The Economist
News Highlights from Around the World, 1837 Edition
Leaders
News Highlights from Around the World, 1837 Edition
Leaders
Europe
In the United Kingdom work began to construct a railway connecting London to Liverpool via industrial centers such as Birmingham, Shrewsbury, Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester. Though expensive the project would greatly aid in the continuing industrialization of the United Kingdom. [-72,000 £, +2 Infrastructure in 2 turns, +10 Industry in 3 turns]
Schools are founded across the British Empire, from Canada to Australia & South Africa to India to the Home Islands. These new schools are immensely successful. [-10,000 £, +750 Colonial income, +7% Literacy]
British Anti-Slavery Society
The British Anti-Slavery Society is founded and finds much support among aristocratic and merchant classes, however, invitations sent to prominent American Abolitionists are lost at sea when a freak squall causes the ship carrying them to loose its cargo. [British Anti-Slavery Society founded]
The French Army retreats its soldiers from the border, but remains on alert.
The French with the goal of competing on the world stage, put forward a program to increase industry around Lyon and construction program connect Lyon to Marseilles. [-44,000 ₣, +1 Infrastructure in 2 turns, +5 Industry in 2 turns]
Attempting to emulate the success of the British Empire and desiring to field a modern navy the French begin a program to modernize their navy, a successful if expensive process. [+2 large ships in 2 turns, + 1 naval level in 2 turns, -15,000 ₣]
Emulating the success of the Austrian literacy programme the previous year with its heavy emphasis on the Bible, the Dutch launch their own literacy program using the Bible, yet with one crucial change, the Latin Vulgate Bible was replaced with the Dutch Reformed Bible. [-25,000 ƒ, +7% literacy]
The Dutch launch renewed efforts to increase support for Dutch rule among the Belgians. This program is in large part successful at increase support for Dutch rule in Dutch controlled regions of Belgium. [-5,000 ƒ, Support for Dutch rule increased in these regions]
King William took time off from the war effort to convince the nobles of the need for a parliament, many agreed to the idea in principle, however they wanted to postpone the implementation parliament until after the revolt had ended. Furthermore, attempts to build a new railroad was shelved due to a lack of funds. [Increased support for a parliament among nobles]
As the year of 1938 progressed, the Dutch Army began to systematically destroy the Belgian Army, which was mostly disorganized after last year's battles. By the time August reached the low countries, the Dutch Army began to shell the rebel capitol of Brussels, killing many of the defenders before the fighting even began. The Battle of Brussels took place at the end of November, where the Dutch Army was able to rush into the city, and seize most of the outer defenses by the first day. In the following week, the Dutch Army was able to capture the entire city, and the flag of the revolution was lowered, with the Dutch Flag flying proudly over Brussels. [-5,000 Regulars to Belgium, -2,000 Regulars to the Netherlands, Brussels in Dutch hands]
Adolph Diesterweg
1837 ushered in large scale education reform in the Kingdom of Prussia. It was decried that Adolph Diesterweg would be appointed to the Ministry of Education and that his principles and educational methodology would be applied wholesale to the Prussia education system. This program was resoundingly successful, succeeding in both modernizing and secularizing the education system. [-50,000 ℳ, +10% literacy, +500 base income]
Determined to increase the effectiveness of the Prussian Army, the a long-range planning department on the General Staff was formed, though this did increase operational expenses. [-43,500 ℳ, +1 Army level]
The Crown takes the opportunity to pass a decree empowering commoners to form local councils, under the supervision of the nobility, with limited authority over local civic matters and serve as a forum to address nobles and the Crown. [-6,000 ℳ, +1 stability]
Following the completion of the Berlin-Koblenz railroad, King Wilhelm III took the opportunity to tour Northern Germany giving speeches praising not only progress and development but also cooperation among all Germans. [+25 prestige, increase pan-German sentiments in Northern Germany, -1,000 ℳ]
In the Kingdom of Bavaria, construction the Main-Danube Canal begins. The Bavarians are able to make a major breakthrough in canal construction techniques greatly reducing the costs for the project. [-25,000 Bavƒ, 2/3 progress made on the Main-Danube Canal]
The Bavarians continue their efforts to modernize their nations economy. The Bavarians support the continued development of new and more efficient Steam Engines and Industrial Machines. This program coupled with the government's program to develop the an industrial center outside Ulm, with particular emphasis paid to the construction of factories focuses on the manufacture of textiles and cement. [-35,000 Bavƒ, +2 Industry in 1 turn]
