Forward
This text and the following chapters were made to give a basic view of history of the kingdom of Gelre. This chronicle will begin in the year 1419 and conclude in 1820. Some aspects that will be discussed include economic, political, and government functions of Gelre. With no further ado let the chronicles of Gelre begin in full.
Chapter One 1419-1425
This unique period of history began within the reign of a monarch by the name of Baverie. The kingdom was to experience vast changes under his rule. Once he had obtained a strong hold of power he began to implement reforms. One of his more notable reforms to give the countries merchants more freedoms. After reforms he began to lay down a plan for economic development. Beginning with the promotion of tax collectors within all major cities. The kingdoms coffers at this point contained 300 ducats so the need to mint more currency was not around. It was believed that the current inflation rate of 0 percent could be contained until about 1930.
On the world stage Baverie was harsh and cold towards his friends and foes. He was clever in manipulating foes against each other. In late 1420 he arranged to have his two daughters married to nobility within the countries of Burgundy and Frisland. Baverie decided to allow the soldiers of Burgundy to enter his land as this would help to keep them in theirs masters favor. It was no secret to all who knew Baverie that he wanted to expand the reach of Gelre and was ever ready to do so at any cost.
In 1421 shortly after creating a military alliance with the states of Hessen and Frisland Baverie decided to declare war upon the kingdom of Munster. The excuse for the war was Munster's denial to enter a war against Hanover. The restless legions of Gelre finally had a war with which to busy themselves. The beginning battle of the war was a giant success during which Munster lost around 10 thousand men and Gelre only 4 thousand. It took only 4 months to take control of the country side around the capital of Munster.
Baverie had one intent when he declared war and that was to formally annex or take control of the lands of Munster. Despite this he waited for several months after the downfall of Munster to annex the country. The reason was to conduct separate peaces with the other members of the Munster alliance. The money taken from these nations was put into trade and then eventually the promotion of officials in Munster. With 1422 coming to an end and a period of harsh war coming to an end Baverie was abruptly killed when a disease struck his capital city.
The new monarch was known as Arnold the first. He had been Baverie's nephew and closest relative. The new lord was less expansionistic and decided to concentrate his efforts upon diplomatic affairs. In 1924 a formal vassalization was performed of the kingdom of Frisland. It was apparent at this point that Burgundy way an ever present threat, so in respect a sizeable portion of the Germanic War winnings as they were referred to were given to the country to improve relations. A new royal marriage was established between the two states in order to seal the pact of non-aggression.
The year 1425 brought renewed hope to the land and an heir to the throne into life. All was not well though a plague ripped through the country at a terrible time and left death in its wake. Trade was doing well Dutch merchants had made gains in Veneto and several other important trade centers.
The kingdoms path for the future was uncertain at this point, but it had made a reputation as a nation on the rise.
This is a new type of AAR for me. The idea is to write it as though it was coming out of a text book. Any suggestions on how to improve it and the content. I look forward to this AAR I never could resist a good Dutch game. Suggestions are welcome and thanks for reading.
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