Austrian GC 1.08

[unmerged(3985)]

Hello, this is my first AAR and when I started my game I was not aware of "AARs" so I have not kept track as closely. Anyway, if there is interest I will continue this AAR with more detail information.


In 1492, Austria did not like its position in Europe. Far too small, far too unimportant, her only worth were the good relationship to spain.
Demanding her place in Europe and history, things had to change.
The king and his closest advisors held counsel and plans were as quickly thrown away as they were made.
Everyone agreed, though, that Venice would be a great addition to the empire. Annexing and integrating Venice would enable Austria to play a major role in Europe, so Venice was marked as one of Austria's primary goals.
Venice was rich and prosperous, but at the same time much too big a target for Austria at the moment, especially since the Austrians maximal recruitable manpower was merely 13.000 men.
So one thing was clear to everyone in the committee: Austria's territory had to grow, and quickly. At best, without a larger territory, Austria was doomed to play a small role in Europe and to be dominated by other powers.
And it had to happen quickly, since two potential aggressors were waiting in the east: Poland-Lithuania and Turkey.
The first target for territorial gain was quickly found: Bohemia.
Many Austrians felt that Bohemia was a part of Austria anyway, and the adjacent borders had created more than one reason to wage war in the past.
Choosing Bohemia presented another challenge, though - it was still without any alliances. This was surely not to be forever, so the situation quickly had to be utilized.
All other decisions regarding Austrias future plans were to be left until Bohemia was completely annexed - except one. It was felt that a strong alliance was needed to keep the eastern and western threats from exploiting Austria's momentary weakness. Finding a strong alliance partner had to be accomplished even before planning the Bohemian war.
Spain of course would be one possible partner, but then again, Spain has had its own alliance, and a strange arrogance could be felt in the monarch when he decided that Austria wont join Spains alliance.
The kings advisors were not concerned with this, since they themselves were not too fond of an alliance with Spain, but for different reasons. Spain was some far away, and would not be of big help if the Poles would attack. It would maybe take some Turkish heat off, but Poland-Lithuania was a different matter. On the other hand, Poland itself was without any Alliance.
An alliance of Austria and Poland would surely keep the turks from attacking. Russia could be completed disregarded, and France had other problems in the west. So the decision was made, diplomatic actions were taken, and by the beginning of summer 1492 Austria created an Alliance with Poland-Lithuania. Invited into the alliance was Hungary, which accepted even though Poland and Hungary were not the best friends at the time.
The next goal now was Bohemia. Everybody agreed that there was no time for big preparations of war. Especially if Bohemia finds out troops were recruited it would look for an alliance-partner which might make the entire bohemian campaign more difficult.
Austria quickly recuited ten thousand infantry which were ready to attack late in 1492, since the Austrian military elite was not fond of sending untrained troops into battle.
So all in all about 50.000 troops were available to conquer Bohemia. It should be a somewhat quick and decisive campaign.
Spring of 1493 Austria declared war on Bohemia. Bohemia was caught unaware by this and no troops at all were opposing Austrian troops when they Sudeten, Bohemia, and Istria. Both Sudeten and Istria were besieged by 15.000 troops, in Bohemia 20.000 troops lay siege to the countries capitol city.
In Erz Bohemia was recruiting new soldiers, and they tried to defeat my army at Sudeten, but to no success.
Sudeten was also the first to fall. After 7 month of siege a successful assault was made. Istria was next after only one other month, and both armies moved on to besiege Erz and Silesia. Bohemia still was besieged and didnt want to fall.
Winter was starting now, so supply lines were secured and, declining several Bohemian peace offers, the next spring was awaited. With spring, new money and personell were available, and another 13.000 infantry were trained. With this additional manpower Bohemia's capitol was assaulted and fell into Austrian hand in summer 1494. Bohemia was now wildly trying to settle the war by giving Sudeten and Istria to Austria, but Austria declined, clearly on the winning track. The fall of Bohemia made more people available to siege Erz and Silesia, and end of 1494 both cities were successfully assaulted. Bohemia was completely annexed by Austria in Winter 1494. (Which gave me quite some Badboy points, but I decided to not first get all other provinces and then annex only one because there is no historic reason to do so).
Austria now was in a much better position, with a maximal manpower of some 32.000 man, and an annual gain of 16.000.
Still, Venice was much too strong, especially with its Alliance partners, and Austria just has had a war, so until a proper opportunity came up (read: venice waging war against somebody else) to attack venice internal reforms were made along with further watching venice and planning on what to do. Also Hungary was worth a thought or two, since it was definately to become a part of Austria (or so it was planned), and bavaria was for its geographical positioning one of Austrias points of attention.
Internally, most of Austria's budget went into researching the miracles of the trade. Second most funds were channeled into land military technology, and some money also was invested in infrastructure. Austria was not putting any monthly money in its treasury but was investing everything it had, also to keep inflation low. Stability was no matter in Austria anyway since even after the war the stability was quickly up to 3 again.
Everything went pretty quiet for about one and a half year when Turkey was declaring war on Venice. The Austrian court was of course highly interested in this event and the Venecian-Turkish war was very closely observed.
Unfortunately, Venice won the war and Turkey paid 250d in indemnities. The Austrian court was bustling with activity, discussions were on a high point concerning wether to attack Venice or not.

