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Well done Peter! Making a vassal of England was quite a surprise. But there is still Skane to take care of. For the honor of Denmark.
Joe
Joe
Yes! England finally gets what it deserves! They were a major pain in the ass during my reign, constantly declaring war on me even though I made them pay for it each time.
So whoever's up last, be sure to diploannex them before the end of the game!
So whoever's up last, be sure to diploannex them before the end of the game!
Ugh, I was just getting over my nightmares of giant purple blobs covering the entire known world. And now I have to worry about some ugly orange blob!
Seriously though, nice job Peter, on the writing and the subjugation of England!
Seriously though, nice job Peter, on the writing and the subjugation of England!
Originally posted by Lt. Tyler
Ugh, I was just getting over my nightmares of giant purple blobs covering the entire known world. And now I have to worry about some ugly orange blob!
Come on! I've only got 20 years and I'm playing peacefully* for a change.
*Relatively speaking.
Frederik V
Copenhagen, January 3rd, 1766
Do you ever wonder about the righteousness of your actions, Christian? Of late I have taken to examine my motivations, and I am ambivalent. Too often, it seems to me, I acted in haste and out of greed. Not personal greed, you must understand, but that kingly greed that feeds on ambition and devours countries. The desire to do what is best for your country and the generations to come coupled with the ambition to be remembered, if not with love and adoration of your subjects and their sones, then at the very least, with abject fear by the scions of your enemies. It is the dream of greatness writ large on the stage of life, the dream of a man shouting in a voice heard for generations to come: I lived and I mattered! Many philosophers would argue that it is a vain and petty reason to wager the lives of multitudes, and who am I to say they are ultimately wrong?
Consider the victorious Danish armies as they depart England. What are the dreams of the common soldiers? Probably not dying in Poland for the Prussian cause, yet that will be the fate of too many of our brave soldiers. Do you see the ghosts, Christian? Today as I held audience, it seemed me that my dead soldiers came to bid goodbye to their old commander, or, perhaps, to bid me welcome. Entering through the massive door they filed in and knelt in their ranks with the standards of regiments lost or still in use fluttering above them. And after paying me homage, one group would leave and another would take its place. And there were so many of them, Christian, so very many. I recently had the general staff conduct a thorough examination of my campaigns to be used to teach the future generations of students at the academy, and do you know what, Christian? They calculated that Denmark lost a grand total of 770,000 infantrymen and 203,000 cavalrymen during my two decades in power. Now these figures include the usual desertions and death due to dysentery, illness, bad weather, and plain bad luck, but still. One million men of many nationalities lost in the Danish cause. And what of my enemies? A multitude fell before the might of the Danish armies and none knows their numbers but God. Will he condemn me, Christian? The priests assure me that he will not, yet sometimes I doubt it. But then I think of the American colonies, and I am comforted slightly. What began as an act of expediency became the focus of a holy task, that I hope you will finish after my death.
It was in 1750 as I sent the Danish armies into Poland that I realised that the Danish army, though of unprecented size and quality, wasn't large enough to satisfy my ambition. Yet it already cost 13% of the budget to maintain it. The enlargement I had in mind, unseen in Europe since imperial times, would severely strain the economy, and I realised that I would have to seek other areas of revenue now, to avoid problems later on. Already the Danish merchants were monopolising the trade from India, but the competition in Europe was fierce. So while I continued my broad support for the merchant marine, I had to look elsewhere for a steady stream of revenue.
And my eyes fell on the nation of the Aztecs, cruel and barbarous natives of Central America. Here it seemed to me, was a prize ripe for the plucking. The Spanish had tried to do so for centuries, but failed, yet had I not conquered England? Knudtzon was ordered west with generals Trolle and Rantzau (of minor branches of those great houses) and 68,000 men in February 1751, while the bulk of the Danish armies were occupied in Poland.
Supported by fresh colonial troops raised in Biloxi and Mobile, they managed to conquer the Aztec nation in half a year, but the losses were terrifying, as two thirds of their men succombed to the climate, and Rantzau as well. To each survivor I gave a bonus in the name of Denmark of a years wages and the option to settle in the now conquered lands upon retirement with a generous land grant, yet even that is perhaps too little reward for their sacrifice.
And this is when it struck me that I had overnight acquired several hundred thousand pagans as subjects. Subjects, mind you, not slaves. And if I were to remain true to my ideals, that would have to mean subjects in truth, and not servants, or second class subjects, but free people under the crown of Denmark with all the rights and duties that follow.
