1635-1655: II Northern War
England started the 4th decade of the XVII century as the richest nation in the world. Its navy was on constant expansion, its merchants have the best efficiency in the world, its army was solid and strong with awesome generals and the economy was growing in a very good speed. All these mean relative calm years? Actually no! It was very busy years for England.
In the beginning our beloved ally and friend, the Archduke of Austria was attacked by the Kingdom of Spain. But since the King of England also has a very strong relationship with the Spanish King he opted for neutrality.
However, on an opportunistic act, the Polish King, maybe influenced by the Czar, attacked Austria making the Archduke fight a two-front war. Immediately, the Western Alliance was activated and we joined the war with our friends, France, to protect Austria. However, to honor all agreements signed by England, not even a single soldier invaded or entered in conflict with the Spanish forces. English actions in that war were merely to distract Poland.
Unfortunately, though, Austria signed a peace without even consider or consult its allies that were catch by surprise. Despite that this was an evil act by the Archduke, the Emperor has credits with England and Britain forgave him. Immediately a White Peace was signed between England-France with Poland-Spain.
During the war, however, the English Civil War fired and Oliver Cromwell took the power and was declared Lord Protector of England. Wisely, the nobles of Scotland and Ireland accept Cromwell’s leadership and gave their crowns to Cromwell.
But it was time for a change in our foreign policies. Until that moment, war had been always brought on us… It was time for us to anticipate another logical attack from Sweden. Swedish navy was growing and the King of Sweden made very clear that he was planning to build a lot of ships with Russian gold. It was time to not permit this a cut the threat now that it was young.
English Forces were composed by 3 strong Armies. The I one, under the command of Oliver Cromwell himself, would embark on the Home Fleet (composed with 100 advanced Warships) and try to make an amphibious operation in Copenhagen. The II Army, under the command of Lord Fairfax, would be responsible for the protection of North Germany and depending on the situation make offensive operations in Holstein. While the III one, under the command of General Monk, would be responsible to secure the stability in the Low Countries and act as a reserve force.
Everything went fine in the beginning. Cromwell landed in Danish capitol and, while it was disembarking, his army was intercepted by 30,000 Swedish that were the garrison force of that area. For English joy, that force was annihilated completely and soon Copenhagen was English.
The Home Fleet was blockading the Sund’s strait, dividing the Swedish Kingdom in 3 parts. Swedish main force, under the command of the excellent Torterson, was locked in Juntland with 80,000 men. After a big battle Torterson was killed. It appeared that this war would be quickly and cheap…
It would until the Czar of Russia entered in the war to protect his ally. Despite have strong generals, control the sea and huge amount of money, English’s manpower can’t beat a combined force of Sweden and Russia.
However, England was persistent. This was the time for the Western Alliance be activated… it could be the first Russia’s seriously defeat. But Austria had other plans while France was too busy with her economy. So once again the Western Alliance lost the opportunity to weaken the Eastern Alliance.
Despite never lose the initiative, England percept that this war wouldn’t have winner. Russia/Sweden can’t reach England while England could face on Russia’s huge Manpower. In a reasonable act, the belligerents agreed on a White Peace.
Cromwell was disappointed. But Lord Fairfax, that it is much more strategist and calm than Cromwell, explained to his friend that the war wasn’t a completely failure. England was fighting two strong enemies alone, the Swedish fleet was almost completely sunk and wont be a tangible threat for a long time and, despite has been always on offensive, English Manpower’s loss was the half of the Swedish/Russian one (250k to 500k). But Cromwell was still sad… Some says that he is crazy, other says that he is a genius… but one thing is sure: He is unpredictable… So what can we expect from England now? Only God knows.
(OT: 500d in infra... bah let Arco rush in Naval alone
.. oopps..)
