Austria, a history...
I had begun a game as Austria (grand campaing). Yet I had not really
decided to write this AAR until now. All I can tell You is that you shall see
plenty of action and lots of bloodshed. This is by far the most violent game I
have played with Europe being at peace at times for only a week. My principal
intentions from the start were to stablish myself as the dominat German power
and stop the Ottoman onslaughth. During the 16th century I limited myself to
developing my country to its full capacity. Vast amounts of money were
invested on land technology, infrastructure, trade, and diplomacy. By the
mid-1500’s almost half of all German states were Austrian vassals, except of
course for the soon to be Protestant states. Yet Austrian dominance over the
Holy Roman Empire was just begining. As all with all men, power leads to
greed. Seeing how succesful my plans were going, I decided that I would not
only make the Archduke of Austria Holy Roman Emperor in name, but also in
fact. There was one minor setback though, Turkey ate up Hungary despite my
best intentions and extensive aid.
*The German Wars*
Bohemia was anexed early in the game thanks to some very large grants
made to their sovereing. Once under our power, the rich provinces of Bohemia
were turned into war factories. The still small Empire had laid the foundations
for its bright future. A war with Saxony was so succesful that the entire
country was annexed and our Generals were so confident that the invasion of
Brandenburg was encouraged. Another quick success. This was due to two
reasons, which are very closely related. Since I expected French opposition I
had built up large reserves for the coming struggles. Yet, France actually let
me have my way in Germany while she occupied herself with North America
and Lothingen. I decided to overlook their assault on a fellow German sate
because in the end I knew I would get it back and for now it could be sacrifised
for the greater glory of the Austrian Empire. Since France would not intervene
in my affairs, all the man-power which I had built up was soon put to better
use. I rampaged through central Germany for about a decade and all the
smaller states simply succumbed to my might one after the other. By 1600
only the northern German states remainedindependent. I was capable of
taking nearly all the provinces of the Holy Roman Empire and put them under
direct Austrian rule, as it should rightfully be.
*Diplomatic Overtures*
Now wealthier than any other nation in Europe, and with great
industries, Austria consentrated on diplomatic take-overs. Koln, Bavaria,
Kleves, and Hanover (the last remaining German states except for Switzerland
who was not only France’s ally, but her vassal) were all Austrian vassals. The
amount of money into the Austrian Empire was somwhat of a mixed blessing;
inflation began to rise. I decided to spend all of the extra cash on research and
the reinforcement of border provinces. As relations declined between my
vassals and the Empire, they were duely subdued one by one until all of
Germany was Austrian. Yet, the Austrian Empire still had some land which
was rightfully thiers, Hungary. A series of wars took place between the Turks
and Austrian with severe consequences for Austria at first. The Turks had
been waiting for an Austrian attack for a long time therfore our forces met
extreme resistance and did not have enough reinforcements. As with the
previous German conflicts, a large reserve of reinfrocements was created to
support the main Imperial Austrian Army under the capable Papenheim (ca.
1615) War was declared and the race was on; who could deliver the biggest
blow faster. Magyar and Pest were the only remaining Hungarian territories,
and they were annexed by Austria. Now, they will serve as the base from
which thier former Hungarian homeland shall be liberated.
*War of the Balkans*
There were three wars against the Turks. In each Austria was victorious
and annexed Transylvania, Carpathia, and two other provinces. There are still
two more provinces to liberate but preparations are being made. Meanwhile
Venice’s center of trade is coveted by Austrian traders and merchants and
achieve a monopoly there. In the North, the COT at Holstein is also a
monopoly of the Austrian Empire. Development was the order of the day till
Poland out of nowhere decided to declare war on the mighty Austriand
Empire. The vastly superior Austrian Imperial Army made sure work of the
Poles. Galicia and Krakow were annexed and an endemity of 250 ducats
demanded. Out of spite, war was declared on Prussia, Poland’s vassal, and was
soon part of the Austrian Empire.
