Introduction:
Hello there! Despite the devs having already released their ambitions with regard to Italy, I would like to take this opportunity to cover the small island nation of Corsica in EUIV. Despite its diminutive size, the island's history remains quite fascinating, being a bone of contention between the Genoese, Aragonese, French, and even British at various points throughout the time span of EUIV, and as we all know would become the birthplace of everyone's favourite Emperor of the French. I will further be breaking this thread down into the following topics:
As always, all sources will be included at the end of this thread. I have also taken the liberty of including some Corsican Jesuit chants for a less monotonous read. I hope you enjoy!
1. The Island of Corsica:
Pasquale Paoli, leader of the 18th-Century Corsican Republic
Corsica in EUIV is not all that notable for the most part, and to a degree justifiably so: what's one tiny Mediterranean island compared to all the countless other tiny Mediterranean islands? Well as it turns out, Corsica was in a rather interesting historical position in 1444, and would continue to be throughout the rest of EUIV's timeframe. Having done some research, I would like to present why I believe that Corsica should receive some attention in the upcoming update, as well as delve into a bit of this island's unique history:
Now that all that's out of the way, let's get to some of the changes I'd like to make to Corsica in EUIV.
1. Partitioning Corsica
Given its historical division between rival powers and domestic groups, I believe the current province of Corsica should be divided in two: Cismonte in the North, and Pumonti in the South.
The reasoning behind this decision would be as follows:
2. Aragonese-Guaranteed South
3. Interregnum in Corsica
4. A Fort in Cismonte
With changes such as these made to the starting setup, I believe the island of Corsica, despite not being great in size, might provide new opportunities for flavourful, challenging, and overall interesting gameplay.
2. Events:
Sampiero Corso; Corsican rebel leader who expelled the French in the 16th Century
Now that we're through with changes to the map and tags, let's get into some events then shall we? The events I would suggest adding would be as follows:
Further events could also be implemented to represent the appearance of Theodore I, Pasquale Paoli, Napoleon Bonaparte, etc. The addition of events such as these would function to depict more accurately the volatile situation in which the island found itself throughout the EUIV timeframe.
3. Decisions and NIs:
Ruins of the Genoese-built Parata Tower in Ajaccio
Next off, I would like to touch off on some new Corsican National Ideas I have created. They are still somewhat of a work in progress, however I believe it is important to give even minor states their own unique ideas rather than generic ones. Therefore, allow me to present here my proposal for Corsican National Ideas:
Traditions:
+1 Tolerance of the True Faith
+25% Foreign Core Creation Cost
Terra del Commune:
-0.05% Monthly Autonomy Change
Abolish the Caporali:
+10% National Tax Modifier
Vendetta:
-15% Harsh Treatment Cost
Bank of San Giorgio
-0.25 Interest Per Annum
Constitutionalism:
+1 Yearly Legitimacy/Republican Tradition
Enlightened Despotism:
-10% Construction Cost
+5 Max Absolutism
Birthplace of Napoleon:
+1 Yearly Army Tradition
Ambition:
+10% Naval Force Limit
Furthermore, given its long-lasting effects on Corsican and Genoese history, I have also included a decision by which Genoa can establish the Bank of San Giorgio in Corsica, Cyprus, and the Levant (also taking the opportunity to tag @Van Kasten here in hopes that he may be able to help me out with this a bit more). The decision would appear as follows:
4. Miscellaneous:
Depiction of the offices of the Bank of San Giorgio in Genoa
Finally, there are a few things I would like to add which could not fit into their own section in the rest of the thread, and are therefore included in this Miscellaneous section.
1. Dynamic Province Names
So far I have only managed to find French and Italian/Corsican names for the two provinces in Corsica, so if anyone knows their names in other languages then please feel free to suggest them as it is much appreciated.
Conclusion and Sources:
And that brings us to the end of this first post. I know this is late for the 1.29 Italy dev diary, but given that Corsica appears not to have changed at all I thought I should at the very least bring it to attention. I had already been in the process of writing this suggestion when it came out anyway, so I decided I should at least not let the effort go to waste and post it anyway.
Anyway, thank you for reading my thread on Corsica in EUIV! I hope you've enjoyed it and perhaps been able to take something useful away from it!
