In den Augen Gottes: An Alternative History Affair

[TekcoR]

In den Augen Gottes
An Alternative History Affair
By TekcoR

Chapter 3
Guidelines to Prosperity

The Great Powers as of 1837.

The year of 1837 would prove to be rather uneventful compared to the previous year; which saw a rapid increase in Prussian military might. The previous year showed that Prussia, though industrious compared to smaller nations, was not on an equal footing with countries like United Kingdom, France, the United States of America, the Netherlands or even Belgium. Because of its less industrious status, Prussia lacked certain resources capable of sustaining its military needs. A terrific example of this was the construction of the series of forts in Kaiserslautern; which were called in to order in January the previous year, but construction did not begin until late 1836 due to a lack of explosives and artillery, among other man-made material. Instead of focusing on increasing military might, the Crown Prince Frederick Wilhelm IV, in the name of his father the king, decreed that a focus would be on military needs: explosives, artillery, small arms, steel and foodstuffs.

Since the military reforms following Prussia’s defeat in 1806, education had been a close second in reviving the nation. Although a relatively conservative state compared to other Great Powers, barring the Ottoman Empire and Russia, Prussia’s education system was rather liberal and provided to all able bodied individuals. Because of these reforms following the defeat at the hands of Napoleon in 1806, Prussia’s population was quite literate compared to other nations, and provided great benefit to the civil administration and the officers who were allowed to act and think freely. One great proponent of the education system was Adolph Diesterweg who laid down principles published April 19th, 1837 about teaching children to make them more conscious, thinking and responsible citizens of the state.

Prussia’s educational system would provide tremendous benefits when on August 1st, researched announced the discovery of aerial bacteria and the antiseptic principle. These essential discoveries would allow for further population growth and less attrition suffered during campaigns in any future conflict. While the military was not to be the primary focus of the year of 1837, there was room within the budget and national stockpile of goods to begin the recruitment of an additional 24,000 troops in 5 infantry, 1 artillery and 1 engineer regiment. In order to help replenish the treasury from its expenditure a great discovery was made. Outside of Konigsberg, on Christmas of all days, precious metals were discovered!

The Great Powers as of 1838.

Though the year of 1837 was rather uneventful, 1838 was a tad bit more exciting. Prussia’s standing within the list of the world’s great powers rose from 6th to 4th. In the previous yearly standings of the great powers, it was the United Kingdom, Russia, France, Austria, the United States of America and then Prussia, followed by Spain and the Ottomans. Now, the standings read United Kingdom, France, Austria, Prussia, the United States of America, Russia, Spain and the Ottomans. This was great reinforcement that under the Crown Prince’s direction that Prussia was beginning to move further forward; though the pace could not be accelerated until he had become King, which was just any day away from now.

On the military front, Prussia made several developments and met one setback. On May 20th, the military establishment had further developed military plans that would further organize the army, provide better discipline, decrease overuse of supplies and potentially increase the mobilization size. The blow to the establishment would come on the 11th of July when Austria formally announced that it was canceling its military alliance with Prussia. Rumors of war were circulated throughout the establishment, would Austria really wage war? What were her goals besides possibly re-establishing control over Silesia that had been lost nearly a century before? The days would turn to weeks, and weeks into months and Austria’s decision to dissolve the alliance produced no other results. The year of 1838 would end on a positive note for the fourth greatest power in the world, Sweden a mid-major regional player within the Baltic agreed to an alliance.

[Nikolai]

Seems I have missed this gem so far, glad I found it. Good writing so far, as always.

[TekcoR]

In den Augen Gottes
An Alternative History Affair
By TekcoR

Chapter 3
Rails across the Land

A disturbing trend had been occurring throughout the population the previous two years and into the year of 1839. The population had been displaying more liberal tendencies, and the estates that made up the unofficial ‘Upper House’ of the kingdom proved this. An unofficial estimate put the percentage of “liberal” advisors to close to 30, but that was a widely disputed figure. Even if it was an unofficial figure, there was proof that Prussia was seeing slightly more liberal agitation and clamor for political reforms but the aged King Frederick Wilhelm III would have none of it. There was hope that when the Crown Prince Frederick Wilhelm IV would ascend that perhaps finally the long promised would become a reality.

