Another Austrian AAR, sorry folks

[JScott991]

1556-1560: Emperor Ferdinand I

In January of 1556, the Emperor Ferdinand accomplishes what the Emperor Charles never could. Ferdinand is already King of Hungary, and the Hungarian magnates are finally persuaded to accept a union with Austria. Hungary joins the Habsburg empire and is formally annexed as part of the hereditary lands. The Emperor is overjoyed, as Austria has now nearly doubled in geographic size. The Hungarian Kingdom is neither wealthy nor advanced, and it will be years before the peasant revolts in the Kingdom cease plaguing imperial forces, but this marks the beginning of Austria's position as the dominant eastern power. Ferdinand's diplomacy scores another major success later in the year, when the Palatinate declares war on the French ally of Lorraine. The French alliance quickly joins the war, as do Hessen and Cologne on the side of the Palatinate. However, Queen Mary of Scotland uses this opportunity to shed the French connection. Austrian diplomats quickly persuade the young Queen to join Austria's coalition and the much sought after (and expensive) Scottish alliance is procured. The Palatinate's war with Lorraine ends with Lorraine paying indemnities to the Palatine, but Hessen and Cologne suffer heavily at the hands of the French alliance. Domestically, Ferdinand is forced to focus on the consolidation of the Hungarian provinces and this consumed virtually all of the treasury and the army's time.

In late 1557, Parma and Genoa declare war on Naples, who is quickly joined by Spain and the Papal States. This war will rage for many years and see both Helvetia and Milan occupied by Genoa by May of 1558. The war goes badly for Parma, however, as Neapolitan troops annex the country in November. In May of 1559, Genoese forces occupy the Neapolitan province of Emilia, but Spain reclaims Milan [somehow, I didn't notice how this happened, I assume that Spanish allied forces were engaged in Genoa at this time, as I could not see this province]. This war will still be raging in 1560. The French war against Poland, which started many years ago, begins to heat up in the middle of 1559. A Polish force of 25,000 men arrives in the Mediteranean and lays siege to Provence. A French relief attempt is beat back in August of 1560, but a second attempt in September destroys the Polish army. This war won't formally end until the signing of a white peace in January of 1566, but no further fighting is reported by imperial agents. The final minor war of this period occurs between the Hanseatic League and Denmark, with each side supported by its allies in March of 1559. The war goes badly for the aggressive Danes, as neither Sweden nor Russia provide expected support. Presumably the two other Baltic powers are focusing on the Teutonic allies of Hansa. In July of 1561, Denmark cedes Jylland to the Hansa, confirming a small revitalization of the League. An abortive war between Poland and Turkey lasts only one month in 1560 and ends in a white peace.

In November of 1558, Elizabeth I takes the throne of England from her half-sister Mary. Upon the young queen's insistence she will reign as a virgin monarch, Austria takes no further notice of her.

In 1560, Mary of Scotland declares the country to be reformed and breaks her alliance with Austria, but she quickly signs a new agreement by February [this took two diplomats, despite relations at +150].

The Spanish Habsburgs, besides being committed to an Italian war that Spain plays little part in, are mostly focused on putting down the rebellion in the Netherlands. By the middle of 1559, 70,000 Spanish troops are operating in the three northern Dutch provinces, but they cannot get a grip on the country. In September of that year, the Netherlands formally declares itself independent and declares war on Hanover, but coyly avoids a declaration of war on Spain. Apparently the Dutch oligarchy believes Spain will simply leave peacably. The Dutch United Provinces claim Holland, Zeeland, Frisen, Hainaut, and the Hague; all but Zeeland are from the Spanish. Spanish forces in the area do not wait for a formal declaration of war, but instead decide not to recognize the new nation. The Netherlands concludes a status quo peace with Hanover, who recognizes the new nation in exchange for keeping Flanders, which never declared its independence anyway. The Netherlands is stunned when Spanish forces continue to besiege their territory. Austria extends the hand of friendship to the Dutch rebels, and the Netherlands joins the Austrian alliance out of desparation in late September. This alliance proves a disaster for the Emperor. With only 19,000 soldiers, it seems unlikely the Dutch can defeat the massive armies of Philip.

1560-1566: The Spanish War

In October of 1560, the Netherlands turns the Habsburg cold war into a shooting conflict. The Dutch declare war on Spain, after watching Spanish forces occupy their provinces for over a year. Mary and Ferdinand both join the Netherlands in their war, but the German allies of Austria refuse. Austrian diplomats are able to sign a new agreement with Bavaria and Baden, but Saxony is lost from the bloc. 22,000 Austrian forces in Mantua, under a mere colonel, move to occupy undefended Milan and begin a siege along with a small force of Genoese. Austria's best commander, Franz-Joseph, is, of course, in Hungary fighting rebels. In December, the Austrian army introduces the improved arquebus into their forward armies. The main Austrian armies continue to be occupied in Hungary deterring and, when they fail at that, putting down Hungarian peasant revolts. In January of 1561, there are nearly 50,000 Spanish troops in the Netherlands, occupying the Hague and Holland. Hainaut and Zeeland have already fallen to Spanish forces and only 5,000 Dutch troops remain in the field (hiding in Friesen). Milan falls in May, and with no sign of peace with Spain, the Emperor decides to widen Austrian participation in the war. Detaching 18,000 men to stay in Hungary, Archduke Franz-Joseph is ordered to march 30,000 soldiers to the Netherlands to assist the Dutch. He will never make it.

In August, the Venetians are persuaded by Spain to make a bid for revenge against Austria. Venice and her allies of England, the Teutonic Knights, and the Hanseatic League declare war on Austria. Baden, Bavaria, and Scotland honor the alliance, but, shockingly, the Dutch refuse! The Emperor is livid and immediately recalls Franz-Joseph's army from Thuringen. The army in Milan is ordered to attack Venice, and in November a siege begins. During this time, Naples ends their siege of Genoa by signing a white peace and a small Neapolitan force takes advantage of Austria's siege of Venice to try to take Milan. In December, a 10,000 man Venetian army from Illyria is defeated by 34,000 Bavarian and Austrian troops in Venice and the siege continues. The Venetian remnants join 6,000 Neapolitans in trying to besiege the Tyrol. In January of 1562, an assault on Venice fails, but the garrison is substantially reduced and in November the city falls to another assault. Austria suffers a small defeat in Hungary, where Franz Joseph is killed while putting down a revolt. The Austrian army again lacks any competent commanders, but its wars are far from over. In December, the Austrian army is rebuffed from Tyrol by 12,000 Neapolitan and Venetian forces, and falls back on Salzburg to lick its wounds. The fortress at Tyrol has suffered virtually no damage, and the battle cost the allied force half of its strength.

In England, meanwhile, Scotland has destroyed the bulk of Elizabeth I's army, and occupied Lincoln. In January of 1563, London is burning and word reaches Edinburgh that the Emperor has signed a peace with Venice in the alliance's name. Scotland may keep Lincoln and Austria has received small indemities from Venice. The war against Venice could have gone much better, but half of the imperial army could never even challenge Venice's Illyrian holdings, as they were tied down fighting rebels in Hungary. [Would be Austrian players should see a theme here] The empire is happy to simply limit its foes to Spain's alliance. In March, Naples abandons its siege of Tyrol and flees to Switzerland, where they are attacked by 22,000 poorly led Austrians in May. Austria carries the field and a small Spanish army of new recruits flees to Milan, where they lay an ineffective siege. This is the first time Spanish and Austrian field armies have exchanged fire. Later in the month, a revolt by the Protestant, but non-Hungarian, province of Silesia prompts the Emperor to formulate new tolerance policies towards the new religion. The Empire cannot afford to be fighting rebellions on the Hungarian plain and the Polish border. In September, Helvetia falls to imperial forces and 28,000 Austrian troops lift the siege of Milan in October, driving a small force of 6,000 Spanish into retreat. This army then marches on Emilia, a province of Naples. The siege of Emilia lasts until March of 1564.

1564-1566: Emperor Maximilian II

In January, Ferdinand dies and is succeeded as Holy Roman Emperor by Maximilian II. The Imperial army in Italy has dwindled to 18,000 men, but the Neapolitans sign a peace agreement in March, paying 90D. Spain at this time has completely defeated the Dutch army, and still occupy Holland, Zeeland, and Hainaut. Some Spanish forces are even harassing Mary in Scotland.

In April, a scandal breaks out at court. Apparently Maximilian's former mistress was a spy for the Spanish. The empire is shocked and Maximilian's diplomatic credibility is severely harmed. In May, the Dutch succumb to the Spanish, ceding Zeeland and Hainaut, while paying 145D. The Spanish refuse several offers of peace in exchange for Milan, and the impatient Maximilian assembles a 28,000 man force to march across the width of the Holy Roman Empire and attack the Spanish Netherlands. Another 13,000 man imperial force is left to cover Milan, while 18,000 men remain bogged down in Hungary. This army doesn't arrive until January of 1565, and only 15,000 remain. The rest have deserted or starved while marching through the principalities of the Empire. A Spanish force of 18,000 men smashes the remants of the Austrian army and eventually only 3,000 are able to return home. However, in December war exhaustion finally takes it toll on Madrid and the Spanish agree to cede Milan to Austria. Despite the province's high income, it is of little value to Spain. It is unconnected to the coast and rebellions have plagued Spain for the length of their occupation. Milan is far more valuable to Maximilian, as it is linked to the empire's other possessions. The Austrian alliance has been tested by fire and withstood the might of Spain, Venice, England, and their minor allies. Though the performance of the army was hardly praiseworthy, the massive imperial economy was able to raise large levies each year to replace losses, without resorting to loans. Austria now lays claim to being the strongest power in Europe.