*Diplomatic Isolation*
Due to this vast expansion of territory, all countries in Europe except for
Tuscany and Russia hate us (-200) His Majesty tries to make friends, but not
even our Spanish allies care, they kick us out of the alliance! Enraged, the
Austrian Empire vows revenge, and it shall have it very soon. Grants are given
to England and France, trying to win their aid for the coming war against
Spain and the Pope, her main ally. Untouched by war, the Papal States
became the dominant nation in Italy. Venice concentrated more on trade and
the Balkan region. Yet the Pope was losing popularity because of a long lasting
war against weak Genoa which stood up to him splendidly. With the French
and English as good friends, we decide the time has come to make Spain pay
for the humiliation we suffered at her hands. The Austrian Imperial Army, led
by Papenheim and the Austrian Field Army, led by Gallas await the order to
attack at Tyrol. The order of battle shall be to take Milan and Naples from
Spain and annex the Papal states to show all Europeans who is boss and why
we do not care about their hate; if they cross our path they shall not live long.
War is declared on March of 1625. The English, as smart as they seem to be
during the entire game (large empire in North America, India, and Pacific)
decide the time is right to strike Spain where it hurts the most, the West
Indies. England declares war on Spain three days after the Austrians and her
ally, Sweeden joins England in the fight. Thus the stage is set. Time to show
the world how “tough” the Spanish armies are!
*War of Italy*
Papenheim is ordered to besiege Milan while Gallas is ordered to take
Rome. Both generals succeed in their task and suffer minor losses. Yet, as it
already has become and Austrian rule of war, reinforcements pour into Italy.
Gallas is ordered to march for Naples while Papenheim is charged with the
taking of the remaining Papal territories. After a succesful but bloody siege of
Naples, Gallas is ordered to take Apulia, south of Naples. Papenheim carries
out his orders perfectly, but Gallas’s men are strugling. While besieging Apulia
the Spanish land an expeditionary force in the rocky province and an intence 3
day long battle takes place outside the walls of the provincial capital. The
Austrians are victorious and Apulia is in Austrian hands. for the last two years,
savage battles raged along our border with the Spanish Neatherlands as push
after push by the Spaniards was met with stiff resistance from our defensive
armies. The war ended in August of 1627. By the Treaty of Rome, Austria
annexes the Papal territories, Milan, and Naples, yet asks for no endemities.
The English obtain Jamaica and the province of Campeche, which they soon
name British Honduras. Sweeden takes one of the lesser Antillas and an
endemity of 250 ducats. The prestige of Spain and her military power have
been descimated. Finally the Austrian Empire recieves the recognition it
deserved for so long. It is now the mightiest European nation.
*The Austro-Russian-Danish Alliance*
Seeing that only two countries remained friendly to our nation, Emperor
Ferdinand II decreed that Russia and Denmark should be made our allies and
that we shall nurish this agreement for as long as it suits our desires. In
October of 1627 the alliance is put into effect, and Europe changes drasticly
there after. During peace time our main objectives are to secure our borders,
develop the army, and increase production and income.
Emperor Ferdinand II decides to buy the loyalty of our newest allies and
sends each a generous gift of 100 ducats each on Christmas Day, 1628. War
erupts once more in February of 1628 when Russia declares war on Sweeden.
Seeing that our good friends, the English, are not honoring their alliance, we
join the struggle; best action ever taken by the Empire. We find ourselves at
war with Holland, Sweeden, and Venice. Since we do not have any desires for
expansion in Sweeden we concentrate all our energy on the continent. The
task was simple, hold back the Dutch and take Venice...entirely!
The goals were set and the two main Austrian armies hit Venice so hard
and quickly that they were not even prepared to fight. In the North two large
armies held the border. Luckily, the Dutch did not have a large army at home
and did not attack us. Why didn’t we move into the Dutch Neatherlands you
might as? Because there was no need. A war with the Dutch was pointless,
even more so spilling Austrian blood over a lost case. Our main objective was
Venice and her rich COT and provinces.
*War in the Baltic*
A 10k army is sent to aid the Russians and Danes with the war in the
Baltic. I know it is not alot, but our allies proved to be a disappointment. At
least in our view. They were too feeble and could not hold their ground.
Rather than concentrating forces in order to make quick and efficient progress,
they scattered themselves too thinly and the Sweedes were capable of taking on
each small army one by one and defeating them. Yet a Russian general soon
seemed to realize the error of their ways. Under his comand, all Russian forces
were concentrated at Narva. I deem this a good choice hence it would open
the Russians to the Baltic Sea and the Sweedes would take a long time to get
there. It is also widely rumored that the great Sweedish Monarch and General
Gustavus II Adolphus is “taking a vacation in his newest Caribbean Island.” I
guess because the war against Spain ended so abruptley the Sweedes were not
able to get their king back home fast enough.