The political turmoil within Prussia was one matter that everybody was talking about, but there were other more interesting events going on that would soon affect the entire population. On April 20th, the first stretch of railroad was unveiled in the city of Berlin. Crowds had gathered and for the entire day whistle stop tours were being held, much to the delight of the population. Within a matter of weeks, government money had been set aside on a construction of railroad line stretching from Konigsberg to Berlin, down to Silesia. At Berlin there would be another junction head towards the Rhineland from Berlin, and be interrupted by Hanoverian territory, before continuing down to the border with France. While this stretch of rail was to be paid for with government funds, within a matter of months the rest of the kingdom had some form of railroad under construction due to a mix of private investors and government aid.

The construction of the railroads would prove to be a great benefit to the military. Once completed it was estimated that the mobilization system that had been established could be put into place faster and more effectively. Rail would not be the only improvement for the military within the year of 1839, as additional 6 artillery regiments were to be recruited. The six regiments would be distributed out to the six predominantly infantry corps; which already had a dedicated artillery regiment. This addition to firepower it was thought would allow Prussia to overwhelm its enemy before the troops engaged in combat. Additional guns were not only needed on land, but also for the sea. The first round of frigates (8) had been completed, and a new round of an additional eight were to be constructed. Again, the stated objective of the navy was not to be aggressive but rather a force to defend Prussia’s ports.

Returning to the civil side of the state of Prussia, a series of developments and minor reforms were passed. The most notable of the events that occurred was the signing of child labor laws on March 23rd, which protected the right of children from working in state run factories. Earlier in the month of March, scientists had discovered clinical thermometers and binaural stethoscopes, which would be put to great use improving the health of the kingdom’s population. The last good piece of news regarding the health of the nation occurred in early November, when it was announced that the first procedure using anesthesia had been done within the kingdom. An overall shock occurred just mere days before the end of the year, when on December 26th, France intervened in the Ottoman-Egyptian war.

[Dewirix]

An excellent AAR so far. I've had a lot of fun with Prussia so it will be interesting to see what you get up to.

What happened to Russia to cause it to lose over 100 prestige?

[TekcoR]

I'm not sure what exactly happened to Russia; I was quite surprised and tried looking up the reason why but didn't find one. Though as a brief spoiler, this will not be the last of Russia we hear about.

[TekcoR]

In den Augen Gottes
An Alternative History Affair
By TekcoR

Chapter 4
A New Wind

Three years had passed since the reformation inspired by the Crown Prince Frederick Wilhelm IV, and the benefits had begun to pay off with tremendous results. In a list of great powers, Prussia had finally eclipsed Austria’s reign as the top Germanic state. Although with all this new found power, Prussia still would act with great restraint and not outright challenge Austria in war at this time. The dream of a unified state encompassing all Germanic people, was a merely a dream. If that dream were to be put into reality at this current time, it was likely the Prussia would find itself at war with, any one of the great powers for breaking the balance of power that had ruled since the downfall of Napoleon in 1810. The not-so-secret strengthening the Prussian military would continue on February 7th in one of last acts, King Frederick Wilhelm III signed new contracts with firms to provide additional resources for the state to train an additional 24,000 soldiers.

While the military would continue it’s strengthening of society unabated the civilian side of the kingdom continued it’s on existence. Firstly, on June 7th, 1840 the elderly King Frederick Wilhelm III, who had witnessed the upheaval caused by Napoleon, died in his bed overnight. A week of mourning was proclaimed within the kingdom for the loss of a great leader. However as soon as the week of mourning had passed the general populace and the new king, Frederick Wilhelm IV sought to move in a new direction. On June 17th, a group of leading liberals from the province of the Rhineland renewed the call for a constitution, as promised by the former king. The response by the new king, while enthusiastic for pleasing the people, was less then ready to grant what his father had not. On August 20th, a scathing piece of literature escaped the grasps of the censors – some argued that the King personally authorized the release – of a scathing book on the political system within the kingdom. Though there was a high doubt that the king would agree to the subject of the book that called for the dismantling of established monarchy in favor of a republic.