A wave of pan-nationalism sweeps through the Germanies. Much propaganda is spread reminding Germans of the need for Germany to claim its spot on the world stage. Interestingly, this new wave of propaganda seems to focus more on a Germany without Prussia or Austria, this movement is particularly strong in Southern Germany. [Pan-nationalism stronger in Germany, particularly Southern Germany]
The Danish Bill of Rights, modeled after the American Bill of Rights, is after much debate passed into law. This improves the rights of many Danes, however there is some disorder as the laws are applied. [-1 Stability, +2 Stability in 2 turns]
The Danish National Bank
Attempts to invest in industrial development and the construction of naval academy are abject failures as much of the money for both projects disappears in a daring daytime raid on the treasury department. [-5,000 Dkr]
Efforts to build a couple of small steamships to bolster the Danish Royal Navy do meet with success. Two modern steamers will soon be joining the growing Danish Royal Navy. [-1,000 Dkr, +2 Small ships in 1 turn]
In an attempt to restore confidence in the monarchy, King Karl XIV Johan worked to extend basic human rights as defined by the Americans and the French to the people of both his realms. He also strove to reform the tax systems of both realms. Both these attempts were successful however, he was required to separately address the issues individually though each countries privy council. [+2 stab, -12,000 Skr, +500 base income]
The attempts to reform the Norwegian school system to teach Norwegians how to read and write in Swedish. This policy though successful in teach Norwegians Swedish, did cause tensions to flare between the two nations. [+4% literacy, -1 stability, worsened relations between Norway and Sweden, -10,000 Skr]
Swedish Telegraph Device
More successful was the construction of the telegraph line connecting Stockholm to Christiana. This new telegraph line would enable the King's loyal subjects to stay in better contact with the King and increased communication between the two realms capitals. [+1 infrastructure in 3 turns, -30,000 Skr]
In Russia, the Tsar decrees that the military must be modernized so that the Russian Empire may be better defended against its enemies. [-7,500 руб, + 1 Army level in 1 turn]
The Tsar also decrees that a massive infrastructure project connecting St. Petersburg to Moscow and improving the surrounding areas. The project prioritized the construction of a double track railway connecting the two cities and improving the roads between the two cities. [-15,000 руб, +2 Infrastructure in 2 turns]
Attempts to encourage the settlement East of the Urals meet with success as the town of Tsarovsk is founded 100 miles east of the Ural Mountains. The effort to explore the far-Eastern coast of Russia, however is an abject failure. Attempting to save money, the Russian Empire sent its explorers to sail around Africa before exploring the region unfortunately, when resupplying on the African Coast most of the exploration party was captured and murdered by cannibalistic natives. [-4000 руб, +50 base income]
Efforts to expand the army, given the recent tensions in the Italian peninsula and the attack on the pope lead to strong recruitment by the Austrian Army. [-4,000 Ausƒ, +10,000 Regulars]
A Latin Vulgate Bible
Aiming to capitalize on the economic growth brought on by the previous years literacy programme, the Austrian Empire expands the literacy program. This program is once again a great success, boosting economic growth and literacy. [+10% Literacy, +1000 Base income, -40,000 Ausƒ, even more people adopt Latin]
Attempts to build infrastructure in Lombardy-Venetia are stymied as the corrupt Italian officials embezzle most of the money set aside for the program resulting in only a single train station being built and no track laid. [-20,000 Ausƒ]
Efforts to improve communications around the kingdom were more successful. Though primitive, telegraph lines soon connected the major cities of Sardinia-Piedmont with the main line running from Turin to Genoa via Asti with a branch line to Nice. [-50,000 SP₤, +1 infrastructure in 1 turn]
The Sardinian Army eager to put down the Sicilian invasion of Northern Italy begin their march into Lucca. The army meets an unexpectedly large number of Sicilian troops. The Sicilian troops were arranged upon a ridge just outside of Lucca. Fortunately for the Sardinians following a few probing attacks, the Sardinian General retreats his army into Modena possibly saving the bulk of his army. [-3,000 Regulars of Sardinia, -1,000 Regulars for Two Sicilies]
The Pope's calls for the faithful to take up arms and protect Papacy and Rome resound around the world, as thousands flock from nations across the world. [+10,000 Regulars to the Papal States]
In late July, a combined Papal and Austrian in a series of offensive pushes the Sicilian Army out of the occupied Papal States, with many of the Sicilians simply retreating in the face of the Papal Army due to the threat of the papal interdict. [The Papal States are free of occupation]
Eager to press their success the Austrian Army left the Papal Army, which had stopped at the prewar border, behind. The Austrian Army met the Main Sicilian Army outside of L'Aquila.