 

[nalivayko]

Good aar, traditional approach to Austria, good choice of allies - just keep'em happy, can't wait to see what you do next.

 

[unmerged(3985)]

thanks for the feedback
actually I already have done some more stuff but I havent documented properly and now I am trying to get the pieces together from memory and savegames. I am atm at about 1534 or something in my game...and things went pretty ok. Next chapter will follow very soon, and then from 34 on it will be (much) better documented(and still has to be played)

 

[unmerged(3518)]

I tried Austria once (1.08, regular game, normal/normal) and it went poorly for me from the beginning since I tried to tackle Venice right away. Careful, they have some amazing general (can't remember the name) that can't be beat; you can whittle away at his forces, but I could never beat him (but I could only raised 13,000 troops a year, so that might have had something to do with it). I really just wanted one of Venice's sea ports (the province just to the right of Venice itself) to start things off, but gave up after about 20 years and tried something else. Anyway, I'll be interested in seeing how you make out.

Vimy.

 

[Dunhere]

Nice start. Sure that you are much better now to deal with European matters. The choice of your ally is very good : you turn a potential enemy into a "friend".

Can't wait for the second part.

 

[unmerged(3985)]

OMG!
I have written Istria but it is Moravia. tzzzzzzzzz thats what you get for writing it up late at night...
thanks again for the encouragement, I am currently writing up the next part.

 

[unmerged(3985)]

next part:

The decision was made against a war mainly because there was no casus belli and since Venice won the war there was no real advantage given at the moment. Austria was instead improving its relations to Saxony with plans to vassalize her. But even after 2 years of heavy investment and best relations to Saxony she declined the offer of becoming vassal.
During those two years, Austria stadily lost merchants in Venice and efforts to reinstall them were unsuccessful, even though the Austrian trade level was ranking 3rd in comparison to the other major European countries. The army has been increased to 55.000 infantry all stationed in Austria's capitol province. All monthly income and more was used to improve Austria's technology, most for trade, land military was second and third was infrastructure. Nothing was spent on navy technology or stability, and Austria in fact had a negative monthly income because of a strong dislike of inflation.
It was 1501 and Austria was on an economical decline since the Bohemian war has ended.
In April, 1501, Austria declared war on Venice. It was a decision based more on the urge to do something then out of reasoning. Austria had a momentary advantage since Venice' troops were only lightly. In the capitol province 10.000 troops were stationed. Venice alliance partners were the Hanseatice league, the Mameluks and two other rather unimportant partners.
There was the matter of asking Poland to honor the alliance. Normally this wouldnt be a good move to make, to call for an ally in an attacking war with no casus belli. But since we shared a common border and because of the hanseatic league joining the war on Venice' side the ally was asked to join the war. Also Poland has asked us to join in her war as well that she had during the last years, in which we honored the alliance but did no offensive move because we couldnt reach Polands enemy, Courland. She agreed. We had 55.000 troops and recruited 15.000 in Austria. Soon 15.000 Austrian troops held siege in Mantua and Istria each. Venice itself was entered by the rest, 25.000 troops and fought against Venice 10.000. The battle was lost, about 10.000 Austrian soldiers died with 4.000 casualties on Venice side.
The beaten troop retreated to tyrol and was followed to be quickly beaten again and they were driven out of Tyrol which was besieged by the rest of Venice troops. Our 15.000 men in Austria were a month before completion, Tyrol was besieged by a minor force but in Moravia peasants were revolting. The war started badly, and Venice offered peace demanding all the ducats Austria had left. The offer was turned down.
Then it got really worse. Reports of 35.000 troops spotted in Venice shocked the Austrian military advisors. They must have been brought there by ship(at least that is the only explanation
I have). They went on into Tyrol which was a real worry. Now about 42.000 troops besieged Tyrol. In Austria the new 15.000 troops were merged with the rest of the troops that intially entered Venice capitol, adding up to 29.000.
The moment their morale was up at maximum again the went into Tyrol. It was a hard and expensive battle, it was lost and 15.000 Austrian troops were lost, but the moral of the Venecian invaders was low after this battle and the troops besieging Mantua were ordered to break off the siege and march into Tyrol. The following battle was fought by 14.000 Austrian and 30.000 Venecian troops, but the Austrians were highly motivated and Venice troops exhausted. They were quickly beaten, losing almost 10.000 men and retreated to Venice. The Austrian force of 10.000 troops were joined by the troops surviving the first attack adding up to 24.000. They went on to besieging Mantua. After a month Venice besieged Tyrol again.
This was getting nowhere, so the troops in Mantua were given order to assault the fortress. The battle was successful with high casualties, 7.000 were lost, but Mantua was under Austrian control. Tyrol wouldnt last long, but winter was beginning. During the winter, the sieges of Istria by Austria and Tyrol by Venice kept on.
In spring 1502, the remaining 17.000 troops in Mantua marched into the capitol of Venice and besieged the city, but the commanding officer soon reported that the city was nowhere near falling and seemed to be able to last forever. The yearly income was welcomed to raise 16.000 new troops in Austria. In October Istria was assaulted by the remaining siege force and the reinforcement gathered in Austria. The siege was successful and Venice offered peace contributing Mantua to Austria. She was declined.
In November 1502 Sudeten revolted.
In Spring 1503 reports of 65.000 Polish troops entering Silesia were given to the Austrian monarch, and Venice was offered to give both Istria and Mantua to Austria. The offer was declined. The Polish troops entered Tyrol early in 1503 and won a decisive battle against Venice.
Venice then offered both Mantua and Istria to Austria to end the war and the offer was accepted(which was bad, I should have waited until Venice would have fallen).