Just days before the release of the revealing book, the world welcomed a new monarch in the form of a particular Queen Victoria, who ascended to the throne of England. The ascension of a female onto the British throne was of great benefit to Prussia, not for the increased relations by Hannover and the United Kingdom were no longer within a personal union due to Hannover not accepting female monarchs. With the dissolving of the union between the two lands, Prussia was able to begin wielding influence on the Kingdom of Hannover and bring it within its sphere of influence within a matter of months. Austria, had attempted to befriend the northern kingdom, but its flattery correspondence was sent back to Vienna mostly unread.

While the ‘Age of Liberalism’ as some newspapers were beginning to call the time after the non-descript coronation [until the proclamation of the German Empire, there was no elaborate ceremony marking the rise of a new King ] of King Frederick Wilhelm IV, Prussia’s scientists regardless of political affiliation continued hard at work. On April 1st, pressure chambers for thorax surgery had been discovered; which would allow for increased growth within the population of the kingdom. By July 2nd, the military had once again refined their mobilization tables – theoretically decreasing the call up time and increasing the amount of civilians called up to serve. Just mere days later, researchers had founds ways to increase the mechanical production of the nation and began on ways to improve the strategic mobility of the army. Lastly, two great industrious discoveries occurred on October 2nd with the invention of precision works and the Hussey & McCormick Reaping Machine. The last invention was of great benefit, as the court had realized that other nations were in desperate need for all sorts of fabric. Prussia stepped in the market – even though it did not necessarily have the cotton or other resources readily available to produce the product. With the state-run fabric factories, the Treasury had been making a killing.

While Prussia appeared to be rising further and faster than expected, all was not well within the Kingdom.

[Dewirix]

An ominous sentence to end on. No-one in Europe wants to see Prussia become the next Revolutionary France.

[TekcoR]

An ominous sentence to end on. No-one in Europe wants to see Prussia become the next Revolutionary France.

Or do they? *dun dun dun*.

[TekcoR]

In den Augen Gottes
An Alternative History Affair
By TekcoR

Chapter 4
An Alarming Trend

An alarming trend had been occurring for the past several years, the liberal movement had gained substantial numbers. An unofficial report put the amount of national estates that had turned towards liberal tendencies at 44%. The new court of King Frederick Wilhelm IV was capable of dealing with the criticism thrown at the court, and persuades people that a constitution would be put in place once the government was able to ensure that all people would be covered with equal footing and protecting. The majority of the people have heard this before from his predecessor, but unlike his father the son was more adept at public perception and reigning in popular support for a German movement.

The rise in liberal agitation was not just witnessed within the Germanic lands, but the rest of the world was being affected to different degrees. In the last days of January, 1841, news reached Berlin that the Peru-Bolivian Confederacy had come to an end as both nations separated into Peru and Bolivia. The old confederacy would not be the only nation to see splits within its structure during the year. While technically occurring in the early days of December 1840, news did not reach Berlin until later that the Rio Grande Republic had been proclaimed. News soon followed that Mexico would not allow the new republic to go freely and would fight to retain the land. By April 30th, an additional revolution had occurred in Mexico, with the Yucatan region declaring their independence from the capital. Luckily for the Mexican government, both revolts would be relatively quickly repressed. Both new republics would last just days after their one year anniversary.

On the home front, a group of aristocrats were concerned by the increasing liberal tendencies of the population and formed a group that they called the “Old Guard” to preserve the order. This group sought legitimization by the government but was rebuffed. The liberal groups did not gain a victory from the rebuffing, as the government officially did not support either side; though both groups would accuse each other of infiltrating the government and preventing the passage of laws and reforms that the people so desperately wanted. The most scathing allegation of reactionary ‘infiltration’ government of King Frederick Wilhelm IV would be published on April 27th. A firestorm was unleashed by conservative newspapers of the censors’ horrible job in preventing the publication of the book.