And I did something that I have done, perhaps, too seldom. I knelt before God, and I prayed for advice. It has always struck me as arrogant to demand answers of God, as if he is accountable to man, and not man to him, yet in this case, I felt the need for divine guidance. Not just on behalf of my soul, but on behalf of the soul of the country. What I expected? I can't rightfully say, now.
But I felt as if I left my body behind and was taken in spirit on high, and looking down I saw a field of battle. And on the field, I saw the king of the Danes in battle against heathens, and the battle was uncertain. It was a cruder age, yet battle remains the same, as does death. And as I saw the lines wavering, I saw a flag fall from the Heavens above, and it was red with a white cross, and the king and his men took heart, and they won the battle, utterly defeating the heathens. And after the battle I saw the king as he pronounced this flag the flag of the Danes, the Dannebrog, and under this flag he led the Danes to many victories. I knew him well, of course, from history. He was Valdemar II Sejr, and the battle was the battle of Lyndanisse in 1219. And I knew what followed. Estonia was converted to Christianity and civilised, and later on sold to the sword brothers, but even today the largest town of Estonia is Tallinn, meaning the Danish city.
I believed then, that I knew the mind of God, and I funded missionary activity in the Aztec provinces at great cost. Now, fourteen years later, half remain unconverted, and it will be up to you, Christian, to finish my work.
And I knew more, and I felt a great calmness in my soul, knowing that God supported my actions. As the Polish war ended with only Prussian territorial gains, I continued the buildup of the Danish armies and the enlargement of the navy. I watched with some apprehension as Russia conquered seven Polish provinces, but Russia will be your problem, I fear, not mine.
Finally, in 1756, after years of careful preparation, I was ready. Relations with all the Danish allies were perfect, and everything was in place when I sent the declaration of war to the French on March 20th, 1756. As Kleves, Pommern, Prussia, and Sweden joined the fight on the Danish side, so too did Genoa, Georgia, Scotland, Spain, and Russia join France. The battles to come would ravage most of Western Europe and a fair bit of Eastern Europe as well, but in the end, though I failed in my secondary objective, Denmark paid back France tenfold for injustices real and perceived, and I was acknowledged second to none of the kings of Europe.
The Unleashing of the Danish Army
The plan of attack was simple, though long in the orchestrating. Land sufficient troops to disrupt French supply and recruitment in the west, while overrunning the French armies in Alsace and Lorraine, bypassing the mighty fortress of Lorraine, and step by step work our way further into France, while the western forces and the navy blocked off the French allies. Kleves was to help in the assault on Northern France. Skåne would be taken by Denmark. In the British Isles, a Danish army was camped in Northumberland, ready to conquer the Scots. In the East, Sweden and Prussia with Danish aid were to cut their way into Russia. In the Americas, the Central American armies, now up to strength again, were to punch south through the Spanish possessions in an attempt to deliver a knockout to Spain early. Surely they would accept peace once I held their most valuable American possessions, I thought.
It has been said that no battle plan survives contact with the enemy, and though trite, I must admit to a deeply seated belief in the saying. Certainly this war did not provide the exception to the rule.
The Invasion of France
Hah! I feel De Rohan looking on me disapprovingly from beyond. He was a good general for France and caused me grievious losses and my greatest defeat, but in the end he, too, like so many other brilliant French leaders, was lost in the struggle. Does he hate me for cutting short his life? Or does he secretly admire my success, yet lament the state of France? Or is he perhaps not there at all, this being but a ruse of the Adversary? In that case, old devil, avaunt! I remain a King of Denmark still.
Copenhagen, January 3rd, 1766
Do you ever wonder about the righteousness of your actions, Christian? Of late I have taken to examine my motivations, and I am ambivalent. Too often, it seems to me, I acted in haste and out of greed. Not personal greed, you must understand, but that kingly greed that feeds on ambition and devours countries. The desire to do what is best for your country and the generations to come coupled with the ambition to be remembered, if not with love and adoration of your subjects and their sones, then at the very least, with abject fear by the scions of your enemies. It is the dream of greatness writ large on the stage of life, the dream of a man shouting in a voice heard for generations to come: I lived and I mattered! Many philosophers would argue that it is a vain and petty reason to wager the lives of multitudes, and who am I to say they are ultimately wrong?