Hello there! Despite the devs having already released their ambitions with regard to Italy, I would like to take this opportunity to cover the small island nation of Corsica in EUIV. Despite its diminutive size, the island's history remains quite fascinating, being a bone of contention between the Genoese, Aragonese, French, and even British at various points throughout the time span of EUIV, and as we all know would become the birthplace of everyone's favourite Emperor of the French. I will further be breaking this thread down into the following topics:
- The Island of Corsica
- Events
- Decisions and NIs
- Miscellaneous
As always, all sources will be included at the end of this thread. I have also taken the liberty of including some Corsican Jesuit chants for a less monotonous read. I hope you enjoy!
1. The Island of Corsica:
Pasquale Paoli, leader of the 18th-Century Corsican Republic
Corsica in EUIV is not all that notable for the most part, and to a degree justifiably so: what's one tiny Mediterranean island compared to all the countless other tiny Mediterranean islands? Well as it turns out, Corsica was in a rather interesting historical position in 1444, and would continue to be throughout the rest of EUIV's timeframe. Having done some research, I would like to present why I believe that Corsica should receive some attention in the upcoming update, as well as delve into a bit of this island's unique history:
The history of Corsica in the time frame of EUIV is quite a turbulent one; a far cry from the hegemonic Genoese control of the island as it is presented in the current 1444 setup. The early-to-mid-15th Century in particular was fairly unforgiving for the island, which saw many tyrants come and go. Since the 14th Century, Corsica had been a bone of contention between Aragon, Genoa, and the local nobility. In the midst of this constant changing of hands, a noble by the name of Vincentello d'Istria would rise to prominence, and would claim the title of Count of Corsica in the name of the Aragonese in the early 1400s, managing to subdue most of the island. He enjoyed popular support from many of the leading noble families, and would fortify many significant settlements such as Corte and Bastia. However, the so-called "Terror of the Mediterranean" would come to be abandoned by the Aragonese, and after gradually losing his remaining holdings, would be beheaded in Genoa in 1434.
That same year, the two powers would broker a deal in which Corsica was at least nominally ceded to Genoa by Aragon, though the reality on the ground was far more complex. The power left by the death of Vincentello d'Istria caused many feuds between rival factions of noble families. Among those who would rise to power was Mariano da Gaggio, who in 1443 challenged Genoese rule in the Terra del Commune and abolished the Caporali (members of the elite ruling class which had descended into corruption), leading to further unrest. Concurrently, the feud between the Adorni and Fergosi families in Genoa extended to Corsica, with each house competing against each other and the local nobles in pursuit of the title of Count. This lead to two interventions from the Papacy in an attempt to restore order to the island; the first being in 1443, followed by a second in 1447, which saw the installment of Ludovico Campo Fergoso as governor in 1449. By 1458, Corsica fell under the administration of the Genoese Bank of San Giorgio as had Genoa's Levantine colonies.
While the Genoese were quarreling over the north of the island, the south continued to be dominated by the nobles, who remained loyal to the King of Aragon. In 1461 however, they would rally under the leadership of Tomassino Campo Fergoso, who would come into direct conflict with the Genoese by launching an invasion of northern Corsica, though the Aragonese had lost interest in Corsica by that point. This newfound authority would not last, as in 1464 Francesco Sforza of Milan usurped the Genoese signoria, forcing the Bank to renounce its control over the island, and plunging the Republic into a state of chaos until the Adorni regained power in 1478. Fergoso too lost his title, with Corsica instead being granted to the Milanese general Antonio Cotta by Sforza, who managed to hold onto the island despite an abortive attempt by Tomassino to reassert his power. Later however, the Corsican diet would continue to attempt to appoint a new Count, until the Fergosi sold their claim to the bank in 1483, leading to a Genoese invasion which would see the island finally subdued in 1487. The former nobles however - particularly Renuncio della Rocca, who had persisetently attempted to take the island for himself - would continue to harass the governing Genoese over the next few decades, who became increasingly brutal in their methods of dealing with the rebellious island. However, the rule of the bank would later also be characterised by its relatively democratic nature and generally favourable treatment of Corsicans.
By the 16th Century, the French had regained their interest in the island. From 1553 to 1559, Catherine de Medici took the island for France with Ottoman support in an attempt to antagonise the Holy Roman Emperor and weaken Genoa. An uprising led by the nationalist Sampiero Corso expelled the French, and in 1567 the island returned to Genoese rule, under which it would remain until 1729. This period would be characterised by rampant corruption among the ruling Genoese, which would further antagonise the Corsicans and lead to an increase in nationalist sentiment. An culture of honour killing and vigilante justice - the infamous vendetta - would grow out of the political environment of the time, and many Corsicans began to appeal to other European powers to end the occupation.