Lost in the politics seemed to be the inventions that the scientists had made over the year. On September 20th, the military establishment and the researchers of the universities and court advisors had finished their review of the military’s strategic planning and found room for improvements which were to be implemented over the coming months. The next researched project to be tackled would deal with association-ism; which would deal with the structure and organization of the nation’s factories. On October 1st, researchers at the University of Halle had discovered a mechanical saw designed that would greatly increase the amount of timber that could be felled and lumber that could be produced. This invention would prove to be a major boon for the government, as the nation had several lumber mills that were churning out a great profit. Any further increase in profit, no matter how small would eventually contribute to the government’s pocket.

[Dewirix]

On the home front, a group of aristocrats were concerned by the increasing liberal tendencies of the population and formed a group that they called the “Old Guard” to preserve the order.

Am I alone in finding ironic that a bastion of aristocratic reaction has named itself after a Bonapartiste formation?

The rise in liberal agitation was not just witnessed within the Germanic lands, but the rest of the world was being affected to different degrees. In the last days of January, 1841, news reached Berlin that the Peru-Bolivian Confederacy had come to an end as both nations separated into Peru and Bolivia.

Did you mod this into the game, or is it just for the historical flavour? I have to admit I'd never heard of it until I looked it up.

[TekcoR]

I'm started this with PDM 4.2.7; which has a few different versions of Peru-Bolivia at the start.

And yes, naming themselves after a Napoleonic reference is well kind of ironic.

[TekcoR]

In den Augen Gottes
An Alternative History Affair
By TekcoR

Chapter 4
An Unthinkable Event

The year of 1842 began with a lot of promise for the Kingdom of Prussia. There was hope that the liberal agitation which had been tolerated to a point would fade away, but how quickly that notation would fade. Mere days after the New Year, on January 3rd, the aristocratic and other members of the rich strata delivered a proclamation to the king. The ‘landed’ people of the Kingdom would given the right to vote in elections or else king would lose their backing. Fearing an open rebellion against his kingdom, Frederick Wilhelm IV quickly agreed to such a proclamation. Unfortunately for both Prussia and the King, a newspaper carried a scathing review of the closed door policy. The flames of liberalism had been ignited and now all there was to burn was the old wood that propped up the rotting structure known as conservatives.

What would begin as a small flicker quickly blew out of proportion. On February 19th, one of the state run bakeries reported that it had no more bread to distribute out. On the next day, the same bakery was closed, along with other bakeries within the city of Berlin. Several newspapers within the city wrongfully criticized the city administration from withholding bread and stated that a general riot would occur the next day to protest the move. On February 21st, a bread riot did occur within the city, but the presence of thousands of troops kept the riot to a peaceful nature. The will of the liberals, though ready to challenge the political establishment were not quite ready to protest the strength of the military.

The city would remain relatively calm for the next few months before on July 1st; thousands of Berliners and surrounding towns’ citizens marched on the palace within Berlin. With troops in hand, the city was expected to remain calm but tense. In attempt to keep the people calm, that day the king announced a speech to be given in the afternoon in the palace all were invited to attend. A provocative speech followed, in which the king appeared to willing to allow additional political reforms for the kingdom. In addition, Frederick Wilhelm IV was ready to take charge in the drive for a unified state of the current kingdoms, duchies, principalities and free cities. The crowd went wild and stayed for many hours singing praises to the king and the future of a German state.

In order to help bring about the realization of a unified German state, led by none other than Prussia (this subject was without a doubt left out during the king’s speech), the Kingdom was well on the way. On April 6th, the vital railroad line crisscrossing the country had been completed. On April 11th, after the resources and financial necessities had been acquired, the forts along the Franco border were to be expanded. France was most likely to be the second great power opposed to the unification of a German state, right behind Austria. One of the last events in the hectic month of April was the final construction of the frigates, bringing Prussia’s total standing to 16 frigates and 12 transports. Not an overly impressive naval force, but one capable of holding its own in at least the Baltic.

Prussia, as always had been the norm it seemed, had rapidly increased its technological advances. On February 3rd, a method to improve the military field hospitals, the army organization and losses due to attrition had been put into action – this new action was known as “Combat Loss Evaluation”. Then news shocked the nation and the world on October 1st of that year. Prussia had further refined the military hospital system with lessons from Florence Nightingale. It’s industry was about to be further revolutionized by the discovery of the Sharp and Robert’s Power Loom, effectively increasing cotton and wool production while requiring less workers. Lastly, not to be outdone, the planet of Neptune had been discovered.