The Sicilian Army was demoralized following the recent words by the Pope and was disorganized as a result. The Austrian Army attempting to seize the advantage charges the Sicilian positions. This resulted in a bloody battle that degenerated in to hand to hand fighting. The Sicilians were able to repulse the Austrians and regroup. Once Regrouped the Sicilians counter-charged, pushing the Austrians from the field. However, it was a Pyrrhic victory, as the loses from battle forced the Sicilians to retreat. As a result the Austrian Army is able to secure a defensive line connecting the Papal border to L'Aquila to Pescara on the Adriatic coast. [-10,000 Regulars to Austria, -10,000 Regulars to Two Sicilies]
George I, King of the Hellenes
In the Kingdom of Hellenes, General Andreas Stravridis is true to his word and following a close election by the nobles of Greece, George of Cambridge is crowned George I, King of the Hellenes. Following George I's coronation, work is begun on a new constitution modeled to create a similar system of government to that in the United Kingdom. [-8,000 ₯, George I is the leader of Greece, 2/5 completion of new constituion]
Attempts to build new roads to connect the cities of the young nation are thwarted by corrupt contractors, who after being paid to build the new roads disappear into the night. [-10,000 ₯]
Following the successes of the previous year in training the army, the Greek government decides to construct a new school for the training of officers for the Greek Navy. The new school in Athens receives a large number of applicants following its founding. [-25,000 ₯]
The Spaniards eager to emulate the industrial expansion of their Northern neighbor, launch a program to encourage industrialization around Barcelona. This program is moderately successful as two textile factories are built at government expense. [-99,000 ₧, +2 Industry in 2 turns]
Following the successes in the previous year, the Kingdom of Spain embarks on a program of military expansion and technological improvement. The year saw the recruitment of 10,000 new soldiers to fill the ranks of the army. The Spanish military also worked to improve the education of its officers. [-177,000 ₧, +10,000 Regulars, +5% Equipment, +1 Army and Navy level in 2 turns]
In Northern Spain, the Carlist Forces rallied at Ourense, in Northwestern Spain. While they had only recently taken control of this city, the Liberal Army came marching in from the East, and while the Carlists thought they had their strategy figured out, the Liberal Army simply assaulted the Carlists over and over, relentless in attacking them. While this new strategy proved to work out well, as the Carlists were forced to surrender all of Northwestern Spain to the Liberal Forces, the death toll was high for the Liberal Armies.
[-7,500 Regulars from Spain. Northwestern Spain under Spanish Control.]