In 1729 another Corsican uprising would ensue, ushering in further bloodshed and political turbulence on the island, with a German adventurer was nominally crowned King Theodore I of Corsica in 1736. He would retain this title until 1743, and by 1755, the political turmoil would culminate in the establishment of an independent Corsican Republic under the rule of the nationalist leader Pasquale Paoli. Though the Republic was notable for its highly democratic constitution, Paoli nonetheless ruled in line with the principles of enlightened despotism, constructing a university, navy and printing press, while also repressing the practice of vendetta within the Republic. However, in 1768 the Genoese sold their claims to Corsica to France, and a year later the French invaded the island with overwhelming numbers, forcing Paoli into exile. Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Ajaccio but a few months later.
The island has since remained a French possession, however in the midst of the French Revolution, the British would intervene in Corsica, creating on the island what came to be known as the Anglo-Corsican Kingdom from 1794 to 1796, and making Paoli a British citizen. The island would be reconquered by Napoleon however, and since then has been a part of France.
That same year, the two powers would broker a deal in which Corsica was at least nominally ceded to Genoa by Aragon, though the reality on the ground was far more complex. The power left by the death of Vincentello d'Istria caused many feuds between rival factions of noble families. Among those who would rise to power was Mariano da Gaggio, who in 1443 challenged Genoese rule in the Terra del Commune and abolished the Caporali (members of the elite ruling class which had descended into corruption), leading to further unrest. Concurrently, the feud between the Adorni and Fergosi families in Genoa extended to Corsica, with each house competing against each other and the local nobles in pursuit of the title of Count. This lead to two interventions from the Papacy in an attempt to restore order to the island; the first being in 1443, followed by a second in 1447, which saw the installment of Ludovico Campo Fergoso as governor in 1449. By 1458, Corsica fell under the administration of the Genoese Bank of San Giorgio as had Genoa's Levantine colonies.
While the Genoese were quarreling over the north of the island, the south continued to be dominated by the nobles, who remained loyal to the King of Aragon. In 1461 however, they would rally under the leadership of Tomassino Campo Fergoso, who would come into direct conflict with the Genoese by launching an invasion of northern Corsica, though the Aragonese had lost interest in Corsica by that point. This newfound authority would not last, as in 1464 Francesco Sforza of Milan usurped the Genoese signoria, forcing the Bank to renounce its control over the island, and plunging the Republic into a state of chaos until the Adorni regained power in 1478. Fergoso too lost his title, with Corsica instead being granted to the Milanese general Antonio Cotta by Sforza, who managed to hold onto the island despite an abortive attempt by Tomassino to reassert his power. Later however, the Corsican diet would continue to attempt to appoint a new Count, until the Fergosi sold their claim to the bank in 1483, leading to a Genoese invasion which would see the island finally subdued in 1487. The former nobles however - particularly Renuncio della Rocca, who had persisetently attempted to take the island for himself - would continue to harass the governing Genoese over the next few decades, who became increasingly brutal in their methods of dealing with the rebellious island. However, the rule of the bank would later also be characterised by its relatively democratic nature and generally favourable treatment of Corsicans.
By the 16th Century, the French had regained their interest in the island. From 1553 to 1559, Catherine de Medici took the island for France with Ottoman support in an attempt to antagonise the Holy Roman Emperor and weaken Genoa. An uprising led by the nationalist Sampiero Corso expelled the French, and in 1567 the island returned to Genoese rule, under which it would remain until 1729. This period would be characterised by rampant corruption among the ruling Genoese, which would further antagonise the Corsicans and lead to an increase in nationalist sentiment. An culture of honour killing and vigilante justice - the infamous vendetta - would grow out of the political environment of the time, and many Corsicans began to appeal to other European powers to end the occupation.
In 1729 another Corsican uprising would ensue, ushering in further bloodshed and political turbulence on the island, with a German adventurer was nominally crowned King Theodore I of Corsica in 1736. He would retain this title until 1743, and by 1755, the political turmoil would culminate in the establishment of an independent Corsican Republic under the rule of the nationalist leader Pasquale Paoli. Though the Republic was notable for its highly democratic constitution, Paoli nonetheless ruled in line with the principles of enlightened despotism, constructing a university, navy and printing press, while also repressing the practice of vendetta within the Republic. However, in 1768 the Genoese sold their claims to Corsica to France, and a year later the French invaded the island with overwhelming numbers, forcing Paoli into exile. Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Ajaccio but a few months later.