In retrospect, what seemed like a good year for Prussia, turned bad, but those thoughts were quickly redeemed by a few brave men within the kingdom.

[Dewirix]

Well that should put the cat amongst the pigeons. France and Austria have about twice Prussia's military might, but I'm guessing that the French are probably going to be kept on quite a close leash by other powers. Don't want to be giving them ideas again.

[TekcoR]

Well that should put the cat amongst the pigeons. France and Austria have about twice Prussia's military might, but I'm guessing that the French are probably going to be kept on quite a close leash by other powers. Don't want to be giving them ideas again.

That they do, but I believe at this point, I am actually stronger then Austria because of military techs. France though, not so much.

[TekcoR]

In den Augen Gottes
An Alternative History Affair
By TekcoR

Chapter 4
At Long Last!

With the redemption of the previous year behind it, Prussia would further travel down a road not traveled before. The “liberal” tendencies of the people were down an estimated four percent compared to the previous year; though whatever this meant was misleading. Though their power was allegedly sapped, the liberals would continue their trek towards a more free Prussian state. This movement would soon achieve some desires when on April23rd State Controlled Unions were implemented – previously unions had been barred. There were several reasons for reform decreed by King Fredrick Wilhelm IV, the most popular explanation being that the majority of the population wanted this reform.

On May 2nd, after much deliberation and negotiation had occurred with both sides of the political spectrum, an event decades in the making finally occurred – a constitution had been signed. Although not of equal footing compared to the United States of America constitution, the Prussian constitution did guarantee certain freedoms and rights to the subjects of the King. In addition, an assembly (with two houses) would be established to draft and pass legislation for the king’s approval. Even though his powers had been curbed, the monarch still reserved the right to dismiss the parliament and call for new elections and rule by decree until the new parliament could take its seat.

The first election would begin within a week of the constitution being signed, with numerous parties vying for just a few hundred seats within the assembly. On November 2nd, the first election results were announced with the Konservative Party winning 71% of the vote. Though the Konservative Party won, the rest of the nation was not really in agreement with their political views. Although all males could vote within Prussia, those with land and more of it had their votes count for more. The Liberal parties did have their foot in the door, and were going to seek additional reforms and possibly a change within the voting system if possible.

[URL=http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/560/5243consitionsigned.jpg/]

Besides the constitution being signed, the nation of Prussia did not see many other events occur during the year of 1843. Some new research had been made in the field of Association-ism. Research was quickly directed towards improving the navy by researching Battleship Column Doctrine. Lastly, the United States of Central America fell apart into separate states. There was a brief war by one of the states – Guatemala to attempt to keep the united country together, but a peace agreement was signed a few months later.

With a remarkable year of 1843 behind it, the nation looked forward to 1844; which many hope would offer a quieter and less hectic life of events. The year began just right, nice and quiet and was mostly undisturbed except for an article in newspapers announcing that the flailing Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia had signed a military alliance. Researchers unveiled their new battleship column doctrine in late March and began work on developing steam ships. In Parliament, an agreement had been made to allow all males to vote, but depending on a person’s wealth their vote would count for more (weighted wealth). Lastly, the expansion of naval bases in Danzig, Stettin, Konigsberg and Swinemunde began in mid May.

The nation was ready to settle down and relax. It looked as if the year was going to provide that. That is until an outside influence decided to meddle in the affairs of Europe.

[Dewirix]

A cliffhanger ending and no mistake. A non-European power would logically be the US (or I suppose the Ottomans, but they're already in Europe).

I can't imagine what the USA would be doing, unless it goes to war with Mexico and drags both sides' allies in.

[TekcoR]

In den Augen Gottes
An Alternative History Affair
By TekcoR

Chapter 5
A Splendid Diversion

“In accordance with the treaty signed January 6th, 1844, in the year of the Lord, the Kingdom of Prussia and the Ottoman Empire are hereby bound to the defense of each other. The call from Constantinople has arrived in Berlin. The Russian Empire in a vicious act and disregard for the balance of power that has found itself in play since the downfall of Napoleon, has declared war against the Ottoman Empire. Thus, as of June 17th, the Kingdom of Prussia finds itself at war with the Russian Empire in accordance to the previously mentioned treaty with the Ottoman Empire.” The message that had been released by the court of King Frederick Wilhelm IV ran throughout all the newspapers of the nation. The provinces most direly affected by this announcement of a state of war were those in the east, West, East, South (Royal) Prussia, and Warsaw.