Consider the victorious Danish armies as they depart England. What are the dreams of the common soldiers? Probably not dying in Poland for the Prussian cause, yet that will be the fate of too many of our brave soldiers. Do you see the ghosts, Christian? Today as I held audience, it seemed me that my dead soldiers came to bid goodbye to their old commander, or, perhaps, to bid me welcome. Entering through the massive door they filed in and knelt in their ranks with the standards of regiments lost or still in use fluttering above them. And after paying me homage, one group would leave and another would take its place. And there were so many of them, Christian, so very many. I recently had the general staff conduct a thorough examination of my campaigns to be used to teach the future generations of students at the academy, and do you know what, Christian? They calculated that Denmark lost a grand total of 770,000 infantrymen and 203,000 cavalrymen during my two decades in power. Now these figures include the usual desertions and death due to dysentery, illness, bad weather, and plain bad luck, but still. One million men of many nationalities lost in the Danish cause. And what of my enemies? A multitude fell before the might of the Danish armies and none knows their numbers but God. Will he condemn me, Christian? The priests assure me that he will not, yet sometimes I doubt it. But then I think of the American colonies, and I am comforted slightly. What began as an act of expediency became the focus of a holy task, that I hope you will finish after my death.
It was in 1750 as I sent the Danish armies into Poland that I realised that the Danish army, though of unprecented size and quality, wasn't large enough to satisfy my ambition. Yet it already cost 13% of the budget to maintain it. The enlargement I had in mind, unseen in Europe since imperial times, would severely strain the economy, and I realised that I would have to seek other areas of revenue now, to avoid problems later on. Already the Danish merchants were monopolising the trade from India, but the competition in Europe was fierce. So while I continued my broad support for the merchant marine, I had to look elsewhere for a steady stream of revenue.
And my eyes fell on the nation of the Aztecs, cruel and barbarous natives of Central America. Here it seemed to me, was a prize ripe for the plucking. The Spanish had tried to do so for centuries, but failed, yet had I not conquered England? Knudtzon was ordered west with generals Trolle and Rantzau (of minor branches of those great houses) and 68,000 men in February 1751, while the bulk of the Danish armies were occupied in Poland.
Supported by fresh colonial troops raised in Biloxi and Mobile, they managed to conquer the Aztec nation in half a year, but the losses were terrifying, as two thirds of their men succombed to the climate, and Rantzau as well. To each survivor I gave a bonus in the name of Denmark of a years wages and the option to settle in the now conquered lands upon retirement with a generous land grant, yet even that is perhaps too little reward for their sacrifice.
And this is when it struck me that I had overnight acquired several hundred thousand pagans as subjects. Subjects, mind you, not slaves. And if I were to remain true to my ideals, that would have to mean subjects in truth, and not servants, or second class subjects, but free people under the crown of Denmark with all the rights and duties that follow.
And I did something that I have done, perhaps, too seldom. I knelt before God, and I prayed for advice. It has always struck me as arrogant to demand answers of God, as if he is accountable to man, and not man to him, yet in this case, I felt the need for divine guidance. Not just on behalf of my soul, but on behalf of the soul of the country. What I expected? I can't rightfully say, now.
But I felt as if I left my body behind and was taken in spirit on high, and looking down I saw a field of battle. And on the field, I saw the king of the Danes in battle against heathens, and the battle was uncertain. It was a cruder age, yet battle remains the same, as does death. And as I saw the lines wavering, I saw a flag fall from the Heavens above, and it was red with a white cross, and the king and his men took heart, and they won the battle, utterly defeating the heathens. And after the battle I saw the king as he pronounced this flag the flag of the Danes, the Dannebrog, and under this flag he led the Danes to many victories. I knew him well, of course, from history. He was Valdemar II Sejr, and the battle was the battle of Lyndanisse in 1219. And I knew what followed. Estonia was converted to Christianity and civilised, and later on sold to the sword brothers, but even today the largest town of Estonia is Tallinn, meaning the Danish city.
I believed then, that I knew the mind of God, and I funded missionary activity in the Aztec provinces at great cost. Now, fourteen years later, half remain unconverted, and it will be up to you, Christian, to finish my work.
And I knew more, and I felt a great calmness in my soul, knowing that God supported my actions. As the Polish war ended with only Prussian territorial gains, I continued the buildup of the Danish armies and the enlargement of the navy. I watched with some apprehension as Russia conquered seven Polish provinces, but Russia will be your problem, I fear, not mine.