In other news, the English have landed an expeditionary force in
Flanders. Apparently the Spaniards wanted revenge and declared war on
England with her new and “unlikely allies” Turkey!?!, Algiers!?!, Crimea !?!,
and Parma. Yet the English rule the seas and have the perfect alliance to
counter the Spaniards. Persia, Morrocko, and the Neatherlands. I would talk
more about the interesting events taking place around the world, but there is
one thing more important than that to Austria at this time, Venice.
*War in Venice*
Papenheim lays siege to Mantua and Gallas is order into Illyria. I forgot
to mention that in a war early in the game I had taken Istrya from Venice and
had built up a sizable fleet. Both Generals suffer horrendous casualties but the
war goes on, there shall be no peace until there is no Venice. Pappenheim is
ordered to march to Venice and await for reinforcements while Gallas is joined
at Ragusa by fresh troops. The Venetians land a large force in Venice
(aparently they were already at war with Turkey and were doing a fine job at it
too) and a battle is fought right on the shores of the channel separating the
great city from the rest of Europe. Pappenheim is victorious but
reinforcements are badly needed. In July the Austrian Imperial Army marches
in front of the Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s Cathedral. Gallas has taken
Ragusa and is ordered to take the two island provinces of Crete and Corfu.
Half of Gallas’s Austrian Field Army force is lost. The sieges of these two
provinces were brutal. The general had to resolve to storming their fortresses
or else his men would just die of desiase. Crete took a week to surrender at a
cost of 10k Austrians!!! In November of 1629 the Treaty of Venice is signed
thereby awarding all of the Venetian territories to Austria...at a heavy and
bloody price. Russia and Denmark settle for endemities from the Sweedish
Monarchy.
*Peace in a week, war in a month!*
Not quite so dramatic, but it gives a crude impression of what was about
two take place. For centuries Russia had been at odds with Poland. The
Russian Tzar was simply waiting for the right time to strike, and then it
happened. Just as Poland resign from her alliance to France, Russia declared
war in February of 1630. Initially our battle plan was to take the Polish port of
Danzing and its COT and the rich province of Podlasia. The Austrian
Imperial Army was charged with taking Danzing, then turn south and aid in
the taking of Warsaw in order to make peace soon. The Austrian Field Army
was charged with the taking of Podlasia and the elimination of all Polish
resistance close to our objectives.
*Polish Partition*
At first our goals are limited. We did not want to get into another long
war since all of our reinforcements were still on the move from the Venetian
campaing. Yet Russian lack of initiative changed our plans. The Danes
helped the Russians and destroyed the Polish navy, but that was all for them.
All goes according to plan. Our armies were just overwhelming to the
Polish and our lightning war created confusion amongst their highest ranks.
Yet our great succes was met with disappointment. The Russians could not
even decide on a target. Again they were spread out two thinly. Emperor
Ferdinand II sent new orders out.
“In light of the failure of our Russians allies to conduct a productive and
quick war, I have hereby decreed that the Austrian Imperial Army and the
Austrian Field Army should follow these orders:
-Return to Austrian territory for the coming winter after taking all
Polish territory west of Smolensk.
-On the 1st of March of 1631 we shall proceed with the entire conquest
of Poland.
-The Austrian Imperial Army, comanded by Field Marshall Papenheim
shall conduct the Norther Campaign. Herego taking all provinces to
the North of Smolensk.
-The Austrian Field Army, comande by General Gallas shall conduct
the Southern Campaing. Herego taking all provinces to the South of
Smolensk.
-This plan must be carried out before next winter and should therfore
be planned and excecuted to perfection.
-Both armies shall deliver the death blow at Smolensk.
If the Russians manage to take any land, we shall allow them to keep it, though
it seems highly unlikely. May God guide us in our enterprise.”
Ferdinand II,
Archduke of Austria and Holy Roman Emperor
Thus a new battle plan was drawn. Frantic raising of reinforcements
took place in the border provinces. As the winter went own the Russians
actually fought better. They managed to take Kursk and were poised for a
victory at Tula. During the winter a tactical question arises in the Austrian
Court. Should we take Poland’s vassal Kurland to make the Northern
Campaing an easier task to carry out? In February 1630 the ordered came to
annex Kurland which Papenheim did brilliantly. In March all was ready and
the finely timed and thought out the destruction of Poland as a nation.