The island has since remained a French possession, however in the midst of the French Revolution, the British would intervene in Corsica, creating on the island what came to be known as the Anglo-Corsican Kingdom from 1794 to 1796, and making Paoli a British citizen. The island would be reconquered by Napoleon however, and since then has been a part of France.
Now that all that's out of the way, let's get to some of the changes I'd like to make to Corsica in EUIV.
1. Partitioning Corsica
Cismonte (North)
Development: 3/2/2
Terrain: Hills
Capital: Bastia/Corte
Owner: Genoa
Culture: Sardinian
Religion: Catholic
Trade Good: Wine
Foreign Cores: Corsica
Fort: Yes
Pumonti (South)
Development: 2/2/2
Terrain: Hills
Capital: Ajaccio
Owner: Corsica
Culture: Sardinian
Religion: Catholic
Trade Good: Naval Supplies
Foreign Cores: Genoa
Fort: N/A
Development: 3/2/2
Terrain: Hills
Capital: Bastia/Corte
Owner: Genoa
Culture: Sardinian
Religion: Catholic
Trade Good: Wine
Foreign Cores: Corsica
Fort: Yes
Pumonti (South)
Development: 2/2/2
Terrain: Hills
Capital: Ajaccio
Owner: Corsica
Culture: Sardinian
Religion: Catholic
Trade Good: Naval Supplies
Foreign Cores: Genoa
Fort: N/A
Given its historical division between rival powers and domestic groups, I believe the current province of Corsica should be divided in two: Cismonte in the North, and Pumonti in the South.
The reasoning behind this decision would be as follows:
- In 1444, Corsica was split between the Genoese-controlled north and Arganonese-influenced south (more on this in the next spoiler)
- The island would be more difficult to conquer for foreign powers as it was historically
- The island was divided between multiple noble families
- The island is large enough to split without creating micro-provinces
2. Aragonese-Guaranteed South
As mentioned in the previous spoiler, the south of Corsica did not submit to Genoa, and was in fact countrolled by local nobles who remained loyal to Aragon. As such, I believe the southern Corsican province should be owned by the independent Corsica tag under an Aragonese guarantee.
My reasoning behind this would be as follows:
My reasoning behind this would be as follows:
- The southern nobles remained loyal to King Alfonso of Aragon, despite the north being under Genoese control
- In 1461 Tomassino Campo Fergoso would unite the nobles of the south and would invade the north
- Though the southern nobility remained loyal to him, King Alfonso did not show much interest in Corsica
- The King did however force concessions from the Genoese regardless
- Having an independent Corsica tag in the southern province would make for a more challenging game as Genoa
- Providing Corsica with a guarantee from Aragon would make conquering the entire island more difficult for Genoa
- The Corsica tag already exists in the game, so making it independent would not be significantly more taxing to run
3. Interregnum in Corsica
The question of the status of who actually ruled over southern Corsica in 1444 is difficult to answer. The state was very much locked in a state of turmoil, with various noble families vying for the position of Count. As such, I believe that the Corsica tag should be in a state of interregnum at the game's start for the following reasons:
- While King Alfonso of Aragon technically held the title of Count, he did not do much to enforce his claims after 1434
- The local nobility in Corsica was constantly infighting over who would become the new Count
- The title would not be taken up again until 1461 when Tomassino Campo Fergoso would unite most of the island
4. A Fort in Cismonte
Finally, I would also like to propose that a fort be placed in Cismonte (northern Corsica) for the following reasons:
- During his rule, Vincentello d'Istria fortified the cities of Corte and Bastia, both located in the north
- A fort would make the island more difficult to conquer as it was historically
- Towers constructed by the Genoese continue to stand in Corsica today
With changes such as these made to the starting setup, I believe the island of Corsica, despite not being great in size, might provide new opportunities for flavourful, challenging, and overall interesting gameplay.
2. Events:
Sampiero Corso; Corsican rebel leader who expelled the French in the 16th Century
Now that we're through with changes to the map and tags, let's get into some events then shall we? The events I would suggest adding would be as follows:
By the mid-15th Century, Corsica remained leaderless and embroiled in internal conflict. The leading local noble families of d'Istria, della Rocca, da Mare, and da Leca, though all still loyal to Aragon, were each competing against each other for the title of Count in the south. Among them however, a Ligurian nobleman, Tomassino Campo Fergoso, has risen to prominence, seeking to use the claims of his family in Genoa to assert his control over the entire island.