Finally, in 1756, after years of careful preparation, I was ready. Relations with all the Danish allies were perfect, and everything was in place when I sent the declaration of war to the French on March 20th, 1756. As Kleves, Pommern, Prussia, and Sweden joined the fight on the Danish side, so too did Genoa, Georgia, Scotland, Spain, and Russia join France. The battles to come would ravage most of Western Europe and a fair bit of Eastern Europe as well, but in the end, though I failed in my secondary objective, Denmark paid back France tenfold for injustices real and perceived, and I was acknowledged second to none of the kings of Europe.
The Unleashing of the Danish Army
The plan of attack was simple, though long in the orchestrating. Land sufficient troops to disrupt French supply and recruitment in the west, while overrunning the French armies in Alsace and Lorraine, bypassing the mighty fortress of Lorraine, and step by step work our way further into France, while the western forces and the navy blocked off the French allies. Kleves was to help in the assault on Northern France. Skåne would be taken by Denmark. In the British Isles, a Danish army was camped in Northumberland, ready to conquer the Scots. In the East, Sweden and Prussia with Danish aid were to cut their way into Russia. In the Americas, the Central American armies, now up to strength again, were to punch south through the Spanish possessions in an attempt to deliver a knockout to Spain early. Surely they would accept peace once I held their most valuable American possessions, I thought.
It has been said that no battle plan survives contact with the enemy, and though trite, I must admit to a deeply seated belief in the saying. Certainly this war did not provide the exception to the rule.
The Invasion of France
Hah! I feel De Rohan looking on me disapprovingly from beyond. He was a good general for France and caused me grievious losses and my greatest defeat, but in the end he, too, like so many other brilliant French leaders, was lost in the struggle. Does he hate me for cutting short his life? Or does he secretly admire my success, yet lament the state of France? Or is he perhaps not there at all, this being but a ruse of the Adversary? In that case, old devil, avaunt! I remain a King of Denmark still.
Very nice job taking the Aztecs out. I must admit, that is very surprising to see them around still in 1750.
Now, I am uncertain if it is just me, but I cannot see your screenshots. I get the "Ooops! You must visit Care2.com to view this picture" message in the box instead of the screenshot.
Glad to hear the Danes are doing so well. Amazing. This effort is almost over. And what an adventure it was(will be).
Now, I am uncertain if it is just me, but I cannot see your screenshots. I get the "Ooops! You must visit Care2.com to view this picture" message in the box instead of the screenshot.
Glad to hear the Danes are doing so well. Amazing. This effort is almost over. And what an adventure it was(will be).
If you can neither see them nor directly link to them by clicking the title, them you can probably rightclick on the title, copy the location and paste (should be the same as rightclickin on picture, choosing properties, and copying the image location). Somewhat cúmbersome, but should work.
Interesting character you're shaping in Frederick. He can always rest assured that no matter what, he'll leave quite a legacy behind, for better or worse
Ah...Skane returns to the fold after so many years. It does my heart good to know this.
Great style and writing Peter...I'm most curious to see what you ended up getting from France as far as terms go.
Great style and writing Peter...I'm most curious to see what you ended up getting from France as far as terms go.
if paste the url in the browser, go to the picture and then then press back the pictures appear in the thread "properly" at least in IE
I know you're swamped at work Peter, but any ETA on the next instalment?
(also *bumps* thread)
(also *bumps* thread)
[rant]
Swamped? You don't know half of it... This project has been hit by just about every sort of idiocy known to man, and a few others besides - forcing a nasty string of 13 hour work days. And now we're waiting for client feedback. Oh, the suspense. What sort of unrealistic modifications will they request (free of charge) this time?
[/rant]
Right. That made me feel better, even if only slightly so (due to the open nature of this board, I can't state my BEEP of the BEEPING BEEP who BEEEPED on holiday without BEEEPING the BEEPING BEEPS first, believing that just BEEPING the BEEEPS was enough and didn't notify the BEEP (who was in charge), and neither can I state my opinion of the just mentioned BEEP who didn't ascertain the BEEP of the project, causing BEEEP, BEEEEP, BBEEEPING BEEP, AND BEEEP BEEEP BEEEP BEEEPING BEEEP, forcing me to draft two programmers from other projects to desperately BEEEP the BEEEPING BEEPS which the first mentioned BEEEP hadn't done).