[VP Standings: Austria, Spain, Portugal, China, Turkey, Poland, Genoa]

 

[JScott991]

Domestic problems and my high badboy have prevented me from doing much, but here is the next segment of European wars NOT involving Austria:

1566-1575

1566-1575

The Austrian empire begins a long period of domestic recovery after the Spanish War. Milan must be absorbed, the army rebuilt, and the revolts in Hungary controlled. The imperial treasury is spent almost exclusively on new soldiers and trade technological development. In January of 1568, the first imperial ship of the line is started in Trieste, Istria. She will be commissioned later in the year. In February of 1569, the Emperor announces a new series of naval reforms, which greatly boosts the empire's efforts to acquire galleons and the ability to build naval weapon manufactories. By 1575, the imperial fleet consists of five ships of the line. Not a very serious force, but enough for coastal defense against Venice. In October of 1570, one of Maximilian's daughters is married to a relative of Czar Ivan of Russia, the empire's only serious diplomatic move of this entire period. In 1575, the imperial army has been strengthened to include three separate forces: 40,000 men in Mantua, 30,000 men in Hungary, and 25,000 men on the Polish frontier.

Europe is quiet, with most of the action being in the Middle East and the Russian plains. The Netherlands concludes a white peace with Naples in 1566. Algiers is forced to pay reparations to France in August of 1567, but this does not prevent France from succumbing to civil war in 1571. The provinces of Maine, Nivernaise, and Picardie rise up against the French king. The war continues in Picardie even upon Henri III's coronation in June of 1574. The Council of Trent issues its decrees in May of 1566, and by 1575, Spain, Genoa, the Knights and the Papal States have become counter-reform Catholics. These states also form a new alliance, but they take no action against Protestants during this period. Austria declines to join them, preferring not to pay 20% of their yearly income to the Papacy. Austria's ally of Scotland is busy building one of Europe's armies during this period, and in 1575, Mary commands nearly 100,000 men. Vienna is worried that Mary intends to start another war with England, which will undoubtedly force Austria into a conflict with England's allies. However, the Emperor has no intention of breaking the alliance.

Russia and its allies in Denmark, Pskov, and Sweden launch two separate wars against Kazan and the Golden Horde. In April of 1567, Russia declares war only to accept 160D in tribute for a truce in September. Russia again goes to war in 1573, and Austria's agents in Moscow report that the Russian army is little prepared for conflict, consisting of only around 10,000 scattered troops. Still, with assistance from Denmark and Pskov, Russia is able to take the war to the Golden Horde, occupying two of their provinces. Russia finally scores a decisive victory over Kazan in their capital in April of 1575, and Tsar Ivan IV annexes the entire nation. The war with the Golden Horde continued, with Russia sweeping up Saratov by the end of 1575. The Horde's brief occupation of Vorones does little to slow Russia's advance, and the Horde buys off Pskov in September, paying 232D. Russian forces, however, close on Samara, looking to end the war once and for all.

Turkey continued its drive to become the only serious Muslim power in the Middle East and Caucasus region. In May of 1570, the Turkish alliance (Cyrenaica, Crimea, Algiers, Hedjaz, and Turkey) declare war on Georgia, Persia, and the Mameluks. Persia drops out in October of 1572, ceding Koubon and Kurdistan to Turkey. Georgia suffers heavily at the hands of the Turkish allies and begins to conclude separate peaces with Turkey's allies in 1573. Georgia pays 250 D to Hedjaz in August, 250 D to Cyrenaica in October, and cedes Azoz to the Crimea in November. After the occupation of their capital in January of 1575, Georgia barely avoids complete absorption by ceding Judea and Georgia to Turkey. They remain in possession of one province. The Mameluks drop out of the war in February of 1574, paying 135 D to Turkey.

In order to restore some semblance of power, Persia leads the Mameluks and Georgia in a war against Iraq in June of 1574. This war ends in 1575, with Iraq paying 30D to Persia.

1576-1587: Rudolf II + Regency

The Emperor Maximilian dies in January, and his son Rudolf takes the imperial throne in a contested election for Holy Roman Emperor. Philip II of Spain had also sought the imperial crown. Rudolf continues his father's policies of generally avoiding any involvement in world affairs. The revolts in Hungary are subsiding and the Empire is entering into a new period of relative domestic peace and prosperity. In January, Saxony rejoins the Austrian alliance. In 1578, Rudolf commissions a naval weapons refinery in Transylvania, hopefully to stir some type of economic development in Hungary. In March of 1580, Spain embargoes trade with Austria and in a vain attempt to settle the dispute diplomatically, Rudolf pours gold into Spain and even sends a daughter to be married to a Spanish prince [Habsburg to Habsburg, I wouldn't want the product of that marriage for a King]. However, though Spain's relationship with Austria improves dramatically, the embargo stands. [Spain is now +100 with me from -200, but they still feel the need to embargo trade. The diplomatic model should contain an option to ask for the lifting of the embargo, as it stands, I should have gone to war with my friends and concluded an immediate white peace, which would have lifted it] In June of 1580, Rudolf establishes an Austrian trading post in Louga, but two attempts to form a colony are costly and end in failure. In January of 1585, Rudolf's son Karl rises to command the Army of Poland, in Silesia. This is Austria's first true general since the death of Franz Joseph. In December of that year, Austrian merchants proclaim themselves to be in the Baroque age. The outbreak of the Franco-Spanish war in 1586 sees Lorraine drop out of its military alliance with France. Much money is spent making Lorraine one of the empire's closest friends, but their poor relations with Saxony prevent them from agreeing to join the Austrian alliance. Eventually, they will switch sides and join Spain. Rudolf, sadly, dies in January of 1586 and a regency board is appointed. This hurts the country dramatically, but the empire is spared any serious crises.

The Russian Empire completes its war against the Golden Horde in May of 1576, annexing the entire nation. Russia under Ivan IV has rapidly risen to the status of a serious power in the East. Austria is quite pleased when Ivan dies in 1584, as an Austrian duchess now rises to the position of Czarina. She is the wife of the new Czar, Fedor I, sent to Russia many years ago to give Austria accurate information about the east. The Golden Horde's attempts to buy off Russia's allies in the latter days of the war only allowed Russian forces to take control of the country directly.

In October of 1576, the Spanish alliance goes to war with the French coalition, but the war is called off a few days later. Apparently neither side was ready for a serious conflict. Spain declares war on the Aztec Empire again in January of 1585 and after several months of fighting takes 250D and Tuxpan. Spain was prevented from taking any of the Aztec's richer provinces by a sudden declaration of war by Elizabeth I of England shortly after the commencement of the Aztec conflict. England by this time has joined the French alliance, and leads the two coalitions into another war. The war will primarily be fought in Italy and by France's Italian allies. 60,000 Spanish and Genoese troops lay siege to Savoy in July. Neapolitan troops, along with a small Spanish force, lay siege to Romagna the same month. Romagna is still held by Rebels, dating back to France's civil war. In November, Romagna falls to Naples, but France's ally of Tuscany has swept up Emilia and Modena and is laying siege to Genoa. In January of 1586, Genoa surrenders to Tuscany. They don't drop out of the conflict until June, however, when they pay 205D to Tuscany. Savoy falls to Spain and then promptly pays 157D to be spared further occupation. French forces seem to be constantly boarding ships throughout this entire period and, of course, a large French army is besieging Helvetia, until April when Spanish troops and attrition force them to give up the province. In May, Naples cedes Emilia to Tuscany and Tuscan troops being moving through France to invade Spain. When France and Spain agree on a treaty ending their war in July, Tuscan troops are still besieging Rouissilon. Just before the city falls to Tuscany, the Tuscans agree to pay 250D to Spain and end the war in January of 1587. England, who apparently has been faring badly against Spain in the colonies, finally agrees to peace with Spain in October of 1586, ceding Matagorda and 163D to Philip II. Elizabeth has done no better than her predecessors in restoring English power.

Spain's victory over the French coalition is tainted in July of 1586, when the Dutch declare war. The Dutch are joined by Hanover and Cologne, and while a huge Dutch-Hanoverian force sweeps through the Spanish Netherlands, Spanish forces spend the entire time trying to crush Cologne. Cologne falls to the Spanish in January of 1587, and Spain annexes the small German state. However, by this time Hainaut, Zeeland, and Artois have fallen to the Netherlands, and a force of Dutch troops is besieging Calais. 58,000 Spanish troops move from Cologne and destroy a Hanoverian army in Artois, but after the fall of Calais Spain agrees to a disastrous treaty with the Hague. Spain cedes 152D, Zeeland, and Calais to the Netherlands. Spain's provinces of Hainaut, Artois, and Cologne are now cut off from the sea. Had Spain waited only a few more months, it is likely their army could have liberated most of what the Netherlands had taken. Instead, Philip II has panicked and endangered his Kingdom's position in northwestern Europe severely.

 

[unmerged(372)]

This is the first AAR where I have seen 'things are tranquil' written. Impressive.

 

[JScott991]

Tranquility

Yes, not very much action for my nation. The truth is that I don't have much to gain from war, unless its against Spain. I'd like to get the trade embargo lifted and I'd also like Naples northern Italian possessions, but I'm not willing to lose 3 stability points to get it. Inflation is a problem, compared to my other games anyway, so I'm mostly pouring money into tech research. The game goes very slowly writing an AAR since I have to watch what every other country is doing.

I might give this up and just focus on playing the game. After reading Sean's England AAR, I was depressed anyway. It seems I should be taking more time to compose these into wonderful stories, but even then I doubt I could compete.

 

[unmerged(1317)]

Well done

In any event, I've been well entertained reading your AAR and hope you continue it if even in an abbreviated form.

 

[unmerged(1158)]

Nice AAR. I am currently playing Austria in the GC. The Austrian Empire has peacefully annexed Saxony and Bavaria while conquering Bohemia, Wurtemburg and Thuringen. It is now 1710 and have yet to vasselize Hungary after over 200 years of military alliances, marriages and mostly +190 relations.

Hussar

 

[unmerged(1150)]

Nice. Keep it up!