Thankfuly the Poles didn’t have many strong forts so it was easier for our
artillery to take the walls down and move on to the next target. Here is how it
went....watch how it resembles an avalanche
-March,
The Austrian war machine is set in motion.
-April,
Papenheim takes Pololsk
Gallas takes the Ukraine
-May,
Papenheim takes Weliki
Gallas takes Chernigov
-June,
Papenheim takes Smolensk(Russians forced a change in plans)
Gallas takes Belgorod
Papenheim take Mozyr
-July,
Gallas takes Poltova
Papenheim takes Belarus
Russians take Tula
-August,
Gallas takes Donetsk
Gallas takes Krementjug
Poland is no more
Just like that...I was amazed at how well it went. By sending smaller
armies into the target provinces we were able to break down the walls and pick
up reinforcements faster as we went along. It was truly amazing. by far less
bloody than the Venetian campaing and much faster (Venice took about 2
years to crumble). On the 1st of September of 1631 the Treaty of Warsaw was
signed. By this documents, all territories gainded by Russia and Austria shall
go to their new masters and Denmark shall be paid a grand of 250 ducats by
the Asutrians for their aid in the war and as a consolation for not obtaining new
territory.
I stopped to write this AAR right about there. The English are literaly
b*t*h slapping the Spanish and the Turks are getting their butt kicked by the
Persians. Franca has been extremly quiet though and I fear that. I once saw
an 85k army marching past our shared border. They do have a sizable empire
in North America, Africa, Idia and Indochina. Their Paris COT is very
lucrative and they have a monopoly over it so I should not be surprised is they
soon ask for a fight. It will be a gigantic struggle. But I want to fight it alone
with them no other foreingers and see how good Louis XIV really is. I am
looking forward to that. I want to keep the peace for as long as possible. So
that I may develop my military, built forts, better the economy, and get ready
for the fight of a lifetime. This shall be the final test for the Austrian Empire.
If France can not take us down, then no one will.
I hope You enjoyed this AAR and I will do my best to write the
following events a.s.a.p! There are many intriguing questions I want to
answer. By the way, I am playing with the hardest settings and have not
reloded. Only saved when I had to go to bed and picked up right where I left
of. Hope to read your comments soon. I have screenshots but I really don’t
know how to put them together with this and I no longer have a website so
that does not help one bit.
I had begun a game as Austria (grand campaing). Yet I had not really
decided to write this AAR until now. All I can tell You is that you shall see
plenty of action and lots of bloodshed. This is by far the most violent game I
have played with Europe being at peace at times for only a week. My principal
intentions from the start were to stablish myself as the dominat German power
and stop the Ottoman onslaughth. During the 16th century I limited myself to
developing my country to its full capacity. Vast amounts of money were
invested on land technology, infrastructure, trade, and diplomacy. By the
mid-1500’s almost half of all German states were Austrian vassals, except of
course for the soon to be Protestant states. Yet Austrian dominance over the
Holy Roman Empire was just begining. As all with all men, power leads to
greed. Seeing how succesful my plans were going, I decided that I would not
only make the Archduke of Austria Holy Roman Emperor in name, but also in
fact. There was one minor setback though, Turkey ate up Hungary despite my
best intentions and extensive aid.
*The German Wars*
Bohemia was anexed early in the game thanks to some very large grants
made to their sovereing. Once under our power, the rich provinces of Bohemia
were turned into war factories. The still small Empire had laid the foundations
for its bright future. A war with Saxony was so succesful that the entire
country was annexed and our Generals were so confident that the invasion of
Brandenburg was encouraged. Another quick success. This was due to two
reasons, which are very closely related. Since I expected French opposition I
had built up large reserves for the coming struggles. Yet, France actually let
me have my way in Germany while she occupied herself with North America
and Lothingen. I decided to overlook their assault on a fellow German sate
because in the end I knew I would get it back and for now it could be sacrifised
for the greater glory of the Austrian Empire. Since France would not intervene
in my affairs, all the man-power which I had built up was soon put to better
use. I rampaged through central Germany for about a decade and all the
smaller states simply succumbed to my might one after the other. By 1600
only the northern German states remainedindependent. I was capable of
taking nearly all the provinces of the Holy Roman Empire and put them under
direct Austrian rule, as it should rightfully be.