ETA:Weekend.
1) I've got to rest sometime
2) Writing is quite relaxing
3) I need to relax
Its a great read Peter. It a shame about your bleeping bleeps. I like the style you've chosen for this king. It has a moodiness that is different from the norm. Looking forward to the next update.
Joe
Joe
Frederik V
Copenhagen, January 6th, 1766
What do you remember of the French war, Christian? You were but seven years of age at the outset, after all, a spoiled brat avoiding his tutors. I remember the outbreak of war as were it today. How magnificent a sight were the gathered armies of Denmark that glorious day in March, and it seemed to me that nothing could go wrong. I had had a sign from God, had I not? Surely, he would uphold his anointed king of Denmark. Yet even so, I would do my damnedest to succeed on my own merit. Perhaps I was a bit prideful to think so, but pride has always been my curse.
And I remember the initial dispatches reaching my command post in Pfalz. How the southern army had swept through Alsace brushing aside all opposition, stormed the fortifications succesfully, and leaving a garrison behind, had proceeded tearing its way through southern France. And how the largest army, the central army, had encountered fierce opposition in Lorraine. The 60,000 man army that I had thought unstoppable, had been held up for a week by an incredibly brave local force of only 8,000 men, and now reinforcements were pouring in from all of France. Lorraine was turning into the fields of blood as thousands on either side perished. This was a disaster of the first magnitude in the offering. The plan called for the speedy conquest of a substantial part of France, and while the southern army was doing well, and the western armies had succesfully landed in western France, besieging the coast from north to south, the central thrust was brought to a halt. Never one to delay when action calls, I sent the reserve army, which had been intended to besiege and slowly break the French, into the fray.
I admire De Rohan, Christian. How many commanders would have seen their cause as lost when facing six times their number advancing on their positions, with more reserves coming up every day? Too many, I assure you, too many. But not De Rohan. He knew that France's fate was to be determined on the bloody fields of Lorraine, and he knew that ever more reinforcements were being raised in central France, and he stood firm.
And against all odds, he crushed the central army. Forty thousand Danish soldiers slain and an equal number of French dead on the field of battle as the beaten Danish armies retreated into Pfalz. The quick thrust through Lorraine had failed completely, and the overall plan was in tatters.
Not that we were losing the war, mind you, but things weren't going well in eastern France, that is certain. Fortunately, the war was going well on other fronts. In May 1756, tiny Genoa asked for peace, and in June, Spain, frightened by the Danish assault on the Spanish American territories begged for peace as well. Facing real trouble in France, I agreed readily enough. The French, however, did not appreciate this blatant defection by their allies, and I am sure they liked the fall of Scotland even less, as Scotland agreed to become a Danish vassal in July.
But De Rohan's days were numbered. Fresh reinforcements from the heartlands of Germany had joined the retreating armies and upon regrouping them in a new central army, I personally led the now 80,000 strong army back into Lorraine, and utterly defeated De Rohan and his armies in just retribution for his previous victory, and that great commander fell all unnoticed in Lorraine in the Autumn shadows, and his like lives no longer in France.
Sometimes, I feel like damning the Swedes, loyal allies though they may be. The agreement was clear: Denmark was to have Skåne. Yet while a Danish army was besieging Skåne, a smaller Swedish army under general Trolle (of the Swedish branch of that great family) stole the siege and liberated Skåne in the name of Sweden... I was not amused. And knowing that damn relative of mine on the Swedish throne well, I knew that Hell would freeze over before he would agree to Skåne becoming Danish following a peace agreement, since he liberated it. My anger was terrible, Christian, terrible I tell you. But breaking the alliance and declaring war on Sweden for slighting me was too wasteful - as even I saw despite my wrath.
But as the war dragged on throughout 1758, the Eastern front drew quiet as well, a white peace being signed with Russia. Preoccupied with France, I just didn't have the armies to spare to press Danish interests, and Prussia and Sweden were sorely pressed. Truly, Russia is becoming a force to be reckoned with.
Yet in France, things were looking up. By March Denmark controlled twelve French provinces and had won 85 larger skirmishes only losing 23, and though French armies continued their resistance and though French reinforcements were being brought in from abroad, the tide had turned definitely against the French, and even their capital of Paris with its mighty fortifications was under siege. And by Christmas, on the very 24th of December, Paris fell to the Danish troops, and the government with it. And if the popular imagination of many nations saw this as a clear sign from God, who am I to disagree?