 

[JScott991]

1588-1602: Emperor Mathias

In January of 1588, the regency ends and is replaced by the Emperor Mathias, who is confirmed as Holy Roman Emperor. [I altered the savegame files to make the next emperor take the throne earlier. It is ridiculous to think that a nation would have a regency for 20 years with two heirs to the throne, Karl and Mathias]. In February, the matchlock is developed for use by the imperial army and in June the astrolabe is introduced in the small Austrian navy. Peace continues to dominate in Austria throughout this time. Efforts to induce the Emperor to enter wars against Poland or Spain are futile. The gains of such conflicts seem very low and besides attempts to bring the Russians into Austria's alliance, the Empire is mostly quiet in the realm of external affairs. Internally, trade and economic development takes precedent. In January of 1589, the empire builds a second naval weapons factory in Carpathia. In February of 1601, Bavaria agrees to join a semi-union with the empire, pooling half its revenue for the common good. The Imperial navy has grown to 20 ships of the line by this time, while the imperial army is divided into four groups, each numbering over 40,000 men. Two of these armies are stationed on the Polish frontier, one in Mantua, and the other is based in Croatia. The revolts in Hungary are a thing of the past by 1601, and the Hungarian Kingdom has come to benefit greatly from the union with Austria.

The coalition wars of Europe continue after 1587, though by this time all of the separate peace agreements have caused them to become a confused mess of minor conflicts. An Anglo-French army takes Modena in July of 1588 from Naples. Spanish attempts to break the siege are easily beaten off by the 34,000 man force, which was landed by an allied fleet. In June of 1589, Naples finally gives in, paying 51D to France. Romagna is reclaimed by France as a result of this agreement, while Modena reverts to Neapolitan control.

The Polish alliance engages in two brief wars from 1590-1592. The first is a war against the Teutonic Knights from January to April of 1590. The Knights agree to pay 250D to Poland as a result of this war, but no territory changes hands. The Teutons seem to lose every war they fight, but they have yet to lose a province. In October, Poland, Hansa, Brandenburg, Pskov, and Venice go to war with Turkey, Prussia, Crimea, Wallachia, and Cyrenaica. This war is a bit more fierce, as Turkish allied armies ravage southern Poland in the initial stages. In December of 1590, Wallachia occupies Galicia and by December of 1591, Crimea has taken Krementjug. Poland's armies are occupied in the north, crushing Prussia. In March of 1591, Poland annexes the small nation and turns its attention southward. In April, Turkey pays 250D to Venice for a separate peace, and in May 120,000 Polish and allied troops retake Galicia and move into Moldavia. Moldavia falls to Poland in December, and the Turks agree to a white peace in January of 1592, ending the war.

Persia and the Mameluks go to war with Iraq, again, in May of 1594. Persian forces are more successful in this conflict, and Iraq cedes 107D and Kirkuk in July of 1595 to Persia.

The Spanish and French alliances go to war again in January of 1596. Portugal instigates this conflict with a foolhardy declaration of war on Spain. Portugal's allies of France, Savoy, Tusany, the Knights, England, and the Papal states join them against Spain, Naples, Genoa, Lorraine, the Palatinate and Tunis [the usual suspects]. As usual, the bulk of the fighting takes place in Helvetia between France and Spain. 34,000 French troops are beaten by 13,000 Spanish in May, but a further French army of 60,000 men manages to force a siege of the Swiss city. In June, 50,000 Spanish troops drive the 50,000 French sieging army out of Helvetia before the French have made any headway. 16,000 Frenchmen are killed against only 2,000 Spanish. This causes France to drop out of the war in July, paying 112 D to Spain.

The fighting now shifts to Italy, where the Papal States and Tuscany are trying to knock out Genoa. 40,000 Papal troops defeat a 25,000 man allied force in Genoa and begin a siege of the merchant republic's primary city in September. 40,000 Spanish troops move from Helvetia into Savoy and begin another siege of that French ally. In November, Modena is occupied by Tuscan forces. In January of 1597, Savoy falls to Spain but Philip II decides not to wait for Nice to fall and instead accepts 128D in exchange for peace with Savoy. Had Spain waited, it is likely she could have annexed the entire duchy. In March, a Genoese army fails to relieve the Papal siege of their capital. Naples drops out in June, ceding Modena and 211D to Tuscany, who now is the largest state in Italy (and a French vassal). In August, Genoa falls to the Pope and they pay 38D for peace. 40,000 Genoese guard Corsica, so the Pope cannot hope to main territorial gains against this Spanish ally. This ends the fighting in Italy, and many separate white peaces are reported from 1597-1601 as the combatants sort out the rump of the coalition war.

Spain has shifted its attention to a major invasion of Portugal. Oporto and Algarvae fall to the Spanish by January of 1600, and nearly 50,000 Spanish troops are constantly reinforced in their siege of Tago. The large fortress of Lisbon holds until November of 1600, but after its fall Portugal makes peace in January of 1601. Spain gains two of Portugal's Iberian territories and now owns all of the Iberian peninsula, save Tago.

Another major coalition war breaks out in July of 1597, when the Dutch and Hanover declare war on France, who is joined by her allies. This war looks to be a disaster for the Netherlands as nearly 100,000 French troops are in northern France. However, French tactics are incomprehensible, as nearly 70,000 men sit in Normandy, constantly boarding and reboarding ships until they finally sail away to somewhere. In September, 40,000 Dutch troops defeat 80,000 French and they take Picardie in October. The French army, buttressed back up to 80,000 men is thrown out of Picardie by 33,000 Dutch again in late October. In November, the French make yet another attempt to relieve Picardie and this time the Dutch army is beaten. In January of 1598, Picardie falls to an army of over 100,000 men from France and Savoy. The French army, instead of pushing for Calais, sits idle and finally marches to Normandy where it begins its curious activities. Picardie falls to a 50,000 man Dutch and Hanoverian army in June and after this some Hanoverians even begin a brief siege of Paris. Hanover and the Netherlands, instead of pushing the war into Paris, decide, inexplicably, to besiege Champagne. In March of 1599, after the fall of Champagne, the Dutch apparently have had enough. France's armies might have landed in the Netherlands, but for whatever reason the Dutch agree to pay 168D to France and the war ends, despite the Netherlands' occupation of two French provinces.

Minor wars also occur in the East, dealing Russia their first real setback. In July of 1598, Russia, Denmark, and Sweden go to war with Turkey, Crimea, and Astrakhan. The Russian Czar is not yet ready for serious war with the Sultan and the war does not go well. Russia is forced to cede Bogutjar to Crimea in May of 1600, but Russian forces do manage to force Astrakhan to cede Lugansk to Russia after Crimea has dropped out. In September, the Turkish alliance is again at war with the Mameluks and Persia. In October, Algiers, Iraq and Nubia join them against Persia and its ally.

[Ideally at this point, being 1600, I'd give a summary of the position of the major powers, but there's really nothing important to report. Spain is Europe's most active power, though their might has really shown up in major gains. France has made little headway since taking two provines from Spain early in the game. England is totally devastated by its wars with Scotland. Poland is very powerful, perhaps the most powerful AI country in the game. Turkey has done little in Europe but has won victories in the East. Russia is rising, but her wars so far have depended on her allies showing up and rendering timely assistance. Portugal is no more, owning only on territory in Iberia and at the bottom of nearly every graph. As Austria, I think this game is won. I don't see what the computer can do to me. I've never had armies this big or experienced 40 years of peace. My badboy is 20 or so but no one seems to care. I assume if I ever declare war, then everyone will join against me, so I'm avoiding that. Otherwise, my allies are very weak so they never go to war. Unless Scotland goes to war with England, it looks like I can sit in peace ad infinitum.]

 

[JScott991]

1603-1607: The Second Spanish War

The Emperor Mathias finally resolves to end the Spanish trade embargo on Austria by force of arms. The Imperial economy has become slightly burdened by the large size of the army and Austria is alarmed by the growth of Tuscan and Polish power. The Emperor reasons, correctly, that a declaration of war by Austria on Spain is likely to provoke a number of other nations to join in a war against Austria. Mathias believes the empire to be as ready as it can be for such a conflict. When the declaration of war is handed to the Spanish ambassador, Spain cancels its royal marriage [something I forgot about] and 50,000 Austrian troops begin the slow march into Spanish Helvetia.

Austria's allies join the conflict without hesitation. Lorraine and the Palatinate, Spanish allies, immediately invade Baden, while Bavaria and Saxony begin raising serious armies. These forces will come into play later in the war, when it has widened to include Venice. In August, England declares war on Austria and the French alliance disintegrates as some nations refuse to join them. England is joined by Portugal, Tuscany, and the Knights. Baden and Saxony refuse to join this war, but Austria quickly inks a new pact with them. England is quickly attacked by James in Scotland (who, by this time, is also James I of England) and plays no part in the Austrian theatre of war. The English do burn Austria's trade post in Louga. Tuscany is the primary threat to Austria, as her army numbers nearly 50,000 men. With Austria's Italian army in Helvetia, Tuscany is able to do some damage to Milan and Mantua. Poland and its ally, Pskov, follow England by also declaring war on Austria and this allows the two 40,000 man armies Austria has stationed in Silesia and Krakow to march on Galicia and Posen. This is the war Mathias most wanted to fight, as Polish expansion has alarmed Austria for many years.

More wars break out in Europe. The Netherlands, Hanover, Hessen, and the Azec Empire declare war on Spain in September, but Spain is easily able to handle these nations. In April of 1605, the Netherlands concludes peace, ceding Tehuacan and 122D to Spain. Spain again fails to take advantage of the Aztecs, however, and their rich provinces remain in Aztec hands. France, now alone, also declares war on Spain in that same month, but concludes a white peace immediately in October.

In September, 50,000 Austrian troops smash 16,000 Spanish forces in Helvetia and begin a siege. Spain's army retreats to Lorraine and joins in the attack on Baden, who is holding out well against Spain's German allies. 10,000 Tuscan troops have moved on Milan and begin a siege. In December, the Polish army manages to defeat both Austrian armies in Poland, and lifts both the siege of Galicia and Posen. 9,000 Poles then begin a siege of Silesia. Helvetia falls to imperial troops by the end of the year and Spain offers it to Austria in several peace proposals. Austria has no interest in Helvetia and refuses the territory, but finally accepts 50D from Spain in exchange for peace. A misunderstanding by the Emperor of what the agreement will entail allows Spain to continue its embargo on Austria. The Emperor is furious and resolves that next time, Austria will annex territory from Spain or her allies.