After the war, Austria's relations with its immediate neighbors were not too well, stability was at 0 and two revolts were in Silesia and Sudeten. Large amounts of the budget were diverted too stability, and the surviving forces of the war were used to smash the revolts.
The trade influence in Venice were growing again, and even though the total trade value of the Venice CoT was reduced, Austrian revenue was increased. Also Venice capitol was surrounded by now Austrian provinces Istria and Mantua, plus they were cut off from their remaining territory. And Austria finally had a port
It was spring 1503. In 1512 the alliance between Poland and Austria was renewed.
France, England and Spain sometimes clashed, but this was of no interest to Austria. The Turks attacked provinces in the south, and Russia was interested mainly in Sweden and the Golden Horde. Some revolts occured now and then, but nothing dangerous. Noone attacked Poland or Austria, much to the distress of the king since a new leader, von Frunsberg, emerged who was skilled in sieges. But Austria felt another war would not be tolerated, not by its own population nor by the other countries.
The money earned allowed Austria to increase its trade, land and infrastructur levels and raise new troops, and Austria was growing. Venice was on the decline, and it was hope that Venice would start a war out of revenge. Tthere was a problem with Venice, though: As good as it was that Venice was parted, Illyria and Raguse were too far in the east, too near to Turkey. Complete annexation was not an option with those two provinces included.
So Venice would have to wait until Turkey takes a bit of it, or until Hungary was Austrian, either through vassalization or through other means.
The monarch had other plans. He kept looking at the map of europe and kept thinking that Bavaria would really fit nicely into Austria. He ordered that Ansbach would have to be conquered.
The advisors were clearly shocked. The monarch was becoming greedy. Nevertheless, preparations were made. In June 1518, 54.000 troops were in Salzburg, 28.000 in Tyrol and 19.800 in Sudeten. In Ansbach were 10.000 and in Bavaria 26.000.
Just before the declaration of war was to be made against Bavaria, the war was called off. The king was furious when the deadline of his order was not met, but the war, even though it would have most likely been won, wouldnt do Austria good. Its foreign relations were bad. Most other countries disliked Austria, only Saxony, Lorraine, Hungary, Poland and Spain were friendly towards the country. Revolts still popping up at some times, the future efforts of Austria were to raise its technology levels and keep, maintain and upgrade its owned provinces instead of gaining new.
The new order from the king showed his understanding - keep silesia. That was the mission for the next 3 times following as well.
The next 10 years, nothing of interest happened. Some wars between Spain, England and France. The protestant religion came up, but only two provinces, silesia and moravia changed to protestant. No one dared to declare war on Poland or Austria, and we steadily improved on all fields that seemed important to us. Also we improved relations to Bavaria with steady investments.
In 1529 she joined our alliance, and in 1531 she accepted vassalization.
Trade income was quite good, our merchants were on the rise all the time, and in April 1531 we aquired our first monopoly in Flandern. We couldnt keep it long, but gain another one soon afterwards in Flandern. It was lost after a while, only to followed after some time by a new one elsewhere and so on.
The alliance between us and Poland was renewed again in 1532, and we invited Bavaria.
Now its the year 1534, we have about 100.000 soldiers. Our trade level and infrastructure is higher than any other country, and in June 1534 the land technology is also best, shortly before France on second. Spain leads in naval technology and has by far the most troops and overall success.
Relations to Venice are very bad, as well as to France, Scottland, England, Turkey, Sweden, Denmark and the Hanseatic League as well as Brandenburg. But Bavaria is vassal, Lorraine and Saxony just love Austria, we have very good relations with Poland and Spain and an alliance with Poland and Bavaria.
The next goal is to reach a good enough infrastructure to enable governors to fight inflation (which is at 5%) so we can begin earning monthly income as well.
The big question is what to do next. Alot of possibilities, but no casus belli against anyone. We hope we are attacked, but with Poland as an ally its not likely. But we cant leave her as since then she would become a real threat plus the Turk would begin knocking our door.
Something has to be done, Austria has too much potential unused...