*Diplomatic Overtures*
Now wealthier than any other nation in Europe, and with great
industries, Austria consentrated on diplomatic take-overs. Koln, Bavaria,
Kleves, and Hanover (the last remaining German states except for Switzerland
who was not only France’s ally, but her vassal) were all Austrian vassals. The
amount of money into the Austrian Empire was somwhat of a mixed blessing;
inflation began to rise. I decided to spend all of the extra cash on research and
the reinforcement of border provinces. As relations declined between my
vassals and the Empire, they were duely subdued one by one until all of
Germany was Austrian. Yet, the Austrian Empire still had some land which
was rightfully thiers, Hungary. A series of wars took place between the Turks
and Austrian with severe consequences for Austria at first. The Turks had
been waiting for an Austrian attack for a long time therfore our forces met
extreme resistance and did not have enough reinforcements. As with the
previous German conflicts, a large reserve of reinfrocements was created to
support the main Imperial Austrian Army under the capable Papenheim (ca.
1615) War was declared and the race was on; who could deliver the biggest
blow faster. Magyar and Pest were the only remaining Hungarian territories,
and they were annexed by Austria. Now, they will serve as the base from
which thier former Hungarian homeland shall be liberated.
*War of the Balkans*
There were three wars against the Turks. In each Austria was victorious
and annexed Transylvania, Carpathia, and two other provinces. There are still
two more provinces to liberate but preparations are being made. Meanwhile
Venice’s center of trade is coveted by Austrian traders and merchants and
achieve a monopoly there. In the North, the COT at Holstein is also a
monopoly of the Austrian Empire. Development was the order of the day till
Poland out of nowhere decided to declare war on the mighty Austriand
Empire. The vastly superior Austrian Imperial Army made sure work of the
Poles. Galicia and Krakow were annexed and an endemity of 250 ducats
demanded. Out of spite, war was declared on Prussia, Poland’s vassal, and was
soon part of the Austrian Empire.
*Diplomatic Isolation*
Due to this vast expansion of territory, all countries in Europe except for
Tuscany and Russia hate us (-200) His Majesty tries to make friends, but not
even our Spanish allies care, they kick us out of the alliance! Enraged, the
Austrian Empire vows revenge, and it shall have it very soon. Grants are given
to England and France, trying to win their aid for the coming war against
Spain and the Pope, her main ally. Untouched by war, the Papal States
became the dominant nation in Italy. Venice concentrated more on trade and
the Balkan region. Yet the Pope was losing popularity because of a long lasting
war against weak Genoa which stood up to him splendidly. With the French
and English as good friends, we decide the time has come to make Spain pay
for the humiliation we suffered at her hands. The Austrian Imperial Army, led
by Papenheim and the Austrian Field Army, led by Gallas await the order to
attack at Tyrol. The order of battle shall be to take Milan and Naples from
Spain and annex the Papal states to show all Europeans who is boss and why
we do not care about their hate; if they cross our path they shall not live long.
War is declared on March of 1625. The English, as smart as they seem to be
during the entire game (large empire in North America, India, and Pacific)
decide the time is right to strike Spain where it hurts the most, the West
Indies. England declares war on Spain three days after the Austrians and her
ally, Sweeden joins England in the fight. Thus the stage is set. Time to show
the world how “tough” the Spanish armies are!
*War of Italy*
Papenheim is ordered to besiege Milan while Gallas is ordered to take
Rome. Both generals succeed in their task and suffer minor losses. Yet, as it
already has become and Austrian rule of war, reinforcements pour into Italy.
Gallas is ordered to march for Naples while Papenheim is charged with the
taking of the remaining Papal territories. After a succesful but bloody siege of
Naples, Gallas is ordered to take Apulia, south of Naples. Papenheim carries
out his orders perfectly, but Gallas’s men are strugling. While besieging Apulia
the Spanish land an expeditionary force in the rocky province and an intence 3
day long battle takes place outside the walls of the provincial capital. The
Austrians are victorious and Apulia is in Austrian hands. for the last two years,
savage battles raged along our border with the Spanish Neatherlands as push
after push by the Spaniards was met with stiff resistance from our defensive
armies. The war ended in August of 1627. By the Treaty of Rome, Austria
annexes the Papal territories, Milan, and Naples, yet asks for no endemities.
The English obtain Jamaica and the province of Campeche, which they soon
name British Honduras. Sweeden takes one of the lesser Antillas and an
endemity of 250 ducats. The prestige of Spain and her military power have
been descimated. Finally the Austrian Empire recieves the recognition it
deserved for so long. It is now the mightiest European nation.