In January of 1604, Venice enters the conflict and 50,000 Venetian troops move on Tyrol. Austria's allies join the war in their entirety and large Bavarian and Saxon armies begin closing on Italy to join Austria. Austria's Italian armies are busy besieging Emilia and Modena and both provinces fall in July. In April, a massive Polish army destroys 30,000 Austrian troops in the Silesia and 98,000 Polish and Pskov forces begin a siege. A desparate assault by the allied force is turned back, and 27,000 Austrian troops (the last of Austria's Polish front forces) manages to drive the disheartened army back to Posen.

The conflict changes drastically in October, when Russia and its allies declare war on Poland. Almost immediately, Poland shifts all of its forces towards the Russian front. Russian forces begin a siege of Pskov, which was left undefended by the presence of Pskov forces on the Austrian front. Luca falls to Austria's armies in the same month, and Tuscany agrees to a peace, ceding Modena and Emilia to Austria. Austria had wanted to press on to Florence and end Tuscan power forever, but Venetian forces are doing very well in the Tyrol. In fact, the Venetian army in Tyrol will defeat Austria's army of Italy twice, though each victory will result in heavy losses and the second 'victory' ends in the total destruction of the Venetian force in Salzburg. Austria's own siege of Illyria has consumed 23,000 of the 33,000 men who began it and is not going well. By the beginning of 1605, massive Bavarian and Saxon armies have nearly taken Venice, while Austria continues to be bogged down in Illyria. In January, 29,000 Austrians begin a new siege of Galicia and the Polish army is nowhere to be seen.

Venice concludes a separate peace with Bavaria in July of 1605, and the siege of Venice ends. Venice was forced to pay 202D in the agreement. In October, Galicia falls to the truncated Austrian army and the force begins a march on Posen. In January and February of 1606, 24,000 Poles fail to take Galicia in a series of assaults, but 20,000 reinforcements do retake the province at the end of the month. Russia has finally managed to take Pskov by this time, and annexes the country. Pskov's armies in Posen join the Russian Czar and assist Austria in a siege of the territory. In August, the Teutonic Knights and Saxony drop out of the war. The Knights pay 250D to Poland to secure peace, while Saxony receives 162D from Venice. Venice has now managed to nearly lift the siege of Illyria, as Austria's army there has dwindled to only artillery. 3,000 quickly raised infantry reinforcements are rushed in to allow the siege to continue. In September, Illyria finally falls and 19,000 Austrian troops from Mantua (the last remants of the Italian army) begin a siege of Venice. The artillery and small amounts of infantry from Illyria begin moving to assist. Austria's navy, 20 ships of the line, defeat a 15 ship Venetian force. Several Venetian ships are sunk, and Austria suffers no losses.

Galicia is retaken by Austria in October, after the fall of Posen. 18,000 Austrian troops now move on Podlasia, where winter devastates them. Poland sends repeated offers of peace, promising Galicia, but the Emperor wishes to stay in the war to allow Russia to score a victory as well. The Emperor believes a separate peace by Austria will allow Poland to crush the Czar. Political upheaval in Moscow has resulted in two Czars in two years, but Austria is kept informed on the situation by an Austrian Grand Duchess, the result of the royal marriages with the Romanov house.

In March of 1607, the Russians give up their war against Poland and conclude a status quo peace. Austria finally accepts Poland's offer of Galicia that same month and the war ends. The Austrian army has been completely destroyed in the campaign, dwindling from four armies of 40,000 men, to two armies of barely 20,000 each. Austria lacked leadership of any kind, and its armies dwindled rapidly in the sieges of Illyria, Galicia, Posen, and Tuscany's Italian territories. Had Poland pressed the conflict after Russia's separate peace, she probably could have regained her territories, but Austria was in possession of three Polish provinces in March, and the Polish King did not have the will to continue the war.

The peace by Venice in January of 1607, ceding Illyria, also meant that from that point Austria would be fighting on only one front, and Poland did not like her chances of triumphing over the focused power of the Emperor. Austria gained three provinces as a result of the war, two of them rich Italian city-states. Austria's reputation in Europe has suffered and some money will be needed to buy the votes of the German electors in the event of Mathias' death.

 

[JScott991]

1619-1628: Ferdinand II and the Great Coalition Wars

In October of 1618, the last months of the Emperor Mathias, England declares war on Scotland and the Austrian alliance is drawn into another war. England is joined by Portugal only. Austria can play little role in a conflict this far away, but as usual, simply being involved in a war is enough to tempt Austria's neighbors into attacking. In December, Venice, Poland, and Georgia declare war on Austria, and these nations are far more serious threats.

In January of 1619, Mathias dies and Ferdinand II takes the throne as Holy Roman Emperor. 23,000 Venetian soldiers have moved into the Tyrol, while Papenheim and 31,000 Austrian soldiers are moving towards Venice. Later in the month, Spain and its usual partners declare war on Austria. Spain is joined by Savoy, the Netherlands, Genoa, Lorraine, Naples, and the Palatinate. Spain's allies gather together a huge force and focus on taking Baden, and for a while, the Emperor is concerned that Baden will be totally annexed. In February, Crimea and Astrakhan declare war on Poland, but she shrugs this off and 9,000 men move into Silesia. Wallenstein's 34,000 man army has crossed into Polish territory and is besieging Podlasia by April. In March, 50,000 Bavarians under Tilly destroy the 20,000 man Venetian force that had moved into Salzburg. The Venetian field army is no more and Venice will not play a significant role in the rest of the war.

In April, the 9,000 Poles in Silesia destroy a 10,000 man reinforcement echelon on its way to Wallenstein, but Papenheim manages to take Venice by assault. Papenheim shifts his forces to take on Spain's northern Italian allies. Wallenstein, reinforced to 50,000 men, is beaten in Podlasia by 20,000 Poles and falls back on Austrian territory. 35,000 Bavarians are besieging Helvetia and the war is rapidly becoming far more confused and far less organized. Wallenstein lifts a siege of Galicia and destroys a 20,000 man Polish force in the process in late June. In response, Poland pays 147D to end its war with Crimea, but Russia and Denmark declare war in July. The Czar apparently sensed Polish weakness and looked to take advantage of a two front war. The Russian performance will not be very good. Eventually they will lose Pskov to the Poles, and the Emperor Ferdinand will prolong Austria's war with Poland in order to ensure Russia does not accept a humiliating peace.

In August, Savoy falls to Papenheim, who then moves on Nice. Spain and its allies are still exclusively focused on the siege at Baden. Nearly 100,000 men are attacking that small principality. Wallenstein's attempt to take Posen by assaut in the same month fails. In September, Baden falls to the Palatinate and Baden pays 250D to the Palatine for peace. Spain and its remaining allies immediately lay another siege. On September 30, Papenheim takes Nice and now moves on Genoa. He remains completely unopposed by any field armies in Italy. Baden pays 27D to Spain and is finally out of the war in October.

In November, 6,000 Georgians arrive in Galicia. The Emperor is stunned, since Georgia is located in the Caucasus. They have crossed the width of Poland to arrive on the front. Posen falls to Wallenstein and he takes his 34,000 man force forward to a siege of Warsaw. In December, 40,000 Poles are besieging Silesia, but Wallenstein decides to press forward into Poland. He believes he can take the Polish capital before any Austrian fortresses fall. He is wrong, as both Galicia and Silesia will fall before Warsaw.

The navy sees some action in December, and loses a ship of the line in battles with the Georgian and Venetian navies off the Illyrian coast. In January, Helvetia falls to Bavaria and February 28,000 Poles take Silesia. In March, a small force of English soldiers is destroyed in Illyria. Warsaw and Genoa fall in May and June respectively. Papenheim moves on Modena, where 13,000 Palatinate soldiers under Mansfeld are laying siege. Papenheim's 17,000 man force, depleted by constant sieges, is driven from the field, but Mansfeld's army is reduced below effective sieging size. Wallenstein's 26,000 men reclaim Silesia that same month and then retake Galicia. In July, Spanish troops liberate Helvetia and then beat Papenheim's army in Milan. Papenheim withdraws to Mantua for reinforcements and in December, his 21,000 men completely destroy Mansfeld and his 8,000 Palatinate troops in Modena. Mansfeld, himself, is killed in the battle. Bavaria takes Ragusa from Venice late in the year.

In March of 1621, Papenheim marches his troops back to Nice and defeats 15,000 Dutch who are trying to liberate the port. Repeated offers of peace from Savoy are refused. The Emperor trys several times to annex the duchy, but Savoy will not accept these terms and the war drags on. Wallenstein has decided to march on Danzig, and in August his 34,000 men are besieging the center of trade. Poland is offering Posen to Austria in exchange for peace repeatedly, but until Russia has secured a peace agreement, the Emperor intends to remain at war. Venice continually offers white peaces throughout the year, but these are refused. In August, Crimea and Astrakhan declare war on Russia and Denmark. Papenheim's invasion of Helvetia is defeated in September, as 21,000 Austrians are beaten by only 9,000 Spanish. Scotland drops out of the Spanish war in October, as Spanish troops have appeared on the British island. Scotland pays 84D for peace. In November, Danzig falls to Wallenstein and his 24,000 remaining men begin a siege of East Prussia. West Prussia falls to Saxony the next month and Poland concludes a white peace with Russia. The Emperor now accepts peace with Poland. West Prussia is ceded to Saxony, and the Emperor takes Danzig. He does not feel that the empire can hold such a province for long, but wishes to take it from Poland to deprive Poland of its income. Wallenstein's army is split into two groups; one to garrison Danzig and one returns to Silesia.

In January of 1622, Venice pays 250D to Bavaria for peace and Ragusa reverts to Venetian control. In March, 13,000 Austrians retake the mountainous province and in May, Venice cedes Ragusa to Austria in exchange for peace.