And since I couldn't demand Skåne returned to Denmark without falling out with the Swedes, I fell back on the English option. What was good enough for the English, would be good enough for the French. And after two months of intense diplomacy, France agreed to give Denmark military access and to become a vassal of Denmark on February 1st, 1759. Did they intend to pay but lip service to vassalage at the time? I shall never know, but for sure, they didn't expect what they got.
The Victory over France, 1759
Do you remember the celebrations, Christian? I think you do. But you don't remember, for you never knew, the deliberations going on in my council or the long discussions I held with the general staff. Denmark had risen to a degree of power in Europe not seen since imperial times, but the situation was yet precarious. Steps would have to be taken to ensure that the new order wasn't overturned by petty rivalry between the English and the French, or by malicious interference from the frightened nations of Europe. I took Friedrich II of Prussia, my longtime friend and ally, into my confidence again, as we planned the next steps in forging the future of Europe. It was past time to look East and to focus the English and the French on a common enemy.
Copenhagen, January 6th, 1766
What do you remember of the French war, Christian? You were but seven years of age at the outset, after all, a spoiled brat avoiding his tutors. I remember the outbreak of war as were it today. How magnificent a sight were the gathered armies of Denmark that glorious day in March, and it seemed to me that nothing could go wrong. I had had a sign from God, had I not? Surely, he would uphold his anointed king of Denmark. Yet even so, I would do my damnedest to succeed on my own merit. Perhaps I was a bit prideful to think so, but pride has always been my curse.
And I remember the initial dispatches reaching my command post in Pfalz. How the southern army had swept through Alsace brushing aside all opposition, stormed the fortifications succesfully, and leaving a garrison behind, had proceeded tearing its way through southern France. And how the largest army, the central army, had encountered fierce opposition in Lorraine. The 60,000 man army that I had thought unstoppable, had been held up for a week by an incredibly brave local force of only 8,000 men, and now reinforcements were pouring in from all of France. Lorraine was turning into the fields of blood as thousands on either side perished. This was a disaster of the first magnitude in the offering. The plan called for the speedy conquest of a substantial part of France, and while the southern army was doing well, and the western armies had succesfully landed in western France, besieging the coast from north to south, the central thrust was brought to a halt. Never one to delay when action calls, I sent the reserve army, which had been intended to besiege and slowly break the French, into the fray.
I admire De Rohan, Christian. How many commanders would have seen their cause as lost when facing six times their number advancing on their positions, with more reserves coming up every day? Too many, I assure you, too many. But not De Rohan. He knew that France's fate was to be determined on the bloody fields of Lorraine, and he knew that ever more reinforcements were being raised in central France, and he stood firm.
And against all odds, he crushed the central army. Forty thousand Danish soldiers slain and an equal number of French dead on the field of battle as the beaten Danish armies retreated into Pfalz. The quick thrust through Lorraine had failed completely, and the overall plan was in tatters.
Not that we were losing the war, mind you, but things weren't going well in eastern France, that is certain. Fortunately, the war was going well on other fronts. In May 1756, tiny Genoa asked for peace, and in June, Spain, frightened by the Danish assault on the Spanish American territories begged for peace as well. Facing real trouble in France, I agreed readily enough. The French, however, did not appreciate this blatant defection by their allies, and I am sure they liked the fall of Scotland even less, as Scotland agreed to become a Danish vassal in July.
But De Rohan's days were numbered. Fresh reinforcements from the heartlands of Germany had joined the retreating armies and upon regrouping them in a new central army, I personally led the now 80,000 strong army back into Lorraine, and utterly defeated De Rohan and his armies in just retribution for his previous victory, and that great commander fell all unnoticed in Lorraine in the Autumn shadows, and his like lives no longer in France.
Sometimes, I feel like damning the Swedes, loyal allies though they may be. The agreement was clear: Denmark was to have Skåne. Yet while a Danish army was besieging Skåne, a smaller Swedish army under general Trolle (of the Swedish branch of that great family) stole the siege and liberated Skåne in the name of Sweden... I was not amused. And knowing that damn relative of mine on the Swedish throne well, I knew that Hell would freeze over before he would agree to Skåne becoming Danish following a peace agreement, since he liberated it. My anger was terrible, Christian, terrible I tell you. But breaking the alliance and declaring war on Sweden for slighting me was too wasteful - as even I saw despite my wrath.