 

[unmerged(3985)]

In November 1534 Saxony's alliances have run out and we successfully invited her into the alliance with Poland. She accepted.
After a year of steady diplomatical communication Saxony accepted to be Austrian's vassal in December 1535, even though both of her provences, in spite of the state religion catholic, are protestant.
We steadily build up troops in this year and the years to come, without planning on a war just out of a feeling of the need for security. Especially cavalry since up to 1532 there virtually was none in Austria.
In June 1536 a new breakthrough in infrastructure is done.
The Hungarian-Moldavian alliance ends in August 1540 and Hungary joins our alliance.

In September 1540 the Austrian Monarch Ferdinand I was busy with his favourite past-time, chess, when a messenger brought a extremely important message: Saxony has turned protestant, the vassalization was cancelled. The messenger would later tell his wife the king looked surprised for a second, then smiled broadly, turned to his chess-opponent and said: "Finally".
The official reaction was a tad different. Shocked about this development, the Austrian government was evaluating military steps. Actually just more funds were channelled towards troop recruitment. In April 1541 Austrian declares war on Saxony. The alliance partner honored the alliance, Hessen on Saxony's side, Poland, Hungary and Bavaria on Austria's side.
May 1541 - Sax (18/10/0) Aus (62/8/4) fight in Saxony. Austria lost bitterly with about 20.000 troops lost. After recovering, in October a combined attack with bavarian forces won in Saxony, besieging it with (56/32/125). An immediate assault against (7/0/20) is easily successful.
Anhalt is attacked and besieged by (43/39/95) in November. In December, an assault is successful and Saxony is annexed by Austria.
In February 1542 Hessen is besieged by combined forces of (55/21/93). An assault is battled off.
In July 1542 the city gives up.
In November 1542, Muenster is assaulted but the assault failes. In March 1543, the city falls to an assault. Hessen is not annexed but has to pay heavy indemnities to the winning alliance. In April, Saxony revolts. The retreating forces, lead by Ferdinand, join the battle in Saxony and the peasant manage to kill the Monarch. This is a very sad day for the empire, the monarch dying after a winning campaign on the way back by peasants' hands.
Anhalt and Saxony kept revolting for a time to come and were permanently occupied by Austrian troops to supress any uprising.
In May, 1545, Bavaria could be asked for annexation but the time is not ripe yet, freshly after a war.
In June 1545, a try is made to vassalize Hungary but we are declined.
The army is being build up again after the losses of the last war.
In January 1546 Austria offered annexation to Bavaria and Bavaria accepted. Foreign relations are build up again since they dropped some after the annexation, but the new provence provide a good income.
Poor Government(Event) is the cause for revolts springing up in Saxony, Anhalt and Ansbach.
January 1550 - Jean Calvin (Event)
On October, 23, 1550, von Frundsberg dies.
The next four years were spent trying to supress the revolts in Austria new four territories and raising up the Army again. Europe was very quiet for these four years.
In May, 1554, Anhalt was occupied by (18/0/3), in Saxony (12/3/0) troops were stationed, Bavaria had (19/8/0) troops taking care of restless peasants and in Ansbach (16/7/0) were doing riot preventing.
In October 1554 Austria took an awful gamble and send spies to their ally, Poland-Lithuania but the spies were careful and manage to steal a sea-card which reveals new territory to Austria.
In April, 1557, a disgusting case of corruption was blown wide open, raising inflation extremely for the enxt 12 month.
December 1557 - the Spaniards finally lost control over their northern european territories, the Netherlands emerged to life, only to have virtually everybody declaring war upon them in November 1558.