Prussia would not be alone in the defense of the sick man of the Great Powers. The United Kingdom, who had previously fought with the Prussians against the last years of Napoleon in 1809 and 1810, had joined the war against ambitious czar. With Britain came additional smaller states within the grasp of the Empire, mostly the Princely States. Nonetheless, all military experts agreed that Russia most likely stood no chance. Though Prussia found itself in a precarious situation, France and Austria had remained neutral; yet Austria was seriously considering assisting the Russians. As a precaution, several thousands of troops were left behind to protect against possible French and Austrian aggression.

Months would pass as troops moved into position along the border before the first battle of the war would occur. Between the dates of October 7th to October 10th, the Battle of Kielce, an initially outnumbered Prussian cavalry corps battled a force one and a half times its strength. Arrival of the reinforcements in the form of 24,000 soldiers would push the battle in favor of Berlin. Causalities were relatively high for the amount of soldiers involved, with the Russians sustaining close to 8,000 compared to the Prussian’s 4,600.

At the battle of Przemysl, occurring between October 21st and October 25th, another cavalry corps would find itself hard pressed. Before the 21st, 18,000 troopers had arrived outside of Przemysl and spotted a small garrison within the town and expected to capture the town next morning. However, Russian reinforcements had arrived to the tune of about 28,000 soldiers. The initial Prussian assaults repelled with heavy losses. The Russians counter-attacked and added insult to injury. The field was about to be claimed by the Russians before the arrival of a reinforcement cavalry corps, that helped stem the tide and force a tactical victory for Berlin. Causalities were embarrassing, with the nearly 15,000 Prussians against 10,500 Russians.

Shortly following the battle of Przemysl, another victory would be scored by the Prussian army at Kattowitz. An advancing Russian corps would be ambushed by a larger Prussian group. Though numerically superior, the Prussians initially failed to sweep the field due to dire needs elsewhere. Success was accomplished by the end of October 31st. Of the 24,000 Prussians involved, causalities reached into the low 3,000s, while the Russians suffered mid-7,000s.

The three previous campaigns would prove to be miniscule compared to what ended on November 10th. Outside the town of Lozma (Poland), a series of battles had been occurring between numbers of troops not seen since the Napoleonic Wars. The Russians under one of their best generals had gathered just shy of 100,000 soldiers to invade East Prussia. As it moved across the country side the Russians were expertly tracked and forced into battle by a Prussian corps of 24,000. Knowing the defenders would most likely not be able to hold, all available reinforcements were sent to Lozma. From the October 29th to November 10th the forces waged a series of skirmishes and battles before the Russians were forced to retreat out of East Prussia.

Critics throughout Europe had doubted the strength of Prussia’s military. After inflicting a devastating defeat, if there were any doubters nobody spoke up. Of Russia’s numbers of close to 100,000 nearly half the force at 45,000 had been claimed as causalities. Meanwhile, of the eventual 72,000 soldiers who would take up arms to defend Prussia, just over 14,000 would be marked as causalities. There was without a doubt now, that Prussia would one day rule over the German states.

[Dewirix]

The campaign had me worried until Lomza, but it looks like the artillery more than proved their worth. Is Prussia co-ordinating the war effort?

[King50000]

Looking good, just make sure you get some reparations for an invasion of the home states. We wouldn't want another invasion of East Prussia.

[TekcoR]

Looking good, just make sure you get some reparations for an invasion of the home states. We wouldn't want another invasion of East Prussia.

I will make sure there is reparations - though to the level I'm thinking may not be equal to what the reader expects.

The campaign had me worried until Lomza, but it looks like the artillery more than proved their worth. Is Prussia co-ordinating the war effort?

It was rather frightful playing it because Russia has such a large military compared to mine. Luckily though, the AI proved that it wanted the big battle. I was more than willing to give it the big battle.