odds. How could he stand up to such an immense force? He had to hold them back. He had never failed the country he loved he had never failed in bringing victory when it was needed most.

More troops began to pour in from the streets all around the government building with shots piercing the air among other things. The streets were filled with chaos, violence and death. Over thirty Colombians have been killed in the last hour alone trying to take the building. It was a turkey shoot with no where to take cover and the only way to reach the objective was to run, run straight into the hail of gunfire. It didn’t matter. And Caxias knew it. A runner showed up panting and upon catching his breathe gave Caxias grim news; His men were in an all out retreat and an estimated 14,000 men lay dead in the streets of Bogota. That’s almost half his force, he would retreat if he could but they were completely surrounded. He would grant his men an honorable end for they would have wanted it that way. Caxias stormed out of the room with his aides trooping behind. They asked what they should do; he spun on his heel and gave them a stern look turning back around storming out of the building. His aides pulled out their revolvers and joined the line. Caxias ordered a defensive ring around the building, this was their last stand.

The streets were suddenly silent, you could hear the voices of the dead if they could speak. To the left of the line facing the southern road leading up the building was a dead Colombian soldier leaned over a wooden barrel. He suddenly fell onto the cobble street with a loud thump followed by three shots ringing out. The troops were nervous; they too sensed the end was coming. The downed soldier’s blood began to gush out seeping towards the boots of the soldiers manning the line. The wind blew gently as the sun beat down on the soldiers. Caxias marched in circles looking at the expressionless faces of his men. They had fought for him bleed for him and died for him. His mind was racing with thoughts. How he missed his wife and two children. Running footsteps could be heard from a distance along with yells and screams. They were coming.

“Rifles up!” Caxias ordered.

They raised their rifles and stared dead ahead. The footsteps were getting closer, the voices louder. A few of the men said a prayer under their breathe and the footsteps of the incoming enemy.

“Gentlemen whatever happens it was an honor to serve you. Courage and Strength!”

“Courage and Strength!” The soldiers said in unison.

The Colombian forces began to spill from all sides onto the defensive line. The air was immediately filled with shots and screams. The smoke from their barrels covered the perimeter of the building. Dozens of Colombian troops fell to the hail of bullets but for every Colombian killed three more took its place. There were like a plague of locusts they kept coming and coming. Caxias fired repeatedly from his two revolvers reloading at record speed with bullets whizzing past him. His aides were at different points of the line providing what support they could. All over the city the Brazilian forces were being routed as 300 brave men made their last stand at the government building in the center of the cursed city. Colombian troops smashed into the bayonets mounted on the rifles of the Brazilian defenders as they continued firing leaving the ground red with blood. Colombian troops would charge with their swords as some of Caxias men would instead of firing at them they would stab them with their rifles upon impact. One Colombian soldier was stabbed through the head with a bayonet, the Brazilian defender instead of pushing him off his rifle let out a shot shattering the man’s head his blood spilling everywhere.

Caxias was looking down reloading his revolvers when upon looking up he saw the lines breaking, his men stepping back beside him firing away. This would be nothing more than a slaughter. One of his aides was shot in the head his blood staining Caxias’ shoulder. Caxias began to unleash his revolvers on any charging Colombian. He spotted a soldier running straight to him, he fired his left revolver then his right then his left then his right again as the soldier fell to his side. At this point barely a shot would ring out as everyone was locked in melee combat. Caxias threw down his empty revolvers and pulled out his rapier screaming “For Brazil!” racing towards enemy troops slashing away at their torsos and screams. Caxias was in a fit of rage all he could hear are the screams of both his comrades and enemies. Over half of the defending troops lay dead, so too his aides. His medals jingled at his sudden movements dodging bayonets, swords, and even those who would attempt to tackle him.

“Matalos! Matalos a todo!” A Colombian yelled.

Caxias began to fall back at the increasing number of Colombians attacking him as he could only hold them for so long; suddenly a shot rang out as he felt a sharp jolt of his shoulder jerking his whole body into the side of the government building. He balanced himself wincing favoring his shoulder dropping the rapier. He looked at his fingers, blood… he’s been hit. Looking at his fingers he saw the Brazilian flag on the ground, trampled filled with dirt. He picked up the flag pole holding the Brazilian flag and charged at the Colombian forces as they fired upon him, several shots speared past him but he was hit on his leg and stomach. He lowered his flagpole and impaled a Colombian soldier. He felt another sharp pain as he was hit again in the back. He pulled out the bloodied flag pole and he began to feel dazed. It was getting dark his body was already giving way. This was the end; he would die a patriot… a hero… a legend.

“Esmeralda…” He murmured.