Austrian foreign politics changed. Venice, primary military target, was now declared a political target. Relations were picked up and Venice got heavy investments from Austria.
January, 1559 15.000 men deserted (Event), which was reason for a dedicated man to prove himself being a leader; Franz-Josef emerged to be our new leader(Event) in January 1560.
February 1562, more heavy investing in Venice.
September 1562. Aheavy plague hits three provinces -Tyrol, Moravia and Presburgs' population is halfed.
Denmark emerged in November 1562, a new Center of Trade in Anghia in January 1563.
Again heavy investments are made in Venice in November 1563.
January 1564 was when Maximilian II was crowned new Austrian king.
The Council of Trent was held in January 1567, allowing Catholic countries to convert to Counter-Reformed Catholicism. Austria was the first country to convert, the moment the council was over. The plan was to attack and annex Thuringen as we now had a CB on them.
But Silesia revolted and the foreign envious countries immediatly declared war on Austria, jumping on the opportunity. Hannover, Brandenburg, the Hanseatic League, Prussia and the Teutonic Order declared war on Austria. This was the first time anyone has declared war on us. Maxmilian II was to be tested immediatly, but the young Monarch had about 230.000 well trained and motivated troops, spread over the country.
The alliance partners were called in to help and honored the alliance once again. It has proven over the years to be a VERY healthy alliance especially for Austria.
Things happened very quickly and the royal books are by far not complete about this war. Too many countries were included.
In February, 1567, Anhalt was attacked and Austrian troops were defeated. In April Hannover and Magdeburg were attacked and besieged by Austrian forces. Silesia had been won back as well. Spain converted to CRC.
In July (45/15/3) Austrian troops defeat (45/20/0) in Brandeburg and besiege the capitol city. 44.000 Men from Bohemia are sent to support the siege. Strangely for a time of war, facilities have improved and we could take higher loans now. But Austria never had taken a loan and would not start now.
Also in July, Magdeburg and Hannover were assaulted. Silesia was besieged by 7.000 Prussian troops. The Bohemian reinforcement was given new orders to march to Silesia.
In August, Hannover was captured. A peace was settled and Hannover paid 250 indemnities to Austria.
In February, 1568, assaults on Magdeburg and Brandenburg were ordered and both were successful. Brandenburg called for peace offering Magdeburg to Austria. We accepted.
The war was as quickly over as it has begun. Only Prussia was left but she had other problems with Poland.
In June 1568 Prussia accepted Peace and paid 250 in indemnities.Austria was at peace again, but with 5 potential revolting provences. In Magdeburg alone (65/15/2) were stationed permanently to supress revolts.
January, 1569 the Papal States turned CRC.
March 1569 a royal Marriage was arranged between Venice and Austria.
September 1569 saw enthusiasm for the Austrian Army(Event), probably caused by the quick and successful last war.
After two years of revolts and battles in Austria's new provinces, in February 1571 Venice alliance with Spain ran out, and she was asked to join ours. She accepted, and two years and several gifts later, Venice became vassal of Austria in February 1573.
January 1574 Holland had a new Center of Trade, and finally, after investing in Hungary from 1492 on, contiously writing letters and giving monetary aid, Hungary agreed, after several unsuccessful tries in the past, to be vassal of Austria.
Industrial Development(Event) produced a fine arts academy in Presburg.
January 1575 Austrian traders were banned in Isfahan by Persia. This was bad; Isfahan had been one of Austrian's best CoT, with about 4 to 5 merchants there most of the time, but there was nothing we could do against Persia.
In 1576 Poland-Lithuania declared war on the Teutonic Order and the Hanseatic League honored their alliance with the Order. We honored our alliance, and the massive troops in Magdeburg split and marched into a completely abandoned Hanseatic Capitol. Mecklenburg was sieged.
In September 1576, after a completely undisturbed siege, Mecklenburg was assaulted and fell. Peace was reached with the enemy alliance and Austria by paying indemnities to Austria. The league was either completely on the bottom or heavily in fights with other nations at this point. No troops were seen at all during the siege.
Bohemia converted to the State religion.