March also sees 14,000 Lorraine troops invade the Tyrol and 7,000 Englishmen land at Illyria. In May, the Austrian navy sinks two English ships off Illyria, but is forced to retire after losing one of their own. In June, 36,000 Bavarian and Saxon troops defeat the Lorraine army in Tyrol. Austria concludes a white peace with the Palatinate in that same month. The war is slowly grinding to halt. In September, Austria takes Nice in exchange for peace with Savoy and Genoa pays indemnities to end the conflict. Austria now begins to focus on another invasion of Helvetia to force Spain into peace. Wallenstein has moved from the Polish frontier to Illyria and in September, the English force there is destroyed. Papenheim, meanwhile, has suffered another defeat in Helvetia which is followed up in November, by Bavaria being beaten in the same province. It is not until December, that Papenheim is able to drive the small Spanish army out and begin a siege of Switzerland.

In January of 1623, Helvetia falls to an assault by Papenheim but Spain refuses a white peace. Austrian and allied forces press on into Lorraine. In February, Crimea pays 177D to Russia and in August, Astrakhan is forced to cede Donetsk to the Czar. Lorraine falls to Papenheim in December and Alsace is taken in April of 1624. Lorraine agrees to peace that same month and the allied army returns to Italy. In August, England agrees to a white peace with Austria, but Spain remains at war with Austria and will not accept peace. Earlier in the year, Austria creates a national bank, but no loans are taken out. In November, Scotland finally accepts peace with England, but is forced to cede Lancashire. It is England's first victory against their northern neighbors.

The year of 1625 is spent by Austria putting down numerous rebellions throughout the empire, as war exhaustion has begun to take a serious toll. In September, Spain finally agrees to a white peace and Austria is at peace after eight years of serious conflict. There is no question that Austria won each war she fought, but the price was very high. Thousands of soldiers were lost and the entire treasury over this period was poured into replacement forces. Two of the territories gained are not connected to Austria and the Emperor does not intend to defend them in the next wars. If Danzig and Nice must be used as bargaining chips to end a war, then so be it. Ragusa, however, is far more useful, as its shipyard will allow much faster naval construction.

The Habsburg empire, of course, is forced to focus on recovery from 1626-1628. A trade embargo is placed on Sweden to allow a monopoly in the pitifully small COT of Danzig. In 1628, the empire establishes another trading post at Madras, though attempts in other Indian territories fail.

In December of 1625, Spain takes advantage of its peace with Austria to declare war on the Aztecs. This time the Spanish manage to annex the entire empire in the peace concluded in April of 1626. England, Portugal, Hanover, and the Hanseatic League go to war with the Spanish alliance in January of 1626 to prevent this, but they fail to do so in time. Portugal, which started the war, agrees to pay 168D to Spain in exchange for peace in July. The Netherlands and Hessen declare war on Spain in October, but agree to a white peace in November. Other small wars are raging in the Muslim world. Poland and its allies go to war with Turkey in November of 1624. This war is still raging in 1628, though Georgia and Crimea have both dropped out. Georgia, amazingly, has avoided annexation at the hands of Turkey and its allies. Georgia remains a one provine kingdom in the Caucasus, completely surrounded by Turkey and Crimea. In March of 1625, Charles I becomes king of both England and Scotland, but no improvement of relations occurs.

 

[JScott991]

1628-1632

The various wars of Europe begin to sort themselves out during this period, as allies left at war with other nations conclude separate peaces. In July of 1628, Aden cedes Yemen and Hadramout to Persia. In June and August 1629, Hanover pays 67D to the Palatinate, 117D to Savoy, and concludes a white peace with Spain. England gives up its own war against Spain in August of 1630, paying 250D. In that same month, Poland pays 58D to Turkey. The Palatinate and England conclude a white peace in February of 1631. Austria has no idea how many other isolated nations are still nominally at war with another at this point.

In February of 1631, Poland and its allies go to war with Russia and Denmark. In March, Turkey, Crimea, and Astrakhan join them in an offensive against the Czar. Crimea drops out in November, paying 114D to Moscow. In January of 1632, Poland decides that one war isn't enough, and declares war on Turkey and its allies. In December of 1632, Georgia pays 250D to Turkey for peace. Why the Sultan doesn't annex the small nation is beyond the comprehension of the government in Vienna. These series of eastern wars will ultimately end with no territory changing hands.

1632-1637: The English War

In June of 1632, England declares war on Scotland. England's allies of Portugal, Hanover, the Hanseatic League, and the Teutonic Knights are now at war with Bavaria, Saxony, Baden, and Austria. The English Parliament, flush with success in its last encounter with the Royalist Scots, ignore the wishes of the joint King Charles and launch a massive offensive against the Scots. By the end of 1632, it seems that Scotland will lose most of its territories in England. English forces have won several battles against a 40,000 man Scottish army, driving it from the field each time. England reclaims all of Scotland's territories south of the Marches. However, despite their victories over Scotland's army, England is unable to destroy it. The successive sieges weaken England's field armies and Scotland eventually starts to drive the English back. By 1637, when peace is made, it is Scotland who gains territory, not England.

The Emperor briefly considers sitting this war out, as Austria expects various other alliances to join in the war against the Empire. In August of 1632, 25,000 Saxon troops defeat a massive force of Hanoverian and Hanseatic troops and lay siege to Hanover. 2,000 Teutonic Knights are defeated trying to land in Danzig that same month. The Emperor orders Gallas and 30,000 Austrian troops to try to knock Hansa out of the war. In November, Gallas defeats 50,000 Hanseatic soliders in Mecklenburg and with his remaining forces begins a siege of the Hansa capital.

In January of 1633, the Hanseatic army returns and easily lifts the siege of its capital. The small remnants of Gallas' army fall back on Austrian territory. In March, Hanover falls to Saxony and Saxony collects 250D in exchange for a separate peace (Heaven forbid Saxony stay in the war another month or so and gain some territory. Its much wiser to take some money and run.) In April, Hanover concludes a separate peace with Baden, Bavaria, and Scotland, effectively dropping them out of the war. The Teutonic Knights show up in the Mediterranean in May, and 9,000 knights destroy the Austrian garrison at Nice. The Teutonic army is not large enough to lay siege to the city, but eventually they will be joined by a small English force. This allied force will spend the rest of the war laying siege off and on to Nice, without success. England defeats the Danzig army in July, but their army is too small to begin a siege. Austria has fared badly in their outlying territories. Gallas and 21,000 men lift the siege of Danzig in November.

In June of 1634, Wallenstein dies and Gallas returns to become the supreme commander of a combined army on the Polish frontier. He leaves 20,000 men behind in Danzig to take command of Wallenstein's old army in Galicia. In August, Gallas finds himself at war with that very nation. Poland and its allies of Brandenburg, Venice, and Georgia declare war on Austria. The Austrian alliance comes to our aid, but Saxony drops out and is lost as an ally. Ultimately the Saxons will join the Polish alliance.

Gallas leads a 37,000 man army into Posen and takes the city in October. Piccolomini takes Venice by assault in December with a 35,000 army. The war goes on, however, and Gallas takes his army to Warsaw. An invasion of Brandenburg by 18,000 men is easily beaten off by the Brandenburg army, and Austria loses 15,000 men of the ill-fated expedition. In November, a siege of Warsaw begins and 20,000 poorly led Austrians in Danzig defeat a 50,000 man allied force. However, losses are very high and the Poles seem determined to take the province back, even at the expense of losing their capital. [this seems a common problem in the game. Capitals are highly valued in peace negotiations, but the computer treats them as just another province.]

In January of 1635, another Polish army destroys the 7,000 remaining men in Danzig and begins a siege. In March, while the Poles are fooling around in Danzig, Gallas takes Warsaw. Poland now realizes its mistake and pays 150D to Austria for peace. Brandenburg, for some reason, along with other Polish allies, remain at war. In September, Brandenburg's army takes Danzig, but in October Berlin falls to Bavarian forces. In December, the Empire's first major naval expedition ends in failure as 21,000 soldiers under Papenheim fail to defeat the Venetian army at Corfu. The expedition sails to Crete, where an even larger Venetian force is present and then decides to return home in failure.

In March of 1635, Brandenburg, of course, makes a separate peace with Bavaria for 250D. If Bavaria had stayed in the war a little long, they might have been able to annex the entire enemy nation, but Austrian pleas fall on deaf ears. Bavaria would rather take the immediate victory and run. [Another serious fault in the AI. They are unable to conjecture the outcome of a war at all. This is why the computer makes peace too quickly, both when it is ahead and behind in a war.] Magdeburg falls to Gallas that same month and he turns his attention to Berlin and begins a siege in May. Venice concludes a status quo peace with Austria that same month.

In December of 1636, Berlin falls to Austria and the Emperor wisely waits until the first of year, when the Brandenburg treasury will be full, to offer peace. Curiously, in the later stages of 1636, Brandenburg offered peace to Austria in exchange for Magdeburg, but would not accept a peace offer from Vienna for a status quo agreement. The Emperor is quite perplexed by this. Ferdinand II dies in January, and Ferdinand III is elected Holy Roman Emperor. The new Emperor is left with the task of accepting 150D from Brandenburg in exchange for peace. Austria's part in the war is now over. Scotland, however, doesn't conclude peace with England until October, gaining Lancashire back from the English. The entire war is now over, and English and Teuton forces abandon Nice.

In the meantime, Turkey has gone back to war with Persia and Mameluks. In June of 1637, Persia cedes Kars to Turkey and in November of 1638, the Mameluks cede Sinai and Samaria. In June of 1641, Poland and its allies (now including Saxony) are back at war with Turkey and Crimea. Also in 1641, Portugal decides to start another disastrous war with Spain and they are joined by their allies of England, etc. Spain is now part of the Dutch alliance, and the Netherlands and Hessen quickly join them. Hanover has had enough of war with Spain in December, but instead of reclaiming Flanders (which would make too much sense), Spain settles for 48D.