- He shall lead Corsica to victory! Tomassino Campo Fergoso (4/3/4) becomes Ruler, gain 4 Western Medieval Infantry in Pumonti, Corsica Declares War on Genoa
- No foreigner shall rule over our island nation! A local noble becomes Ruler
Our wars against foreign oppression have proven victorious! It is thanks to our triumph that our island is united once more!
- Dìu vi salvi Regina! Capital of Corsica changes to Cismonte, Capital of Cismonte changes to Corte
The Corsican nobility has continually proven difficult to subdue even after Aragonese claims were settled in 1434. The situation had become so dire that by 1443 the people made an appeal to the Pope himself requesting that Papal soldiers be sent to pacify the island. Recently, with tensions on the island threatening to boil over once again, another request to His Holiness is being considered.
- We need all the help we can get! 7 Particularist Rebels rise up in Cismonte, gain +25 Papal Opinion, +5000 Manpower, -10 Prestige
- We can deal with the rebels on our own! 7 Particularist Rebels rise up in Cismonte, gain +10 Prestige
Further events could also be implemented to represent the appearance of Theodore I, Pasquale Paoli, Napoleon Bonaparte, etc. The addition of events such as these would function to depict more accurately the volatile situation in which the island found itself throughout the EUIV timeframe.
3. Decisions and NIs:
Ruins of the Genoese-built Parata Tower in Ajaccio
Next off, I would like to touch off on some new Corsican National Ideas I have created. They are still somewhat of a work in progress, however I believe it is important to give even minor states their own unique ideas rather than generic ones. Therefore, allow me to present here my proposal for Corsican National Ideas:
+1 Tolerance of the True Faith
+25% Foreign Core Creation Cost
-0.05% Monthly Autonomy Change
+10% National Tax Modifier
-15% Harsh Treatment Cost
-0.25 Interest Per Annum
+1 Yearly Legitimacy/Republican Tradition
-10% Construction Cost
+5 Max Absolutism
+1 Yearly Army Tradition
+10% Naval Force Limit
Furthermore, given its long-lasting effects on Corsican and Genoese history, I have also included a decision by which Genoa can establish the Bank of San Giorgio in Corsica, Cyprus, and the Levant (also taking the opportunity to tag @Van Kasten here in hopes that he may be able to help me out with this a bit more). The decision would appear as follows:
Requirements:
- Administrative Tech 5
- 250 Ducats
- Own Cismonte
- Own Pumonti
- Own Cyprus or any province in the Mashriq Region
- +0.10 Yearly Corruption
- Cismonte, Pumonti, Cyprus, and any Genoese-owned province in the Mashriq Region gain +75% Autonomy, +5% Local Trade Power Modifier
4. Miscellaneous:
Depiction of the offices of the Bank of San Giorgio in Genoa
Finally, there are a few things I would like to add which could not fit into their own section in the rest of the thread, and are therefore included in this Miscellaneous section.
1. Dynamic Province Names
So far I have only managed to find French and Italian/Corsican names for the two provinces in Corsica, so if anyone knows their names in other languages then please feel free to suggest them as it is much appreciated.
Italian: Cismonte
French: Haute-Corse
French: Haute-Corse
Italian: Pumonti
French: Corse-du-Sud
French: Corse-du-Sud
Conclusion and Sources:
And that brings us to the end of this first post. I know this is late for the 1.29 Italy dev diary, but given that Corsica appears not to have changed at all I thought I should at the very least bring it to attention. I had already been in the process of writing this suggestion when it came out anyway, so I decided I should at least not let the effort go to waste and post it anyway.
Anyway, thank you for reading my thread on Corsica in EUIV! I hope you've enjoyed it and perhaps been able to take something useful away from it!
- Wanderings in Corsica: Its History and Its Heroes, Ferdinand Gregorovius and Alexander Muir
- The History of Corsica, Caird L. H.
- Corsica § History, Encyclopedia Britannica
- Bastia, Encyclopedia Britannica
- Corte, Encyclopedia Britannica
- Ajaccio, Encyclopedia Britannica
- Pasquale Paoli, Encyclopedia Britannica
- Theodore Baron Neuhof, Encyclopedia Britannica
- The World's First Modern, Public Bank, Financial Times
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