In March 1579 Austria banned all other Nations trade(Event).
In Magdeburg, Saxony, Anhalt and Silesia, the most likely provinces to revolt, 35.000 troops were stationed each to supress rioting.
In December 1580 Franz Josef died in a peasant revolting. Great grief was among the royal court, since the second time a noble and brave leader was killed by the hands of their own public.
In February, 1584, Venice was included in the Austrian empire. Also the possibility to annex Hungary was given, but not tried upon.
The entire fleet was sent to reinforce the new island provinces of Austria which came with Venice, Corfu, Cyprus and Crete. The fleet was stationed at Crete with 40.000 men stationed there as an immediate mean to supress any sieges in case of a succesful riot on any of the other islands, where only 10.000 were stationed. Also some new battleships were planned for the next years to replace the original fleet in Venice in the future.
In 1585 Karl emerged as a leader in Magdeburg.
In April 1587 our wise monarch appointed ministers, improving all his values for ten years to come (Event).
Carniola converted to States religion in 1590. In September 1591, the alliance with Poland and Hungary was once again renewed.
July 1595 was a special date. The first Austrian conquistadore emerged, called von Stark.
May 1597. The Edict of Tolerance changed the state religion back to Catholic.
In April 1598 finally governors were available and three immediatly appointed.
June 1598 the Austrian peasant uprisings that have occured over the entire last years and which have been fought off, sprung over to the entire country - peasant unhappiness(Event).
Finally the rest of the nationalism in Magdeburg faded away and Magdeburg was now reported as safe from revolting. Our 55.000 troops led by von Stark there could be given new orders. The only revolting provinces were the Venecian ones and they were under control. Venice was occupied by 60.000 men, Illyria and Ragus by 30.000 each. Corfu and Cyprus had 10.000 men garrison and 40.000 were on Crete, supported by (30/0/20) fleet at Crete.
The next move will be trying to politcal annex Hungary. First, though, foreign relations will be worked upon. Spain is a very close friend (+200) as is Poland, but Poland wouldnt like us annex Hungary so money has to be safed to calm down Poland after an annexion. Also it will be after the alliance will be renewed.
Russia, Lorraine, Papal States, Tuscanny and Baden also have somewhat good relations to Austria, but most other european countries are not much in favour of Austria. Our enemies are the Turks in the South-East and the Hanseatic league and the rest of the northern countries. Thuringen wont stand forever as well, it has had weak alliances all the time and is one of Austrias worst enemies.
The French are quite territorial in Europe. The Austrian royals havent watched the western european powers well and France now includes Savoy, leaving only Helvetica and Milan between France and Austria.
With Hungary annexed, though, Austria and Poland would be a heavy alliance to struggle with. An Austrian concern are the island properties. Deep in more Turkish waters those would be under heavy pressure in case of a war against Turkey. On the other hand, those can be strong outposts as well, therefore the aim is to keep the island full with soldiers to attack the Turkish belly if war breaks out.
Austria looks very optimistical into the future. The other countries might not like it, but Hungary is to be annexed by Austria. It is believed that Poland would not be annoyed that much that she would break the alliance, and time and money should convince Poland that Austria is not after her and can be trusted in a hundred year lasting alliance. Spain would hopefully not care too much, since first of all France is in between, relations are good as they ever were and Spain really doesnt have any problems in europe anyway. Their main point of concentration is in the new world and maybe the Netherlands.
The only question will be when to annex Hungary, if the realm can then be kept stable, which is a problem since Orthodox provinces would be in the empire as well, and what to do after Hungary is annexed. One could say be prosperous and content, but more than one country has fallen to decadency.
More territorial gain would definately not be advisable, first for foreign relations and second because of inner stability.
First, though, nationalism in prior Venice' provences have to cease or be reduced, then an annexation has to be successful. Given nobody declares war on us or Poland.