Further efforts are made to invest in the development of indigenous industry of the Kingdom of Portugal to lower its dependence on the production of manufactured goods. [-45,000 P$, +1 Industry in 2 turns]
North America
The annexation of the Republic of Texas is both lauded and abhorred by Americans. Lauded for its expression of Manifest Destiny, abhorred as the issue of the expansion of slavery once again reared its head. The new state would enter the Union as a slave state. [-1 stability]
Homesteaders heading to Iowa
The Iowa Homesteaders Act of 1837, was passed over objections by Southern Senators, however a rider was added that required the expansion of the Port of Vicksburg, Mississippi. The passing of the Act lead to large numbers of moving into the Iowa Territory and petitioning for Statehood. [-$10,000, Iowa is a Free State, +250 Base income]
Following the start of the Mexican-American War following the annexation of Texas, Congress authorizes the expansion of the US Army Armories Springfield, MA and Harper's Ferry, VA. This leads to much better equipment for the United States Army than most other nations. [-$25,000, +15% equipment]
Capitalizing on the recruitment success following the appearance of the legendary figure last year, the Mexican Government once again tries to raise recruitment numbers. These are successful beyond expectations with 15,000 men flocking to the Mexican flag. Also, successful were attempts to increase the equipment of the Mexican Army. [-30,000 Mex$, +15,000 Regulars, +5% Equipment]
However, attempts to blame the Texans and Santa Anna for the failings of the Mexican State backfired when the speeches and propaganda resulted in several of the Army recruits defecting to the Army lead by Santa Anna. They claimed that only Santa Anna could lead the country to prosperity. [7,500 Regulars defect to Santa Anna]
The United States of America desiring to protect its newly minted state of Texas from Mexican aggression deploys three armies to the new state. These armies include the Army of San Antonio led by General Zachary Taylor, the Army of the Rio Grande led by General Winfield Scott and the Army of the South led by General Franklin Pierce. These three armies quickly march into Texas where they are supplemented by the Texan militia members. The Armies continue their march across Texas without meeting a single Mexican soldier until they reach their positions in on the Rio Grande where they are witness to a battle between the forces of Santa Anna and the Mexican Government. [+10,000 Regulars to USA]
Santa Anna, eager to form a coalition to overthrow the Mexican Government, calls for men to join his cause. Aided with the men who deserted the Mexican Army, Santa Anna's Army swelled to greater and greater numbers, dwarfing the Mexican Army.
[+23,000 Regulars to Santa Anna.]
The Mexican Army marched North intent on securing Texas from the rebels, heard reports that the forces of Santa Anna were running along the Rio Grande, ready and willing to take control of the country. The Mexicans, thinking they had numerical superiority, slammed into Santa Anna's left flank in early March, as he was organizing for an attack on Matamoros. The Mexican Army seemed to be winning the day at first, until Santa Anna's reserve was brought online, and slammed into the right flank of the Mexican Army. As the day progressed, the Mexican Army finally had to withdraw, as it was a complete rout, with the right flank of the Mexican Army collapsing, and causing them to withdraw to the South. This allowed Santa Anna to attack Matamoros, which came under his control shortly after attacking it, and it effectively gave Santa Anna control of Northern Mexico.
[-4,000 Regulars from Mexico. -3,000 Regulars from Santa Anna.]
Flag of the Republic of the Rio Grande
Following the defeat of the Mexican Army, Santa Anna proclaims the Republic of the Rio Grande, composed of the states of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, and Nuevo León. The goal of this new nation is restore the Mexican government under Santa Anna. [Republic of the Rio Grande Proclaimed]
Eager to build on the previous recruitment efforts, President Francisco Morazán launches another recruitment drive. This effort successful leads to the recruitment of another 30,000 men. [-31,000 CAR$, +30,000 Regulars]
Efforts to create indoctrinate militancy into the people of the Federal Republic of Central America is an abject failure, as most Central Americans became disillusioned with the militant virtues taught, though some increases in literacy to arise. [-40,000 CAR$, +4% Literacy, Population more pacificist]
A statue of President Francisco Morazán
Attempts to create a cult of personality surrounding President Francisco Morazán are more successful, as many young Central Americans begin to look more and more to their "Dear Leader" for his guidance and moral leadership. [-20,000 CAR$, +1 Stability, Posters of President Francisco Morazán in every home and place of business]
South America
In Chile the government ordered funds be delivered to the army to improve their training and equipment however the money never reached the Army as corrupt bureaucrats kept it all for themselves. [-9,500 Chi$]
Luis José de Orbegoso, leader of the North Peruvians