The Empire in the meantime has expanded its trade post in Madras to the maximum size. Attempts to found a colony or other trade posts have all ended in failure. In 1640, the Empire develops muskets, securing their huge lead over Europe in military arms. [I am going to have to take the computer up some levels soon or the game will have to be quit. Probably I'll take the computer to 10, when I reach 14.] In April of 1641, Lorraine is persuaded to join the Austrian alliance, replacing Saxony who defected during the last wars. Austria is now allied with Scotland, Bavaria (vassal), Baden, and Lorraine. France, who is allied only with Sweden at this time, is targeted as a potential alliance member when her agreement expires in a few years. Imperial trade revenues in the meantime have exploded. The monopoly in Danzig pales in comparison to the huge revenues being made from trade with China. Austria's merchants are far more advanced than the rest of the world [which makes a lot of sense], so Austria both enjoys a competitive advantage and keeps more of the trade revenues generated.

[VP Standings: Austria, Spain, Turkey, China, Portugal, Russia, Poland]

 

[JScott991]

Tech Boost

It had to be done. Here are the results of the land tech boost I have given to major AI countries. Hopefully the neighbor effect will pull the minors up too (it happened in my other GC to little countries around me):

Country/Bonus/Original/New Land tech

England, +4, 7, 11
France, +4, 7, 11
Austria, +0, 14, 14
Russia, +2, 9, 11 (Russia was the most advanced computer)
Turkey, +4, 6, 10
Poland, +4, 6, 10
Portugal, +3, 8, 11
Spain, +3, 8, 11
Netherlands, +2, 9, 11

I also plan to modify Scotland, because they have performed so well against England it would be silly for this change to offset the AI's performance. For those of you who enjoy 'pure' AAR's, this change occurred in September of 1648, when Austria hit land tech level 14 and no one else in Europe was using the musketeer animation. There is no point playing a game where I am 2x Turkey and Poland in land tech.

Oh, one other little note. I've never spent a dime on Naval tech, yet I lead every major power except Spain, the Netherlands, and Portugal, all of whom are levels 9-11. I am currently level 8 I believe. I guess Venice, etc. have high naval techs. I can't explain it.

 

[JScott991]

1642-1650: Prelude to the 'Deluge' of Poland

The Habsburg empire does not require much recovery from the English war. The later stages of the conflict involved only one army operating in Berlin and normal yearly revenues have re-established a decent sized land force. Trade revenues for the empire peak around this time, and then begin a serious drop, as the Austrian finance ministry abandons its monopolies in Jambi and Tientsin in favor of an increased presence in Thrace and Il de France. [The computer usually does a good job of handling the merchants, but the next 20 years are a disaster.] In January of 1643, Anne of Austria takes the throne of France after the death of her husband, Louis XIII. Austria pours money into France in an attempt to gain her as an ally, but Anne refuses. Though France remains one of Austria's closest friends, Anne believes that France will not benefit by being involved in the Emperor's many wars. Austria settles for adding Russia to the alliance in December of 1644. Russia's addition assures Austria that Poland's days as a great power are numbered. In June of 1645, the empire develops musketeers and follows this by the development of the refined salpeter in 1648. At this point Austria has a huge lead over its nearest competitors in firearm technology and military tactics, but Europe catches up rapidly [this is when I modify them]. In 1648, Baden abandons the Austrian alliance and joins Thuringen and Wurtemburg. The Empire's diplomatic resources were overextended in trying to renew the pact with just Bavaria, Scotland, Lorraine, and Russia.

Europe's wars are small and scattered during this period. In March of 1642, Turkey cedes Moldovia to Poland and another Polish-Turkish War ends. Spain extracts 107D and Tangiers from Portugal in October of 1644, further diminishing Portugese power. In March of 1645, Moldovia declares independence from Poland, and the English alliance declares war on Poland. The alliance war is ended quickly with a status quo peace with the Teutonic Order (who started the war), and Moldovia is re-annexed in August. In September of 1645, Sweden, England, Hansa, Portugal, Hanover, and the Order go to war with Denmark, isolated after Russia's admission into Austria's alliance. Denmark fights valiantly, but can't possibly win. In April of 1647, they pay 250D to the Order for peace. Further payments of 244D are made to Portugal in February of 1648, and finally in July of that year, Skane is ceded to Sweden, which ends the war. In February of 1649, the English Parliament declares war on King Charles and ultimately executes him. Scotland crowns Charles II king, but Cromwell takes over as dictator in England. In May of 1650, Turkey and Crimea are again at war with Poland, Georgia, the Knights, and Venice. It is in this climate that Czar Alexis I decides to expand at Poland's expense.

1650-1657: The Russo-Polish War

Alexis declares war on Poland in June of 1650, and the Austrian alliance comes to his aid. Scotland will land a small force in Eastern Pomerania at one point, but otherwise the fighting will be exclusively handled by Austria and Russia. Poland's allies never really play a part, though Venice manages to fall twice to Austria during the conflict.

Piccolomini moves immediately on Venice from Mantua. His 44,000 men lay siege by July and Venice falls to his army by the end of the month in an assault. An expedition to take Corfu is foiled by an accidental acceptance of a Venice offer for a ceasefire in September. Apparently confusion in Vienna led to a signing of the agreement and so the war with Venice ends with Austria gaining nothing.

The main fighting occurs in Poland, where imperial victory is followed by imperial victory. Poland's armies play almost no role in the conflict and Austria manages to seize almost all of western Poland. One imperial army under Montecuccoli (affectionately known as Monte from this point) lay siege to Posen, while another force begins a siege of Podlasia. In September, Posen falls to Monte, but an assault on Podlasia ends in failure and Austria settles into a siege. A massive Polish army destroys the 10,000 man Danzig garrison that same month, and Monte is forced to move on Danzig to relieve the city. In November, Monte beats Poland's von Winter and drives 80,000 Poles into retreat, despite being outnumbered over two to one. Poland's army now begins a long march to relieve a Turkish siege of Moldovia, and Austria is allowed to roam free throughout the Polish countryside. [Heaven forbid this army protect Warsaw. Everytime something this ridiculous happens, I just want to scream 'Paradox please fix the AI!!!!!!] In the meantime, Podlasia has fallen in October.

1651 is a disastrous year for the Poles. The smaller Austrian force under a mere colonel takes Podolia in April and then moves on Ukraine. Monte moves on Warsaw with 27,000 men in September. Anne of Austria relinquishes the French throne to Louis XIV this same month. Austria is not pleased. They had hoped to keep an imperial relative on the throne permanently, though Louis is still something of a descandant of past Emperors.

Warsaw falls to Monte in January of 1652 and the Ukraine falls in April. Poland's army begins to lurch back into Poland in March, as 46,000 men finally retake Moldovia, and then destroy 6,000 Austrian reinforcements bound for Ukraine. The Polish army lays a siege of occupied Podolia. The Austrian army in Ukraine is exclusively cannons by this point and is cut off from any relief. Monte takes Eastern Prussia in May and in June moves on Lithuania. Poland is desparate for peace with Austria, but the Emperor is not interested in any number of Polish territories. Ferdinand will not make peace until Russia gains something. The Czar's armies are bogged down in Tula and have yet to take a single province, despite Austria's crushing of Poland. In September, Tula falls to Russia and Lithuania falls to Monte. Some ridiculous wars are occurring in Europe at this time (Spain has joined the Mameluk and Persians and are at war with Turkey, while the Netherlands has decided to also go to war with the Sultan. These wars end in nothing.). In December of 1652, Monte relieves Podolia and deals a serious blow to Poland's last real army. 16,000 Poles are killed, against only 8,000 Austrian losses. The huge force of 100 cannons in Ukraine is now able to rejoin Monte's army briefly.

In January of 1653, Portugal and their English led allies go to war with Spain again. The chances of this ending in anything but Portugal giving up something to Spain are slim. With no sign of a Russian peace with Poland or Russian progress, the Empire detaches 17,000 men to assist the Russian siege of Belgorod. These men will never return to Austria, but the artillery sent to Russia will greatly speed up Russia's campaign against Poland. In August, Belgorod falls to Russia. In December of 1654, a small Polish force lands in Nice and is wiped out by the 10,000 Austrian troops present there. Portugal, as expected, pays 49D to Spain to end their war. In December, Welikei falls to Russia, but the Czar presses on. Poland's army shows up again in Ukraine, as 29,000 Poles lay a siege of this Austrian occupied territory. Poland retakes the province in September of 1655, while Poltava falls to Russia in January of the following year. Austria, in the meantime, has upgraded its trading post in Madras to a colony, only to see it revolt. An expedition sent from Modena arrives and lands a 4,000 man force to reclaim the colony. War exhaustion revolts are starting to spring up throughout Austria, but the Emperor will not make peace before Russia.

The Polish war finally ends in 1656, though it is not nearly as much of a disaster as it could have been. In June, Monte retakes the Ukraine. In July, Venice again declares war on Austria, but an occupation of Venice quickly ends this war. Venice signs a peace treaty in January of 1657, paying 73D to Austria. In September, Poland finally makes peace with Russia, but cedes only Welikei and Tula, plus 132D to the Czar. Russia had held four provinces of Poland. Austria makes peace the same month, accepting only Eastern Prussia. The Emperor doesn't really want anything from Poland, but Russia's poor peace treaty convinces him to take at least one territory to further weaken Poland. This war ends Poland's status as a serious power. Of course, an argument can be made that it ended long ago after the first three sacks of Warsaw by Austrian troops.

In December of 1656, Spain declares war on the Incan Empire and in January of 1657 Denmark pays 190D to the Hanseatic League to end another war with that alliance. Europe is still full of some small confusing little wars, but it is unlikely they will end in any serious territorial changes. The Polish war has confirmed that Austria is Europe's most powerful country. Trade revenues have collapsed, causing income to drop from over 2000D before the Polish war to only 1644D after it, but this is likely only a temporary problem.