 

[unmerged(3985)]

January 1600. The island are given highest importance. Strategically important, and a foothold in the mediterreanean, Austria also takes pride in her seasided provinces. Most importantly, though, it is planned to use the islands as bridgeheads for further expansion, and, when land level 11 is reached, discovering, in the south-eastern direction. Therefore, 41.000 men go from Silesia to Venice, in order to board transports there which are sent from Crete to put as much troops on the three Austrian Islands as possible. Money is saved in order to build up a refinery or a fine arts academy. In June Karl dies.
In July 1601 the troops are on their move to the island, 450 ducats are in the State's treasury.
The alliance between Poland, Hungary and Austria runs out in September and is promptly renewed, with the addition of Baden.
In October, 1602, a shocking message is delivered to the king: Spain has declared war on Poland-Lithuania and we are called in to help. This is very bad news. Spain is by far the biggest european power, and joining in would also ruin the relations to Spain.
Nevertheless, Austria has to honor the alliance. Everything else is just out of quesiton. The positive side is that the fleet that usually is stationed at Crete is just next to Naples at this point, loaded with 26.000 troops. They invade Naples, facing 6.000 Spaniards. The battle is won and Naples is besieged. Corfu, though, revolts.
In November, 8.000 troops are pulled off the siege to besiege Apuli, which is held by 10.000 spanish troops. The revolt in Corfu has been put down.
January, 1603. Tyrol turns protestant, but Austrian leadership cant care right now.
Apuli is attacked and a very hard and close battle is won by Austria in February. In April The fleet is now moving to Corfu for reinforcements, while an assault of Naples is unsuccessful.
Also Russian (spanish alliance partners) and spanish troops are spotted in Austria but just move through.
In July, 19.000 troops are taken from Corfu to Naples, 60.000 wait in Venice and 30.000 in Illyria and Ragus each.
In August, the troops reach Naples and an assault is launched with (15/10/8). The assault is close, but unsuccessful.
10.000 troops from Illyria and 10.000 from Ragus are taken aboard to reinforce the sieges in October.
Spain offers a white peace and nobody even laughs about this. Its now a fixed plan to get Naples and Apuli from Spain, further cementing Austria in the mediteranean.
In November, 1603, Spain attacks Crete, but only with 2.000 troops, which are slaughtered by the cretian garnison of 39.000. Naples falls, and all troops, all in all 40.000, are ordered to Apuli, already besieged by 14.000. The fleet is ordered to Venice.
In December, attrition went high, and a final assault for the year is launched. 52.000 men attack Apuli and are defeated.
January, 1604. Poland accepts peace upon the following terms: Russia pays 250 indemnities and Pskov to Poland. 20.000 men are transported from Venice to Naples and the same number is recruited.
In February, the Spanish did another sorry attack on Corfu, with 4.000 men against 14.000 Austrian troops. The spanish lose the battle and offer a white peace. They are declined.
In March, 1604, the Austrian government has a reason to cheer - the first sea battle of Austria has been won. (20/15/5) Austrian ships versus (9/0/0) spanish ships.
July. Spain gets a bit weary and offer Naples. She is declined, Austria wants Apuli as well.
In August, the 4th assault of Apuli is launched and finally is successful. 25.000 infantrists are moved from Venice to Naples. Austria offers peace to Spain demanding Naples and Apuli and is rejected.
Troops are loaded from Apuli and the fleet is moving to Sicily. It is invaded in February, but because of high attrition and numerous Spanish troops in the adjacent province, an immediate assault is ordered. Styria turns protestant. Spanish troops try to invade Crete and Cyprus several times.
In June, the fleet bringing reinforcements to Sicily is defeated by small spanish fleet. Those spaniards are on the water for some more time than Austria, after all.
The situation is bad, though. High attrition in Sicily makes reinforcements more than necessary, and Spain is not going to accept peace under our terms at the moment.
In September Sicily is about to fall in less than three month, but spanish fleets are guarding the Sicily waters, and invasion troops occasionally try to get Crete.
Another assault is launched. (19/2/0) attack an already worn out city and succeed. Austria immediatly offers peace to Spain demanding Naples and Apuli, which is already under Spanish attack. The spainish alliance accepts under our terms. in September 1605, after three years of war against Spain and Russia.
Relations are again picked up. In July, 1607, von Stark died.

 

[Forster]

Very enjoyable AAR. Keep it going.

 

[unmerged(3985)]

Three years have gone by, and nothing of interest has happened, when a new leader emerged. Field Chief Judge Papenheim was ready for duty in Naples. The king was surprised about this since Naples was Austrian for only three years but was nevertheless very glad about this new leader and anxious to see him in battle.
During the three years, Hungary was often sent letters and monetary aid and in August 1610, an annexation offer was scheduled for January 1611, when the new annual income would enable Austria to calm Poland down which for sure wouldnt like this combination of power to her south.
The offer was declined. The king was outrageous but the advisors managed to calm him down and to just go on trying. Another offer, though, was turned down in June.
In July, the Hanseatic League thought it had found a weak spot in Austria. All troops were stationed in Venice, Illyria and Ragusa, and the League thought Austria could be easily ripped off two or three provinces. They were VERY wrong.
Their declaration of war, together with Hannover, caused hysterical laughs among the Austrian court. 54.000 troops from Venice were ordered to march north, also 22 from Illyria and Ragusa each. To ensure the victory, Austria restricted all other nations penaltyfree from trade(Event).
In August, Magdeburg was besieged by Hanseatic forces. But Sweden calculated it was her time to attack the league while it was bound in fights with Austria and declared war on her as well.
In November, Magdeburg fell to the attackers but this was not alarming for Austria since no troops have been there to fight and the major force was on its way.