But as the war dragged on throughout 1758, the Eastern front drew quiet as well, a white peace being signed with Russia. Preoccupied with France, I just didn't have the armies to spare to press Danish interests, and Prussia and Sweden were sorely pressed. Truly, Russia is becoming a force to be reckoned with.
Yet in France, things were looking up. By March Denmark controlled twelve French provinces and had won 85 larger skirmishes only losing 23, and though French armies continued their resistance and though French reinforcements were being brought in from abroad, the tide had turned definitely against the French, and even their capital of Paris with its mighty fortifications was under siege. And by Christmas, on the very 24th of December, Paris fell to the Danish troops, and the government with it. And if the popular imagination of many nations saw this as a clear sign from God, who am I to disagree?
And since I couldn't demand Skåne returned to Denmark without falling out with the Swedes, I fell back on the English option. What was good enough for the English, would be good enough for the French. And after two months of intense diplomacy, France agreed to give Denmark military access and to become a vassal of Denmark on February 1st, 1759. Did they intend to pay but lip service to vassalage at the time? I shall never know, but for sure, they didn't expect what they got.
The Victory over France, 1759
Do you remember the celebrations, Christian? I think you do. But you don't remember, for you never knew, the deliberations going on in my council or the long discussions I held with the general staff. Denmark had risen to a degree of power in Europe not seen since imperial times, but the situation was yet precarious. Steps would have to be taken to ensure that the new order wasn't overturned by petty rivalry between the English and the French, or by malicious interference from the frightened nations of Europe. I took Friedrich II of Prussia, my longtime friend and ally, into my confidence again, as we planned the next steps in forging the future of Europe. It was past time to look East and to focus the English and the French on a common enemy.
Last edited:
Wauw!!
France and England danish vassals.
I admit I slept through some of my history lessons, but I don't think my teacher ever mentioned this glorious chapter in the history of Denmark.
A shame that the swedes stole Skåne. If I'm not mistaken, this was the very reason for the war.
But a nice secondary objective you achieved there
France and England danish vassals.
I admit I slept through some of my history lessons, but I don't think my teacher ever mentioned this glorious chapter in the history of Denmark.
A shame that the swedes stole Skåne. If I'm not mistaken, this was the very reason for the war.
But a nice secondary objective you achieved there
Originally posted by BzAli
Wauw!!
France and England danish vassals.
I admit I slept through some of my history lessons, but I don't think my teacher ever mentioned this glorious chapter in the history of Denmark.
A shame that the swedes stole Skåne. If I'm not mistaken, this was the very reason for the war.
But a nice secondary objective you achieved there
Baaaah!
France a Vassal...
You let Skåne slip through your fingers!
Originally posted by kurtbrian
Baaaah!
France a Vassal...
You let Skåne slip through your fingers!
heh heh heh, ahhhh ha ha ha ha. Hee hee hee hoo hoo hoo, honk honk honk, ahhhhh ha. Ha ha ha ha ha. Whoo hoo hoo oo. Tee hee hee hee ha hee ha hee ha...
Sorry bout that last bit, my donkey decided to laugh with me.
So, despite all the time that has passed, in the end, Skane does not return to Denmark, but instead to Sweden? Oh, the irony is so delicious it tastes like fine choclate cake
My lasting legacy, yep. To give up Skane to France, much to the dismay of everyone in the land, and now, after all these years, it heads in another direction. Pity.
Hoo, hoo, hoo. Man, I laughed so hard when I read that Skane wasn't returning to Denmark, I nearly fell flat on my back
Well, all things being equal, getting England and France as vassals is worth more than Skane ever could be.
Don't overreact
Read the actual words...
And since I couldn't demand Skåne returned to Denmark without falling out with the Swedes, I fell back on the English option.
Sweden controlled Skåne having stolen my siege, but since I was alliance leader, they got booted out when I made peace... So Skåne is still French - and France a vassal of Denmark. It is only a question of time...
Read the actual words...
And since I couldn't demand Skåne returned to Denmark without falling out with the Swedes, I fell back on the English option.
Sweden controlled Skåne having stolen my siege, but since I was alliance leader, they got booted out when I made peace... So Skåne is still French - and France a vassal of Denmark. It is only a question of time...