The Chilean government also sent money and military officers to separatists in Northern Peru to assist them in their struggle against the Peru-Bolivian government. However when they arrived they found a Peruvian force of 1,000 men had taken control of the rebel base they were heading to. The Peruvians seized the money and arrested the officers resulting in strained relations between the two countries. [-1,000 gold from Chile, Peru-Chile relations strained]
The Chilean government decided to give voting rights to all males over the age of 18 as long as they could pay fee. [+1 Stability to Chile]
In Argentina Rosas again decided to call elections for congress. The elections were quite successful with the stability of the nation increasing as a result. [+1 Stability to Argentina]
The Factory in Buenos Aires
Rosas, deciding that he had enough money and that he didn’t want anyone else getting so much decided to clamp down on corruption. The Police were very successful and managed to destroy corruption in the Federal Government. [+500 Base Income to Argentina, -25,300 A$]
The Argentine government commenced the construction of several factories in the Buenos Aires area which improved the economy of the country. [+1 Industry in 1 turn, -33,700 Gold A$]
The United Kingdom sent a small force of men and ships to the southern portion of Patagonia and took control of the area in the name of Her Majesty. However the small force only managed to gain effective control of a small bay in Tierra del Fuego. [Whaling Station on Tierra del Fuego, -2,000 £]
Asia
The Ottoman Army
The Ottoman Army sees a massive expansion of its procurement program with arms being purchased from around the world. The new arms greatly improve the average level of equipment among the Ottoman Army. [-5,000 gold, +10% equipment]
The year is also witness to continued work on the new Ottoman constitution. It is reported that the new constitution is nearing completion. [4/5 Completion of new constitution, -200,000 Ott£]
Efforts to improve the school system are more lackluster. Although the program did not really succeed in promoting secularization or equality, literacy was improved. [+5% Literacy, -800,000 Ott£]
Eager to expand its colonial empire in the East Indies, the Kingdom of Portugal begins a full scale colonization effort. These efforts are to be supplied by newly constructed dockyards in Timor. Further efforts include an exploration program to that charts and claims several small islands to the East of Timor. These explorations are followed by a wave of settlers and missionaries eager to farm the land and convert the people of the islands. [-35,000 P$, +1 Colonial infrastructure, +500 Colonial income, Islands East of the island of Timor claim by Portugal]
Danish efforts to establish a new establish a colony on New Guinea lead to the creation of a small trading station, called Flödhavn on the far Northwestern tip of the island. [-4,000 Dkr, Trading Station established in Northwestern New Guinea]
In China the Emperor established the Imperial Board of Narcotics and the sale of Opium was made a state monopoly. The consumption of Opium was made a Capital Offence for the Bureaucracy however officials in charge of its regulation were simply bribed. [-28,000 海關]
Rice paddies in China
The Qing government also decided to commence an Agricultural revolution. Agricultural holdings were combined into larger ones
and modern farming techniques were used. The nobles were too busy smoking Opium to notice the change and farming in China improved as a result. [+1,000 Base Income to Qing, -57,000 海關]
An attempt was also made to reform the education system however this effort failed as the vital part of the project, sending students to British Universities failed as the British Empire refused them entry after the Calcutta debacle. [-28,000 海關]
The Imperial War College was founded in Beijing as the Emperor successfully completed the first phase of the army’s modernization project [+1 Army Level, -22,500 海關]
In the Empire of Dai Nam the Emperor announced that the nation would be opened to the west. Several brave British capitalists invested in the nation’s economy improving it slightly. [+500 Base Income to Dai Nam]
The Emperor also expanded the nations’ road system improving the Infrastructure of the nation slightly. [+1 Infrastructure to Dai Nam, -14,000 ₫ from Dai Nam]
The rather empty Cherry Blossom Festival
Another huge Cherry Blossom festival was held however this time the Samurai, realizing that last year they had been tricked, did not go. [-3,500 ¥]
The Shogun ordered some guns to be imported through Deijima. This was relatively successful however the Samurai viewed this as a threat to their power and disliked it. Also, some of the guns went missing immediately after leaving Nagasaki. It was rumored they had been taken by members of the Shogun’s old enemies, the Chosu clan. [+ 1 Army level to Japan, -1 Stability to Japan, -14,000 ¥]
The Emperor, having decided to take more interest in temporal affairs, began the construction of a large number of post offices throughout the country. While this improved the nation’s infrastructure relations between the Emperor and Shogun were strained. [+1 Infrastructure to Japan, -17,500 ¥, Emperor-Shogun relations strained]
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