 

[JScott991]

1658-1670: Leopold I

The Habsburg empire recovers quickly from the end of the Polish war, as war exhaustion almost immediately comes to an end. The Empire spends this period rebuilding the economy and struggling to regain the astronomical income totals of previous years. In January of 1658, Ferdinand dies and is replaced as Holy Roman Emperor by Leopold I. In February, the empire enters the late baroque period in terms of its infrastructure. The empire's first stock market opens in 1659, again doubling the size of loans available on the money markets of Vienna. In January of 1662, a goods factory is built in Milan and in 1665, another one is built in Krakow. In June of 1665, Madras becomes a full city. A large imperial army and fleet are ultimately based there, in case of war with the Netherlands. Madras is far closer to the important Jambi center of trade, which would make a fine addition to Austria's possessions. However, the Emperor has no interest in starting a war over it. This is simply preparation in case of a war with the Dutch. In February of 1670, Austria advances further ahead of the rest of Europe by achieving the trade secrets of protectionism. Despite all of these efforts, the finance ministers of the Austrian state continue to focus on achieving a monopoly in the paltry Danzig trading community, so the more lucrative markets of Jambi and Tiantsjin are neglected. To further this end, Poland is banned from trading within the empire in May of 1662. That same year, massive deflation enables the government to take out a single 1000D loan and use it to build two refineries in Bohemia and Modena, and commence serious reconstruction on the imperial fleet, which is completely absent from European waters after the rebasing to Madras. This loan will haunt the empire slightly as the repayment of it dominantes imperial thinking in the coming war. The only major foreign policy success of this period is the vassalization of Lorraine in August of 1665.

Developments on the European stage are serious. Poland has faded significantly (and much more is to come), but Spain also drops into the second rank of European powers. In August of 1657, the Spanish war with the Incan Empire ends with Spain accepting 250D and Azuay. In December of 1658, the Netherlands, France, Savoy, and Hessen declare war on Madrid. In the past Spain has been able to resist these coalitions and avoid the loss of European possessions, but this time, however, Spain suffers severe reverses at the hands of a much revived France. French forces under Louis XIV drive Spain from the Spanish Netherlands, and even have done much damage to several Spanish Iberian provinces. In September, Spain acknowledges its worst defeat in years and cedes Helvetia, Hainaut, and 250D to Paris. France retakes its position as a rising European power and Spain seems to be sliding down the ladder. Spain is able to deal with France's allies without French support. The Netherlands pays 118D to Spain in June of 1660 in exchange for peace and in January of 1664, Hanover finally returns Flanders to Spain.

Turkey smashes the Mameluks in 1663. The Mameluks have been abandoned by their former allies of Persia, who have joined with Spain (Spain's lack of any real allies explains their subsequent fall from power). The Mameluks are forced to give 163D and Alexandria to Turkey. These same powers are again at war in 1668 and in 1669, the Mameluks cede Cataract and 115D to Turkey.

Spain's victories over the Netherlands and Hanover do not discourage the alliance from trying again and in August of 1665, Spain is again at war with France, Holland, Hessen, and Savoy. Hanover drops out of the alliance instead of joining in another war against the Spanish. Sweden and England declare separate wars on Spain in September of 1665 and September of 1667 respectively. Spain is joined in each of these wars by their useless allies in Persia. In September of 1666, Spain receives 250D from the Netherlands in exchange for peace. In April of 1670, revolts spring up throughout the Spanish Empire and Sicily declares its independence from Spain. Madrid is unable to reestablish its control over the island nation and Sicily will ultimately remain an independent country.

Russia declares war on Astrakhan in May of 1658 and the Austrian alliance declares its support, though only Russian troops will end up doing any fighting. Despite occupying the entire Khanate by 1659, Russia makes peace for 207D and Uralsk. Russia's problems with Astrakhan will ultimately set the stage for the final collapse of Poland.

1670-1680: Poland Collapses and Another War with Astrakhan

The longest war in Austrian history opens up with a Russian declaration of war on Astrakhan in November of 1670. The Czar's forces are wholely inadequate to the task of fighting the Khanate and ultimately Astrakhan will occupy two Russian provinces and hold them for nearly 8 years. Russia is unable to focus on Astrakhan after the first few months, but the Czar refuses to make peace. In the end, it is a wise decision, but it has set the stage for a very draining conflict.

In May of 1671, Poland very foolishly declares war on Russia. Whether or whether not the Polish King thought Austria and its allies would sit out the war is a question for debate. This decision, however, is the end of Poland as any kind of a serious power. Austria and its allies immediately declare war on Poland and Austria commences another invasion of Posen. Poland is joined by its usual cast of supporting players: Venice and Georgia. Monte with 42,000 men moves to Poland while Waldeck with 36,000 moves on Venice. The Netherlands, France, and their smaller allies declare war on Poland and Venice in May. In June, Monte takes Posen and immediately decides to take the war to Warsaw. Venice falls in August, with the assistance of a huge Bavarian army of 90,000 men that does little but eat precious supplies and suffer attrition. In August, things get much worse for the Poles as Warsaw falls to Monte and the Turks and Crimea declare war. Monte turns back to Posen with 30,000 men and defeats a Polish force of 54,000 troops. Monte loses one third of his command, but 16,000 Poles are listed as casualties. It is the last time in the war a serious Polish army will be seen on the western front. In fact, the war develops into a free-for-all in western Poland, with French, Bavarian, and Dutch troops running amok from this point.

The Russians are making no headway and they are the leader of the alliance, so in 1672 Monte decides to take the war to the Pomeranian coast. In March, Eastern Pomerania falls to Austria. Western Pomerania resists an initial assault and Monte settles into a long siege. Bavaria takes Podlasia in October and Courland falls to France that same month.

In February of 1673, Spain's troubles begin to multiply and Sardinia declares its independence. Spain will annex the nation in April, but it will again declare its independence in October of 1677. The Spanish will have other concerns by that time.

In March of 1673, Pomerania finally falls to Monte and Austria's effective participation in the war comes to an end. Reasoning that Poland is finished and will soon make peace with Russia, Austria tries to begin to focus on domestic concerns. No further troops are raised, as the loan taken out is due in 1675 and 1000D cannot be raised on one year's revenues. The Emperor Leopold has no idea that Poland and Russia will stay at war for many more years.

In October of 1673, the end begins for Poland. Lithuania and Belgorod fall to Bavaria and Poland cedes two provinces to Austria's vassal in December. Podlasia and Belgorod, completely unconnected territories, are now ruled by Bavarian princes. Poland has begun to disintegrate, and it won't stop there. Repeated offers to Vienna of various territories combinations are refused. The Emperor briefly considers taking the Baltic coastal provines occupied by Monte, but decides Austria does not need any Polish territory. The Empire will be content simply with letting Russia make gains at Poland's expense. In January of 1674, Jan Sobieski, the famed general, rises to the Polish throne. He is only able to preside over Poland's demise. The new King cedes Bessarabia to Turkey in April.

The war drags on and on. Russian forces by this time are blitzing through the Polish countryside. The Poles have wasted most of their remaining field forces on a successful siege of Tula, and this actually might be significant given the makeup of the final treaty. By the middle of 1677, Russia has occupied five Polish provinces nad in August, the Ukraine declares its independence. Poland recognizes the Ukraine in September of 1677. In January of 1678, the Emperor has had enough of Russia's obstinance and makes peace with Poland for 85D. Most of this money and more is immediately transferred to Russia in order to soften the blow of the separate peace. In May, Russia accepts only Belarus and 250D from Poland for peace. This completely inexplicable treaty only confirms the fact that Russia will be waging at least one more war with the Poles for several of their territories. Why Czar Fedor III made this deal is beyond the diplomats in Vienna. In July of 1680, Russia finally overwhelms helpless Astrakhan and the entire state is annexed by Moscow. Austria has long since made a separate peace, but Russia's ten years of constant conflict are finally over.

Spain continues its slow descent, but it does not collapse. In November of 1677, the Netherlands and France are back at war with Spain and Louis XIV again scores major victories over Spanish arms. Cologne and Artois are ceded to France, along with 250D, in September of 1680. Spain is still at war with Sardinia and various other European powers. It will be some time before some of these wars sort themselves out.

Austria has developed a new colony in Biloxi by 1679. Austria now has a trading post in Yazoo and Khmer, a city in Madres, and the aforementioned colony. Only Madres has any serious defenses and generates any real revenue, though Khmer does belong to the Jambi center of trade, where Austria is again fighting for a monopoly by 1680.

Europe in 1680 is far different than Europe in 1580. Spain and Poland are no longer major powers, though Poland is much farther down the ladder than Spain. France might be rising to become a rival to Austria, and Russia certainly is the dominant Eastern power, though she has yet to fight a major war against Turkey. Turkey continues to dominate the Middle East, but she has exerted her dominion in such a way as to not cause anyone in Europe to care. The questions for the next decades are who will succeed to control Poland's remaining territory if Jan Sobieski cannot restore some semblance of order to the country and will Russian expansion be checked by Turkey and Crimea. In western Europe, England is still struggling to become a major power, despite not owning most of the main British island, while France and the Netherlands have combined to erode Spanish power. The Netherlands, however, have foolishly helped France rise without receiving any serious gains themselves. In fact, Louis XIV has shrewdly avoided staying in any wars with Spain to their completion, and Madrid is still strong enough to beat an isolated Netherlands. The Dutch would be wise to seek allies elsewhere.

 

[JScott991]

Continuing to the end

Despite a complete lack of interest by anyone, I've decided with 112 years left to go ahead and commit to continuing this AAR to the end. The game is obviously over. I've back to being 10 levels ahead in landtech, but advancement beyond a certain point is very cheap. In 32 years of play, not a single AI country that I advanced to level 11 has advanced far enough to use the musketeer icon. The only nations that are that far in research are Thuringen and Wurtemburg (and, of course, Austria).

I will probably up the AI to land level 18 when I reach 25 and then just give up with those modifications. For anyone who is curious, Poland's collapse is very historical and not related to my modifications. No nation can fight Turkey, Austria, France, the Netherlands, and Russia at once, and Poland brought all these wars on herself. The AI should never, ever have declared war on a Russia allied with Austria. That simply made no sense at all. Poland has done this before, and each time it ends with the Austrian army occupying all of its western territories, taking almost nothing, and the rest of its neighbors eating it alive. I'd give my eye teeth, though, if Jan III could take those provinces back from Bavaria. That simply looks terrible on the map.