Caxias fell to his knees burying the propped up flag pole into the ground. He leaned against it and gently closed his eyes. Few Colombian troops paid any heed to the spectacle as they rushed the government building. But those around him watched the Brazilian flag wave against the gentle breeze as the lifeless body held it in place. Even in death Caxias would cling on to his beloved country, Brazil.

The 2nd Corps was completely wiped out defending the hope of ending the war on Brazil’s terms. Too late were the negotiations to end the war that could have saved the lives of countless men. Brazil would manage to force a treaty of status quo on the Colombians and Venezuelans ending the war. Brazil would reflect upon the loss of their beloved hero General Caxias. A loss so great that Brazil would retire from the world stage into the darkness for several decades before they would have the strength to continue their ambitions with the memory of the death of the Conqueror of Capitals fresh in their minds. If only this tragic tale were true…

[Terraferma]

Chapter 3: A General and the Gamble

The PM Times

July 22, 1870

Rio De Janerio- On March 1st 1868 Caxias stops the march to Bogota as a Colombian division attempts to flank them in Cartago. The next day a revolt in Asuncion erupts and would remain unchecked for many weeks. On March 4th the main forces won the battle of Sao Fernando Porto. On March 13th Borros and the 5th Corps emerged victorious in their first battle in Manaus destroying the lone Colombian division. Caxias' forces are attacked at Cartago on March 16 as he plans to put a stop to their flanking manuvers. On March 18th Admiral Tamandare encounters another enemy fleet from Colombia.

On March 19th Sao fernando Porto is captured by the Brazilian main forces led by General Do Erval. Almost a week later Tamandare wins another naval battle sinking one frigate while severly damaging another. From April onward the war would begin to turn violently on the Brazilian forces with over three new divisions deployed from Colombia to the front line. Soon Caxias is surrounded in the general area by almost 15 enemy divisions and he is evacuated on May 20th from Colombia. In June he will arrive at Porto Alegre where he will be dispatched to quell the uprisings that have plagued the south.

On July 5th Tabatinga is captured by the Brazilian main forces, it would be the very last province captured for over a year. The rest of 1868 would be noted as constant retreat and defeat for the Brazilian forces as they are now outnumbered 17 to 10 in strength including Colombia's Venezuelan ally. General Do Erval would perish in the fighting. Early in 1869 Barros and the 5th Corps see an opening to the capital of Caracas and begin a mad dash for the capital.

His gamble worked as on April 6th 1869 Caracas was captured and Venezuela was forced out of the war returning to the status quo. A minor victory for the Brazilians who still had to cope with Colombia. On May 7th BHC unveils a new plan to defeat the Colombians in atleast forcing a status quo. It calls for the general retreat of the Brazilian forces back to the homeland letting the Colombians spread out in their bid to capture our holdings as the attrition would temporarily do the fighting for us. 5 Divisions would be ferried to Colombia again in another amphibious assault to Bogota.

[stnylan]

Spreading north at a nice pace.

[superskippy]

Excellent! Really I love this, Its really nice to see new authors considering I'm relatively new myself. I'll be following this, now please crush Venezuala and prepare the way for the United States of South America.

[Terraferma]

And now to reply to the first batch of feedback:

continue i wanna see how this end

Will do! Hope you enjoy it

Brazil is certainly dominating its region.

Oh I am just getting started

Brazil is a nation I've never attempted to play as, so I'll follow along to see how it goes.

Good luck.

Yeah they said it was a good nation to play as for your first time so I went with it. It has its advantages and disadvantages.

The war that should determine who will be the boss of South America. Off to a good start.

Edit: And concluded in a fitting manner, I see.

Yes, I found it quite fitting myself.

Excellent! Really I love this, Its really nice to see new authors considering I'm relatively new myself. I'll be following this, now please crush Venezuala and prepare the way for the United States of South America.

Thanks! I'm glad that your enjoying it. I will hopefully crush all my enemies both foreign and domestic all in good time.


Thanks to all those that replied and those that are roaming about reading this AAR. Update tomorrow...maybe

[Terraferma]

Chapter 4: Old grudges

The PM Times

June 3, 1871

Rio De Janerio, Brazil- As the war drags on the economy is quickly sinking much to the pain and heartache of the government. Taxes as a result were heightened with minimal results. For the rest of 1869 Brazil would stand by and watch its lands slowly being taken by the Colombian forces. Fortunately, slowly their numbers dwindled due to attrition. On January 5th 1870 the rebels were for the most part defeated in the south thanks to Caxias. But a day later he sadly passed away in his sleep, the cause of death were the wounds he received from the horrors of war. Trivial wounds if left unchecked (and they were) would turn fatal. General Melo would take command and integrate his own 3rd Corps to a five division strong 2nd Corps, temporarily. He was chosen to lead the attack on Bogota. By February 20th Tamandare had the 2nd Corps in position offshore and they began their amphibious assault north of Buenaventura. On May 10th Argentina and Bolivia entered the war against Brazil but the BHC was hardly worried about them. A plan for Argentina was being drawn up much like the previous one of the first war with their rivals. The 2nd Corps dashed for the capital as a lone division of less than 400 men protected the city. The defenders marched out with the only other able division covering Buenaventura where they thought one day during the war the Brazilians would return. On July 22nd Bogota was captured and the war with Colombia was over. But BHC and the Brazilian Armed forces have little time to celebrate as they have two new enemies to deal with.