*The Austro-Russian-Danish Alliance*
Seeing that only two countries remained friendly to our nation, Emperor
Ferdinand II decreed that Russia and Denmark should be made our allies and
that we shall nurish this agreement for as long as it suits our desires. In
October of 1627 the alliance is put into effect, and Europe changes drasticly
there after. During peace time our main objectives are to secure our borders,
develop the army, and increase production and income.
Emperor Ferdinand II decides to buy the loyalty of our newest allies and
sends each a generous gift of 100 ducats each on Christmas Day, 1628. War
erupts once more in February of 1628 when Russia declares war on Sweeden.
Seeing that our good friends, the English, are not honoring their alliance, we
join the struggle; best action ever taken by the Empire. We find ourselves at
war with Holland, Sweeden, and Venice. Since we do not have any desires for
expansion in Sweeden we concentrate all our energy on the continent. The
task was simple, hold back the Dutch and take Venice...entirely!
The goals were set and the two main Austrian armies hit Venice so hard
and quickly that they were not even prepared to fight. In the North two large
armies held the border. Luckily, the Dutch did not have a large army at home
and did not attack us. Why didn’t we move into the Dutch Neatherlands you
might as? Because there was no need. A war with the Dutch was pointless,
even more so spilling Austrian blood over a lost case. Our main objective was
Venice and her rich COT and provinces.
*War in the Baltic*
A 10k army is sent to aid the Russians and Danes with the war in the
Baltic. I know it is not alot, but our allies proved to be a disappointment. At
least in our view. They were too feeble and could not hold their ground.
Rather than concentrating forces in order to make quick and efficient progress,
they scattered themselves too thinly and the Sweedes were capable of taking on
each small army one by one and defeating them. Yet a Russian general soon
seemed to realize the error of their ways. Under his comand, all Russian forces
were concentrated at Narva. I deem this a good choice hence it would open
the Russians to the Baltic Sea and the Sweedes would take a long time to get
there. It is also widely rumored that the great Sweedish Monarch and General
Gustavus II Adolphus is “taking a vacation in his newest Caribbean Island.” I
guess because the war against Spain ended so abruptley the Sweedes were not
able to get their king back home fast enough.
In other news, the English have landed an expeditionary force in
Flanders. Apparently the Spaniards wanted revenge and declared war on
England with her new and “unlikely allies” Turkey!?!, Algiers!?!, Crimea !?!,
and Parma. Yet the English rule the seas and have the perfect alliance to
counter the Spaniards. Persia, Morrocko, and the Neatherlands. I would talk
more about the interesting events taking place around the world, but there is
one thing more important than that to Austria at this time, Venice.
*War in Venice*
Papenheim lays siege to Mantua and Gallas is order into Illyria. I forgot
to mention that in a war early in the game I had taken Istrya from Venice and
had built up a sizable fleet. Both Generals suffer horrendous casualties but the
war goes on, there shall be no peace until there is no Venice. Pappenheim is
ordered to march to Venice and await for reinforcements while Gallas is joined
at Ragusa by fresh troops. The Venetians land a large force in Venice
(aparently they were already at war with Turkey and were doing a fine job at it
too) and a battle is fought right on the shores of the channel separating the
great city from the rest of Europe. Pappenheim is victorious but
reinforcements are badly needed. In July the Austrian Imperial Army marches
in front of the Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s Cathedral. Gallas has taken
Ragusa and is ordered to take the two island provinces of Crete and Corfu.
Half of Gallas’s Austrian Field Army force is lost. The sieges of these two
provinces were brutal. The general had to resolve to storming their fortresses
or else his men would just die of desiase. Crete took a week to surrender at a
cost of 10k Austrians!!! In November of 1629 the Treaty of Venice is signed
thereby awarding all of the Venetian territories to Austria...at a heavy and
bloody price. Russia and Denmark settle for endemities from the Sweedish
Monarchy.
*Peace in a week, war in a month!*
Not quite so dramatic, but it gives a crude impression of what was about
two take place. For centuries Russia had been at odds with Poland. The
Russian Tzar was simply waiting for the right time to strike, and then it
happened. Just as Poland resign from her alliance to France, Russia declared
war in February of 1630. Initially our battle plan was to take the Polish port of
Danzing and its COT and the rich province of Podlasia. The Austrian
Imperial Army was charged with taking Danzing, then turn south and aid in
the taking of Warsaw in order to make peace soon. The Austrian Field Army
was charged with the taking of Podlasia and the elimination of all Polish
resistance close to our objectives.