I have to wonder where the Dutch are spending their money. They earn tons and tons from Jambi and Holland and other COT's, but I never see large Dutch armies or see that the Dutch have gained anything. They seem to be developing very historically as well. In fact, with the exception of the weak Turkey and the all-powerful Austria this game has gone pretty much according to history. I'm a little surprised. I could have conquered most of Europe, but since I haven't, its taken a decent course. It really, really though is no fun to be this strong and my strength really is based mostly on the AI's complete aversion to research of all kind.

 

[unmerged(1317)]

Interesting

I'm working on my first GC as Russia, and as of about 1590, I've seen similar incompetence from Poland and her inexplicable DOWs. I've tried to not take advantage of it, but when the Polish AI decides take on Russia, Austria, Venice in my game...they're just getting trounced.

BTW, I'm still reading your AARs.

 

[Sidney]

Originally posted by JScott991
I won't continue this AAR if people aren't interested, but since I wrote the first part, I thought I might as well share it. I hope to ultimately flesh out this broad outline and write a more interesting story if I ever get the time (I must admit to never doing that with all my Byzantium AAR's from Medieval Lords). My original GC as Austria, my first game as a player, would probably have been far more interesting than this, though it also included a totally inactive Turkey and Russia [until I played it]. Still it was a wild game, though I only lost one war the entire time to France (ceding Bremen, which I should never have had to begin with). Anyway, here is this AAR:

I just started a campaign as the Austrians and have traveled a similar first few years path to you- and am also doing to automerchant. I was going to post my campaign as an AAR mainly to get an answer to this question:

What is your annual income? When i upgrade all of Austria and all of Bohemia but Moravia and Silesia (Hungarians got those) to Tax Collectors I run an annual income of about 100-120. Is this similar to what you get? I feel like I'm really missing something on the economy front but I'm not sure what it'd be.

 

[JScott991]

Sydney,

My annual income at that part of the game is hard to remember, but it is low as Austria to start. Don't worry, if you concentrate on developing your trade tech and keep the automerchant on, you will grow to 500 or more fairly quickly in the 1500's. I think at some points I list my income in the AAR. I wish I had done it more, but its static most of the time.

PS. Annex Bohemia. Without the huge urban province of Bohemia/Prague, your economy will have a tough time getting starting.

 

[Dunhere]

Jeremy,

by reading your AAR, i find that Austria is a really interesting country to play with.

I think that, as soon as i get the game, i'll start with for my first GC. Or maybe for the second one (France may be the first on my list )
The only problem is that postmen must accept to find back my game

Keep it on, really good work.

 

[JScott991]

Dunhere, I look forward to you finally being able to play

1680-1686

The minor wars in Europe continue, as Austria copes with a serious trade crisis. In February of 1681, the Netherlands pays 216D to Spain for peace. France had dropped out of the war the previous year, securing far better terms than the Hague. In January of 1682, Sophia comes to power in Russia, forcing her brother Peter to relinquish the throne. Peter will ultimately return by 1692. In September, Poland cedes Eastern Pomerania to France in exchange for peace. Spain recognizes Sardinia's independence in 1683. In June of 1684, Portugal declares war on France, dragging its allies into an unwinnable war. Hanover, the Teutonic Order, Hansa, Venice, and others find themselves at war with the Netherlands, France, Savoy, and Hessen. In June of 1685, Hanover collapses. They pay 250D to Hessen for peace, followed by 46D to the Netherlands, and status quo peaces with France and Savoy. The Hanseatic League quickly follows them out of the conflict, making a variety of peaces by 1686, most notably ceding Holstein to France in September of 1686. Numerous other wars break out that result in no territory being exchanged. The Dutch and French are back at war with Spain in May of 1686.

Austria pushes ahead with internal development, but the trade situation is leading many to contemplate an aggressive war. The policies of central government are developed in September of 1684 and a weapons factory is built in Odeburg in January of 1683. In November of 1685, Monte dies. He had proven to be Austria's most successful commander. The Emperor Leopold, frustrated over his finance ministry's obsession with Danzig and the Netherlands fierce trading community in Jambi, resolves to take the colony from the Dutch in early 1687. Austria declares war and is joined by only Scotland and Lorraine. Russia and Bavaria sign a new agreement, but will not fight in this conflict.

1687-1690: The Dutch War

The Netherlands are joined by Turkey, France, Savoy, and Hessen. As might be expected, few of these allies pose any real challenge to Austria. Savoy is occupied almost immediately by the Italian army, while France drops out after losing Romagna and Provence to Austrian forces. France signs a separate peace agreement with Austria and the Netherlands is left to fight on its own.

Turkey proves to be more of a serious threat, and Turkish forces maraud their way throughout Austria, ultimately even ending up in a siege of Milan. When peace is finally signed in 1690, Turkish troops will be present in the Tyrol and Savoy. The main fighting with Turkey occurs in Serbia, where a force of 19,000 Austrian troops is gradually worn away over a two year period. Ultimately, Turkey destroys this army just as the war ends, but this Austrian force had held off over 20,000 Turks and inflicted countless losses.

The war against the actual Dutch is not much more serious. An Imperial force of 18,000 men occupies Jambi almost immediately. This army had sailed from Madras. Several Dutch trading posts are occupied at the same time, as they occupy the same island as Jambi. The Dutch refuse to make peace on this basis, however, so in early 1688, a 40,000 man imperial army under Waldeck crosses the breadth of the Holy Empire and lays siege to Holland. Holland and the Hague fall to the Austrians in 1689 and the Dutch sign a peace ceding Jambi to Austria in January of 1690.

In the meantime, France has crushed an isolated Spain and Spain ultimately cedes Flanders to Louis XIV. Poland declared war on Saxony and Brandenburg and will make peace ceding Posen to the Saxons. Apparently Poland can't understand the state of weakness of their country and they keep provoking wars with more powerful neighbors. Saxony already owned western Prussia. Tunisia annexes Cyrenaica in 1689 and William III takes the throne of England that same year, as James II is forced to be content with being only the King of Scotland.

[I didn't think I would actually play this war out so I didn't take notes. I will try to make this section more thorough as I remember more or some other wars sort themselves out. If you are using the auto-merchant feature, do NOT take over a minor COT like Danzig. The AI will pump it full of merchants and leave more lucrative markets to the computer. I suppose it really isn't fair that I launched a whole war with the Netherlands because of my laziness in managing my own merchants, but the Netherlands was already at war with Spain with France and I was also a little worried that the Dutch and French might cripple Madrid, which wouldn't make for a very interesting game.]

1690-1705

The Austrian economy explodes during this time, and this leads to massive progress in military technology and trade techniques. By the end of 1704, Austria is earning 4000D a year, with over half of it accounted for by lucrative trade monopolies in China and Jambi. Austrian merchants are active across the globe; so active, in fact, that many nations begin to answer Austrian aggresiveness with embargoes. In August of 1699, Persia embargoes the empire. Spain follows suit soon after, and Turkey bars Austrian trade in Thrace and Alexandria in April of 1704. These are setbacks for Austria's merchants, but not so serious as to cause the aging Emperor Leopold to contemplate war. Indeed, Austria earns quite enough money from Jambi alone. In August of 1695, Austria develops regimental tactics, cementing its enormous lead over Europe in army strategy and technology. In September of 1701, Austrian merchants learn of the concept of liberalism, though Austria is hardly likely to apply these techniques to its government. Austria also takes the lead in naval technology among major powers. The Emperor has invested almost nothing in naval research, but secrets from neighboring nations continue to pour across the border. The Empire's colonial empire now includes cities in Biloxi, Madres, and Jambi, a small colony in Kuala Lumpur, and several trading posts in Asia.

Europe is ablaze with minor wars, most of which concern the rapid rise of France under Louis XIV. Rebels break the government in the Ukraine in February of 1690, but the country survives and remains independent. The Netherlands and Hanover conclude peace with Spain in 1691. Hanover pays 75D, while the Dutch give 147D and Recife to the Spanish. Spain is beset by serious rebellions during this period that dominate the Iberian peninsula. Madrid, itself, is controlled by rebel forces for a time. By 1705, rebels still control Malta, Galicia, and several Spanish colonies. Spain is under constant pressure with wars with England and the Netherlands alliance, including France.

Russia goes to war with Sibir in June of 1692, but Peter I cannot press the war home. Sibir concludes peace in September of 1693, ceding 250D and Irgiz to the Czar. Russia again goes to war with Sibir in June of 1700, and Sibir again escapes destruction. This war costs Sibir 211D and Orsk.

In March of 1702, Anne rises to be queen of England, and the English score their first major success against Spain. The Spanish are forced to cede Arkansas to Queen Anne in December of 1704. Spain is still at war with a myriad of minor powers and coalitions, but none seem to be able to bring the war to a close. Genoa, Naples, Sardinia, and the Incan Empire go to war with Spain in October of 1701, and Sardinia and Naples build enormous armies, but neither is very active and the war is still raging at the onset of 1705.

France conducts the longest siege on record, as 11,000 Frenchmen try desparately to cause Venice to capitulate over a six year period from 1698-1704. Venice never does fall, but Venice ultimately cedes Crete to France in January of 1704. Hanover foolishly declares war on the Netherlands, however, and Venice is drawn back into another war with France. The Hanseatic League, Hessen, and Savoy also join in; Hansa on the side of Hanover and Venice and the other two on the side of the Dutch.

Bavaria's provinces in Poland are taken over by Rebels during this period, but there is nothing that anyone can do about it. Poland is unable to mount any kind of recovery and allows rebels to take Podlasia, even though 60,000 Polish troops spend most of this period sitting in Courland. August II takes the Polish throne in January of 1697, inheriting a broken kingdom that has not benefitted from the supposed greatness of Jan III.