While the Brazilian forces both at home and in Colombia began their march once again south towards the war with Argentina and Bolivia, across the vast Atlantic Ocean the Ottoman Empire declared war against Tripoli and on August 1st made peace taking about half of Tripoli's holdings.

On August 14th Tamandare engages enemy ships at Rio de la Plata.

On September 2nd Tamandare wisely retreats from battle destroying three enemy frigates and losing two of his own. On September 22nd Brazil in the midst of an election campaign has a tax reform rally in Matto Grosso, it is decided on a flat tax.

On October 25th Fortin Falcon is attacked by Brazilian main forces in an attempt to take back our land. On November 17th after the victory at Fortin Falcon the province is captured as Puerto Guarani is the next target northeast.

On December 1st Admiral Tamandare sets out to pick up the 2nd Corps awaiting for pick up in Colombia. On December 4th Brazilian main forces strike at Puerto Guarani where a lone Bolivian division defended the province, the battle was won two days later with the seizure of the province on the 17th. On December 22nd a hotly debated defense issue erupted in the Minas Gerias region.

On January 8th in an attempt to encircle a Bolivian division stationed in Xolotas the main forces march towards Santa Rosa. The attempt would be abandoned later on.

On January 13th while en route to Porto Alegre with the 2nd Corps already on board Tamandare and his 1st Squadron come under attack by 2 Argentinean frigates. The battle ends in victory with one enemy frigate destroyed and only minor damage to the fleet. In February General Melo and the 2nd Corps land in La Plata and capture it quickly, however two divisions were protecting the capital Buenos Aires. But soon the enemy forces defending the capital make a huge tactical blunder as they mysteriously march north to reinforce their front lines as the 2nd Corps moves in conquering Buenos Aires on May 13th, from there they quickly march south to also capture Azul with no resistance. Earlier in May due to the revolts in the south Paraguay declares independence, its size is only two provinces not to mention they have no military to speak of much less an economy. For the moment BHC has shrugged off the humorous event. On the same day Buenos Aires fell to our glorious 2nd Corps maintaining the legacy that the late General Caxias left behind. Argentina began negotiations for peace, little did Bolivia know the negotiations were a secret separate peace which would leave Bolivia fighting the war alone against a vengeful Brazil. That became a reality on June 3rd as peace with Argentina was achieved giving back all the occupied provinces plus an additional nine provinces of its own lands to Brazil which is mostly the border provinces. Now Bolivia is fighting a lonely war against a Brazilian force that is determined to dwindle them to nothing. But BHC is well aware of the peace treaty to expire with Venezuela (only) in a little over three years. As of yet the state funeral for Caxias has not been decided due to the wars that have consumed Brazil for at least four years.

War Front: June 3rd 1871

Farewell Caxias, your actions will forever be remembered in the hearts of Brazil. I found something very funny about Colombia, it has amassed most of its 15 division army on the border and attrition has mauled their forces both on the march back to their lands after the war and during peace time. At least five of their divisions have less than 1,000 troops with about 80% of their divisions overall having under 5,000 men. I hope attrition destroys some of those divisions. By the way, economy still tanking I raised education to get updates a bit faster since either way economy tanking.

[stnylan]

Nice gains. Do you intend to continue snipping off Argentine territory - or do you intend to satellite them at some point?

[Quirinus308]

Terraferma,

I can't believe I hadn't noticed that you started this, oh well I must be working too much.

You have some nice gains so far, hopefully your badboy doesn't get too high.

[Terraferma]

Chapter 5: Hearts of Fire

The PM Times

January 1, 1872

Rio De Janerio, Brazil- In the summer of 1871, a state funeral was held at the capital for both General Do Erval and General Caxias. Thousands attended the funeral including government officials, his majesty, Chief of Staff Sanchez, and the families of both generals. Caxias received two medals presented by Chief of Staff Sanchez to an emotional Esmeralda, the widow of the late Caxias. The medals were the Combat Cross First Class and the Army's War Medal for his courageous acts and his sacrifice for his country. Do Erval received the Combat Cross 2nd Class for his sacrifice in the Venezuelan/Colombian war that claimed thousands of lives including his own.