Its amazing. History is truly repeating itself. A new Monarch emerges in January to find himself immediatly in a war. Matthias, though, was in a very favourable position. Brandenburg, Kustrin and Magdeburg are all besieged in the very month the new king was crowned.
In February, Brandenburg is assaulted, provinces of the Hanseatic league are flooded with Austrian and Polish troops.
In March, the assault is successful. Brandenburg capitulates to Poland.
In August, Magdeburg is won back. The troops march to Western Pommerania, Kustrin, and Hannover.
September, 1612. Hannover and Western Pommerania are besieged and a white Peace offer is declined.
In November, Poland settles peace with the Hanse, Poland gaining Eastern Pommerania and another province from the Hanse.
In January, 1613, Ragusa revolts, Hannover is captured, not annexed but has to pay 250 to Austria.
Bremen is besieged and 30.000 troops are build in northern Austrian territorities.
May was the month Bremen was assaulted and Brandenburg, now again property of the league, is captured by a successful assault.
In November, Western Pommerania falls and the Hanseatic league accepts peace by giving W. Pommerania and Brandenburg to Austria.
The navy was reformed (Event) in February, 1614. The next year, in January, Wallenstein became a new Autrian Field Chief Judge..
The Papal States were invited into the alliance in June, 1617.
Stock Exchange were created (Event) in February 1618.
1619. Austrian leadership is not an easy task. A new Monarch is crowned, replacing Matthias is Ferdinand the second.
Also, the great step is finally done. Hungary is annexed. Poland did not like it at all. Austria is now truly a european power not to be underestimated.
For the next years to come, Hungarian revolts will spring up like wildfire, only to be beaten down every time.
January, 1620. Time of peace is what we need now. We have a hard time getting it, though. Georgia has declared war on Poland and we really dont need that now - Austria is looking for a quick way out of the war without giving anything away.
20.000 troops led by Wallenstein are on their way from Crete to Georgia immediatly, hoping to catch Georgia by surprise.
In June, Georgia is captured, and in November, Socchi capitulates. Austria and Georgia settle peace, Georgia paying 500 in indemnities in January 1621. In March 1622, Russia annexes Sibir.
By March of 1623, all Major european powers except France and Austria fight at least one war.
Austria has more urge for territory. The Hanseatic league is weak and a perfect target, without alliance partners. A trade embargo is issued against them and 44.000 troops are moved to W. Pommerania, 33 to Anhalt and 37 to Magdeburg.
In October, 1628, our dear king ruined all our plans. He interfered in all kinds of personal things and caused a major crisis in Austria(Event). Stability goes down dramatically and the plans to attack the Hanse are stalled.
The Hanse, on the other hand, joins the English alliance, further destroying our hope of a war against them.
January, 1630. Gallas is our new General in Western Pommerania and Piccolomini emerges in Venice. He is going to fight Hungarian peasants.
September the next year. Austrian ports are bustling with merchants, five new became available(Event).
January, 1633. The damn peasants seem to enjoy being beaten at the start of the new year. Most uprising occur in January.
August, 1634. Wallenstein dies.
December. Religious Turmoil causes Carniola to revolt(Event).
January, 1635. Montecocculi emerges in Venice.
January, 1637. In a comparably long time of peace, Ferdinand the third is crowned Austrian King. Europe is still in war, only Austria seems to keep itself out of fighting, all other major powers are wagin war. Well, Austria has its internal problems, though, stability hasnt recovered yet from our last Monarchs catastrophical actions.
July, 1638. Poland and Georgia settle peace. Poland pays 250 and gives Azow to Georgia.
November. Poland declares war on Russia. Spain, Denmark, the Knights and Parma join. Our alliance joins entirely as well. Austria is in war again, and this time Sicily and Messina will be our prime targets.
In March, 1639, Rhodes is besieged by forces taken from Crete and Cyprus. The mediterranean fleet makes this possible.
In April, troops that came from Venice besiege Modena. Also, 37.000 men lose in Sicily against 3.000 Spaniards. What a shame for Austria.
In May, Rhodes is unsuccessfully assaulted. In June, Messina is besieged, assaulted and captured. The troops move back to Sicily, thirsty for revenge for their lost battle.
Modena also falls and Parma accepts peace, paying 250 to Austria.
In July, a major sea battle is lost near Sicily, disabling the fleet to reinforce the besieging forces.
In August, Sicily falls. 20.000 troops remain and are spread over the island.

What a laugh we had in September. 3.000 spanish troops besiege Saxony.
Austria, on the other hand, assaults and wins Tunesia. We offer Spain peace demanding Sicily and Messina and are turned down. Our fleet prepares to take troops to Tripolitana. Spain offers Tunesia and Sicily in November but is turned down. We dont want a spanish neighbor on our islands!
In January, 1640, facing too much trouble, Spain accepts our terms. Austria gains Sicily and Messina. It appears Spain has not enough interest in the mediteranean and we plan to take that area over part by part. Also Turkey will have to bleed if we get the chance to wage war against them, since we can pressure them from the south and the east.
Rhodes is assaulted in June but resists the attack. It falls in June after the now free fleet takes men from Crete and Cyprus to Rhodes and an assault is launched. Peace is settled and the Knights have to pay 250 to Austria.
The king is very pleased with our current situation. The recent wars have shown Austrias capability to defend itself and to reach quick and good peace by quickly striking out. Austrias maximal manpower is about 140.000 men, the economy is very good, enabling us to increase fleet and army considerably year by year. Our total land force is now up to spanish levels, sometimes even above, and all our territories are one big block, with now four strong garnisoned islands in the mediteranean, which is where Austria wants to grow in the future. Also the Hanse WILL get troubles with us, thats for sure. And should we get a chance at Turkey Austria should be able to rip some good provinces from them as well.
Whatever happens next, the country is well prepared for it. The year is 1640.