*Polish Partition*
At first our goals are limited. We did not want to get into another long
war since all of our reinforcements were still on the move from the Venetian
campaing. Yet Russian lack of initiative changed our plans. The Danes
helped the Russians and destroyed the Polish navy, but that was all for them.
All goes according to plan. Our armies were just overwhelming to the
Polish and our lightning war created confusion amongst their highest ranks.
Yet our great succes was met with disappointment. The Russians could not
even decide on a target. Again they were spread out two thinly. Emperor
Ferdinand II sent new orders out.
“In light of the failure of our Russians allies to conduct a productive and
quick war, I have hereby decreed that the Austrian Imperial Army and the
Austrian Field Army should follow these orders:
-Return to Austrian territory for the coming winter after taking all
Polish territory west of Smolensk.
-On the 1st of March of 1631 we shall proceed with the entire conquest
of Poland.
-The Austrian Imperial Army, comanded by Field Marshall Papenheim
shall conduct the Norther Campaign. Herego taking all provinces to
the North of Smolensk.
-The Austrian Field Army, comande by General Gallas shall conduct
the Southern Campaing. Herego taking all provinces to the South of
Smolensk.
-This plan must be carried out before next winter and should therfore
be planned and excecuted to perfection.
-Both armies shall deliver the death blow at Smolensk.
If the Russians manage to take any land, we shall allow them to keep it, though
it seems highly unlikely. May God guide us in our enterprise.”
Ferdinand II,
Archduke of Austria and Holy Roman Emperor
Thus a new battle plan was drawn. Frantic raising of reinforcements
took place in the border provinces. As the winter went own the Russians
actually fought better. They managed to take Kursk and were poised for a
victory at Tula. During the winter a tactical question arises in the Austrian
Court. Should we take Poland’s vassal Kurland to make the Northern
Campaing an easier task to carry out? In February 1630 the ordered came to
annex Kurland which Papenheim did brilliantly. In March all was ready and
the finely timed and thought out the destruction of Poland as a nation.
Thankfuly the Poles didn’t have many strong forts so it was easier for our
artillery to take the walls down and move on to the next target. Here is how it
went....watch how it resembles an avalanche
-March,
The Austrian war machine is set in motion.
-April,
Papenheim takes Pololsk
Gallas takes the Ukraine
-May,
Papenheim takes Weliki
Gallas takes Chernigov
-June,
Papenheim takes Smolensk(Russians forced a change in plans)
Gallas takes Belgorod
Papenheim take Mozyr
-July,
Gallas takes Poltova
Papenheim takes Belarus
Russians take Tula
-August,
Gallas takes Donetsk
Gallas takes Krementjug
Poland is no more
Just like that...I was amazed at how well it went. By sending smaller
armies into the target provinces we were able to break down the walls and pick
up reinforcements faster as we went along. It was truly amazing. by far less
bloody than the Venetian campaing and much faster (Venice took about 2
years to crumble). On the 1st of September of 1631 the Treaty of Warsaw was
signed. By this documents, all territories gainded by Russia and Austria shall
go to their new masters and Denmark shall be paid a grand of 250 ducats by
the Asutrians for their aid in the war and as a consolation for not obtaining new
territory.
I stopped to write this AAR right about there. The English are literaly
b*t*h slapping the Spanish and the Turks are getting their butt kicked by the
Persians. Franca has been extremly quiet though and I fear that. I once saw
an 85k army marching past our shared border. They do have a sizable empire
in North America, Africa, Idia and Indochina. Their Paris COT is very
lucrative and they have a monopoly over it so I should not be surprised is they
soon ask for a fight. It will be a gigantic struggle. But I want to fight it alone
with them no other foreingers and see how good Louis XIV really is. I am
looking forward to that. I want to keep the peace for as long as possible. So
that I may develop my military, built forts, better the economy, and get ready
for the fight of a lifetime. This shall be the final test for the Austrian Empire.
If France can not take us down, then no one will.
I hope You enjoyed this AAR and I will do my best to write the
following events a.s.a.p! There are many intriguing questions I want to
answer. By the way, I am playing with the hardest settings and have not
reloded. Only saved when I had to go to bed and picked up right where I left
of. Hope to read your comments soon. I have screenshots but I really don’t
know how to put them together with this and I no longer have a website so
that does not help one bit.