Army's War Medal

Combat Cross 1st Class

Combat Cross 2nd Class

A moving speech was given by Chief of Staff Sanchez that rallied the hearts of both officials and civilians alike:

We have lost two brave souls to our sorrowful war against the oppressive and degenerate Colombian and Venezuelan armies that fight for their corrupted governments. We have lost two sons of our beloved Brazil, but these sons of Brazil were also fathers...husbands...and comrades. Their bodies may be extinguished but they like Brazil will remain in our hearts and minds forever! Remember how our enemies disregarded Brazilian lives; remember the atrocities our enemies from all four cardinal directions have committed. But it is not only the bad we should remember but the good and the remarkable. Never before has a man conquered so many capitals...never before has a man defied the odds and brought victory to our beloved people. He earned the name the Conqueror of Capitals and he has earned a place in the history books along side Gengus Khan...Napoleon...and Alexander the Great. To us he is all three in one! To us he will never be forgotten! To us he will, like those who have fallen before him, be one of the unsung heroes of Brazil! People of Brazil rise and turn your sorrow into anger as our enemies cannot deter us, our enemies cannot divide us, for our destiny is sacred and our fate divine!

The speech ended with a roar of applause and the screams of "Courage and Strength!" which has become the motto of the Brazilian Armed Forces due to in part General Caxias. A five gun salute was given to both Do Erval and Caxias to conclude the state funeral. Meanwhile on the war front... on June 21st General Silva and Barros along with the Northern Army began its operation to strike back at Bolivia while the Southern Army marching out of Argentina under the command of General Melo began their objective of stopping any advance in the southern lands of Brazil. The Northern Army attacked Villa Bella on June 21st as our forces inflicted heavy casualties to the enemy with the battle concluding in victory on July 6th. On August 8th the Northern Army attacks Forte do Principe with the battle won three days later. On September 9th education was raised to its maximum while lowering the maintenance of our naval forces to Admiral Tamandare's approval. On September 10th the Northern Army attacks Exaltacion.

The battle is won on the 12th with minimal casualties. Meanwhile in the south, the Southern Army wins the battle of Villa Angela. On December 7th the Northern Army began its thrust for La Paz, two days later the Southern Army attacks Fuerte Esperanza.

The battle of Fuerte Esperanza would end in victory on the 16th. On December 27th La Paz was under siege as two Bolivian divisions dig in against the Northern Army with both sides suffering over 250 deaths a day.

Written by Terraferma

A victory in La Paz will seal the deal on Bolivia and I plan to make them...a modicom of what they are now.

[stnylan]

Good fiery speech.

[Terraferma]

Here's another update! Excuse that it is somewhat brief, I plan for another update tomorrow but if you guys want due to today's short entry I can put in another. Just say so!

Chapter 6: Clean Up

The PM Times

September 25, 1872

Rio De Janerio, Brazil-On January 6th in a surprise move France began the second intervention war against Mexico. Despite the general surprise of the world, Brazil was more concerned with strengthening her position in her own sphere of influence. On March 8th the Northern Army achieves victory in La Paz destroying one division and nearly destroying the other. A day later Silva passes away from his fatal wounds during the battle of La Paz as General Barros regretfully reports the sad news to BHC. He was transported back to the capital and a state funeral was held for him a month later with thousands attending. A new general by the name of Dias replaces the late General Silva. In late April La Paz is secured. Also the government approved the construction of two additional frigates with naval spending at its max shortly after the victory in early March. On May 14th the Southern Army nearly wipes out the enemy at Santa Maria but unfortunately is not agile enough to finish the job. For the rest of the war Brazil's North and South Armies would rout the Bolivian Army in all battles to near extinction. Finally peace was achieved on September 24th. Bolivia, shortly after the capture of La Paz, began to offer peace and some of its provinces. Not until its third peace offering would the war end on Brazil's terms gaining over 55 prestige. During the late phases of our war Spain joined in on the war on Mexico. As for the alliance Mexico once had with the United States, it has dissolved completely. The war secured the port city of Antagasta for the Brazilian Navy cutting the time of amphibious operations by over half. Now instead of launching off shore in the Atlantic, we have easy access to the seas of the Pacific. With the war over, the Southern Army is ordered to march towards former Uruguay to clean up any and all insurgent threats then head over to Paraguay for occupation. A revolt occurred in favor of Brazil in Xolotas during the war and as of yet BHC is not sure of what to do with the 100 men that chose to bare arms for their beloved Brazil. Rumors are they will be sent to conquer Paraguay.

Brazil September 25th '72

Written by Terraferma

Soon I may order two additional divisions (despite I prefer 3) to our ground forces. Although I am tempted for them to be cavalry for police ops and even encirclements... but that’s a lot of manpower I believe. Brazil isn't like Russia yanno